Metabolic Problems - Farm animals Flashcards
(161 cards)
What 5 things affect the productivity of animals?
Genetic factorsFeeding - DietEnvironmentManagementDisease
What acts as a buffer for rumen pH?
Saliva - produced by chewing and ruminating
What is needed in a ruminant diet?
Fibre - cut 2-4cm
What is essential for cows when chewing?
Comfort - most chewing done when lying down
What three things are required in a cow diet?
EnergyProteinMinerals
How much trough space should be allowed per cow?
At least 60cm
How is the amount cows are actually eating measured?
Dry Matter basis - must know content of all feeds in the diet
How can the dry matter intake for cows be calculated?
(0.025*body weight)+(0.1*milk yield)
How can silage be spoiled?
Anaerobic - air enters causing secondary fermentation and moulds can produce mycotoxins
What are some problems that should be looked for when assessing dairy cow feeding?
Insufficient feeding spaceRough edges of troughs, rails etc.Extremes of hot, cold, rain, light etc.Slippery floorsSelf feeding from silage faceVery tight packed silageElectric fences
What can clover rich pastures cause in cows?
Bloat - magnesium deficiency
What can be fed before turning out to grass each day to supplement grazing?
Buffer feed - silage, hay or TMR to supplement grass to prevent over eating of hungry cows
How should you observe cow comfort?
Undisturbed in straw yards or cubicles
What percent of cows should be lying and ruminating?
60%
What percent of cows should be lying down 1 hour before feeding?
85%
What would cause milk fat to drop significantly?
If concentrates:forage ratio is greater than 60:40
What can spring grass be low in?
Fibre
What percent should milk fat be at?
4.20%
What may low bulk milk fat indicate?
SARA
What percent should milk protein be?
3.40%
When does milk protein drop?
After period of inadequate energy intake
What should be done to investigate feed?
Look at itSmell itHandle itAsk about it (more than one person)
What are the 5 scoring levels for dung?
1 - loose and watery2 - custard and splatters far3 - ideal - slow hand clap that doesn’t stick to boots4 - thick and heavy forming a stack that sticks to boots5 - stiff dung where boot leaves impression
What is the critical time to check dry cows?
6 weeks either side of calving - poor DMI will lead to metabolic disease, poor milk production and poor fertility