Dairy farming has been part of agriculture for thousands of years. Dairy cows are bred specifically to produce large quantities of milk.
Dairy cows are required to give birth to one calf annually in order to produce milk for 10 months of the year. They are usually artificially inseminated within three months of giving birth.
Dairy cows can often only produce very high milk yields for an average of 3 years, after which they are slaughtered and the meat is normally used for beef.
SELECTION OF DAIRY CATTLE
Proper selection is the first and the most important step to be adopted in dairying. Records are the basis of selection and hence proper identification of animals and record keeping is essential. Cross-breed animals with exotic inheritance of about 50 percent are preferable. This preference is based on comparison of the performance of the animals with different percentage of exotic inheritance. Fifty percent of the native germplasm is helpful to retain the adaptability, heat tolerance and disease resistance traits of local animals, in cross breeds. The utilization of the Zebu (Sahiwal) germplasm in the formation of breeds like Australian Friesian Sahiwal (50% of Holstein and 50% Sahiwal) and its international recognition as a breed for the tropics is an example.
Maintaining animals sustainable to the situation is the best policy. Bringing animals from different agro-climatic conditions causes problems due to non-adjustment in many cases. In case, purchase becomes absolutely essential it should be from similar environmental conditions as far as possible.
General selection procedures for dairy breeds
Selection of dairy cows
Selecting a calf in calf show, a cow in cattle show by judging is an art. A dairy farmer should build up his own herd by breeding his own herd. Following guidelines will be useful for selection of a diary cow.
whenever an animal is purchased from a cattle fair, it should be selected based upon its breed characters and milk producing ability
History sheet or pedigree sheet which are generally maintained in organized farms reveals the complete history of animal
The maximum yields by dairy cows are noticed during the first five lactations. So generally selection should be carried out during First or Second lactation and that too are month after calving.
There successive complete milking has to be done and an average of it will give a fair idea regarding production by a particular animal.
A cow should allow anybody to milk, a
Cattle farming animal husbandry and farm management
Cattle Farming - Animal Husbandry
Animal Husbandry
Cattle Farming
Farm Management
Since time immemorial, animals have been an integral part of our food. They have been used to obtain food like milk, eggs, meat, etc. Other than the food, we use them even for some basic requirements like wool, silk, labour, etc. The population has reached its peak, especially in a country like India. The population explosion has led to greater demand for basic requirements such as food, shelter, clothing, etc. To meet the increasing requirements and demands we need to apply a greater effort. One such effort to meet the food demand is animal husbandry. Animal husbandry includes cattle farming, poultry farming, fisheries, apiculture, etc. Here we will learn about cattle farming.
Animal Husbandry
Animal husbandry is the science of farming animal livestock. It includes caring for, breeding and management of livestock. Animal husbandry is a large-scale business where animals that provide us food are reared, bred, sheltered and cared for in a farm or in regions which are specially built for them. Animal husbandry was initiated with cattle farming. Under cattle farming, livestock such as cows, goats, buffalo, sheep, etc. is reared. Later, animal husbandry was even extended to poultry farming, fisheries, apiculture, etc. And this extends a helping hand to the increasing needs of the generations.
Cattle Farming
Cattle farming involves the rearing and management of two types of animals- one group for food requirements like milk and another for labour purposes like ploughing, irrigation, etc. Animals which provide milk are called milch/dairy animals. For example, goats, buffalo, cows, etc. Animals which are used for labour are called draught animals.
Since dairy animals are cared for and bred for milk, we need to improve milk production to meet the requirements. The period after the birth of a calf, when a cow starts to produce milk, is called the lactation period. We can enhance milk product
Calf rearing
Quality calf rearing
Rearing a newborn calf can be extremely challenging and requires much patience and commitment. The key to success is keeping the calf in a comfortable environment, well fed and free of sickness.
Calves must be kept in a clean environment with access to a dry and draught free shed area. During wet periods hand reared calves may need to be moved into the dry area until they get used to going there themselves.
Newborn calves
Orphan calves often show signs of dehydration, depression, lack of appetite or scouring. If the calf is to survive, proper care during the first 24 hours is critical.
It is essential for the newborn calf to receive colostrum. Colostrum is the first milk that a mother produces. Colostrum provides passive immunity to disease and helps build up vitamin and mineral levels. The new-born calf should get colostrum within the first 36 hours of birth – either from a mother or artificial sources. A supply of frozen colostrum can be kept in the freezer, while some milk replacers also contain colostrum. Once the calf has received colostrum, it can be fed solely on whole milk or milk replacers. It is handy to have a bottle of colostrum in the freezer to feed newborn calves that may not have drunk from their mothers. Warm it up to 36°C before feeding and if you have ample supply, feed it for the first two days (normally up to 2L per feed), in the morning and evening.
