The Milk Producer - November 2009 - (Page 43)

NEW’N’NOTED CanWest DHI reduces Johne’s milk test price Innovative hoof care design CanWest DHI reduces cost of Johne’s test The price of CanWest DHI’s milk Elisa test is now $8 per sample, a reduction of 11 per cent since it was first introduced four-and-a-half years ago. Also, the $25 herd-handling fee has been eliminated. “Within a month or two, we will have achieved the milestone of 100,000 Johne’s milk samples analysed since the launch of the service. Because of those high volumes and the anticipated continued strong demand for the milk test, efficiencies are being realized and we are passing those savings on to customers,”says Richard Cantin, DHI’s manager of marketing and customer services. Johne’s disease is a contagious, non-treatable, progressive bacterial infection that causes abnormal thickening of the intestinal tract lining in infected animals. It also restricts nutrient absorption. The financial impact of the disease through reduced milk production and increased involuntary culling can be significant. Herd owners should work closely with their veterinarian to interpret test results and develop best management practices for controlling the disease. For more information on the Johne’s milk Elisa test, talk to your veterinarian. You can also contact your local DHI field service representative or call DHI at 800-549-4373. Note: Descriptions of products and services are for the information of our readers only. Publication of this information does not constitute endorsement by The Milk Producer. New foot bath design minimizes amount of manure getting into bath. I ntracare recently launched a new foot bath design developed in consultation with dairy farmers, hoof trimmers and veterinarians. Hoof problems are a major source of income loss for dairy farmers. Foot baths can be counter-productive because they can become quickly soiled with manure, making them a contamination source rather than providing a cure. In particular, cows with the most hoof problems are usually the ones to enter the bath last, causing new infections to spread. The Intra Bath consists of three parts: two synthetic baths and a metal grill that are easy to assemble. With the Intra Bath, 60 per cent of the manure falls through the middle grill and not into the bath, minimizing soiling. The foot bath is also easy to move, fill, empty and clean. Intra Bath’s capacity is 35 per cent less than traditional baths. More cows can be treated, using less product. It is available in two versions: Intra Bath stainless steel and Intra Bath economic. The stainless steel version costs $869 and includes two strong, double-walled synthetic baths, with easy-to-grasp handles and a stainless steel central grill. There is also a cheaper model available for $799. This model has a powder-coated grill that is slightly less durable than the stainless steel version. Hoof-Sol gel and liquid, an integral part of the hoof maintenance program, is also available for purchase. For more information, visit www.allabouthooves.com or call 403-388-4309. MilkPRODUCER | November 2009 | 43 http://www.allabouthooves.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Milk Producer - November 2009

The Milk Producer - November 2009
Contents
Editor's Notes
DFO Chair's Message
Dairy Update
National Policy
Farm Finance
DFC Promotion
CQM On Its Way
Research
Applied Science
Ruminations
Markets
New 'N' Noted
Back Forty

The Milk Producer - November 2009