Catte Husbandry Flashcards
Why does colostrum need to be given?
Antibodies/immunoglobulin too large to pass across gut
At what age are calves removed from their mother? Why? What age are they weaned? Why?
72 hrs
Disease control
6-12wks - rumen developed
At what age do cows reach: puberty, mature weight and 1st calving?
10/12 months
15 months
24 months
How long is a cow gestation period?
9 months/292 days
What colour are the following breeds: Holstein/Fresian, Guernsey, Brown Swiss?
Black/white
Pale brown with white
Grey
How many days does it take to establish a hierarchy?
7 days
How long is the menstrual cycle? How long is oestrus (heat)?
21 days
48 hrs
What is an issue with intensive growth in dairy cattle?
Fat udder - less milk
After birth, how long is the voluntary wait period? How long until cows are serviced? How long is pregnancy? When are they dried off?
6 weeks
3 months
9 months
2 months before birth
The BCS of cows is a scale of 1- what?
5
What is the extensive type of growth? (NZ style)
Low input and low output
Extended grazing
What is the intensive style of growth?
High input, high output
For lactation, how should food be supplied?
Ad lib
Very metabolically demanding
-ve energy balance - food biggest impact on yield
Why are dairy cows prone to heat stress?
Milk production very metabolically demanding —> heat!
What should be the normal fat and protein in cow milk? What can a high somatic cell count indicate?
4% fat
3.2% protein
Mastitis
What is a heifer?
female, not given birth
What is a maiden/bulling heifer?
Female of age, not given birth