Dairy

Production

Managing Dairy Grazing for Better Grass and More Milk (Oregon State University)

Pasture and grazing management is a science that dairy managers can learn and apply. The study of how pastures grow and how the dairy cow uses them provides the scientific knowledge needed to manage pastures effectively

Owning a Dairy Cow or Goat (Oregon State University)

If you already own a cow or goat, this publication will give you information about caring for your animal and using the milk produced. If you are still choosing, remember there is a tremendous variation in the capacity of individual dairy cows and goats to produce milk.

Raising Newborn Calves (Oregon State University)

How to raise calves without their mother.

Good Farm Equipment Sanitation Means Better Milk Quality Tests (Oregon State University)

For any dairy food, milk bacteria counts, handling, and cleanliness dictate the flavor and keeping quality of the finished product. High-quality milk with low bacteria counts and the potential for long shelf life starts on the farm with clean, sanitized cows and equipment.

Grass-Based and Seasonal Dairying (ATTRA)

Grass-based dairies differ from confinement dairies because cows harvest their own feed, reducing the need for costly supplemental feed and other purchased supplies. However, they require considerably more management skill. Seasonal operations have increased challenges in breeding all cows in a short period and in planning for loss of income during the off season.

The Economics of Grass-based Dairying (ATTRA)

Discusses economics of dairies, land requirements for grazing dairies, supplemental feed, seasonal dairies, labor and profitability.

Raising Dairy Heifers on Pasture (ATTRA)

Offers references on pasture and grazing, discusses custom heifer-raising and costs of raising heifers on pasture.

Manure & Nutrient Management

Nutrient Management for Dairy Production: Dairy Manure as a Fertilizer Source (Oregon State University)

This publication examines several aspects of the nutrient content and value of dairy manure: Nutrient flow through a dairy, distribution of nutrients in manure, dairy manure nutrient content, and the value of manure

Reducing the Risk of Groundwater Contamination from Livestock Manure Management (Oregon State University

The challenge in managing manure is to apply it in the quantity and method that will meet the following objectives: provide the proper amount of nitrogen and phosphorus, prevent manure from being carried off the land surface due to runoff, and assure that nutrients are not carried beyond the root zone to contribute to ground-water contamination. 

Manure Management in Small Farm Livestock Operations: Protecting Surface and Groundwater Oregon State University

Composting: An Alternative for Livestock Manure Management and Disposal of Dead Animals (Oregon State University)

Livestock producers constantly face the challenge of managing manure, dead animal disposal, and meeting environmental regulations. Composting is a possible alternative for handling manure. The benefits include reduced volume, enhanced soil fertility and texture, and reduced environmental risk.

Nutrition

Dry Cow Feeding Management (Oregon State University)

The dry, or nonmilking, period late in pregnancy is critical to preparing a dairy cow for the next lactation. Dry cows have special nutritional and management needs. Proper care and feeding at this time will return more milk and healthier cows in the next lactation

Evaluating Grain for Livestock Feed (Oregon State University)

Producers need to develop "a good eye" for grain quality. The purpose here are to define those grain characteristics that you can visually evaluate and to discuss their importance in determining the feed value of a grain.

Valuing Forages Based on Moisture and Nutrient Content (Oregon State University)

The objective of this publication is to calculate the cost of home-grown forages and to attempt to value these forages against the costs of purchasing high-quality forages.

Meeting the Nutritional Needs of Ruminants on Pasture (ATTRA)

Provides managers with tools and references to consider biological and climatological variables
and make decisions that ensure the ecological and economic viability of a grass-based ruminant
livestock operation.

Health

White Muscle and Other Selenium-Responsive Diseases of Livestock (Oregon State University)

Other Dairy Resources

OSU Dairy Program
OSU Extension Dairy Program
Oregon Department of Agriculture Rules and Regulations for Dairies