Water for dairy cows: why quality, access and management matter

Water for dairy cows: why quality, access and management matter

Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is Water for dairy cows: why quality, access and management matter. A content developed by Cláudia Costa, Researcher at FeedInov Colab. In this episode, we explore why water should be considered a strategic nutrient in dairy production, not just a basic requirement. The article explains how water influences feed intake, milk yield, thermoregulation, welfare and overall herd health and efficiency. It also highlights the importance of adapting water management to modern dairy systems, especially under heat stress and climate-related challenges. From daily water requirements and drinker access to water quality and precision monitoring, this topic is essential for anyone looking to improve dairy cow performance, health and sustainability. If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro [http://ruminants.ceva.pro].

BCS Cattle Guide: Mastering Body Condition Scoring for Your Herd

Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is BCS Cattle Guide: Mastering Body Condition Scoring for Your Herd. A content developed by Ana Sofia Santos, Head of Research and Innovation at FeedInov CoLAB. In this episode, we explore how Body Condition Scoring (BCS) has become one of the most valuable and practical tools in modern cattle management. It explains how farmers can assess the nutritional status and energy reserves of both dairy and beef cattle through simple visual and tactile evaluation methods. Listeners will discover the ideal BCS targets for different production stages, how body condition directly affects fertility, transition health, milk production, welfare, and feed efficiency, and why regular monitoring can improve both herd welfare and performance. The episode also highlights emerging precision livestock technologies, including AI and 3D imaging systems, that are transforming the future of automated BCS evaluation and herd management. If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro [http://ruminants.ceva.pro].

Azores Milk Producers: Insights into a Unique Milk Industry

Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is Azores Milk Production: Insights into a Unique Milk Industry. A content developed by Ana Sofia Santos (Head of Research and Innovation at FeedInov CoLAB). In this episode, we explore how the Azores has developed one of Europe’s most distinctive pasture-based dairy systems. Thanks to its volcanic soils, mild Atlantic climate and year-round grazing conditions, the region produces more than 30% of Portugal’s milk while maintaining a strong grass-fed identity. We discuss the benefits and challenges of this production model, including sustainability, animal welfare, methane emissions and the economic impact of geographic isolation. The episode also highlights the growing importance of premium dairy products, organic milk and innovative initiatives such as the “Happy Cows” program, which are helping position Azorean dairy products in increasingly competitive international markets. If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro [http://ruminants.ceva.pro].

Break the pain: improving calf health and performance

Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is Break the pain: improving calf health and performance. A content developed by Brigitte Trezzani, Ruminants Global Technical Manager. In this episode, we explore why recognizing pain in calves is essential for improving welfare, health, and long-term performance. Calf pain can be difficult to detect, as signs are often subtle, including reduced movement, decreased feeding, abnormal posture, lameness, changes in facial expression, and altered behavior. The article highlights that pain is not only linked to procedures such as castration, disbudding, or dehorning, but also to common conditions such as neonatal diarrhea, bovine respiratory disease, omphalitis, ocular disorders, and ulcers. It also highlights the importance of integrating pain assessment into routine farm practices, using practical tools and evidence-based treatments to support faster intervention and better outcomes for calves and herds. If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro [http://ruminants.ceva.pro].

Understanding beef production costs: beyond the numbers

Welcome to our new audio article from Ceva Sounds Ruminants. The topic of today is Understanding beef production costs: beyond the numbers. A content developed by Ana Sofia Santos, Head of Research and Innovation at FeedInov CoLAB. In this episode, we explore how beef production costs go far beyond simple calculations, emphasizing the importance of biological efficiency as the true driver of profitability. The article highlights how nutrition, reproduction, and animal health are deeply interconnected factors that influence performance and economic outcomes. Listeners will learn why feed efficiency is one of the most effective ways to control production costs, how reproductive performance directly impacts revenue, and why animal health should be seen as a strategic investment rather than an expense. By understanding these key drivers and improving management practices, producers can better convert inputs into valuable outputs and build more resilient and efficient production systems. If you want to learn more about ruminants, visit ruminants.ceva.pro [http://ruminants.ceva.pro].