Cow Care is Our Self-Care

When your dairy herd faces health, production, or reproduction challenges, your stress levels can rise, directly affecting both you and your cows. Research shows that dairy farmers with lower stress levels and greater occupational well-being achieve higher animal welfare scores. By taking care of your cows and yourself, you can create a healthier, more productive farm environment.

Key practices for enhancing cow well-being

1. Address lameness

Lameness is one of the most common challenges in dairy farming, but it can be managed effectively:

Preventive measures: regular hoof trimming and maintaining proper hygiene can significantly reduce the occurrence of lameness.
Expert support: establish a farm advisory team to develop and monitor action plans for hoof health.

2. Ensure quality rest

Rest is essential for your cows' well-being and productivity:

Daily rest needs: cows require about 12 hours of rest daily for optimal rumination and blood circulation.
Comfortable bedding: invest in high-quality bedding materials, such as deep sand, to reduce lameness and injuries.

3. Provide balanced nutrition safely

Nutrition plays a critical role in your herd's health:

Regular testing: test forages regularly to maintain a well-balanced diet tailored to your cows' needs.
Safety protocols: ensure feeding areas are safe and follow best practices to prevent accidents during feeding.

4. Reduce nutritional stress

Nutritional stress can negatively impact productivity and health:

Minimize disruptions: avoid sudden changes in diet or creating competition for feed among cows.
Supplementation: add rumen-protected B vitamins to support cow health and performance.

5. Synchronize farm operations

Efficiency in farm management benefits both cows and farmers:

Coordinated schedules: align feeding, milking, and herd management activities to create a consistent routine that reduces stress for everyone on the farm.