Care Management Flashcards
How should calves be fed during growth?
Calves should be fed liberally as they grow continuously, but overfeeding should be avoided. Maintain cleanliness in feeding and housing.
What precaution is needed in group housing?
Prevent licking among calves in shared spaces.
When should disbudding be done?
Within 3–10 days after birth.
What are the methods for dehorning?
- Caustic Potash: Apply on the horn button after cleaning and clipping the area. Use vaseline on the surrounding skin.
- Hot Iron: Press hot iron to burn horn tissue.
- Electric Dehorner: Use as an alternative.
When should dehorning be avoided?
During extremes of weather and fly season.
Why is animal identification important?
For breeding, health management, registration, records, and insurance purposes.
What are the common methods of identification?
- Ear Tags: Lightweight, rust-proof, and self-piercing or non-piercing.
- Tattooing: Breaking skin and applying vegetable ink.
- Branding: Hot-iron or cold branding (using liquid nitrogen).
- Ear Notching: Commonly used in pigs.
- Temporary Painting: Numbers on horns or rump.
What practices help control external parasites?
Routine deworming, grooming, dipping, and spraying for parasites.
What details should be recorded for livestock?
Birthdate, sex, color, tattoo, and growth rate.
Breeding history and performance metrics.
How has modern technology improved record keeping?
Computer-aided Management Information Systems (MIS) allow efficient record management and decision-making.
What are the two stages of heifer rearing?
- From weaning to first service.
- From first service to calving.
How can poor growth in heifers be identified?
By routine weighing and comparing with the breed’s normal growth curve.
What is the ideal weight for first service in crossbreeds?
200–250 kg.
What is the best indicator of heat in heifers?
Standing heat, where the heifer allows other animals to mount her.
What are common signs of pregnancy?
Cessation of estrus.
Temperament changes.
Weight gain, abdominal and mammary gland enlargement.
What is the gestation period in cattle?
280–285 days.
How should pregnant animals be fed?
Add 0.5–1 kg concentrate from the 6th month onward.
Include 0.45 kg starch equivalent and 0.15 kg digestible crude protein.
What is ‘steaming up’?
Feeding extra concentrate to pregnant animals to prepare for calving.
How is steaming up done?
Start with 1.5 kg concentrate/day 6 weeks before calving and increase to 4–5 kg 2–3 days before parturition.
What are the benefits of steaming up?
Increases milk yield.
Extends lactation.
Improves butterfat percentage.
What are the signs that parturition is near?
Swelling of external genitals with mucous discharge.
Udder enlargement and teat engorgement.
Relaxation of pelvic ligaments.
Temperament changes.
What is muconium, and when should it pass?
Muconium is the first stool of a newborn calf, which should pass within 2 hours after first suckling.
What should be done if muconium is not passed?
An enema with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 liter of lukewarm water should be given.
When should calf starter feed be introduced?
Calf starter feed should be introduced after weaning for healthy growth.
What should a good calf starter feed contain?
High Protein: Supports growth.
Low Fiber: Ensures digestibility.
Minerals: Copper, iron, zinc, magnesium.
Feed Example:
1 part linseed meal.
2 parts crushed maize.
1 part bran.
When can green fodder be introduced?
Green fodder can be introduced from 15 days onwards.
Why is colostrum feeding critical for newborn calves?
Provides antibodies to boost immunity.
Supplies essential vitamins and minerals.
Acts as a natural laxative for clearing muconium.