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Dairy Management in Larger Herds

Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana

ABSTRACT

Large herds of dairy animals can be a successful venture when operated by a competent operator. Substantial savings can be made by spreading costs and investments over many animals. Certain factors and resources can be applied to the operation of large herds, where the manager's function is strictly managerial and the section of the country is not a factor.

The dairyman must consider many factors when deciding on the proper location and size for a large herd. These considerations include: the manager's ability to obtain a high level of production from his cows, his willingness to specialize, the availability of adequate supplies of feed, and the location of the farm in relation to metropolitan areas.

Some of the methods used to obtain a high level of production include: an identification system for all animals, complete and accurate records, estrus detection, strict culling practices, disease prevention measures, grouping and feeding animals according to their production, and a repeatable system for the operator to detect and solve problems in his operation.

The cost of labor is increasing more rapidly than the cost of machinery. Mechanization should be employed whenever possible to reduce the labor requirement, provided the cost is not so high as to deprive the dairyman of working capital. Feeding systems are particularly adaptable to mechanization. It is often profitable to use feeds of special preparation to facilitate mechanized handling. To obtain and keep high-quality labor, dairymen must make their operations competitive with other employment opportunities on the basis of work hours and wages.