University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Extension Publications

Know how. Know now.

Keywords: dairy

Hiring Non-Farm Dairy Personnel, G1114
The number of workers available with farm backgrounds continues to decrease; many producers are looking at on-farm background workers to meet their needs.

How to Interview a Prospective Employee and Complete the I-9 Form, G1578
Interviewing and hiring new employees and dealing with documentation can be a daunting job in a dairy enterprise. This NebGuide lists questions that can and cannot be asked of a prospective employee during the interview process, and concerns regarding the authenticity of the I-9 Form.

Supplemental Fat For High-Producing Dairy Cows, G1581
This NebGuide describes the various sources of supplemental fat available to dairy producers, and guidelines for their effective use in lacting cow rations.

How to Body Condition Score Dairy Animals, G1583
Routinely scoring the body condition of dairy animals can help detect potential problems that might decrease milk production.

Managing Dairy Labor, G1584
Managing employees probably is the most important job in a dairy. These tips will make it easier.

Examples of Job Descriptions for Major Positions on Dairy Farms, G1585
This NebGuide details the process of developing a job description for positions in the dairy industry.

Understanding Milling Feed Byproducts For Dairy Cattle, G1586
This NebGuide discusses nutritional composition of ethanol byproducts.

Feeding Corn Gluten for Dairy Cows: Wet Corn Gluten Versus Wet Distillers Grains, G1588
What differences in milk yield and percents of solids nonfat, fat and milk urea nitrogen (MUN) might occur in two different diets for dairy cattle.

Estrus (Heat) Detection Guidelines, G952
Ways to spot cows in heat are covered in this NebGuide.

How to Reduce Heat Stress in Dairy Cattle, G1582
Four ways to reduce heat stress and maintain product and fertility in dairy cattle are outlined in this NebGuide.

Understanding Effective Fiber in Rations for Dairy Cattle, G1587
Fiber type, quality and length are key to herd health and production.

Trans Fatty Acids - Nutrient Listing Required by 2006 , NF615
This publication explains how trans fatty acids will be listed on the nutrition facts label found on packaged foods.

At What Weight Should Holstein Heifers Freshen?, G819
This guide offers research findings on the appropriate weights for Holstein heifer freshening and suggests producers be aware of economic considerations involved in heifer freshening.

Nebraska Dairy Report 1997-1998, MP68
Annual Report of University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dairy Research for 1997-1998

Nebraska Dairy Report, 1999-2000, MP74
Annual Report of University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dairy Research for 1999-2000

Nebraska Dairy Report 2001-2002, MP78
Annual Report of University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dairy Research for 2001-2002

Nebraska Dairy Report, 2003-2004, MP82
Annual Report of University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dairy Research for 2003-2004

It's Snack Time, G1033
Learn how snacks affect your overall diet and how to select healthful snacks that meet your dietary needs.

Dairy Cattle Insect Management, G1141
Information on controlling flies, lice, grubs and mange mites on dairy cattle.

Face Fly Control Guide, G1204
The face fly congregates about the eyes and nose of animals, causing annoyance and possible disease transmission. This NebGuide discusses face fly breeding and effective controls.

A Guide for the Control of Flies in Nebraska Feedlots and Dairies, G355
Flies, especially stable and house flies, can create serious and costly problems for feedlot and dairy operations. This NebGuide describes several methods for control.

Making Yogurt at Home, G449
Tangy, nutritions yogurt can be made at home with regular kitchen utensils, and often is less expensive than buying it. This NebGuide describes how.

Cattle Grub Control in Nebraska, G409
The cattle grub growth cycle and treatments, as well as warnings and restrictions, are described in this NebGuide.

Stable Fly Control on Cattle, G1152
Stable fly control in feedlots and dairy cattle is covered in this NebGuide.

Nutritional Management of the High-Producing Dairy Cow in the 21st Century, G1629
This NebGuide discusses important aspects of grouping and feeding systems, body conditioning and nutritional requirements for high-producing dairy cows.

