FALL 2026
Tara Bohner, CowManager Performance Specialist
Few moments on the dairy are as important as calving. It lays the foundation for a productive lactation and a successful next generation, whether that calf becomes a replacement female or part of the beef chain. Calving is the time where a lot can go wrong. Cows can be struggling or not progressing, with limited, if any, visual cues. Calves can present wrong or be of a size that creates challenges for the cow. On a dairy farm, the phrase "out of sight and out of mind" can be positive; but, when it comes to calving, we want eyes on animals at all times. Here’s where the CowManager® calving alerts can help. Recently launched at World Dairy Expo and packaged in the Transition Nutrition Module, this monitor begins w4orking 14 days before the expected due date. Since the animal is required to have a CowManager sensor three weeks prior to the projected calving date, some dairies will need to evaluate protocols for linking new animals, particularly heifers. It’s also important to note this will not alert animals that are aborting prior to this 14-day window. Like other CowManager alerts, we’re looking for deviations. The algorithm analyzes hourly behavior patterns and looks for
variances. An alert is triggered when each probability threshold is crossed. Alerts typically come during the four stages of labor, ranging from 16 hours pre-calving to four hours post-calving. u
u
u
Low: probability higher than 75% Medium: probability higher than 80% High: probability higher than 90%
This probability tells you how likely the cow is to be showing signs of calving. (Remember, signs can be visual and nonvisual.) Information can be viewed in the table or by navigating to a graph. If you turn on calving-alert push notifications, you can also be notified as the cow crosses each threshold. When a calving is entered, the calving alert Continued on page 2
Continued from page 1
will be removed. Users are also able to interact by snoozing alerts and providing feedback. Calving alerts are not a replacement for the maternity team, but an added insight to allow them to work more efficiently and with increased confidence. Management, environment, and genetics all play a role in on-farm performance. Results are highest on cows that have prolonged or challenging labor. The ability to intervene early creates a more positive outcome for both the cow and calf.
CowManager calving alerts now available!
If you already use CowManager and subscribe to the Transition Nutrition Module, this is an added insight you already have access to. If this feature is of interest, reach out to your local CentralStar team to learn how dry cow, fresh cow, and feeding insights can help you make moreconfident management decisions.
Scott Hecker, CentralStar Director of CowManager Solutions
One of the biggest benefits I've seen across dairies using the calving alert feature is improved labor efficiency. On farms that practice on-time calving, people walk pens every 30 minutes or so and move cows when they see actual signs of labor. Getting a CowManager calving alert helps you focus on the cows most likely to calve instead of checking every animal in the pen. When a cow triggers a calving alert, you can activate the tag's blinking light (Find My Cow) or mark her with paint, so she's easy to identify from a distance. Rather than stopping to read tags or closely evaluate every cow, you can move through the pen more quickly, keep a closer eye on alerted animals, and minimize disruption to the rest of the group. Every dairy's experience will be different, but on the dairies I work with, we're catching about 70% of calvings at around six hours from when the alert is generated. Since most cows calve without a hitch, the goal isn't to identify the easy calvings. The goal is to identify the cows that need assistance. The calving alert feature does that, allowing you to focus efforts where they're needed most and intervene sooner when necessary. An added benefit is when a health alert accompanies a calving alert. Those cows deserve quicker attention and should be prioritized, as they may be at greater risk of needing intervention.
2
FROM REPRO CHALLENGES TO
REPLACEMENT SURPLUS
Pictured (l to r): CowManager Specialist Sawyer Johnson, Area Sales Manager Charley McAlvey, Owners Tom and Jack Jeppesen, DHI Specialist Tim Oehrli
For Black Locust Dairy Farm in Stanton, Mich., improving reproduction has resulted in more pregnancies, more calves, fewer synchronization protocols, and a shift in breeding strategy since installing CowManager® five years ago.
the middle of the night, we check the app in the morning and can breed cows we might not have found otherwise."
"CowManager is great. Our repro has improved because the system is always watching," said co-owners Jack and Tom Jeppesen.
Time constraints and limited opportunities to observe heats with heifers often resulted in missed breeding opportunities and heavy reliance on synchronization protocols. "We were using a lot of synchronization to get heifers bred and the CentralStar team got after us for doing that," Jack chuckled.
Before CowManager, reproduction was a challenge for the 260-cow herd. Pregnancy rate was suffering and the farm relied heavily on synchronization to get animals bred. "Our preg rate was really low. Now it's 29%, and our goal of 30% is in reach," said Jack. "Every month during our team meeting, we discuss our status and make adjustments if need be."
