New Somatic Cell Count Standards

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DairyUpdateProduct Specials and News for Dairy Producers from ANIMART November/December 2010

Top 5 Ways To Cut Your Somatic Cell CountNew European Union standards will very soon force their way into our milk supply. A Bulk Tank Somatic Cell Count (BTSCC) of 400,000 cells/mL is being demanded of US dairy farms, and we have no choice but to comply. So what can we do to prepare ourselves for this fast approaching change? Ultimately, we need to re-evaluate all the factors that contribute to a high SCC and start from the ground up. Here are five areas you should not fall short on when it comes to cutting SCC.

1. Excellent Udder Preparation Teat ends are the gateway for mastitis-causing pathogens to enter the udder so an adequate udder preparation procedure is critical. This procedure needs to be followed by all farm staff for every animal being milked so no cow is left more susceptible than the next.Key procedures:

• Stimulate the udder for milk letdown by massaging the teats and teat ends for a minimum of 10 seconds to reduce the amount of time the milking unit is attached.

• Strip 2 to 3 streams of milk from each quarter.• Predip teats prior to milking to help reduce the amount

of bacteria on teat skin. • Dry with an individual towel concentrating on the teat end.• There should be a 60-90 second delay from start of

preparation to unit attachment.• Attach the unit with minimum air leaks, then adjust the

milking unit squarely to maintain milk flow.• While not part of preparation, it is also extremely

important to practice postdipping.Note: Always adequately cover the teat when pre- and

post-dipping.

2. Cleanliness of CowsWhile udder preparation gets the dirt off once it’s on, you should also be aware of the environment your cows are in and how that dirt actually gets onto the cow. Is she laying in a dirty alley or stall? When was the last time she got dry, clean bedding? Is the pasture full of mud? Many factors play into the environment of a cow, but it’s your job to make that environment as clean and dry as possible. From adding a little extra bedding to fencing off that muddy spot in the pasture the cows always lay in, you control their environment and thus, the pathogens that can access their teat ends.

3. RecordkeepingThe ultimate goal once a cow is infected is to get a cure and to never see the pathogen or bacteria that caused the infection in that cow ever again. But, that’s not re-alistic. Cows will flare up again, and you should always have records to look at, especially when it comes down to culling decisions for a repeat offender. According to NMC, each cow should have a record with identification, date detected, days in milk, quarter(s) affected, number and type of treatments, outcome of treatments, and the pathogen if a sample was cultured.

4. Cures and CullingTreat the treatable and cull the untreatable. Some cows will recover and be cured, but some will remain chronic. Save a sample from every clinical case before treatment is started. In case the treatment is ineffective, you’ll still be able to culture an untreated sample. While other factors will be evaluated before you cull a high SCC cow, your main goal is to reduce the risk of spreading pathogens and reduce the SCC entering your bulk tank. And maybe you have other reasons for keeping the cow with the high SCC, but remember, your milk company doesn’t care about those reasons when it comes to meeting European Union standards.

5. Dry & Fresh Cow ManagementDry and fresh cows are often most susceptible to new in-tramammary infections and need to be monitored carefully. Always make sure your cows are being fed properly and have adequate bunk space. Make sure they have a clean, dry environment as described above. And, lastly, be sure to dry treat every quarter of every cow.

*Always consult your veterinarian about developing protocols and treatment plans.

In 2009, during all months monitored, 89% of the milk would have met a goal of less than 400,000 BTSCC, which is the current European Union SCC limit; but only 50% of the producers shipped milk with BTSCCs less than 400,000. -US Milk Quality Data monitored by USDA in conjunction with NMC

Why should you care?

by Dr. Richard Ernsberger

Tailwell Tail Trimmer by Shoof• Trim tails twice or more per year to ensure milker safety and highest milk quality.

• Reduces fecal and urine contamination.• Reduces dirt around the rear quarters and udder of the cow.

• Lubricate blades at the start of operation, at each 50-100 tails and before storing.

• A neck strap provides hands-free between cows. Attaches to power drill. Replacement blade sets available.

Watch video on how to use at animart.com!

Walkease by Shoof•Used as an early-intervention hoof treatment. •Extremely quick, easy application. •Made of flexible EVA material, soothing to hoof.•Stays on for up to 14 days.

• Blocks can be used for both right and left hooves. Kit is comprised of 10 Walkease blocks, a tube of glue, a hoof rasp, and 10 pairs of latex gloves, all packed in a useful resealable plastic container. Additional hoof rasps, blocks and glue can be purchased separately.

