Introduction to Herd Problem Recognition

Learn to:

• Interpret DHI records and use them to identify and monitor herd problems of production, mastitis, reproduction, and replacement heifer management
• Evaluate rates and treatment protocols of common dairy herd diseases
• Assess dairy housing including ventilation and freestalls
• Estimate costs of herd problems and develop partial budgets

This two-week rotation is a prerequisite to the series of production medicine rotations unless special exemptions are made with instructors. Farm visits will be made to a variety of dairy herds ranging from small stanchion barns to very large freestall confinement dairies. Most of the topics will be taught using information from the farm visits.

Dates: May 2009-2010

• Weeks 3 & 4 (6/1/09 to 6/12/09)
• Weeks 11 & 12 (7/27/09 to 8/7/09)
• Weeks 21 & 22 (10/5/09 to 10/16/09)