Feeding and Managing Dairy Cattle

Transcription

1 Feeding and Managing Dairy Cattle Unit: Animal Science and the Industry Problem Area: Livestock, Large Animal, Poultry, and Bee Industries Student Learning Objectives. Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 1 Analyze the production practices involved in the care of dairy calves from birth to weaning. 2 Analyze the production practices involved in the care of dairy replacement heifers, lactating cows, and dry cows. 3 Describe the common dairy feeding systems, such as the total mixed ration system. 4 Determine the importance of body condition scoring, and describe how it is used to modify feeding practices. 5 Examine the role of Dairy Herd Improvement Associations. 6 List and describe the Predicted Transmitting Ability (PTA) used in the dairy industry, and describe how pedigrees and PTAs are used to improve herd quality. 7 Discuss the selection process for dairy cattle, and examine the role of artificial insemination and other breeding technologies. List of Resources. The following resources may be useful in teaching this lesson: Corresponding E-unit(s). Danville, IL: CAERT, Inc. Page 1

2 List of Equipment, Tools, Supplies, and Facilities Copies of sample test Visuals from accompanying masters Copies of student lab sheet Terms. The following terms are presented in this lesson (shown in bold italics): artificial insemination (AI) body condition score challenge feeding colostrometers colostrum crossbreeding culling Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) dry cows hybrid vigor outcrossing Predicated Transmitting Ability (PTA) purebreeding reliability total mixed ration Interest Approach. Use an interest approach that will prepare the students for the lesson. Teachers often develop approaches for their unique class and student situations. A possible approach is included here. Have students brainstorm the steps a dairy producer must take each day to ensure a healthy, productive dairy cow herd. What are the common tasks required for feeding and managing a dairy herd? Once students have a well-developed list, post some of their ideas on the board. Discuss the importance of feeding. What are common dairy operation feedstuffs? How do producers know what type and/or amounts of feed to use? Bring in some feedstuff samples (grain concentrates, high-quality legume forages, and corn silage), and allow students to see and feel these samples. Then discuss the importance of energy levels for milk production. Page 2

3 SUMMARY OF CONTENT AND TEACHING STRATEGIES Objective 1: Analyze the production practices involved in the care of dairy calves from birth to weaning. Anticipated Problem: What production practices are involved in the care of dairy calves from birth to weaning? I. Dairy calves need an appropriate environment, a quality nutritional program, and a preventive health care plan to ensure high-quality care. The greatest chance for high mortality within a dairy herd is between birth and weaning. A. Dairy calves should be housed in a clean, dry environment with little stress and protection from heat, cold, wind, and rain. Calves need adequate space and proper ventilation. Individual pens and calf hutches are the most common facility type used in the care of dairy calves. These facilities should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis to reduce disease-causing pathogens. Typically, individual pens are raised and made of metal or slatted wood. This design allows the calves to be exposed to many weather elements. As a result, calf hutches are the dominant facility type for calves. Insulated from the weather, these hutches can be moved for sunlight or wind direction. They are usually made of fiberglass and are easy to move for cleaning. These hutches are placed outside and rest on the ground. B. Feeding and nutrition are important considerations in maintaining healthy calves. 1. The calves receive colostrum (the first milk given by the mother, containing important nutrients, such as immunoglobulins, protein, fat, minerals, and vitamins) during the first few days. It is important for the producer to collect, store, select, and feed colostrum to calves within the first 24 hours. 2. Colostrometers are used to select the highest quality and to measure the specific gravity of colostrum. The ideal specific gravity of colostrum should not exceed a. The ability to absorb important immunoglobulin starts to decline within hours of birth; therefore, it is important for the producer to feed calves immediately. Bottles or esophageal tubes are used for the first feedings. b. Some cows will produce an excess of colostrum, which can be frozen or refrigerated for later use. Colostrum should be thawed slowly with warm water. Using a microwave can lead to uneven heating and affect the quality. Calves usually end their colostrum feeding around the fourth day and switch to whole milk or a milk replacer. Even though calves receive most of their water from colostrum, milk, or a milk replacer, it is important to allow calves access to clean, fresh water. Also, water troughs or pails should be cleaned daily. Page 3