Inforce 3 by Pfizer• Rapidly delivers effective respiratory

protection for a healthy and productive start.

• Prevents disease caused by BRSV while aiding in prevention of IBR and PI3.

• Offers the highest level of BRSV protection that has ever been granted by the USDA.

• Provides immediate protection by stimulating mucosal response and interferon release at the site of infection.

Cystorelin - 15 dose (Rx) by Merial• More doses per bottle than any other GnRH

available• Saves time, packaging waste and shelf space• New pull-open, extended-content label• No milk withholding

Wrap Buster• Easily, quickly and safely removes hoof wraps

without having to bend down.• Edge is sharpened on both sides for cutting

from multiple angles.• Blunt tip allows sliding between hoof and

wrap without injury.• Available with 18” or 48” handle.

Bovamine by NPC• Keeps cows on feed during heat stress

periods.• The only direct fed microbial product that

contains lactic acid producing and lactic acid utilizing bacteria in combination.

• Provides extremely durable live microorganisms that can withstand harsh rumen acids and multiply quickly in the digestive tract.

• Reduces acidity in the rumen thereby increasing rumen fiber digestibility and nutrient utilization.

• Use in calves to boost immunity and combat issues involving Salmonella, Clostridia, and E coli.

• MUST BE KEPT FROZEN.

Resflor Gold (Rx) by Intervet Schering-Plough• Combines a powerful antibiotic (florfenicol) and a fast-acting non-steroidal anti-inflamma- tory (flunixin meglumine) in one dose.• Saves time and money with one-dose convenience and simplicity.

• Provides control of BRD-associated pyrexia within 6 hours.

• For use in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle only. Not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older or in claves to be processed for veal.

Perfect Udder• For handling colostrum from harvest

to feeding wtihout the fear of recontamination.

• Allows colostrum to be pasteurized, refrigerated, frozen, reheated and fed through a nipple or esophageal feeder all from the same container.

• Pasteurize colostrum at 140 degrees for 60 minutes.• Place bag filled with colostrum in the pasteurizer and

pasteurize it along with the milk.

Catosal (Rx) by Bayer•Restores appetitie and accelerates recovery

from ketosis.•Prevents and treats deficiencies of vitamin

B12 and phosphorus. •Given SQ, IM, or IV. Cattle dose: 1-2 ml/100 lb, Calves

2-4ml/100 lb. Repeat daily as needed. •Available in 100ml or 250ml.

Milkers Helpers Gloves•Now available in sizes Small to 4XL.• Made of nitrex - no latex.• Thicker 6 mil fingers, 5 mil palm & 4 mil cuff.• Powder-free or low-powder gloves.

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2010 Product Year In ReviewA recap of the top 10 new and innovative products of 2010. We were privileged to help find solutions for your dairy in 2010 and we look forward to bringing you more innovative solutions in 2011.

New Solutions That Improved the Dairy Industry This Year

2010 Working Together Cattle Producer ProgramPurchase products from any of the BIVI quailfying products listed on animart.com and select your FREE gift based on amount of purchase. Gifts are not cumulative.

Purchase $500 of products,Receive your choice of an Udder Tech Dairy Apron or a pair of MAASDAM Round Nose Fencing Pliers.

Receive these FREE gifts based on amount of product purchased.

Fall Cattle BRD ProgramPurchase 11 bottles, Get 1 bottle FREE*Qualifying BIVI Products:Pyramid 5 + Presponse SQ • 20mL • 100mLPyramid 4 + Presponse SQ • 20mL • 100mLPresponse SQ • 20mL • 100mLPresponse HM • 20mL • 100mL*Free goods will ship with product.*Free goods apply to purchases on a single order.*No purchase limit.Offer valid 8/2/10 thru 11/30/10.

When you purchase Presponse HM at 11 and 1 FREE, you are eligible to purchase on the same invoice the same number of doses for one of the qualifying products listed below at purchase 11, get 1 FREE.Pyramid 5 • Express 4 • Express 5-HS

Customers who have qualified on other BIVI special pricing programs are not eligible to take advantage of this offer. BIVI reserves the right to end or modify any program in whole or in part (including removal or addition of products or product lines) at any time without notice.

SPECIAL! Ultra Start 150 Colostrum ReplacementBuy 1 pouch of Ultra Start 150 and receive a FREE 2 Qt. Little Giant screw top bottle and nipple!Limit 3 per customer. Offer valid now thru 12/31/10.

CYDECTIN Special! Purchase 5 Liters of Cydectin Get a winter hat FREEMust purchase a minimum of five liters on a single invoice. All sizes of Cydectin qualify for the free hat but must total five liters. Offer valid from 9/15/10 thru 12/31/10 or while supplies last. Limit of 4 hats per account.

