A tech-driven approach to herd health

Running a successful dairy operation today means finding ways to boost efficiency while keeping your herd healthy. Doug Hubby, general manager of Shamrock Foods, a 20,000-head dairy operation in Arizona, has embraced technology to tackle some tough challenges on the farm. By using innovative solutions, Doug has not only solved problems but also shown how technology can improve dairy farm management.

Tackling mineral and vitamin waste 

Doug noticed a big problem when feeding micro ingredients to his cattle outdoors. The wind was blowing them away, wasting money and leading to uneven nutrition for the herd. This waste affected the farm's finances and posed risks to cattle health because they weren't getting the nutrients they needed for optimal milk production. 

Doug turned to ingredient delivery technology to solve this issue. By converting minerals and vitamins from powder to a slurry, he reduced the risk of waste. The technology pumps nutrients directly into feed wagons, ensuring that every cow gets the right dose. This change not only cut down on shrink but also improved cattle health. Shamrock Farms saw a 7 percent drop in hoof health issues, a 2.5 percent reduction in ketosis, and a 3.1 percent decrease in metritis. Improvements like these show how consistent nutrition can boost animal welfare and productivity. 

Optimizing udder treatment and teat dip preparation 

Doug faced another challenge with the flexibility of udder treatment and teat dip preparation. Traditional methods weren't agile enough to adjust mixtures based on changing weather conditions, leading to inefficiencies and health risks for the cattle. 

Doug adopted the Pro-Control Mixer, a system that works like a “soda machine,” allowing quick adjustments to udder treatment mixtures. With this technology, Doug can prepare barrier dips in advance of bad weather, protecting his cattle and keeping them healthy. This lowered the somatic cell count in his herd to below 100,000, a key indicator of udder health. Plus, it reduced the need to store multiple product totes, optimizing space and boosting efficiency. 

A systematic approach to technology implementation

The dairy industry is changing, and technology is playing a bigger role in its success. Doug's strategy of reducing waste, improving consistency, enhancing animal health, and increasing efficiency has transformed his dairy management practices. By addressing each challenge with specific technological solutions, Doug has created a more sustainable and productive operation. This systematic approach can lead to big improvements in efficiency and animal health.  

As other dairy producers face the complexities of modern farming, Doug's story is a great example. Embracing technology and focusing on sustainable practices will help the dairy industry thrive for years to come. Partnering with MWI Animal Health gives producers access to the tools and expertise they need to enhance their operations, benefiting both their cattle and their bottom line.