Dairy NowH e l p i n g y o u r D a i r y o p e r a t i o n r e a c H i t s f u l l p o t e n t i a l

More Issues

Research

Assess, Diagnose, PreventThe First Step Dairy Lameness Assessment and Prevention program from Zinpro provides the industry’s most comprehensive assessment of overall lameness risk factors on a dairy to help manage and prevent lameness.

The condition and setup of the holding yard should not be overlooked when considering cow comfort, especially when it comes to stress on feet and legs.

If the holding area is too small,excess pressure from walls and other cows can make this time stressful, and injuries can occur. Yards should provide 1.3–1.5 m2 (14.0-16.2 ft2) of space per cow, depending on the breed. Less space can result in fighting and increased strain on legs and feet.

Posts, gates and hinges should be built so the cows won’t injure themselves, even if pushed by other cows. Hinges and other sharp objects should not be hip or shoulder height and should be covered if possible.

Entrances should be at least as wide as the alleyway or race leading up to them, and built in a straight line if possible. If sharp turns are inevitable, rubber mats installed at the entranceways will increase cow flow and decrease stress on feet. Exit alleyways and races should be constructed so that cows have an unobstructed view of the path back to the pen or paddock. Flooring in any turns should be non-slip to prevent injury.

Cows walk more freely up a slope than down it, but in any case, a holding pen or yard floor shouldn’t slope more than 2% and should preferably slope upward toward the parlor entrance.

Welcome! Dairy Now is produced by Zinpro Corp., with contributions from the First Step® team. It focuses on herd health and nutrition with the intent of providing information and tools that support your daily work.

Join Our E-mail List >

Go >

Go >Change in Copper Supplementation Explained

Heat Abatement in the Holding Yard

Sign up to have Dairy Now sent directly to your inbox.

Holding Areas are where cows often spend more than 10% of their day, waiting to be milked. This is time spent on their feet when cows would rather be lying down. Ensuring that cows are as comfortable as possible in holding areas is vital to prevent stress and lameness in a herd.

Tips for Cow Comfort in the Holding Area

• Cows should spend no more than one hour away from the pen per milking session.

• Be sure the slope of the holding area floor isn’t excessive. Holding pens and yards should not slope more than 2%.

• Avoid concrete surfaces and use rubber flooring where possible.

• Be conscious of the angle of the foot when cows enter and exit.

• Crowd gates should not be used to push cows into the parlor.

More Holding Pen Tips on page 2 >

Issue 7: Holding Areas

Dairy Now: Holding AreasDairy Now: Holding AreasPage 2

Research shows that when dairy cows are properly cooled in the holding pen, milk production can increase by up to 0.8–2.3 kg (1.8–5.1 lb) per day. To keep cows cool, look to decrease the time spent in holding areas, improve ventilation and use sprinklers and fans. A combination of sprinklers and fans is best, but if the operation is limited to one then sprinklers are more effective.

Click a topic below to learn best practices for sprinklers and fans in holding areas. For more information about heat abatement methods in all areas of dairy operations, see Dairy Now Issue 6.

Cool Cows Produce More Milk*

The best way to keep cows cool in the holding area is to properly mount the sprinkler system and ensure proper usage.

• Set sprinklers to operate at 0.103-0.138 MPa (15-20 PSI)

• Mount at least 2.4 m (8 ft) above floor

• Position 2.4-3 m (8-10 ft) apart

• Use 3.8 liters (1 gal) per 13.9 m2 (150 ft2) or 10 cows

• Usage requirements vary by manufacturer

Typical sprinkler setup for holding area

2.4-3 m(8-10 ft) apart

4.9-6.1 m(16-20 ft)

diameter spray

Key:

Sprinkler heads Water spray

Sprinklers Fans

4.9-6.1 m (16-20 ft) diameter spray

2.4 m (8 ft)above the floor

2.4-3 m (8-10 ft) apart

*Reference: Brose, J. “Heat Stress Relief for Dairy Cows.” Monsanto Dairy Business.

Dairy Now: Holding AreasDairy Now: Holding AreasPage 2

Research shows that when dairy cows are properly cooled in the holding pen, milk production can increase by up to 0.8–2.3 kg (1.8–5.1 lb) per day. To keep cows cool, look to decrease the time spent in holding areas, improve ventilation and use sprinklers and fans. A combination of sprinklers and fans is best, but if the operation is limited to one then sprinklers are more effective.

