AFRICA

HI,Bloggers,
I have taken new ,challenging,pilot project in African continent as DAIRY MANAGER/SR.VETERINARIAN.

VIV Russia: from Feed to Meat | World Veterinary Association

VIV Russia: from Feed to Meat | World Veterinary Association: "VIV Russia: from Feed to Meat
Start: 17 May 2011
End: 19 May 2011
Source:
17 - 19 May 2011, VIV Russia will show the industry's developments from the feed to meat.

Feed to meat brings together supply and demand within the complete animal protein chain. The driver behind the chain concept is that animal feed and animal health are vital for meat quality and safety. VIV Russia will represent every step in the meat production process. Related topics will be featured in the VIV Russia Conference."

BVA teams up with BSAVA for London Congress | World Veterinary Association

BVA teams up with BSAVA for London Congress | World Veterinary Association: "BVA teams up with BSAVA for London Congress
Start: 22 Sep 2011
End: 24 Sep 2011
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is delighted to announce that this year’s annual Congress, under the theme ‘Vets in a changing world’, will be delivered in association with the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA)."

Farm worker salaries up 4.9pc - Business - NZ Herald News

Farm worker salaries up 4.9pc - Business - NZ Herald News: "Farm worker salaries up 4.9pc"

30th World Veterinary Congress 2011 - Caring for animals: healthy communities

30th World Veterinary Congress 2011 - Caring for animals: healthy communities: "AFRICA IS CALLING YOU!"

FARM PICS

DR.GOVAN

FARM PICS

FMD LESIONS

DR.GOVAN

PROFIT MAKING

Simply stated, dairy producers make money in one of two ways—increasing income or lowering cost (or both). While we have become very focused on the cost side of the equation—especially with feed prices climbing to all-time highs—the ultimate goal for any dairy operation should be to generate more profits. One way to maximize profitability on-farm is to utilize marginal thinking.

Calculating Marginal Milk Cost

Marginal thinking simply asks, “How much more would it cost to increase milk production?” To calculate the answer and make decisions based on the marginal cost, you must calculate two different numbers:

1.     Average maintenance cost per cow per day. This is best measured using the dry cow ration, as they are using feed for daily maintenance needs only.

2.     Additional feed cost per hundredweight of marginal milk. This number accounts for the additional investment needed to generate more milk.

To better explain this calculation, let’s assume the cost of feeding a cow producing 88 lbs. of milk is $6.46 and the cost of feeding a dry cow is $2.50. That means the feed cost to support the 88 lbs. of production is $3.96 ($6.46 - $2.50 = $3.96). If it costs $3.96 to support 88 lbs. of production, the marginal cost is $.045 per pound of milk ($3.96/88 lbs.).

Marginal Thinking in Action

Table 1 below compares feed costs and revenue generated with different milk production levels. Regardless of production levels, the maintenance feed costs are the same across all groups, so our focus is on the feed cost for marginal milk—the additional cost needed to support additional production.  

The cow producing 70 lbs. of milk costs the dairy producer $5.65 in feed costs per day, while the cow making 90 lbs. of milk costs the producer $6.55, a mere $0.90 increase. The 90-lb. cow produces 20 more lbs. of milk compared to the 70-lb. cow, resulting in an additional $2.30 of income over feed cost (IOFC) when compared. This far exceeds the $0.90 investment in feed cost.

Feeding Cows with a Marginal Mindset

Marginal thinking may mean incurring additional costs upfront, knowing this investment can result in greater production and profit potential. To generate the greatest revenue through marginal thinking:

- Invest in the ration. The ration delivered to the feedbunk must allow cows to maximize production, remain healthy and become bred in a timely manner. Taking shortcuts can jeopardize the ability for the herd to continually meet your goals, ultimately decreasing profitability.

- Utilize high-quality, proven ingredients. Research-proven feed ingredients play a pivotal role in marginal thinking, ensuring that the added investment in the ration will translate to greater profit potential for your operation.

- Make a change.  Continually evolving the diet ensures that cows are performing optimally, and the ration needed for success is provided. Evaluate each change independently to understand the marginal cost of the change and the long-term benefits for the herd.

- Work with your nutritionist to properly balance the ration. Your nutritionist can provide sound insight into how to properly balance the diet to maximize production and IOFC. Work with your nutritionist to outline the estimated maintenance feed costs and the costs that result in even greater milk production profit for your operation.

Click here for more information on implementing marginal thinking into your decision-making (will link to full article on PeakReportOnline.com).

Source: Dr. Elliot Block, Senior Manager, Technology, Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition

1 Eicker S, Fetrow J, Stewart S. Marginal Thinking: Making Money on a Dairy Farm, in Proceedings. Western Canadian Dairy Seminar Advances in Dairy Technology 2006;137-155.

