Dairy Production Midterm One
What should you look for in DHIA records?
"Momentum" in the numbers (Thus difficult to use DHIA records to measure response to interventions) Watch for "cells" with just a few data points in small herds
Why does ketosis occur?
"Negative energy balance" Can't eat enough to meet their energy requirements to milk the amount that they do
Why are "pregnant" pens not a good idea?
"Pregnant" pens are not a good idea, because if a cow loses a pregnancy, aren't monitoring for coming back into heat
What are the limitations of bulk tank milk culturing?
"Snap-shot"- beware of single sample or limited number of samples Multiple samples is better over time
What is the ideal manure?
"pudding" approx. 1.5" thick w/dimple
What rank is Ohio in egg production?
#2
What is dairy in terms of agriculture receipts?
#3. Very important to Ohio's economy
What rank is Ohio in manufacturing plants for dairy and in slaughter plants?
#5. Lots of small slaughter plants
What rank is Ohio in swine production?
#8
How much does a farmer get paid for one gallon of milk?
$1.20
What is the current cost of production for 100 pounds of milk?
$16
How much money do farmers need to make per hundred weight of milk to be profitable?
$16 - $18
What is the current milk price per 100 pounds?
$18
What is the average net income of a dairy cow?
$400 - $500
What is the profit off a single cow?
$400 per cow per year of profit. Farms are getting larger because the margin is small, less profitable
How much do you need to make per cow to pay for milking parlor?
$500 - $600 per cow
What is the annual economic loss due to heat stress?
$897 million
How do you calculate calving interval?
(Gestation length + days open) / days in month = CI
What is the best way to train employees?
(Prepare-Tell-Show-Do-Review) Prepare the learner Tell learner about tasks Talk them through it Show learner how to do it Have the learner do the tasks in your presence Review the tasks, providing encouragement and constructive corrections
What is animal welfare?
Ability of an animal to cope with its external environment based on its internal biology
What are examples of reproductive diseases?
Abortion (1-2%) Early embryonic loss (Less than 40 days of pregnancy) Calving injuries Ovarian cysts Venereal diseases
What is the labor cost for 100 pounds of milk?
About $3
When does DA occur?
About 2 weeks in milk
How many cows per farm are there on average?
About 230
For cows on forage, what percent of their protein comes from fresh grass?
About 25+%
How many cows are there per worker on average?
About 44 cows
What percent of farms participate in DHI?
About 50% of farms today participate
What percentage of DM do NDF and NFC make up?
About 70 - 75%
What are milk quality requirements?
Acceptable milk Bacterial count (SPC - Standard Plate Count); Somatic cell count (SCC) - Individual producer not to exceed 750,000/mL (EU - 400,000cells/mL); Temperature limits Drug residue level - no positive test on drug residue detection
What is biosecurity?
Actions taken to prevent the spread of infectious disease
How do you know which feeds are overpriced?
Actual is much higher than predicted
How are pre-weaned calves fed with calf starter?
Ad libitum
How can you increase NDF?
Add more forage
What has to be considered when deciding grazing vs. confinement?
Advantages and disadvantages for both Land availability, expenses, existing facilities, market How much a producer is willing to invest varies
What is the livestock indemnity program?
Adverse loss of livestock (75% of market value). Farm Service Agency. Low impact compared to the loss of all your animals
How can you implement employment plans?
Advertise Review applications Invite for interview Conducting the interview Hire the best
What causes spoilage in feed?
Aerobic conditions
What is voluntary culling usually due to?
Age, predict that she won't transition into the next lactation, don't need the animal anymore, selling for dairy purposes, have too many heifers
What do calf hutches help to do?
Aids in maintaining intake and average daily gain during weaning
What is required for radiation and evaporative cooling to work?
Air has to be cooler than the animal
What increases evaporative heat loss?
Air speed and low humidity
What factors affect susceptibility to heat stress?
Air temperature Precipitation Solar radiation Humidity Wind speed Animal's coat Morphological adaptation (Loose skin - more surface area so the heat can dissipate)
What is required for conduction and convection to work?
Air temperature has to be less than skin temperature for them to work. Contact with colder surface
What does the category "all cows" include, and what does this do?
All cows includes all of the pregnant cows and all of the open cows Means that services per pregnancy average will be higher for all cows than for just pregnant cows
What is the 2nd law of thermodynamics?
All forms of energy are convertible to heat
What were the results of the UoA experiment?
Control group in the same conditions, other group in heat stress conditions Heat stressed cows reduced DMI Forced control cows to eat less to match the heat stressed cows Ate same amount of feed, but the heat stressed cows produce less milk
How do cows thermoregulate?
Convection, conduction, radiation, and evaporation
How does mastitis affect reproductive performance?
Cows with first test SCC scores > 200,000 cells/mL take additional 17 days to become pregnant when compared to cows <200k Cows with SCC >300,000 cells/mL before breeding were twice as likely to lose their embryo by 35- 41d compared to cows with less than 300k
How does mastitis lead to a decrease in production?
Cows with mastitis produce at about 65- 70% of her production potential or in other words 30-35% less/day
What is Q-fever caused by?
Coxiella burnetti
What is important when looking at herd growth rates?
Culling and calving intervals
What is the issue with DCAD diets?
DCAD diets are expensive and not very palatable Have to put in TMR to make cows eat it DCAD diet lowers body and urine pH
How can you evaluate a farm's records?
DHIA records DC 305 PC Dart Other (small farm)
What is DHI?
Dairy Herd Improvement
What are examples of dairy processors in Ohio?
Dannon - Muenster Smith's Dairy - Fluid milk, ice cream, etc. Kroger (Tamarack Farms) Brewster - Swiss Cheese Daisy - Sour Cream
When did the veal industry have to make the transition to group housing?
December 31st, 2017
What is happening to the number of smaller herds?
Declining
What happens to culling in a herd when milk price increases?
Decrease
What are some examples of HR strategic goals?
Decrease turnover from 15% to 5% by the end of 2016 Fill all senior management positions through internal promotion by 2018 Substitute part-time positions next year for 2 of our current full-time positions Set goals that you understand, can obtain, and can measure
What happens to cull rate when the price for springing heifers increases?
Decrease, because they're probably going to sell them
What happens if there is inadequate protein in the diet?
Decreased gain and performance
Why are cattle into-pressure animals?
Defense mechanism to avoid further injury from predators
What procedures are done to new heifers?
Dehorning and removal of supernumerary teats (nonfunctional)
What are some common industry practices?
Dehorning, castration, and tail docking
What does the ideal combination of feeds do?
Delivers the nutrients at least (or at) the animal requirement level Meets specific dietary constraints Maximum inclusion of a feed, dietary proportion of fiber,
How often should a herd walkthrough be done?
Depends somewhat on the size of farm Monthly, quarterly, yearly
What should you evaulate at a feed bunk?
Determine particle distribution Use particle size separator on fed feed and leftover feed See cows that are digging holes, suspect sorting and particle size difference
What are the constraints of linear programming?
Determine the feasible region Requirement of nutrients
What falls under "apparent" abortions?
Diagnosed pregnant, but was not actually pregnant Never see signs of abortion
What is true about different animals and their effective ambient temperatures?
Different animals and animals at different life stages have different thermoneutral zones and effective ambient temperatures
What happens if dairy advisory team meeting frequency is too low?
Difficult to make a significant impact
How can you dilute fixed costs of a dairy farm?
Dilute fixed cost over as many cows as possible - milk twice a day . Most expensive part of the farm isn't being used most of the day. Use more throughout the day, increase production Some farms spread their own manure, others contract it Partnerships and corporate business structures One farmer may have cows in multiple locations
How can humans get ringworm?
Direct contact with an infected animal
How can contamination of milk occur?
Directly from the cow when mastitis organisms seep into milk, or indirectly from the environment or milking equipment
What is the purpose of removing calves shortly after birth?
Disease prevention Consume enough quality colostrum for maximum passive transfer of antibodies Minimize separation stress
What is the most typical abdominal displacement?
Displacement of the abomasum. LDA is most common (slides over to the left side)
Why should two year olds and first lactation cows be in a group by themselves?
Do better without older cows. Account for 25% of the herd
What does DNB mean?
Do not breed
What should you look at when evaluating calves?
Do they have grain, do they have water? Look at the feces, do they have feces on them Do they have sores Watch for respiration Listen for coughing calves Bedding - is there enough, what kind, is it good drainage? Is the slope around them, and stone underneath, will they be protected form sloppy condition Protocol when they're born Are they staying on the farm
Why is sand an ideal bedding?
Doesn't support bacterial growth
What animals carry ringworm?
Dogs, cattle, cats, sheep, goats, pigs, and birds
What factors impact milk production and consumption trends?
Domestic supply and demand International trade Value of the $ Limitations to the use of technology Cost of production varies by region
Why is changing feed costs and smart shopping so important?
Don't have a lot of control over other costs
Why is the livestock market the least desirable place to buy calves?
Don't know how they were treated
What are the handling precautions concerning needles?
Don't recap needles, unless using pliers or one-handed scoop method. Dispose of used needles in designated sharps containers
How do you prevent antibiotic contamination?
Don't use antibiotics Clearly identify antibiotic treated cows and record treatments on the parlor board Discard milk for the recommended period Separate antibiotic-treated cows from the herd and milk them last Flush contaminated parts of the equipment after milking a treated cow. Dry cow product should be appropriate to the length of the dry period
What are considerations when using sprinklers in holding pens?
Don't want cows to be so wet that water reaches the udder Fans Openings to let moisture out
How can you avoid physical safety risks when working with equipment?
Don't wrap halters or lead ropes around your hands. Take caution when using swine boards
What are the signs of clinical hypocalcemia and when does it usually occur?
Down, cold, head back Usually right after calving High calcium demand when milking
What happened to the number of dairy cows in the US after the 1950s?
Drastically decreased, but is holding fairly steady in recent decades
What is profitability driven by?
Driven by cows that are healthy, reproductive sound and genetically capable of expressing their potential long enough to produce more milk during their existence
What are the consequences of heat stress on dry cows?
Dry cows 42 days to calving (DRC) Heat stressed cows and cooled cows After calving, cows put in same lactation group Cows exposed to cooling during dry period produced 7.5kg/d more milk than heat stressed cows Also differences in fetus weight and gestation length
What are different types of loose housing?
Dry lot - western US Bedded pack Compost barn
How long is the dry period?
Dry period between 45-60 days
Why is Ohio below the national average for Holstein and Jersey?
Due to forage quality
When does the greatest amount of mammary growth and development occur?
During pregnancy. Gland must grow and develop structures needed to synthesize and secrete milk Just epithelium until now Need to form alveoli
When is nutrition especially important for mammary growth and development?
During the prepubertal time period
What are some problems with calving?
Dystocia (Twins, Feto-maternal mismatch, Fetal monster, Malpresentation) Uterine torsion Uterine prolapse Failure to dilate
When does ketosis typically occur?
Early lactation - first six weeks
What are the advantages of group housing?
Early social interactions Behavioral freedom Increased space allowance Comfort
What happens if DM gets over 60% in a TMR?
Easier to sort out
What are the pros of veal crates?
Easy to feed and care, hygiene, examining, handling, prevent undesirable behaviors
Why doesn't a lot of milk go towards making yogurt?
Eat much more cheese than yogurt, so more milk goes towards cheese production
What management factors have to be considered on preweaning growth?
Economically consider cost of gain, not just $/lb gain in feed costs, but also labor. Consider management practices; more milk = more urine. Disease is more important. Good nutrition does not make up for Piss Poor Management
What is the margin protection program?
Feed is the most variable cost, subtract price of milk and cost of feed to get a margin, if revenue falls below the margin you get protection, don't get a lot of benefit, have to pay into it
What is the key for losses and "errors"?
Feed sampling and analysis
Why is a tie stall system more labor intensive?
Feeding Manure handling Bedding
What is important when planning for grazing?
Fencing (animal movement and ensuring that there is water in every pasture)
What are the common symptoms of being exposed to zoonotic pathogens?
Fever, malaise, muscle aches and diarrhea
How do feeds have different heat increments?
Fibers have higher heat produced in fermentation Reduce fiber in the diet to reduce heat increment Increase concentrates and supplemental fat to meet requirement during periods of reduced feed intake
What should you look at when evaluating nutrition and feeding?
Forage analysis How many times do they feed, who is doing the feeding, what happens when feed bunk is empty? Feed delivery, when they feed, what's the condition of the bunk If refusal different than what the fresh looks like (sorting) Wastage, how much? Could calculate what the annual cost of that is to the farm Could environment cause spoilage to the feed? Is feed covered, are animals covered?
What is the importance of a lab pasteurized count?
Formation of spores by the bacterium allows it to be resistant to heat, freezing, chemicals, and other adverse environments. Some bacterium can cause food spoilage and some food borne illness
How is a diet formulated?
Formulate a diet with given set of feeds that meets animal requirements
What are the three diets?
Formulated, optimized or evaluated in the computer Mixed Consumed by the animal
What are the Five Freedoms?
Freedom from hunger and thirst Freedom from discomfort Freedom from pain, injury, or disease Freedom to express normal behavior Freedom from fear and distress
What is the housing of choice in the Midwest?
Freestall barns. Very adaptable, farms of 60-10,000 cows
What is a least cost diet?
From all the diets that meet the constraints - has the minimum costs Put constraints so you feed at least a certain amount of nutrients
What is the objective function of linear programming?
Function to be optimized
What type of organism is ringworm?
Fungi
How do cows generate heat?
Generate heat by oxidation of substrates and heat increment. "Core warmer than the shell". Heat has to be dissipated to the environment
How has production per cow increased?
