Dairy Flashcards
(164 cards)
1
Q
What should we consider when collecting info on a dairy farm?
A
Why we are looking for info. What is normal? How/Who decides what is normal? What info is available? Who is providing the info?
2
Q
Which three elements are important to consider when analysing documents and records for a farm?
A
Data inspection (cell counts, production, milk recording), animal inspection, and farm inspection. Analyse data BEFORE going on farm.
3
Q
What should we consider when looking at production data?
A
Average days in lactation (10 month/305d lactation ideal for one calf every 12 months).
Kg fat/protein content of cows in early lactation.
Milk fat % (
4
Q
What does somatic cell count data tell us?
A
Amount of inflammation present within udder.
5
Q
What level of somatic cells is not acceptable for heifers? And cows?
A
Heifers >150,000
Cows >250,000
Heifers lower as they shouldn’t have had any prior infection or wear and tear from milking.
6
Q
What other factors should be considered when assessing somatic cell count data?
A
Count before and after parturition.
Number of new infections.
Number of chronic infections.
Comparison between previous months data.
7
Q
What other factors should be considered when assessing farm data?
A
Payments from dairy factory.
Test results of feed and animal health service/vet.
Bills of vets - only about 4% variable costs, important for farmer to see value in it.
Management system.
8
Q
What should you look for when inspecting a dairy cow?
A
Chewing - how many cows are grazing, number of cuts, number chewing cud.
Rumen fill - rumen score 1 (slab sided) - 5 (looks like bloat).
Faecal scoring - 1 (very liquid) to 5 (firm balls, dehydrated). 3 is optimal with porridge like appearance.
Locomotion score
Body condition score - 1 to 8 or 1 to 5.
Coat
9
Q
What three elements need to be considered when undertaking a farm inspection?
A
Environment - surfaces, heat, shade, etc.
Feed - pasture:concentrate ratio, hay, silage, additives and byproducts.
Water - amount, head space, location, quality, source, contamination.
10
Q
List some herd health goals.
A
11
Q
What does hypo mean?
A
Less
12
Q
What does hyper mean?
A
More/too much
13
Q
Discuss negative energy balance in dairy cattle.
A
Commonly seen during late gestation and early lactation.
Occurs when output exceeds input and DM intake is compromised (only 10-12kg DM fits with calf; normally 20kg).
DM intake peaks 6wks post calving, just after peak lactation - causes energy deficit in early lactation.
14
Q
What are the pregnancy and lactational energy requirements of dairy cows?
A
Foetal-placental unit requires 45% of maternal glucose and 72% AA supply.
During lactation the glucose requirement increases 266% and AA requirement increases by 191%.
15
Q
What is acetonaemia?
A
Ketosis.
Creation of ketone bodies due to body fat store break down.
Occurs due to lack of energy/glucose - cows with negative energy balance. Can be increased by high protein intake.
Common in excessively fat cows and cows having twins.
Poor feed intake or very high production.
16
Q
What are the signs of ketosis?
A
Sub clinical - reduced milk yield, reduced fertility.
Clinical - milk drop, depression, weight loss, staggering, recumbent.
Nervous ketosis - circling, blindness, tremors, hyoeraesthesia, bizarre behaviour.
17
Q
How do you treat ketosis?
A
IV or SC glucose - prone to relapse once glucose levels drop.
Oral propylene glycol.
Corticosteroids - shouldn’t be used in cases of secondary ketosis.
18
Q
What managements initiatives can be implemented to prevent ketosis?
A
Ensure moderate BCS at calving.
Maintain consistent BCS of 3-3.5/5 or 4.5-5/8 all year through good nutrition management.
Ensure adequate energy content in feed ration, ensure no excess protein.
Prophylactic propionate/propylene glycol/glycerine post calving as preventative.
Monensin-ionophor proven to reduce ketosis.
19
Q
Discuss hypocalcaemia.
A
Lack of Ca. Occurs at/after calving, up to a week.
Massive demand on Ca for lactation, body is unable to immobilise enough and therefore inadequate Ca for muscle function.
Can be fatal.
20
Q
What are some risk factors for hypocalcaemia?
A
Advancing age - clinical disease rare in heifers.
High oestrogens inhibit bone resorption.
High dietary phosphorous.
Breed - jerseys less likely to affected than Holsteins.
High dietary fat??
21
Q
List the stages of clinical signs of hypocalcaemia.
A
- Cow standing, brief excitement, tetany, hypersensitivity, muscle tremors, ataxia, anorexia, stiff gait.
- Sternal recumbancy, depressed consciousness, head turned to flank, dry muzzle, skin and extremities cool, weak pulse, pupillary light reflex incomplete, ruminal stasis, constipation, tachycardia. S shaped neck.
- Lateral recumbancy, comatose, flaccid, heart difficult to hear, bloat, death.
22
Q
How do you treat hypocalcaemia?
A
IV Ca infusion (1g/45kg BW of Ca gluconate).
SC Ca gluconate - need to back up with oral administration of Ca chloride or Ca propionate to reduce chance of relapse.