Eprinex/Ivomec Pour-On Fall Savings SAVE $ with Instant $ OFF + Merial Fall Producer Rebates

August 1 thru December 15, 2010. Must submit rebate by 1/15/11.Qualifying Merial Brand Products include:• Eprinex 20L $160 • 4x5L $40 ea • 5L $20 • 5L $30 www.ivomec.com • 2.5L $10• Ivomec 20L $80 • 5L $20 • 2.5L $10• Ivomec 1% 1000mL $20 • 500mL $10• Ivomec Plus 1000mL $20 • 500mL $10• Ivomec Sheep Drench $10• Cystorelin (Rx) 5ds $.50 • 5ds case $10 • 15ds $1.50 • 15 ds case $15• J-Vac 125ds $12 • 50ds $4 Save UPCs for your Rebate! At the program’s end, ANIMART will send you copies of your proof of purchase, rebate form and a ready-to-mail envelope — just add your UPCs/Box Tops and send in! If UPC’s get thrown or not all are included, note accordingly on your rebate and it will be honored.

SPECIAL! Tetradure 300 (Rx) Rebate 250ml earn $3 rebate and 500ml earn $7 rebateOffer valid 2/1/10 thru 12/31/10. At the program’s end, ANIMART will send you copies of your proof of purchase, rebate form and a ready-to-mail envelope — just add your UPCs/Box Tops and send in!

SPECIAL! Cystorelin PromotionBuy 38 bottles (5ds) get 2 FREE = 5% Savings!Buy 19 bottles (15ds) get 1 FREE= 5% Savings!To qualify order must be on one invoice.

Producer Savings Programs

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$25004 GB iPOD Shuffle

$10,00032 GB iPOD Touch

$20,000Bose® Wave® Radio

$30,00032 GB iPAD w/ Wi-Fi

To view details on these programs and learn about more savings and specials, visit www.animart.com and click on Specials and Promotions.

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Disclaimer: ANIMART makes every effort to provide accurate and complete information per label claims. Always read and follow the product label directions.

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Q. What tips can you give for writing vaccination protocols for my operation? We want to keep it very user-friendly.

A. It’s important to realize with this question that there are not really any “cookbook” vaccine programs. The best program is the one that gets done consistently and fits your operation. However, here are a few things to think about when developing a protocol: Whichever vaccine you use, read the package insert and follow directions for the product. Remember to booster any initial vaccines in two to four weeks after the first vaccination. Don’t give more than two gram negative vaccines in a single day, and wait at least 7 to 10 days before you give another set of vaccines. Programs depend on disease present in the herd or area, but most include protection against IBR, PI3, and BRSV. Mastitis, pinkeye, colostridial, salmonella, and calf scours vaccines should also be considered.

Consider your access to animals at any given point of time. For calves, your best time to access them will be at birth and around weaning or dehorning. For heifers, this time could be at any pen or group move (around 4 to 6 months). And for cows, access is usually when you’re transitioning cows to different groups, dry-off and moving animals to close-up pens. Modify live v. killed vaccine. Killed vaccines can be given to the entire herd once or twice a year while modified live vaccines should only be given to open animals (per label instructions).

And finally, recordkeeping is key to any vaccine pro-gram. You need to decide what level of recordkeeping you’re willing to maintain. For some, it will be easiest to completely vaccinate the whole herd once or twice a year with a killed vaccine. However, this method does not let you optimize when the vaccine will be most effective to that animal (response of animal depends on stage of lactation). For those willing to keep detailed records, you can use vac-cines at the optimum time to get the best response. Detailed records can be maintained by having individual cow cards or a computer records program.

Blog Spotlight - Tips On Writing VaccinationProtocols

The power of CORID is also available in convenient in-feed formulations. CORID 2.5% and CORID 1.25%. These formulations can help break the coccidia life cycle before an outbreak of bloody scours can occur.

CORID delivers expertise in fighting coccidiosis (bloody scours). Whether you use it in water, as a drench, or in feed, CORID has the power to help prevent and treat coccidiosis caused by Eimeria bovis and E. zurnii. For a customized coccidiosis program, click on the CORID calculator at www.corid.com. Important safety information:Withdraw 24 hours before slaughter. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal.

CORID® (amprolium) in drinking water or as a drench is the first and #1 coccidiostat labeled as an aid in the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis in calves. CORID is available in three sizes: gallons, pints and a 10-ounce packet of powder.

