Dairy cow management and production Flashcards
Largest portion of variable cost is
Feed cost. apprxox 60%
During what phase in terms of days is the PEAK profit making period of a lactating cow
6-8 weeks after calving
The energy gap of a lactating cow is most evident during which period in weeks
0-14
When is dry period
Early dry period-60-39 days prior to calving
Close- 21 days prior
When is transition period
21 days prior calving to 21 days after calving
As a general benchmark, at 100 days in milk, how many percent of a herd should be pregnant
50%
As a general benchmark, at 200 days in milk, how many percent of a herd should be pregnant
10% or less should be open
By 100 DIM, a cow should have produced _______% of her annual profit
50
What is the importance of monitoring
- To find out if something is broken
- To determine if management change is beneficial
- Bankers or investors
- Social gossip :3
Ideal BCS of calving cow
3.25-3.75
Ideal BCS of early lactation
2.5-3.25
Ideal BCS of dry off
3.25-3.75
Why is overconditioned cows a problem
Longer period of negative energy balance
Have higher incidence of fatty liver, metritis,
Lower total lactational milk yield
What is the key indicator of a cow’s reproductive potential
Days to first ovulation after calving
Why is thin cows a problem
Poor yield
Poor persistency of lactation
Poor fertility
Immunity suppresion
