Animal Science Exam 3

Sheep and Goat History 🐑

Sheep were the first livestock animals to be domesticated, with the exception of dogs. This domestication occurred around 11,000 years ago in Central Asia.

Early Sheep Industry

• As early as 8,000 BC, there was a sheep and wool industry in Asia, where sheep were sheared and wool was sold.

• Around 7,000 BC, sheep began to be used as a consistent source of meat, tallow, skins, and milk.

Evolution of Sheep

Sheep in Ancient Societies

• Sheep are mentioned in many ancient texts, including the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece.

• In the biblical story of Cain and Abel, Abel is described as a shepherd.

Roman Contributions

• The Romans developed the Merino sheep, known for its high-quality wool and fleece.

• The Romans also established wool factories in England as early as 500 AD.

Medieval Period

• Following the Black Death, which devastated Europe's population, sheep became a crucial source of food and clothing.

• The lack of labor led to a shift from crop farming to sheep farming, as sheep required less labor to maintain.

Elizabethan Age

• Wool was a major source of wealth during the Elizabethan age.

• The Spanish conquest of the New World was partly funded by the wealth generated from Merino sheep.

Sheep in the United States 🇺🇸

Early Introduction

• Sheep were introduced to the United States by European colonizers, with the first sheep arriving on the East Coast and moving westward with human settlement.

• There are a few native sheep species in North America, including the Bighorn sheep and the Dall sheep.

Sheep Farming in the US

Farm Flocks

• Typically have 30-40 ewes

• High land crops (100-150%)

• High maintenance, with close management of animals

• Often produce wheat lambs for meat consumption

• May sell lambs directly to customers, including ethnic markets and chefs

Commercial Farm Flocks

• Produce beef lambs for meat consumption

• May use artificial insemination (AI) with laparoscopic techniques

• May sell lambs to 4-H and FFA projects

Sheep Production 🐑

• Sheep production in the US is divided into two main types: range flocks and farm flocks.

• Range flocks are often found in the western US, while farm flocks are more common in the eastern and midwestern US.

Sheep Production Systems

• Range flocks: low-maintenance, large areas of land

• Farm flocks: high-maintenance, smaller areas of land, close management of animals## Sheep Production Systems 🐑

Sheep production systems can be broadly classified into two categories: farm flocks and range flocks.

Farm Flocks 🌾

• Definition: A farm flock is a small to medium-sized sheep operation that is typically found in the eastern and northeastern parts of the United States.

• Characteristics:

  • Smaller flock sizes

  • More intensive management practices

  • Often used for specialty wool production

  • May use embryo transfer and artificial insemination (AI) to improve genetics

• Examples:

  • Specialty wool farmers

  • Dairy sheep farms (although not very popular)

Range Flocks 🏞

• Definition: A range flock is a large sheep operation that is typically found in the western United States.

• Characteristics:

  • Larger flock sizes (often thousands of sheep)

  • Less intensive management practices

  • Often used for commercial wool production

  • May use migratory grazing practices

• Examples:

  • Big range flocks

  • Migratory range flocks

Migratory Range Flocks 🚶‍♂

• Definition: A migratory range flock is a type of range flock that migrates to different grazing areas throughout the year.

• Characteristics:

  • Use leased land from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

  • Graze sheep in high-elevation areas during the summer

  • Often used in the mountain states (e.g. Wyoming, Montana)

• Examples:

  • Sheep herders in the Rocky Mountains

Comparison of Farm Flocks and Range Flocks 📊

Lamb Production and Feedlots 🐑

• Lamb Production:

  • Sheep are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they breed in the fall and lamb in the spring

  • Lambs are weaned and then put on high-energy diets in feedlots

• Feedlots:

  • Large operations that specialize in feeding lambs for meat production

  • Often located in Colorado, Texas, California, and Wyoming

  • May be indoor or outdoor operations

• Lamb Feedlot Operations:

Lamb Consumption and Feedlot Location 🍴

• Lamb Consumption:

  • People in the northeastern US (e.g. Jewish and Italian communities) consume a significant amount of lamb

• Feedlot Location:

  • Feedlots are often located near lamb-consuming populations (e.g. northeastern US)

  • However, many feedlots are also located in the western US (e.g. Colorado, Texas) due to the availability of land and resources.## Sheep and Lamb Industry 🐑

Overview of the Industry

The sheep and lamb industry is a significant sector in the US, with around 35,000 head of sheep harvested per week. Although this number is substantial, it is dwarfed by the cattle and hog industries, which harvest 640,000 and 2,600,000 head per week, respectively.

