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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #208813
Title: Aim for 55-Day Dry Period for Top Production

Author
item Hutchison, Jana
item Kuhn, Melvin
item Norman, H

Submitted to: Jersey Journal
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/30/2007
Publication Date: 6/1/2007
Citation: Hutchison, J.L., Kuhn, M.T., Norman, H.D. 2007. Aim for 55-Day Dry Period for Top Production. Jersey Journal. 54(6):73-74.

Interpretive Summary: The research cited in this article determined the optimal dry period length (the number of days between lactations when a cow is not being milked) for US Jersey cows using traits such as milk, fat, and protein yield, fat and protein percentages, somatic cell score, and days open. This was accomplished by analyzing lifetime production, production across two lactations, and production in the subsequent lactation. A secondary objective was to characterize dry period lengths for US Jerseys. This article is useful on a farm level because recommendations and management strategies to dairy producers are provided. It is intended for a national dairy publication.

Technical Abstract: The research cited in this article determined the optimal dry period length (the number of days between lactations when a cow is not being milked) for US Jersey cows using traits such as milk, fat, and protein yield, fat and protein percentages, somatic cell score, and days open. This was accomplished by analyzing lifetime production, production across two lactations, and production in the subsequent lactation. A secondary objective was to characterize dry period lengths for US Jerseys. This article is useful on a farm level because recommendations and management strategies to dairy producers are provided. It is intended for a national dairy publication.