Latest field notes
- Knowledge level in this topic: Intermediate. Barn-side working knowledge in this topic: checks, pairing, and what to do next.Rumen · Inside the rumenMicrobes and FermentationFeed the microbes first: fiber + NFC → VFAs for energy; dietary N upgrades to microbial crude protein; biohydrogenation of PUFA is microbial survival, not an MFD deep dive.
Knowledge level in this topic: Basic. First-pass in this topic — useful even if you already know another area well.Rumen · Inside the rumenThe Four CompartmentsRuminants run specialized pre-gastric fermentation: four compartments, but field management lives or dies on rumen health (fiber → usable energy).
Knowledge level in this topic: Intermediate. Barn-side working knowledge in this topic: checks, pairing, and what to do next.Rumen · Inside the rumenThe Rumen ChamberThe rumen is a fluid-filled fermentation vat: carbs often 60–70% of dietary DM; past ~60% concentrate of DMI is a cautionary overload threshold, not a universal law.
Knowledge level in this topic: Advanced. Mechanism and stacked risk in this topic — assumes the first-pass frame.Hoof · Claw-horn lesionsSole Ulcers, Laminitis, and Diet: Separating Evidence from AssumptionSole ulcers get blamed on “too much grain” more often than the evidence supports — separate diet risk from flooring, standing time, and claw mechanics before rewriting the ration.
Knowledge level in this topic: Advanced. Mechanism and stacked risk in this topic — assumes the first-pass frame.Hoof · Why hoof lesions developDigital Cushion Thickness, Body Condition, and Sole Ulcer RiskThin digital cushions after calving leave the sole unprotected. Body-condition loss and cushion thickness are tightly linked to sole-ulcer risk; hard floors matter, but they are not the whole story.
Knowledge level in this topic: Intermediate. Barn-side working knowledge in this topic: checks, pairing, and what to do next.Hoof · From lameness to lesionDigital Dermatitis in Heifers: Prevention Before First LactationHeifers that meet endemic digital dermatitis before first calving pay for it in early lactation — prevention in the rearing pen beats chasing first-lactation ulcers after they hit the parlor.
Knowledge level in this topic: Advanced. Mechanism and stacked risk in this topic — assumes the first-pass frame.Hoof · Why hoof lesions developFlooring, Traction, Wear, and Their Effect on Claw HealthFlooring is a daily mechanical dose: traction and abrasive wear shape claw horn faster than most herds measure, and the wrong surface quietly builds the next ulcer cohort.
Knowledge level in this topic: Intermediate. Barn-side working knowledge in this topic: checks, pairing, and what to do next.Hoof · From lameness to lesionFootbath Design: Length, Depth, Cow Passes, and CleanlinessA footbath only works if every cow gets enough clean contact — length, depth, and how often the bath is refreshed decide whether heels are treated or just splashed with dirty solution.
Knowledge level in this topic: Advanced. Mechanism and stacked risk in this topic — assumes the first-pass frame.Hoof · From lameness to lesionDigital Dermatitis Staging: M0 to M4.1M-stages (M0–M4.1) turn “hairy heel wart” into a herd language for active vs chronic lesions — staging drives treatment urgency, footbath strategy, and whether chronic cows are seeding the pen.
Knowledge level in this topic: Intermediate. Barn-side working knowledge in this topic: checks, pairing, and what to do next.Hoof · From lameness to lesionFootbaths: Prevention, Not TreatmentA footbath is a herd prevention tool for digital dermatitis pressure — not a cure for an active painful lesion waiting in the chute. Concentration, cow passes, and cleanliness decide whether the bath reduces new cases or just paints dirty heels.
Knowledge level in this topic: Intermediate. Barn-side working knowledge in this topic: checks, pairing, and what to do next.Hoof · From lameness to lesionEarly Lameness Detection: Why Treating the First Lame Step MattersCatching the first mild limp beats waiting for an obvious non-weight-bearing cow. Early follow-up shortens lesion progression and protects lying time and milk.
Knowledge level in this topic: Advanced. Mechanism and stacked risk in this topic — assumes the first-pass frame.Hoof · From lameness to lesionHoof Blocks and Off-Loading: Taking Pressure Off the Painful ClawA hoof block is mechanical off-load for a painful claw-horn lesion — not a spray substitute. Sound-claw selection, placement, and a timed recheck decide whether it helps or harms.
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View all →- Knowledge level in this topic: Intermediate. Barn-side working knowledge in this topic: checks, pairing, and what to do next.Microbes and Fermentation
Knowledge level in this topic: Advanced. Mechanism and stacked risk in this topic — assumes the first-pass frame.Reading milk fat as a rumen alarm- Knowledge level in this topic: Basic. First-pass in this topic — useful even if you already know another area well.The Four Compartments
- Knowledge level in this topic: Intermediate. Barn-side working knowledge in this topic: checks, pairing, and what to do next.The Rumen Chamber
On this sheet · 11
View all →- Knowledge level in this topic: Intermediate. Barn-side working knowledge in this topic: checks, pairing, and what to do next.Microbes and Fermentation
- Knowledge level in this topic: Advanced. Mechanism and stacked risk in this topic — assumes the first-pass frame.Reading milk fat as a rumen alarm
- Knowledge level in this topic: Basic. First-pass in this topic — useful even if you already know another area well.The Four Compartments
- Knowledge level in this topic: Intermediate. Barn-side working knowledge in this topic: checks, pairing, and what to do next.The Rumen Chamber
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