Consumption of Lamb in the US

On average, Americans consume less than 1 pound of lamb per person per year. This is a significant decline from the past, when lamb was more popular. The decline in lamb consumption can be attributed to several factors, including the experience of soldiers during World War II, who were fed mutton (old sheep) while serving in the Pacific region. Mutton has a stronger flavor and tougher texture than lamb, which led to a decrease in demand for lamb upon their return.

Demographics of Lamb Consumption

• Lamb is more commonly consumed in metropolitan areas

• Ethnic communities, such as Greek and Middle Eastern populations, tend to consume more lamb

• Lamb is also consumed by individuals with higher incomes

• Religious and ethnic holidays, such as Easter and Eid al-Adha, often feature lamb as a main course

Wool Production

Wool is another significant commodity produced by sheep. However, the demand for wool has declined in recent years, leading to a decrease in production. The 2002 farm bill, which eliminated subsidies for wool production, further contributed to this decline.

Grading of Wool

Wool is graded based on its fineness, which is measured by the diameter of the wool fibers. There are three main systems used to grade wool:

Terms Related to Wool

• Lanolin: The natural oil found in wool, which has healing properties for skin.

• Yield: The amount of clean fleece obtained from a raw fleece after washing.

• Staple length: The length of the wool fibers, which is typically measured once a year.

• Crimp: The natural waviness or curl of the wool fibers.

Characteristics of Wool

Natural Colored Sheep

Some sheep breeds have natural colors, such as black or brown, which do not require dyeing. These natural colors are often preferred by specialty spinners and are used to create unique textiles.## Sheep Breeds 🐑

Sheep breeds can be categorized into several types, including:

• Dual-purpose breeds: These breeds produce both meat and wool. Examples include the Columbia and Polypay.

• Wool breeds: These breeds are raised primarily for their wool production. Examples include the Rambouillet and Merino.

• Meat breeds: These breeds are raised primarily for their meat production. Examples include the Hampshire and Suffolk.

Dual-Purpose Breeds

Wool Breeds

Meat Breeds

Haired Sheep Breeds 🐑

Haired sheep breeds are those that do not grow enough wool to require shearing. These breeds are often used in commercial sheep production and are known for their hardiness and low maintenance requirements.

• Dorper: A breed of haired sheep that is known for its high-quality carcass and is often used in crossbreeding programs.

• St. Croix: A breed of haired sheep that is known for its hardiness and is often used in commercial sheep production.

• Barbados: A breed of haired sheep that is known for its high-quality meat and is often used in crossbreeding programs.

Goat Breeds 🐐

Goat breeds can be categorized into several types, including:

• Dairy breeds: These breeds are raised primarily for their milk production. Examples include the Saanen and Alpine.

• Meat breeds: These breeds are raised primarily for their meat production. Examples include the Boer and Kiko.

• Fiber breeds: These breeds are raised primarily for their fiber production. Examples include the Angora and Cashmere.

Dairy Breeds

Meat Breeds

Fiber Breeds

Breeding and Reproduction 🐑

Sheep are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they breed in the fall and have a gestation period of approximately 148 days.

• Breeding season: Sheep typically breed in the fall, from late summer to early winter.

• Gestation period: The gestation period for sheep is approximately 148 days.

• Marking harness: A marking harness is a device worn by a ram during the breeding season to mark the ewes he breeds. This allows the breeder to keep track of which ewes have been bred and when they are due to lamb.

Breeding and Fertility

• Rams can breed more females than any other livestock species due to their highly concentrated sperm count.

