The performance, health, and welfare of the lactating cow are reflections of the quality of care received at every stage its life.
Performance depends on converting feed nutrients into milk.
Over the last 20 years, milk production has increased markedly due to improvements in genetics, nutrition, milking systems, facility design, health programs, care, and management. The welfare and care of the lactating cows are critical for the success of the dairy and providing the consumer with a safe and wholesome dairy product. Cold stress symptoms in dairy cattle are difficult to observe. The cow adapts to the stress of cold weather by increasing appetite and diverting energy from milk production to producing body heat. A heavier winter coat also helps the animal adapt.