The new parlor is a double twelve, rapid exit with an automatic ID system. We operate with one person in the pit and are able to milk more than 500 cows in about 6 hours. The old parlor gave way to a new freestall barn which will allow us to house the entire herd of more than 600 cows. Consider this an open invitation to come and visit the unit any time you are in the area. You do not need to call ahead, but, if you do, we can be prepared to give you a tour of the facilities.
Heat stress is rough on dairy cows.
It causes a drop in feed intake at a time when the cows' energy requirements climb as they try to cool themselves. It also appears that heat stress lessens a cow's capacity to buffer the acidity in her own rumen. A cow will slug feed, do more sorting of feed, and ruminate less when the temperature rises into the 80's. All of these factors can make the rumen more acidic. In addition, as the cow pants to cool herself, the amount of bicarbonate available to buffer the rumen decreases.