Dehydrated calves
The calf should be rehydrated before getting any milk. Feeding a dehydrated calf with milk often results in scours and possibly death. Electrolyte mixtures are commercially available or can be mixed at home from 1 teaspoon table salt, ½ teaspoon baking soda and 125mL glucose in 1.2L of water. Electrolyte should be fed for at least 24 hours before milk is given.
Teat or bucket feeding
Cattle are ruminants and have four stomachs. At birth, the abomasum or fourth stomach is the only stomach that is functioning. Feeding using teats may be harder work however wh
Calf rearig
Calf rearing
From feeding colostrum and weaning to monitoring growth rates and disease control, our information and resources can help you to manage your dairy calves at this crucial stage.
Rearing dairy heifer calves is the second-largest annual expense for dairy farms, accounting for about 20% of production costs. Yet heifers produce no income until they reach first lactation and, often, no profit until their second lactation. However, with the best management, they will repay the investment in rearing costs with higher milk production and a longer productive life.
Colostrum management
Learn how much colostrum to feed and when, as well as how to collect, test and feed colostrum to make sure the calf gets crucial antibodies.
Since the time immemorial, animals have been an integral part of our food. They have been used to obtain food like milk, eggs, meat, etc. Other than the food, we use them even for some basic requirements like wool, silk, labour, etc. The population has reached its peak especially in a country like India. The population explosion has led to greater demand for basic requirements such as food, shelter, clothing, etc. To meet the increasing requirements and demands we need to apply a greater effort. One of such efforts to meet the food demand is animal husbandry. Animal husbandry includes cattle farming, poultry farming, fisheries, apiculture, etc. Here we will learn about cattle farming.
Animal Husbandry
Animal husbandry is the science of farming of animal livestock. It includes caring, breeding and management of livestock. Animal husbandry is a large scale business where animals that provide us food are reared, bred, sheltered and cared in a farm or regions which are specially built for them. Animal husbandry was initiated with cattle farming. Under the cattle farming, livestock such as cows, goats, buffalo, sheep, etc. are reared. Later, animal husbandry was even extended to poultry farming, fisheries, apiculture, etc. And this extends a helping hand to increasing needs of the generations.
Cattle Farming
Cattle farming involves rearing and management of two types of animals- one group for food requirements like milk and another for labour purposes like ploughing, irrigation, etc. Animals which provide milk are called milch/dairy animals. For example, goats, buffalo, cows, etc. Animals which are used for labour are called draught animals.
Since dairy animals are cared and bred for milk, we need to improve the milk production to meet the requirements. The period after the birth of a calf, when a cow starts to produce milk, is called lactation period. We can enhance milk production by increasing this lactation period. But along with milk production, quality must also me
The study was conducted in Dangila district that is found in Awi administrative zone of the Amhara National Regional State (Figure 1). Dangila is located along the main road from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar about 485 km northwest of Addis Ababa (country capital) and 78 km from Bahir Dar, the regional capital (DTAADO, 2018, unpublished). Geographically, the area is located between 11° 18ʹ N latitude and 36° 57ʹ E longitudes and it lies at an altitude of 2200 m a.s.l. The mean annual rainfall and temperature are 1576 mm and 17°C, respectively (DTAADO, 2018, unpublished).
The major crops that grow in Dangila district are maize, teff, wheat, millet, and potatoes (DTAADO, 2018, unpublished). According to Dangila town Agriculture and Development Office (2018), the annual report indicates that it has total livestock population of 162,877 cattle, 71,996 sheep and goats, 15,032 Equines, 115,144 chicken, and 14,350 bee colonies
2.2. Sampling procedure and sample size
The sampling frame in this study was designed based on households who are currently fattening at least one cattle. Hence, all the registered urban fatteners were sampled using a complete enumeration technique since the number of urban fatteners was manageable. For the peri-urban fatteners, a random sampling technique was applied due to the presence of a large number of cattle fatteners. As a result, in peri-urban kebeles, the sample size (n) was determined using the formula recommended by Yamane (1967),
n=N1+N(e)2, where: n = the sample size, N = the population size, and e = the level of precision. Accordingly, a total of 200 cattle fatteners (40 urban and 160 peri-urban) were selected and interviewed.
2.3. Data source and data collection method
The survey data were collected from both primary and secondary data sources. A semi-structured survey questionnaire was used to collect data on household characteristics, type, and breeds of fattening cattle, feeding, and management aspects of fattening cattle. A monito
TYPES OF DAIRY COWS
Dairy cows are bred for their ability to produce milk from which dairy foods are made. While there are many different breeds of cows, in the U.S., there are seven different dairy cow breeds: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn, Red & White. Learn more about each breed of dairy cow below!
dairying, also called dairy farming, branch of agriculture that encompasses the breeding, raising, and utilization of dairy animals, primarily cows, for the production of milk and the various dairy products processed from it.