4 C. A well-managed health care program will decrease death losses. 1. Calves should be born in a dry, clean environment because this is the best way to control infections. Therefore, pens used to treat sick cows should not be used as maternity pens. Also, umbilical cords should be treated or dipped with iodine. 2. Equipment used for feeding should be cleaned and sanitized after every use. 3. Vaccinations should be used to prevent any major/common diseases within the herd. Calves should be vaccinated at least once prior to weaning for Infectious Bovine Rhinotrachetis (IBR), Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV), and Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD). 4. Some heifer calves are born with extra teats more than four. Extra teat removal should be performed as soon as possible after birth to allow for a quick recovery. 5. Dehorning is conducted before weaning to protect other animals and the handlers and to reduce feeder space requirements. This should be performed between 2 and 10 weeks of age. D. All calves should be identified. It is a critical step for production testing and registering animals with purebred organizations. Producers will use identification of cattle for important management decisions like feeding, selection, breeding, or culling. 1. Ear tags, neck chains, neck straps, and ankle straps are common temporary identification. 2. Ear tattoos, hide brands, and computer chips are common permanent identification methods. The most common identification is the plastic ear tag; the veterinarian will attach the metal ear tag after the animal has been vaccinated for brucellosis. Assign the corresponding E-unit(s). Use VM A to summarize the production practices used for dairy calves from birth to weaning. Discuss the reduced stress levels that are associated with no attachment/no nursing. Summarize the importance of proper feeding. Stress the importance of daily care and nurturing of the calf. Objective 2: Analyze the production practices involved in the care of dairy replacement heifers, lactating cows, and dry cows. Anticipated Problem: What are the production practices involved in the care of dairy replacement heifers, lactating cows, and dry cows? II. Several common production practices occur during the different stages of heifers/ cows. The quality of care the animals have received during various life stages affects lactating cow performance. Over the past 20 years, the dairy industry has made improvements in genetics, nutrition, milking systems, facility design, health programs, care, and management. These changes have attributed to an increase in milk Page 4

5 production. Dairy animal welfare is critical to dairy success and to providing high-quality, safe, and wholesome dairy products. A. Replacement heifer care starts at weaning and continues onto the first calving period. 1. Calves should be weaned gradually to allow for adjustments in feeding before joining a group of growing calves. Calves can be weaned as early as 30 days of age. Because birth and weaning are stressful, weaning programs should avoid added stress that can occur due to crowding, competition with older calves, and weather. 2. Careful management decisions will prevent health problems and maintain growth schedules. A good production practice allows calves to be weaned in groups of 5 to 12 and does not allow mingling with older calves. 3. Clean and fresh water should be provided at all times. 4. Calf pens should be designed to drain well and should provide ample amounts of shade. 5. As heifer calves grow, group sizes may increase. An important production practice is to maintain uniform groups in terms of size and age. Replacement heifers should also receive health care attention to minimize any disease problems. 6. Providing appropriate housing, proper feed and management, and weather stress attention will help producers maintain a healthy replacement herd. 7. Vaccinations are recommended for heifer calves. Examples are Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV), and Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) at 4 to 6 months of age and again before breeding. Between 4 and 8 months, heifer calves should be vaccinated by a veterinarian for brucellosis. These heifers should also be tattooed in the right ear and receive a permanent metal brucellosis vaccination identification (or a USDA series number tag). 8. Other good health production practices include parasite and fly control. Routine manure removal and keeping a neat and clean farm will reduce the number of flies. Any heifers entering the herd from unknown origins should be dewormed at least once before calving. Heifers that have been on pasture should also be dewormed. In addition, a hospital pen should be established for sick calves. This allows for observation and treatment on an individual basis, but all calves should be observed daily for signs of illness or injury. B. Lactating dairy cow care starts with proper facility design to provide comfort as well as a clean and safe environment. 1. Comfortable environments reduce stress. a. Temperature stress, cold or warm, can cause lactating cows to divert energy from milk production to producing body heat. Heat-stressed cattle will eat less and, therefore, reduce production. b. Clean, dry bedding should be provided for comfort and disease reduction. Page 5

