Cattle Nutrition/Milking

Question 1

How often is milking completed? By what methods?

Answer 1

2-3 times daily
By hand or by machine

Question 2

What is the process for cow milking?

Answer 2

Cows enter parlor
Udders are washed
Milking is completed
Teats are dipped
Milk is cooled
Stored in bulk tank

Question 3

What is milk tested for?

Answer 3

Drug contaminants
Bacterial contaminants
Water
Somatic Cell Count
California Mastitis Test

Question 4

What is the “Somatic Cell Count”?

Answer 4

Testing for increased WBC related to mastitis

Question 5

What is the “California Mastitis Test”?

Answer 5

Tests milk for mastitis-causing bacteria

Question 6

When are dairy calves removed from the dam?

Answer 6

After 24 hours

Question 7

What are dairy calves fed, and from where?

Answer 7

Colostrum from the dam or from an external source

Question 8

True or False: Dairy calves are housed together.

Answer 8

False - they are housed separately.

Question 9

When are dairy calves weaned?

Answer 9

6-8 weeks old

Question 10

What can affect the amount of manure produced?

Answer 10

Type of bedding and milking systems

Question 11

What are the differences between chopped straw and sawdust?

Answer 11

Straw houses less bacteria, composts better and is more comfortable for cows

Question 12

What is manure used for?

Answer 12

Produce electricity and hot water for the farm

Question 13

What is NPK? What is it used for?

Answer 13

Nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium in processed waste, used for the fields

Question 14

How is manure managed?

Answer 14

Composting is done in a storage pit
Manure is used as a field fertilizer as long as properly treated for viruses/bacteria/parasites
Manure flush systems are used to clear holding areas

Question 15

What is silage, and what types are used for feeding?

Answer 15

Fermented crop feed
Corn silage, grass/alfalfa silage

Question 16

What does fermentation of silage accomplish?

Answer 16

Changes pH and inhibits bacterial growth, preserves feed