HERD PERFORMANCE TIPS

8 tips to minimize heat stress this summer

By a Dairy Herd news source   |   Updated: April 26, 2011

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• Latest News
• Most Popular
• Most Comments

• New K-State Olathe facility adds animal health research capabilities
• Gov. Nixon signs changes to Mo. dog-breeding law
• Advanced dairy still reliant on weather
• CME Group announces launch of 3 weekly grain options contracts
• Cut replacement-heifer costs by management-intensive grazing of pastures
• LA superintendent & Jamie Oliver plan to ban flavored milk in schools
• CBOT corn outlook: Lower as western Midwest turns drier
• Short-term technical bounce for Class III
• Index shows ag companies fare well in hard economy
• China seizes melamine-tainted milk powder

The stress associated with summer heat can have negative, lasting effects on herd performance, health and profitability. How you prepare cows for heat stress and the adjustments made to management and feeding practices can help your herd successfully navigate this challenging time period. Utilize these eight tips to minimize the negative impacts of heat stress and maintain performance throughout the hot summer months:

1.     Change feeding habits. Slowly shift feeding schedules so fresh feed is offered early in the morning and/or late in the evening—the coolest times of the day. Feeding when temperatures are highest can reduce dry matter intake (DMI) and cause ration heating, which can cause additional decline in DMI. Alongside changes in the feeding schedule, increase frequency of bunk push out/clean out, particularly if feed line soakers are adding moisture to existing feed in bunks.

2.     Rework the ration. While some decline in DMI is anticipated in hot weather, the severity of the drop may call for ration reformulation to increase nutrient density. This allows the cows to still receive necessary nutrients for production and maintenance needs through fewer pounds of feed.

• Feed additional rumen inert fat to increase ration energy density without increasing heat of rumen fermentation.
• Increase bypass protein levels to account for the decline in dry matter intake.
• Work with your nutritionist to ensure the ration delivers the nutrients needed for peak performance in hot weather.

3.     Increase ration potassium. Potassium is the main mineral in sweat and as temperatures rise, cows lose more potassium through sweating, panting and urination. Beyond the potassium lost during normal milk production, this nutrient becomes even more critical in hot weather. Ensure your herd receives a high-quality potassium source that is protected from overheating to raise potassium levels to 1.7% of ration dry matter and ration DCAD to +35 to +45 meq/100g ration dry matter and maintain DMI, while meeting increasing nutrient demands.

4.     Ensure water availability. Cows’ water needs increase significantly during heat stress, making it absolutely critical that clean water is available at all times. To maintain parlor flow, have waterers available in the exit lane rather than in the parlor entrance or in the holding pen and be certain that water pressure is sufficient to deliver this essential nutrient.

5.     Reduce stocking density. Overstocking in hot weather can generate too much heat to dissipate. Keep stocking densities at 100 percent with 30 inches of feedbunk space per cow to encourage DMI while keeping cows cool and comfortable.   

6.     Offer shaded areas. Shade should be available for all groups of cows to minimize the direct contact with the sun. In dry lots, the ideal orientation is north/south at a minimum of 14 feet tall to provide the most coverage.

7.     Properly ventilate facilities. Depending on your situation and location, either natural ventilation or mechanical ventilation (fans) may be used. The goal is to keep the air moving as much as possible. The cooling system should begin to work at 68 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the cow’s internal temperatures low.

8.     Add soakers for evaporative cooling. The purpose of soakers is to soak the cow to her skin and allow for evaporative cooling using fans. Soaking a cow that is already wet will provide little additional cooling. The more wet/dry cycles per hour, the more cooling that can be achieved. The wetting frequency will increase as the temperature climbs. Here are some general guidelines:

• 70º F (21º C) = Every 15 minutes
• 80º F (27º C) = Every 10 minutes
• 90º F (32º C) = Every 5 minutes

To learn more about mitigating the negative effects of heat this summer through proper nutrition and management, visit AHDairy.com.

Source: Dr. Elliot Block, Senior Manager, Technology, Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition

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World Veterinary Day

9 days until World Veterinary Day - 30 April 2011

Selected theme 2011 : Rabies
World Veterinary Day was instigated by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) in 2000 to be celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April.

In 2008 the WVA and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) agreed on the creation of the World Veterinary Day Award aimed at rewarding the most successful celebration of the veterinary profession by national veterinary associations, alone, or in cooperation with any other selected veterinary body.

The 2011 Award will be delivered at the 30th World Veterinary Congress to be held in Cape Town, South Africa on 10-14 October 2011. The prize: US$ 1,000 will be donated to the winner.

Please send advice of your plans for World Veterinary Day, and then afterwards your reports, to: editor@worldvet.org.

