Milk, Meat Production and Technology PDF

BOVINE 1. Would the facility be important in dairy cow management, and why? Yes, facilities are crucial in dairy cow management. They directly influence productivity, animal health, and welfare. Well-designed facilities support efficient management practices, reduce labor needs, minimize stress,...

BOVINE 1. Would the facility be important in dairy cow management, and why? Yes, facilities are crucial in dairy cow management. They directly influence productivity, animal health, and welfare. Well-designed facilities support efficient management practices, reduce labor needs, minimize stress, and optimize cow comfort, which ultimately leads to higher milk yield and quality 2. When planning a facility for dairy cows, what factors would you consider important and why? Important factors include cow comfort, ventilation, feeding accessibility, and ease of movement within the facility. Cow comfort reduces stress and enhances milk production, while proper ventilation prevents heat stress. Efficient feeding systems and movement pathways reduce labor and improve herd management 3. Is it worthwhile to consider the circle of excellence in dairy cow management, and why? Considering the "circle of excellence" is valuable as it outlines essential activities like feeding, resting, and milking that cows need to perform daily. This approach ensures cows have access to all necessities without disruptions, maximizing health and productivity 4. Is dairy housing important for animal welfare, and why? Yes, housing is essential for animal welfare as it directly impacts comfort, stress levels, and health. Properly designed dairy housing allows cows to rest comfortably, access food and water freely, and maintain stable health conditions, thereby supporting overall welfare 5. Energy exchanges between the animal and its surroundings: please explain. Energy exchanges involve processes like radiation, convection, evaporation, and conduction. These exchanges help regulate body temperature, especially important for cows in controlling heat and maintaining comfort in varying climates 6. What do we mean by thermoneutral and comfort zone for an animal? The thermoneutral zone is a temperature range where cows don’t expend additional energy to maintain body temperature. The comfort zone overlaps with the thermoneutral zone, where cows experience minimal stress and can focus on feeding and production 7. What is the THI (Temperature Humidity Index)? THI is a measure that combines air temperature and humidity to assess heat stress in cows. High THI levels indicate potential heat stress, which can reduce milk production and affect cow health​ 8. Which housing area would you consider when planning a cooling system in a dairy cow housing? The milking parlor, holding pens, and feed lanes are primary areas for cooling systems since these locations can experience higher temperatures and require controlled cooling to maintain cow comfort and productivity​ 9. Are natural and mechanical ventilation similar? Natural ventilation uses wind and thermal buoyancy to regulate air without powered systems, while mechanical ventilation relies on fans and exhausts. Mechanical systems offer more control, especially in extreme climates 10. Could you describe the driver involved in the natural ventilation system and the differences from the mechanical ventilation system? Natural ventilation is driven by wind and thermal buoyancy, with air entering through side openings and exiting through ridge vents. Mechanical ventilation, however, uses fans to create controlled airflow and is less dependent on external climate 11. Is evaporative cooling effective in dairy cow housing? What would be your preferred system for animal heat abatement? Evaporative cooling is effective, especially in hot climates, as it cools the surrounding air and enhances convective cooling. Direct cooling through sprinklers or indirect cooling with pads are commonly preferred, as both help reduce cow body temperature 12. Is access to feed a factor to consider when feeding lactating dairy cows? Yes, access to feed is essential for milk production. Lactating cows require frequent feeding to maintain energy levels, milk yield, and body condition. Feeding systems should minimize competition and encourage frequent intake 13. What would be a preferred feed barrier in lactating dairy cows? Self-locking headlocks are often preferred as they reduce competition, allow orderly feeding, and minimize stress, especially beneficial when cows have varied feeding behaviors​ 14. In dairy cow breeding, should stocking density be evaluated concerning the access to feed and why? Yes, high stocking densities can lead to feed competition, causing some cows to miss out on feeding times and potentially affecting milk yield and health. A balanced stocking density supports optimal feeding access for all cows 15. Would you consider access to water a critical factor for