Dairy Cow Industry

What are the top two dairy breeds in the US?

1. Holstein

2. Jersey

What is the three step process for milk in a processing plant?

1. Standardization - regulates fat content of the milk by either complete or partial removal of fat or the addition of fat or other ingredients

2. Pasteurization - milk is quickly heat, killing potentially harmful bacteria

3. Homogenization

What are some stall types or additions for dairy cattle?

• Headlocks

• Freestall

• Neck rails

What are some housing options for calves?

• Calf hutches - the calves are raised individually

• Group housed calves - calves are grouped and housed together

What is a common calf disease that can spread easily in groups?

scours

What are common types of parlors in the US

• Herringbone parlor

• Parallel parlor

• Rotary parlor - usually has the most spots for cows

What are some things that need to be done before and after the cow is milked?

• Pre-dip: completely covers teats and allows minimum 30 seconds of contact time

• Forestrip: check for mastitis and stimulate milk letdown

• Wipe teats

• Attach and align milking unit after proper stimulation

• After milking do a post dip

What is the ideal amount of somatic cells and colony forming units for milk?

less than 1,000 colony forming units, and somatic cell counts less than 150,000-200,000

Fresh cow

generally referred to as the first 21 days in lactation

• high risk period for metabolic and infectious disorders (milk fever)

Early lactation

goes until 100 days in lactation

Body condition scoring for dairy cattle

• Scores range from 1-5 in increments of 0.25

What are some points to look for on a body condition score?

Hook, pins, thurl, and short ribs

Cows with a U-angle between hooks and pins

>3.0

Cows with a V-angle between hooks and pins

<3.0

What is the field of vision in cattle like?

Monocular vision with very poor depth perception; wide range of vision (approximately 330 degrees)

How much do cows sleep?

4h/day, in short 3-5 minute bouts throughout the day

What do cows use their olfactory system for?

• used in sexual, social, and maternal behavior

• Pheromone release and identification

• Social identification

• Maternal bonding

Autogrooming

self maintenance (will lick themselves)

Allogrooming

groom others

How do you know if the birthing process is going well with cattle?

You should see process every 15 minutes