When it comes to dairy farming, maintaining the health and productivity of your herd is paramount. With the ever-evolving challenges in dairy health management, there's a constant need for innovative and efficient diagnostic solutions. That's where PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing comes in. At The Dairy Authority, we understand the importance of accurateand rapid diagnostic tools. We have fully embraced PCR testing to ensure your herd's optimal health and performance.
PCR testing is considered the gold standard in molecular diagnostics. It detects the presence of specific genetic material in samples, allowing for the precise identification of various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This accuracy helps ensure the correct treatment is administered, minimizing the risk of resistance development and improving overall herd health.
Time is of the essence when dealing with potential outbreaks and infections in your dairy herd. PCR testing offers results within hours, enabling swift decision-making and implementation of appropriate management practices. Early detection and intervention can significantly reduce the impact of diseases on your herd's productivity.
Although the initial cost of PCR testing may seem higher than traditional diagnostic methods, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment. Accurate and timely diagnosis leads to targeted treatments and improved health management, reducing the need for blanket treatments and decreasing the risk of productivity losses.
PCR testing can be applied to various sample types, such as milk, blood, tissue, and fecal samples, offering flexibility in testing procedures. This versatility enables comprehensive health monitoring from mastitis pathogens, such as Mycoplasma, staph aureus, and strep. Ag., to BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhea), and even identifying A2 cows in your herd.
PCR technology constantly evolves, and new tests and improvements are developed regularly. At The Dairy Authority, we stay at the forefront of these advancements, ensuring we provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date diagnostic solutions for your dairy herd.
BVD is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to a range of health issues, including reproductive disorders, immunosuppression, and decreased milk production. BVD can infect susceptible cattle of all ages but is especially costly to producers when it infects pregnant females. Fetal infection between 60-120 days gestation may result in a Persistently Infected (PI) calf, which then becomes a lifetime carrier of the virus and the source of propagation of the virus in the herd. BVD control programs are geared toward identifying PI animals and promptly removing them (permanently) from the population. Our BVD testing services are designed to accurately detect the presence of the virus, allowing you to take swift action to control its spread and minimize its impact on your herd.
Johne's Disease, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, is a chronic and debilitating condition affecting cattle’s intestinal tract. Early detection is crucial in controlling this disease, as it can cause severe weight loss, reduced milk production, and even death. Bacteria are shed in high numbers in the feces of infected cattle and through the milk and colostrum. Once infected, cattle are shedders for life and this shedding increases during periods of stress such as during calving, making the newborns and young calves the most susceptible. Identification of cows that are possible carriers and segregating them at calving is one strategy to attempt to decrease the spread of Johne’s within a herd, and our Johne's Disease testing services provide reliable results, empowering you to implement targeted control measures and protect your herd's health.
Look for pathogens such as Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilussomni, Bibersteinia trehalosi, and Mycoplasma bovis.
E. coli, salmonella sp., cryptosporidia sp.
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that can cause severe reproductive issues, including abortions and congenital infections. Our Neospora testing services are designed to identify infected animals, enabling you to manage the disease effectively and maintain the reproductive health of your herd.
There is a wide range of options for incorporating sample-based pregnancy tests into your breeding program. Some dairies rely on them entirely, while others use them for initial pregnancy screening(s) and combine them with follow-up, manual exams.
Sample-based tests using blood may begin 60 days after calving and can be performed as early as 26-28 days since last heat. For milk, testing at 28 days since last heat or later is advised. This timely information allows you to address open animals quickly and efficiently.
The major sample-based tests on the market have extremely accurate results of 98-99% sensitivity and 95% specificity.
A capable team of 3 individuals can pretty easily manage gathering samples: one person wanding cows, and the other 2 drawing blood and marking and storing the samples. From our experience, this can happen in about a third of the time it would take to ultrasound or palpate the same group of cows.
There is excellent synergy between timed A.I. programs; rumen- and activity-based heat detection programs such as(SCR®); and sample-based pregnancy testing. Depending on labor availability, holidays, etc., the scheduling of sample collection can be adjusted a few days on the front side of re-starting a timed A.I. protocol, providing flexibility on the dairy.
BHBA testing is essential for the early detection of subclinical ketosis, a metabolic disorder that can negatively impact milk production and reproductive performance. Our BHBA testing services help you identify and manage ketosis, ensuring optimal herd health and productivity.
NEFA testing provides valuable insights into the energy balance of your dairy cows, particularly during the transition period. By monitoring NEFA levels, you can optimize nutritional strategies and prevent metabolic disorders, such as fatty liver and ketosis, promoting the health and performance of your herd.
Calcium is a critical nutrient for dairy cows, particularly around calving time. Our Calcium testing services enable you to monitor calcium levels and make informed decisions about dietary supplementation and management practices to prevent milk fever and other calcium-related disorders.
Magnesium plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including energy metabolism and nerve function. Our Magnesium testing services help you ensure adequate magnesium levels in your herd, supporting optimal health and performance.
Phosphorous is an essential nutrient for dairy cattle, playing a vital role in bone development, energy metabolism, and overall health. Our Phosphorous testing services provide insights into the phosphorous status of your herd, allowing you to optimize feeding strategies and prevent potential deficiencies.
Potassium is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Our Potassium testing services help you monitor potassium levels in your herd, ensuring optimal health and performance.
Your herd's health and productivity, amplified.
