Planning Dairy Animal Well-Being: Managing The Down Cow

Jul 20, 2016

Management of the down cow is a crucial role on the farm. As employers and managers, we need to set our employees up for success when responding to a down cow. Employees need to have clear expectations of their job as well as written protocols and standard operating procedures.

A farm’s animal well-being plan must include how to care for these animals and, in the rare situations when the animal is compromised, individuals on the farm must know how to respond appropriately, with the animal’s best interest in mind. Plans should include how to handle the down animal and implement the treatment plan. Plans should be written down and accessible to all individuals. Primary caretakers should be trained in proper animal handling.

In the factsheet, Planning Dairy Animal Well-Being: Managing the Down Cow, UW-Extension Taylor County Agriculture Agent Sandy Stuttgen addresses how to:

Assess the down cow
Encourage standing
Care for the down cow

Source: uwex.edu

Video: Industry–University Collaborations in Swine Research - Dr. Jordan Gebhardt and Matt Einarson

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Jordan Gebhardt from Kansas State University and Matt Einarson from SAM Nutrition explore how academic–industry partnerships are driving innovation in swine nutrition. They share how collaborations support graduate training, create credibility, and translate research into practical strategies for producers. Discover real trial outcomes, sustainability initiatives, and why bridging science with industry is essential for the future. Listen now on all major platforms!

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Meet the guest: Dr. Jordan Gebhardt / jordan-gebhardt-9a6b4b120 , Associate Professor of Swine Production at Kansas State University, combines expertise in veterinary medicine and applied swine nutrition to improve herd health and productivity through research and student training. Matt Einarson / matt-einarson-7a00a123 , Vice President of Sales and Business Development North America at SAM Nutrition, brings more than two decades of leadership in global agribusiness, specializing in strategy, market development, and feed innovation.