Effects Of Stocking Density On Social, Feeding And Lying Behavior Of Prepartum Dairy Animals

Jan 13, 2015

Concern over animal well-being and morbidity and mortality losses have stimulated more research in the area of transition cow management and behavior.

Two resources highly valued by cows are lying and feeding space. Lactating cows spend approximately 12 to 13 h/d lying down and 5 to 6 h/d feeding. Lying has a higher priority for cows than eating and social contact when these behaviors are restricted.

UW-Extension Clark County Dairy Agent Karen Lutcherhand conducted a study to determine the effects of prepartum stocking density on social, lying and feeding behavior of dairy animals, and the relationship between social rank and stocking density while completing her PhD at the University of Minnesota. The study is highlighted in a Dairy Herd Management Research Nugget Effect of stocking density on social, feeding and lying behavior of prepartum dairy animals.

Source:uwex.edu

Video: Same Grit, New Name: A Conversation with Ryan Calistro of Bower Ag

Swine Leaders Live, we sit down with Ryan Calistro, President of Bower Ag, to discuss a major brand transition in the ag construction and solutions space—and what it means for swine producers. Bower Ag represents a new, unified identity, bringing together Ag Property Solutions, Dairy Specialists, and The Dairy Solutions Group under one name. But as Ryan explains, this isn’t about change for the sake of change—it’s about strengthening what already works and delivering more value to producers.

We dive into:

• What Bower Ag is and why the transition was made

• What stays the same for longtime customers

• How combining multiple businesses creates new opportunities for producers

• What today’s producers are asking for—and how Bower Ag is responding

• Key insights heading into World Pork Expo

If you’ve worked with APS before—or are evaluating partners for your next project—this conversation provides a clear look at where Bower Ag is headed and how they’re positioning themselves for the future.