• Ewe lambs can reach puberty and breed as young as 5 months old.

• However, breeding a ewe to lamb as a yearling can be challenging and may lead to complications.

Land Crop and Flock Management

• Some farms may have a land crop of over 200%, but a more manageable goal is around 130-140%.

• Rage flocks typically have a lower land crop, below 100%.

Lambing and Post-Natal Care

• Ewes are usually lambing in a large pen or area where they can move around.

• Farmers typically check on the ewes every 3 hours throughout the night to assist with lambing.

• After lambing, the ewe and lamb are placed in a small individual pen, known as a "jug", for close monitoring.

• The jug is usually used for 7-10 days, and sometimes heat lamps are used to keep the lamb warm.

Considerations for Breeding Ewes

• Breeding a ewe to lamb as a yearling can be challenging and may lead to complications.

• It is recommended to wait until the ewe is at least 12-14 months old before breeding.

• This allows the ewe to mature and reduces the risk of complications during lambing

Nutrition and Health Management

Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of animals. A balanced diet is essential to ensure that animals receive the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and production.

Importance of Nutrition

• A well-nourished animal is better equipped to fight off diseases and infections.

• Nutrition affects the immune system, and a deficiency in essential nutrients can lead to a weakened immune system.

• Underfeeding and overfeeding can have negative consequences on animal health.

Life Stages and Nutrition

Key Nutrients

• Minerals: essential for immune function and overall health

• Vitamins: essential for growth, development, and immune function

• Protein: essential for growth, development, and maintenance of body tissues

Feeding Strategies

• Consult with a nutritionist or veterinarian to determine the best nutrition plan for your animals.

• Test hay and forages for nutrient content to ensure they meet the nutritional needs of your animals.

• Provide supplements if necessary to ensure animals receive all essential nutrients.

🐑 Breeding and Genetics

Breeding and genetics play a crucial role in maintaining the health of animals. Selecting animals with desirable traits can help reduce the incidence of disease.

Key Concepts

• Genetic resistance: some animals are naturally more resistant to certain diseases.

• Breeding for disease resistance: selecting animals with desirable traits to reduce the incidence of disease.

Identifying Disease-Resistant Animals

• Observe animals for signs of disease resistance, such as reduced susceptibility to parasites or infections.

• Use genetic testing to identify animals with desirable traits.

Importance of Breeding and Genetics

• Breeding and genetics can help reduce the incidence of disease in animal populations.

• Selecting animals with desirable traits can improve overall animal health and productivity.

🚫 Disease Prevention

Disease prevention is a critical aspect of animal health management. Preventing disease can save time, money, and resources.

Key Concepts

• Biosecurity: measures taken to prevent the introduction and spread of disease in animal populations.

• Sanitation: keeping animal living areas clean and free of disease-causing pathogens.

Biosecurity Measures

• Restrict access to animal living areas to authorized personnel only.

• Require workers to wash hands, change boots, and wear clean coveralls before entering animal living areas.

• Implement rules for entering and exiting animal living areas to prevent disease transmission.

Importance of Disease Prevention

• Preventing disease can save time, money, and resources.

• Disease prevention is essential for maintaining animal health and productivity.

🐶 Veterinary Care

Developing a relationship with a veterinarian is essential for maintaining animal health.

Key Concepts

• Veterinary care: regular check-ups and consultations with a veterinarian to ensure animal health.

• Preventive care: measures taken to prevent disease and maintain animal health.

Importance of Veterinary Care

• Regular veterinary care can help prevent disease and maintain animal health.

• A veterinarian can provide guidance on nutrition, breeding, and disease prevention.## 🐾 Animal Health and Management

Building Relationships with Veterinarians

Developing a relationship with your local veterinarian is crucial for the health and well-being of your animals. This relationship can pay dividends in the long run, especially in emergency situations.

• A veterinarian who is familiar with your production system can provide more timely and effective advice.

• They can help you make informed decisions about vaccinations, medications, and other health-related issues.

