MARKET NEWS

Announced on February 5, the January Class III (cheese) price was $11.61, a drop of 26¢ from last month. Announced on February 5, the January Class IV (butter/powder) price was $10.97, up 45¢ from last month. This is up almost a $1 from last year's Class IV of $10.07. Announced on January 23, the January Class I (fluid milk) price is $11.59, down 26¢ from last month. With this price falling below the targeted $13.69, there will be MILC payments of 94¢. The price compares favorably to a January 2003 Class I mover of $10.23 but is still behind the 2002 price of $11.95.

Pricing Opportunities Look Good for Class III Futures

The CME Class III milk futures market is offering some good opportunities to protect your milk prices right now. As of February 17 the Class III futures prices between April and November ranged from a low $13.09 to $14.70. One example of the current opportunities is September Class III milk at $13 can be protected with an 18¢ Put Option. For more information on milk futures go to: http://www.dairy.nu/ddh.htm.

ANESTRUS COWS

Besides substandard milk production, one likely side effect of this year's poor quality forages and a sustained cold winter is problems with anestrus cows (non-cycling cows). Why? Poor quality forages tend to be lower in digestibility, which results in a higher percentage of energy being used for maintenance. Under such circumstances as cold weather and poor forages, fresh cows are more susceptible to excess weight and body condition loss.

Heat detection is an important component of a good reproductive program. Failure to observe heat is the biggest contributor to reproductive problems. Failed heat observations are due to two reasons. First, cows that are cycling are not observed in heat. Second, cows that are not cycling (anestrus) do not have heats to observe. Because of many appointment breeding programs, missed heats in cycling cows are more easily managed. In contrast, anestrus cows are less manageable and more refractile to therapy, making early detection and prevention important. Here are a few tips to deal with anestrus cow problems.

• Maintain monthly herd vet checks. Keep good records including ovarian structures on early postpartum cows. Note dates of 1st observed heat and anecdotic evidence of heats such as blood and mucus.
  
• Try to determine the percentage of cows palpated prior to 60 days postpartum that do not have palpations with at least some ovarian activity. More than 10% suggests a problem.
  
• Determine average days to first estrus using observations and palpation data. Under optimal conditions, 70% of cows should cycle by day 50 postpartum and 95% by day 63 postpartum.
  
• Determine what percentage of anestrus cows are cystic. More than 15% suggests looking at the causes of cystic ovaries more closely.
  
• Body score regularly, paying close attention to body score losses in early lactation. Losses in excess of one score or more are a major risk factor for anestrus cows.
  

Balance rations frequently, especially when weather increases energy need. This should include regular forage tests and dry matter determination. Try feeding supplement fats, if necessary, to prevent weight loss in early lactation cows.

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