6 c. Dairy barns should allow for adequate air movement and provide heat during cold weather. 2. Clean and safe environments reduce the risk of disease or injury. a. Bedding used in dairy facilities (e.g., straw, shavings, beach sand, dried manure, ground rubber, and dirt) should be clean and dry. Bacteria grow in moist areas, and feces can spread certain diseases. b. Providing a concrete area around water troughs, feed bunks, and entrances reduces slippage. Many large dairy barns are built with a degree of slope, allowing for proper drainage. c. Feed and water troughs should be cleaned regularly because dairy cows can consume approximately 5 gallons of water per gallon of milk produced daily. Therefore, constant access to clean, fresh water is critical. d. The sanitation of bedding, the milking parlor, and used equipment reduces the risk of common diseases, such as mastitis. Udders should be clean and dry when milked, and teats should be sprayed or dipped with a disinfectant after milking. e. Hooves should be trimmed. In addition, proper drainage within the pen/lot will help minimize foot disorders, such as foot rot. f. Some producers trim the switches (tails) or dock the tails. This practice ensures udder health and milk quality. Lactating cows should always be moved and handled in a quiet, consistent, and safe way. Dairy cows respond to habit and should be well established at an early age. C. Dry cows are cows that are not producing milk. The dry stage usually occurs 40 to 60 days prior to the next calving period. This allows the cow to prepare itself for the new calf and for the production of colostrum. 1. Dry cows are usually housed within groups and should be protected from the weather in one of several types of facilities. a. Freestalls are common and allow the cows to enter and exit freely for feeding. b. Exercise pens allow for waste removal and comfort. Pens or corrals should be designed for adequate exercise and should be cleaned regularly. 2. Proper feeding and attention to body condition are critical production practices for dry cows. Preparation for lactation and fetal growth will determine proper feeding. a. It is important to monitor cows until their udders do not produce milk. If udders become hard and swollen, they should be milked out. Once new milk is present in the udder, the cow is susceptible to new infections. As a result, it is important to maintain clean pens and pastures. b. Dry-cow therapy helps with mastitis by allowing each quarter of the udder to be treated with a long-lasting antibiotic that is approved by the FDA. It is important that producers read and follow the label instructions. Students should read the corresponding E-unit to aid in understanding the production practices involved in the care of dairy replacement heifers, lactating Page 6