Operational Procedures

Having detailed operational procedures in place can help minimize the risk of disease introduction and ensure the overall health of your animals.

• Develop a plan for moving animals in and out of your operation.

• Decide how you will feed, medicate, and vaccinate your animals.

• Determine what supplements and testing will be necessary.

• Establish a schedule for checking on your animals daily.

Daily Animal Checks

Checking on your animals daily is essential for detecting any changes in their behavior or health.

• Look for signs of illness, such as a decrease in appetite or energy.

• Monitor their feeding consumption and behavior.

• Keep an eye out for any changes in their stool or urine output.

Animal Identification

Properly identifying your animals is crucial for keeping track of their health and medical history.

• Use ear tags, tattoos, or other forms of identification to keep track of individual animals.

• Keep a record of each animal's medical history, including vaccinations and medications.

Closed Herds

Keeping a closed herd can help minimize the risk of disease introduction.

• Avoid introducing new animals into your herd from outside sources.

• Use artificial insemination to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Separating Animals by Age, Source, and Intended Function

Separating animals by age, source, and intended function can help reduce the risk of disease transmission and make management easier.

• Keep animals of similar ages and life stages together.

• Separate animals by intended function, such as breeding or meat production.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are an essential part of animal health management.

• There are two types of vaccinations: modified live vaccines and killed vaccines.

• Modified live vaccines contain a live pathogen that has been genetically modified to cause a lower level of disease.

• Killed vaccines contain parts and pieces of a pathogen that stimulate an immune response.

All In, All Out Animal Management

All in, all out animal management involves moving a group of animals into a facility at one time and then moving them all out at one time.

• This approach can help minimize the risk of disease transmission.

• It is commonly used in swine and poultry production.

Balanced Rations

Providing a balanced ration is essential for the health and well-being of your animals.

• A balanced ration should include a proper mix of nutrients, including minerals and vitamins.

• The quality of the ration is also important, as it can affect the digestibility and metabolizability of the nutrients.

Providing Essential Needs for Animal Health

• Provide clean and fresh water at all times to prevent the spread of pathogens and toxins.

• Keep water free from algae, especially blue-green algae, which can produce toxins.

Minimizing Disease Risk

• Vaccination: consult with a veterinarian to determine the best vaccination plan for your animals.

• Minimize the number of people handling your animals to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

• Develop an eye for disease by observing your animals daily and learning what normal behavior looks like.

Importance of Diagnosis

• Get a diagnosis when disease strikes to determine the best course of treatment and prevent future outbreaks.

• Without a diagnosis, it's difficult to know what changes to make to prevent future disease outbreaks.

Proper Disposal of Carcasses

Economic and Emotional Losses

• Economic losses: disease outbreaks can result in significant economic losses, including the cost of veterinary care, lost productivity, and decreased profits.

• Emotional losses: disease outbreaks can also have a significant emotional impact on animal owners and caregivers.

Foreign Animal Diseases

• Foot and Mouth Disease: a highly contagious and economically devastating disease that can have severe consequences for animal health and the livestock industry.

• Avian Influenza: a highly contagious disease that can have significant economic and emotional impacts on the poultry industry.

• Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE): also known as Mad Cow Disease, a neurologic disease caused by a misfolded protein that can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of infected animal products.

USDA Surveillance and Regulation

• The USDA provides surveillance for foreign animal diseases, including BSE and Foot and Mouth Disease.

• The USDA works to stop and slow the spread of animal diseases across state lines through quarantine and regulation.

• The USDA also provides guidance on proper disposal of carcasses and regulates the animal industry to prevent the spread of disease.## 🐝 Animal Disease Control and Prevention

Quarantine and Movement Restrictions

When an animal disease is detected, quarantine and movement restrictions are put in place to prevent the spread of the disease. This can include restrictions on the movement of animals across state lines.

