Welfare and the parlor: Strategies to extended low stress handling to milking fresh heifers

If you have ever milked cows, likely you are aware that milking fresh heifers for the first time can be a stressful and hazard­ous experience for both milking technician and cattle alike. Given the value of a springer and the value of employees on a dairy, there is much to be gained by improving the experience for both! Dairies that place value on improving the dynamics of how fresh heifers are brought into the milking string stand to have a competitive advantage in production, milk quality and return on labor investment. There are three main areas that owners and managers, and the veterinarians that advise them can make a positive impact in this area.