7 cows, and dry cows. Use VM C to summarize the necessary production practices. Discuss the importance of each stage of the dairy cow and how each stage can affect the next. Discuss facility management similarities and differences. Invite a local dairy producer to be a guest speaker. Encourage the producer to discuss daily farm responsibilities. If time allows, visit the following Web site: < as a class. Click on the virtual tour link at the top of the page and follow through a series of interesting videos targeting the care and management of dairy cows. Objective 3: Describe the common dairy feeding systems, such as the total mixed ration system. Anticipated Problem: What are the common dairy feeding systems? III. Feeding and nutrition practices are essential in maintaining healthy, well-conditioned cows within a dairy herd. Nutrition starts at the point of colostrum management and continues as the animal grows and prepares for milk production. A. Feeding practices for birth to weaning include the use of colostrum, whole milk or milk replacer, and a calf starter feed. 1. Calves are fed colostrum for the first four days of life. 2. Fresh whole milk or milk replacer is used until weaning. Milk replacers should provide a minimum of 20 percent crude protein and be mixed with fresh, clean water. 3. The calf should also receive a calf starter feed and quality hay. The feed should be palatable, easily digested, and high in protein. Calves can consume 2 to 5 gallons of water until 6 months of age. It is important for calves to have access to fresh, clean water at all times. B. Feeding practices from weaning to calving for heifers include fresh, clean water; starter and grower feeds; and high-quality hay. 1. Calves usually stop milk feeding within a few days before weaning. The newly weaned calves should have water offered to them at all times. 2. Calves should continue on the same starter ration. Feed is usually offered as free choice. The ideal rate of gain should be 1.5 to 1.8 pounds per day. At least 5 pounds of starter grain with free-choice access to hay should be offered. The starter ration should contain 16 to 18 percent crude protein. About a month after weaning, calves should be switched onto a grower grain mix that contains about 14 percent crude protein. Once calves have reached 120 days of age, they may be fed a total mixed ration (TMR), which contains all feedstuff mixed together. The total mixed ration could be offered to calves at a much earlier age. Salt and/or trace minerals should be available in a block or loose form if they are not part of the ration. Heifers will continue high-forage diets until a few weeks before calving. Page 7

8 C. Feeding practices for lactating dairy cattle should include energy, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 1. Body fat is necessary as an energy source for lactation; however, excessive body fat can cause metabolic diseases and calving problems. 2. Regularly evaluating the body condition of cows should be part of the management practices so feeding can be altered as needed. It is common for high-producing dairy cows to obtain 50 to 60 percent of their ration from roughages and the other 40 percent from concentrates. Concentrates should contain high-energy feeds and protein supplements. The first four months of lactation will require a higher percentage of concentrates as production will be high during this time. Reducing concentrates for low-producing cattle or cows in the late lactation period helps to reduce feed costs. D. Feeding dry cows aims at stopping milk production by eliminating grain concentrates, high-quality legume forages, and corn silage at the early part of the dry period. These feedstuffs are replaced with lower energy, high-fiber forage (e.g., grass or oats). The feeding program for dry cows will vary and should be appropriate for the body condition, provide growth for the fetus, and prepare for lactation. 1. Forages (e.g., hay) serve as the primary feedstuff for dry cows, but protein and minerals are essential. a. All dry cow rations should contain at least 15 percent crude protein. b. Calcium, phosphorus, and potassium intake are important during the dry period. As a result, specific feeding programs are designed for cows during the last 10 to 16 days before calving. Two to three weeks before calving, Challenge feeding is used to gradually increase concentrate levels. This challenges the cows to reach their genetic potential in milk production; it also prevents a metabolic disorder known as ketosis. 2. The body condition determines appropriate feed rations. a. Dry cows in the proper body condition should gain 1 to 1.5 pounds per day for fetus growth. b. Thin cows should be grouped separately and should receive higher energy rations. c. Over-sized cows should be grouped separately and should receive low-quality forages with protein supplements. Students should read the corresponding E-unit to aid in understanding the common dairy feeding systems, such as the total mixed-ration system and challenge feeding. Use VM D to summarize the common dairy feeding practices from birth to production. Assign LS A. Discuss the importance of colostrum. Page 8