Genetics, cow comfort, efficiency, design of facilities (air quality, laying space) feed quality
How do contagious pathogens get spread?
Get spread from cow to cow at milking time Exposure by milking equipment, milkers' hands, and hygiene practices
What does cooperatives working together do?
Gives you so much per hundred weight
How can you evaluate cow health on a dairy farm?
Go look at records Look at how many deaths are happening and when are they dying Mortality of calves, mortality of cows DA Mastitis, milk fever, ketosis, clinical cases of mastitis
What should you do during the interview process?
Go over employee's application/resume Ask open questions Check references Answer questions Did he/she reposition their chair upon leaving Walk the prospective employee to his/her vehicle Make timely decision
What realistically happens to biosecurity on farms?
Goes out the window because most producers fill the barn or keep it full
What are some examples of marketing in the dairy industry?
Got Milk? Undeniably Dairy Three a Day
What does Commodity Credit Corporation do?
Government bought milk, turned it into cheese/butter and given out to the elderly, to support the dairy industry
What are symptoms of Q-fever?
Headache, shivering, weakness, severe sweating, dry cough, joint and muscle pains, loss of appetite, vomiting, shortness of breath, nose bleeds, and sometimes intolerance of light
Why would cows be sold at less than 60 days in milk?
Health reasons
What are factors affecting culling decisions?
Health, milk production, reproduction, dairy value, beef prices, average carcass yield, and avoiding drug residue
What is the most efficient way to reduce heat stress in holding pens?
Heat abatement
What is the major issue with a breeding herd?
Heat detection
What is conduction and how does it work?
Heat flow from warm to cold Physical contact with an object Cows wading in a pond of water
How does radiation work during the nighttime?
Heat flows from body to environment → decrease in body temperature
How does radiation work in the daytime?
Heat from solar radiation and metabolism → heat loss from radiation, convection and evaporation → rise in body temperature
What is the 3rd law of thermodynamics?
Heat produced in a chemical transformation is independent of the biochemical pathway
What can high temperatures cause?
Heat stress (direct sunlight vs. heat. vs. humidity). Negatively impacts production success
What does heat stress reduce?
Heat stress reduces production, metabolism, and reproduction. Also reduces animal welfare. DMI is important, but not the only factor
What is a springing heifer?
Heifer that's ready to have a calf, looks good, will make money soon, selling for about $800-1,000, not a lot compared to the amount of money that was put into them
What group should the pregnancy rate be highest in?
Heifers
When the experiment was done concerning dairy cattle preference on handling, what were the results?
Heifers prefer positive or neutral treatments over negative treatments. Also show preference for one negative treatment over another negative treatment
What does BCS help to do?
Helps to suggest that poor repro may be nutritional. Helps to pinpoint reasons for low production
How much must a dairy herd expand to maintain a standard of living?
Herd must grow by 5% / yr or 60% / 10 yrs
What happens if there is a high cull rate and a long calving interval?
Herd size decreases
What are the most common types of parlors?
Herringbone, followed by parallel
What increases in feed for close up dry cows?
High forage, slight increase in grain and CP, and feed additives
How much water do high producing cows require per day in the summer?
High producing cows require 35 to 45 gallons per day in the Summer (1.2 to 2 times more than during the colder months)
What are the levels of heat abatement strategies?
High to intense is best in most cases Moderate: fans or forced air ventilation High: fans and sprinklers Intense: high pressure evaporative cooling
What are the advantages of a confinement system?
Higher production per cow (Easier to monitor diet and environment) Larger number of cows per land Manage cow groups season/weather don't influence production as much (fans/coolers, have feed throughout the year)
What are the disadvantages of group housing?
Higher risk of disease in groups larger than 8, increased labor, undesirable social behaviors - cross-sucking and urine drinking
When is the risk occurrence of disease the highest and what does this depend on?
Highest immediately after calving. Highly dependent on how the cow is fed at the end of her dry period and how the cow is fed during early lactation
What do holding pens do?
Holds cows before they're milked in the parlor
What are examples of the different dairy breeds?
Holstein Jersey Brown Swiss Ayrshire Guernsey Milking Shorthorn Red and White Holstein
What is the most prominent breed in the dairy industry and why?
Holstein, followed by Jerseys. 11-15% milk fat content
What are the top five dairy breeds?
Holstein, jersey, ayrshire, brown swiss, and guernsey. Shorthorn and red and white holstein are minor
What species are the top three milk producing cows and where are they from?
Holsteins from Wisconsin
What is the epidemiological triad?
Host (Genetics, immune status, parity, BCS) Agent (Exposure, endemic?, pathogenicity, virulence) Environment (Cow comfort, air quality, nutrition)
How can you evaluate labor management on a dairy farm?
How many employees are on the farm? How many cows per FTEs?
What considerations are needed for a free stall barn?
How much money is available? (Huge factor in management decisions) Size and type of milking facility How much manure is handled (Permits require a comprehensive manure management plan. Utilize excess nitrogen and phosphorus. Limiting factor for how many cows you can have) How cows will be fed What bedding is used How animals are handled What existing facilities will be used/for what purpose
What is shadow price?
How much the diet cost would change if you need to feed one more or one less unit of an ingredient
What is the reduced cost?
How much the price of a feed has to change before it's included in the diet
What are considerations when thinking about confinement?
How to keep cows cool and don't want a lot of cows in a small pen
What is dairy barn ventilation important for?
Important to keep cows cool Disease goes up when it starts to get cold because they close off the barn, reduce ventilation
What is the utilization of the dry period important for?
Improving milk production in the ensuing lactations
What is the first line of defense against mastitis?
The first line of defense is teat canal (duct) with presence of physical and chemical barriers as keratin plug and sphincter muscle
What is a multiple linear regression?
The idea is the same as a simple linear regression. The difference is that we now have more than one predictor variable
How can rbST be used in cows?
Inject cows every two weeks and increased milk production, rarely used in dairy industry, processors don't take it, still legal Consumers don't want milk from cows getting growth hormones Processors won't buy milk from producers using rbST Other countries such as Brazil still use growth hormone
Why is sand a good bedding?
Inorganic, so very little microbial growth
Who should you contact with questions about the safety guidelines for handling animals?
Instructor or the Chair of the Departmental Safety Committee, Dr. Justin Kieffer
What is the conclusion of labor management?
Investing in terrific employees more important than keeping labor costs low Hiring the right employee requires planning, training and disciplined follow through Being a good place to work is your most powerful hiring tool Take advantage of what you control Be creative, different, aggressive and persistent in landing the right person
What questions should you ask about the milking procedure?
Is parlor clean? Do animals flow in and out well? What kind of dips are they using?
What is the trend for total pounds of milk?
It has been positive. Average increase in production per cow is about 2%
What is a preliminary incubation count?
It is an estimate of the number of pyschrotrophic, or cold-loving, bacteria in milk. Milk is incubated for 18h at 55°F (simulates poor refrigeration). It is a measure of raw milk in keeping quality
What is the policy about bringing food and drink onto university animal housing areas?
It is forbidden, and you can't eat or drink while handling animals
What trend is number of cows per farm following?
It is increasing, although the number of farms is decreasing
What happens if a mammary gland is not "called upon"?
It will not develop
Why do animals experience fear?
It's a protective mechanism from predators and other threats
What breed of cow does Ohio have more than any other states?
Jersey. National Jersey Association in Columbus
What clear expectations should be set?
Job description Rules Expectations Standard op procedure pay/benefits Introduction to supervisor Two week probation period/training Employee is responsible for first raise Job advancement possibilities
What should an employment plan include?
Job descriptions Intentions for compensation Wages/salary Vacation and sick leave Benefits Bonuses Incentives Recruitment Interviewing
What should be incorporated into organizational structures?
Job titles and job descriptions
What should you look at in a hospital pen?
Just because don't have one, doesn't mean they shouldn't Sometimes will put hospital cows in fresh pen, but fresh cows are most immunocompromised cows Tell them to separate them
What is add-on disease?
Keep adding on buildings. Without proper planning, they are more short term fixes than long term solutions. Better to have good planning in the beginning
What should housing do?
Keep animals clean, cool, and comfortable
What does the rail in a free stall barn do?
Keeps cows laying efficiently in their own stalls
What was the University of Arizona Experiment with heat stress?
Kept both groups of cows in an environment that doesn't cause heat stress for 7 days Measured DMI and milk production
What does predipping do?
Kills bacteria on teat surface
How is a standard plate count done?
Known dilution of farm milk added to culture medium Incubator for 48h at 32°C (90°F)
What category do we want the least number of cows in in terms of dry days?
Less than 40 days. 30 is enough of a dry period, but it is not ideal Could be caused by recording an incorrect breeding date
What should the death rate from diseases typically be?
Less than 5%
What percent of cows should be sold after less than 60 days in milk?
Less than 6%, although typically higher for first lactation cows
How should calves be handled at birth?
Let cow clean the calf, then remove
How do you make your business a preferred place to work?
Like, enjoy and appreciate your employees Use written job descriptions Provide training Show trust Catch people doing things right Develop pride in your business Celebrate successes Communicate clearly and often Compensate fairly Promote from within Make the business family-friendly Be proud of advancing employees
What does it mean if water smells like rotten eggs?
Likely has sulfur in it
What can enhanced growth rates during pre-weaning do?
Likely have beneficial long term effects on future milk yield
What are the advantages of bedded pack systems?
Limited facilities and can use old barns
What are the advantages of compost dairy barns?
Limited facilities required (Old barns. Less cost in manure system)
How is preliminary incubation used by processors?
Limits shelf life. The PI count has been used by some as an indicator of the shelf-life of processed dairy products. However, research has shown that the PI count alone cannot be directly correlated with the flavor, quality of raw milk or shelf-life
What do most diet optimization programs use?
Linear programming
What is a test to see if cows are heat stressed?
Lock up 10 cows, if more than 7 have temp of 102.5 7 of 10 cows have respiration rate greater than 80 bpm
What is the photoperiod for lactating cows?
Long day (16 hr light : 8 hr darkness)
What records are kept on dairy cows?
Look at birth rates, how many calves died, using sexed semen or not, calving difficulty, flow of lactation, dry cows, and births throughout the year, high cull rate, repro, feet and legs, cows dying (when / why), compare how many cows are coming in and going out of the herd
How can you evaluate prepubertal heifer mammary growth?
Look at how much mammary DNA is present. Amount of DNA increases 40x from weaning to puberty
How does mastitis affect animal health?
Loss of functional quarter Lowered milk production Death of cow
What is radiation?
Loss of heat through infrared rays
What is evaporation?
Loss of heat with conversion of water to gas
What is convection?
Loss of heat with movement of air or water across the skin
What is conduction?
Loss of heat with physical contact
What can increased sweating during stress cause?
Losses of K requirements may increase up to 12%. Check dietary supply vs. animal requirement
Why is mastitis an economically important disease?
Losses per cow in the herd amounts to $259 as of 2010
Why is Ohio a good place for dairy farming?
Lot of consumers, processing plants, reasonable climate
What are the signs of inadequate fiber and high starch?
Low DM intake and suboptimal performance Low milk fat % and/or inverted fat/protein Excessive loss in body condition Low rumen and/or fecal pH High incidence of ketosis, displaced abomasum, subclinical laminitis (chronic), laminitis (acute)
What are the advantages of grazing?
Low cost Limited waste system Minimal housing Limited labor needed Cows harvest forage More welfare friendly for consumers
What are the characteristics of rotational grazing?
Low input, used a lot by organic dairies. Seasonal dairying - forage availability during the year
What is rumen acidosis?
Low rumen pH during heat stress
What must animals do as a result of poor depth perception?
Lower their heads to focus
What does a contractual agreement between a farmer and a grower consist of?
Lump sum, per day, breeding, death loss, genetics. With a signed contract, some farms will sell heifers and reserve the right to buy their offspring
What is used as a landmark for epithelium expansion?
Lymph gland
What is important for avoiding mastitis?
Maintenance of a clean, dry, comfortable environment
How can you prevent rumen acidosis?
Make sure cows have enough fiber, especially in the summer
What happens if farmers use DNB too often?
Makes the repro rates look better
What does making water available to cows leaving the parlor do?
Making water available to cows leaving the parlor increases water intake by cows during heat stress
What are the characteristics of veal calves?
Male calves Around 5 months old 475 - 500 pounds
What are different reasons to segregate cows?
Management and feeding impacts. Groups may be fed the same diet
What are the characteristics of the T arrangement free stall barn?
Manure from the holding area can be easily incorporated into the manure handling system of the attached freestall barn Only one connector barn or alley is needed Parlor arranged differently
What are the environmental causes of mastitis?
Manure, mud, and moisture
Where do coliform bacteria live?
Manure. Thus, CC provides an indication of both how effective is the cow preparation procedures during milking and the cleanliness of the cows' environment
What is proper milking unit alignment and removal?
Milker unit should hang so all quarters milk evenly Unit should be removed before every last drop is milked out
What is the distribution of labor in the dairy industry?
Milking - 43% Feeding - 17% Facility management - 17% Herd management - 17% Manure management - 6%
What are the components of a dairy farm?
Milking center Housing for cows Manure management Special needs (Sick, Maternity)
What is the contagious cause of mastitis?
Milking time
What was the result of pair feeding calves?
Mimic reduction of heat stressed cow intake with non-heat stressed cow
How does diet formulation and optimization relate to economics?
Minimize cost, maximize profit
What is the ideal prep routine for milking?