Types of Avian Influenza

• HPAI (High Pathogenic Avian Influenza): causes severe disease

• LPAI (Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza): causes less severe disease

Eradication of Diseases

Certain programs have been successful in eradicating select diseases from the US population. For example:

USDA Regulations and Oversight

The USDA plays a crucial role in regulating the movement and sale of animals to prevent the spread of disease. This includes:

• Testing and vaccination policies for certain diseases

• Oversight of animal exhibitions, such as zoos and petting zoos

• Regulation of animals used in research

State Veterinarians and Accreditation

State veterinarians, like the speaker, undergo extra training to provide oversight of interstate movement of animals. This includes:

• Maintaining accreditation and continuing education

• Participating in programs to monitor and prevent the spread of disease

Cooperation with Other Agencies

The USDA cooperates with other agencies, such as the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), to implement federally directed programs and monitor animal health.

Dairy Cow Breeds 🐮

There are approximately 6 main dairy cow breeds in the US, with a handful of others. The most popular breed is the Holstein, which produces the most milk by far.

Holstein: The most popular dairy cow breed, known for its high milk production and relatively low fat percentage.

Jersey and Guernsey: Popular breeds for cheese making due to their high fat percentage.

Dairy Cow Reproduction 🐮

Most dairy cattle in the US are artificially inseminated (AI) due to the aggressive nature of dairy bulls.

Artificial Insemination (AI): A process where semen is collected from a bull and inserted into a cow's reproductive tract to facilitate breeding.

Dairy Bull: A male dairy cow, known for its high libido and aggressive behavior.

Dairy Cow Breeding Goals 📈

The goal is to have dairy cows calve every 13 months, which requires them to breed back within 115 days of calving.

Calving Interval: The time between two consecutive calvings, with a goal of 13 months.

Sheep and Goat Production 🐑

Sheep and goats are often referred to as small ruminants, due to their similar size and digestive systems.

Small Ruminants: A term used to describe sheep and goats, which are both ruminant animals.

Sheep 🐑

• Meat Production: A significant portion of sheep are raised for meat production.

• Wool Production: Some breeds of sheep are raised for their wool.

• Dairy Production: A small number of breeds are raised for dairy production, with some farms producing sheep's milk cheese.

Goats 🐐

• Meat Production: A large percentage of goats are raised for meat production.

• Dairy Production: Goats are also raised for dairy production, with some breeds producing high-quality milk.

• Fiber Production: Goats can produce fiber, such as mohair and cashmere.

Mohair: A type of fiber produced by certain breeds of goats.

Cashmere: A type of fiber produced by most breeds of goats, with some breeds being specifically selected for their cashmere production.

Advantages of Sheep and Goats 🌟

• Smaller Size: Sheep and goats are smaller than other livestock, making them easier to handle and care for.

• Companionship: Goats are often used as companions for other animals, due to their friendly and social nature.

• Brush Control: Both sheep and goats are effective at controlling brush and weeds on farms and pastures.## Sheep and Goats: Key Differences 🐑🐐

Sheep and goats are often confused with each other, but they have several distinct differences.

Physical Characteristics

• Sheep have 27 pairs of chromosomes, while goats have 30 pairs.

• Sheep tails typically go down, while goat tails typically go up.

• Most sheep are docked, meaning their tails are removed early in life.

• Sheep horns often circle back around, while goat horns grow straight back.

Horns and Sex

• Goat farmers often remove the horns on males and leave them on females.

• In sheep, males will grow horns, while females may not, depending on their genetic makeup.

Size and Diet

• Goats are typically smaller than sheep.

• Goats prefer to browse, eating forages and leaves from trees, while sheep prefer to graze on grass.

• Goats have a more selective grazing pattern than sheep.

Terminology

Industry Overview

Regional Distribution

• Sheep are primarily found in the western US, with Texas and California having the largest populations.

• Goats are also found in the western US, with Texas and California having the largest populations.

• Arkansas has a smaller population of sheep and goats, with most found in the northwest corner of the state.

Dairy Goats

• Goat milk is popular internationally, particularly in India and Bangladesh.

• The US is a smaller player in the dairy goat industry, with Wisconsin and California having the largest populations.

• Arkansas has a relatively large population of dairy goats compared to other states.

Fun Facts

• Goat milk can be used to make a variety of products, including cheese and soap.

