Improving Large Dairy Herd Management Practices: Review of Regional Project NC-119

Abstract

Scientists at 17 experiment stations have cooperated in research on several problems of dairy herd management associated with increasing size of herd. Research has been grouped under six major topics: 1) to identify animals and retrieve information; 2) to raise calves and replacements; 3) to manage and feed cows in groups; 4) to measure social and sexual behavior and increase efficiency of reproduction; 5) to develop milking, housing, and waste-handling systems to improve efficiency of labor; and 6) to use computers to make decisions for management. Important results have been contributed in each area through the combined efforts of several scientists, each working on a different aspect of a problem. Results have been documented in nearly 200 scientific and popular reports. Although this project originated in the North Central region, it now involves at least two experiment stations from each of the other regions. This broadens the scope of the research and brings in scientific expertise and management situations from a broad range of environments. Consequently, the results should have application to dairying nationwide. © 1978, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.