Integrated Sustainable Dairy Program

Integrated Sustainable Dairy Program

Summary

Thus far, eight modules have already taken place. Each module was designed for dairy veterinary practitioners and Extension specialists. A total of 50 participants from the north central region (OH, IN, and WI) and other States (TX and FL) attended these two modules. The program provided a frame work to develop cutting edge applied skills in dairy production medicine and decision making. Educational materials were delivered through in-class lectures followed by case-based learning and group discussions. Participants reported that the overall program, presentations, and discussions were useful. Attendees found the presented information relevant for their work and of great immediate use to them. Management of cows at dry-off; management of transition cows (e.g., pre-fresh and fresh cow nutrition) to prevent diseases (e.g., uterine, hypocalcemia); udder health and mastitis control; best animal welfare practices; development of SOPs and personnel performance; management of calves and health events; and importance of teamwork and communication were listed as learned concepts that participants can apply in their practices. This program has important implications for dairy veterinarians Extension specialists because they are a vital source of information for dairy producers.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Module 7 – Animal health management and practices in dairy herds under organic management. The program consisted of the following topics: best animal welfare practices; udder health (including dry-off practices) and mastitis control; management of transition cows; calf health and management; uterine diseases (preventive practices and treatments). Educational materials were delivered through in-class lectures and group discussions. Veterinarians, Extension specialists, livestock certifiers, and dairy producers attended this module. Participants reported that the overall program, presentations, and discussions were useful. Also, attendees found the presented information relevant for their work and of great immediate use to them. Identifying within-herd risk factors affecting herd health performance and preventive management practices for transition cow diseases as well as calf health were listed as learned concepts that participants can apply in their practices. This program has important implications for dairy veterinarians because they are a vital source of information for dairy producers.

Module 8 – Genomic selection for improved fertility in dairy cows. The program consisted of the following topics: Nutrition and reproductive management in lactating dairy cows; transition cow diseases (with emphasis on nutrient and calcium balance) and reproductive management in lactating dairy cows; dairy personnel performance; phenotypic and genomic selection practices for dairy herds; application of genomic technology and its implications on reproductive performance of dairy herds. Veterinarians, Extension specialist, and researchers attended this workshop and indicated that the overall program, presentations, and discussions were useful.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Accomplishments:
1) Delivery of two educational modules: ~20 hours of learning for 50 participants (some of them attended all two modules).
2) Development of an active network of practicing veterinarians, Extension specialists, and dairy producers.
3) Development of two case-studies on transition cow management for dairy herds.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Outputs:
1) Proceedings notebook.
2) Evaluation instruments that have application for other programs.
3) Development of two case-studies (risk assessment of transition cow management and herd performance) for teaching undergraduate/graduate/professional students, practicing veterinarians, and dairy producers.

Outcomes:
1) Short-term: Participants reported that the overall program, presentations, and discussions were useful. Also, they found the presented information relevant for their work and of great immediate use to them.
2) Intermediate-term: An active network of practicing veterinarians and Extension specialists was developed.

Collaborators: