Buying Cows?

DHIA history of purchased cows can be electronically transferred from one herd to another. If you are purchasing cows from another DHI herd, even Canadian animals, we can transfer the records, including milk and identification records. Ple ase let your Field Rep know the Seller's herd code and Computer number ID and we can get the records for you. If you purchase animals and would like to get a head start, let your Field Rep know before test day and we can do an advance transfer. This save s time and hassle on test day. If you have DC 305 or Scout software on farm, please call our office to request the transfer files directly and we'll get them to you in advance as well.

Mastitis Updates

University of Minnesota Culture results shows that about 75% of mastitis infections in Minnesota are caused by environmental organisms. The biggest factors in controlling environmental infections are:

• Keeping cows clean and dry--including dry cows.
• Good udder prepping procedures.

Udder prepping procedures need to include full coverage with teat-dip, 30 seconds contact time, and making sure teat ends are cleaned.

A central Minnesota dairyman who has frequently been listed in the Member Message as part of the under 100,000 SCC group informed us that he has seen a definite correlation between making sure teat dip has adequate contact time and a lower SCC.

One of the points made by Dr. Ralph Farnsworth at the Quality Counts meeting is that during mastitis infection milk clots will block off some of the milk ducts.

• If the milk ducts are not blocked more than 3 or 4 days production will return.
• If ducts are blocked off longer than that the area behind the block will be "dried off".
• If the area dries off, but is not damaged it will return to function in the next lactation.

Serious infections can cause permanent damage to milk producing alveolus and also form scar tissue in the udder.

Ray Scherber still Outstanding

Minnesota DHIA recently recognized Field Representative, Ray Scherber for his exceptional performance for 2002. Ray is from Osseo, has been a Field Representative for Hennepin County DHIA since 1961 and services herds in Wright County as well. Currently Ray provides DHI services to 29 herds with 2,090 cows. Ray is no stranger to providing great service to his producers. He also won the Outstanding Field Rep award in 1998.

Ray currently serves as the Set -Up Coordinator at the Rogers Community center, and in his spare time, Ray enjoys camping with his family. Extend your congratulations to Ray the next time he visits your farm.

Milk Quality Leaders for June 2003 sample days, SCC listed in thousands

Johne's Tests Incentives Offered

The Board of Animal Health is implementing a new offering for their Johne's Herd Status Program effective July 1, 2003. The payment plan is designed so new herds can join the Johne's Program at no cost, and to give incentive to positive herds to advance into the Negative component of the Johne's Program.

For herds with no Board paid testing since July 1 of 2000, the Board will pay for Lab testing (ELISA) of up to 30 second lactation or older cows. If any cows show up as ELISA positive, the Board will also pay for follow-up Fecal Cultures on those cows. In addition, the Board is offering to pay veterinary fees of $3 for each blood or fecal sample collected, and a $27 stop charge for the visit to collect blood or follow-up fecal samples. In addition, the district veterinarian provides a farm visit for Risk Assessment/Management Plan at no charge.

There are additional incentives for Negative Herds in the Status Program regarding both lab and veterinary fees. Positive Herds on the Management/Testing Program must show that recommendations are being implemented in order to be eligible for incentives

To be eligible, you must use the U of M Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, and have a signed contract with the Board of Animal Health. Contact your veterinarian or Keith Friendshuh at the State Board of Animal Health (651.296.2942 extension 18 or keith.Friendshuh@bah.state.mn.us for more information .

By the Numbers

• MN averages 17,368 pounds of milk per cow (Hoards Dairyman March 2003)
• 56% of cows are DHIA
• Minnesota DHIA average is 19,529 pounds of milk per cow
• non DHIA cows average 14,618 pounds of milk
• 4,911 pounds of milk per cow is the DHIA Difference
• $590 per cow per year at $12 milk
• $35,400 year on 60 cows
• $53,100 year on 90 cows
• DHIA herds with software produce 2,115 pounds milk per cow above DHIA Average
• @ $12 milk = $254 cow yr < /FONT >
• @ 60 cows = $15,000 year< /FONT >