Flattening the Production Curve


In this challenging time of Covid-19, dairy producers across global markets are asked, on short notice, to reduce milk production. It’s not as simple as turning off a tap and this can be challenging. (Download the full guideline by clicking here)

PRODUCTION PLANNING

  • Have a good understanding of future calving’s and milk requirements.
  • Know the number of heifers that will enter the milking herd in the coming months.
  • Know your animal inventory: number of cows in milk, number of dry cows and heifers.
  • By knowing your animal inventory and health status you are able to make the proper culling decisions.
  • Stagger shipments to auction and contact the transporter or auction before preparing for the cows to leave, to ensure they can be sold. (*According to the recommendations and options in your area as some abattoirs have been affected by Covid-19.)

GENETIC PLANNING

  • Look at your genetic inventory and use beef on dairy on your bottom line while using 4M™ on your higher end to increase your genetic advancement.
  • When making breeding decisions, prioritize solids and components to manage future production.
  • Save on future Vet costs by selecting for superior Calving Ease Sires.

DRY OFF COWS EARLY

  • Quickly dry off any cows that are producing very little milk (less than 40 lbs).
  • If you must dry off cows with higher production: 
    • Decrease protein supply.
    • Consider decrease milking frequency for 5-7 days (ie. milk once per day).
    • Move the cow to another location.
    • DO NOT cut down water.
    • Be sure not to supply too much energy during the far-off period.

FEED WHOLE MILK TO CALVES

  • It is important to ensure that the composition (components and SCC) and temperature are consistent.
  • Bulk tank milk is preferable and avoid using sick cow milk (ex. Mastitis, Johne’s, Leukosis).
  • Any whole milk being used to feed calves should follow proper pasteurization cycles before being fed.
  • For newborns: use whole milk following colostrum and transition milk.
  • For calves that are already being fed with milk replacer: feed a half-and-half mixture with whole milk for 4-5 days before moving to 100% whole milk.
  • Wean calves later: follow your milk-feeding plan, and then continue with 6L/day for the third month.
  • Keep your crossbred beef calves longer to increase calf whole milk consumption.
  • Keep your crossbred beef calves and feed them whole milk for increased revenues when selling.

REVIEW THE PERTINENCE OF ANY FEED ADDITIVES BEING USED TO INCREASE MILK OR COMPONENTS

HERDS WITH 3 MILKINGS/DAY - DECREASE MILKING FREQUENCY TO 2X

  • For cows in mid to end of lactation.
  • For the whole herd: lengthen the milking interval gradually over several days.

REVIEW FEEDING FOR LATER STAGE GROUPS, COWS WITH 150-200 DAYS IN MILK OR MORE

  • Review the pertinence of additives used to increase milk or components. • Reduce the protein supply.

ON FARM SAFETY

  • Take precautions to keep yourself and farm employees safe throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Implement CDC Protocols into everyday safety expectations on the farm.
  • Encourage hand washing, distance while working, and clean and disinfect surfaces more frequently.  
  • Limit the amount of traffic in and out of your farm to the best of your ability.

CONSULT YOUR STGENETICS® REPRESENTATIVE

  • Your STgenetics® Representatives are available to help advise you through these uncertain times that COVID-19 has brought to our industry.
  • In an effort to keep our staff, family and customers safe and healthy we have utilized our Dairy Call Center more than ever to place orders, share the newest information, answer your questions about our programs, assist with genomic or mating decisions and can provide expert support to meet your dairy's needs.

Please call 1-844-828-7849 or email dairy@stgen.com