David Lawrence
Sulphur Springs, TX

Reducing heat stress is the key to increasing dry matter intake, according to David Lawrence of Sulphur Springs, Texas. There are several ways to accomplish this including the use of fans and sprinklers in the holding pens and exit lanes. It helps to keep the ration as highly palatable as possible and make sure there is clean, fresh water available at all times, according to David.

"POSILAC is a real asset to our farm," says David. "It has allowed us to increase our production, without adding a lot more cows." Their rolling herd average is 23,000 pounds of milk. They currently milk 300 Holstein cows in a herringbone parlor. The average summer production is 60 pounds of milk per cow per day. The estimated response to POSILAC during the summer months is six to eight pounds per day.

At David Lawrence Dairy, cows are housed in a drylot, where shade is also provided. They are fed a TMR and grain in the parlor.