Care Management Flashcards

1
Q

How should calves be fed during growth?

A

Calves should be fed liberally as they grow continuously, but overfeeding should be avoided. Maintain cleanliness in feeding and housing.

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2
Q

What precaution is needed in group housing?

A

Prevent licking among calves in shared spaces.

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3
Q

When should disbudding be done?

A

Within 3–10 days after birth.

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4
Q

What are the methods for dehorning?

A
  1. Caustic Potash: Apply on the horn button after cleaning and clipping the area. Use vaseline on the surrounding skin.
  2. Hot Iron: Press hot iron to burn horn tissue.
  3. Electric Dehorner: Use as an alternative.
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5
Q

When should dehorning be avoided?

A

During extremes of weather and fly season.

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6
Q

Why is animal identification important?

A

For breeding, health management, registration, records, and insurance purposes.

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7
Q

What are the common methods of identification?

A
  1. Ear Tags: Lightweight, rust-proof, and self-piercing or non-piercing.
  2. Tattooing: Breaking skin and applying vegetable ink.
  3. Branding: Hot-iron or cold branding (using liquid nitrogen).
  4. Ear Notching: Commonly used in pigs.
  5. Temporary Painting: Numbers on horns or rump.
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8
Q

What practices help control external parasites?

A

Routine deworming, grooming, dipping, and spraying for parasites.

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9
Q

What details should be recorded for livestock?

A

Birthdate, sex, color, tattoo, and growth rate.

Breeding history and performance metrics.

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10
Q

How has modern technology improved record keeping?

A

Computer-aided Management Information Systems (MIS) allow efficient record management and decision-making.

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11
Q

What are the two stages of heifer rearing?

A
  1. From weaning to first service.
  2. From first service to calving.
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12
Q

How can poor growth in heifers be identified?

A

By routine weighing and comparing with the breed’s normal growth curve.

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13
Q

What is the ideal weight for first service in crossbreeds?

A

200–250 kg.

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14
Q

What is the best indicator of heat in heifers?

A

Standing heat, where the heifer allows other animals to mount her.

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15
Q

What are common signs of pregnancy?

A

Cessation of estrus.

Temperament changes.

Weight gain, abdominal and mammary gland enlargement.

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16
Q

What is the gestation period in cattle?

A

280–285 days.

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17
Q

How should pregnant animals be fed?

A

Add 0.5–1 kg concentrate from the 6th month onward.

Include 0.45 kg starch equivalent and 0.15 kg digestible crude protein.

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18
Q

What is ‘steaming up’?

A

Feeding extra concentrate to pregnant animals to prepare for calving.

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19
Q

How is steaming up done?

A

Start with 1.5 kg concentrate/day 6 weeks before calving and increase to 4–5 kg 2–3 days before parturition.

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20
Q

What are the benefits of steaming up?

A

Increases milk yield.

Extends lactation.

Improves butterfat percentage.

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21
Q

What are the signs that parturition is near?

A

Swelling of external genitals with mucous discharge.

Udder enlargement and teat engorgement.

Relaxation of pelvic ligaments.

Temperament changes.

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22
Q

What is muconium, and when should it pass?

A

Muconium is the first stool of a newborn calf, which should pass within 2 hours after first suckling.

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23
Q

What should be done if muconium is not passed?

A

An enema with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 liter of lukewarm water should be given.

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24
Q

When should calf starter feed be introduced?

A

Calf starter feed should be introduced after weaning for healthy growth.

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25
Q

What should a good calf starter feed contain?

A

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.

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26
Q

When can green fodder be introduced?

A

Green fodder can be introduced from 15 days onwards.

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27
Q

Why is colostrum feeding critical for newborn calves?

A

Provides antibodies to boost immunity.

Supplies essential vitamins and minerals.

Acts as a natural laxative for clearing muconium.

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28
Q

How much colostrum should be fed daily, and for how long?

A

3–4 liters per day for the first 4 days.

29
Q

What should be done if colostrum is unavailable?

