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Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of a 'shade score' in dairy farming?
What is the purpose of a 'shade score' in dairy farming?
Why is it important to protect tree roots in dairy farming?
Why is it important to protect tree roots in dairy farming?
What is the recommended daily drinking water intake for dairy cows during a heat wave?
What is the recommended daily drinking water intake for dairy cows during a heat wave?
Why is it important to increase the energy density of a cow's ration during hot weather?
Why is it important to increase the energy density of a cow's ration during hot weather?
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What is a potential consequence of not providing adequate shade and water for dairy cows during a heat wave?
What is a potential consequence of not providing adequate shade and water for dairy cows during a heat wave?
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What is the purpose of a 'cool sacrifice paddock' in dairy farming?
What is the purpose of a 'cool sacrifice paddock' in dairy farming?
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Why is it important to provide large volume concrete troughs in dairy farming?
Why is it important to provide large volume concrete troughs in dairy farming?
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What is a consequence of hot weather on a dairy cow's digestive system?
What is a consequence of hot weather on a dairy cow's digestive system?
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What is a potential consequence of high heat loads on dairy cows during periods of hot and humid weather?
What is a potential consequence of high heat loads on dairy cows during periods of hot and humid weather?
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What is a potential solution to manage heat stress in dairy cows during hot summer days?
What is a potential solution to manage heat stress in dairy cows during hot summer days?
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Why did Trevor Dudgeon opt for a shade-cloth structure over the feed pad?
Why did Trevor Dudgeon opt for a shade-cloth structure over the feed pad?
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What is a potential benefit of using slowly fermenting starch in the diet of high-producing dairy cows?
What is a potential benefit of using slowly fermenting starch in the diet of high-producing dairy cows?
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What is a potential consequence of not managing heat stress in dairy cows?
What is a potential consequence of not managing heat stress in dairy cows?
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What is a potential strategy for reproductive management during periods of hot and humid weather?
What is a potential strategy for reproductive management during periods of hot and humid weather?
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What is a potential benefit of feeding high-quality fibre to dairy cows?
What is a potential benefit of feeding high-quality fibre to dairy cows?
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What is a potential advantage of using cheaper semen during periods of hot and humid weather?
What is a potential advantage of using cheaper semen during periods of hot and humid weather?
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How often should lactating cattle be deprived of water?
How often should lactating cattle be deprived of water?
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What is the daily water requirement for a dairy cow producing 25 litres of milk in mild weather?
What is the daily water requirement for a dairy cow producing 25 litres of milk in mild weather?
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Why is it important to provide dairy cows with sufficient water?
Why is it important to provide dairy cows with sufficient water?
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What is the recommended water intake for dairy cows in hot weather?
What is the recommended water intake for dairy cows in hot weather?
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What is the benefit of providing a large water trough on the exit side of the dairy?
What is the benefit of providing a large water trough on the exit side of the dairy?
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What is the impact of salty water on dairy cows?
What is the impact of salty water on dairy cows?
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What is the importance of nutrition in dairy farming?
What is the importance of nutrition in dairy farming?
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What is the recommended practice for rehydrating a cow after calving?
What is the recommended practice for rehydrating a cow after calving?
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Study Notes
Water Requirements
- Lactating cows require the most water due to milk production, increasing their metabolic rate and heat production.
- A dairy cow needs 30-40 liters of water per day for maintenance, plus an additional 4-5 liters of water per liter of milk produced.
- A cow producing 25 liters of milk needs between 130-165 liters of water per day.
- Cattle should not be deprived of water for longer than 24 hours, and lactating cattle should not be deprived of water for more than 12 hours.
- Water requirements increase as temperatures rise, with dairy cows in hot weather needing access to 200-250 liters of drinking water per cow per day.
Water Quality
- Water quality is important for dairy cows, with salty water (> 1200µS/cm) potentially decreasing milk production.
- A desalinization plant can be installed to remove salt from the water, increasing milk production.
Nutrition and Feeding
- Dairy cows require sufficient food and drink to meet their nutritional requirements for maintaining body condition, growth, and reproduction.
- Healthy and well-fed cows are more efficient and productive, making good economic sense.
- Chapters 1 & 3 provide guidance on management underpinning good nutrition practices for dairy cows.
Shade and Cooling
- A "shade score" can be developed to rate the amount of shade during the middle of the day, multiplying it by the walking distance to the dairy (e.g., 5 for 2km).
- Paddocks with the highest cool score (shade x distance) are the coolest for use during heat waves.
- Access to cool drinking water, shade, and sprinklers is essential during hot weather.
- Tree lines can be used for shade, but require fences to protect the trees' roots from soil compaction.
Heat Stress Management
- Hot weather affects cows by reducing their appetite and making it harder to digest and absorb nutrients, leading to energy deficits.
- Changes to the feeding regime are necessary during hot weather, including increasing energy density, adding nutrients, and using slowly fermenting starch.
- Measures of reproduction are affected by heat stress, including decreased in-calf rates, conception rates, and calf viability.
- Delaying mating until cool weather returns or using cheaper semen and increasing efforts to detect heats can help mitigate heat stress effects on reproduction.
Case Study: Heat Stress Management
- Trevor and Ailsa Dudgeon managed heat stress on their dryland farm by installing a concrete feed pad and shade-cloth structure over the holding yard at the dairy.
- The shade-cloth structure reduced the solar radiation load, and the cows now camp on the shaded feed pad to stay cool before milking.
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Description
Learn about the daily water needs of dairy cows, including the amount required for milk production and maintenance. Understand the importance of adequate water supply for lactating cattle.
