Padraig O’Connor, Dairy Technician with Teagasc in Grange, joins Stuart Childs on this episode of the Dairy Edge podcast, sharing tips and advice for the month of February.

Padraig discusses the management of the freshly calved cows as a separate group. Keeping these cows in for a few days after calving in a fresh-calved group allows recovery, easier observation and reduced bullying. Control of the colostrum group also simplifies milking management and use of available help.

Padraig then talks about testing colostrum quality with a refractometer. Use a Brix refractometer (target >22%) to quickly check colostrum quality. This helps ensure adequate passive immunity for calves and flags potential diet issues. If readings are low, review the dry cow diet. Short-term protein supplementation (e.g., soybean meal pre-calving) may help improve quality.

With reports of many cows over-conditioned this year, milk fever is a real risk. Padraig recommends focussing on correct dry cow minerals (especially magnesium), appropriate body condition (≈3.0–3.25), and controlled feeding for later calvers where feasible. Milk fever is a gateway disease linked to retained cleanings, mastitis and fertility losses.

Finally, Padraig advises people to prepare early for spring grazing opportunities. Even with poor weather, monitor drier paddocks and be ready to turn cows out for short (2-3 hour) grazings to reduce feed costs and support production. Set up fences and access in advance to act quickly when conditions allow.

Listen in below:

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