23
Q
What steps can be implemented to manage hypocalcaemia?
A
Short term - Ca gel orally at calving, vitamin D injection 1wk before calving, monitor herd closely and treat early.
Long term - feed anionic salts to springers (MgSO4), limit Ca intake in dry period, feed ad lib hay to springers.
Dietary Ca should be 1-1.2%, P and Mg at 0.4%, sulphur 0.25-0.4%, Na 0.1%, K 1.0%, add chloride to balance dietary cation-anion difference (not above 0.8%).
24
Q
Discuss hypomagnesaemia.
A
Grass tetany. Multi factorial; incorporates weather, pasture growth, dietary Mg, K, Na and protein. Tends to be seasonal in Autumn and Spring.
More common in older cows grazing lush grass dominant pasture.
Can be seen in calves (2-4months age) as milk is low in Mg.
High ruminal K concentration reduces Mg uptake.
25
What are the clinical signs of hypomagnesaemia tetany?
In coordination, hyperaethesia, tetany, tonic-clonic muscular spasms and convulsions, high case fatality rate without treatment. Aggression.
26
Discuss the treatment of hypomagnesaemia tetany.
MgCl2 or MgSO4 IV, SC or enema.
| IV Mg requires caution as Mg is muscle relaxant (causes heart to relax). SC and rectal safer.
27
Discuss short term prevention strategies for grass tetany.
Dietary supplementation with Mg - oxide, carbonate, sulfate, phosphate.
Pasture dusting, mix with molasses into hay, daily drenching, Mg rich pellets, reticulum bullets, top dress pasture (Mg fertiliser), supplement in drinking water.
28
What other measures can be implemented to prevent grass tetany?
Avoid grazing new, fresh pasture.
Avoid use of potash (K) fertiliser at high risk times.
Include legumes in seeder mix for crops (higher Mg levels).
Ensure adequate feed, shelter (particularly when cold).
Change calving season.
29
Discuss lameness in dairy cows.
Abnormal gait, resting limb, limping (body rises when affected leg placed on ground).
Most often in hoof (infectious, puncture, laminitis).
Control via ensuring laneways are in good condition, dairy yard is clean of manure, nutrition is appropriate.
30
Discuss displaced abomasum.
Movement of abomasum out of normal position, associated with high levels of concentrate feeding.
Post calving entrapment due to gestation elevation of the rumen allowing abomasum to move under the rumen.
Occurs immediately post calving and picked up within 6wks.
Large production losses.
(L) poor milk production, wight loss. Treat by rolling cow or surgery. Prevent via restricting heavy grain feeding, adequate fibre.
(R) less common and more severe.
31
Discuss calf scours.
Diarrhoea caused by bacteria, viruses, Protozoa, nutritional.
Caused by poor colostrum quality or intake, poor housing quality (drainage, bedding), ingestion from environment.
32
What is countdown down under?
Project funded by Dairy Australia beginning in 1998.
The aim is to improve Australia's milk quality and quantity by establishing understanding and guidance on controlling mastitis.
33
Why is BMCC important?
Udder health and quality is important to farm productivity and profitability. Impacts on cow production; payments for milk, animal welfare, labour requirements, genetic gain and replacement rates, base farm costs.
34
What are the calving guidelines from the countdown program?
1. Reduce environmental mastitis; clean and dry calving environment, milk within 24hrs, foremilk strip.
2. Take care of heifers and fresh cows; time with milk let down, avoid over milking, train heifers, milk out udders with oedema.
3. Milk suitable to the vat; observe WHP (particularly for dry cow therapy), colostrum.
4. Find, treat, record fresh cow clinical mastitis quickly; look for symptoms, milk samples for culture, antibiotic selection, mark treated cows, minimise spread.
35
What are the lactation guidelines of the countdown program?
1. Good milking technique; calm cows, foremilk strip all cows in first month lactation, teat cups on clean and dry teats, cups on when teats plump, avoid over milking, cut vacuum and minimise air entering teat cups.
2. Monitor and maintain milking machine; daily checks (air, vacuum, pulsators, check teats), weekly checks (liners, airlines, listen to regulator), monthly checks (reserve and regulator function, completeness of milking, cup squawks and slips).
3. Post-milking teat disinfection; mix fresh everyday, use high quality water, use emollients, dipping/spray technique, clean out dipper when low.
4. Practice good hygiene; avoid milk splashes or sprays, use disinfectant to remove infected milk from gloves and liners.
5. Manage teat sores and cracks; assess each milking, clean surfaces (laneways, troughs, etc), ensure cows can't access creeks/dams, single use applicators for ointments.
6. Find, treat and record clinicals; monitor BMCC, check swelling and clots, fore milk strip, ICCC (>6000cells/mL), cultures, treatment.
7. Monitor BMCC; if high check for undetected clinicals,
36
How often should treat liners be changed?
2000-2500 milkings.
5000-10,000 for silicone.
4-6 months.
37
What are the late lactation guidelines of the countdown program?