Minimize water use Use a sanitizer (i.e. pre-dip) Assure complete pre-dip coverage of teat surfaces Allow pre-dip 30 seconds contact time Remove all dirt from teat surfaces Provide let down stimulus (teat massage, forestripping, teat drying) of 10 to 20 sec Provide a lag time of 90-120 seconds Early/mid lactation - late lactation; 2x /3x, high production Minimize machine-on time Minimize variation between milkers Not slow down milking
What is true if there are a lot of cows in the number over 100 days category?
Missing a lot of heats
What is the basis of HR strategic goals?
Mission for the business Human resource vision SWOT analysis (Internal HR Strengths and Weaknesses, External HR Opportunities and Threats)
What are the tools of a dairy advisory team?
Mission statement SWOT analysis Brainstorming Econ (Enterprise accounting, Balance Sheet (yearly inventory))
What is energy?
The capacity to do work
Where should hutches be located?
Must be dry, clean, ventilated, protection against weather, enough space Put them in elevated area, water drainage so that water moves away Put in an area where it's easy to check on the calves
What constraints are often used for a least cost diet?
Must deliver nutrients at least on the requirement level (for a given level of production) Intake capacity Maintain dietary proportions of "nutrients" at a specific range, i.e., NDF, forage Maximum inclusion of feeds in the diet Set limits for maximum concentration of nutrients/minerals (toxicity levels) Often allow some overfeeding of nutrients
What considerations are there if housing calves in a barn?
Must have good ventilation Not wind, but don't want stagnant air Calves get sick fairly easy, respiratory issues
What increases the risk of DA?
NEFA >0.5 = negative energy balance pre-partum Fatty acids 3.6x RR of DA BHBA > 1.2 mmol/L = negative energy balance post-partum 8x RR of DA Want to get as much feed in them as possible
What happens if the dry period is too short?
Not a large milk yield following the dry period
What happens if there are too many cows in a pen?
Not enough space to lay down, eat, or drink
What happens if there are too few cows in a pen?
Not making a profit
Will a cow be kept on the farm if she's mid lactation or pregnant?
Not necessarily
What is the drawback of a standard plate count?
Not possible to differentiate bacterial types
Why are dairy advisory teams created?
Novel / creative approaches to problems are often more likely to be suggested by team members who are unbiased / untainted by their knowledge / familiarity / proximity to the issue. Team members bring experience from many farms to the table Encourages producers to make progress: Efficacy of motivation increased when producer hears the same message from multiple advisors
Where do you want most cows to fall in terms of not bred or diagnosed open?
Number from VWP to 100 days. Want them to be bred around 81 days or so (1st estrus after VWP is over)
Why do we care about mammary development?
Number of Secretory Cells * Mean Cell Secretory Rate = Milk Yield
Where should most cows fall in terms of bred but not diagnosed pregnant?
Number open VWP to 100 days, because this shows that the breeding was done at the appropriate time
What do you need to know to formulate a diet?
Nutrient availability in feeds Animal nutrient requirements
What does diet formulation and optimization combine?
Nutrition, mathematics, and economics
How can you avoid physical safety risks when working with animals?
Observe flight zones of specific species, avoid rapid movements that can be threatening to animals, and move calmly and deliberately. Avoid loud noises that can startle animals, and have an escape route planned when working in close confinement with large animals. Make sure animals are aware of your presence when you approach them
What state is #1 in swiss cheese production?
Ohio
What cows will typically have a higher SCCS?
Older cows will typically have a higher SCCS More prone to mastitis Teat ends may not be as tight, immune system may be weaker, etc.
What age of cows will typically have the highest peak milk production?
Oldest cows in the herd
Why are most farmers encouraged not to have a dairy bull on the farm?
People die every year because dairy bulls are mean (Jersey bulls are the worst). A bull will charge when cows are in heat
Why does the percent of fat go up in late lactation?
Percent fat goes up late in lactation because less milk is being produced, so fat accounts for a higher percentage
When will percentage of fat be highest and why?
Percentage of fat will typically be highest in fresh cows Don't produce as much milk, so fat accounts for a higher percentage of the milk This data can help assess ketosis in the herd
What is the transition period and what is happening during this time?
Period from 3 weeks pre-fresh to about 1 month post-fresh Includes termination of pregnancy Initiation of lactation Massive hormonal and metabolic changes
What is the point of balance?
Place that you can use to turn animals
How can employees be evaluated?
Planned; regular Communication between evaluations Non-threatening Discipline/termination Oral warning Written warning Probation Leave without pay Cooperation Attendance and punctuality Initiative Dependability Attitude Judgement Specific job skills Communication (oral and written) Productivity Interpersonal relationships Organizational skills Safety
What are blue or red teats and ringing after milking caused by?
Poor pulsation, excessive vacuum, incompatible liner/shell. Need to get machine tested and correct faults
How does mastitis affect human health?
Poor quality milk Antibiotic residues in milk
What is a Calorie a measure of?
Potential energy
How can you prevent iodine residues in milk?
Pre-milking disinfection of teats with iodine can offer a risk of transfer of iodine to milk, THUS remove all traces of iodine from teats before milking Mix and use teat disinfection iodine products as recommended
How do you decide which feeds to buy?
Predict feed values based on their nutrient composition Compute deviation: Predicted-Actual
How do you know which feeds are at a breakeven point?
Predicted is close to actual
How do you know which feeds are underpriced?
Predicted is much greater than actual. Want to buy these
What happens as a result of most domestic animals being social creatures?
Prefer to remain in a group (flocking instinct). Will react to other animals around them
What is pregnancy rate considered and what is the ideal pregnancy rate?
Pregnancy rate is considered heat detection and conception rate - ideal pregnancy rate is 21% but now moved to around 24-25% Pregnancy rate = heat detection rate * service rate
What is there societal pressure on in terms of animal welfare?
Pressure for animals to be raised in a humane manner. People who buy the products want to know how the animals were raised
What are the USDA's vaccine claims?
Prevention of infection (Only one - spiro) Prevention of disease (Most vaccines, infected but don't get sick) Aids in disease prevention Aids in disease control
How can you prevent metritis?
Proper transition DCAD diet Reduce overcrowding Exceptional calving hygiene Good post-partum management/screening
What does an action plan include?
This includes a duty list: who is going to be responsible for implementation, how are we going to monitor success, and who is going to be responsible for monitoring it
What is true of days 1 - 40 of lactation?
This is before the cow has peaked
How many members are typically on a dairy advisory team?
Three to five members
What is the most expensive system per cow?
Tie stall / stanchion
What types of systems use confinement?
Tie stall, stanchion barns, loose housing, dry lots, and free stall housing
What are examples of different milking systems?
Tie-stall parlor Tandem parlor Parallel Parlor Herringbone Parlor Rotatory Parlor
How can you avoid mammary issues with loose bedding?
Tills/aerate the bed everyday so that the manure dries, minimal issues with mastitis
What happens if dairy advisory team meeting frequency is too high?
Time input from all too great Costly to producer
What do employees like?
Time off Bonuses Well-kept, efficiently equipped farmstead Treated with respect Receive proper level of supervision Trusted by employer Whole-farm potluck lunch parties Job schedule received in advance
What's so important about the transition period?
Time when most diseases in a dairy cow's life occur 80% of health issues occur during this time Biggest opportunity to impact health events, lactation, and longevity of the herd
Where can heifers be sent?
To another farm to be raised until they're 300 pounds
What is the overall goal for dairy producers?
To produce the HIGHEST quality milk --> Milk with the LOWEST number of contaminants & milk with the LOWEST number of somatic cell count (SCC) --> Achieve that by having the LEAST number of cows with SCC problems and HIGHEST hygiene --> Less cases of mastitis --> Milk with more value $$$ and milk with more quality
What is the facilitator's role on a dairy advisory team?
Topics must be adequately discussed. But, there comes a time to move on. Conflict management. Sometimes must remind the group that the client's goals are paramount.
What is peak lactation highly correlated with?
Total lactation milk yield
What is the voluntary waiting period?
Wait to breed until about 60 days in milk. Not all farms choose to wait 60 days Could way 45, 60, 70, etc., but 60 is most common
What is the benchmark for free stall use?
Want 85% of cows lying down an hour from milking or feeding
What is the ideal DCAD and how is it calculated?
Want a DCAD of zero to -15 mEq (K+ + Na+) - (Cl- + SO4-) = DCAD Body mobilizes calcium when DCAD is negative to avoid hypocalcemia
What percentage of a herd should be lactating and what percentage should be dry?
Want about 85% to be lactating and 15% to be dry
What BCS do we want cows at?
Want cows around 3.5 at calving, somewhere between 3 and 4 Too fat - fat stores in liver Too thin - risk of ketosis
What somatic cell count / mL is desirable?
Want less than 200,000 cells / mL
What do employees dislike?
Want more praise Overcrowded barns and parlor Lack of expansion System for determining wage increases Break room too far from parlor Putting up with high school employees
How long do we want most cows' heat intervals to be?
Want most of the cows having a heat interval between 18 - 24 days Matches up with a 21 day estrous cycle Under 18 days likely means that they're breeding too early Between 36 - 48 days likely means that you're missing heats
What do you want to evaluate in terms of feed delivery?
Want to see if cows have access to food throughout the day Need to see how long it's been empty and when they're going to feed again See if mixer is being filled too full (Can't properly mix if it is)
How can you evaluate milking procedures on a dairy farm?
Watch one turn and see how the cows behave to the workers, what's the procedure that's being used (pre-dip, stripping, post-dip) are they overstaffed or understaffed? Want milker on 60-90 seconds to have milker on before it starts milking? Is there one person in the parlor, and what is the second person helping or being a distraction?
What are some things to consider in terms of environmental stewardship when talking about animal housing on a farm?
Water needs to be contained, has manure in it Grass buffer so that water is absorbed Parlor wastes - water used in parlor, when water mixes with milk or manure, it has to be contained Liquid manure and dry manure (contains bedding) Contain seepage from silage
How do calves get their nutrition?
Water, milk, and grain
Where is one of the most highly populated dairy farms in the US?
Wayne County, OH
Should you cool dairy cattle?
We should always have some heat abatement strategy Usually use fans and sprinklers
When does metritis occur?
Week after calving
Why is mastitis most prevalent in the summer?
Wet and warm, so bacteria are thriving
How can you identify what your labor needs are?
What needs to be done? What skill level is required? Can I afford it?
What could cause calving difficulty?
What sire they're using, cow gaining enough weight before calving
What is the mailbox price?
What the farmer gets
When does a farm maximize its profits?
When marginal revenue equals marginal costs
What happens when substrates are oxidized?
When substrates are oxidized, they create a large quantity of heat. Able to figure out how much heat a cow will produce based on feed and biochemical pathways
When should you voluntarily cull?
When the income over feed cost is less than the non-feed costs If IOFC = $7.12, cull if non-feed costs are greater than $7.12 per day
What is the profit-maximizing quantity?
When the marginal value equals the marginal cost Cost of the last unit added equals the value of the additional product Value of the next unit of milk unit equals the cost of nutrient required for its production
What could cause a cow to walk more?
When they are in heat
What questions should you ask about water?
Where is it? Is there water on the return alley from parlor to their pen Where is the water coming from? How many waterers in pens? Where are they located? How often are they cleaned? If see rust, then there's a lot of iron Two for every 20-25 cows, but how long do they have to walk for the water? Is the area slippery? How quickly does water fill back up? Water pressure
What questions should be asked about the environment?
Where is manure stored? Where is it spread? When silage is put in, are they controlling the leaching?
Which group of animals should have the lowest number of services per pregnancy?
1st lactation cows In older cows, typically need more services per pregnancy
How should the different lactation groups compare to each other?
1st should generally be around 75% of the 3rd+ lactation groups 1st vs 2nd should be roughly 80% 2nd vs 3+ should be roughly 90%
What is the economic impact of a cow's decrease in production due to mastitis?
1st test SCC >200k=lost of 1500 lbs milk/lactation
What rank is Wisconsin in milk production?
2
When does metritis typically occur?
2 - 14 days in milk
What percentage of their BW should weaned heifers eat?
2 - 2.5%
How long does it take for onset of Q fever?
2 - 3 weeks following exposure
How many hours a day does a cow spend being social?
2 hours
What percentage of their BW should dry cows be eating?
2%
How many herds are there in Ohio?
2,220
How many jobs does a job on a dairy farm generate elsewhere?
2. Every dollar made is two dollars elsewhere
How much water do cows drink a day?
20 - 40 gallons
How much space should be between fans?
20 feet
What percent of a cow's energy is lost as heat?
20%
What is the ideal age at first calving?
22 - 24 months. Want to see if age distribution is normally distributed
What is the age at first calving?
24 months
How much bunk space should be allowed per cow?
24"
What is the typical cull rate on a farm?
25 - 35%
What percentage should you increase group sizes to allow for fluctuations?
25 - 40%
What percentage of chewing is ruminating?
25%
How many cows are there in Ohio?
260,000 cows
How many hours a day does a cow spend milking?
3 hours
How many hours a day does a cow spend eating?
3-5 hours
What percentage of a cow's body weight should a lactating cow be fed?
3.5%, although Jerseys can eat up to 4% of their body weight
How many minutes a day does a cow spend drinking?
30 minutes
What is the typical culling rate on a dairy farm?
30-35% of herd is turned over every year
What is the visual field in most animals?
300-360°. Good for predator detection
What percentage of veal calves were raised in group housing systems in April of 2009?
34.8%
How much sand bedding is needed per stall per day?
35 - 50 pounds
What is a typical cull rate?
35%
What percent decrease in milk is caused by the heat stress induced drop in DMI?
35%
What should the cull rate typically be?
35%
How much milk replacer do preweaned calves drink a day?