Interesting article on www.vetsweb.com

Dear SUBRAMANY,

DR.GOVAN has found an interesting article on www.vetsweb.com and would like to notify you of it.

You can view the article called 'Uterine prolaps in France, treated by an Italian veterinarian' by clicking on the link below:
http://www.vetsweb.com/background/uterine-prolaps-in-france-treated-by-an-italian-veterinarian-2106.html

DR.GOVAN has added the following comments:
well done DR

Kind regards,

Vetsweb, a Reed Business Publication

ANIMAL NUTRITION

FAO Expert Meeting on Animal nutrition impact on animal welfare

Start: 26 Sep 2011

End: 30 Sep 2011

FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy 26 - 30 September 2011

Oie

The 79th General Session of the World Assembly of OIE Delegates will be held from 22 to 27 May 2011, bringing together representatives of 178 OIE Member and observers from international organisations that have signed an official agreement with the OIE, as well as other international and regional organisations and invited guests.

The General Session will be held at the “Maison de la Chimie(1) from Sunday 22 May 2011 to Thursday 26 May 2011 inclusive, and at the OIE Headquarters(2) from Friday 27 May 2011 (Friday’s session is exclusively for the Delegates; it concerns administrative and financial affairs and elections).

The World Assembly of OIE Delegates establishes the policies of the OIE and supervises their implementation. This year, its main work concerns:
•the adoption of international standards regarding the safety of world trade in animals and animal products;
•the fight against animal diseases and zoonoses and improving the quality of Veterinary Services;
•the elections to fill vacant positions in certain Commissions.

During the General Session, two Technical Items of general interest will be presented by Rapporteurs chosen for their international competency:
•The contribution of veterinary activities to global food security for food derived from terrestrial animals;
•Implementation of a global strategy for FMD control.
A complete summary of the world animal health situation will also be given.

----------------------------------------
(1) 28bis rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris • Tél. : 33 (0)1 40 62 27 00 • fax : 33 (0)1 45 55 98 62 • http://congres.maisondelachimie.com
(2) 12 rue de Prony, 75017 Paris • Tél. : 33 (0)1 44 15 18 88 • fax : 33 (0)1 42 67 09 87 • http://www.oie.int/eng/

Read more ...

• By JimEdwards at 16 Mar 2011 - 8:54am

SUDAN..WV DAY

World Veterinary Day - River Nile State, Republic of Sudan

River Nile State
Ministry of Agriculture , Animal Resources, Fisheries and Irrigation
General Directorate of Animal Resources and Fisheries

We would like to inform you that : The General Directorate of Animal Resources and Fisheries of River Nile State / Republic of Sudan is planning to celebrate the occasion of World Veterinary Day on 30 th April 2011 in Shendi locality.

Activities should be :
1/ Veterinary exhibition.
2/ Workshop on :
- Zoonses.
- Veterinarians and export in River Nile State.
3/ Social and sport activities.
4/ Local radio and T.V programmes and other communication tools concerning the event etc……..

Dr. Abdin Babikir Siddig
Director General
General Directorate of Animal Resources and Fisheries

• By JimEdwards at 19 Apr 2011 - 9:57am

Deloraine to get robotic dairy

Deloraine to get robotic dairyNorthern Tasmania has been selected for Australia's first commercial farm installation of a robotic dairy.

Work's already underway on the whole farm design at Moltema near Deloraine, and it's expected the milk will start flowing through the rotary system before the end of this year.

FutureDairy project research leader, Kendra Kerrisk, says the new dairy will be able to milk 500 to 600 cows in a voluntary cow traffic system.

"This one's pretty exciting because over the last two years we've been working on a robotic rotary which is tailored to Australian herds, which is really exciting because it suits Australian conditions. We are expecting the price to be comparable to conventional milking."

Dairy Cattle Organizations | 4-H Youth Development

Dairy Cattle Organizations | 4-H Youth Development

Dairy Herd Network - Dairy Management: It’s spring cleaning time again - Latest News - Current Stories, Commentary, Markets

Dairy Herd Network - Dairy Management: It’s spring cleaning time again - Latest News - Current Stories, Commentary, Markets: "Now is the time to prepare for the long hot summer:
1. Clean out high organic matter dirt (MUD) in pastures and lots and add new dirt, especially in calving areas.
2. Clean your barn cooling fans now and whenever they look dirty. Dirty fan shields can reduce fan efficiency by 50 percent. If cows are in the barn or holding area, run fans 24 hours a day. This not only moves air to cool cows, it also helps to remove moisture and dry the place out."

Overton, Thomas R

Overton, Thomas R

Nutrient reqiremaents of Dairy cattle-NRC