The goal of good milk producers is to produce a high quality and safe food product at the highest possible profit level. A major aspect of producing good and safe milk in a cost-effective manner is the quality of care provided to the animals at the dairy. This is where the function of "herdsman" comes in. This well-versed herdsman is comfortable participating in all aspects of production to assure that cows, calves and bulls receive excellent care. The herdsman oversees maintenance of a facility that is clean and comfortable.

Dairy owners and managers know that providing high quality care is a many-faceted task. The purpose of information presented here--as well as subsequent parts of this series--is to provide herdsmen with general principles of high quality dairy livestock care, while looking at some of the specific problems they may face. No article or book could replace good routines that may already be in use; rather the value of additional information can serve as a catalyst for discussion when reviewing livestock care with staff, management and your regular animal health care providers.