Chapter 26 & 27
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Modesto Junior College *
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Health Science
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Feb 20, 2024
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Chapter 26:
1.
Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the six major dairy breeds and their relative importance to the dairy industry.
Holsteins are known for high milk production and adaptability but have lower fat content and health issues. Jerseys are valued for their high butterfat content and efficiency. Guernsey’s have high butterfat and protein content but lower production. Brown Swiss are prized for longevity and milk production but can be challenging to manage. Ayrshires excel in production but have lower fat and protein content and health concerns. Milking Shorthorns offer dual-purpose capabilities but lower production, making them versatile for diversification in dairy operations.
2.
Discuss the systems used to describe dairy type and the usefulness of these systems.
Various systems, such as linear scoring and visual appraisal, are used to evaluate dairy cattle traits related to production, conformation, and health. Farmers can utilize these systems to improve breeding and management decisions, potentially increasing milk production and overall health. These tools help to enhance genetic potential and conformation in cattle, leading to greater productivity and profitability for farmers.
3.
Describe trends in milk production and the role of breeds and selection in the changes.
Improved breeding practices and selection of high-producing dairy cattle breeds, such as Holstein, Jersey, and Guernsey, have led to a steady increase in milk production over time. Farmers prioritize traits like high milk yield, good conformation, and strong health characteristics in their selection process. Through selective breeding and genetic advancements, farmers have boosted the productivity and efficiency of their herds, resulting in higher milk yields and increased profitability in the dairy industry.
4.
What is the role and scope of DHI?
Dairy Herd Improvement is a management system that collects and analyzes production and health data from individual dairy cows. The goal is to provide farmers with information to make informed decisions about herd management. DHI includes milk testing, somatic cell count analysis, reproductive monitoring, and genetic evaluations. It helps farmers evaluate cow performance, identify issues, and improve herd health and productivity. DHI plays a key role in optimizing milk production, monitoring quality, enhancing reproduction, and improving overall herd health to increase sustainability and profitability.
5.
Define genetic correlation and its importance to dairy cattle breeding.
Genetic correlation refers to the relationship between the genetic values of two traits, with a positive correlation indicating that as one trait increases, the other also tends to increase, and vice
versa for negative correlations. In dairy cattle breeding, understanding genetic correlations is crucial for breeding decisions as it helps to predict how changes in one trait may affect another. By prioritizing traits with positive genetic correlations, breeders can design balanced breeding programs that improve overall productivity and health of the dairy cattle population.
6.
Why is the use of crossbreeding limited in the dairy industry?
Crossbreeding in the dairy industry is limited due to factors like variability in offspring performance, unpredictable outcomes, risk of losing breed purity, slower genetic progress, and higher costs. Despite potential benefits such as heterosis, breeders often choose within-breed selection as a more effective strategy to achieve their breeding goals.
7.
Discuss the role of selection indexes in dairy selection.
Selection indexes are essential tools in dairy selection, enabling breeders to assess multiple traits at once, prioritize based on economic value and genetic connections, and focus on improving traits that impact profitability. By using selection indexes, breeders can speed up genetic progress
in key traits like milk production and fertility while effectively balancing trade-offs. In essence, selection indexes are crucial for helping breeders efficiently reach their breeding goals by maximizing genetic advancements in economically important traits.
8.
Compare and contrast the net merit index and the type production index.
The net merit index and type production index are selection indexes used in dairy selection. The net merit index prioritizes traits like milk production and fertility to enhance profitability, while the type production index focuses on physical attributes for functionality and longevity. The net merit index aims to improve herd profitability, while the type production index seeks to enhance animal appearance and functionality. In summary, the net merit index emphasizes economic factors, whereas the type production index prioritizes conformation and functional traits.
Chapter 27:
1.
Describe the demographics of the U.S. dairy industry.
The U.S. dairy industry involves a mix of demographics, with white, middle-aged men being most dairy farmers, and Hispanic immigrants are prevalent among workers. Consumers of dairy products in the U.S. have diverse backgrounds, but there is a growing interest in plant-based alternatives due to health and environmental concerns. Overall, the U.S. dairy industry is complex with various demographics playing roles in different supply chain stages.
2.
Discuss the nutritional needs of a lactating dairy cow as she moves through a lactation cycle.
Lactating dairy cows have high nutritional needs for energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins to support milk production throughout the lactation cycle. During early lactation, the cow requires high levels of energy for milk production, obtained from carbohydrates like corn and barley. Protein is essential for milk production and body maintenance, sourced from soybean meal and alfalfa. Minerals and vitamins, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and Vitamin D, are crucial for overall health. As the lactation cycle progresses, energy needs may decrease, but protein requirements remain high. Monitoring body condition and adjusting the diet are important to ensure the cow receives proper nutrition for optimal health and productivity.
3.
Describe the BCS system in dairy cattle.
The body condition score system in dairy cattle is used to visually assess and monitor a cow's body condition or fat reserves. The BCS typically ranges from 1 to 5 or 1 to 9, with higher scores
indicating more body fat. A score of 3 or 5 is considered ideal for dairy cows. Various body parts are assessed to determine fat cover and muscle definition. Regular monitoring and adjustments to
diet and management practices based on changes in BCS are crucial for the health, productivity, and reproductive success of dairy cattle throughout the lactation cycle.
4.
What are the 12 keys to effective nutritional management of the dairy cow?