Milk for human consumption is produced primarily by the cow and the water buffalo. The goat also is an important milk producer in China, India, and other Asian countries and in Egypt. Goat’s milk is also produced in Europe and North America but, compared to cow’s milk, goat’s milk is relatively unimportant. Buffalo’s milk is produced in commercial quantities in some countries, particularly India. Where it is produced, buffalo’s milk is used in the same way as is cow’s milk, and in some areas the community milk supply consists of a mixture of both. This article treats the principles and practices of dairy farming. For a discussion of dairy products, see the article dairy product.
Dairy herds
Dairy cows are divided into five major breeds: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein–Friesian, and Jersey. There are many minor breeds, among them the Red Dane, the Dutch Belted, and the Devon. There are also dual-purpose breeds used to produce milk and meat, notably the Milking Shorthorn and the Red Po
Holstein-Friesian cow.
Henry Elder/Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
The Ayrshire breed originated in Scotland. Animals of this breed are red and white or brown and white in colour, and they are strong, vigorous, and good foragers. Ayrshire milk contains about 4.1 percent butterfat. Switzerland is the native home of the Brown Swiss. These cows are silver to dark brown in colour, with a black nose and tongue. Brown Swiss are strong and vigorous. The average fat test of the milk is 4.1 percent. The Guernsey breed originated on Guernsey Island off the coast of France. The Guernsey is fawn-coloured with clear white markings. The milk averages about 4.8 percent fat and has a deep yellow colour. The Holstein–Friesian breed originated in the Netherl
GLOBAL MILK PRODUCTION
There are over 270 million cows producing milk across the world. The European Union is the largest milk producer and has about 23 million dairy cows. This compares with 10 million in North America and over 6 million in Australia and New Zealand. Milk production is also on the increase in South-East Asia, including countries not traditionally noted for their milk consumption, such as China, which now has over 12 million cows producing milk.
Intensive dairy farming results in an increasing number of welfare problems for dairy cows.
WELFARE ISSUES FOR DAIRY COWS
Good animal welfare depends on three components:
Physical well-being
Mental well-being
Natural living.
In intensive dairy farms, all three of these are compromised by periods of confinement in indoor housing, health problems due to higher milk yields and distress caused by early separation from their calves.
HIGHER MILK YIELD
Over the last fifty years, dairy farming has become more intensive to increase the amount of milk produced by each cow. The Holstein-Friesian, the most common type of dairy cow in the UK, Europe and the USA, has been bred to produce very high yields of milk. Milk production per cow has more than doubled in the past 40 years. An average of 22 litres per day is typical in the UK, with some cows producing up to 60 litres in a day during peak lactation. The average yield in the US is even higher, at over 30 litres per day.
Emaciated cow in tie stallDairy cows often become emaciated due to high milk yields
Given a natural healthy life, cows can live for twenty years or more. High-yielding dairy cows will typically be slaughtered after three or four lactations because their milk production drops and/or they are chronically lame or infertile.
LAMENESS, MASTITIS AND INFERTILITY
Lameness is painful and a significant welfare problem for dairy cows worldwide. Cows may go lame due to various conditions associated with bacterial infection, such as hoof lesions, sole ulcers
WELFARE ISSUES FOR DAIRY COWS
Good animal welfare depends on three components:
Physical well-being
Mental well-being
Natural living.
In intensive dairy farms, all three of these are compromised by periods of confinement in indoor housing, health problems due to higher milk yields and distress caused by early separation from their calves.
HIGHER MILK YIELD
Over the last fifty years, dairy farming has become more intensive to increase the amount of milk produced by each cow. The Holstein-Friesian, the most common type of dairy cow in the UK, Europe and the USA, has been bred to produce very high yields of milk. Milk production per cow has more than doubled in the past 40 years. An average of 22 litres per day is typical in the UK, with some cows producing up to 60 litres in a day during peak lactation. The average yield in the US is even higher, at over 30 litres per day.
Emaciated cow in tie stallDairy cows often become emaciated due to high milk yields
Given a natural healthy life, cows can live for twenty years or more. High-yielding dairy cows will typically be slaughtered after three or four lactations because their milk production drops and/or they are chronically lame or infertile.
LAMENESS, MASTITIS AND INFERTILITY
Lameness is painful and a significant welfare problem for dairy cows worldwide. Cows may go lame due to various conditions associated with bacterial infection, such as hoof lesions, sole ulcers, laminitis and digital dermatitis. These conditions can be caused by poor quality floors, ineffective foot trimming, poor nutrition and prolonged standing on concrete floors.
Thin Spanish cow with overgrown hooves
Malnourished cow with overgrown hooves
Mastitis, inflammation of the udder, is the painful result of bacterial infection that is prevalent among dairy cows. In a herd of 100 cows in the UK, there could be as many as 70 cases of mastitis every year on average. A cow’s udder can become infected with mastitis-causing bacteria due to contamina