Recently I was privileged enough to be able to see first-hand comfortable cows! But they weren't always comfortable. And so the story begins...
Three years ago Gary Davis of Sharon, WI housed his milk cows on compost bedding. It seemed like a good idea but proved to be challenging. "We couldn't keep it dry enough, hot enough or thick enough. We just couldn't manage it," stated Davis.
Davis recently took to heart the suggestions made by his Landmark Nutritionist, John Binversie, and created a free-stall with cushy stalls and sand bedding. It took four weeks to complete and 100% stress off of the cows. The results? MORE MILK
As we visited in the free-stall, Davis said, "You can just see the contenment. You can feel the (cows) happiness." I couldn't agree more, all of them were laying down and chewing contentedly. Since the new free-stall, milk has increased by 26 pounds per cow. The proof is in the pudding, cow comfort fills your bulk tank!
Another benefit of the new free-stall is herd health. The cows are reproducing, they are healthy and Davis's cull rate is literally non-existent. Visits from Raymond the cattle hauler (pictured above, right) are infrequent. I got to meet Raymond and his big personality, and even helped Davis get more money for the cow he was shipping. Raymond's quote of the day, "I always appreciate a pretty girl." Yes, I blushed, but I wasn't sure if he was talking about me or the cow he was shipping! A girl can only dream.
If you'd like more information about herd health or cow comfort contact Landmark Nutritionist, John Binversie at john.binversie@landmark.coop or 608.289.9802.
Cassandra Strommen, VP Marketing Development of Landmark is no stranger to the dairy farm. Strommen worked in Animal Nutrition for five years prior to her current role with Landmark. She has a passion for cows and all things agribusiness. If you'd like to get in touch with her or have a story idea, contact her at cassandra.strommen@landmark.coop.
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