dairy production lec 14

Question 1

why house cattle

Answer 1

-	why house
o	more overseas
o	conserve topsoil
	just becomes mud bath 
o	meet demands of cow
o	labour efficient

Question 2

how does cow behaviour differ between pasture and housing

Answer 2

o cows spend more time standing, less walking

Question 3

what are the problems associated with housing

Answer 3

	problems	
•	respiratory disease pneumonia
•	housing ventilation 
•	build-up of ammonia 
•	open sheds 
•	lameness
•	enviro- housing/laneways
•	more time standing, impacts circulation 
•	manure 
•	effluent management 
•	mastitis

Question 4

what is ventilation

Answer 4

• ventilation
  o air enters, collects moisture heat and contaminants, air exits
  o peak roof makes insulting layer = better
  o air quality
   respiratory diseases

Question 5

what is the dilution effect

Answer 5

o dilution effect

 Reduces concentrations of moisture, heat, pathogens, gases, dust, odors

Question 6

what is the water vapour-air relationship

Answer 6

o Air-Water Vapour Relationship
 Relative humidity needs to be 60%-75% for animals
 Air exchange maintains humidity

Question 7

what is good ventilation and what does it allow

Answer 7

o	good ventilation 
	Dry bedding – good for udder health 
	Temperature comfort promotes dry matter intake – improves productivity 
	air flow draws out warm air
	need space b/w buildings 
	fans, sprinklers

Question 8

how are calves housed

Answer 8

• housing calves
  o different ages different systems
   individual pens more hygienic

Question 9

what are the 4 main things to consider when housing cattle

Answer 9

feed
water
walking
lying

Question 10

what needs to be considered when feeding cattle

Answer 10

o Feeding (silage etc, concentrates)
 sufficient space /cow
• cows bullied

Question 11

what needs to be considered when watering cattle

Answer 11

o	Drinking 
	Fresh water 
	1 trough : 15-20 cows 
	2+ water locations/ group of cows 
	low water depth – fresher water less contamination

Question 12

what needs to be considered when walking cattle

Answer 12

o	Walking/Floor 
	Alleys (min. 3 metres , multiple access) 
	Number of short cuts 
	Ranking order in the herd 
	Surface 
•	not too rough, does increase wear and lameness decrease slipping
•	high density rubber best 
•	expensive, good for circulation

Question 13

what needs to be considered when lying down cattle

Answer 13

	sufficient space
	encourages laying down
•	design 
•	bedding 
	doesn’t accumulate faeces 
	test with knee for comfort/cleanliness

Question 14

what are the 5 main options for bedding in housing

Answer 14

mattresses
rubber mats
sand
rice hulls/saw dust
straw

Question 15

what is the advantage of using mattresses

Answer 15

•	mattresses 
	Very soft 
	Good insulation 
	Risk of mastitis ? 
	expensive

Question 16

what is the advantage of using rubber mats

Answer 16

•	rubber mat
	Cheap 
	Hard surface 
•	don’t lay on 
	Good Insulation 
	Risk for mastitis 
•	faeces on feet

Question 17

what is the advantage of using sand

Answer 17

•	sand
	best but expensive 
	Inorganic 
	Forms a comfortable shape 
	Cool 
	Good grip on the floor

Question 18

what is the advantage of using straw

Answer 18

•	straw
	Organic 
•	nutrient source for bacteria 
	Comfortable shape 
	Good insulation 
	Blocks effluent system

Question 19

what is the advantage of using rice hulls/saw dust

Answer 19

•	saw dust/rice hulls
	Organic 
	Comfortable shape 
	Good insulation 
	Need a lot a material

Question 20

why would production decrease in warmer weather

Answer 20

cows seek shade, don’t eat, don’t ruminant, don’t access nutrients to drive production