lactating dairy cows? Absolutely, as water is crucial for milk production (milk is about 87% water). Lactating cows need constant access to clean water to maintain hydration and productivity 16. Is the resting area important for dairy cows? Why? Resting areas are vital since cows need around 10-14 hours of rest daily. Proper resting areas reduce standing time, promote rumination, and improve overall cow comfort, essential for productivity​ 17. Would you consider heat stress in dry cows? Yes, heat stress in dry cows can impact future lactation, reduce immunity, and affect the fetus's health. Managing heat stress during this period is critical to prevent long-term impacts 18. Are there any consequences of heat stress in dry cows? Heat stress can reduce mammary development, lower milk production in the next lactation, and impair the cow’s health. It can also decrease fertility and increase the risk of diseases​ 19. Are there any consequences on dam and calf performances from heat stress in dry cows? Heat-stressed dry cows may produce lower quality colostrum, which affects calf immunity. Calves may also have lower birth weights and impaired growth​ 20. What do we mean by transition cow? Would you consider a particular management plan for this condition and why? Transition cows are those moving between dry and lactation phases. Specialized management is required to balance nutrition, reduce stress, and prepare the cow for the demands of milk production, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining health​ 21. How would you manage a newborn calf? Newborn calves require immediate colostrum feeding for immunity, appropriate housing, and gradual introduction to solid feed. Clean, stress-free environments are essential to reduce disease risk  22. What do we mean by the word “replacement” in dairy breeding? "Replacement" refers to heifers or cows that will take over the productive roles of older cows. Proper management and feeding are essential for replacements to reach breeding age and maintain herd productivity​ 23. What are the aspects to consider when planning the housing for replacement? Important aspects include adequate space, ventilation, and feeding systems that promote growth and minimize disease. Social grouping and gradual adjustment to adult facilities are also important​ 24. Is the feeding pattern of lactating dairy cows something to be concerned with? Feeding patterns affect milk production and health. Consistent, frequent feeding prevents metabolic issues and supports sustained milk yield 25. What major drivers in feeding management could affect the feed intake of lactating dairy cows? Drivers include feed availability, cow access, and nutritional content. Fresh feed delivery and minimizing sorting behavior are also important to encourage intake and prevent imbalances 26. When should I feed a lactating dairy cow? Feeding lactating cows shortly after milking or at times when feeding motivation is high can maximize intake and support milk production 27. Is the timing of feed delivery important in dairy cows’ feeding? Yes, timing can impact feeding behavior and milk yield. Consistent timing reduces stress and promotes steady intake, which is essential for consistent milk production 28. Is the sorting of TMR by the dairy cow something to be concerned with? Please explain. Sorting can lead to nutrient imbalances as cows may avoid certain feed parts. This behavior needs to be managed to ensure cows consume a balanced diet 29. What kind of feed losses could you list in a feed center system for a dairy cow? Are they equally important? Common losses include spillage, spoilage, and sorting. Spoilage and sorting are particularly important as they directly affect feed quality and nutrient intake​  30. Is the scale error something to bother when preparing the TMR for lactating dairy cows? Scale accuracy is essential to ensure the correct balance of nutrients in TMR. Inaccuracies can lead to imbalanced diets, affecting health and productivity​ 31. Is colostrum feeding important? Please explain. Colostrum provides essential antibodies, which are critical for newborn calf immunity. Timely colostrum feeding can significantly improve calf survival and health 32. Is colostrum feeding important in dairy or native beef breeding? Please explain. In both dairy and beef breeding, colostrum is essential for immunity. Calves born without immediate colostrum intake are more vulnerable to diseases and slower growth 33. Is crossbreeding used in beef breeding? Please explain. Crossbreeding is used to enhance traits like growth rate, feed efficiency, and meat quality. It combines desirable traits from different breeds to optimize production 34. Please explain the beef production system. Beef production involves breeding, rearing, and finishing. It may include feedlots for controlled feeding and specialized systems for high-quality meat production. Crossbreeding and feed management are common strategies​