Dairy herd health management.
Estrual cows are more likely to be recognized if penned with other open cows. Cycling cows fresh less than 100 days, without signs of heat or a follicle but with good uterine tone and signs of ovarian activity, are closely observed for heat 15-20 days after examination. Those fresh at least 150 days are given prostaglandin. Lugol's iodine solution is infused into the uterus of cows without signs of ovarian activity but with normal uterine tone. Cows with retained fetal membranes are given an intrauterine infusion of oxytetracycline with the membranes being removed only if it will not damage the uterus. Oxytetracycline or chlorhexidine solution is infused into the uterus of cows with a purulent vulvar discharge 2 or more weeks postpartum. Prostaglandins may benefit cows not showing signs of heat by 21 days postpartum. Procaine penicillin G solution is infused if the uterus is abnormal at 60 days postpartum. Heifers are vaccinated against brucellosis, blackleg, leptospirosis, IBR-PI3 and BVD at 4-11 months of age, with an optional Vibrio vaccination if a bull is used in the herd. Cows are given IBR-PI3, BVD and Leptospira vaccines a few days post-partum, with a Leptospira booster at pregnancy examination. Cows with Streptococcus mastitis in late lactation may best be treated by drying off. Control of coliform mastitis necessitates a clean barn and milking parlor environment. Staphylococcus mastitis may require segregation of affected cows and installation of a low-line milker to prevent spread.