1. Drying off strategy; use expected calving dates to create lists, dry high ICCC earlier, plan dry cow treatment strategy.
2. Cull persistently infected cows; 3+ clinical cases in lactation, high ICCC cows with dry cow therapy in 2 lactations.
38
What are the drying-off guidelines of the countdown program?
1. Dry-off abruptly; 5-12L/d, put into clean paddocks, feed to maintenance for 3-4d, illegal to restrict water.
2. Administer dry cow therapy as recommended; correct procedure, sanitation procedures, dip teat with fresh solutions, ID treated cows, minimise leakage.
3. Check udders daily for a week; check swelling (don't touch as could stimulate milk let down), treat if suspicious.
4. Observe weekly
5. Selling cows; check WHP
6. Buying cows; check BMCC, ICCC, history.
39
What should you consider when conducting an investigation involving mastitis?
Define the problem; nature, occurrence, clients definition versus yours.
Consider risk factors; human resources, equipment, environment, cows.
40
Why is lameness important in dairy herds?
Third most economically important disease of dairy cattle (1. Repro failure, 2. Mastitis).
Incidence has increased with confinement to concrete floors.
Major cause of culling.
Hooves only grow 5mm per month.
High producers often larger, more wear and tear on their feet.
Important from economic and welfare perspective.
41
Discuss economic losses due to lameness.
Decreased fertility; decreased heat display, increased metritis.
Decreased milk production; sit down more, eat less, increased mastitis (think losses in lactation curve).
Increased labour requirements; trimming and treatment.
Increased culling; decreased slaughter value due to decreased BCS, loss of genetics.
Increased vet costs.
42
Name 6 economic losses due to lameness and rank them from most, to least important.
Reproduction 34%, low milk production 25%, mastitis and reduced yield 13%, labour 13%, veterinary costs 8%, weight loss 7%.
43
What are the economic losses of lameness, per case.
Loss of milk production $96, treatment (20% cases) $20, extended calving-conception period $70, forced culling $35.
Total for each individual average lameness case $221 (average).
44
Apart from economic and welfare lameness issues, what are its other effects?
Come into milking shed later, increased labour costs and time.
Restless when milked so poor milk letdown, increased kicking, possible teat damage, incomplete milking, droplet impacts.
Lie in unusual positions and get pressure sores.
45
What are the welfare implications of lameness?
Body condition score
Hock lesions
Locomotion score
Competition for feed and water
46
What are the two most common sites of disease which cause lameness in dairy cattle and briefly describe the primary causes of each site.
90% claw; cows 80% hindlimb, 75% outer claw due to increased weight on lateral claw. Heifers 56% hindlimb, 55% outer claw. 38% of ALL lesions in heifers are inner fore claw-more weight and increased resistance heading into dairy.
10% upper limb.
47
What percentage of lameness is traumatic in grazing systems?
Over 66%
48
What percentage of dairy cows on large farms have thin soles?
30-75%
49
What are the main causes of lameness lesions?
Laminitis/trauma-sole ulcer/haemorrage 20-40%, white line disease 20-40%.
Infectious-septic pododermatitis 20-30%, interdigital necrobacillosis (footrot) 10%, digital dermatitis, heel erosion.
50
Which lesions of the hoof are characteristic of laminitis?
Sole bleeding, sole ulcers, white line defects.
51
What is the pathogenesis of solar bruising?
Ration and environment, Feeding CHO, Trauma.
Solar bruising can lead to ulcers, white line defects.
Cause a change in fat cushions and suspensory ligaments (relaxing at calving causes increase in water in collagen allowing it to stretch). Reduced fat cushions are replaced by connective tissue.
52
What are the 5 steps to trimming hooves?
1. Length-cut toe to 8.5cm on both claws.
2. Height-pare claw down, keep 5-7mm thickness at tip of toe, keep sole flat and heel high.
3. Shape the claw-cut slope into cleft of both claws.
4. Any lesions, lower this part-if outer claw bruised, than make it lower than heel so inner claw can take weight.
5. Trim loose parts-remove loose horn from heel.
53
List some risk factors which could predispose a cow to lameness.
Property and herd size, age (increased age=increased weight), bail feeding, voluntary entry into bails, features of farm track (length, surface), presence of steep slopes, surface material.
54
Discuss the link between nutrition and laminitis.
Sudden changes in nutrition have been associated with laminitis.
Laminitis causes vascular laminae damage, poor horn quality and deterioration of the horn.
Multi factorial and not well understood.
55
Draw a diagram representing the interaction between feed and animal health.
Feed in centre, arrows to reproduction, mastitis, milk production and lameness. All arrows go forwards and backwards and link between each quarter.
56
Describe the environmental and behavioural risk factors which predispose to lameness.
Stoney, rutted, muddy laneways and walking areas.
Confinement to concrete floors.
Laying time - cubicle comfort.
Congestion and crowding of cows - laneways narrow, yards small, cows turning corners.
Level of patience in herding/moving cattle.
57
Which risk factors at the herd level predispose to lameness?