• Some dairy goat farmers sell their milk directly to consumers, often through unconventional channels, such as convenience stores.## Meat Goats 🐐

Meat goats are a type of goat raised specifically for meat production. They are commonly found in the southeastern United States, with Texas being the leading producer.

Distribution of Meat Goats in the United States

Reasons for Raising Meat Goats

• Income generation

• Brush control

• Farming tradition

• Showing and competition

• Personal preference

Angora Goats

Angora goats are a type of goat known for their soft, mohair fiber. They are often mistaken for sheep due to their small size and windy coats.

Impact of the 2002 Farm Bill on the Hair Goat Industry

The 2002 Farm Bill removed subsidies for wool and mohair production, leading to a decline in the hair goat industry. Many farmers switched to raising meat goats or sheep for meat production.

Distribution of Goats in Arkansas

• North central part of the state: highest percentage of goats

• Northwest Arkansas: significant number of goats

• River valley: few goats

• Central Arkansas: some goats

• Northeast: some goats

• Delta region: very few goats

Worldwide Sheep and Goat Population

• Sheep: approximately 1.1 billion

• Goats: approximately 880 million

Advantages of Raising Sheep and Goats

• Can be raised on smaller farms

• Require less feed than cattle

• Can live and graze in areas inaccessible to larger animals

• Can be consumed quickly without refrigeration

• Can be co-grazed with cattle without straining grazing lands

Lamb Consumption per Person per Year

Co-Grazing Sheep and Goats with Cattle

• Sheep and goats can be added to cattle grazing lands without straining the land

• Sheep and goats will eat different grasses and weeds than cattle

• Sheep and goats can help control invasive weeds

• Cattle can help protect sheep and goats from predators

Dairy Cows 🐮

Importance of Calving in the Dairy Industry 🐮

• To have milk all throughout the year, dairy farmers need to have calves all throughout the year

• Some farmers choose to have a cow calving all the time, while others may have a seasonal calving schedule

Upcoming Lecture Schedule 📅

• Wednesday: Sheep and goats

• Friday: Break from sheep and goats to finish Dr. Thomas's lecture from 2 weeks ago

• Next week: Continue with sheep and goats

• Exam 3: November 1st## 🐮 Calving Season Management

Calving season management is crucial for dairy farmers, as it affects the overall health and productivity of the herd. A well-planned calving season can help reduce stress on the cows and improve their chances of a successful lactation.

Calving Season Scheduling

Dairy farmers often schedule their calving season to coincide with the availability of feed and labor. For example, some farmers may choose to have a cabbage season, where all the cows are managed together and on the same schedule. This approach can be beneficial for smaller farms, but it may not be suitable for larger operations.

Calving Shed Management

A calving shed is a specialized facility designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for cows to give birth. The shed is typically equipped with video cameras and other monitoring systems to ensure the health and well-being of the cows.

Maternity Pasture Management

A maternity pasture is a small, protected area where cows can give birth and nurse their calves. This approach is often used on smaller farms, where the cows can be closely monitored and cared for.

🐮 Calf Rearing

Calf rearing is a critical component of dairy farming, as it affects the long-term health and productivity of the herd.

Calf Housing

Calves are typically housed individually for the first few weeks of life to prevent the spread of disease and promote healthy growth. They are usually fed milk replacer or liquid milk for the first 3-6 weeks, and then gradually introduced to hay and grains.

Calf Nutrition

Calves require a balanced diet to promote healthy growth and development. They are typically fed a combination of milk replacer, hay, and grains.

🐮 Sexed Semen and Beef-Dairy Crossbreeding

Sexed semen is a technology that allows dairy farmers to select the sex of their calves. This approach can be used to improve the genetics of the herd and increase the number of female calves.

Sexed Semen Benefits

• Increased number of female calves

• Improved herd genetics

• Reduced number of male calves

Beef-Dairy Crossbreeding

Beef-dairy crossbreeding involves breeding dairy cows to beef bulls to produce calves that are suitable for beef production. This approach can be used to improve the quality of beef and increase the efficiency of beef production.

