By Blake Jackson
The Center for Dairy Excellence is again providing free Animal Care Protocol Record-Keeping Books to Pennsylvania dairy producers and veterinarians this spring. More than 7,600 copies have already been distributed across the state to help dairy operations meet National FARM Program record-keeping requirements related to animal care.
The updated books now align with FARM Version 5.0 standards and are designed to help farms maintain organized animal care records over a three-year period, particularly for smaller herds. Producers can request a free copy online or by phone at 717-788-0304.
“As you look at your dairy’s protocols this spring, it’s a great time to request a copy of this record-keeping book for your operation. These books have helped other producers establish a good system for managing animal care efforts and protocols,” said Valerie Mason-Faith, Risk Education Program Manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence.
“Each book should hold three years of FARM records and the books even include a family cow care agreement, pages to help producers document standard operating procedures and treatments of their dairy animals, dry cow protocols, and more.”
Several updates were made in the newest edition of the books. A dry cow protocol section has been added, and diarrhea is now included among the list of common illnesses. The colostrum and euthanasia sections were revised to reflect FARM 5.0 standards.
Additional improvements include a single running treatment log, a blank medication list for farmers to complete with veterinarians, and a medication reference list from the FARM Drug Residue Prevention Manual.
Photo Credit: center-for-dairy-excellence
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education, Livestock