Questions and Answers
What general principle can be derived about milk pricing?
What impact does the High TBC have on the pricing?
Which of the following statements describes the High SCC's impact on price?
Which term describes a female animal that has not yet calved?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the definition of a 'weanling' in dairy production terminology?
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?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common characteristic of low-cost milk production systems in Ireland?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following correctly identifies a steer?
Signup and view all the answers
Which breed is known for its red color and is a significant dairy breed in Norway?
Signup and view all the answers
What defines a cow in dairy farming terminology?
Signup and view all the answers
A young animal that is between the ages of 12 months and 24 months is called a:
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?
Signup and view all the answers
What defines the Holstein-Fresian breed?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary purpose of rearing heifer calves in a dairy herd?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of colostrum in calf rearing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which nutrient is found in the highest percentage in colostrum compared to fresh milk?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is it recommended to provide a 'scratch factor' in the calf's diet?
Signup and view all the answers
What virus must calves be tested for to determine if they should be culled?
Signup and view all the answers
At what point is a calf typically separated from its mother?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main benefit of 'grading up' the herd?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary challenge faced by calves in digesting diets too early?
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.
- Farmer A (3.9% protein, 4.1% fat):
- 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
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.
