Home > Crops & Livestock > Livestock > Dairy > Ration Strategies for Hot Weather One of the most difficult feeding challenges faced by dairy farmers is the dropoff in feed intake and milk production during the summer. To minimize these losses, rations must be specially formulated for hot weather. Calfnotes.com Calf Notes is your source for pertinent, non-commercial and unbiased information on raising young dairy calves. Corn Silage Management for Lactating Dairy Cows [Image: Corn silage management] This article includes recommendations on corn hybrid selection for silage, planting, harvesting, storing and feeding corn silage to dairy cows. A Survey of the Issues Facing Animal Agriculture in Louisiana [Image: survey] Many issues can affect the management, profitability and sustainability of beef, dairy and poultry operations. This is a survey of the economic, environmental, public policy and production issues facing animal agriculture in Louisiana. (PDF format only)  more articles... Troubleshooting Milking Systems [Image: milking systems] One of the most often neglected areas on a dairy farm is the milking parlor. Even though it is used two or three times a day, it is often assumed to be working properly and operating correctly. Have milking systems checked at least annually by a qualified service person. Between checkups, follow these simple guidelines to monitor your system’s performance. Information on the how-to of milking cows also is included. (PDF Format Only) 2007 Louisiana Refundable Dairy Tax Credit [Image: Milk Producers' Refundable Tax Credit Program] Handbook for Understanding Act 461 of the 2007 Louisiana Legislature-Refundable Tax Credit for Dairy Farmers Alternative Fertilizer: Poultry Litter [Image: Poultry Litter as an Alternative Fertilizer] Poultry litter is relatively rich in nutrients and organic matter, but it needs to be properly managed. This article discusses how to realize the most benefits from poultry litter utilization as a fertilizer. Drought Management on Louisiana Dairy Farms [Image: Drought Management] This series of articles was prepared by LSU AgCenter extension personnel to address some of the most important topics affecting Louisiana dairy producers during a severe drought. Those topics include Feeding Drought-Stressed Hay and Silage Crops; Weed and Chemical Toxins in Drought-Stressed Forages; Pasture Options for Dairy Producers; Winter Annual Pasture Management and Costs; and Coping with Forage Shortages Due to Drought Conditions: Purchased Forages and By-Products. Keeping Show Animals Healthy [Image: girl brushing show pig] This article discusses common diseases in show animals and how to prevent them. Assessment of Damage to Louisiana Agricultural, Forestry, and Fisheries Sectors By Hurricane Katrina [Image: Assessment of Damage to Louisiana Agricultural, Forestry, and Fisheries Sectors By Hurricane Katrina] Based on the information known at the time of the storm, and given the historical value of these industries to the state, the AgCenter was able to provide preliminary estimates on losses of revenue due to production losses. Disaster Recovery: Estimates of Economic Impact From Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Louisiana Agriculture [Image: Disaster Recovery: Estimates of Economic Impact From Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Louisiana Agriculture] The dollar amounts, which are estimates of reduced revenue and increased costs, are broken down by storm and commodity. Total estimated costs are also provided. Horn Flies & Mastitis Development in Dairy Heifers Preliminary study indicated that horn flies can contaminate the mammary gland of heifers. Environmental Consideration on Forage Quality Three factors definitely not favorable for optimal plant growth and forage quality are heat stress, drought, and inadequate soil nutrient supply. These problems are very common in Louisiana. Although we may have little control over these environmental influences, we do need to understand the overall effects of environment on forage quality. Rearing Replacement Heifers: Birth to Weaning In replacement rearing, no phase has greater potential for decreasing production costs and increasing profitability than the period prior to weaning. Click for more information...