March 31, 2009

Conference addresses important dairy management issues

Purdue University, Michigan State University and Ohio State University are the conference sponsors.

Topics to be covered include the use and value of corn and corn products in dairy cattle, using technology to estimate body condition scoring and changes in core body temperatures.

Mike Schutz, Purdue Extension dairy specialist, will give a presentation about the importance of knowing an animal's core body temperature and recent research to collect temperatures automatically.

"It is important to be able to know the core temperature of a cow, because we can use that information in a variety of different ways," Schutz said. The information is useful for detecting mastitis and lameness, catching pneumonia early and predicting when a cow will be calving within eight hours of her delivery, he said.

A cow's core body temperature is taken by a tool shaped like a pill known as a rumen temperature bolus.

"Another area of interest at the conference will be feeding strategies to help farmers make it through this rough time in the current economy," said Tamilee Nennich, Purdue Extension dairy nutrition and management specialist.

"Throughout the two days of the conference, participants will learn a variety of feeding strategies they can use in the current economy that will also help with the proper nutrition and management of their dairy herd or herds they may advise," Nennich said.

The conference takes place from noon to 5:40 p.m. April 21 and 7 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. April 22. The Grand Wayne Center is located at 120 W. Jefferson Boulevard. in Fort Wayne.

Conference registration is $155 per person, and includes breakfast, refreshments and a copy of the conference proceedings. Contact Maurice Eastridge at 614-688-30589 to register by the April 3 deadline.

Writer: Ashley Bechman, 765-494-8402, aabechma@purdue.edu

Sources: Mike Schutz, 765-494-9478, mschutz@purdue.edu

Tamilee Nennich, 765-494-4823, tnennich@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Steve Leer, sleer@purdue.edu
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