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Online SolutionsANIMART is proud to bring you the latest information from these new online resources:

Calf Jackets = Healthier CalvesBuy More, Save $$

For warmer, healthier calves, a Calf Jacket provides a barrier against wet bedding, drafts and cold air, allowing the calf to put its energy into growth.

Fly AwayMade of a tough outer shell of water-resistant nylon and insulated with Thinsulate, the quilted jacket keeps its shape after repeated washings. Adjustable leg straps and front closure allow snug comfortable fit for growing calves. Two year warranty. Available in Jersey and Holstein sizes. Reg: $42 6 @ $39

Gro-WellQuilted, tough and weather-proof jacket with an outer shell made of Cordura nylon and a warm Thinsulate insulation lining. Durable adjustable straps, buckles and velcro keep the jackets on your calves. Available in small and large sizes. Reg: $34.95

Economy Provides superior thermal capabilities and will withstand the rigors of washing machine agitation cycles. Durable adjustable elastic straps. Available in Holstein reg and XL, small/Jersey sizes. Reg: $29 6 @ $26

Super Calf-Kit by Merrick’s• The addition of 2 oz of Super Calf-Kit to 2 quarts of milk or milk replacer twice daily meets the significantly higher energy needs of calves raised in cold weather conditions.• Calves exposed to temperatures below thermoneutral zones (<60ºF) need Super Calf-Kit.• Research has demonstrated the benefits of raising the caloric density in whole milk or milk replacer fed to calves.• To maintain normal body temperatures in colder weather calves need a high energy feed.• Available in 25 lb. bag.

PolyDome Calf Warmer• Provides a comfortable environ- ment for newborn calves.• Comes complete with a deluxe, high-performance, 110 volt heater with 3 heat settings and 2 fan settings for proper regulation.• Includes a protective covering for the heater unit.

SAVE! $50 OFF Calf Warmer or Caf-Cart! Offer valid now thru 12/31/10.

Caf-Cart w/ Hed-lock by Raytec • Multi-use cart easily moves calves through mud and snow. • Rugged steel frame and rubber-tired wheels stand years of hard use. • Includes “Hed Lock” to hold head securely for dehorning, castration, tagging and injecting.• Available in 36” or 42” with pneumatic or solid tire.

Winter Outdoor WearStay Warm with Pella Bibs and CoverallsTwill Insulated or Un-Insulated• Zippers to the hip for easy on/off.• Lined with 100% nylon taffeta.• Quilted to 100% Dacron 808 insulation. • Machine washable. • Sizes: short, regular or tall and by waist,

even numbers only.• Color: Spruce Green, Brown Duck, or

Navy• No veterinary insignia unless specified.NOTE: ANIMART also carries Pella Jack-ets, Coveralls, AI Vests and Vaccination Vests.

Makes A Great Christmas Gift!Have your name and/or farm name custom embroidered for a small fee. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.

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Managing Calves in Cold Weather Cold weather will soon be upon us. It’s time to think about your calf management strategy to minimize cold weather stress. Ensuring plenty of dry bedding, providing a calf jacket for warmth, plus increasing caloric intakes are key during the cold weath-er months. For all calves, energy needs increase in cold weather. The bottom thermoneutral zone for calves less than three weeks of age is 60ºF. Below 60ºF, young calves must use body stores of energy to maintain their body temperature if they don’t consume enough energy in their diet. The bottom thermoneutral zone for older calves is approximately 40ºF. Speak with your ANIMART rep to discuss ways to keep your calves healthy and warm this winter.

Protect Your Calves from Winter Chillby Dr. James Metz

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDEP • Direct

Fond du Lac, WI900 Green Valley Road | Beaver Dam WI 53916

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Details Inside!Helping to keep your herd healthy

What’s Inside SCC Regulations ......... Page 1Product Year in Review Page 2Producer Savings ........ Page 3Blog Spotlight .............. Page 4Cold Weather Tips ....... Page 5

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“We’ve seen strong heats, an increase in pregnancy rate, and it’s been successful in our presynch program.” - Doug Lemke, Herd Manager

Lutalyse® by Pfizer Animal Health

“We compared another product to Lutalyse, and the cows on Lutalyse came out ahead. We’ve seen strong heats, an increase in pregnancy rate, and it’s been successful in our presynch program. Lutalyse gets our cows to clean out so they are ready to carry the next pregnancy.”Doug Lemke, Herd ManagerWoldt Farms

Pictured are Daryl & Amy Woldt, Owners

Let There Be No Misconceptions About Conception

Ask your ANIMART Represenative to learn about the benefits of Lutalyse.