As we get closer to World Dairy Expo I’m sure we’ll be seeing more announcements like this one in Merial’s most recent SHARE Newsletter.

Dairy producers are invited to learn why skinny cows aren’t so sexy. Dr. Chad Dechow, assistant professor at Penn State University, will explore how genetic selection for milk yield has been very successful, but reproductive efficiency and overall cow health have suffered.

Dr. Dechow will discuss the relationships among dairyness, body condition, reproduction and cow health at this educational seminar, sponsored by IGENITY®, at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, in the Mendota 2 room of the Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis. His research has shown that as milk production increases, the ability to maintain body condition decreases, affecting reproduction and overall cow health. Dr. Dechow will highlight how selection against dairy form and higher body condition scores can help maintain adequate cow fitness levels while milk yields increase. Born and raised on a dairy in New York, Dr. Dechow has been a part of 4-H Club, FFA, Junior Holsteins and the Cornell Dairy Judging Team