Dairy Cattle Husbandry

What age are calves weaned

6-12 weeks when rumen is fully developed.

what age to cows reach puberty

10-12 months

when are cows served the first time

15 months, when 65% of mature body weight

what age do cows first calve

24 months

how long is a cows gestation

9 months (282 days)

how long is the VWP after calving and why?

Voluntary Waiting period of 6ish weeks to wait for it to show heat, regain any weight lost and maintain a 12 months calving cycle.

how long do cows lactate for

305 days

how many liters per day will one cow produce at peak

40 l

How many dairy farms UK

7,200

Averge herd size UK

170

Average milk yeild per cow per year

8,200

How long is a cows Oestrus cycle

21 days

how long is a cow in oestrus for

15 h

behavioural signs of oestrus

• Sniffing & chin resting
• Restless & increased activity
• Flehmen reaction
• Rump & flank rubbing
• Mounting (esp. head & neck of other cows)
• Clear mucus handing from vulva (“bulling string”)
• Standing to be mounted
• More often at night

Adv / Dis Adv of straw yard

Advantages
• Cow comfort / choice of lying position
 Lameness
Disadvantages
• Bedding: more required, less choice
 Higher mastitis risk