Farmer knowledge - attitude, economic importance
Concentrate and fibre levels in diet - excess energy can cause laminitis.
Comfort of walking surfaces - standing too much means lying is uncomfortable (should lay @12hrs/d). Surfaces should be non-abrasive and fine to ensure drainage.
Foot trimming - hoof wall short and steep at toe, regular trimming, excess length at toe means increased pressure on pedal bone.
58
Discuss the risk factors for lameness in individual cows.
Adult, first 3-4months of lactation, have been previously treated, increased body weight, low body condition score, excessive growth rate as heifer, genetics (dorsal claw angle, rear legs and rump width).
Farmer awareness, diagnosis and treatment (early), heifers joining main herd, rough walking surfaces (wood chips or grass are ideal, softer surfaces increase walking speed, high risk areas are around troughs and gateways).
59
Discuss methods for the prevention of lameness.
Differs per lesion, identify important risk factors for the specific farm.
Foot bathing may reduce incidence however feet need to be clean for this to work (CuSO4, formaldehyde).
Regular foot trimming (once or twice a year).
Balanced ration.
60
Give an overview of the objectives and information of herd health programs.
Herd, not individual cows is important.
Lameness in one cow is just indicator of the herd.
Which lesions are most prevalent.
Which risk factors for an individual farm.
How to cure and prevent.
General management cycle.
61
What are the three areas to identify in terms of risk in a herd health program?
Environment
Animals
Period
62
Discuss factors for animals at risk in herd health management.
Heifers
0-60d lactation
Poorly trimmed hooves
63
Discuss factors for period at risk in herd health management.
Purchase of new cows
Introduction in the herd
Udder oedema (chaffing inside legs from udder-weight will be transferred to medial hind claw)
Calving
Summer period (competition for shade, more standing)
64
Discuss factors for environment at risk in herd health management.
```
Walking path
Walking distance
Feeding
Milking parlour
Cows are not designed to walk on concrete!
```
65
What are the goals of a dairy heifer program?
Raise healthy calves with 575kg.
| Produce productive animals cost effectively.
66
What are the outcomes of breeding smaller heifers?
Increased carry over, later calving at lower weights, increased anoestrus, decreased BCS, decreased milk, increased health costs, decreased conception rate, increased hormonal intervention.
Increased repro culling and shorter herd life.
67
What are the dairy herd targets a farmers should aim for in terms of lactation curves and heifers?
```
Heifers calve for first time at 2 years
Cows conceive within 85d post calving
Cows lactate for 305d
60d dry off
Cows calve at 365d intervals
An average culling age of 5 or 6 years (3-4 lactations)
```
68
What are the outcomes of breeding larger heifers?
Earlier time to conception, earlier calvings at larger weights, decreased anoestrus and increased milk, increased conception rates.
Can be achieved by using heifer and transition feeding.
69
Why have current calf rearing programs failed?
Seen as hassle as no direct monetary return for ones input, calves often left to manage themselves.
Many of the management practices advocated by professionals have focused on weighing; time consuming and gives retrospective information.
70
What is HACCP?
Hazard Analysis critical control point.
| System for food safety analysis.
71
What are the HACCP approaches?
Management focused on quality control and risk mediation.
Identifies where problems in a process can occur, implements measure that stop problems arising.
Relies on good knowledge of process and environment.
Require some monitoring and performance targets.
72
What is hazard period 1 and what does it involve?
Birth to weaning.
Involves preparation of the dam, calving environment, birth management, calf health management, nutritional management, housing environment, disease management, weaning management.
73
Discuss preparation of the dam from a hazard period point of view.
Body condition of cows at calving; less than 10% of herd should be below BCS 4.5/8 or 2.75/5 at drying off. Cows should not loose body condition during dry period.
Parasite and vaccination program; tailor to specific farm pathogens.
Transition period management; utilise close up rations to transition between dry ration to milking ration. Prevent milk fever.
74
Discuss calving environment from a hazard point of view.
```
What does it look like?
How many cows are in the area?
When were they put in?
When do you take them out?
How often do you remove calves?
Bedding and scrapping.
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75
Discuss birth management from a hazard point of view.
Observations of calving; closely monitored and not prolonged. Dystocias below 15% for heifers and 8% adults. Still births below 5%.
Record keeping and identification; record all calvings, ID calves as soon as possible.
Umbilical cord disinfection; 2.5-5% iodine.
76
What are the 3 Qs of calf health management?
Adequate passive transfer; quickly, quality, quantity. Good quality colostrum within 6hrs of birth. 10% of body weight at first feeding.
Higher antibodies means lower mortality.
Cow reabsorbs IgG if it is not being removed.
77
Discuss nutritional management from a hazard point of view in terms of calves.
Adequate and correct nutrition for dairy calves; nutrition plan for heifers needs to be written out, growth rates need to be determined, use weights to assess progress, BCS and muscling in calves.
Energy is most important nutrient in calves, also nutrient that is most lacking in growing heifers.
