Characteristics of a Breeding Heifer

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Questions and Answers

What is the ideal age for a heifer to be at mating?

12 months

18 months

20 months

15 months (correct)

What is the benefit of transition milk in terms of calf health?

It has lower energy levels for slower metabolism

It has higher immunoglobins for better immunity (correct)

It has lower milk production for less nutrient intake

It has lower protein levels for slower growth rate

What is the ideal weight for a heifer at mating?

350-380kg

250-280kg

400-420kg

300-350kg (correct)

Why is it important to have a good pelvic width in a heifer?

To reduce calving difficulties Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of reducing Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in milk?

It reduces the risk of mastitis Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of a negative energy balance on a dairy cow's fertility?

It causes fertility issues, such as anoestrous or longer calving intervals Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of changing liners of clusters in the milking parlour regularly?

To reduce Total Bacteria Count (TBC) Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal udder shape to reduce mastitis?

Non-pendulous udder Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of lime being put on mats in cubicles during the dry period?

To prevent mastitis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the nutritional requirements of dairy cows in the pre-calving and post-calving periods?

Higher levels of concentrates are required during the post-calving period Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to maintain the genetic merit of the herd?

To ensure high-quality milk production Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of dipping the naval in iodine at birth?

To prevent disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of using a high roof and space sheeting in calf housing?

Improves ventilation and airflow Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of weaning dairy calves at 6 weeks?

To transition to grass-based feeding Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to monitor the body condition score (BCS) of dairy heifers during the breeding period?

To ensure optimal fertility Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the lactation curves of Holstein Friesian and Jersey cross dairy cows?

Jersey cross cows produce higher-quality milk Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for culling older cows from a dairy herd?

Milk yield decreases after the 5th lactation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of using rotational grazing in dairy cow management?

Allows for optimal grazing and reduces pasture damage Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characteristic of a Good Dairy Cow

Triangle shape body conformation to reduce feed required and improve fertility
Moderate frame size to maintain body condition and fertility
Good pelvic width to reduce calving difficulties
Docile temperament for easy management
Good health with no signs of discharge, thriving, and not a twin to a male calf
Good mouth with no under or over-shot jaws
Age and weight at mating: 15 months, 300-350kg to ensure puberty
Good udder health with no pendulous udder, ease of cluster attachment, and good milk vein
Good feet with no signs of lameness
Walk straight

Benefits of Transition Milk

High energy to support metabolism and stronger calf
Higher protein levels for increased growth rate and less concentrates required
Increased immunoglobins for better immunity and good animal health
More nutrition than milk replacer, reducing waste

Reducing TBC and SCC

Reduce Total Bacteria Count (TBC) and Somatic Cell Count (SCC)
Use lime on cubicles to prevent mastitis
Change liners of clusters in milking parlour regularly
Milk infected cows last to stop bacteria transfer
Cool milk to 72% DMD
Graze on paddocks close to yard to minimize energy usage

Implications of Negative Energy Balance

Fertility issues: anoestrous, longer calving interval, and reduced milk yield

Comparison of Two Systems of Animal Production

Liquid Milk (Autumn Calving)

Housing pre-calving: slats or straw bedding, cubicle house, and daily cleaning
Nutrition pre-calving: high-quality silage and concentrates
Nutrition post-calving: high-quality silage and concentrates during peak yield

Creamery Milk (Spring Calving)

Housing pre-calving: slats or straw bedding, cubicle house, and daily cleaning
Nutrition pre-calving: turned out to grass, supplementary silage, and lower concentrates
Nutrition post-calving: turned out to grass, supplementary silage, and Mg in spring ration

Timeline of Events

February to January: calving, breeding, and production targets

Culling

Older cows, low-yielding cows: milk yield decreases after 5th lactation
Crucial to maintain genetic merit of herd

Scientific Principles of Lifecycle Management

Spring Replacement Heifer - Dairy Cow

Born: colostrum, milk produced after birth, high in protein and fat
Housed in individual calving pens with straw bedding and water
At calving: clear mucus, dip naval in iodine, and allow mother to lick calf
1-6 weeks: feed whole milk or milk replacer, scratch factor, and concentrates
6 weeks: weaning, moved out to grass, and rotational grazing
9-10 months: first housing, fed good quality silage and concentrates
15 months: first breeding, BCS 2.9-3.25, and all grass with concentrates if required
Calving: BCS 3-3.5, big energy output, and prevent calf death

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Description

This quiz covers the key characteristics of a breeding heifer, including body conformation, temperament, health, and age and weight.