Dairy Care

The last of the hay was baled October 13, and we started bringing heifers and dry cows home from the summer pastures the next week. It is blown into self-unloading wagons and then blown up into the silo.

Tags ALBC , American Livestock Breeds Conservancy , dairy processing , hobby farmers While the online workbook does not provide the same interaction as the hands-on workshop, it provides a framework for beginners to think about a dairy farming or processing...

Infected does should be removed and quarantined from the rest of the herd, and kids should be removed for artificial rearing. Prior to breeding , udders should be palpated to determine the presence of scar tissue or other udder and/or teat abnormalities.

Milking goats is time consuming, so before purchasing dairy goats it's good to know what you're getting into. Next, look for lumps and clumps in the milk by stripping three squirts from each teat into a strip cup.

“Overall, 45 of the water supplies, or 26 percent, had at least one water-quality issue,” Swistock says. “While most dairy farms routinely test their water supplies for bacteria, additional testing for salts, metals and other parameters that can...

Dairy managers need either lower feed prices and/or higher milk prices to return to profitable levels,” Hutjens says. “This represented 10.2 percent of all farm cash receipts.” Despite the demand for milk and other dairy products, like cheese and...

But there are times when we need other kinds of information, like a goat's dam and sire at breeding time or registration time. Weight/Bolus Having the goats' weights on hand helps when it comes time to administer wormers or if your goat needs any other...

To help pasture-based dairies in the Southeast succeed, the University of Georgia is compiling technical knowledge and has set up a peer-farmer network. “They're providing tremendous info that can really help people.

Of course, unless you grow grain or mow alfalfa hay, these things cost money. The rocks also help you from needing to trim their hooves frequently. They will use their tongues or noses to pop open latches, push open heavy gates, or climb over or under...

Climate, milk production, health and your own personal preferences are among the consideration when choosing among breeds of dairy goats. Milk output and butterfat averages in this article are based on 2016 statistics published by the American Dairy Goat...

“With hay prices ranging from $14 to $18 per bale, this becomes very expensive.” Heat also causes a decrease in production during the summer, she explains. Try it: Cheese and other dairy products can be made very successfully at home.

Conservative goat owners like Mom like to wait until a young doe is at least 1 year old to breed her. Due to their larger size, single kids can be a problem for a young, immature doe to deliver.

Tags dairy cows Previous research done at MU has found that these issues also have a negative impact on cow fertility and reproduction. Milk quality and reproduction rates of dairy cows could suffer if calcium levels aren't addressed in dairy herds.

A good vaccination protocol is tailored to your farm's risks and management program. To prevent udder infections, known as mastitis, keep your cow clean. Get more advice about keeping cows on HobbyFarms.com: Milk Cows Once a Day 7 Heritage Cattle Breeds...

Very large dairies have rotating stands, similar to a goat carousel. A 4-quart strainer suffices for a handful of goats, but beyond that, use a heavy-duty 11-quart or larger strainer.

The high Alps of northern Europe might be beautiful, but for animals, it's a harsh place to live—the air is thin and plant life is scarce. Delangle brought 22 Alpine goats to his farm in California to start a breeding program.

This story originally appeared in the July/August issue of Hobby Farms magazine. The exact amount your goat will need is going to depend upon age, health and number of kids it's expected to have.

She'll also need time between lactations to recover from milking before giving birth again. Next week, we'll show you how Mom and Dad milk our goats. « More Mondays with Martok » Tags cow's milk , dairy animals , dairy breeds , farm dairy , goat's milk...

Send me your question! « More Mondays with Martok » Tags Ask Martok , making cheese , Mondays with Martok East Friesians are white, with ears that stick out to the sides, wool-free heads, legs and bellies, and short, naked tails.

Let dairy farmers and cooks from across the country share their best recipes with you in this comprehensive cookbook exploring all things milk-based. Of course, an entire cookbook of dairy-based dishes can start to wear a little thin—you can only use...

Agricultural Research Service agricultural engineer Al Rotz led a team that evaluated how different management systems on a typical 250-acre Pennsylvania dairy farm would affect the environment.

For maximum output, dairy livestock is milked every day, twice a day, at 12-hour intervals. Invest in some dairy animals and you'll be on your way. Currently 15 percent of America's 10 million lactating dairy cows are routinely injected with rBGH.

One of the largest sized and producing dairy breeds, the black and white Holsteins to many are the quintessential dairy cow. From advertising to country kitsch decorating, these large, black-and-white cows symbolize country life.

Interested in goat milk? A larger herd affords the opportunity for the entrepreneurial-minded to create a profitable venture. Read some basics about goat milk's digestiblity and nutritional value to see if it's for you.

Height: 28 to 30 inches Weight: 120 to 150 pounds Urban Uses: Oberhasli are bred as dairy goats. Oberhasli does tend to be dominant when kept in a mixed-breed herd. They are known for their distinct coloration of reddish brown with black points and a...

Mom double-bags surplus milk. Be careful! Ask Martok! Do you have a livestock or wildlife question you want me to answer? Infographic: Rumination Station Homemade Soap: Milk and Vegan Options « More Mondays with Martok » Tags dairy goats , goat's milk...

This medium-sized goat is known for being quiet and gentle. There is also a miniature La Mancha goat breed. Height: 28 to 30 inches Weight: 130 to 150 pounds Urban Uses: LaManchas are good dairy goats that produce milk high in butterfat.