Dairy Science and Management Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards generated from dairy science lecture slides covering breeds, life cycle, vital signs, handling principles, and haltering techniques.

Early Lactation

The $14$ to $100$-day period following calving characterized by peak milk production and a negative energy balance that may lead to weight loss.

Mid Lactation

The $100$ to $200$-day lactation period where peak milk production is maintained and feed intake should equal $4\times 10^{-2}$ ($4$%) of body weight.

Late Lactation

The $200$ to $305$-day lactation period where milk production and dry matter intake decrease, allowing cows to regain weight.

Dry Period

A $45$ to $60$-day non-milking rest period prior to the next calving.

Holstein

A black and white dairy breed accounting for about $90$% of US dairy cows, known for high milk yield averaging approx. $25000\text{ lbs/yr}$.

Jersey

A light to dark brown breed known for high milk components ($4.58$% fat, $3.57$% protein) and being the most heat-tolerant dairy breed.

Brown Swiss

Silver to dark-brown dairy cattle known as the 'Draft dairy cow' and considered one of the oldest dairy breeds.

Guernsey

A dairy breed originating from the island of Guernsey whose milk has a golden color due to high levels of beta carotene.

Ayrshire

A rusty-red/reddish brown and white dairy breed known for being an efficient grazer.

Milking Shorthorn

A red or roan and white dual-purpose breed developed from the Shorthorn, suited for grazing systems.

Flight Zone

An animal's personal space safety boundary; entering this zone causes the cow to move away.

Point of Balance

Located at the shoulder; moving behind this point encourages the animal forward, while standing in front causes it to stop or back up.

Binocular Vision (Cattle)

Forward vision providing depth perception over a $25\text{--}50^\text{o}$ arc.

Quick-Release Knot

A knot used to secure an animal that tightens if pulled by the cow but unties instantly when a handler pulls the free end.

Halter Adjusting Loop

The part of the halter (white loop) used to adjust overall halter size, which must always be positioned on the left side of the animal.

Normal Dairy Cattle TPR

Normal physiological ranges for dairy cattle: body temperature of $98\text{--}102.5\text{ }^\text{o}\text{F}$, resting heart rate of $48\text{--}84\text{ bpm}$, and resting respiration rate of $26\text{--}50\text{ bpm/rpm}$.

Seven Things Cows Hate

Seven key stressors in dairy cattle handling: uncertainty, slippery floors, noise/being startled, unseeable step downs, backing up, sharp turns, and sticks/shouting/swearing/stress.