Massages and Waterbeds Boost Milk Output in Cows

The Associated Press
Date: Tuesday May. 29, 2012 9:17 AM ET

CHILTON, Wis. — Lucky, a 7-year-old dairy cow, had been walking with a limp for several weeks when veterinarian Sara Gilbertson was called. Instead of prescribing painkillers, Gilbertson tried an unusual new therapy -- a chiropractic adjustment that included a full-length spinal massage.

Gilbertson rubbed the Holstein's spine by gently squeezing it from neck to tail, pausing to apply firm pressure to one hip and readjust several vertebrae. The cow stood in calm silence, moving only enough to reach another mouthful of hay. Later, as Lucky reclined on a bed of sand, Gilbertson noted with satisfaction how relaxed and comfortable the animal seemed.

Cow comfort has become a key concern for the nation's farmers, who have known for generations that contented cows give more milk. The traditional techniques for keeping cows happy aren't complicated -- feed them well, keep the temperature comfortable and give them room to move around. But some dairy farmers are turning to a new array of creative options intended to keep cows as mellow -- and productive -- as possible.

Some farmers have installed waterbeds for their cows to rest on, while others play classical music. And some hire animal chiropractors to give older cows a tuneup and correct minor issues in calves, all part of the effort to ensure maximum milk output.

Do the methods really work? There's no sound scientific data to back up the claims, but dairy farmers say they can see the difference with their own eyes -- cows are giving more milk, the milk quality is improving and the herds seem to be enjoying the indulgences.

"It's kind of like how an athlete with a sprained ankle isn't as productive," said Larry Meyer, 36, whose parents own the dairy farm in Chilton, Wis., where Lucky and another 115 dairy cows live. "If you can get a cow healthy and back to normal, it makes a difference in their productivity."

Cows can suffer injuries if they slip on a slick spot of concrete or get stepped on by another 1,500-pound bovine, and some calves get their necks kinked during the birthing process. The injuries can cause pain when the animals stand, making them reluctant to jostle for food and leading to compensatory injuries. That, in turn, leads to less milk production.

That's why farmers are willing to spend about $75 per session for a chiropractic adjustment.

"The cows tolerate it incredibly well," said Gilbertson, the veterinarian. "They may be apprehensive at first, until they figure out how good it feels."

Meyer didn't have specific figures on how much milk Lucky gave following her chiropractic treatments, but because her mother was the most productive cow in the herd, he wanted to make sure Lucky was in good shape.

While chiropractic care is reserved for injured cows, dairy farmers also are investing in healthy cows' happiness.

Richard Conrad installed $70,000 waterbeds on his farm in Grafton, Ohio, about a year ago. It took the 220 dairy cows a few months to adjust to the softer surface but now they seem to enjoy it, he said.

"They were real skeptical at first because it was real jiggly," said Conrad, 53, "but once they adapted they didn't look back. They just jump on and stay there."

The result has been milk with fewer impurities and in greater volume -- cows that used to give about 80 pounds of milk per day now average about 90 pounds, Conrad said. However, he couldn't credit the waterbeds with all the improvement; he also upgraded ventilation in his barns and installed misting technology to keep the herd cool.

Dairy farmers commonly adjust air, temperature and lighting to keep cows happy. Some have also installed large rotating brushes that gently scratch the cows' backs and massage their faces and shoulders, said Marcia Endres, a University of Minnesota Extension dairy scientist.

And some dairy producers have employed even more unusual techniques, even in absence of scientific data that justifies their use. In Germany, for example, the Dortmund Concert Hall plays recordings of different classical pieces for specific cows. The hall then serves milk from the respective cows during live concerts featuring those same pieces.

"Which means you'll now be able to both listen to and taste the musical highlights," the hall says in one advertisement.

Dairy experts agree the concept is entertaining, if a bit of a logical stretch. They also agree that dairy farmers need to be careful about introducing new techniques -- music, waterbeds, chiropractic care -- into a herd that's already relatively comfortable.

"Cows are creatures of habit. They like things to stay the same," Endres said. "So many producers like to not introduce too much change. Cows just don't like a lot of weird things happening to them."

Hesjedal becomes first Canadian to win Giro d'Italia

Updated: Sun May. 27 2012 19:57:21

CTVNews.ca Staff

Cyclist Ryder Hesjedal says he "left everything on the streets of Milan" to become the first Canadian to win the prestigious Giro d'Italia on Sunday.

The Victoria, B.C. native managed to capture the second biggest race behind the Tour de France with a come-from-behind victory over Spain's Joaquin Rodriguez in Sunday's final time trial.

Upon finishing, the 31-year-old Hesjedal said going into Sunday's final stage, he knew he "had to give everything" in order to win.

"I just left everything on the streets of Milan, and I was able to get enough time back and pull it off," Hesjedal told CTV News Channel in a telephone interview from Italy. "That's it. It's just focus, and not giving up the opportunity."

Hesjedal came into the day trailing by 31 seconds, but finished the 30-kilometre stage in 34:15 to win by 16 seconds to capture the pink jersey.