Heifer breeding followed a similar pattern with approximately 75% of heifers bred through timed A.I. before CowManager. Today, heifers are bred entirely from CowManager alerts. Heifers are tagged when they enter the breeding pen and bred based on sensor activity. Since making that change, heifer conception rate has improved by 10%, and pregnancy rate has increased as well.
Since installing CowManager, breeding decisions are driven primarily by activity alerts rather than synchronization protocols. Those reproductive gains have provided real value. "When the herd jumped from a 20% to 27% pregnancy rate, that represented about $100 more per cow, per year, which is roughly $26,000 on this herd size," said Sawyer Johnson, CowManager Specialist and Area Sales Manager. The value of improved reproduction extends beyond generating more pregnancies. Higher pregnancy rates help reduce days open, produce more calves, and create additional opportunities for genetic progress and replacement animals. Before CowManager, nearly 90% of cows were bred through timed A.I. Today, approximately 60% of breedings result from CowManager heat alerts. The shift has reduced synchronization costs and labor while improving the farm's ability to identify cows returning to heat. "One of the big advantages with CowManager is its ability to identify cows to rebreed," said Jack. "When they show heat in
Benefits beyond pregnancy rate Prior to CowManager, heifers averaged 26 months of age at first calving. Today, they calve at 22 to 23 months, reducing feed, housing, and labor costs while allowing heifers to enter the milking herd sooner. CowManager has also helped tighten the breeding window, with more cows bred between 80 and 120 days in milk, and fewer becoming pregnant later in lactation. "We've had close to 100 calves since the first of the year," said Jack. "That goes back to our breeding program, which has taken off like crazy." As reproductive performance improved, replacement inventory grew. Rather than breeding strictly to generate replacement heifers, the dairy now has the flexibility to market surplus dairy animals and capitalize on the beef-on-dairy market. What started as an effort to improve heat detection has changed reproduction across the dairy. Today, the challenge isn't getting animals bred; it's deciding how to best capitalize on additional pregnancies, calves, and replacements generated by a breeding program performing at a much higher level.
Enhancing producer profitability through integrated solutions for mutual benefit.
3
David L. Cook, Ph.D., Milk Products Technical Services Manager
The first 24 hours of a calf's life can have a lasting impact on overall health, growth and future performance. A critical part of a strong start is successful transfer of passive immunity. Calves are born with limited immune function and rely on colostrum for early disease protection. Colostrum contains Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies that help protect calves while their immune system develops. Because a calf's ability to absorb these antibodies declines rapidly after birth, both colostrum quality and timely feeding are essential for successful transfer of passive immunity Why is successful transfer of passive immunity important? A recent United States Department of Agriculture National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) study1 found calves that achieved higher levels of IgG transfer experienced lower mortality rates and significantly fewer episodes of illness2 (Figure 1). More specifically, heifer calves that experience successful transfer of passive immunity have also been shown to exhibit: Reduced treatment rates3 u Improved growth rates and feed efficiency4 u Decreased age at first calving5 u Increased first and second lactation milk production6 u
Beef-on-dairy calves are also faced with transportation and comingling stress. Research7 shows there is significant risk when they don’t receive adequate transfer of passive immunity, including: u u
6.4 times greater risk of being sick during the first 28 days 5.4 times greater risk of death prior to weaning
How is transfer of passive immunity achieved? Successful transfer of passive immunity begins with feeding high-quality colostrum within the first four to six hours after birth, whether through maternal colostrum, supplementation, or replacement. The previous standard for the definition of adequate successful transfer of passive immunity was 10 grams IgG/ liter of serum, 24-36 hours after colostrum feeding. However, the NAHMS study linked post-colostrum serum IgG levels to lifetime calf health and performance, validating a serum IgG concentration of 25 grams per liter at 24 to 36 hours after feeding as the new benchmark for excellent transfer of passive immunity. (Figure 2) There’s truly only one opportunity for successful transfer of passive immunity. First Day Formula® CR, CS, and CR Deluxe are simple, safe, and scientifically proven solutions that can be used as a replacement for, or supplement to, low-quality maternal colostrum and helps protect the future performance of every calf. First Day Formula: P Mixes easily; all powder disperses into solution P Made with 100% dried bovine colostrum from U.S. Grade-A dairies P Formulated with bioavailable vitamins and trace minerals
4
mycentralstar.com • 800.631.3510
New research Give every cow a stronger start Research shows how supporting cows through calving-associated inflammation helps improve transition success in both first-lactation and mature cows. The transition period sets the tone for a cow's lactation and her future in the herd. That's why supporting cows at calving is so important.