4 - 12 liters (8.8 - 26.4 pounds). 4 L is for traditional feeding, and 12 L is for accelerated feeding with an automated milker
What is a standard herd life?
4 - 5 years
How much heat can a cow produce?
4,500-6,000 BTUs per hour. Directly related to substrates in diet and how much they're producing
What percentage of fat and protein in milk is typical for Jerseys?
4.5% fat and 3% protein is pretty typical for Jerseys
How many heifers are born by the time the previous heifers are having their first calving?
40 * 2 = 80 calves on the farm for every 100 cows
How effective is predipping?
40 - 50% effective
What is the manufacturing limit of somatic cells?
400,000
What are the ideal ratios for forage to concentrate?
40:60, 50:50, 60:40
When does a cow reach peak lactation?
41 - 100 days. Should have peaked at this point. Should always have more cows in this column than in the 1 - 40 day column
What temperature should milk in a milk processor maintain?
45 degrees F, except when processing
What percent of time do cows spend lying down?
45%
How many cows does the largest farm in Ohio have?
4500 - 5000 cows, but a lot of smaller farms pull the average cows per farm down
What is the average carcass yield for a dairy cow?
46%
What percent decrease in milk yield is caused by fear and stress?
5 - 6% decrease. This is why professional stockperson training and proper handling procedures are so important
If visiting a country free of Foot and Mouth Disease, how long must you wait before having contact with university-owned animals?
5 days
How many pounds of dry matter does a cow typically eat in a meal?
5 pounds, although there is variation between herds and individuals
What is a reasonable death rate in a herd?
5%
How much will a herd grow on a 13 month calving interval with a cull rate of 34%?
5%. Should have extra heifers on the farm that can be sold
What is the ideal dry period length?
50 - 60 days
What percent of reduced milk yield does DMI account for?
50%
What percentage of cows are in the breeding herd?
50%
What percentage of the herd should be pregnant?
50%
What percentage of a TMR is DM?
50%, but can range from 40 - 60%
What percentage of cows are in the breeding herd at a given time?
50%. Pregnancy and do not breed account for the other 50% Pregnancy is more important than DNB
How many farms used robotic parlors as of October 2018?
52 farms (143 milking units)
What BW do we want cows to be at breeding?
55% of mature BW
What percent of time do cows spend standing?
55%. Stand more during the day
What is the average length of production in a herd?
59 months - 21 months = 38 months of production in the herd
What do you want urine pH to be around?
6
How long do calves stay in hutches?
6 weeks
How many cows can one robot handle?
60 cows
How big are jerseys at birth?
60 pounds
What is the average carcass yield for a market steer?
60%
How much space should a Jersey have in a compost dairy system?
65 square feet
What is the percentage breakdown for feed costs for lactating cows, dry cows, and heifers?
65%, 5%, 30%
How many hours a day does a cow spend ruminating?
7 - 10 hours
When are calves weaned on automated feeders?
7 - 8 weeks
What are other types of vaccines?
7-way Clostridial Salmonella E. Coli 5 or 6 way Leptospirosis
What is the THI threshold for heat stress?
70 - 72, although as low as 68 can cause a loss in DMI and milk yield
What percentage of forage should close up dry cows be eating?
75 - 85%
How big are holsteins at breeding (15 months)?
750 pounds
What mix of food should be given to cattle prior to shipping?
75:25 forage:grain mixture
What percentage of farms in Ohio are organic?
8%
What is the projection for the dairy industry in order to meet the nation's milk needs?
8,000 dairy farms milking 1,000 cows each with a herd average of 25,000 lbs per cow per year
How many pounds are in a gallon of milk?
8.6
What percentage of forage should far off dry cows be eating?
80 - 90%
How much space should a Holstein have in a compost dairy system?
80 square feet
How many calves are left after dystocia / stillborn calves (about 5%)?
84 calves
What percentage of cows on the farm should be in milk?
85%
What are the percentages of the components in milk?
87% water 4% fat 3.5% protein Some minerals
How many calves are left after abortion (about 5%)?
88 calves
How many cows are there in the US?
9 million
How big are holsteins at birth?
90 pounds
What is a vision of HR success?
A clear written vision of what you want to accomplish through human resource management helps you succeed as a planner and manager
What is neutral ventilation?
A combination of positive and negative ventilation
What is considered a far off cow?
A cow that has more than 21 days to parturition
How do you calculate a maximum profit diet?
milk yield×milk price‒diet fed×diet cost
How is locomotion scored?
1 = no lameness 5 = severely lame Don't want to see lesions on legs
If visiting a country not free of Foot and Mouth Disease, how long must you wait before having contact with university-owned animals?
10 days
How many meals a day do cows eat on average?
11 meals
What percentage of chewing is eating?
20%
What can happen as a result of frequent human handling?
Animals can become fearful of humans
What is the best way to move cows?
Quietly and calmly
What causes an animal's behavior?
Reaction to stimuli. Largely determined by its perception of the internal and external environment
What are the symptoms of heat stress?
Reduced rumination Increased sweating Increased CO2 output Increased respiration Panting Reduction in feed intake Reduced milk production
What zoonotic pathogens are found in animal feces?
Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. Coli and Cryptosporidium
What is animal welfare based on?
Science
What is the photoperiod for dry cows?
Short day (8 hr light: 16 hr darkness)
Who is at a higher risk for more serious complications from zoonotic disease?
Students with a weakened immune system due to medication or disease, as well as pregnant women
What is ethology?
Study of animal behavior
What does a flight zone provide an indicator of?
The animal's fear level of humans. Can give an indication of how animal was handled in the past
How can cow activity monitors be used for disease detection?
Walking less could be an indication of illness
How can you reduce the risk of infection from zoonotic pathogens?
Wearing gloves, being careful not to touch your face or mouth, and washing your hands and arms thoroughly after manure exposure. A complete change of clothes and showering also help
How can you avoid getting infected with Orf?
Wearing of gloves and avoiding handling of actively infected sheep
What is animal behavior?
What animals do to control and interact with their environment. Outward expression of the internal states of the animals. Actions of animal towards its environment
At what temperature do calves react best?
When solidly in their thermoneutral zone
What are diseases that transfer from animals to people?
Zoonoses
What do forages consist primarily of?
Silages
Where were single-housed cows more likely to give birth?
Single-housed cows were more likely to calve in the shelter but only if birth occurred during the day
What are some issues with freestall barns?
Small size and construction Cows getting bigger over the years Old stalls are small Issues with lesions and lameness If cows don't rest/lay down, compromise dry matter intake and milk production If they don't rest, they can't produce milk
Why should feed tables have a barrier?
So that cows can't walk over the feed
What is an alternative if there are limited cooling strategies in the milking parlor?
Soak on parlor exit
What are some bacteriological tests for milk quality parameters?
Somatic Cell Count (SCC) Standard Plate Count (SPC) Preliminary Incubation Count (PI/PIC) Laboratory Pasteurized Count (LP/LPC) Coliform Count (CC) Bulk Tank Milk Cultures Temperature (T°)
What is the public opinion on GMOs in the dairy industry?
Some don't want cows being fed GMOs, no roundup ready corn or beans
What is true about heat abatement?
Some form of heat abatement is always economically justifiable against loss from milk yield
What is an issue with trying to get into the dairy industry?
Some producers aren't taking any more milk
What does DHI consist of?
Someone comes out once a month, weighs the milk at every milking, samples the milk, takes it to the lab, and will run tests to determine contents in the milk. Record-based system available to dairy farmers. Provides data for Sire Summary Program
Why is sorting a problem?
Sorting is a problem if you see diarrhea because has fast rate of passage Milk fat and protein will be lower milk fat and protein about the same (if are sorting) Drop in rumen pH if sorting, vasodialation in feet, causing lameness
Why isn't the dairy industry as big in the South?
South has too much heat and humidity, corn and soybean production is in the midwest
What are the characteristics of the H arrangement free stall barn?
Space available behind the parlor / holding area for the special needs barn Holding area's orientation is the same as the free stall barn to maximize ventilation
What are the cons of veal crates?
Space, total socialization restrictions, foot and leg problems, swollen hocks
What are the factors that determine the zone of thermal comfort?
Species Physiological status Humidity Air velocity Solar radiation
What happened when Holstein calves were pair housed?
Spent a lot of time in the same hutch
How long should water be sprayed?
Spray water 1 minute out of 6 minutes
What does the epithelium do as an animal develops?
Spreads into the fat pad
What two ventilation systems greatly reduce temperature?
Sprinklers and fans. Want to soak the cow and then dry the cow
What happens if free stalls are too large?
Stalls that are too large allow cows to lay down sideways or potentially stand on another cow's udders
What's included in an employment package?
Starting wage Annual wage review Year-end bonus Health insurance Sick leave Holidays Vacation Retirement plan Housing Beef
What should you look at in terms of a farm's facilities?
Stocking density, free stalls, heat abatement, water, and dry cow facilities
What are the foundations of milk quality?
Strip (59%), Pre-dip (89%), dry tower (92%), and post-dip (97%)
What are some of the causes of lameness?
Subclinical laminitis Digital dermatitis (Hairy heel / foot wart) Interdigital phlegmon (Foot rot) Grooved flooring, slippery Look at hoof trimming records
What constitutes a majority of mastitis cases?
Subclinical mastitis accounts for 90% of all mastitis cases
What is summit milk production?
Summit milk production is almost the same as peak milk production, but will usually be a little less Take two points at the peak and average them
What are examples of group housing?
Super hutch - large hutch for calves after the normal hutches Freestall Bedded pack Counter slope (Manure runs off to the scrape alley) Single slope Individual housing Avoid disease transmission
How can you avoid hypocalcemia?
Feed diets with the right amounts of nutrients
What is fresh cow monitoring?
Check cows that have just calved more regularly than those that have calved a while ago
How is a diet evaluated?
Check if diet delivers required nutrients Used to identify changes that are needed
What is the major dairy product consumed today?
Cheese
Why is there less butter and yogurt production?
Cheese takes a lot of milk to make
What do tie stall / stanchions consist of?
Cows tied with a chain
What feed is fed in the parlor and what is fed in the bunk?
Feed grain in the parlor, partial mixed ration in the bunk
Why do we always project ME to 305 days?
Project to 305 days because 60 days dry makes the 12 month interval
What cows go into the hospital pen?
Sick or lame cows, or cows with mastitis
What is involuntary culling usually due to?
Sick, not breeding back, some enter the beef market, death
What should a diet do?
Supplies nutrients in amounts that meets the animal's requirements
What is stroma?
Supportive tissue
What percent of protein should be fed to dairy cows?
16%. Don't need 18 - 19%. Formulate diet for specific amino acids to meet protein requirement
How do you calculate income over feed cost?
(milk yield x price of milk) - (feed cost x feed intake)
What is the decrease in milk yield for every increase of one unit in THI over 72?
0.44 pounds
What is an acceptable body condition loss by 30 days in milk?
0.5 drop
What rank is California in milk production?
1
How is lameness scored?
1 - normal, no lameness Back flat standing and walking 2 - mild lameness Back flat standing and arched walking 3 - moderate lameness Back arched standing and walking 4 - obvious lameness Back arched standing and walking, put foot down 5 - Back arched standing and walking, don't put foot down
What are the guidelines for fans in a dairy barn?
1 foot of fan diameter for every 10 feet of space between fans 3 foot fan every 30 feet Fans over stalls and over feed alley
How long should cows be kept in a holding pen?
1 hour max time in the holding pen Don't keep them more than 2-3 hours, cow not eating or resting to produce milk - losing money
What are the benchmarks for a full time employee parlor?
1,000,000 pounds of milk for large breed farms or 750,000 pounds for small breed farms
What are the characteristics of rows in a free stall barn?
1-6 rows Cow alley Feed alley Driveway for feed delivery
How many gallons of water can a cow drink in a minute?
1.1 gallons
What is the ratio of cows to heifers if the farm raises all heifers?
1.1:1
What ratio is too many heifers to cows?
1.2 heifer to cows. Some see it as a form of insurance, but waste money on resources that you won't get back
What should the fat:protein ratio be for dairy cows?
1.2:1. Fat should always be higher
What should the ratio of milk to DM intake be?
1.4:1 - 1.6:1
How many calves born are bulls?
1/2 (42 heifer calves per year)
How many pounds of milk are needed to make a pound of cheese?
10 - 12 pounds
What percentage of mastitis cases are clinical?
10%
What is the most common vaccine and what does it include?
10-Way Viral Vaccine is most common BVD type 1 BVD type 2 IBR PI3 BRSV 5 way Leptospirosis
What rank is Ohio in milk production?
11
How many calves are born each year in a herd of 100 cows?
12 / 13 * 100 = About 92 calves born per year
How many hours a day does a cow spend resting?
12 hours
What percentage of cows in a herd are typically at breeding age?
12%
How much milk do cows typically produce at peak lactation?
120 pounds per day
How big are holsteins at parturition (first 22 - 24 months)?
1250 pounds
What is the market facilitation program?
12c/cwt for half of a dairy farmer's highest annual production for the years 2011, 2012, or 2013; cap of $125,000 per farm; must have been in operation on June 1, 2018 to be eligible for payments. Not a lot of economic impact
How long is a standard calving interval?
13 months
How many times a day do cows drink?
14 times
How big are holsteins at weaning (6 weeks)?
140 pounds
How many grams of anionic salts should close up dry cows get?
150 grams a day
What is the goal for somatic cell count?
150,000 - 200,000 cells/ml
How long must you wait after coming in contact with non-OSU swine prior to entering an OSU swine facility?
