Hard at Work

We're doing the QMPS (Quality Milk Production Services)

proud. We helped Dr. Jess analyze a milking system

in a tradition NZ milking shed. We even used the Tri-Scan!

Jess saw a case of Facial Eczema - a disease that is common in pasture based systems in NZ. The disease is caused by ingestion of spores (fungal spores), it causes liver damage/bile duct obstruction, leading to secondary dermal photosensitization (only on the white haired areas of the cow). It's a new & interesting disease for us, and possibly a Senior Seminar topic.

This pic shows cows lined up in the parlor and marked after their first induction shot. A second shot will be given in 2-weeks and causes parturition to happen 48-hours following the 2nd shot. It's amazing to think that this cow will go on to develop a healthy full udder in 2 weeks time. Time will tell. We saw this heifer yesterday, she severed her extensor tendon on her back leg a few weeks ago. She has been in a splint since then and is making remarkable progess.