Solid Waste Bedding on Dairies

There are two sides to every story, and solid waste bedding is no different. Join the conversation as Dr. Sandra Godden shares data she has collected regarding mastitis pathogens, udder health, milk quality, and milk production outcomes. Dr. Kenn Buelow will discuss the financial information and benefits related to manure management based on his own experience using solid waste bedding. Additionally, Dr. Buelow will address the issues and risks dairies need to consider before transitioning.

Speakers

Sandra Godden, DVM, DVSc
Dr. Sandra Godden is a 1993 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. After two years as an associate veterinarian in mixed practice in Eastern Ontario, she returned to Guelph to complete a DVSc degree specializing in dairy production medicine. She has been a member of the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, since 1998, where she is involved with professional DVM student teaching, applied research, and outreach activities in dairy production medicine. Sandra is a Past President of both the National Mastitis Council and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. Her major academic interests include applied research in mastitis control, colostrum, and calf health management.

Kenn Buelow, DVM, MS
Dr. Kenn Buelow is a 1988 graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine and returned for a residency in Production Medicine from 1990-1993. Currently, Dr. Buelow practices dairy production medicine in the Midwest and Western United States with an emphasis on management nutrition, finance, milk quality, and reproduction. After brief production medicine teaching positions at the University of Wisconsin and University of Minnesota, Dr. Buelow designed, over saw construction, managed and co-owned two 4,000 cow dairies in Northeast Wisconsin with an emphasis on sustainability. Additionally, he has managed a small artisan cheese plant, which he calls a true learning experience. Dr. Buelow has also assisted in the design, construction, and management of a 10,000-goat dairy. Currently, he is working on trying to retire by building and maintaining hiking trails for the Ice Age Trail and doing some bikepacking.