Dairy Cattle

Holstein

one of the top two → 85% of US herd; high milk production

Jersey

one of the top two → 10% of US herd; high % milk fat/protein.

other breeds

Milking Shorthorn, Guernsey, Brown Swiss, Ayrshire

milk components

water, proteins, lactose, minerals, fats

% of water in milk

87%

% of proteins in milk

3%

% of lactose in milk

4.5%

% of minerals in milk

0.8%

% of fats in milk

4%

Global and US production

India is the largest milk producer, responsible for 22% of global production.

The US is ranked number one in cow milk production.

Milk production has increased over the past 10 years.

trends for operation size

there are fewer dairy operations today but the ones we have are bigger. Their production is increasing.

trends for total cow numbers

decreased over the years but has slightly increased in the past decade.

Trends for milk production and consumption of various products

pounds of milk produced per dairy cow has increased.

top 5 dairy operation states

CA, WI, ID, TX, NY

Kansas dairy industry

it is known to be healthy and located primarily in the east and southwest. It has experienced growth in the past 10+ years. Avg. of 700-800 heard. There’s fewer of them but they are larger.

typical lactation length

305 days

peak lactation

2-3 months after calving

dry period

60 days

Age at heifer breeding and 1st calving

2 years

postpartum interval

83 days

gestation

283 days

how many lactations per cow

3

mastitis

inflammation of the mammary gland. Trauma or infection

Increased “somatic cells” (body cells) in milk

Decreased milk yield, milk quality/value, $ for treatment.

Influenced by dirty environments, faulty milking equipment, and improper milking procedures.

ketosis

energy metabolism

displaced abomasum

twisted stomach

milk fever

calcium imbalance

calf ranches

isolating newborn calves immediately after birth to minimize disease transmission, feeding colostrum within two hours, and offering a balanced diet until they can thrive on solid feed.

heifer development operations

focus on raising replacement heifers from weaning to their first calving to ensure they become productive, long-term members of the breeding herd.

eating

3-5 hrs/day

lying/resting

12-14 hrs/day

social interactions

2-3 hrs/day

ruminating

7-10 hrs/day

drinking

30 min/day

milking parlor

2.5-3.5 hrs/day

activity monitors

fitbit for cows; goes on neck, ear, or ankle. It detects and records movement, lying/standing, “chewing cud”. Why? It helps us to know when a cow is approaching estrus (mounting), illness (laying down more), or impending calving (not eating as much).

robotics

less labor; consistency (milking, eating, resting, etc). Used for milking, pushing up feed, and scraping manure.

dry lot

no grass, larger scale. CA and AZ.

Major type → western states

Need arid/low-rainfall climate

Shade, fans, sprinklers

Access to feed in ‘feed lanes

free stall

in a building under cover. Individual cubicles and spaces.

Major type → most common (large and smaller herd sizes)

Individual stalls → bedding: sand, mattresses, sawdust, compost.

Under a roof; controlled environment → cool or warm.

compost bedded packs

cheap building for cows to lay down. Hoop roof. Midsize or smaller dairies. Gaining popularity.

Pasture-based/partial confinement

common in New Zealand and Ireland. Grazing.

casein

specific component of milk that is comprised of amino acids and is the determinant of cheese yield

other dairy producing animals

water buffalo, sheep, goats, camels