A minimum of 12 - 24 hours. Clothing must not have been worn to a non-OSU swine facility
How long must you wait after coming in contact with non-OSU poultry prior to entering an OSU poultry facility?
A minimum of 24 hours. Clothing must not have been worn to a non-OSU poultry facility
What can bacteria in bedding do?
Bacteria in bedding can increase the chance of mastitis if not properly managed
What does bulk tank milk culturing allow for?
Allows for identification of bacteria present in milk Used as screen for herd mastitis control
Why can't pregnant cows be part of a breeding herd?
Already pregnant, so can't be bred again
What can mastitis be an indicator of?
Also an indicator of free stall use, FS management and overall management
When does radiation cooling occur?
Ambient temperature is significantly cooler than the cow
What is a Calorie?
Amount of heat required to raise the temp of one gram of water from 14.5 to 15.5 °C
What is a nutrient requirement?
Amount of nutrient needed to sustain a given level of production (Maintenance, lactation, growth, pregnancy, thermoregulation)
What is a lab pasteurized count?
An estimate of the number of bacteria that can survive laboratory pasteurization at 62.8°C (143°F) for 30 minutes
What is growth?
An increase in size and cell number
What typically causes an issue with pregnancy rate?
An issue with heat detection
What are the symptoms of ringworm in humans?
An itchy rash with redness, scaling and possible blistering
What is the number one consideration when designing a facility?
Animal comfort
How can you alter the number of heifer calves on a farm?
Animal health and management Think about health - reduce dystocia, abortion Improve repro - get pregnant sooner by decreasing age at first calving Used sexed semen
What should cleanliness consider?
Animal health, flies, etc. Want facilities that will maximize animal welfare
What is the flight zone?
Animal's personal space
What are animal rights?
Animals are entitled to possess their own lives, should be equal to humans
What are the signs of excessive fiber and low starch?
Impaired performance (low digestibility, low rate of passage) Low BCS
What happens if animals are outside their zone of thermal comfort?
Animals outside comfort zone - possibility of heat stress. Environment may not allow cow to dissipate enough heat
What is required to treat Q-fever?
Antibiotics
What can't organic herds use?
Antibiotics, but there has been a downward trend of antibiotic use lately
How can you find the right employees?
Applications Resumes Current employees/word of mouth Phone calls Personal visits
What determines if dairy farming is profitable?
Are cows able to be bred, how much milk do they produce. Cows go to beef farms when they're done producing - good beef prices, cull cows
What should you look at when evaluating feed storage?
Are they well-covered? Stay away from surface Wetter = butyric acid Smell it - does it smell putrid Difference in fermentation from top to the bottom See where grains are stored What byproducts are they using, are they wet or dry Water flow Will water slope into where the grains are Look at bunk face
What length of calving interval do we want?
Around 13 months
When do cows peak in milk production?
Around 2 months
When does milk fever and RP / RFM occur?
Around calving
What happens to DNA content as BW increases?
As BW increases, DNA content increases as well Sigmoidal growth curve Stops development at puberty
When is castration best for a bull?
At a young age
When should water be available to cows?
At all times
When does lactation peak?
At around 60 days
Where should sprinklers be directed?
At cows, to avoid getting feed wet
How many inches of bedding are required for compost dairy barns?
At least 10 inches of bedding
How many turns per hour and how many cows per milker per hour should there be?
At least 4 turns per hour and at least 80 cows per milker per hour
If you have 100 cows, how many hutches will you need?
At least 8, but might need more if you do seasonal calving
When would there be a low cull rate?
Average 3-4 lactations instead of 2 ½, less health problems, transition well, sell heifers early, herd expanding
What is average THI of two days before the current day important for?
Average THI of 2 days before is the most important factor in how much milk, maximum or minimum THI
How can you avoid getting ringworm?
Avoid handling animals with signs of ringworm, but if necessary, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after contacting the animals. Launder your clothing immediately after handling animals with potential ringworm
What should be avoided when transporting animals?
Avoid long periods without feed and water
What are the herd risk factors for mastitis?
BTSCC Prevalence of infection Herd management practices
What are examples of abortion diseases?
BVDV IBR - herpes Leptospirosis Listeria in forage/silage, neurological disease Salmonella Mold/mycotoxin
What are the risk factors for environmental mastitis?
Bedding, heat, humidity, stress, injury, and feeding practices
What happened in the pair and single-housed cow experiment 8 hours prior to calving?
Beginning about 8 h before calving, single-housed cows that calved in the shelter increased their use of the shelter, and pair-housed cows spent more time away from their partners
What is abnormal behavior?
Behavior that is away from normal behavior. Statistically rare. Different from population - not expected. Differs in pattern, frequency, or context
What are springing heifers used as?
Benchmark for pricing on cows
When is it best to sell heifers?
Best to sell them early in life, before you put feed and labor into the animal
When are calves on milk?
Between 0 - 2 months
When are cows bred for the first time?
Between 13 - 15 months
Where are most dairy farms in Ohio?
Between Columbus and Cincinatti
What are the trends in milk prices in recent years?
Big dip in milk prices in 2009 Increase in milk prices in 2014
What is true about bigger herds?
Bigger herds are stable or growing, more cows to maintain the standard of living
What type of vision gives the ability for depth perception?
Binocular vision. Eyes both see a slightly different perception of the same image
How does biosecurity relate to the disease triangle?
Biosecurity involves more than just trying to prevent entrance of an infectious agent into a population. It also involves preparing the population to deal with it should it enter.
What does maintaining a safe and comfortable work environment do?
Boosts morale Conveys the fact that management cares Expect employees to report items that need attention
Does the mammary gland grow or develop?
Both
What is dairy revenue protection?
Brand new program, similar to crop insurance, pay premiums to get protection, still preparing to set up guidelines
How can you spot subclinical mastitis?
Bulk tank reports Looking at the monthly individual SCC test reports
When do bull calves leave a farm?
Bull calves leave the farm immediately after getting colostrum. Not using bulls for breeding and can't get milk from them
What are some biosecurity tips to avoid bringing mastitis into the herd?
Buy healthy cows from a healthy herd If SCC not available - do CMT - buy only negative CMT Keep purchased cows separated until proven non- infectious Culture Bulk tank during period that cows are entering the herd (in case of requesting Mycoplasma be sure to request for that)
Why is there more incentive to produce milk in the southeast?
Cheaper to produce it there then to produce it somewhere else and ship it
When should a calf double its weight?
By the time they wean. Depends on when they wean and if they have a good growth rate
What state is #1 in milk production?
California
What are some of the states that are major milk producers?
California, Wisconsin, New York, Michigan, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Minnesota
Which animals should you visit first?
Calves
What happens after hutches?
Calves housed in small groups. Want small groups, minimize stress and disease spread. Gradually increase the number of animals in the group
Why is on-farm processing of milk products greatly increasing in recent years?
Can add value because they can charge more than conventional products in the store. Local Food Movement - People think local means better and want to support their community Don't mind paying more for local foods
How do coliform bacteria get into the milk?
Can grow on milk handling surfaces
Why is SCC at first calving important?
Can have mammary infection before entering the lactating herd
Why is ventilation an important issue for all life stages?
Can help with cooling More of an issue in the summer, but also an issue in the winter because you always want to have fresh air circulating through the barn
What type of milking system can be used with a tie stall system?
Can use pipeline or milking parlor
Why can't you just feed a cow more calcium?
Can't just feed more calcium, limited ability to absorb Calcium absorption from the gut is regulated Feeding excess won't result in more absorption
How do robotic parlors change labor?
Can't overwork employees, cost of labor is high
What does Orf cause?
Causes lesions on the lips and mouth of affected sheep and goats. The disease can be transmitted to humans, and most commonly causes scabs and nodules on the hands, which resolve after 3 to 6 weeks
What are other types of abdominal displacements?
Cecal torsion and mesenteric torsion
How can you change the amount of structural carbs in a diet?
Change the amount of corn
Why are robotic parlors growing in the US?
Changes in management
What is ketosis characterized by?
Characterized by adipose mobilization and intense energy demands. Dairy cows produce a lot of milk. When ketones are produced in excess of peripheral tissue's capacity to use them, they accumulate in the bloodstream. In severe negative energy balance (NEB), these ketones can appear in the blood, milk, and urine. Liver can't process the sugar and it is converted into ketones
Why would someone order milk from Florida instead of Wisconsin?
Cheaper to pay a farmer in Florida than to pay for trucking and shipping fees from Wisconsin
What can fear cause?
Chronic stress
What type of footwear and clothing are preferred when doing farm visits?
Clean, laundered outerwear and clean, closed-toe shoes. Leather or rubber boots are preferred
What considerations must be made with outdoor housing?
Cleanliness
How can you distinguish between subclinical and clinical mastitis?
Clinical - milk looks abnormal Subclinical - inflammation, SCC
What are the symptoms of ketosis?
Clinically, dairy cows suffering from ketosis exhibit reduced feed intake, reduced milk yield, loss of body weight, central nervous system involvement
What can low temperatures cause?
Cold stress. Extremely low temperatures are very harmful to calves
How should milk samples be collected to send to the lab?
Collect milk using aseptic method. Receive milk sample - plate on specific media - perform sequence of tests to get to the results
What do calves need?
Colostrum and vaccinations
What is the temperature humidity index and what does it do?
Combines temperature and humidity. Used to determine "heat stress potential"
What are the concepts associated with a bomb calorimeter?
Combustion of a sample results in energy manifested as heat A rise in water temperature reflects transfer of energy from the food to heat A one degree change in temperature of one gram of water equals one calorie
What should you consider when looking at housing?
Comfort of where cow is lying Is there enough bedding (Reduce friction on her hocks) Is curb gonna rub her hocks Airflow Think about when it's hot if they'd still be comfortable Do they have enough fans for the summer? (Heat stress) Are they using sand? Air quality (Pneumonia)
What is the key to a dairy's success?
Communication
Why has the US export of dairy products decreased?
Compete with Europe and Chile. Exports have a lot to do with milk price, surplus and balance
How do cows dissipate heat?
Conduction, convection, radiation, and evaporative cooling
Why do cows generate a lot of heat?
Consume a lot of feed, process of digesting and synthesizing milk
How can Orf be transmitted?
Contact with infected animals
What is "orf"?
Contagious ecthyma (sore mouth) of sheep and goats
What kind of bacteria causes mastitis?
Contagious pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus) Environmental pathogens (Streptococci spp)
Which animals should receive priority cooling?
Cool animals that have reduced DMI - maternity pens, fresh cows Prevent from reducing more DMI Cool high producing cows - produce more heat
What is the most effective cooling strategy and why?
Cooling holding pens is a cost effective strategy Every lactating cow in the herd passes through the holding pen twice a day Only have money for one fan - put it in the holding pen
What happens if there is excessive protein in a diet?
Cost Diarrhea Reduced reproductive efficiency in ruminants Risks of environmental contamination of N
Why don't all dairies use sand bedding, even though it is usually the best bedding to use?
Cost and it is hard on equipment
What economic things have to be considered for cooling strategies?
Cost installation, facilities, number of cows
Why is organic milk only about 5% of milk sold?
Cost of production is higher due to feed ingredients and other factors. Price is higher than regular milk ($3.97 vs $1.88)
What considerations must be made with indoor housing?
Cost, ventilation, cleanliness, lighting
Higher herd turnover or culling risk is synonymous with more sick or lame cows, true or false?
Could be, but not always
What is a potential issue with removing calves after birth?
Could cause change in maternal traits
Why could milking 2 - 3 weeks prior to parturition be beneficial?
Could help to reduce chances of mastitis by reducing stress on the udders
What happens if dry lots have a lot of rain?
Could lead to more mastitis cases
What happens if a TMR is less than 40% forage?
Could lead to rumen acidosis
What is a sign of optimal design in free stalls?
Cow can get up easily and facilities allow for natural movement
What is the optimal size of a free stall?
Cow can lay down and manure falls in the alley and not in the bedding Keep bedding clean, minimize the contact that feces has with the mammary gland
What is the advantage of a compost dairy system?
Cow comfort
What is cow comfort directly related to?
Cow comfort is directly related to herd health and milk production. Cows must be comfortable for optimal milk production
What happens during negative DCAD?
Cow mobilizes positively charged ions from body stores to compensate, put into her bloodstream
What are the top three welfare concerns for the dairy industry?
Cow-calf separation Cow transition period Transportation
Why does 40 - 50% of the total heat load occur in the holding pen?
Cows are close to each other and generate a lot of heat
Why will the number of days to first service never equal the VWP, even if protocol is being followed?
Cows are not all on the same cycle Days to first service should be 10 - 12 days longer than VWP
What are the disadvantages of loose housing?
Cows bedded on packs - mammary health issues Need very good management
What are the consequences of heat stress?
Cows do not mobilize body fat during negative energy balance. Cows in early lactation do mobilize body fat. Heat stressed cows may divert glucose away from the mammary gland. Redirect glucose to other tissues - nutrient partitioning. Increase circulated insulin Rumen acidosis. Reduced reproductive performance. Lameness
What are the issues with feeding grain in the parlor?
Cows don't spend enough time in the parlor (0.75 lb/min) Slug feeding of grain (limit to 7 lb/feeding) Cleanliness in parlor: more dust and cows defecate more
What are the benefits of self-locking headstalls?
Cows eat their proper ratio while being treated Minimize the effect of boss cows that dominate the feed bunks Less traumatic handling of cows, familiar with surroundings Manure from restrained animals is handled with normal procedures
Why don't you want to overcrowd pens?
Cows generate a lot of heat and this could cause stress
When are cows in mild and heavy heat stress?
