The Dairy Extension research team at the University of Minnesota look at optimising cow comfort and health to improve yields through reduced lameness and minimising heat stress.

In these difficult economic times, it is important to optimise cow management and housing as much as possible to improve milk production efficiency. Some aspects of cow comfort, such as quiet and calm handling, don’t cost any money.

The Dairy Extension research team, has been involved in investigating the association between cow well-being and the cow’s environment, especially as it relates to lameness prevalence. Lameness is the most important animal welfare issue in our industry and also of great economic significance. Each case of lameness is estimated to cost approximately $404 (C. Guard, Cornell University).............Click for more

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