Santafé Agroinstituto US - Dairy Cattle

The score of this manure is 1.

Technical Justification:

Extremely watery consistency, with feces spread out, absence of a central depression and shallow piles, indicating an inability to retain form.

Very high moisture level, with visibly present liquid around and saturated feces, which are typical characteristics of diarrhea.

Predominantly pasty and liquid texture, lacking structure or visible fiber particles, reinforcing the diagnosis of accelerated transit and poor digestion.

Zootechnical Implications:

A Manure Score 1 is associated with impaired digestibility, increased excretion of water and nutrients in the feces, and may indicate negative energy balance, even with adequate intake of metabolizable energy (NASEM, 2021).

The main potential causes include:

Excess soluble protein and/or rumen-undegradable protein, leading to increased nitrogen and water excretion (NASEM, 2021).

Deficiency in physically effective fiber, which accelerates intestinal transit and reduces nutrient digestibility.

Digestive disturbances (such as subclinical ruminal acidosis or enteric infections), which reduce digesta retention time and increase water and mineral excretion (NASEM, 2021).

High intake of sodium and potassium, which can increase water consumption and, consequently, fecal moisture (NASEM, 2021).

Practical Recommendations:

Evaluate the diet in terms of the balance between physically effective fiber and concentrates, levels of soluble protein, and minerals (especially Na and K).

Investigate possible sanitary causes (infections, parasitoses).

Monitor other animals in the group to determine whether the issue is individual or collective.

Adjust diet formulation as needed, prioritizing high-quality fiber supply and control of excess protein and minerals.

Reference:
NASEM et al. (2021). Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle: Eighth Revised Edition. The National Academies Press.

2 months ago | [YT] | 11

Santafé Agroinstituto US - Dairy Cattle

The Holstein cow’s body condition score (BCS) is estimated at 3.0 to 3.25 on the standard 1–5 scale (where 1 = emaciated, 5 = obese). This assessment is supported by the following observations:

- Lumbar region: Spine is well-covered, not sharply prominent.
- Hip and pin bones: Discernible but with moderate fat and muscle coverage, no deep hollows.
- Tail head: Moderate fat cover, neither sharp nor excessively mounded.

This BCS range is considered ideal to slightly above ideal for a high-producing dairy cow, especially in mid-lactation, reflecting a healthy balance between energy reserves and production demands (NASEM, 2021; Utamy et al., 2024).

Phase-Specific Guidance:

- Transition/Early Lactation (0–70 DIM):
Target BCS at calving is 3.0–3.25. Cows should not lose more than 0.5 BCS units in early lactation. Over-conditioned cows (>3.5) at calving are at higher risk for metabolic disorders, while under-conditioned cows (<2.75) may have reduced production and fertility (NASEM, 2021; Akbar et al., 2015).
- Mid-Lactation (70–180 DIM):
BCS of 2.75–3.25 is optimal. Your described cow fits well within this range, supporting sustained milk yield and reproductive performance (NASEM, 2021).
- Late Lactation (180 DIM to dry-off):
Cows should regain condition if needed, aiming for 3.0–3.5 at dry-off to prepare for the next lactation (NASEM, 2021).

References:

- Utamy, R.F. et al. 2024. Performance, Physiological Status, and Heat Tolerance of Holstein Friesian Dairy Cows at Different Lactation Phases. Advances in Animal and Veterinary Sciences.
- NASEM. 2021. Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle: Eighth Revised Edition. The National Academies Press.
- Akbar, H. et al. 2015. Body condition score at calving affects systemic and hepatic transcriptome indicators of inflammation and nutrient metabolism in grazing dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science.

2 months ago | [YT] | 16

Santafé Agroinstituto US - Dairy Cattle

For over 50 years, Dr. Hutjens has taught dairy cow management and nutrition. Together, we’ve recorded over 100 hours of lessons, in 6 languages, for more than 2,000 students in 80 countries. Every week, he records the Angel video, sharing the latest research and practical tips. At 79, he continues to inspire and actively participate in the International Community, connecting nutritionists worldwide. Recording with him is an indescribable honor.

Free Class: santafeagroinstituto.com/free-classes/

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1 year ago | [YT] | 39

Santafé Agroinstituto US - Dairy Cattle

Learn a little about the story of Dr. Mike Hutjens, one of the greatest experts in Dairy Cow Management and Nutrition.

Mike Hutjens is one of the big names that we have the pleasure of working with and universalizing his knowledge through International Dairy Cow Management and Nutrition Training.

The most complete training that will teach you how to formulate diets at NASEM 2021, mastering modern and efficient concepts to stand out in this market.

If you want to know more about international training and be part of it, say “I want” here in the comments or in our direct message.

#dairy #cattle #dairycattle #cow #veterinarian #animalscientist

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1 year ago | [YT] | 10

Santafé Agroinstituto US - Dairy Cattle

Choosing the installation project for the dairy herd is an important task to help with the nutrition, comfort and productivity of these animals.

Here we have separated 4 housing systems that you need to know about.

Have you ever worked with any of these systems? Tell us in the comments the advantages and disadvantages you identified.

#dairy #cattle #dairycattle #cow #veterinarian #animalscientist

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1 year ago | [YT] | 9

Santafé Agroinstituto US - Dairy Cattle

Understanding the specificities of each stage of lactation and pregnancy of the dairy cow will be essential to formulate a diet that best meets your needs.

Drag to the side and understand the main differences in the diet for each stage of a dairy cow's life.

Already saved so you can consult it later.

#dairy #cattle #dairycattle #cow #veterinarian #animalscientist

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1 year ago | [YT] | 4