9 Objective 4: Determine the importance of body condition scoring, and describe how it is used to modify feeding practices. Anticipated Problem: Why is body condition scoring important? How is it used to modify feeding practices? IV. Body condition score is used to evaluate cows in relationship to the ideals for a specific stage of lactation. This score indicates the energy status and fat cover of each cow. Certain scores are assigned to the amount of fat observed on several skeletal areas of the dairy cow. A. Different point systems are used to score the cows. The most commonly used system has a range from 1.0 to 5.0 in increments of 0.1 to As the dairy cows experience lactation, changes in body condition scores will occur. Dairy cows are expected to lose body weight during peak production. These changes in body condition due to fat cover will shift the energy balance. A negative energy balance will not allow cows to perform at maximum capacity for the herd. Therefore, lactating cows should be fed well-balanced rations to put on fat before the animal moves into the dry period. Ideal cows should enter the dry period with a body condition score of 3.5 to 4.0. This will allow for the cow to reserve energy/tissue that will enable more milk production in early lactation. B. Body condition scores will greatly influence feeding practices. This scoring should be used as a management tool for producers to establish an ideal nutrition plan for the herd. Improvements made in nutrition will greatly improve milk production as well as the reproductive performance and health of the dairy cow. 1. Cows that are too thin will have metabolic problems and decreased milk production. 2. Cows that are obese will also have metabolic problems and calving trouble. C. Body condition scores should be gathered at various times: first breeding, calving, and throughout lactation. These scores should be recorded to help monitor cows. It is important for the same person to score the animals for consistency. Students should read the corresponding E-unit to aid in understanding the importance of body condition scoring. Ask students to describe how body condition scoring is used to modify feeding practices. Obtain a copy of a body condition scoring sheet (provided by Elanco Animal Health). Observe different cows (online, in a field, or in a PowerPoint) and suggest which skeletal points should be examined for fat coverings. Page 9

10 Objective 5: Examine the role of Dairy Herd Improvement Associations. Anticipated Problem: What is the role of Dairy Herd Improvement Associations? V. Performance data is used in dairy and beef cattle, swine, and sheep production industries. The Dairy Herd Improvement Association uses performance records of dairy cattle to improve milk production. A. The dairy industry utilizes Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) programs and records to promote accuracy, credibility, and uniformity within the industry. The Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) program is a national dairy testing and record-keeping program through which a herd is tested and compared with other herds across the nation. The DHI program is the basis for rapid improvements in dairy cattle genetics and milk production efficiency. The DHI program works with the USDA and the Extension Service personnel to collaborate with dairy producers to improve milk production and dairy management practices. 1. Records are compared within a herd and with other herds on a local, state, and national level. 2. Producers can use several testing plans to improve herd efficiency. The conducted tests include: a. Evaluating sires b. Individual milk production cow records c. Milk fat d. Milk weights 3. Purebred associations have U.S. registries for each dairy cattle breed. These registries promote outstanding production performance and maintain pedigree records. B. The dairy goat industry taps into the National Cooperative Dairy Herd Improvement Program (NCDHIP) with dairy producers. Cows and goats are treated uniformly and are tested similarly. Dairy goat owners enjoy the privileges of testing listed in the National Dairy Herd Improvement Association (NDHIA). Students should read the corresponding E-unit to aid in understanding the role of Dairy Herd Improvement Associations. Discuss the importance of the dairy herd improvement program. Why is it necessary to compare herds on the local, state, and national levels? What tests are performed for comparison? Discuss the advancements the dairy industry has made with the information the DHI provides. Page 10