Maintenance calf; 10MJ ME/50kg, Growth calf; 15MJ/kg up to 100kg lwgt.
78
What amount of milk will provide energy for maintenance for the calves first 21d of life? Why don't farmers feed more?
4L.
| Doesn't provide energy for growth, allows calves to become hungry and encourages them to eat pellets.
79
Discuss the protein and growth requirements of a dairy calf.
Energy stored as protein or fat, most weight gain is protein.
Maintenance protein requirements are minimal however increase with BW. Efficiency of protein gain increases with rate of gain. Calves at 0d require @24% crude protein, 150d require 16% crude protein.
80
Discuss calf starter feeds.
Introduce at 2-3d. 18-20% crude protein, 11.5-12.5MJ/kg ME.
Coarser textured feed with 10-25% fibre (stretches rumen, increases VFA produced and increases rumen development).
Mineral and additive inclusion pelletised or suspended in wet ingredients (molasses).
Free choice water required for rumen fermentation.
Roughage introduced from 1-2weeks. Straw is only acceptable if highly palatable, hay is good option but may need to control intake.
Pellets are a lot cheaper (35c) compared to milk ($1kg).
81
Discuss a calves housing environment from a hazard point of view.
Good housing to decrease disease incidence; clean, dry bedding, protection from environment (cold), adequate air flow, isolation from adults/manure/run off. Avoid overcrowding, keep away from dairy.
All in, all out, periodic depopulation for cleaning, utilise disinfectants, don't use high pressure hoses when calves in facility (airborne bacteria), change bedding regularly.
82
Name a few forms of housing facilities for calves.
Calf tunnel
Calf shed
Calf hutches
Calf paddocks
83
Discuss disease management from a hazard point of view.
Calf illness should be rapidly identified and intervention should be appropriate and prompt.
Treatment levels should be below 15%.
Vaccination and worming should be farm specific.
84
What is the probability that a calf will get an optimum dose of IgG from its dam?
40-60%
This is why management, sanitation, innate immunity and stress are important.
Vaccination is not a silver bullet.
85
Discuss the preparation of the dairy calf for weaning, include information on successful transition to rumination and feeding strategies.
Weaning management; calves need to be weaned with adequate rumen development - early adaptation to solids (2-3d), increased CHO leads to increased VFA production (AIDS rumen papillary development), hay/straw aid in rumen stretching (poor digestibility though so poor VFA production), 10-25% fibre.
Calves need to be weaned onto quality pasture which has the least disease risk, consider Johnes and internal parasites.
86
What are the objectives of heifer rearing?
```
Maintain or expand herd size
Calve at 24months (max lifetime productivity)
Minimise dystocia (
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87
What are the benefits of bigger heifers?
```
Increased LW at first calving.
Improved milk production
Improved fertility/reduced age at first calving
Reduce dystocia
Reduce wastage (decreased culling)
```
88
Discuss improved milk production in larger heifers.
Larger heifers milked 23L more than smaller sizes over first three lactations, first lactation had 3-13L more.
Higher base yields, compete better, eat more, less growth during lactation.
89
Discuss the advantages of improved fertility in bigger heifers.
Puberty reached at 8mths (35-45% mature LW) and heifer isn't bred until 15mths means increased fertility due to more time cycling.
Increased mating live weight means fewer empty heifers, increased first service conception %, tighter calving pattern, improved fertility, decreased culling in 2nd calvers.
90
Discuss the advantages of reduced age at first calving.
Earlier return on investment, reduced rearing costs, fewer replacement carried and reduced generation interval.
Better reproductive performance.
Greater lifetime milk production.
Reasons for high AFC; poor fertility at mating/too small, delayed joining for milk/feed price reasons.
OTHER ASPECTS SUCH AS CRITICAL MATING WEIGT NEED TO BE IN PLACE BEFORE THIS CAN WORK.
91
Discuss dystocia rates in heifers and the advantages of lowering them.
Holsteins 280kg MLW 4-6%.
Rate should always be below 16%.
Dystocia can increase calving to conception interval by 14d and can decrease 1st lactation yield by 650L.
Lighter heifers with short withers at greater risk.
92
Discuss culling and the effects of having larger heifers.
Tas dairies cull 53% before end of first lactation, Gippsland cull 30-35% by end of second lactation (4% of total milk income).
Reason for high rates in Tas are due to seasonality of herds, hit puberty in winter when food is short but good quality, if they don't the spring/summer feed is poor quality and quantity and takes much longer to hit puberty.
93
What are some of the disadvantages of bigger heifers.
Fatty udder syndrome-well grown animals that rear poor condition calves (fatty body mass growth negatively affects lifetime milk production).
Reduced feed efficiency if don't feed to genetic potential-typical in low input systems.
94
What at the key risks of heifer development?
```
Poor adaptation to changing diets.
Starvation or suboptimal nutrition.
Parasitism and infectious disease.
Acidosis.
Repro failure.
Calving (difficulties).
```
95
What is the most significant hazard for heifers in Australia?