Deciding if maternal colostrum should be replaced, supplemented, or fed? Step 1: Test maternal colostrum with a Brix Refractometer. For Jersey calves, deduct two from the Brix values. (Figure 3) u <20* – Discard or use as transitional milk l Replace with one full dose (500 grams/150 IgG) of First Day Formula CR or First Day Formula CR Deluxe u 20-24* – Supplement maternal colostrum with First Day Formula CR or CS l 50 grams of IgG is equivalent to 166 grams of First Day Formula CR u ≥25* – Feed 3-4 liters Step 2: Retest the colostrum to ensure quality is met Step 3: Feed the calf Talk to your CentralStar team to learn more about First Day Colostrum and how to give calves a strong foundation.
Cow Start™ Complete was developed to help cows manage the inflammatory and nutritional challenges associated with calving and the transition into lactation. Research in mature cows has demonstrated improvements in rumination, body condition, milk production, and reproductive performance when administered at calving. New research shows first-lactation cows can benefit, too. "First-lactation cows face a unique combination of calving stress, adaptation to a lactating ration, and competition with older cows," says Agrarian Solutions Vice President of Nutrition Dr. Larry Roth. "Supporting these animals during the transition period can help set the stage for improved health, reproduction, and long-term productivity." A study involving 248 first-lactation Holstein cows found administering one Cow Start Complete bolus at calving benefited uterine health and reproductive performance. Talk to your CentralStar team about Cow Start Complete and how it helps cows manage the inflammatory and nutritional challenges of calving.
NEW RESEARCH:FIRST-LACTATION COWS
ONE BOLUS AT CALVING
Research in 248 first-lactation Holstein cows showed benefits for cows receiving a single Cow Start Complete bolus at calving compared with standard fresh-cow management.
Improved pregnancy rate
References: 1NAMHS Data; 2 Lombard, et.al, 2019; 3NAHMS, Wells, 1996; 4Fowler, 1999; Faber et al., 2005; Nocek et al., 1984; Robison et al., 1988; Faber, 2005, 5Faber et al., 2005; 6 DeNise, 1989; Faber, 2005; 7 Progressive Dairyman 29 June 2018. Buyer assumes all responsibility for use, storage and handling of this product. Select Sires Inc. makes no claims or warranties, expressed or implied. ®Build A Better Calf and First Day Formula are registered trademarks of Select Sires Inc. Manufactured for Select Sires Inc., 11740 US 42N, Plain City, OH 43064
Reduced metritis incidence
ESTABLISHED RESEARCH:MATURE COWS
TWO BOLUSES AT CALVING
Research in 140 mature Holstein cows showed benefits for cows receiving Cow Start Complete at calving compared with those receiving a conventional fresh-cow supplementation program.1
16.7% improvement in preg rate (at first service)
+5.3 lbs. more milk per day
(during the first 100 DIM)
Cow Start™ Complete is a trademark and manufactured product of Anchor Life Sciences, Ltd. 1Claims made are based on studies conducted by Anchor, summaries of which are available at agrariansolutions.com/product/cow-startcomplete-bolus/
5
"A cost-effective
insurance policy"
“It gives us a chance to step in early at minimal cost, before a cow gets into more trouble.” At Vandoske Dairy Farms LLC and Vandoske Boarding in Cleveland, Wis., BioFresh® Microbial Bolus has a place both in the barn and on the road. Bob Vandoske and herdsman Kyle Natzke use it for cows flagged by CowManager®, as well as before and after transport to help cattle manage the stress of travel and changes in feed and water. A cost-effective insurance policy BioFresh® is our cost-effective insurance policy for cows that are flagged on CowManager. It gives us a chance to step in early, at a minimal cost, before a cow gets into more trouble. Quick response We'll often see a cow back at the bunk
within minutes after giving a bolus. Then we can watch her eating and rumination improve on CowManager over the next couple of hours. Being able to see that post-treatment recovery in real time is a big advantage. Beyond every day at the dairy We've also recently started using BioFresh before and after transporting our boarding and show cattle to help with the stress of travel, feed changes, and water changes. It's worked well enough that we keep it on hand and use it whenever we need it. I like it, I've seen the recovery, and we'll keep using it. Bob Vandoske and Kyle Natzke, Vandoske Dairy Farms LLC and Vandoske Boarding, Cleveland, Wis.
