Bovine Nutrition Review Flashcards
(22 cards)
Why is forage such an important part of a ruminant’s diet?
Forage is crucial for ruminants because it encourages chewing and saliva production, supports rumen function, aids nutrient utilization, and aligns with dental adaptations.
What terms are used to differentiate cow sexes and ages?
Calf → Young bovine (male or female). Bull → Intact male. Steer → Castrated male <4 years old. Ox → Castrated male >4 years old. Heifer → Female that has not given birth, typically <30 months old. Cow → Female that has calved or is older than 30 months.
How might a cow’s breed affect how we feed it?
Dairy breeds require high-energy diets, beef breeds are fed more forage-based diets, and dual-purpose breeds have intermediate nutritional needs. Larger breeds need more feed intake.
Explain the digestive anatomy in adults & young ruminants.
Adult: Mouth → Esophagus → Rumen → Reticulum → Omasum → Abomasum → Small Intestine → Large Intestine. Young: The esophageal groove directs milk to the abomasum, preventing fermentation in the rumen.
What does ‘maintenance’ mean? When is a dairy or beef cow in maintenance?
Maintenance is when an animal consumes enough nutrients to support basic life functions without gaining or losing weight. Dairy cows are in maintenance during the dry period; beef cows are in maintenance when not pregnant, lactating, or growing.
What factors should we consider when developing a ration?
Consider energy needs, protein levels, forage-to-grain ratio, minerals & vitamins, water availability, and environmental factors.
Explain how to BCS a cow.
BCS evaluates fat cover on a scale of 1 to 5 (dairy) or 1 to 9 (beef). Key areas to assess include hooks & pins, ribs, backbone, brisket & tailhead fat deposits.
What do we want to see for BCS during the last trimester of pregnancy? Why?
Dairy cows: Aim for BCS 3.25-3.5 for energy reserves; beef cows: Aim for BCS 5-6 for healthy calf and lactation.
Why does a dairy cow look ‘skinny’?
Dairy cows prioritize milk production over fat storage, leading to a thinner appearance.
Importance of colostrum for neonates?
Colostrum provides passive immunity and must be consumed within the first 6 hours. Failure to receive it increases disease risk.
What’s creep feeding?
Creep feeding is introducing calves to high-energy supplemental feed while nursing, aiding rumen development and weight gain.
How long are calves bottle-fed?
Typically 6-8 weeks, gradually transitioning to solid feed.
Why disinfect feeding equipment?
Disinfecting prevents bacterial contamination and reduces disease risk.
How are beef cattle fed in feedlots?
Beef cattle are fed high-energy diets for rapid weight gain and marbling, often using TMR.
How are veal calves fed?
Veal calves are fed milk-based diets, often raised in controlled housing with specific feeding schedules.
What is bloat?
Bloat is caused by gas buildup in the rumen, often from high-grain diets or lush pasture. Signs include a swollen left abdomen and difficulty breathing.
What are rumenotomy and trocar?
Rumenotomy is a surgical opening of the rumen to relieve bloat; a trocar is an instrument to puncture the rumen for gas release.
What is displaced abomasum (DA)?
LDA is more common than RDA; a ping sound indicates a gas-filled abomasum. RDA can twist, causing fatal blockage.
What is failure of passive transfer (FPT)?
FPT is insufficient colostrum intake, leading to weak immunity.
What are scours?
Scours is life-threatening diarrhea in calves, with dehydration being the main danger.
What is ketosis?
Ketosis occurs when cows have an energy deficit, breaking down fat too rapidly, leading to acetone breath and weight loss.
What is rumen acidosis?
Rumen acidosis is caused by too much grain, damaging the rumen lining and increasing liver abscess risk.