Temporary or life-long sub-optimal nutrition.
Key deficiencies are energy and protein, not enough feed and feed quality to low.
Increases risk and effects of infectious disease which exacerbates nutritional stress.
96
What is the average daily target growth rate?
0.7kg/day
| Unrealistic for every month, more like 0.5kg in winter, 1kg in spring.
97
What does the optimum Live weight of first calving depend on?
The desired milk yield.
98
What is a heifer milk yield target?
80-85% when comparing first lactation with mature milk yields.
99
What are the key management hazards of heifer management?
```
Weaning management
Disease and parasite management
Nutrition from weaning to calving
Mating management
Transition management
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100
Discuss heifer weaning management.
Significant change to environment and nutrition, disease risks decrease but maintenance requirements increase.
Target weaning weights vary with operation (65-120kg), must have pre-adapted rumen to non-milk diets.
Parasite control/vaccination.
Growth targets (0.7kg)
Critical to control competition-mixed age groups are high risk
Continue concentrate-18-20% CP, 10-11MJ/kg ME, keep 60% forage base.
101
Discuss disease and parasites as part of the HACCP for heifer management.
Each farm has its own parasite profile.
GIT parasites and lungworms important.
Liver fluke-fence of areas where water flows into and out of dam.
Drenching programs and rotational grazing.
Avoid paddocks grazed by older cattle.
Vaccinate, clostridial and lepto.
Respiratory diseases.
Johnes control-don't graze paddocks grazed by mature cattle.
Plant toxicities.
Pestivirus.
102
Discuss post weaning diets for heifers as part of the HACCP.
Knowledge of feed base-allows better identification of problems.
Understanding this will identify key risks and deliver the most cost effective response.
Key monitoring phases (weaning, 6, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24 months.
103
For growing cattle, as energy and intake requirements increase, crude protein values.....
Decrease
104
Discuss post weaning diets, specifically post weaning nutrition.
Provide concentrate for up to 6 months of age - longer if no pasture is available.
Make improved pastures available.
Monitor growth rates and BCS.
Control acidosis-increase forage, bicarbonate.
105
What are some important points to consider for a heifer 6-12months of age, post weaning.
Key period of risk-back paddock heifer rearing, fatty udder syndrome.
Parasites.
Key period for skeletal growth.
Growth rates >0.7kg/day.
Control competition (don't mix age groups)
Continue concentrate if necessary (10-11MJME/kg), adapt to suit forage base.
High quality pastures can be adequate for growth-strategic use of fertiliser (N).
106
What are some important points to consider for a heifer 12-15months of age, post weaning.
Puberty.
Maintain growth to reach puberty target weights.
Target will vary depending on system.
Will need improved pastures or supplementation to continue 0.7kg/d growth rates.
Key period for parasite control.
Bull preparation and pre-planning for mating (VBBSE, vibriosis and pestivirus).
107
What are some important points to consider for a heifer 15-18months of age, post weaning.
```
Mating.
Target 350-390kg.
Continue high quality diets.
Maintain growth rates (0.7kg/d).
9.5MJ/kg DM 16-18% CP (high protein lowers fertility).
```
108
Discuss mating management hazards that need to be managed for heifers.
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Continue growth rates.
Stable/rising plane of nutrition.
Select bulls based on mating weight.
Appropriate AI programming (well grown=better oocyte establishment).
Monitor mating with heat detection aids.
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109
What are some important points to consider for a heifer 18-21months of age, post weaning.
Early pregnancy.
Growth rates >0.7kg/d.
Consider nutrient requirements of foetus and placenta - 72% of maternal AA go here.
Protein requirement can be reduced to 12-14%CP.
Energy density 8.5-9.5MJME/kg DM.
110
What are some important points to consider for a heifer 21-24months of age, post weaning.
Late pregnancy.
Consider impact of foetus on both intake and nutrient requirements. Also the role of udder development.
Diet energy density may need to increase towards last 2 months of gestation. 10MJME/kg, 12-14%CP.
111
What are some important points to consider for a heifer 23-25months of age, post weaning.
Calving and lactation.
Target 9-11kg DMI, 14-16%CP, >10.5MJME.
Control competition with older cows during transition ration delivery.
Better of using quality hay to bulk rumen and prevent abomasum twisting than using straw.
112
Discuss the management of transition hazards for heifers.
Need transition ration for rumen adaptation, prevention of acidosis, metabolic problems and the provision of energy and protein for foetus and udder development.
Less than 3 weeks on lead feed otherwise at risk of milk fever.
Udder oedema - increased chances by excess sodium, energy and CP. (Heifers don't yet have milk vein).
113
What are the key issues for heifer feeding systems?
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Competition control
Labour considerations
Intake control
Prevention of wastage and soiling
Complimentary to forage base
Complimentary to existing capital base
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114
What are some practical strategies for improving heifer diets?
Complement the feed base (manage acidosis, intake regulation, fertilisation of pasture, increase legume content of pasture) or change the feed base (cropping).
115
Need to match ......... ............ To ....... Rather than continually responding to poor performance.