BioFresh gives cows the support they need to stay on track, perform at their best, and recover quickly Supports recovery of sick and off-feed cows Faster bounce-back for fresh cows Restores feed intake and ruminal fermentation for off-feed cows Enhances immune function for challenged and high SCC cows
6
mycentralstar.com • 800.631.3510
Add HerdHQ to your phone’s home screen for easy access to CowCompass from anywhere on the farm.
Less Walking and searching More answers when you need them
Jeff Brantmeier, CentralStar DHI Manager
Every day on the farm, decisions happen away from the office. You’re feeding cows and see a cow in heat. You’re sorting fresh cows and need to verify a treatment date. You’re in the parlor and want to check a cow’s production history or pregnancy status before making a culling decision.
records, CowCompass puts the information where you need it, when you need it.
Too often, those situations mean another trip to the office or computer, searching through records or waiting until later to find the information you need. But that doesn’t have to be the case.
Instead of sorting through reports or heading back to the office, you can pull up the information you need from your smartphone while you’re working with cows. That ease and functionality is what really makes CowCompass unique.
When you DHI test with CentralStar, you can use CowCompass, a web-based tool that gives you access to herd records on your smartphone. You can look up an individual cow or heifer record and quickly see test-day information, breeding status, health events, and genetic data while you’re working with her. With everything that happens on the farm, it’s crucial to have your herd’s information at your fingertips. You can be milking, feeding, or working with the vet or A.I. technician while finding a cow's lactation and health events all in a few clicks from your smartphone.
In CowCompass every cow has their own individual cow page where you can access breeding and calving dates, test-day information like SCC and components, and health events. This is extremely helpful when you’re walking pens or doing herd health and trying to look up a certain cow.
Your CentralStar DHI service includes access to HerdHQ, a web-based platform that brings your herd data and decision tools together in one place. CowCompass is one of the tools within HerdHQ, giving you convenient access to individual cow information throughout the day. Ask your CentralStar DHI Specialist about CowCompass and the other tools available through HerdHQ.
GET STARTED
Take your DHI data anywhere While individual cow data is already part of your CentralStar DHI
HHP$
PROTEIN
FORMULATED TO SUPPORT YOUR HERD'S ECONOMIC GOALS
UDDER HEALTH
Genetic progress equates to greater economic sustainability.
LONGEVITY
Herd Health Profit Dollars (HHP$) is the premier index to achieve your dairy's profit goals. It is designed to create healthier, longer-living cows to support your herd's inventory strategy without sacrificing genetic gains.
Enhancing producer profitability through integrated solutions for mutual benefit.
DTR. FERTILITY
7
P.O. Box 23157, Lansing, MI 48909-3157 800.631.3510 • mycentralstar.com Return Service Requested
Presorted Standard Class U.S. Postage PAID Lansing, MI Permit #505
Dec. 1-30, 2026
CentralStar, its agents or employees cannot and do not guarantee the conception rate, gender, quality or productivity to be obtained in connection with the use of its products or recommended techniques. It makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever, expressed or implied, which extend beyond the description of its products and hereby disclaims all warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In the unlikely event that any of our products shall be proven to be defective, damages resulting from their use shall exclude consequential damages and be limited to the purchase price of the product. Find complete trademark and warranty statement at https://mycentralstar.com/legal-notices/. ®Herd Health Profit Dollars and HHP$ are registered trademarks of Select Sires. ®CowManager is a registered trademark of Agis Automatisering. BIOFRESH® Microbial Bolus is a trademark of Select Sires Inc. and manufactured by Agrarian Solutions®.
Connect with us at:
What happens during calfhood can affect performance long after weaning. Keep calves healthy, on feed, and growing.
FIRST DAY FORMULA® u Consistent 150g IgG delivery u 100% dried bovine colostrum
from U.S. Grade A dairies
Take the guesswork out of colostrum.
CONVERT™ BIG CALF POWDER u Supports nutrient
absorption and utilization
u Helps support
intestinal integrity
Support gut health to keep calves on feed and growing.
Start strong. Stay on track. Get more from every calf.
ACCELAIRATE u Nutritional support for
respiratory health
u Essential oils, antioxidants,
vitamins, and immune support
Don’t let respiratory setbacks slow calves down.