MANAGEMENT OF ORGANIC DAIRY YOUNGSTOCK (MOODY): A NETWORK TO IMPROVE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF ORGANIC DAIRY FARMS THROUGH IMPROVED YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENT

The long-term goal of this project is to improve the profitability of organic dairy producers through optimal youngstock performance, health and welfare. To acheive this goal, we propose three major objectives,as follows:Objective #1 is to optimize youngstock management on organic dairy farms. To accomplish this, we have 3 sub-objectives: 1a) Establish a network focused on management of organic youngstock ("MOODY"); 1b) Identify management risk factors associated with youngstock health, welfare and performance; and 1c) Provide evidence-based guidance to producers, veterinarians and extension agents to enhance management for optimized youngstock health, welfare and performance.Objective #2 is to identify the on-farm source(s) and route(s) of S. aureus intramammary infections in organic youngstock. We accomplish this through an on-farm research campaign that is integrated with the on-farm activities conducted under objective #1.Objective #3 is to provide organic dairy educational materials to U.S. veterinary schools and students. We will do this through two sub-objectives: 3a) Develop and deliver a modular curriculum focused on veterinary-relevant issues related to organic dairy farms; and 3b) Train veterinary and animal science students to conduct on-farm youngstock health assessments specific to organic dairy farms.