Milk Peoduction

Question 1

Calf Heath Issues

Answer 1

1. Calf Scours (caused by bacteria)
2. Pneumonia (caused by respiratory disease)

• both can be prevented by maintains clean and sanitary conditions and insuring adequate colostrum intake

Question 2

Cow Health Issues

Answer 2

1. Mastitis
2. Ketosis
3. Milk Fever
4. Rebreeding

Question 3

What is Mastitis?

Answer 3

• inflammation of the udder which is caused by a bacterial infection
• number one cause of economic loss

Question 4

What is Keotosis?

Answer 4

• energy shortage due to metabolic problems (not enough energy)
• normally seem 4-6 weeks after parturition

Question 5

What is milk fever?

Answer 5

• low blood calcium causing muscle weakness at/near calving
• rebreeding difficulties during lactation

Question 6

Stages of Lactation

Answer 6

Stage One: Early Lactation (1-100 days)
Stage Two: Mid Lactation (100-200 days)
Stage Three: Late Lactation (200-305 days)
Stage Four: Dry period

Question 7

Stage One: Early Lactation

Answer 7

• first 100 days are most important (set the stage for remainder of the lactation period)
• time and production level at which a cow peaks determines her potential
• rule of thumb: for each 1lb increase at peak lactation, add 200 lbs to total
• problems involve physiological stress due to high energy demand

Question 8

Stage Two: Mid Lactation

Answer 8

• production can be expected to decrease 7% a month
• average milk stage should be at least 80% of stage one
• cows should recover body weight, increase butterfat in milk, decrease dry matter intake 5-7% month after peaking DMI
• probes : cows to to rebred at time of positive energy balance, if not, milk production drops

Question 9

Stage three: Late Lactation

Answer 9

• milk production will continue to decline along with feed intake
• cows gain weight to support growing fetus and replenish lost tissue
• young cows (1st lactation) are still growing
• match grain intake to milk production
• feed extra nutrients

Question 10

Drying off

Answer 10

• reasons to dry off
  1. Allows time for tissue repair
  2. Allows cow to regain body condition
  3. Completes development of calf in uterus
• nutritional needs are decreased
• fetus continues to grow and dry Mayer intake starts to decrease
• energy balance declines during last 30 days of gestation

Question 11

Parallel Parlor

Answer 11

• 90 degree angle facing away from operator
• access to the udder between rear legs
• use rapid exit stall fronts and dual return lanes

Question 12

Herringbone (Fishbone) Parlor

Answer 12

• most common parlor type in “small” U.S. parlors
• elevated platform in an angled or herringbone fashion facing away from operator area

Question 13

Rotary (Carousel) Parlor

Answer 13

• largely automated
• regimented and uniform
• three operators (one for unit attachment, onto to detach units/apply teat dip, one to tend any problems)
• best for larger herds

Question 14

Robotic/Automatically/Voluntary Milking System

Answer 14

• cows get to rest, eat, and socialize when they desire at 2.5 to 3 times per day, on average, at a time that suits their schedule