Leon Heatwole
Timberville, Virginia

"I have found that POSILAC is another management tool that improves profitability on our farm," says Leon Heatwole of Timberville, Virginia. "In order to get full benefit, you have to control cow comfort and overall management."

This 225 cow Holstein herd has a rolling herd average of 23,500 pounds of milk. Average summer production is 65 pounds of milk per cow per day. Leon estimates the response to POSILAC^® during the summer months to be eight pounds per day. Milking takes place in a herringbone parlor.

Special feeding considerations during the heat include feeding more of the TMR at night. He makes sure to keep fresh feed available with good ventilation to maintain dry matter intake. Sprinklers and fans in the feeding area help provide additional cooling. Fans are also used in the free stalls and holding area. A shade cloth in the feed alley helps with further cooling while cows eat.