Management solutions
| Hazard
116
Strategies for heifer programs should be......
Simple, manageable, cost effective.
117
How do milk companies pay?
Based on standard L +/- for fat deviation OR
| Kg basis for milk solids produced.
118
Which fluctuates more; milk protein or milk fat?
Milk fat.
119
Is milk protein or milk fat more expensive?
Milk protein, higher demand.
120
How should milk volume problems be defined?
Using herd recording and bulk milk pick up data.
| Milk yield targets; peak milk volume, peak milk timing and persistency if yield.
121
Where does milk volume come from?
Absorption of propionate.
Propionate (VFA) is created in the rumen from feed degredation and is a precursor for gluconeogenesis. Lactose is then synthesised from glucose and transported to mammary gland, water is osmotically drawn into the mammary gland depending on the concentration of solids.
Grains and starches have disproportionate amount of propionate, can cause issues with milk volume produced.
122
Discuss peak milk volume.
Target for Peak yield is based on target mature cow size. 305d yield divided by 200.
Year round; average daily production, compare predicted and measured.
Seasonal; average daily production, follows lactation curve.
123
What is peak milk timing?
Relationship between peak yield and days post calving (occurs 40-80days in milk).
Rapid rise to peak is undesirable as larger negative energy balance, also risk of poor fertility and persistency.
Failure to reach predicted milk volume by 30-40DIM can indicate poor transition management.
Heifers should peak at 75+% of mature cows.
124
What is lactation persistency?
Decline from peak milk production.
9% per month for mature cows, 6% per month for heifers.
Influenced by management strategies (milking frequency, feeding system, BCS, milking frequency).
Poor heifer versus mature performance suggests excess competition.
125
What needs to be considered when faced with a milk solids problem?
Define the problem.
Is the problem due to dysfunction or a result of available resources (dysfunction or defecit)?
What is the cost and benefits of resolving the problem?
126
Where does milk protein come from?
Mainly from absorption of intestinal protein.
Mammary gland cells use AA and proteins from blood stream. These AA and protein comes from intestinal protein or tissue breakdown.
Small intestine protein is microbes and protein contained within them.
Carbohydrates support microbes and can be used to increase milk protein.
127
What are the key risks of milk protein?
More difficult to manipulate
Narrower range of normal values
Strong genetic influence
128
Discuss the milk protein profile during the the stages of lactation.
First 10d milk protein is very high then decreases to peak.
Increases again towards end of lactation (less liquid, more solids).
Major risk to check - milk protein levels decrease at peak lactation (monitor bulk pick up).
129
Discuss the competition between a cows BCS and her milk production.
Competing nutrient pools for growth, maintenance, body condition, foetus and pregnancy, milk production.
Cows will not milk well if forced to partition nutrients to body condition. Cows that calve in poor BCS milk lower and peak later. Poor BCS leads to poor milk protein and less responsive to changes in diet (nutrients diverted to BCS rather than milk).
130
Discuss the relationship between dry matter intake and milk production.
Milk volume and protein highly correlated with dry matter intake.
Factors that influence dry matter intake can increase milk protein.
Principle mechanism is by increasing protein flow to the intestine (microbial and bypass).
@ 18-26kg DMI per day during lactation.
Higher energy increase microbial growth and increases milk protein.
Milk yield is higher when more low degradability DM is fed.
131
What are the major risks to check in terms of dry matter intake for lactating cows?
Energy density of diet - low CHO energy density leads to poor fermentation.
Energy intake - herds chronically undernourished have lower milk protein.
Protein intake - herds with protein intake
132
What are some key risks for low milk protein?
Age-milk protein peaks at 3 years old.
Mastitis-affects protein type.
Milk production-dilution at high volumes.
Fat in diet-herds with fat intake >5%
Ionophore use-increases milk protein (causes drop if discontinued).
Acidosis and low fibre-causes rumen instability and reduced bacterial protein yield. Monitor faeces for signs of disruption here.
133
Milk solid problems are generally.......
Multi factorial
134
Why is milk fat higher in Victoria compared to NSW?
Difference in breed.
Vic mostly jerseys
NSW mostly Holsteins-lower peaks and troughs.
135
Where does milk fat come from?
Breakdown of body tissue
Intestinal absorption of FA. Synthesis from VFA (acetate, butyrate).
Acetate comes from non-structural carbs and fibre digestion.
136
Discuss milk fat % during the stages of lactation.
Immediately post calving milk fat is high due to mobilisation. Drops as move towards peak and then increases again in late lactation.
137
Why is fibre important for milk fat?
Source of acetate.
Scratches rumen and keeps it healthy (mixing).
Helps with cud chewing.
Reduces chance of acidosis.
138
What is acidosis?
Rumen pH drops below 6.
Reduces microbial protein yield and fibre digestion.
Higher risk when cows move from low to high energy diets (calving).
Decreases DM intake.
139
Why is acidosis important?
Causes lameness, ruminal parakeratosis, liver abscessation and death.