How to Estimate a Dairy Herd's Reproductive Losses, G1652
Remedies for herd losses caused by calving interval, dry periods, A.I. performance, and age at first freshening.

Dairy Health Management for Optimum Production and Reproductive Performance, G1285
Maintaining a healthy herd is a constant challenge to today's dairy producer. This NebGuide suggests ways to increase and maintain the quality of your dairy herd.

Does Feeding Distillers Grains to Dairy Cows Affect Milk Components?, G1679
This NebGuide discusses whether milk production is affected by including distillers grains in the diets of dairy cows.

How are Milk Components Related?, G1674
This NebGuide discusses genetic correlations of yield traits and percentage traits and how to use these relationships in selection and culling programs.

How Much Does Dairy Sire Semen Really Cost?, G1673
Factors to consider in determining the true cost of dairy sire semen are discussed here.

How to Set Goals for Your Breeding Program, G755
This NebGuide describes how to determine which dairy cow trait(s) to select for and how multiple trait selection affects genetic progress.

Can You Afford to Use Bovine Somatrophin (Bovine Growth Hormone)?, G1664
Factors to consider before using Bovine Somatrophin in your dairy herd are covered here.

Developing Dairy Heifer Rearing Expenses, G1662
This NebGuide discusses the pros and cons to consider as dairy producers evaluate raising their own replacement heifers or contracting with someone else to raise replacements.

How to Write a Dairy Job Description, G1653
This NebGuide leads you through the process of developing a job description for positions in the dairy industry.

Should You Consider Expanding Your Dairy Herd?, G1655
Benefits -- and possible drawbacks -- from expanding an existing dairy operation are discussed in this NebGuide.

How to Interpret and Use the ProStaph 1(TM) Test, G1657
The ProStaph 1(TM) Test can identify cows that are infected with mastitis but have no visible symptoms. This NebGuide how to interpret and use the test.

How to Interpret the DHIA 520 Somatic Cell Count Profile, G1656
Examining DHIA somatic cell count reports and using them as valuable aid in identifying the major causes of individual herds are provided in this publication.

Genetics and Management of Sound Feet and Legs in Dairy Animals, G1659
Demonstrates the various genetic traits associated with claw length, toe angle, toe length and other elements of sound feet and legs.

Feeding to Maximize Milk Protein and Fat Yields, G1358
Proper feeding management of dairy herds can both improve the economy of production and provide a healthier cow. To achieve these goals, producers must feed to increaase production of milk with maximum levels of milk fat and protein.

Dairy 10-Point Quality Control Program -- Mastitis Treatment Records, G1666
Presents mastitis treatment record keeping system to help dairy farmers reduce risk of adulterated milk entering the tank.

How to Maximize Income By Managing Days Dry, G1665
There are benefits to maintaining the optimum calving interval. This publication suggests ways to accomplish this reproductive management technique.

How to Use the National Genetic Evaluations for Somatic Cell Scores, G1658
Using the National Genetic Evalulations for Somatic Cell Scores can aid producers in selecting sires.

What Management Practices Are High Producing Dairy Herds Using?, G1663
Management practices used by high producing dairy operations are outlined in this publication.

Milk Urea Nitrogen Testing, G1661
This NebGuide explains how to properly test for milk urea nitrogren (MUN) in dairy herds and how to interpret the results.

Managing Dairy Cattle for Cow Comfort and Maximum Intake, G1660
This NebGuide describes housing, milking and feeding systems that promote cow comfort, maximum feed intake and profitability.

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports 1996-2010, MP100
Table of contents that links to annual Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports from 1996 to 2010 and annual report summaries for 2001 to 2010.

Feeding the Bovine Somatotropin (BST) Treated Dairy Cow , G1654
This NebGuide discusses proper feeding management of dairy cows treated with bovine somatotropin (BST).

Dairy Cow Health and Metabolic Disease Relative to Nutritional Factors, G1743
This NebGuide describes the various implications and effects of dairy cow metabolic problems, their causes and management recommendations for prevention.