A

Use colostrum from other cows or preserved colostrum.

Substitute: Mix 2 eggs with 30 ml castor oil.

Administer an injection of the dam’s serum to provide antibodies.

30
Q

What are the dietary requirements for pregnant animals in the last months of gestation?

A

Provide 0.5–1 kg extra concentrate feed from the 6th month of pregnancy.

Add 0.45 kg starch equivalent and 0.15 kg digestible crude protein to the diet.

Feeding process: Begin with 1.5 kg concentrate 6 weeks before calving and increase to 4–5 kg 2–3 days before calving (‘steaming up’).

31
Q

What precautions should be taken before calving?

A

Prepare a clean, quiet, and comfortable calving space 1 week before parturition.

Feed a light laxative diet.

Provide clean water and avoid reducing feed significantly before or after calving.

32
Q

How can stunted growth in heifers be identified?

A

Routine weighing and comparison with the breed’s normal growth curve.

33
Q

What corrective measures can be taken for stunted heifers?

A

Improve the nutritional regimen.

Monitor feeding and ensure adequate intake of proteins and energy.

Separate weak heifers for special care.

34
Q

What are common signs of health problems in cattle?

A

Loss of appetite.

Lethargy or abnormal behavior.

Weight loss or poor body condition.

Swelling, unusual discharges, or skin issues.

35
Q

How can health issues be prevented?

A

Maintain a clean and hygienic environment.

Follow vaccination and deworming schedules.

Provide a balanced diet and clean water.

36
Q

What is muconium, and when should it pass?

A

Muconium is the first stool of a newborn calf, which should pass within 2 hours after first suckling.

37
Q

What should be done if muconium is not passed?

A

An enema with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 liter of lukewarm water should be given.

38
Q

When should calf starter feed be introduced?

A

Calf starter feed should be introduced after weaning for healthy growth.

39
Q

What should a good calf starter feed contain?

A

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.

40
Q

When can green fodder be introduced?

A

Green fodder can be introduced from 15 days onwards.

41
Q

Why is colostrum feeding critical for newborn calves?

A

Provides antibodies to boost immunity.

Supplies essential vitamins and minerals.

Acts as a natural laxative for clearing muconium.

42
Q

How much colostrum should be fed daily, and for how long?

A

3–4 liters per day for the first 4 days.

43
Q

What should be done if colostrum is unavailable?

A

Use colostrum from other cows or preserved colostrum.

Substitute: Mix 2 eggs with 30 ml castor oil.

Administer an injection of the dam’s serum to provide antibodies.

44
Q

What are the dietary requirements for pregnant animals in the last months of gestation?

A

Provide 0.5–1 kg extra concentrate feed from the 6th month of pregnancy.

Add 0.45 kg starch equivalent and 0.15 kg digestible crude protein to the diet.

Feeding process: Begin with 1.5 kg concentrate 6 weeks before calving and increase to 4–5 kg 2–3 days before calving (‘steaming up’).

45
Q

What precautions should be taken before calving?

A

Prepare a clean, quiet, and comfortable calving space 1 week before parturition.

Feed a light laxative diet.

Provide clean water and avoid reducing feed significantly before or after calving.

46
Q

How can stunted growth in heifers be identified?

A

Routine weighing and comparison with the breed’s normal growth curve.

47
Q

What corrective measures can be taken for stunted heifers?

A

Improve the nutritional regimen.

Monitor feeding and ensure adequate intake of proteins and energy.

Separate weak heifers for special care.

48
Q

What are common signs of health problems in cattle?

A

Loss of appetite.

Lethargy or abnormal behavior.

Weight loss or poor body condition.

Swelling, unusual discharges, or skin issues.

49
Q

How can health issues be prevented?

A

Maintain a clean and hygienic environment.

Follow vaccination and deworming schedules.

Provide a balanced diet and clean water.

50
Q

Why is the care and management of the newborn calf important in dairy farming?

A

The future of stock depends on the care and management of newborn calves. Proper care ensures the development of good dairy herds, which are raised rather than purchased.

