Dairy Farming Flashcards
Types of cows in Ireland
- British Frieisan
- Holstein Friesian
What is a British Friesian?
The British Friesian is a dual-purpose animal: it can be used for dairy and for beef production.
What is a Holstein Friesian
- The most popular dairy breed in Ireland is the Holstein–Friesian. This is a large dairy breed that produces high milk yields.
- Holstein–Friesian × Jersey crossbred cattle produce a lower milk yield compared with the Holstein–Friesian but higher milk solids. The crossbred cattle exhibit hybrid vigour.
Management of the life cycle of a replacement heifer from birth to 2 years
All calves on a dairy farm are artificially reared.
Colostrum, what is it? Characteristics…
- The first milk a cow produces is colostrum.
- Colostrum has a high percentage of fat and protein. It contains vital antibodies that will give the calf immunity against disease.
- The ability of the calf to absorb these antibodies is greatest in the first few hours of its life.
- Calves should be fed milk or milk replacer twice daily and should also be provided with hay, concentrates and fresh water.
Where should calves been housed?
Calves should be housed in well-ventilated houses with clean, dry bedding of straw. Good hygiene is essential to prevent scour.
What is Weaning (sacar la leche de la vaca)
Calves are weaned off milk and onto concentrates and grass at 6 weeks old. Calves should be provided with good-quality grass and should graze in the leader-follower system.
With which age should calves Overwinter?
What should they be fed?
Calves should be housed for winter at 9 months old and should be fed good quality silage. Concentrates should be provided if silage quality is poor.
Learning Check:
1-What is the most popular dairy cow breed in Ireland?
2-Why?
3-What is it crossed with for higher solids (but lower volume)?
4-What are calves fed in the first few hours after they are born?
5-Why is this important?
6-What age are they weaned off milk?
1- Is the Holstein Friesian.
2- Because this is a large dairy breed that produces high milk yields.
3- Jersey crossbred cattle
4- Colostrum
5- Colostrum has a high percentage of fat and protein. It contains vital antibodies that will give the calf immunity against disease.
6- 6 weeks old
Bull selection for replacement heifers
An easy calving bull on a first-time calving heifer reduces the chances of calving difficulties.
Factors that determine output and quality of produce
- Spring Calving (Mid-February)
- Mated
- Lactation 305
- Gestation (283 days)
- Drying off 60
(Repeat)
Nutritional management of dairy herd. What is the most important component?
Energy is the most important component in a dairy cow’s diet. If her diet is low in energy, this will result in low milk yields and low milk protein.
Management of a cow during early lactation
- After calving a dairy cow will lose weight as her feed intake does not meet her energy output.
- The cow will make up the deficit in energy by using up some of her energy reserves, which is referred to as ‘milking off her back’.
Management of a cow during early lactation
- After calving a dairy cow will lose weight as her feed intake does not meet her energy output.
- The cow will make up the deficit in energy by using up some of her energy reserves, which is referred to as ‘milking off her back’.
- A dairy cow’s diet should be supplemented with concentrates in early lactation to ensure that she reaches her lactation peak. A cow reaches her lactation peak 6–8 weeks after calving.
- Mineral supplements should be provided to prevent milk fever (caused by low calcium) and grass tetany (caused by low magnesium) in early lactation.
- Dairy farmers use heat detection aids such as tail painting and activity meters to identify when a cow is in heat. Most dairy farmers use artificial insemination (AI).
Bull selection for a dairy herd
Dairy farmers use both beef and dairy bulls in their breeding programmes. A beef bull is used to produce offspring for beef production. A dairy bull is used to produce replacement heifers.
