Fred Gore
Zephyrhills, Florida

Fred Gore pays particular attention to the cooling provided for his 2400 Holstein cow herd in Zephyrhills, Florida. He provides shade in the dry lot, return alley and corral; fans in the holding area, feeding area and parlor; and sprinklers in the feeding area and dry lot. He also has a cow washer and bath. Fred says, "Fans helped somewhat, but adding sprinklers about 1986 really showed up with increased dry matter intake and production."

Another proven benefit for increased production at Gore's Dairy Supply has been the use of POSILAC^®. "I use POSILAC because it makes me money," says Fred. Average summer production is 60 pounds per cow, with a rolling herd average of 20,000 pounds of milk. Cows are milked in two double 12 rapid-exit herringbones and one double 10.

Feeding the best ingredients, ones that are most palatable, is also important. In addition to this, potassium and sodium levels are increased.

They feed cows five to six times a day all year-round.