Benefits of Monthly DHIA tests
Most DHIA customers test every month, and most Field Reps offer to test herds on a regular basis each month. Some of the consultants who work with your DHIA data with have offered us their opinions on why it is important to have regular monthly tests. Here is some of what they shared with us:

The number one reason to test every month is Milk Quality. I need to review new infections each month, current versus last SCC, high SCC cows, etc. Then I like to track trends and am able to make a change before we reach a critical point. The bottom line is if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it! Dr. Gary Neubauer of Phizer Animal Health in New Ulm

Testing within the first 30 days after a cow freshens is critical for monitoring early lactation SCC, and comparing it to the SCC at dryoff. Monitor high fat tests on those fresh cows for ketotic cows. Russ Fischer of Klaphake Feed Mill in Melrose

Monthly tests are important because I look at the last 12 months worth of Monitor data to get an overall impression of the herd. Then I look at first and second test 305 projections on heifers and cows to evaluate how fresh cows are doing and determine if we have made the right changes. Dr Cheryl Kraft of Alexandria Vet Clinic

We need monthly DHIA tests to help make timely management decisions, catch problems rapidly, and determine if management changes have been successful. To me, the most valuable information is SCC data. How many new infections? What is the New Infection Rate on fresh cows? What is that fresh cow doing? What is my current preg rate, and how is repro changing? Without monthly tests, we’ll miss valuable data, especially on those fresh cows. Jim Salfer, Regional Extension Educator from St. Cloud

For sure, if a herd manager expects to make progress in milk quality, they will be severely handicapped without monthly individual cow SCC results. Dr. Jeff Reneau of the University of Minnesota

If you are not currently testing every month, visit with your Field Rep on your next test to make those arrangements.

Dairy Comp 305 and Scout Workshops Set
Minnesota DHIA is sponsoring a round of meetings for those using or interested in software. Dr. Steve Stewart and Dr. Paul Rapnicki of the University of Minnesota College of Vet Medicine will share their expertise in using Scout and Dairy Comp 305 to improve milk quality and reproductive performance. You will find their tips practical and timely. Meetings will run from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. as follows:

7 of the first 9 months of 2003 have seen lower SCC averages than in 2002. The numbers on the bottom of the chart represent months of the year. August is generally the highest SCC month of the year.

DHIA Employees Reach Milestones
Our sincere congratulations go out to our hard working and dedicated Minnesota DHIA Employees who are celebrating anniversaries this month. Ernie Hillukka of Menahga - 30 years, Nancy Mason of Buffalo - 20 years, Val Schumann of Becker - 15 years and Bob Klopp of Cameron, WI - 10 years. Please join us in extending our thanks to them for all the good work they do.

Outstanding In His Field!!
Minnesota DHIA recently recognized Field Representative, Robert Brogan from Chatfield, MN for his exceptional performance for 2002. Robert Brogan began servicing herds for in November 1981 for Olmsted County. Currently Bob services 22 Minnesota Dairy Producers.

Robert also currently serves as a part-time mail carrier for the city of Chatfield. In his spare time he enjoys playing golf and doing yardwork. Extend your congratulations to Robert the next time he makes a visit to your dairy.