Langhill Dairy Flashcards
(96 cards)
When cows first show signs of calving what happens to the cow?
It gets moved into a calving pen if the presentation of feet normal.
What is the normal presentation of a calve?
First the forefeet and the nose of the calf will be seen first
How much monitoring and assistance is expected for calving?
The cow will be checked on regularly to monitor the progress but will be ideally left unassisted.
Once the calf is born, what is important to check right away?
The airways (nose and mouth) of the calf are cleared of membranes.
After parturition, the cow will lick the calf, what does this do?
stimulates and dries the calf
What is colostrum?
The first let down of milk that happens after birth and contains passive immunity via antibodies.
Why is colostrum important?
It gives passive immunity from the mother to a calf that is born with no natural immunity.
What is the time cut off to getting colostrum into a calf after birth?
Should be given after birth within 6 hours at the latest
What does Langhill do in order to ensure adequate colostrum intake?
Soon after birth they will bottle fed or stomach tube colostrum into a calf
What are signs of calving difficulties?
prolonged labor with no progress or malpresentation of the calf
What happens if calving difficulties are detected?
Skilled farm staff with experience will help the mother.
What is a calving jack?
Is a useful piece of equipment that can help pull a calf out.
What is important to note about a calving jack?
it must be used carefully and by a trained operator because misuse can cause injury to the cow and the calf
When do cesarian sections happen?
When the calf is unable to be born normally or with assistance.
What is Meconium?
is a dark colored, sticky feces that a calf has in its intestines before it is born
What can happen if the birth is prolonged regarding meconium?
Meconium staining - when the meconium is passed before its born causing the calf to be born stained
What is the year in a life of a dairy cow at Langhill farm?
calving - (calving rearing -) milking - re breeding - dry period - turnout - housing - calving
What is the milking parlor at Langhill?
a pipeline 28:28 Herringbone parlor
What is most common type of parlor in the UK?
Herringbone parlor
Describe a herringbone parlor.
Cows are milked in batches and stand at an angle facing away from a central pit. This gives milker an easy access to the udders at a good working level. It is designed to be operated by one person so there are automated features.
Where do cows wait before milking?
the collecting yard
How many cows are on each side of the parlor?
14 on each side
How does the parlor identify cows that enter?
The cows wear electronic transponders on their neck collars that are scanned when they pass through a blue archway.
Where are the cow
s individual milking numbers displayed?
On the individual digital screens of each milking unit