51
Q

What should be done immediately after birth to help a calf breathe properly?

A

Any membrane or mucus adhering to the mouth, nostrils, eyes, and ears should be removed with a clean, dry cloth to facilitate normal breathing.

52
Q

How can a calf be induced to breathe if it doesn’t start on its own?

A

Artificial respiration can be given by pressing and relaxing the chest wall alternatively or by lifting the calf by its hind limbs with the head down and swinging it gently.

53
Q

What is the procedure for disinfection of the navel cord?

A

The navel cord is tied 2.5 cm away from the calf’s body and cut 1 cm below the ligature. Apply antiseptics to the stump for 2-3 days.

54
Q

Why is feeding colostrum within the first hour crucial for a calf?

A

Colostrum provides essential antibodies that strengthen the calf’s disease resistance. The permeability of the intestinal mucous membrane allows for better absorption of antibodies during the first few hours of life.

55
Q

How much colostrum should a calf receive in its first few days of life?

A

A calf should receive 3-4 liters of colostrum daily, divided into 3 equal feeds for the first 4 days.

56
Q

What should be done if colostrum from the mother is unavailable?

A

Colostrum from other cows, preserved colostrum, or a mixture of 2 eggs in 30 ml castor oil can be provided. Injection of the mother’s serum can help boost antibodies.

57
Q

What is the significance of ‘muconium’ in calves?

A

‘Muconium’ is the first feces passed by the calf. If not passed, an enema with 1 tsp of sodium bicarbonate in 1 liter of lukewarm water may be given.

58
Q

What should a calf be fed after the colostrum period?

A

Fresh, warm whole milk should be fed, about 1/10th of the calf’s body weight. The calf should also be gradually trained to drink from a bucket or trough after weaning.

59
Q

What is the ideal feeding amount for a growing calf during the first 3 months?

A

A calf should receive sufficient milk (approximately 110 kg in 4-5 weeks) along with a high-quality calf starter that is high in protein and low in fiber.

60
Q

Why is it important to balance calf feeding with mineral supplementation?

A

Calves require additional minerals like copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc, which are often deficient in milk, for healthy growth.

61
Q

What is the risk of overfeeding calves?

A

While calves are continuously growing and should be liberally fed, overfeeding should be avoided to prevent health issues, and strict cleanliness should be maintained during feeding.

62
Q

Why should licking be prevented in group housing of calves?

A

Licking can spread diseases and parasites, which is why it is important to prevent it in group housing.

63
Q

What is the importance of weaning a calf after the colostrum period?

A

Weaning after the colostrum period ensures that the calf can transition to solid food, supports proper digestion, and prevents teat injuries from excessive suckling.

64
Q

When should you start weaning a calf, and what does the weaning process include?

A

Weaning should start after the colostrum period, typically around 4 weeks of age. The calf should gradually be introduced to calf starter feed, reducing dependency on milk.

65
Q

Why is maintaining clean group housing for calves essential?

A

Clean housing prevents the spread of diseases, reduces stress, and improves overall calf health and growth. Overcrowding should be avoided to ensure adequate space and ventilation.

66
Q

How can calf growth be monitored effectively?

A

Growth can be monitored by regularly recording body weight and comparing it with the expected growth curve for the breed. Poor growth may indicate a need for dietary adjustments or medical intervention.

67
Q

What is body condition scoring, and why is it important for calves?

A

Body condition scoring assesses a calf’s body fat and overall health. It helps in managing feeding practices and identifying undernourished or overfed calves to ensure proper growth.

68
Q

What are the key aspects of immunization and disease prevention for calves?

A

Calves should receive early vaccinations to protect against common diseases. Regular deworming, good hygiene, and timely veterinary care also help prevent diseases.

69
Q

When should calves be vaccinated, and which vaccines are typically given?

A

Calves are generally vaccinated at 2-3 months for diseases like clostridial infections, pneumonia, and respiratory viruses. The exact schedule varies by region and veterinary advice.