Dairy MCQ's

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Questions and Answers

What general principle can be derived about milk pricing?

There are no predictors for milk pricing.

Only yield affects pricing decisions.

Pricing is arbitrary and depends on the month.

Quality indicators like protein and fat significantly impact pricing. (correct)

What impact does the High TBC have on the pricing?

It has a neutral effect on the price

It only affects the VAT amount

It reduces the price by -0.5c/l (correct)

It increases the milk price

Which of the following statements describes the High SCC's impact on price?

It increases the milk price by 0.15c/l

It has no impact on the total cost

It decreases the price by -0.15c/l (correct)

It affects only the payment received

Which term describes a female animal that has not yet calved?

Heifer Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a 'weanling' in dairy production terminology?

A young animal between 9 months and a year Signup and view all the answers

Which breed is primarily recognized for its prolific milk production and is marked by its black and white coloration?

Holstein Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of low-cost milk production systems in Ireland?

Production of milk primarily from grass Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly identifies a steer?

A castrated male Signup and view all the answers

Which breed is known for its red color and is a significant dairy breed in Norway?

Norwegian Red Signup and view all the answers

What defines a cow in dairy farming terminology?

A female that has had at least one calf Signup and view all the answers

A young animal that is between the ages of 12 months and 24 months is called a:

Yearling Signup and view all the answers

Which breed is recognized for its small size and efficiency in milk production while often being raised in temperate climates?

Kerry Signup and view all the answers

What defines the Holstein-Fresian breed?

A variation of Holstein with additional traits Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of rearing heifer calves in a dairy herd?

To replace older cows in the dairy herd Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of colostrum in calf rearing?

It contains high levels of immunoglobulins, crucial for the calf's immunity Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient is found in the highest percentage in colostrum compared to fresh milk?

Protein Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to provide a 'scratch factor' in the calf's diet?

To develop the rumen microflora Signup and view all the answers

What virus must calves be tested for to determine if they should be culled?

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) Signup and view all the answers

At what point is a calf typically separated from its mother?

Once it is weaned onto powdered milk Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of 'grading up' the herd?

To improve the overall productivity and genetic merit Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge faced by calves in digesting diets too early?

Underdeveloped rumen Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dairy Cattle Breeds

British Friesian: Known for high milk yield and adaptability to pasture.
Holstein: Predominantly black and white, recognized for exceptional milk production levels.
Holstein-Fresian: A variation emphasizing milk quantity while retaining some characteristics of the Holstein.
Ayrshire: Originating from Ayrshire in Scotland, noted for efficiency in milk production from grass.
Jersey: Small, cream-colored cattle prized for rich, high-butterfat milk.
Kerry: A traditional breed from Ireland, known for its high milk yield and resilience.
Montbéliarde: French breed, recognized for producing quality milk with good fat and protein content.
Norwegian Red: Valued for milk quality and disease resistance; contributes to genetic diversity.
Jersey x Holstein-Friesian: A crossbreed aiming to combine high yield and high butterfat content.

Dairy Terminology

Calf: A young dairy animal up to 9 months old.
Heifer: A young female that hasn't had a calf.
Cow: A mature female that has calved.
Bull: An uncastrated male bovine.
Steer/Bullock: A castrated male bovine.
Weanling: Animal aged between 9 months and a year.
Yearling: An animal aged from 12 months onward.

Milk Production in Ireland

Based on low-cost systems; milk primarily sourced from grass grazing.
Milk prices are determined monthly, impacting farmer income.

Milk Price Scenarios

Factors affecting milk price include protein and fat content, processing charges, and quality bonuses.
Example Payment Structure:
- Farmer A (3.9% protein, 4.1% fat):
  - Total milk price: 36.45c/l; earned €5,832.
- Farmer B (3.4% protein, 3.9% fat):
  - Total milk price: 29.33c/l; earned €4,693.
Higher protein and fat content lead to increased prices per liter.

Calf Rearing

Two main purposes: replacement heifers for dairy and fattening calves for beef.
Early diet must account for undeveloped rumen in calves.
Sequence of feeds after birth includes colostrum, fresh milk, powdered milk replacer, and gradual introduction of solid feeds.

Colostrum Benefits

Colostrum contains critical nutrients and antibodies vital for calf health:
- Higher protein (14.9% vs. 3.2%) and fat (6.7% vs. 3-4%) compared to fresh milk.
- Vital immunoglobulins in colostrum provide passive immunity.

Health Management

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD): A significant viral disease that requires identification and culling of affected animals.
Effective housing should ensure sufficient space and hygiene for calf rearing.

Weaning Management

Considerations for transitional feeding strategies as calves move off a milk diet.

Year 2 – Replacement Heifers

Selection of heifers for herd replacement based on productivity and health of older cows.
Grading Up: Enhancing herd genetics by replacing lower-yield cows with high-yielding heifers.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

Test your knowledge on various dairy cattle breeds with this quiz. From the high-yielding British Friesian to the rich-butterfat Jersey, explore their unique traits and production efficiencies. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of agriculture and animal husbandry.