11 Objective 6: List and describe the Predicted Transmitting Ability (PTA) used in the dairy industry, and describe how pedigrees and PTAs are used to improve herd quality. Anticipated Problem: What are the PTA values? How are these PTAs and pedigrees used to improve herd quality? VI. In dairy cattle, the EPDs (Expected Progeny Differences) are called the Predicated Transmitting Ability (PTA). Predicated Transmitting Ability (PTA) measures a bull s ability to transmit milk-producing capacity to its daughters. A. PTAs can be positive or negative. These values depend on whether the bull s daughter yields more or less milk than daughters of another bull under the same environmental conditions. The USDA calculates and publishes data on cows in testing programs to show the relationship to the bulls. Common PTA values used to estimate the sire or dam s potential are the following: PTA value for dollars (PTA$), milk (PTAM), fat (PTAF), protein (PTAP), cheese yield dollars (PTA$cheese), percentage of fat (PTA percentf), and percentage of protein (PTA percentp). Other breed associations calculate a PTA for a specific type. Reliability is another term used in the dairy industry. Reliability refers to the confidence in the PTA value. A low reliability percentage can change when larger numbers of female offspring are added to the sire summary. Sires should be selected based on high PTA values, index values assigned by breed associations, and a reliability of at least 70 percent. PTA$ should always be looked at first when comparing sires. Female offspring of high PTA$ bulls will return the most profit. B. Pedigrees are used to evaluate the performance of past generations and to compare genetic traits through the use of PTAs. The use of performance or production data is crucial in animal quality improvement. Selection of animals should be based upon pedigrees, individual appearance, individual performance, and progeny testing. These selection components are herd improvement tools. Pedigree knowledge can also be a useful tool in assessing genetic abnormalities and traits. Obtain a copy of PTAs of a selected sire group. Compare and contrast the sires with the students. Also, obtain copies of dairy cow or bull pedigrees. Guide the students through an analysis of the pedigree (e.g., how to read a pedigree, what it tells us, and how the information can be used). Objective 7: Discuss the selection process for dairy cattle, and examine the role of artificial insemination and other breeding technologies. Anticipated Problem: What is the role of artificial insemination and other breeding technologies? What is the selection process for dairy cattle? VII. The ability to recognize desirable and undesirable traits is important in herd improvement. Breeding techniques should be used to continually improve a herd Page 11

12 while removing animals based on set criteria or other situations that may arise. Culling is the practice of removing animals in poor condition or animals that do not express the desirable characteristics of the herd. A. Using the Dairy Herd Improvement program, also known as DHI, can help with herd improvement. Dairy Herd Improvement is a national dairy testing and record-keeping program through which producers test the herd and compare it to herds across the nation. B. Permanently removing or culling animals from the herd is a way to create space for more profitable animals. Before culling, milk production, reproduction history, age, and chronic health problems should be considered. Also, cows that may be a threat to workers because they are jumpy and dangerous may need to be removed. C. Breeding may involve a bull or artificial insemination. Artificial insemination (AI) is a method, other than natural mating, used to bring sperm in contact with eggs. When using AI, sperm can be selected from different donors. The female offspring of the sire can be examined, so a determination can be made regarding the appropriateness of the traits for herd improvement. The disadvantage of AI is the necessity of catching cows in heat and the time needed to breed them. Keeping bulls on farms limits the genetic pool, but it saves time by letting the bull detect heat. D. Purebreeding is another means of herd improvement. Purebreeding is the mating of a purebred animal to another purebred animal of the same breed. With purebreeding, the herd can be improved by keeping registration papers of the ancestry of both the sire and the dam. Being familiar with genetics may help in the selection of the best sire for offspring improvement. E. Outcrossing is another useful system of breeding. Outcrossing is the mating of an unrelated male and female. It will increase genetic diversity and help produce hybrid vigor in the breed. Hybrid vigor increases the strength of different characteristics, which is referred to as heterosis. F. Crossbreeding is mating one breed of cattle to a recognized but different breed. For example, a Holstein could mate with a Jersey animal. Crossbreeding advantages include higher production and more disease resistance. Disadvantages include not being able to register the animals because they are not purebred and difficulty predicting offspring appearance. Assign the corresponding E-unit(s). Use VM G. Discuss the differences of purebreeding, outcrossing, and crossbreeding. Have students evaluate dairy cattle based on pedigrees, individual appearance, and individual performance. Review/Summary. Use the student learning objectives to summarize the lesson. Have students explain the content associated with each objective. Student responses can be used to determine which objectives need to be reviewed or taught from a different angle. The anticipated problems in this lesson and Checking Your Knowledge in the corresponding E-unit(s) may also be used in the review/summary. Page 12

13 Application. Use the included visual masters and lab sheet to apply the information presented in the lesson. Evaluation. Evaluation can involve observing student performance throughout the lesson. The sample written test can also be used. Answers to Sample Test: Part One: Matching 1. h 2. b 3. i 4. a 5. d 6. j 7. f 8. c 9. g 10. e Part Two: Completion 1. Purebreeding 2. Crossbreeding feeding 5. PTA$ 6. Pedigrees Part Three: Multiple Choice 1. c 2. d 3. b 4. a 5. b 6. d 7. b 8. a Page 13