Cows in mild stress at 70°F and heavy stress at 80°F
What is a sign of discomfort in cows?
Cows not laying down
What could it mean if cows lap up water like a dog?
Cows only lap water like a dog it might mean there's stray voltage and are getting a little shock when they drink
What is a breeding herd?
Cows that are available to breed
What are fresh cows?
Cows that have just gone through calving
When is good air speed in the milking parlor most effective?
Effective if cows are soaked in the holding pen
What is heat stress caused by?
Effects of increasing environmental temperature - environment doesn't allow cows to dissipate enough heat
What are some ways to increase milk production?
Efficiency, more cows, each cow produces more Installing robotic milking parlors - don't have to manage people, hard to find labor, lose employees due to immigration policies
What is a lumen?
Empty space inside alveoli
What does fat usually provide in a diet?
Energy
What is the 1st law of thermodynamics?
Energy can be transformed from one state to another, but cannot be created or destroyed
What is ECM?
Energy corrected milk. Milk compared for protein levels
When does heat stress occur?
Energy produced by the animal is greater than the energy dissipated by the animal . Metabolic heat and heat from the environment > dissipated heat = potential for heat stress
What is positive tunnel ventilation?
Enter through fans and exit through open inlets
What is negative tunnel ventilation?
Enter through open inlets and exit through fans
What has a huge impact on milk production?
Environment
What does the environment need to allow to avoid heat stress?
Environment needs the allow cow to dissipate heat
What are ducts made of?
Epithelial cells
How does the mammary gland change during gestation?
Epithelium tissue area percentage vastly increases as pregnancy advances, then levels out between days 115 and 140 Stroma tissue decreases, then decreases dramatically between days 80 and 115 Lumen tissue increases dramatically between days 80 and 115 and continues to increase through day 140
How is a preliminary incubation count a measure of raw milk in keeping quality?
Equipment cleanliness and sanitation practices Dirty udders Contaminated water supply Lack of sufficient hot water to clean equipment Not associated with mastitis
What equipment is needed for freestall barns?
Equipment for grooming and filling holes in sand
What hormones help a mammary gland grow?
Estrogen and progesterone, but there are many other endocrine factors
What is the major process for heat evaporation in high temperatures?
Evaporation. Doesn't depend on thermal gradient
What is the only mechanism that operates when ambient temperature approaches body temperature?
Evaporative cooling
Why do farmers want a higher fat percentage with no loss in milk yield?
Farmers look for more fat without losing milk yield because fat is where the money is
What is FCM?
Fat corrected milk. Milk is compared for fat levels
What are risk factors / associations for DA?
Fat cows at calving High NEFA pre-calving High BHBA post-calving Ketones, ketosis Milk fat > 1.5x milk protein at first test Cows with ketosis are most at risk
What do farmers get paid most for?
Fat. Valuable because fluid milk consumption is down, dairy products used more for cheese and ice cream, need more fat
How can you prepare a cow to use body stores of calcium to meet the demand?
Feed DCAD - dietary cation anion difference Feed high anionic salts, increase chloride and sulfate
What does constraint binding do?
Feed at exactly the requirement level
What is the single largest variable cost?
Feed cost
What does a maximum profit diet depend on?
Feed costs and milk price
What is true about feed costs in terms of total costs?
Feed costs are a substantial fraction of total costs
What are examples of business organizational structures?
Every business has an organizational structure - formal or informal, confused or orderly, understood or misunderstood, helpful or hurtful
What does every farm need to sell milk?
Every farm needs a permit to sell milk - Farms that reach a certain size need a permit to install and operate, has to be renewed every 5 years (700 cows or 1,000 heifers)
Why is heat abatement so important in holding pens?
Every lactating cows goes through holding pen at least twice a day
What is fatty liver disease?
Excessive accumulation of TG in the liver impairs its normal function. Synthesis and accumulation of TG in the liver are related to the concentration of NEFA in the blood. Impairs gluconeogenic activity in the liver and lowers blood glucose. This, in turn, supports greater lipid mobilization and increased rate of fatty acid uptake by the liver and, therefore, increase ketogenesis
What are some of the disadvantages of using sand bedding?
Expensive in some places Hard on equipment - abrasion. Especially manure management systems. Clog manure system - fill manure lagoon with sand
What are the cons of overfeeding protein?
Expensive to the farmer. Energy expense to the animal, excess nitrogen is absorbed and ammonia is released, liver has to convert it to urea, excreted as nitrogen loss to the animal Increased fecal and urinary nitrogen
What may pose a risk to students with a weakened immune system or who are pregnant?
Exposure to animal waste, infectious organisms normally present in farm animal facilities, biological and chemical materials used in animal husbandry and in laboratories
What is the most common way of contracting zoonotic pathogens?
Exposure to manure
What must shelter be provided from?
Extreme environmental temperatures, Wind (summer vs. winter), Rain, Muddy conditions
What is a limitation for smaller herds when considering TMR?
Facilities
What factors determine cow comfort and welfare?
Facilities, air quality, heat abatement, bunk management, human-animal interactions
What affects beef prices?
Facility restraints (overstocking, affect the production of all the other cows in the herd) Potential for BW gain Cost of BW gain versus increase in market prices (commercial/utility versus canner/cutter; $70 versus $50/cwt) Have to consider if getting the cow from canner to commercial is worth it
How can you be fair on benefits?
Fair competitive wages Health insurance 401K EOM recognition
How do you create a least cost diet?
Find the feed mix/proportion of each ingredient so you meet the animal requirements for every nutrient, but it's the cheapest diet out of all of them
What is 2 year old synonymous with?
First lactation animals
Which group of cows should likely have the highest ME?
First lactation should likely have the highest ME The second will almost always have the highest projected 305 ME
What does a herd code number consist of?
First two digits are the state Second two digits are the county Last four digits are unique to the herd
What should you focus on when looking at records?
Focus on milk production, milk yield, what's the protein and fat Pounds per cow per day How big is farm? How many first lactation heifers? - should be 25-35% of herd is first lactation
How is a diet optimized?
Focus on minimizing cost or maximizing profit Constrains feed selection so diet optimized has to meet animal nutrient requirements
What is a tie stall system focused on?
Focused on milk production/cow Also focus on marketing purebred cattle Manage cows individually
When does food intake peak?
Food intake peaks after peak lactation, cows lose weight after calving
How can students avoid transmission of zoonoses?
Food shouldn't be brought in or consumed, gloves should be worn, and hands and arms should be washed thoroughly after animal contact and before eating
What work areas should be cooled?
Foot trimming tables Palpation rails Cattle chute
What is the goal for feed costs as a percentage of milk income?
For lactating cows, 30%. For all animals, 40%
What type of sawdust can't be used as bedding?
Green sawdust
What is allometric growth?
Growing at a faster rate than the body
What are the two different arrangements of free stall barns?
H and T arrangement
What are some practices to implement as the owner of a dairy farm?
HR planning Job analysis Job design Job descriptions Employee handbook or written summary of key policies and procedures Steps for making your farm a preferred place to work in the community
What are the symptoms of ringworm in animals?
Hair loss, with a crusty, scaly, itchy skin in one or several patches
What should be done after handling animals?
Hand and arm washing, as well as a changing of clothes and showering
When is there the greatest risk for Q-fever infection?
Handling of pregnant sheep or goats or their placentae after they have aborted
While a wide field of vision can be useful for detecting predators, what can this cause issues with?
Handling with shadows, grates, drains, puddles, etc.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of automatic feeders?
Hard to find workers Allow for more data to be kept on individual cows
What type of forage is hard to raise in Ohio?
Hard to raise forages in Ohio that are low in calcium and potassium
Why is there a larger effect of humidity at higher temperatures?
Harder to dissipate heat
Why is it bad to have cows in number open after more than 130 days?
Have had 3+ breedings done at this point, but the cow still isn't pregnant
What is a benefit of a tie stall system?
Have more control over the diet of that specific animal
How do Jersey calves differ from other large breed dairy calves?
Have more surface area, so higher risk of cold stress
What must loose housing have?
Have shaded areas - regardless of system, always have to minimize heat stress
Why do you have to have an optimum pen size?
Have to keep cows happy and healthy
Why should drug residues be avoided when trying to cull cows?
Have to keep on farm until drug residues are gone
What should you look at for average daily milk production?
Have to look at number milking and distribution of cows before making conclusions If there's a low number of cows in a group, that group shouldn't be used to base conclusions off of
What should a weaned heifer's diet consist of?
Hay, pasture, corn silage, and some grain supplementation
What are common allergens that are present in farm facilities?
Hay, straw, feed dust, certain livestock medications and animal dander
What can uterine prolapse be due to?
Hypocalcemia
What are predisposing factors for metritis?
Hypocalcemia (milk fever) Retained fetal membranes (Should be delivered within two hours of calving) Vitamin E/Selenium Deficiencies - nutritional Dystocia Twins (More likely to have dystocia and RFM) Poor transition - overcrowding
What are the percentages of transition diseases?
Hypocalcemia - 7.2% Ketosis - 3.7% Metritis - 9.0% DA - 3.3% Downer cows - 1.1%
What is the point of dairy advisory teams?
Identify, Prioritize, Solve, Monitor Individuals tend to focus on solutions. Teams tend to focus on prioritization. Prioritization may be the most important step
What could it mean if 2nd lactation cows have a very high percentage compared to 3+ lactation cows?
If 2nd cows have a very high percentage compared to 3+ cows, it could mean that 3+ cows are not producing as well as they should be
When must a CFAES Student Injury Report Form be filed?
If care is greater than general first aid, if the student seeks outside medical attention, or if EMS 911 is called
Why don't you want stalls to be too small or too large?
If cow is halfway out of stall, it is too small. Common in older farms, because cows have been bred to be bigger. If too large, don't have proper waste management and there's the risk of a cow stepping on another cow's udder
When should you check for ketosis in a herd?
If fat percentage is higher than 5.5%
Why is it important for producers to aerate manure every day to keep it dry?
If it's not wet, bacteria can't grow
What could cause herd size to decrease?
If more are being culled or are dying than are being brought in, herd size will decrease. Could be due to illness
What happens as a result of overfeeding?
If overfed, fat pad increases and there won't be as much development of the parenchyma
What happens if pregnancy is never established?
If pregnancy is never established, no further "development" will occur Some growth will continue but it will be marginal
When can 75% of heat be lost?
If temperature is lower than 50 degrees
How can PIC versus SPC show a potential problem?
If the PIC > 3 times the SPC, then there is a potential problem
What is the price support system?
If the price of milk got under a certain threshold, the government bought it
How can you tell if a farm is using sexed semen?
If there are much more heifers than bulls
What happens if a barn is too crowded?
If too crowded, airflow and ventilation is going to be negatively impacted
How would we reduce the number of farms needed in the future?
If we increase the size of farms and the production per cow
What should you do if you need to separate an animal?
If you need to separate an animal, move it and some pen-mates to a location where the individual can be easily separated
What could happen to stocking density if you shorten the dry period?
If you shorten the dry period, could increase stocking density in lactating cow pen because cows are getting moved from dry cow pen to lactating cow pen
What are the limitations of diet formulation of two feeds with two nutrients?
Ignore cost - may feed more of the expensive nutrient Only works if you have the same number of nutrients and same number of feeds, needs to be square to take inverse
When must student injuries be reported?
Immediately
What labor laws should be understood?
Immigration reform and control act Fair labor standards act Workers comp Unemployment insurance OSHA Social security
What happens if the dry period is too long?
Milk yield drops significantly
Where were pair-housed cows more likely to give birth?
In an open area, regardless of time of day
How are most cows housed?
In free stalls, although a few are housed in tie stalls
What size water tank is appropriate for cows in freestall housing?
In freestall housing, 2 foot of tank perimeter is adequate for every 15 to 20 cows
Where are most calves housed and why?
In hutches with automated milk feeders. Indoor housing, individual pens, most risk with disease
Where are tie stall systems more common?
In older facilities in Ohio and in other parts of the Midwest
Where are the most organic diary operations?
In the US
When does mastitis occur more often?
In the summer
When is mastitis most common?
In the summer
How can you evaluate profitability on a dairy farm?
Income over feed costs. What does it cost per pound? Determine actual intake of animals, and actual milk production of cow
What happens to culling in a herd when beef prices increase?
Increase
What is the DCAD approach?
Increase Ca intake to > 150 g/day Ca:P ratio, 2:1 → 4 to 5:1 Monitor urine pH Short dry periods
Why would a Jersey be crossbred to a Holstein?
Increase milk fat
Why should you use safety factors in a diet?
Increase nutrients requirement a little bit so that you don't feed a diet that doesn't have enough nutrients due to changes in feed composition
How can you increase income over feed cost?
Increase volume of milk produced Increase value of milk produced (higher fat or protein, lower somatic cells or bacteria to capture premiums, etc) Sometimes, may be able to lower feed costs but must do so wisely NEVER restrict feed intake to try and increase IOFC in lactating cows
What causes rumen acidosis?
Increased respiration → increase in exhalation of CO2 Kidney secretes HCO3 to maintain blood pH Reduced ability of buffering rumen pH with bicarbonate Reduced rumen activity - more time spent of respiration Cows drool → lose saliva
What does short-day photoperiod do in cows with reduced dry period length?
Increases milk yield
Why is there increased lameness with heat stress?
Increases risk of acidosis - spend more time standing than laying down, more pressure on the feet
What does increasing soaking frequency do?
Increasing soaking frequency reduced respiration rate and body temperature
What should you look at in terms of feed availability?
Individual cows, groups of cows, herd, and feed wastage
Where does Q-fever come from?