The 12 keys to effective nutritional management of dairy cows include ensuring balanced rations
that meet nutritional requirements, providing high-quality forages and water, implementing Total Mixed Ration (TMR) feeding, maintaining consistency in feeding practices, offering mineral supplementation, balancing diets with the right nutrients, adjusting energy density and protein quality, monitoring body condition, preventing acidosis, and seeking professional consultation to develop a tailored nutritional program. These practices are essential for maintaining the health, production, and reproductive success of dairy cows.
5.
Why is a total mixed ration important to a dairy?
Total mixed ration is essential for dairy operations as it guarantees that each cow receives a well-
rounded mix of essential nutrients. Mixing different ingredients such as forages, grains, and protein sources optimizes nutrient intake, resulting in enhanced digestibility, improved health, and increased milk production. TMR feeding also prevents selective eating, minimizes feed wastage, and enhances nutrient utilization efficiency in cows. It plays a crucial role in achieving peak performance and productivity in dairy cows.
6.
Discuss how dietary considerations change as a cow moves through the production phases.
Dietary considerations for cows vary throughout different production phases, including the dry cow phase, close-up transition period, early lactation, peak lactation, and late lactation. Each phase requires specific nutritional needs to support the cow's health, reproduction, and milk production. It is crucial to adjust diets accordingly, monitor performance, and ensure optimal nutrition to achieve successful production outcomes and maintain overall health and welfare of the animals.
7.
List several methods to mitigate heat stress.
Heat stress can negatively impact dairy cattle by affecting their health, productivity, and well-
being. To mitigate heat stress, several methods can be implemented, including providing shade, ensuring proper ventilation, access to fresh water, using misters and fans, evaporative cooling systems, feeding cattle at cooler times, adjusting feed composition, installing sprinkler systems, reducing stocking density, and monitoring temperature levels. By utilizing these practices, dairy farmers can effectively reduce heat stress on their cattle, leading to improved health and productivity.
8.
Why are dry cows managed separately from the milking herd?
Dry cows are managed separately to cater to their unique nutritional needs, prevent disease transmission, monitor their health closely before calving, address individual behaviors, and optimize environmental conditions. This specialized management helps ensure the health and productivity of dry cows during the dry period and preparation for the next lactation cycle.
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9.
Discuss calving management issues.
Effective calving management is crucial in dairy farming to ensure the health of cows and successful calving. It involves considering factors such as timing, calving facilities, assistance during calving, postpartum care, calf care, reproductive management, and record-keeping. By addressing these issues, dairy farmers can optimize reproductive efficiency, maintain herd health,
and ensure the well-being of both cows and calves.
10. Describe the facility needs of a commercial dairy.
Proper facility needs are crucial for the health and productivity of a commercial dairy herd. This includes well-designed barns, milking parlors, feed storage, manure management, calving facilities, and facilities that prioritize cow health and comfort. Adequate work areas and security measures are also important for efficient farm operations. Proper planning and maintenance of these facilities are essential for the success of a commercial dairy operation.
11. What is the importance of a nutrient management system?
A nutrient management system is crucial for commercial dairies to properly utilize nutrients from
manure, ensuring they are applied to crops in a way that minimizes environmental impact, improves crop yields, and maintains soil health. This system helps dairies reduce pollution, enhance soil fertility, and comply with regulations related to nutrient management and water quality.
12. Describe the role of technology in milking operations.
Technology in modern milking operations, such as robotic milkers and electronic monitoring systems, is crucial for boosting efficiency, enhancing milk quality, and improving animal welfare. Automated systems allow for personalized and frequent milking, while electronic monitoring tracks milk composition and cow behavior in real-time. These technologies help farmers optimize management practices, leading to increased productivity and improved animal care.
13. Discuss the disease factors that impact milk wholesomeness.
The quality and safety of milk can be affected by diseases like mastitis, Johne's Disease, Salmonella, Brucellosis, and Tuberculosis, which can be transmitted through unpasteurized milk.
To reduce the risk of such diseases, dairy farmers should follow proper management practices, while consumers can ensure milk safety by choosing pasteurized milk and following food safety guidelines.
14. Outline mastitis control alternatives.
Some mastitis control alternatives, include prevention strategies like hygiene practices and vaccination, monitoring methods such as somatic cell count checks, and treatment options like antibiotic therapy. There are also management practices like proper ventilation, data recording and analysis, as well as, research and innovation initiatives, and continuous evaluation.
15. Compare costs and returns for various sized dairy herds.
Factors such as economies of scale, management efficiency, input costs, market prices, and operational practices influence the costs and returns of dairy herds. Small herds have higher costs
per unit but lower overhead expenses, medium-sized herds balance scale and efficiency, and large herds have lower costs but require complex management. Larger operations have greater return potential, while smaller ones can still be profitable with effective management. Successful dairy farming involves optimizing production, controlling expenses, maximizing milk prices, and
staying informed about industry practices.
16. Discuss the important traits, goals, and rational for measurement that comprise an effective record keeping system.
Effective record-keeping in agriculture is crucial for monitoring performance, making informed decisions, and achieving operational goals. A good system should have traits like accuracy, completeness, consistency, timeliness, and organization to ensure accurate data entry, comprehensive information recording, valid comparisons, and prompt recording. The system tracks production, costs, revenues, monitors performance, identifies trends, and sets improvement benchmarks. Detailed records enable data-driven decisions, resource optimization, increased efficiency, and profitability. Measurement in record-keeping provides insights, identifies areas for enhancement, tracks progress toward goals, and boosts productivity and profitability. Ultimately, an effective record-keeping system is vital for the success and sustainability of agricultural operations.