14 Sample Test Name Feeding and Managing Dairy Cattle Part One: Matching Instructions: Match the term with the correct definition. a. total mixed ration f. Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) b. colostrometers g. reliability c. Predicated Transmitting Ability (PTA) h. colostrum d. challenge feeding i. dry cows e. culling j. body condition score 1. The first milk (given by the mother) that contains important nutrients 2. Items used on dairy farms to select the highest quality of colostrum 3. Cows that are not producing milk 4. This contains all feedstuff together 5. A gradual increase in the level of concentrates to help cows reach their genetic potential in milk production 6. This is used to evaluate an individual cow 7. This is a national dairy testing and record-keeping program 8. This is a measure of a bull s ability to transmit milk-producing capacity to its female offspring 9. This refers to the confidence in a PTA value 10. The process of removing animals in poor condition Part Two: Completion Instructions: Provide the word or words to complete the following statements. 1. is the mating of a purebred animal to another purebred animal in the same breed. 2. is the mating of two purebred animals of different breeds. 3. A newborn should be fed colostrum within the first hours. 4. Body condition scores will greatly influence practices. Page 14

15 5. Female offspring of high will return the most profit. 6. is/are used to evaluate the performance of past generations. Part Three: Multiple Choice Instructions: Circle the letter of the correct answer. 1. protects other animals and the handler and reduces feeder space requirements. a. Vaccinations b. Extra teat removal c. Dehorning d. Identification 2. The most stressful periods for calves are. a. dehorning and weaning b. vaccination and birth c. birth and feeding d. birth and weaning 3. Calves should be vaccinated for brucellosis by a veterinarian, tattooed in the ear(s), and receive a permanent metal brucellosis vaccination identification. a. left b. right c. both d. None of the above 4. allows for each quarter of the udder to be treated with a long-lasting antibiotic to control mastitis. a. Dry-cow therapy b. Vaccination therapy c. Lactating-cow therapy d. Total mixed ration therapy 5. A starter ration should contain crude protein. a. 12 to 14 percent b. 16 to 18 percent c. 18 to 20 percent d. 20 to 22 percent Page 15

16 6. Cows expressing a high body condition score will have difficulty with. a. milk production b. metabolic problems c. calving trouble d. Both B and C 7. is the method, other than natural mating, used to bring sperm in contact with eggs. a. Hybrid vigor b. Artificial insemination (AI) c. Outcrossing d. Crossbreeding 8. increases the strength of different characteristics. a. Hybrid vigor b. Artificial insemination (AI) c. Purebreeding d. Crossbreeding Page 16

17 VM A CALF PRODUCTION PRACTICES Dairy calves should be housed in a clean, dry environment with little stress and with protection from heat, cold, wind, and rain. Calf hutches are the dominant facility type for dairy calves. Calves are fed colostrum the first few days of life. Bottles or esophageal tubes are used for the first feeding. Water troughs or pails should be cleaned daily. The umbilical cord should be treated or dipped with iodine. Calves should be born in a dry and clean environment. All equipment used for feeding should be cleaned and sanitized after every use. All calves should be identified. This is a critical step for production testing and registering animals with purebred organizations. Page 17

18 VM B CALF HUTCHES Page 18

19 VM C COW PRODUCTION PRACTICES Replacement Heifer Practices Calves can be weaned as early as 30 days of age. Weaning programs should keep the young calf free from stress that can occur due to crowding, competition with older calves, and weather. Calves can be weaned in groups of 5 to 12. Clean and fresh water should be provided at all times. Replacement heifers should receive attention to health care to minimize any disease problems. Routine manure removal and a clean farm will reduce the number of flies. All calves should be observed daily for signs of illness or injury. Page 19

