Dairy Industry Overview

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the dairy industry, including terminology, cow anatomy, breeds, and nutrition.

What are the two main careers of dairy cattle?

Milk production and beef market.

What is the birth weight range for dairy cattle?

40-100 lbs.

What is the average lifespan of a dairy cow?

15-20 years.

Define 'Bull' in dairy terminology.

An intact male.

Define 'Heifer' in the context of dairy cattle.

A female that has not given birth.

What is the typical gestation period for dairy cows?

Approximately 283 days.

What does the term 'lactation' refer to?

The period of milk production following calving.

What is the significance of the Holstein breed?

It makes up about 90% of all dairy cows and produces approximately 25,000 pounds of milk per year.

What defines the 'Dry period' for dairy cows?

A 45-60 day period when cows are not milked.

What physiological impact can stress have on dairy cows?

It inhibits milk let-down due to adrenaline affecting blood flow to the mammary gland.

What is the main purpose of pre-dipping in milking procedures?

To kill sufficient numbers of bacteria on teat ends to reduce the risk of mastitis.

What is the main component of a dairy cow's ration?

Forage and fiber.

List the basic nutrients required in a dairy cow's diet.

Water, carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

What are volatile fatty acids and where are they produced?

Byproducts of fermentation in the rumen, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate.

What is the function of the omasum in a dairy cow?

Water absorption.

What are the four types of dairy housing styles?

Tie-stall, free-stall, compost bedded pack, and grazing/pasture-based

What kind of milking parlor does UGA have?

Herringbone Parlor

How long does it take for adrenaline to subside?

20-30 minutes

Where does digestion begin?

Mouth (sodium bicarbonate)

What part of a ruminant is the ‘true stomach’?

Abomasum

What is the optimal pH levels for metabolism?

6.0-6.5

Fresh forage vs. preserved forage?

Fresh- any type of grass

Preserved- hay and silage

What type of Protein “pick a meal” is the largest?

Soybean meal, 46% protein

In carbohydrates, which forage and cereal grain is most prominent?

Forage- Starch

Cereal grain- Corn