What is overmilking, and what can be done to avoid it?

Overmilking occurs when the milking unit remains on the cow after milk flow has dropped below a predetermined amount, usually in the range of 0.5 to 1 pounds per minute. Overmilking is something to be concerned about because it may have an adverse affect on teat condition and udder health.

The effective and safe handling, or stockmanship, of the herd has always been very important in dairy operations. Recent events in which cows were mistreated in our industry have attracted the unwanted attention of animal-welfare groups, causing an unfavorable public opinion toward dairy operations and their personnel.

Generally speaking, most people associated with the dairy industry are grateful to this noble animal, and their top priority is the cows’ welfare; unfortunately, due to a few people who do not think this way, everybody in the industry pays.

Good intentions can lead to mistakes. That’s why you need to follow protocols when you treat sick cows. Protocols are not only guidelines to follow; they are the law by which you must live.

Well-written protocols not only describe the health condition of the cows you treat; they should also define the type, amount and route of administration of the medicines you use.

Hot weather during the summer season is a predictable issue that must be dealt with on most dairy farms. Sunny, hot summer days with high temperatures between 75ºF and 115ºF are not the best conditions for lactating dairy cows.

The reductions in animal performance that are often associated with these weather conditions can be minimized with appropriate animal, dietary and environmental management systems.

Outside environmental temperatures exceeding 100°F can cause significant stress on cattle. This heat stress is often enhanced by excessive humidity.

When the heat index (a combination of temperature and humidity, which are added together to give one an idea of how hot it feels outside) exceeds 100°F, cattle may become significantly stressed, resulting in decreased milk production, poor reproductive performance, increased incidences of mastitis, uterine and other infections and death.