20 Lactating Cow Practices Facilities should provide comfort and proper nutrition while supporting health. Clean and dry bedding should be provided for dairy cows for comfort and for the reduction of diseases. Feed and water troughs should be cleaned regularly. Constant clean, fresh water should be provided. Common diseases, such as mastitis and foot rot, should be attended to immediately. Lactating cows should be moved and handled in a quiet, consistent, and safe way at all times. Dry Cow Practices The dry stage of a dairy cow usually occurs 40 to 60 days prior to the next calving period. Exercise pens should be available for waste removal and for comfort. Proper feeding and attention to body condition are critical production practices for dry cows. It is important to monitor cows until their udders do not produce milk. Dry-cow therapy allows for each quarter of the udder to be treated with a long-lasting antibiotic. Page 20

21 VM D FEEDING SYSTEMS Calves Feeding practices for birth to weaning include the use of colostrum, whole milk or milk replacer, and a calf starter feed. The calf should also be fed a calf starter feed and quality hay. Calves can consume 2 to 5 gallons of water daily. Growing Heifers Newly weaned calves should have constant water access and should continue on the same starter ration. The ideal rate of gain should be 1.5 to 1.8 pounds per day. The starter ration should contain 16 to 18 percent crude protein. About a month after weaning, calves should be switched to a grower grain mix containing about 14 percent crude protein. Page 21

22 A total mixed ration contains all feedstuff mixed together. Salt and/or trace minerals should be available in a block or loose form. Lactating Cows Body fat is necessary as an energy source for lactation. Evaluating the body condition of cows as a regular routine should be part of management practices. Feed rations will vary for cows due to body condition. It is common for high-producing dairy cows to obtain 50 to 60 percent of their rations from roughages and the other 40 percent from concentrates. Dry Cows Feeding dry cows aims at stopping milk production by eliminating grain concentrates, high-quality legume forages, and corn silage at the early part of the dry period. The feeding program should be adjusted to the body condition. Thin cows should be grouped separately and fed a higher energy ration. Page 22

23 Over-sized cows should be grouped separately and fed low-quality forages with protein supplements. All dry cow rations should contain at least 15 percent crude protein. Forages (e.g., hay) will serve as the primary feedstuff for dry cows. Calcium, phosphorus, and potassium intakes are important during the dry period. Challenge feeding is a gradual increase in the level of concentrates to encourage the cows to reach their genetic potential in milk production. Page 23

24 VM E DAIRY CATTLE ON PASTURE Page 24

25 VM F DAIRY CATTLE ON SILAGE (Courtesy, University of Minnesota, Crookston) Page 25

26 VM G SELECTION PROCESS FOR DAIRY CATTLE Using the Dairy Herd Improvement Program Permanently removing or culling animals from your herd Using a bull for natural breeding or using artificial insemination Page 26

27 LS A Name Feeding and Managing Dairy Cattle Purpose The purpose of this activity is to balance dairy cattle rations and to solve management problems. Objectives 1. Solve feed ration problems using the Pearson Square. 2. Evaluate the overall management problems of a dairy operation. Materials lab sheet writing utensil calculator Procedure 1. A dairy cattle producer has 150 heifers and wants to develop a balanced ration of 14 percent crude protein (CP). a. How many pounds of each feedstuff do you need to make 800 pounds of a balanced ration? Feedstuff Used in Ration CP TDN Corn 8.8 percent percent Soybean hulls 11 percent 55 percent Page 27

28 2. A producer operates a 250-cow dairy. He puts in a 10-hour day. He will spend 62 percent of an average day milking cows, 20 percent cleaning buildings and equipment, and 15 percent feeding. The remaining time of the 10-hour work day is spent doing other things. a. What fractional part of a work day does the producer spend doing other things? b. How many hours per week will he or she spend milking? c. How many hours per year will he or she spend cleaning, milking, and feeding? Page 28