Decreased feed utilisation, lowers milk production, lowers milk fat and protein.
Prevent it by transition cow management.
140
Milk fat is directly related to.......
Rumen fluid pH.
| As pH drops, so does fat.
141
How do you diagnose acidosis?
Observe-faecal changes (increased water, bubbles), hoof changes (sub solar haemorrhage, poverty lines, laminitis).
Rumen pH-stomach tube or needle aspiration.
Diet analysis
Decreased milk fat and protein, may see increase in production in early stages.
142
What is the ideal milk protein:milk fat ratio?
0.85
| >0.95 suggestive of sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA).
143
What are some examples of high starch and fibre grains?
Wheat, triticale, rice, maize, sorghum, barley, corn.
| Should be cracked into 2 pieces, if more you increase risk of acidosis.
144
Give some examples of low and intermediate starch and fibre content grains. Can you maximise milk production using these?
No, struggle to milk off these types.
Low-Brewers, distillers, bran.
Intermediate-oats, mill run, maize germ, meals
145
What are some methods for controlling acidosis?
Use of sodium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide as buffers (limited evidence).
Feeding low starch concentrates (lupins).
Maintain fibre but be careful of 10-trans-12-cis situations.
Balance rations.
Appropriate delivery system for fibre (effective and digestible).
Manipulate fermentation using monensin, Tylan, viginiamycin (antibiotic). These decrease lactate and maintain pH. Increase propionate but decrease acetate.
146
What are some risks to consider with milk fat?
```
Feeding frequency
Ionophore use
Body condition
Ration processing
Fat feeding
Adaptation to the ration
Temp and humidity
Age
Water
Reduced pasture palatability and true availability
Low dietary protein
```
147
Discuss some changes in dairy production in Australia in recent years.
Herd sizes have doubled, production per head has increased. Number herds has dropped.
148
What is the national dairy industry animal welfare strategy?
Good reputation to secure, maintain and enhance the future sustainability of the dairy industry.
149
What is Dairy Australia trying to achieve through welfare and their welfare strategy?
Welfare is vital for every farm and is the core of every farm plan.
Vision is that every dairy animal is well cared for.
The delivery of safe, quality products requires farmers to keep animals in peak condition through good husbandry and daily checks.
Regular independent surveys of farmers, these provide a measure of the adoption of on-farm practice to improve animal welfare.
150
What are the 7 main areas of the National Dairy Industry Animal Welfare Strategy?
```
Disbudding,
Management of calves
Calving induction
Tail docking
Lameness
Welfare training
Management of sick or injured cows
```
151
Increased production per cow has lead to.....
```
Increased feed intake (530MJME daily for maintenance and milk production, DMI 5-7% BW compared to recommended 3-4%.
Reproduction
Udder health
Stress
Diseases
Management
Comparison between dairy and beef.
```
152
How does a cow spend her day?
```
50% lying down
21% eating
17% milking
8% social
4% drinking
```
153
What are the 5 freedoms? And what are farmers views on them?
Freedom from hunger and thirst (most important to farmers)
Freedom from discomfort
Freedom from pain, injury or disease
Freedom to express normal behaviour (least important to farmers but still important)
Freedom from fear and distress.
154
Where is the thermoneutral zone for cows?
5 degrees to 28 degrees Celsius
155
What are some examples of freedom from discomfort?
Dystocia
Housing (lane ways)
Tail docking (not proven to increase cleanliness)
Transport/slaughter when culled
Should be 1 cow per 2m.
156
What is a cows normal behaviour in terms of hours per day?
Pasture; Walking 4-9hrs, Standing 7-8hrs, Lying 9-12hrs.
| Indoor; walking 1-2hrs, standing 12-14hrs, lying 7-8hrs.
157
What can be done to assess the welfare of dairy cattle on farm level?
Inspect animals-condition score, lameness
Management of the dairy farmer.
Environment of cow-floor, drinking places, feeding places, lane ways.
158
What are the top 5 welfare issues in dairy cattle?
| Based on 5 freedoms.
```
Lameness
BCS
Hock lesion
Locomotion score
Competition for feed and water
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159
What kind of issue is animal welfare?
Social.
Incorporates attitudes towards animals, politics, ethics, anthropomorphism, economics.
Triple bottom line approach-economics effects welfare, legislation and ethics.
160
How can welfare be valued economically?
Business owners trying to reduce costs
| Consumers believing they are doing the right thing.
161
Production limiting parameters are also ......
Welfare limiting parameters.
162
True or false, consumers are prepared to pay to improve welfare?
True
163
What can we do to influence welfare from an economic perspective?
Welfare changes need to be market driven.
Vets have a moral obligation towards welfare and a social obligation towards clients.
Can add value along supply chain by anticipating welfare issues.
Lead by example in management of animals.
Promote business benefits of welfare improvements.
164
How can markets negatively affect welfare?
Live export
Cull stock have low value
Multiple stages can result in disconnect
High genetic merit animals don't always show best welfare (overly large udders).
Treatment limitations of organic farming.
