New York Farmers’ Best Practices for Caring for Their Animals

Dairy farming is a vital industry in New York and dairy farmers play a critical role in ensuring that their cows are well-cared for and healthy. Here are some of the best practices that New York dairy farmers use to care for their animals.

Proper nutrition

One of the most important aspects of caring for dairy cows is providing them with a balanced diet to ensure a happy, healthy, and productive life. Dairy farmers work with dairy cattle nutritionists to design and balance the diet their cows receive. 

Dairy cows are ruminants, meaning their stomach – or rumen -- is like a large fermentation vat. It contains bacteria that digest the cow's feed and convert it into energy and protein. 

Keeping the bacteria in the rumen healthy allows the cow to digest fiber. As a result, the rumen allows the cows to convert hay and other fibrous feeds into protein-rich milk that humans can use to keep us healthy and productive.

Regular Health check-ups

Much like the standard advice given to humans, it's essential to regularly check the cows' health with a routine physical examination rather than waiting until a cow shows signs of distress or illness. 

The frequency of scheduled veterinarian visits depends on herd size. However, frequent herd visits allow practitioners to examine cows early in the course of the disease when the likelihood of successful treatment is higher. These routine visits enable veterinarians to monitor the outcome of treatments and modify treatment protocols as needed. Furthermore, these visits serve as a means for veterinarians to work closely with farm personnel for training and information exchange.

Practicing good hygiene

Cleanliness is vital for the health and welfare of cattle, as dirtiness increases the risk of sick animals and can compromise milk production. Cleanliness includes regular maintenance of the barns and pastures and appropriate manure management techniques such as composting or using it as fertilizer. Proper manure management not only helps to keep the cows healthy but also helps to protect the environment.

By providing proper nutrition, regular health check-ups, and hygiene management, dairy farmers prioritize the welfare of their animals, ensuring the safety and quality of the milk produced. These practices benefit not only the animals but also the industry and the communities they serve.