Economic Indexes for Beef Sire Selection, G1847
Economic indexes allow for multiple EPDs -- Expected Progeny Differences and have been adopted by both swine and dairy industries for some time. This publication provides more information about indexing and its elements.

Impact of Feeding Distillers Grains on Nutrient Management Planning on Dairy Farms, RP193
Feeding distillers grains to dairy cattle involves changes in land, time and other costs. This guide explains more about what's involved in manure nutrient management.

Hoop Barns for Dairy Cattle, AED51
One of six booklets in a series from the Midwest Plan Service, Hoop Barns for Dairy Cattle, discusses hoop barns as a low-cost, efficient solution and addresses topics including when to consider hoop barns, hoop barn management, using hoop barns for dairy operations, designing and erecting hoop barns, environment and ventilation, and bedding and manure handling.

Raising Dairy Replacements, MWPSRDR
Written by experts at four major agricultural universities, Raising Dairy Replacements from the Midwest Plan Service explains fetal calf development and birth, including delivery, calf health, feeding, housing and general management, heifer development, health, nutrition, reproduction, environment, housing and general management, and prevention and treatment of mastitis.

Healthy Meals for Healthy Kids: Ages 6-12 Years -- Leader Guide, HEF552
Good health begins with good nutrition. This family-oriented guide helps adults and children learn how to design meals based on nutrients and appropriate serving sizes. Participant guide also available. Order printed copies from your local Extension office.

Healthy Meals for Healthy Kids: Ages 6-12 Years -- Participant Manual, HEF553
Good health begins with good nutrition. This family-oriented guide helps adults and children learn how to design meals based on nutrients and appropriate serving sizes. Leader guide also available.

Nebraska — An Opportunity for Dairy Expansion and Relocation, G1975
Anyone looking to relocate or build a dairy can find several advantages in Nebraska.

Inbreeding: Effect on Milk Production Reduction, G1980
A study of lactation records showed that inbreeding can result in a significant decrease in milk production over an entire lactation.

Attending Fairs: Safeguarding Your Health and Nebraska's Livestock Industry, G1693
Simple sanitary practices when visiting areas where livestock is exhibited can protect the health of people and animals.

Banned Mammalian Protein -- What Does it Mean?, G1692
Feeds for ruminant animals should not contain meat or bone meal derived from ruminants.

Biosecurity: Protecting Your Health and the Health of Your Animals, G1694
Animal exhibitors at fairs need to understand what measures need to be taken to prevent the spread of disease among animals and people.

Guarding Against Contagious Livestock Diseases from Farm Visitors, G1689
This NebGuide addresses how certain activities increase the chances livestock will be exposed to contagious diseases.

Guidelines for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics in Food Animals, G1485
Explains why antibiotics must be used with care and how to prudently use antibiotics to treat food animals.

Information about Foot-and-Mouth Disease for Nebraska Residents, G1690
This NebGuide addresses foot-and-mouth disease, its causes and how to prevent it.

Nitrates in Livestock Feeding, G1779
This publication describes symptoms, causes, prevention and treatment of nitrate poisoning in livestock.

Preventing the Spread of Animal Diseases - Applications for Youth Livestock Shows, G1541
Biosecurity at youth livestock shows is key to helping prevent spread of disease.

Producing Milk with a Low Bacteria Count, G678
This NebGuide provides cleaning, sanitizing, mechanical, environmental and other procedures to follow to assure a low bacterial count in milk.

Prudent Use of Antibiotics in Companion Animals, G1501
This NebGuide explains why antibiotics must be used with care and how to prudently use antibiotics to treat companion animals.

Safe Use of Animal Medicines, G1576
This NebGuide promotes the safe use of livestock medications, what medicines may present particular problems, and recommendations for their safe use and application.

Understanding and Using a Feed Analysis Report, G1892
This NebGuide provides tips on how to interpret and use a feed analysis report.

Understanding Vaccines , G1445
This NebGuide explains the basics of vaccine value, the differences between types of vaccines used in animals, and discusses vaccine selection and vaccination program development.