"This is the first time ever that we have had a cyclist in pink in Milan and it's a great day for Canadian cycling," Jacques Landry, the head coach of Cycling Canada, told News Channel. "This is definitely a great feat."

Hesjedal is now the first Canadian to win one of the three Grand Tour races and is an early favourite for next month's Tour de France.

"So far he has proven that he can come up where he has said he can perform and if the Tour de France is his next objective I am certain that he will show us again what he is made of," said Landry.

Hesjedal said he plans to enjoy the next few days, including a celebratory dinner with his teammates, friends and his wife, before drawing up a training plan for the Tour de France.

Hesjedal said his victory was the culmination of "years of hard work."

"It's unreal," he said. "I've been doing this for a long time but it still amazes me what we're able to accomplish. And I'm going to savour this for a long time."

Prime Minister Stephen Harper was among those to praise Hesjedal's victory.

"This remarkable win in one of bicycle racing's most grueling competitions is a testimony to Mr. Hesjedal's training, endurance, skill and competitive spirit," Harper said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Lance Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France winner, also praised Hesjedal.

"Congratulations to @ryder--hesjedal on his incredible victory in the #giro. Gotta love it when the best man wins," tweeted Armstrong.

A lovely birthday

Hello Everyone,

I had a very nice birthday yesterday. We had Crave cupcakes at work and Jerry took me out to dinner. Milestones has a Wednesday night date night menu of $50 for dinner for two (shared appetizer, entree each and shared dessert) and $5 off a bottle of wine. It was a lovely treat.

For my birthday, he got me Leonard Cohen tickets for his November concert and a fabulous bicycle purse. It's made by a company called po campo and it's designed to fit on the rack of a bike.

We had a great holiday weekend. Headed out to Banff on Saturday and set up our campsite. Barbequed steak and did foil packets of baby potatoes. Also did up a pear gorgonzola salad and yummy s'mores (using chocolate with salted toffee). And, it didn't snow over night. The fire was nice and since we don't have a balcony at home to barbeque, it was a special treat.

On Sunday we headed out to Ha Ling Peak. It's rated as an easy scramble/difficult hike. I was actually expecting to take a bit longer but we were right on the four hour mark. There were lots of people on the trail and would recommend it to anyone wanting to try their first scramble.

Monday I finished my final assignments for healthcare professionalism (yippee I'm not a student for two weeks!). We then headed out to Calaway Park to play on the roller coaster. I didn't feel so well after but it was worth it. So much fun.

On Saturday we have a refresher bicycle course. And Sunday is the Lilac festival.

Rainy for the past few days.

Have a great day!

Ha Ling Peak photos

Hello Everyone,

Here are my photos from Ha Ling peak, first scramble of the year. 4 hours round trip, including a nice rest at the top.

Phone Call Worries

Hello Everyone,

Here is an example of an increasing type of phone call at work. Names have been changed for stupidity.

Caller - Hi! My name is Mary Jones and my son Freddy works for you. He is buying a trailer/house/vehicle and needs his last two pay stubs faxed to our home.

Me - I'm sorry, I need to speak with Freddy for this type of request.

Caller - Oh, he's right here on the portch. I'll go get him.

Muffle, noise, etc

Caller 2 - Hello, I'm Freddy. I'm buying...

Me - (Confirms the request)

Background noise, confirming everything with his mom.

The End.

And these are people running multi-million dollar equipment.
And these are people who will be taking care of me in the old folk's home.

We're doomed...

Stupid Eye Lid

Hello Everyone,

I got a stye on Sunday and I'm still recovering. It was mostly red and itchy until yesterday morning. When I woke up, the whole eye lid was swollen so I went to the optometrist to make sure it wasn't anything serious. He confirmed my eye was fine but that I needed to go to the doctor asap for the infection.

So, I checked out a new clinic near our apartment. They were very nice, accepting new patients and also handle walk-ins. My family doctor stopped working at my old place a few years ago so I think I'll switch to this new clinic.

Now I'm on penicillin for the next week.

My medical terminology midterm went really well. I have my final booked for the 15th so hopefully I'll have both classes done before the long weekend. That way I can relax for the rest of May before I take my final class of before the semester start. Jerry and I went to an orientation (designed for spouses & parents - the "support network" of the students) last week and was able to see where most of my classes will be held.

Tonight Mike goes to the vet for his check-up and vaccines. I carry him in a reusable bag rather than a cat carrier because he likes to stick his head out and see what's going on.

I was at the comic book expo on the weekend and it was crazy. The fire marshalls shut it down for a while because the organizers weren't tracking numbers. When I left to visit the craft show, I was told it would be over 2 hours before I would be allowed back in (because of the lines). I had a good time though since I had no schedule to keep. Jerry dressed up as an Andorian (Star Trek) and I had a Dr. Who print dress. I'll post some photos soon.

Taking my emergency first aid on Saturday. I accidently let my Standard First Aid lapse but I didn't have the desire to use up my whole weekend with a two day course.

Have a great day!