Click a topic below to learn best practices for sprinklers and fans in holding areas. For more information about heat abatement methods in all areas of dairy operations, see Dairy Now Issue 6.

Cool Cows Produce More Milk*

Fan MountingEvery holding area is different, but adhering as closely to these mounting guidelines as possible will offer the best results.

• Mount fans in rows, with air flowing toward back of holding pen

• Angle each fan downward at about 30° so breeze flows toward the bottom of the next closest fan

• Mount one 91 cm (36 in) fan every 6.1–7.3 m (20-24 ft) or one 122 cm (48 in) fan every 7.3-11 m (24-36 ft)

• Mount fans as low as possible, but out of reach of cows; 2.4 m (8 ft) high is ideal

Sprinklers Fans

Fan UsageAirflow amount, velocity and direction is just as important as proper mounting.

• Set fans to start at 18.3 – 21.1˚C (65-70˚F) and run continuously

• Provide approximately 28.3 m3/min (1000 ft3/min) of airflow per cow, or one 91.4 cm (36 in) fan per 10 cows

• Allow for 0.9 m (3 ft) between fans

• Holding pens narrower than 7.3 m (24 ft) can have fans along sides of pen

• Direct air across and toward the back of holding pen, in direction of prevailing winds

• Fans should provide constant airflow of 8.0-11.2 kmh (5-7 mph) over cows’ backs

*Reference: Brose, J. “Heat Stress Relief for Dairy Cows.” Monsanto Dairy Business.

Dairy Now: Holding AreasPage 3

Proper flooring in holding areas (and other areas such as alleys, walkways and the milking shed) is critical to decreasing the incidence of lameness. Walking surfaces must be assessed for the potential to cause four main problems for cows.

Click a topic below to reveal more information about each.

Cow Comfort from the Ground Up

Trauma Slipping

Excessive Hoof WearConcussion

DO• Properly trim and balance the claws before

applying a block or addressing the claw lesion.

• Adequately prepare the load-bearing claw for the block.

• Select the right block for the cow and her environment.

• Apply a block to any animal with a significant lesion needing relief from weight bearing.

• Block any animal that has been over-trimmed in toe length or sole thickness.

• Block any claw that has significant exposure of corium tissue or causes significant pain.

• When in doubt, block it!

Learn MoreFor more information about flooring and lameness, contact your local Zinpro sales representative.

The Dos and Don’ts of Block ApplicationRough floors and other factors around the dairy can cause painful hoof problems. When they do, one solution to aid healing is to apply a block treatment to the damaged portion of the hoof. However, an improperly applied block can do more harm than good, so follow these tips for proper application.

3 8 DON’T• Use blocks that are too small and/or do not

adequately support the heel.

• Apply blocks at angles that are not perpendicular to the leg or parallel with the axis between the claws.

• Forget to apply heat or warm glue.

• Apply so much glue that it creates a pinch-point under the heel bulb or around the edges.

• Use blocks that wear too quickly. They can become unbalanced, uncomfortable and can shift weight back to the affected claw.

• Apply a block to the claw with the lesion.

• Wrap a diseased claw with so much vet wrap that it becomes the load-bearing claw.

Find Your Zinpro Representative >

Rough walkways and concrete alleys can influence the incidence of lameness in herds by causing trauma to the weight-bearing surface. Rocks, stones and other debris can penetrate the sole or white line, and grooved concrete can become rough with exposed aggregate and cause trauma if not maintained.

Trauma Caused by Rough Surfaces

Trauma

Dairy Now: Holding AreasPage 3

Proper flooring in holding areas (and other areas such as alleys, walkways and the milking shed) is critical to decreasing the incidence of lameness. Walking surfaces must be assessed for the potential to cause four main problems for cows.

Click a topic below to reveal more information about each.

Cow Comfort from the Ground Up

Trauma Slipping

Excessive Hoof WearConcussion

DO• Properly trim and balance the claws before

applying a block or addressing the claw lesion.

• Adequately prepare the load-bearing claw for the block.