Infected sheep, cattle, goats, rodents, and their ticks
What are the three etiologies of mastitis?
Infectious microorganisms (Strep, staph, e. Coli. Keep environment clean. Most common cause of mastitis) Traumatic Toxic
What are the characteristics of clinical mastitis?
Inflamed udder Clumps and clots in milk
What is mastitis?
Inflammation of the mammary gland
What is metritis?
Inflammation of the reproductive tract / uterus
What are some of the challenges for on-farm processing of milk products?
Initial investment is very high - Equipment, licenses, etc.
How can you determine nutrient availability?
Laboratory analysis Feed tables (Average values, may be accurate, may be far off) Prediction equations
How long do cows lactate?
Lactate for 305 days before being dried off. Often will have more than 305 days of milk due to variability when cows conceive
What are the cow risk factors for mastitis?
Lactation number High milk yield at dry-off Method of dry-off
What are other important problems in a dairy herd?
Lame cows Dystocia - bad calving, difficult birth Injuries Rumen acidosis (SARA) Calving injuries Hypocalcemia (milk fever) Retained fetal membranes
What issues should be looked at when examining herd health?
Lameness Hock issues due to stalls Don't overcrowd holding pens
Why do cows die?
Lameness or injury (Non-ambulatory, have to be euthanized) Mastitis (Dry off and calving) Calving problems (Survive the calving, but have issues later) Respiratory problems Scours, diarrhea, or other digestive problems Lack of coordination or severe depression Poison (0.4%) Other known reasons Unknown reasons
What are the most common causes of cow death?
Lameness or injury, mastitis, and calving problems
What could free stall usage be indicative of?
Lameness. Watch for perching
What is the biggest investment with grazing?
Land. Rely on cows harvesting forage - amount of land determines how many cows you can have
What happened to dairy farmers in Wisconsin in 2018 - 2019?
Largest number of farmers leaving the dairy industry in a long time
What affects an animal's ability to see in 3D?
Lateral vs. frontal eye placement
Why does heat stress cause a reduction in reproductive performance?
Less expression of estrus and fertility Embryo susceptible to heat stress during first week of life Alters follicular development Altered growth and development of dominant follicle
What is development?
Less specialized structure becoming more specialized
What is the goal for lameness in a herd?
Less than 10% with a score of 4+
What should the death rates be for less than 60 days in milk?
Less than 2%, although typically higher for first lactation cows
How can you identify mastitis?
Milk's appearance (stripping) CMT (California Mastitis Test) Somatic Count Cell (SCC) from DHIA
What happens during pre-weaned mammary growth (months 1 - 3)?
Mass of parenchyma accrues above teat. Grows 20x its size. The mass is just epithelium/ducts. Growth responds to nutrition
What can cause a cow to walk less?
Mastitis
What is the most costly disease affecting dairy cattle throughout the world?
Mastitis
What are the three main sources of bacteria in milk?
Mastitis organisms, environmental contamination and dirty milking equipment
What are the big diseases in dairy herds?
Mastitis* Metritis* (Infection of the reproductive tract) Ketosis* (Negative energy balance, ketone bodies in urine and milk) Displacements - LDA, RDA, RTA, Cecum * (Displaced abomasum. Can be a result of the first three diseases) Pneumonia/respiratory Gastrointestinal/diarrheal Reproductive/abortion
What are transition diseases?
Mastitis, metritis, ketosis, and displacements
What should bedding do?
Maximize comfort - resting, eating, producing milk
What are the goals of feeding systems?
Maximize dry matter intake Maintain feed quality Minimize feed wastage Minimize sorting
How can you help transition cows meet the challenge?
Maximize feed intake Minimize fat mobilization - prevent fatty liver Push up feed in pre-fresh pen so cows can reach it Feed again if bunk is empty
What is the goal of intensive grazing?
Maximize output from forage
What is important to remember when making a maximizing profit diet?
Maximizing profit diet you may optimize a diet that does not result in maximum milk production You are maximizing revenue ‒ cost and not maximizing revenue
When would there be a high cull rate?
May have transition issues, major health problems - metabolic, lameness. Also may just want to decrease herd size, so not necessarily a bad thing
Why do you want a minimum amount of feed heaped at the bottom?
Means it's fluffed up and oxygen has gotten in between the particles (aerobic) and spoil it
What does it mean if water has sulfur in it?
Means the water is high in sulfates - an reduce the palatability and tie up certain minerals High iron- also affects palatability Some farms use water softener, water treatment system
How does a respiration chamber work?
Measure oxygen and CO2
What does heat stress cause?
Metabolic adaptations preventing glucose-sparing mechanisms that normally prevent severe reductions in milk during periods of reduced DMI
What is MP?
Metabolizable protein, how much protein can actually be used by the animal Microbial protein and protein that can be digested by the small intestine Ruminally synthesized microbial protein, ruminally undegraded feed protein, and endogenous protein reaching duodenum
What is fed during the preweaning stage?
Milk
What could be a result of intensive grazing and why?
Milk fat percentage may be low. Less chewing and moist feed reduce saliva flow. Low fiber in forage. Add high-fiber byproduct feeds to grains
What can hypocalcemia cause?
Milk fever
What are the costs of transition diseases?
Milk fever - $350 Ketosis - $160 DA - $440 RP - $290 Mastitis - $160
What does epinephrine prevent?
Milk letdown
What can physiological fear responses affect?
Milk production and reproductive success
When is milk production lower?
Milk production will be lower when having lower days in milk
How are feed costs calculated?
Money per animal per day
What are the disadvantages of confinement systems?
More expensive and more labor required Perception that it is unnatural, not welfare friendly (Less freedom to express natural behaviors)
What is the disadvantage of a compost dairy system?
More expensive than bedded pack
Why is Northwest Ohio growing in the dairy industry?
More land for growing crops
What does the Free Stall Test consist of?
More than 5 out of 50 cows standing in free stall at any given time? (Cows rest 8-12 hours. A lot of cows standing - sign that they don't want to lay down) Cows frequently laying backwards? (Stall too big) Cows sitting like dog in freestalls? (Too small ) Cows not using freestalls? Lot of manure/urine in freestalls? (Too big) Less than half of cows laying down 2 hours after feeding?
What is a lab pasteurized count most associated with?
Most associated with unclean equipment and poor sanitation (leaky pumps, old pipeline/inflators, milkstone deposits)
What groups of cows are most common on a farm?
Most cows are older cows, followed by 16 - 24 months, followed by two year olds
How can facilities be designed to prevent heat stress?
Natural ventilation, fans, sprinklers, and cool pads
Why do cows need a dry period?
Need 30 days for mammary gland to involute to get ready for next lactation
How many dry days does a cow need?
Need at least 45, but usually around 60
What are the disadvantages of grazing?
Need land close to a milking facility Not all forage is the same quality Adverse weather can limit forage production (Drought) Plan for winter forage and feeding
What do you need to promote in dry cows?
Need to promote access to feed bunk and water
How can forage's nutrient composition in feeds be determined?
Need to sample or lab analysis Different species have different maturities Feeds with high variability need to be sent to the lab
How can compost dairy bedding be kept aerobic to reduce bacteria?
Need to stir twice a day at 10 - 12 inches
What does reduced energy intake cause?
Negative energy balance Increased risk of metabolic disorder, health issues, reduced reproductive performance, reduced milk yield
What is NEL?
Net energy for lactation
What do employees want?
New expanded parlor (Bigger parlor office. Break room by parlor w/ beverages, snacks. Lockers for clothes and belongings) Hoof trim chute Calf cart to facilitate moving newborns Periodic written performance review Time and a half pay for 40 hours+
How can you keep employees informed / be visible?
Newsletter Staff meetings Daily contact with supervisors One-on-one conversations MBWA - manage by walking around
What are the characteristics of smaller herds?
Niche, pasture based Hobby farming, not the main source of income
What health disorders can be caused by protein imbalances?
Nitrate toxicity Ammonia toxicity
Why wouldn't farmers want to extend the dry period?
No milk income during that time. Just spending money on feed
How much time should pass between a cow being prepped and the milker being attached?
No more than 90 - 120 seconds
Does conduction account for a lot of total heat dissipated?
No, it is a small fraction
Where are the dairy counties in Ohio?
Northeast and West Central. Northeast has a high population density and not a lot of room for farming, so number of farms is dropping
What temperature should milk be cooled to after milking?
On farms, milk should be cooled at 45°F (7°C) or less within 2 hours after milking AND temperature of milk blended after the first and subsequent milkings should not exceed 50°F (10°C)
When does ketosis usually occur?
One month in milk
Why don't small farms typically have a fresh cow pen?
Only need 5 out of every 100 cows, so it's not really realistic for small farms
What is special about the mammary system?
Only organ system that is not fully formed when the neonate is born
How can natural ventilation be achieved?
Open areas Orientation east to west takes advantage of where most of the wind comes from Cheapest option Utilize natural ventilation as much as possible
What are the fundamentals to dairy profitability?
Optimize cow numbers (Profit per cow) Focus on income over feed costs (IOFC) Produce healthy fresh cows (Transition smoothly to lactation. Most cows leave in the first 60 days of lactation - health problems) Minimize the impact of unprofitable cows (Milk revenue should at least cover the cost of production) Cut costs intelligently
What are an employer's capabilities?
Orientation Training of new employees Training of experienced employees for new responsibilities Retraining
Do all managers and leaders have the ability to handle their HR responsibilities?
Outstanding experience at one level is not enough to guarantee success at the next level Best supervisor is not ready to be assistant herdsman
What is more efficient than using force with animals?
Outthink them
What happens to mammary growth during puberty (months 9 - 12)?
Ovaries become active. Mammary growth is hormone driven and growth slows considerably
How many pounds of milk did the top dairy cow produce in a year?
Over 78,000 pounds, but the record is broken almost every year
How do cows get mastitis?
Overwhelming exposure and failure of host immunity
What are the two most commonly used softwares for dairy records?
PC Dart and Dairy Comp 305
What is the acronym for having a "pretty" farm?
PURRDEE
Why is evaluating heifer mammary growth difficult?
Palpation and size are poor measures of mammary growth (insensitive). Milk yield could be a better indicator
What happens to mammary parenchyma during puberty?
Parenchyma expands dorsally, into the fat pad
What is the parenchyma?
Parenchyma is a broad term for functional tissue. Epithelial component of mammary gland. Tissue that will do work and make milk
What does PMR stand for?
Partial mixed ration
What is the power of behavioral interviewing?
Past behavior & performance are the best predictors of future behavior & performance Questions are based on specific job duties, responsibilities and expectations Helps bring focus and validity to interviews thus overcoming two common interview deficiencies
What is herd buyout?
Pay farmers to get out of the dairy, not allowed to milk cows for 5 years after you sell out
What are examples of cow activity monitors?
Pedometers, GPS collars, or ear tags
How have the prices of corn and soybean changed?
Price of corn has dropped, soybeans have grown in value
What are the components of income over feed cost?
Price of milk Feed cost/unit dry matter Milk yield Amount of feed consumed
How do ducts in the mammary system form?
Primary → Secondary → Tertiary → Multiple → End buds forming on the end of ducts → End buds continue to enlarge in response to hormonal stimulus
How can a diet be evaluated?
Print out of diet - ask if diet is providing enough nutrients to sustain milk production
What factors go into Ohio's dairy industry?
Processing Capacity Consumers - they're near! Infrastructure Climate Feed Challenges
What five performance areas should a dairy farm be evaluated on?
Production Herd Lactation Status Udder Health Reproduction Culling and Replacements
What does PURRDEE stand for?
Production / Nutrition, Udder health / milk quality, reproduction, replacements, disease, environment / cow comfort, and economics, expansion, employees
What are HR strategic goals useful for?
Production, marketing and financial goals
What are the management considerations for milk production?
Protein to carbohydrate ratio (Yes and No) Overfeeding heifers (YES!) Breeding age (55% of mature BW) Freshening (85% of mature BW) Animal health metrics
What yeasts and algae cause mastitis?
Prototheca spp
What is important to do with close up dry cows?
Provide adequate Ca and Mg Feed primarily corn silage
What is important to do with far off dry cows?
Provide adequate Ca and Mg Purchase low K hay
What is one of the major spoilage agents in the dairy industry?
Pseudomonas spp. are the predominant psychrotrophic bacteria isolated from refrigerated raw milk, being among the major spoilage agents in the dairy industry
What are the different types of metritis?
Puerperal (acute) metritis - make cows sick, toxic, down cow Metritis Endometritis - white discharge, can lead to repro failure
What are the four M's of a down cow?
Puerperal metritis Mastitis Milk fever Musculoskeletal injury
What does negative ventilation do?
Pulls air through
What does positive ventilation do?
Pushes air through
How did Lavoisier use calorimetry?
Put a guinea pig in a box with ice, saw how much water was produced
What is the knee drop test?
Put knee on bed, see how comfortable it is Manure - don't want to put your knee down Put knee down - hard - fail test Pass - clean and soft on knees
What is one of the most important diseases to be aware of?
Q-fever
How does a standard plate count work?
Quantitative test - Count the colonies (colony-forming unit cfu/ml)
Why is it important to have the right mindset about mastitis prevention?
Quarters had 2.4 times higher odds of acquiring new Staph. aureus infection when producers believe they were already doing enough about mastitis
What happens if a cow is too hot?
Quick drop in DMI and milk yield
What should the ratio of fat to protein be and what could it mean if it fluctuates?
Ratio of fat to protein should be 1.2:1 Any fluctuation from that could indicate rumen acidosis or disease Jerseys and Guernseys will likely have a ratio of 1.3:1 due to their high fat content in their milk
When do cows typically reach their lowest BCS?
