dairy

Question 1

What does AHDB stand for?

Answer 1

Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board

AHDB is a statutory levy board in the UK that supports farmers and growers.

Question 2

What is the main focus of the dairy industry statistics provided by AHDB?

Answer 2

Number of farms supplying milk

This includes data on the production levels and trends within the dairy sector.

Question 3

How many dairy herds are being replaced each year?

Answer 3

20 to 30 per year

This indicates a significant turnover in dairy farming operations.

Question 4

What is the typical weight range for calves in their early months?

Answer 4

40 - 60

This weight range is critical for understanding the growth stage of calves.

Question 5

What is the significance of the lactation period in dairy cows?

Answer 5

200 days

This is a key period for milk production in dairy cows.

Question 6

What is the estimated cost to rear a dairy calf?

Answer 6

up to £2000

The exact cost can vary significantly based on management practices.

Question 7

What is the reproductive age for heifer calves?

Answer 7

14 - 15 months

This is the age when heifers are typically ready for insemination.

Question 8

What is the main breed mentioned in relation to heifer calves?

Answer 8

Holstein

Holsteins are known for their high milk production.

Question 9

What is the lactation duration for a dairy cow?

Answer 9

305 days

Dry period = 60 days
This duration is essential for planning breeding and milk production cycles.

Question 10

What factors influence the nutrient requirements of lactating cows?

Answer 10

Body condition, energy performance, and nutrient balance

Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining health and productivity.

Question 11

What does ‘seasonal supply’ refer to in dairy farming?

Answer 11

Milk production variations based on seasons

This affects the availability of milk and pricing in the market.

Question 12

What is the typical lactation nutrient requirement for dairy cows?

Answer 12

High levels of energy and nutrients

This is necessary to support milk production and overall health.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: Farmers will not inseminate until cows are _______.

Answer 13

heavily lactating

This timing helps ensure the best reproductive outcomes.

Question 14

What is the seasonal management practice mentioned for dairy cows?

Answer 14

Calving in spring

This practice aligns with natural grass growth, providing better nutrition.

Question 15

What is the impact of using body reserves for energy in dairy cows?

Answer 15

Can lead to negative nutrient balance

This can affect health and productivity if not managed properly.

Question 16

What are the advantages of a seasonal calving system?

Answer 16

Advantages include:
* low feed costs
* low disease spread
* reduced building costs
* less slurry

Question 17

What is a key factor in determining calving dates in a seasonal calving system?

Answer 17

Calving dates are reliant on concentrated forage economics

Question 18

What does high input/output efficiency refer to in the context of dairy production?

Answer 18

It refers to achieving high milk production due to the high inputs (heavily investing in feed, labour, technology) - efficient & rewarding

Question 19

What are some challenges faced by producers in a seasonal calving system?

Answer 19

Challenges include:
* uneven product cycle/quality
* parasite problems
* seasonal volume fluctuations

Question 20

What are the implications of contract types on dairy production?

Answer 20

Contract types can determine competition and liquidity

Question 21

What is the basis for competition in dairy production?

Answer 21

Competition is based on fat/protein content

Question 22

What does a bacterial count indicate in milk quality?

Answer 22

Bacterial count is a main indicator of quality

Question 23

What are the drawbacks of measuring bacterial presence in milk?

Answer 23

Expensive to set up

Question 24

What is a significant indicator of milk quality related to somatic cells?

Answer 24

Somatic cell count is a significant indicator of quality

Question 25

What happens if antibiotics are detected in milk?

Answer 25

Milk will be rejected to prevent antibiotic resistance in humans

Question 26

Fill in the blank: Seasonal calving systems may lead to _______ of calving dates.

Answer 26

uneven spread

Question 27

True or False: Seasonality in dairy production does not affect volume.

Answer 27

False

Question 28

What is the primary purpose of a dairy livestock system?

Answer 28

The primary purpose is to produce milk and dairy products.

Question 29

True or False: Holstein cows are known for their high milk production.