• Select the right block for the cow and her environment.

• Apply a block to any animal with a significant lesion needing relief from weight bearing.

• Block any animal that has been over-trimmed in toe length or sole thickness.

• Block any claw that has significant exposure of corium tissue or causes significant pain.

• When in doubt, block it!

Learn MoreFor more information about flooring and lameness, contact your local Zinpro sales representative.

The Dos and Don’ts of Block ApplicationRough floors and other factors around the dairy can cause painful hoof problems. When they do, one solution to aid healing is to apply a block treatment to the damaged portion of the hoof. However, an improperly applied block can do more harm than good, so follow these tips for proper application.

3 8 DON’T• Use blocks that are too small and/or do not

adequately support the heel.

• Apply blocks at angles that are not perpendicular to the leg or parallel with the axis between the claws.

• Forget to apply heat or warm glue.

• Apply so much glue that it creates a pinch-point under the heel bulb or around the edges.

• Use blocks that wear too quickly. They can become unbalanced, uncomfortable and can shift weight back to the affected claw.

• Apply a block to the claw with the lesion.

• Wrap a diseased claw with so much vet wrap that it becomes the load-bearing claw.

Find Your Zinpro Representative >

If cows must turn sharply on a smooth, slippery surface, the likelihood of white line separation increases. Cross alleys with water troughs are areas where cows may have to turn abruptly on wet floors. Cows are also prone to slipping on smooth concrete where the groove-spacing is too large.

Dangers of Slippery Floors

Slipping

Grooves in floors should be 1.9 cm (0.75 in) wide, 1.27 cm (0.50 in) deep and spaced every 7.6 – 8.3 cm (3.0 – 3.25 in).

Dairy Now: Holding AreasPage 3

Proper flooring in holding areas (and other areas such as alleys, walkways and the milking shed) is critical to decreasing the incidence of lameness. Walking surfaces must be assessed for the potential to cause four main problems for cows.

Click a topic below to reveal more information about each.

Cow Comfort from the Ground Up

Trauma Slipping

Excessive Hoof WearConcussion

DO• Properly trim and balance the claws before

applying a block or addressing the claw lesion.

• Adequately prepare the load-bearing claw for the block.

• Select the right block for the cow and her environment.

• Apply a block to any animal with a significant lesion needing relief from weight bearing.

• Block any animal that has been over-trimmed in toe length or sole thickness.

• Block any claw that has significant exposure of corium tissue or causes significant pain.

• When in doubt, block it!

Learn MoreFor more information about flooring and lameness, contact your local Zinpro sales representative.

The Dos and Don’ts of Block ApplicationRough floors and other factors around the dairy can cause painful hoof problems. When they do, one solution to aid healing is to apply a block treatment to the damaged portion of the hoof. However, an improperly applied block can do more harm than good, so follow these tips for proper application.

3 8 DON’T• Use blocks that are too small and/or do not

adequately support the heel.

• Apply blocks at angles that are not perpendicular to the leg or parallel with the axis between the claws.

• Forget to apply heat or warm glue.

• Apply so much glue that it creates a pinch-point under the heel bulb or around the edges.

• Use blocks that wear too quickly. They can become unbalanced, uncomfortable and can shift weight back to the affected claw.

• Apply a block to the claw with the lesion.

• Wrap a diseased claw with so much vet wrap that it becomes the load-bearing claw.

Find Your Zinpro Representative >

Excessive hoof wear occurs when walking surfaces are too rough, excessively sloped or when cows walk long distances on concrete. Be sure that slopes in the holding area and the return alleys are sloped less than 2%. Consider placing rubber mats on concrete walkways of more than 61 m (200 ft).

Causes of Hoof Wear

Excessive Hoof Wear

Rough concrete can cause lameness, or aggravate existing issues. Be sure to maintain concrete walkways.

Dairy Now: Holding AreasPage 3

Proper flooring in holding areas (and other areas such as alleys, walkways and the milking shed) is critical to decreasing the incidence of lameness. Walking surfaces must be assessed for the potential to cause four main problems for cows.

Click a topic below to reveal more information about each.

Cow Comfort from the Ground Up

Trauma Slipping

Excessive Hoof WearConcussion

DO• Properly trim and balance the claws before

applying a block or addressing the claw lesion.

