Unit 2: Dairy Cattle

describes the trend in milk production per cow over the past several decades

describes the trend in number of milk cow operations over the past several decades

describes the trend in number of milk cows in the US over the past several decades

refers to calves that are presented backwards during patrurition

milk collected from mother for several days after calf is born, rich in antibodies and provides the calf with passive immunity

stage of the dairy industry where after calf is born, it is separated from mother to prevent maternal bond from forming and to reduce disease transmission

stage where the calf is placed in one of a vairety of housing options (eg hutches), primarily fed fluid milk or soy-based milk replacer (2 quarts 2x a day) until around 6 weeks of age

stage that involves the practice of growing and breeding heifers, vaccinations also administered at around 6 months of age once immune system has developed

approximate age of heifer puberty

optimal age for heifer to calf for the first time

phase in dairy industry where gestating cow is switched from low maintenance diet to high energy to support high milk production

condition caused by a lack of calcium in the diet of the cow

spans from two weeks before calving to 3 weeks after parturition

stage of the dairy industry where cow is typically milked 2-3 times per day

lenght of time lactating cow produces milk each year

term that refers to a cow in the 2 month rest period before calving again

heart of the dairy farm, houses all pieces of cow management such as health/care, feeding programs, genetics, and handling to maximize milk yields

herringbone, parallel, carousel (used in larger dairies)

massaging the udder to stimulate the cow to release oxytocin, relaxes muscles and makes milk extraction easier

percent of milk that is water

percent of milk that is fat

percent of milk that is lactose

percent of milk that is protein

pounds of milk produced in a year by the average dairy cow

2X, ME, 305d

2X, ME, 305d

2X, ME, 305d

additive put in dairy cattle feeds to prevent acidosis rumenitis (buildup of acid in the rumen)

sand, rubber cushioned mattresses, straw/crop aftermath (eg corn stover)

ISU dairy farm capacity

ISU milking parlor style

ISU milking parlor capacity

ISU dairy cattle breeds

from Scotland, average milk production, excellent udders, reddish brown and white

from Switzerland (oldest), 2nd highest in milk production, brown/light brown

from Channel Island, smallest in stature, average milk production with high butterfat content; gray, fawn, and black

from Channel Island, average milk production (yellow), tan and white

lowest milk production, red, white and roan

from Holland, 90% of all dairy cows, highest milk production; black and white or red and white