🐮 Heifer Development

Heifer development is critical for the long-term success of a dairy farm. Heifers are typically bred at 15 months of age and calve at 2 years of age.

Heifer Nutrition

Heifers require a balanced diet to promote healthy growth and development. They are typically fed a combination of hay, grains, and minerals.

Heifer Management

Heifers are typically managed in small groups and fed a balanced diet to promote healthy growth and development.

Calving and Freshening

Calving is a critical period in a dairy cow's life, typically occurring when the cow is around 85% of its total growth. The 3 weeks before and after calving can significantly impact the cow's future health and reproductive success.

• Freshening: The term used in the dairy industry to describe the process of a cow giving birth and beginning to produce milk.

• Dry Period: The period before calving when the cow is not producing milk and is typically on a forage-based diet.

Nutrition and Lactation

During the early lactation period, the cow's milk production increases rapidly, peaking around 45-60 days post-calving. The cow's feed intake may not be able to keep up with its milk production, leading to a loss of body weight.

Milk Fever (Hypocalcemia)

Milk fever is a life-threatening disease that can occur in dairy cows, particularly those with high milk production. It is caused by a lack of calcium in the blood, which is essential for muscle contraction.

• Causes: High milk production, inadequate dietary calcium, and genetic predisposition.

• Symptoms: Weakness, lethargy, and decreased milk production.

• Treatment: IV injection of calcium and dietary supplementation.

Feeding Systems

There are different feeding systems used in dairy cattle management, including:

• Total Mixed Ration (TMR): A feeding system where all the necessary nutrients are mixed together and fed to the cows in a single ration.

• Forage-Based Systems: A feeding system where cows are fed a diet high in forages, such as grass and hay.

• Grain-Based Systems: A feeding system where cows are fed a diet high in grains, such as corn and soybeans.

Milking Systems

There are different milking systems used in dairy cattle management, including:

• Parlor Milking System: A milking system where cows are milked in a parlor, typically twice a day.

• Carousel Milking System: A milking system where cows are milked in a rotating carousel, typically twice a day.

• Robotic Milking System: A milking system where cows are milked by robots, allowing for more frequent milking and greater flexibility.## 🐮 Robotic Dairy Farming

Robotic dairy farming is a system where cows are milked by robots, reducing the need for manual labor. The cows are trained to enter the milking area, where the robot feeds them, cleans their teeth, and attaches the milkers. The robot also measures the milk production and keeps records in a computer for the farmer.

🥛 Milk Production and Safety

Milk is a food item that requires minimal processing before it reaches the consumer. To ensure milk safety, farmers are graded A or B based on the sanitary health conditions of their farm. The health department observes the dairy and rates the bacterial limits of the milk.

• Grade A milk has less than 100,000 CFUs (colony-forming units) per milliliter of bacteria.

• Grade A milk is expected to be tested every 6 months.

• Grade B milk has a higher bacterial limit and is expected to be tested every year.

📊 Milk Classification

Milk is classified into different categories based on its intended use:

🐮 Mastitis

Mastitis is an infection of the udder that can occur in dairy cattle. It is a major concern in dairy farming because it can affect milk production and quality.

• Mastitis can be detected using the California Mastitis Test, which measures the somatic cell count (white blood cell count) in the milk.

• A high somatic cell count indicates the presence of an infection.

🐮 Bovine Somatotropin (BST)

Bovine somatotropin (BST) is a growth hormone that can be given to dairy cows to increase milk production. However, its use is not widespread in the US due to concerns about its impact on human health.

• BST can increase milk production by 10-15%.

• Milk from cows treated with BST is labeled as such, and some consumers may prefer to avoid it.

🐮 Dairy Breeds

There are six main dairy breeds in the US:

📊 Dairy Selection Goals

Dairy selection goals include:

• Increasing milk production

• Improving milk components (fat and protein content)

• Enhancing profitability

• Improving performance index

Dairy breeds have different levels of heritability for these traits, with some breeds being more suitable for certain selection goals.