Answer 29

True

Question 30

Fill in the blank: The average lactation period for dairy cows is _____ days.

Answer 30

305

Question 31

What are the two main types of dairy systems?

Answer 31

Grass-based and grain-based systems.

Question 32

Which dairy system is characterized by high feed costs and high milk yield?

Answer 32

Grain-based system.

Question 33

What is a common bad practice in dairy farming?

Answer 33

Neglecting animal welfare and not providing adequate veterinary care.

Question 34

List one good practice in dairy farming.

Answer 34

Regular health check-ups and vaccinations for livestock.

Question 35

What is the average age at which dairy heifers are first bred?

Answer 35

15 months.

Question 36

True or False: Organic dairy farming prohibits the use of antibiotics.

Answer 36

True

Question 37

What is the typical duration of the dry period for dairy cows?

Answer 37

Approximately 60 days.

Question 38

Which event marks the beginning of a cow's lactation cycle?

Answer 38

Calving.

Question 39

Multiple choice: Which breed is not typically used for dairy production? A) Jersey B) Angus C) Guernsey

Answer 39

B) Angus

Question 40

What is the main goal of herd management in dairy systems?

Answer 40

To optimize milk production and ensure animal health.

Question 41

What is the significance of the 'colostrum' in dairy farming?

Answer 41

Colostrum is the first milk produced after calving, rich in antibodies essential for calf health.

Question 42

What year was the Dairy Production and Marketing Protection Act enacted?

Answer 42

1983.

Question 43

What is mastitis in dairy cows?

Answer 43

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland in dairy cows, often caused by bacterial infection.

Question 44

True or False: Mastitis can lead to decreased milk production.

Answer 44

True

Question 45

Which bacteria are commonly associated with mastitis in dairy cows? (Choose all that apply)

Answer 45

Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli

Question 46

Fill in the blank: The primary method for preventing mastitis is __________ management.

Answer 46

hygiene

Question 47

What are two common symptoms of mastitis in dairy cows?

Answer 47

Swelling of the udder and abnormal milk appearance.

Question 48

What is the role of antibiotic treatment in mastitis?

Answer 48

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections causing mastitis.

Question 49

What does the California Mastitis Test (CMT) measure?

Answer 49

The California Mastitis Test measures somatic cell counts in milk to detect mastitis.

Question 50

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a preventive measure for mastitis? A) Regular milking routine B) Overcrowding C) Infrequent cow checks

Answer 50

A) Regular milking routine

Question 51

True or False: Milking machines can contribute to the spread of mastitis.

Answer 51

True

Question 52

What is the best time to test for mastitis in dairy cows?

Answer 52

Before and after each milking.

Question 53

What is the dry period of a dairy cow?

Answer 53

The dry period is the phase when a dairy cow is not lactating, typically lasting around 60 days before calving.

Question 54

Why is the dry period important for dairy cows?

Answer 54

It allows the cow to rest and recover, helps prepare her body for the next lactation cycle, and supports fetal development.

Question 55

True or False: The dry period should be less than 30 days for optimal cow health.

Answer 55

False. The dry period should ideally be around 60 days.

Question 56

Fill in the blank: The dry period is essential for __________ in dairy cows.

Answer 56

mammary gland development

Question 57

What is the recommended time frame for the dry period?

Answer 57

Approximately 60 days.

Question 58

How does nutrition during the dry period affect dairy cows?

Answer 58

Proper nutrition during the dry period supports body condition, fetal development, and prepares the cow for the next lactation.

Question 59

Multiple Choice: What is one consequence of a dry period that is too short?

Answer 59

A) Decreased milk yield in the next lactation

Question 60

What should be a key focus in a dairy cow's nutrition during the dry period?

Answer 60

Balancing energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Question 61

True or False: Cows should be fed the same diet during the dry period as during lactation.

Answer 61

False. The diet should be adjusted to meet the specific needs of dry cows.

Question 62

What role does the dry period play in preventing mastitis?

Answer 62

A proper dry period helps to reduce the risk of mastitis by allowing the udder to recover and regenerate.