Cow Breed Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on Dairy Cattle

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Questions and Answers

Where do Jersey cattle originate from and what are they known for?

Jersey cattle originate from Jersey. They are known for being a small brown breed with low milk yield and easy calving.

What is the origin of Montbeliarde cattle and why is their milk good for cheese making?

Montbeliarde cattle originate from France. Their milk is good for cheese making due to the high amount of protein in it.

What is the dual purpose of the Dairy British Friesians and what is their origin?

Dairy British Friesians are known as a dual breed as they are used for milking and bull calves are fattened for beef. They originate from Holland.

What are the characteristics of Ayrshire cattle and where do they originate from?

Ayrshire cattle originate from Scotland. They are red and white, known for easy calving, and their milk has a high protein content. Signup and view all the answers

Where do Holstein Friesians originate from and what are their notable characteristics?

Holstein Friesians originate from the Netherlands. They have black & white markings, produce the largest milk yield, but have low milk solid. A mature cow can weigh 580 kg. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the importance of well-ventilated housing for calves and how it helps in reducing pneumonia.

Well-ventilated housing for calves is important as it helps to reduce the risk of pneumonia. Good ventilation ensures proper air circulation, reducing the buildup of harmful bacteria and pathogens in the air. This in turn helps to maintain a healthier environment for the calves, reducing the likelihood of respiratory infections such as pneumonia. Signup and view all the answers

What are the factors affecting the composition of milk, and how do they impact milk quality?

The factors affecting the composition of milk include cow breed, age of the cow, lactation stage, and the health of the cow. Cow breed and age can impact the fat and protein content of the milk. Lactation stage can affect the fat and protein content, with levels decreasing as the milking season progresses but rising again towards the end of lactation. The health of the cow is crucial, as infections such as mastitis can affect the quality of the milk. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the process of milk production in dairy cows, from nutrient intake to milk collection.

Milk production in dairy cows begins with the intake of nutrients, which are absorbed into the bloodstream and travel to the alveoli in the udder. The alveoli cells are then squeezed by muscles, forcing the milk into the milk ducts. Finally, the milk is collected through the teats. Signup and view all the answers

What are some common diseases that affect dairy cows and calves, and how can they be prevented or treated?

Common diseases that affect dairy cows and calves include mastitis, grass tetany, bacterial scour, naval ill, and viral pneumonia. Mastitis can be prevented with good hygiene and treated with antibiotics. Grass tetany can be prevented by ensuring magnesium is included in the diet. Bacterial scour can be treated with antibiotics and good hygiene. Naval ill can be prevented by dipping the naval in iodine after birth. Viral pneumonia can be prevented by ensuring good ventilation in the shed. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of target weights for animals in the production cycle, and how meeting these targets contributes to efficient production.

Target weights serve as goals for farmers to ensure that animals reach specific stages of growth. Meeting these targets is crucial for efficient production, as it indicates that the animals are developing as expected and are on track for optimal growth and productivity. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dairy Breeds

British Friesians originate from Holland, have more flesh than Holsteins, and are used for milking and beef production.
Holstein Friesians originate from the Netherlands, have black and white markings, and produce the largest milk yield with low milk solids.
Ayrshire cattle originate from Scotland, have red and white markings, and are known for easy calving and high protein milk content.
Jersey cattle originate from Jersey, are a small brown breed, and produce low milk yield but are known for easy calving.
Kerry cattle originate from Ireland, have a black coat, and are very docile, weighing 350-450 kg.
Montbeliarde cattle originate from France, have a red and white coat, and produce milk with high protein content suitable for cheese making, weighing 600-700 kg.
Norwegian Red cattle originate from Norway, have a red and white coat with a small white patch on their head, and have high fertility.

Cow Terminology

Calf: Baby cow (birth - 9 months)
Weanling: Calf that is weaned from milk
Yearling: One year old animal
Replacement heifers are usually bred on the farm and kept for future milking.

Calf Rearing

Calf rearing needs to be well managed to reduce mortality rates.
All mucus should be cleared from the calf's airway, and navels should be dipped in iodine.
Calves should be given colostrum and tagged for traceability and bovine viral diarrhoea.
Housing calves should be well ventilated to reduce pneumonia, and they should have access to water.
Weaning calves off milk and to grass at six weeks, and grazing in a leader follower system can increase Live Weight Gain (LWG) and help control parasites.

Replacement Heifers

Year 2 replacement heifers are introduced when cows are culled due to age, health problems, or fertility problems.
Replacement heifers should have good body condition score, well-developed teeth and hooves, and be free from disease.

Target Weights and Growth Stages

Target weights are goals farmers want animals to reach at stages of their growth.
Meeting target weights ensures efficient production.
Age, live weight, and weight (kg) targets are set at different growth stages:
- Birth: 41 kg
- 3 months: 90 kg
- 6 months: 155 kg
- 9 months: 200 kg
- 12 months: 280 kg
- 15 months: 330 kg
- 24 months: 550 kg

Production Cycle

Length of oestrous: 21 days
Standing heat: 18-24 hours
Gestation: 283 days
Early lactation: 0-3 months
Mid lactation: 4-7 months
Late lactation: 7-10 months
Dried off: 60 days
Calving interval: 365 days

Milk Composition

Milk is made up of 87% water, 3.5% butter, 3.2% protein, and 4.7% lactose.
Factors affecting milk composition: cow breed, age of cow, lactation stage, and health of cow.
Mastitis can affect milk composition.

Milk Production

Milk production comes from nutrients in the cow's diet.
Nutrients go into the bloodstream and travel to the alveoli in the udder.
Muscles squeeze the alveoli cells, forcing milk into the milk ducts.
Milk eventually comes out through the teats.

Milk Hygiene

Milk undergoes several tests at the creamery after collection.
Tests include Total Bacterial Count (TBC) and Somatic Cell Count (SCC).
Temperature of milk needs to be cooled within 30 minutes to 4.0°C to prevent milk from going sour.

Diseases of Dairy Cows and Calves

Mastitis: caused by bacteria, leading to swollen and painful udders, requiring antibiotics and resulting in milk withdrawal.
Grass Tetany: caused by a lack of magnesium, prevented by including magnesium in the diet.
Bacterial scour: caused by unhygienic conditions, treated with antibiotics and good hygiene.
Naval ill: caused by poor hygiene, treated with antibiotics and prevented by dipping the naval in iodine after birth.
Viral pneumonia: caused by poor ventilation, prevented by good ventilation in the shed.

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Description

Test your knowledge of dairy cattle breeds with this quiz! Learn about the origins, characteristics, and uses of British Friesians, Holstein Friesians, Ayrshire, and other popular dairy breeds.

Dairy Cattle Breeds Quiz

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