• Adequately prepare the load-bearing claw for the block.

• Select the right block for the cow and her environment.

• Apply a block to any animal with a significant lesion needing relief from weight bearing.

• Block any animal that has been over-trimmed in toe length or sole thickness.

• Block any claw that has significant exposure of corium tissue or causes significant pain.

• When in doubt, block it!

Learn MoreFor more information about flooring and lameness, contact your local Zinpro sales representative.

The Dos and Don’ts of Block ApplicationRough floors and other factors around the dairy can cause painful hoof problems. When they do, one solution to aid healing is to apply a block treatment to the damaged portion of the hoof. However, an improperly applied block can do more harm than good, so follow these tips for proper application.

3 8 DON’T• Use blocks that are too small and/or do not

adequately support the heel.

• Apply blocks at angles that are not perpendicular to the leg or parallel with the axis between the claws.

• Forget to apply heat or warm glue.

• Apply so much glue that it creates a pinch-point under the heel bulb or around the edges.

• Use blocks that wear too quickly. They can become unbalanced, uncomfortable and can shift weight back to the affected claw.

• Apply a block to the claw with the lesion.

• Wrap a diseased claw with so much vet wrap that it becomes the load-bearing claw.

Find Your Zinpro Representative >

The concussive effects of walking or standing on concrete can amplify the pain from existing lesions. The installation of rubber flooring can improve the condition of cows’ feet on unforgiving concrete.

Concussive Effects of Concrete

Concussion

ResearchPage 4

Issue #6 Heat Stress >Issue #5 Hoof Trimming >Issue #4 Non-Infectious Lesions >Issue #3 Infectious Lesions >Issue #2 Lesions and Lameness >Issue #1 Locomotion Scoring >

Previous Issues

All trademarks herein are property of Zinpro Corp. ©2012 Zinpro Corp. All rights reserved. Dairy Now is a publicatioN of ZiNpro performaNce miNerals prepareD for its iNterNatioNal markets

zinpro.com | click for country contact info

10/2012

How Much is Too Much of a Good Thing?Over the years, it has become routine practice on many dairies to increase the amount of copper fed to cows. Today, it is quite common to find dairy rations containing more than 20 ppm of supplemental copper, with some rations including more than 30 ppm.

Recently, after extensive research on the topic, Zinpro Corporation chose to lower its recommended copper inclusion rate.

Why the Change?Several reasons exist why herds have been fed increasing amounts of supplemental copper, including:

• Recommendations from university and industry personnel

• Attempting to meet the copper requirements when cattle consume high levels of antagonists

• As an insurance measure against potential deficiency

It has become evident that feeding excessive levels of copper increases the risk of copper toxicosis.

Yet, the removal of all highly bioavailable sources of copper in the diet opens the risk of deficiency when cattle consume high levels of antagonists (such as sulfur, molybdenum and iron) or are stressed.

Our RecommendationA better option is to formulate diets to contain lower overall levels of copper, but with a portion of the copper supplied by a Zinpro Performance Minerals source. This will minimize the interaction of copper with antagonists (see our recommendation by lactation period in the table on this page).

By supplying a portion of the copper from a Zinpro Performance Minerals source in a diet containing lower copper levels there is:

• Increased likelihood of meeting the copper requirements of the cow when dietary levels of antagonists are high.

• Increased likelihood of meeting the copper requirements of the cow when the animal is stressed.

• Decreased copper levels in animal waste.

• Decreased risk of copper toxicity.

Availa®4 Benefits Dairy OperationsFrom improved lactation performance, udder health, reproduction and overall hoof condition, Availa-4 is backed by multiple research studies showing proven responses and a strong return on investment.

Zinc for corium health and wound healing

Zinc/Copper for sole, heel, and horn strength and elasticity

Copper for connective tissue and white line health

Manganese for joints, tendons and bone elasticity

Read Position Paper >

Recommended Supplemental Copper in Dairy Diet

Dry to Early Lactation (ppm) 14 to 16 10 to 15

Mid to Late Lactation (ppm) 10 to 12 8 to 12

ZPM Copper (mg) 125 125

ZPM = Zinpro Performance Minerals

OlD New