Reach low point at peak lactation Don't want them to drop more than 1 BCS throughout their lactation Too much drop off could mean intake issues
How does evaporative cooling work?
Sweat and moisture is evaporated away from the skin or respiratory tract Reduced by high humidity
What do reproduction hormones do?
Synchronize estrus
How can employees be motivated?
Recognition Achievement Possibility for growth Advancement Work itself Salary Co-worker relationship Tech supervision Company policies Working conditions Status Personal needs Job security
What does supply management do?
Reduce the supply to get it closer to the demand
What is an important component of the sensitivity analysis of linear programming?
Reduced cost of feeds. Only computed for feeds not used in the diet
Why is there reduced milk production under heat stress?
Reduced feed intake Contributes to reduced milk production Nutrient partitioning
What are the direct effects of heat stress?
Reduced milk production Reduced feed intake Rumen acidosis Milk fat depression Reduced reproductive efficiency Early calving and lower birth weights in calves Laminitis or lameness Compromised immune system Increased incidence of mastitis and metritis Reduced body condition score
What could reducing cold stress do?
Reducing cold stress could result in an improved rate of gain and feed efficiency
Why does heat stress cause economic losses?
Reduction in DMI and milk yield Reduction in pregnancy rates Change in cull rates Change in the number of days open Change in the probability of death
What can preliminary incubation results show?
Reflect primary spoilage organism in milk
What is a simple linear regression?
Relationship between a response variable Y and a predictor variable X Tendency of Y to vary with X in a systematic manner
What does heat dissipation rely on?
Relies of environments acceptance of heat and vapor (Humidity)
What does post dipping do?
Replaces milk film with teat germicide to act against bacterial growth
How does the mammary gland grow?
Reproductive organ evolutionary employed to nourish the neonate. Tied into the reproductive cycle. Expectedly, its development is largely hormonally directed
What is the reservoir for environmental pathogens?
Reservoir is the "world" Feces, body of the animal, bedding, feedstuffs soil, water, genital discharges, etc.
What is the reservoir for contagious pathogens?
Reservoir is the infected gland, teat orifices, and teat lesions
What are some infrastructure issues?
Road repair and maintenance - heavy milk trucks and feed trucks 8-10 months of storage of manure Use a lot of water Property values may or may not go down, sometimes go up People want local food, but not in their backyard
What type of milking system has recently become more popular in the US?
Robotic milking systems
What type of grazing does New Zealand use?
Rotational grazing
What does the stall surface typically consist of in a tie stall system?
Rubber mat, mattress, sawdust
What is cud chewing an indication of?
Rumen health
What is manure an indicator of?
Rumen health and ration health
What is the #1 factor affecting farm profitability?
SCC. Impact of SCC had little to do with milk quality bonus instead focus should be to manage the negative effects of clinical and nonclinical mastitis
When should you check a cow to see if they have clinical mastitis or something similar?
SCCS over 3.9
What are some industry trends in dairy?
Significant premiums for shipping a tanker of milk ($0.18-1.80 cwt) Dilute fixed assets over as many cows as possible (Milking parlor & manure management - Milking parlor is the most expensive equipment on the farm. The more you use the equipment, the more the cost is diluted) Manage employees Partnerships and different business structures Increase in the number of multiple unit operations
What should the ongoing practices of a dairy farm be?
Safety in the workplace Communication Performance evaluation and feedback Motivation Conflict resolution Discipline and discharge Compensation Benefits Operating within federal and state laws
What are examples of GI / Diarrhea diseases?
Salmonellosis Clostridial infection Tetanus BVD - bovine viral diarrhea Indigestion Acidosis
What are different bedding types?
Sand Manure solids Straw Limestone Sawdust Mattresses
What are different types of bedding?
Sawdust, straw, shredded newspaper, gypsum byproduct
How is a somatic cell count scored?
Score can go up to 9 0 - 4 is low 5 - 6 is medium 7 - 9 is high
How should you score cows on a dairy farm?
Score close up cows (should be 3.5) and fresh cows (should be 2.5-3.0) An average 2.75 - see what the variability of that is (if have a lot that are 2.0s, then still not good) A highly variable body condition is not good
Which cows are more affected by heat stress and why?
Second or third lactation cows are more affected, produce more heat "Best cows at higher risk"
What falls under "actual" abortions?
See uterine discharge, early embryonic death, or an actual fetus
How is a coliform count done?
Selective media is used - media only grows coliform bacteria (MacConkey agar)
How can you find nutrient composition of feeds with certainty?
Send feeds to a lab
How should cows be separated?
Separate dry cows and lactating cows. Some separate far off, dry, and lactating cows. Some separate by age, pregnancy, milk yield, body condition, facilities, far-off, dry, fresh, high yield, low yield etc.
What are the signs of subclinical hypocalcemia and when does it usually occur?
Serum calcium <8.0mg/dl Low blood calcium, muscles don't work correctly, more likely to get other diseases
How can you be specific / communicate with potential employees?
Set the tone at the interview process Be friendly and professional Have an employee packet Job descriptions
What are different cooling strategies?
Shades Fans Sprinklers High pressure misters Feed line soakers
What is farm culture?
Shared norms of behavior and values that support vision, goals and structure Culture can be changed top down by management but never bottom up by employees Results from a changed culture (Actions that support HR vision and goals. Better direction of employee behavior)
Why should you look at hocks?
Sharp curb? Enough bedding on curb? Is brisket board back too far? Width of stall, length of stall Look at sores on legs, what is causing that?
When should a dairy record test be run?
Should be done every month, but is only required every 45 days for official records Some farms choose to do it every other month to cut costs
How should stocking density be evaluated?
Should count cows and then count stalls Should be 85% stocking density close up Fresh cows - no more than 100% High cow - 110% max Which groups do they concentrate on? How many stalls between each post, count the number of posts
How should the lactation curves of primiparous cows compare to 3+ lactation cows?
Should differ because primiparous cows are more persisitent
What percentage of a herd should you do a BCS on?
Should score 10% (but if there are only 10, score all ten)
How do you calculate THI?
THI = (1.8 x temperature °C +32) - (0.55 - 0.55 x humidity) x (1.8 x temperature °C - 26)
Why has China had issues with dairy?
Tainted milk with melamine, which increased the crude protein. Rely on Australia, New Zealand, and the US
Why are so few farms certified for organic milk?
Takes three years to become organic certified. Producers may not choose to take on organic milk producers. Need to establish relationship ahead of time to ensure there will be a market for your milk once certified. Number of organic farms in Ohio is relatively stable
What mammary structures are present at birth?
Teat Cisternae, teat and gland Medial suspensory ligament Small ducts No secretory epithelium No lumen, only ducts
What is the main door for bacteria to access the interior of the mammary gland?
Teat canal
What could over-milking cause?
Teat end damage and increased infection rates
What are the quarter risk factors for mastitis?
Teat end exposure to bacteria Teat end condition Time to form keratin plug
What does stress do to cows?
Temperature and humidity outside the body of the cow shift the normal mechanisms away from the normal resting state
What control measures can be taken against contagious mastitis pathogens?
Test and cull/isolate Post-milking dip Back-flush Good milking hygiene Proper treatment procedures Milk last Pasteurization of hospital milk if fed to calves Wear gloves
What state is 5th in milk production?
Texas
What qualifies as acceptable milk?
The milk shall not show any abnormal condition including but not limited to: curdled, ropy, bloody or mastitic
What is happening to the number of cows in Ohio?
The number is dropping a little
What should be considered with dry cows?
Think about where you'll house cows as they approach calving Move to a maternity pen 2 days / 1 week / etc. before calving?
When is a cow most exposed to environmental pathogens?
The teat end is often in prolonged and close contact with "the world" Exposure occurs mainly between milkings
What are the two main sources of iodine in milk?
The two main sources of iodine in milk are animal feed and teat disinfection products - Studies have shown a transfer rate of 30-40% of iodine between animal feed and milk
Why are waterers so important?
There's a lot of water in milk
What do the results of the single and pair-housed cow study suggest?
These results suggest that indoor-housed dairy cows prefer a shelter during calving but only when they were housed individually and when calving during the daytime
What is true about cows with a BCS of over 3.75 at two weeks prior to calving?
They are more prone to having depressed intakes, weight loss, fatty liver, ketosis, high non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels, calving and reproductive problems
Why are hearing and vision the most important senses for most farm animals?
They are prey species
Why are vitamins not included in the graph of nutrient content for typical diets for lactating cows?
They are such a small part of the diet
Why can animals be afraid of noises we can't hear?
They can hear outside the range of humans
Why do many Chinese people not like the taste of cheese?
They did not grow up with it
What is true about using fans alone for ventilation?
They don't do a whole lot
What are the signs of pneumonia?
Thin, pant, open mouth breathing, fever, cough, snotty nose, abnormal lung sounds Two or more to diagnose pneumonia
What is important about livestock operations being in close contact with cities and highways?
Things that people see at the farm affect their perception
How can you determine how many hutches you'll need?
Think about reproduction program and weaning age. Fewer hutches if you wean earlier
Why do people use butter instead of margarine?
Trans fatty acids
What stressors does a cow experience at the beginning of lactation?
Transition from not lactating to lactating a lot, pen change Stress from moving
Why is lameness important?
Treatment costs, Decreased production (Decrease in DMI +/- pain) Decreased reproductive efficiency (Decrease DMI, decrease likelihood of showing estrus) Increased risk of being culled Decreased value of cull cow Animal well-being
What is the true calving interval?
True calving interval is the time period from when cow gives birth to one calf to when it gives birth to the next calf
What does it mean that cows are homeothermic?
Try to maintain a constant temperature of 101-102°F
What are the characteristics of subclinical mastitis?
Udder appears normal Milk appears normal Elevated Somatic Cell Count (SCC) Lowered milk production Longer duration
How can heat be detected in cows?
Visual - mounting Pedometer
What impact does feeding level have on profit?
Up to a certain feeding level: revenue derived by the extra milk > cost of providing additional feed At some feeding level: the increase in milk yield (per unit of extra nutrients) starts to decline Eventually: cost of providing the extra energy = revenue of the additional milk
What are the top states in milk production?
Upper west and east, not in the south. East is most population dense, south east is most milk deficient
What does Ohio have a lot of?
Urban-rural interface
How can you monitor transition cows?
Urine pH prior to calving BHBA and NEFA testing Exams (2-10 DIM) at least 2-3 times Temp Ketones Rumination Check for displacements Udder health
What should you do when transporting animals?
Use a trucking company you trust, have clean trailers, minimize loading stress, avoid overcrowding, haul overnight or early morning, and plan a rest stop if the trip is over 24 hours
How does the west make hay?
Use irrigated land, but turn it off to make hay
What is important to remember in terms of a milking parlor on grazing farms?
Use parlor twice per day. Takes time to get cows to come in from the pastures. Rely on less expensive / used equipment
What is the issue with using sexed semen?
Use sexed semen, have a lot of heifers, need to sell them but the market isn't great
How can you determine stress?
Use temperature and humidity on THI
What is income over feed cost used to determine?
Used to factor in when animals need to leave, whether or not they're paying their way
What is calorimetry used for?
Used to measure heat production from animals
What is a vaccination protocol used for?
Used to protect against infections/contagious diseases Most vaccines do not "prevent infection". Tailored to the individual farm
What percentage of the diet is fat?
Usually 5 - 7%
What percentage of the diet is ash?
Usually around 7%. Around 10 or 11% is a lot of inorganic content in the diet
What are the causes of a high standard plate count?
Usually caused by sanitation or cooling problems Improper cleaning Film or milkstone build up inside milking machine Sanitizing problem of equipment Milking dirty cows Excessive use of water in milking prep Inadequate cooling Improper handling of sample prior to reaching the lab Rarely caused by mastitis organisms
How many lactations will you typically get from a cow?
Usually get about 2 ½ to 3 lactactions, in the herd for about 4.5 years, some cows may have 4 or 5 lactations
How does a lab pasteurized count work?
Usually kills the mastitis-causing bacteria leaving only those organisms from the environment which can survive elevated temperatures
What is true about average herds?
Usually the main source of income and are not very sustainable
How can you prevent GI diseases?
Vaccination Balanced ration (Issue mixing diets, Sorting, Too dry, too wet) Quality, stable forages Mold (mycotoxin) control Contagious disease testing
Why are nutrient compositions of feeds and nutrient requirements never known with certainty?
Variability in nutrient composition (Sampling, lab analysis, feed tables) Variability in nutrient requirements (Often predicted. Feeding pen vs. feeding individual)
What does a stanchion allow for?
Vertical movement of the neck only
Who is on a dairy advisory team?
Veterinarian Nutritionist Accountant / economic advisor Lender Extension agent AI tech / AI company rep Agronomist Facilitator
What is pneumonia usually caused by?
Viral or bacterial causes, overcrowding, poor ventilation, and immune suppression
Who should do a herd walkthrough?
Whole team
Why are transition cows challenged?
Will eat about 20-30% less feed right before calving At the same time the cows nutritional needs are going up - drastically
What state is #1 in cheese production overall?
Wisconsin
What states is Ohio most similar to?
Wisconsin and Pennsylvania
Why don't activists like how calves are handled at birth?
Worry about interruption of maternal process
Why must you control your emotions?
You must set the example on how you want your employees to treat one another
What cows will typically have the lowest SCCS?
Younger cows should have the lowest SCCS Not always the case There's always some sort of fluctuation Want to see about 85% of cows in the low category
Where should you start with a herd walkthrough and why?
Youngest to oldest Most susceptible to disease to least susceptible