Published May 1993. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog
Although the occurrence of ketosis is a postpartum phenomenon, recent studies have
focused on the prepartum period as key in the development of the disorder. Indicators of
prepartum energy status, such as depressed dry matter intake (DMI) and elevated plasma
non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations have been associated with the...
The dry, or nonmilking, period late in pregnancy is critical to preparing a dairy cow for the next lactation. Dry cows have special nutritional and management needs.
Most dairies need no commercial fertilizer if they use manure properly. In most cases, manure can supply all the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and several other nutrients needed for forage production.
Published November 1997. A more recent revision exists. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog
Nutrients and microorganisms in manure can cause water quality problems. When you collect, handle, and land spread manure, this material can get into surface or groundwater supplies. The level of risk depends on many factors.
Bypass protein is an important part of the diet of lactating cattle. The National Research Council recommends that bypass protein make up 34 to 36 percent of the total crude protein consumed by lactating cattle.
People living in the suburbs and owning a small acreage often select dairy cattle or dairy goats as a means of harvesting and using their forage. Milk production can reduce the family grocery bill. Goats, especially, will help control brush and weeds and keep the area from becoming unsightly.