The Milk Producer - July 2010 - (Page 66)

RUMINATIONS By Tom Wright Cool thinking prevails When the mercury’s rising, feeding and best practices become crucial to keeping your cows productive he arrival of steamy summer weather can quickly push your dairy cows out of their comfort zone. However, changing your feed management, while adopting other recommended practices, can help reduce the impact of high temperatures on your herd’s milk production and comfort. Cows are most comfortable when the ambient temperature ranges between five and 25 degrees Celsius. The air’s relative humidity can also affect how warm the temperature feels, but 25 degrees is a good benchmark to keep in mind when dealing with the negative effects of heat stress. Heat stress symptoms include elevated respiration rate, elevated rectal temperature, impaired metabolism and lowered reproductive performance. Above 25 degrees, cows will change their behaviour to reduce the effect of that stress. Cows, like all animals under heat stress, try to stabilize their body temperature within a very narrow range. The close connection between feed intake and milk production, and the normal tendency to eat less when it is hot, is a key reason why milk production often drops in the summer. By ensuring your cows get fresh feed, you can use their natural behaviour to stimulate their appetites. Some farms commonly feed a total mixed ration every other day. Since fermented feeds like haylage and corn silage spoil and heat quickly when it’s T Ruminations is prepared by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs livestock technology specialists to provide information you can use on your farm. 66 | July 2010 | MilkPRODUCER

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Milk Producer - July 2010

The Milk Producer - July 2010
Contents
Editor's Notes
DFO Chair’s Message
Diary Update
DFO
National Policy
DFC Promotion
Thrill of the Grill
Farm Finance
Foundation for Our Future
Agriculture Minister’s Message
General Manger’s Message
Overview
Then and Now:
Notable Quotes:
Grant Smith
Gordon Coukell
Peter Oosterhoff
Vera Mitchell
Bill Simpson
Lew Dunk
Albert Gauthier
Gary Marshall
Stuart Steckle
Tom Kane
Pat McManus
Research
Applied Science
Ruminations
Markets
New’N’Noted
Back Forty

The Milk Producer - July 2010