Linda and Matthew Lussier
Hawthorne, Florida

"POSILAC is a great tool for dairies in Florida," according to Lussier Dairy, Inc., of Hawthorne, Florida. "The keys to getting a profitable response from this product is managing the use as it is recommended and using Monsanto's help to maximize your return."

At Lussier Dairy, Inc., this 500 cow Holstein herd has a rolling herd average of 18,500 pounds of milk. Average summer production is 55 pounds per cow per day. The estimated response to POSlLAC is seven pounds per cow per day during summer months. Cows are housed in free stalls and milked in a double eight parlor.

In order to maximize consumption during the heat of the summer, the Lussiers suggest increasing the moisture level in the ration by using wet brew and silage. Another special feeding consideration to maintain dry matter intake is to increase the salt and bicarb in the total mixed ration. By keeping the ration palatable, you keep the cows on feed, since they only get the nutrients they consume.

Keeping cows cool also helps them maintain DMI in hot weather.The Lussiers provide fans and sprinklers in the holding area, feeding area and free stalls. Half of the return alley is shaded and the dry cows have shade trees to help keep them comfortable. The Lussiers suggest adding an extra herd so cows aren't waiting so long to be milked. It is also important to increase fly control during the summer.