Chapter 7 - Guidelines for Dairy Cattle Husbandry

Question 1

How long should dairy cow stalls be?

Answer 1

Length of animal, as defined by the distance between the pin bones and the front of the shoulder, or between the pin bones and the brisket.

Question 2

How should the stall base be sloped? Why?

Answer 2

Sloped forward 4 degrees, as dairy cows prefer to stand uphill

Question 3

What standard agricultural practice is performed on dairy heifer calves?

Answer 3

Remove supernumerary teats

Question 4

When does disbudding and dehorning take place in dairy cattle? What should be used?

Answer 4

Before 8 weeks of age. Use pain relief and local nerve block.

Question 5

What should be used for castration? What is a disadvantage of banding?

Answer 5

Pain relief, including local nerve block. Banding causes more lasting pain than surgical castration.

Question 6

Is tail docking performed in dairy cattle? Brading?

Answer 6

Controversial, no reason for performing. Branding should not be done.

Question 7

What should be placed in high traffic areas?

Answer 7

Foot baths

Question 8

What can contribute to a consistent environment for dairy cattle?

Answer 8

Music