Dairy cattle need proper feeding and care to achieve optimum milk production. Optimal feeding of dairy animals is critical as it affects their growth and resistance to disease.
Management from Birth to Weaning
The period from birth to weaning is crucial for calf survival. During the first stage of life (1st – 6 weeks), the calf is highly susceptible to diseases such as scours and digestive disorders. Inadequate care during this period can lead to a high mortality rate.
The calf should be separated from the dam after the first 3-5 days to allow the calf to obtain colostrum. Afterward, the calf can be fed either a concentrate or a starter replacement diet. Good quality legume hay should be provided alongside the concentrate.
The amount of grower concentrate fed depends on the size of the heifer, the amount and quality of forage consumed, and the quality of the concentrate.
Salt licks and plenty of water should be provided. Heifers are typically grouped together until about 1 year of age. After this period, bull heifers should be separated from female heifers to prevent premature mating. Heifers usually show signs of heat at 12-15 months of age.
Signs of Heat in Dairy Cattle
Heat is the period when the female is ready to accept the male. Signs include:
1. Standing still to be mounted
2. Restlessness
3. Swollen vulva
4. Secretion of mucus
5. Frequent urination
6. Monitoring other animals and sniffing their urine
The heat period is best observed between 6 PM and 6 AM. The female can be served by a male or through artificial insemination (AI).
The pregnancy period lasts 9 months, ending with the birth of the calf. Management practices such as flushing and steaming up should be carried out, as previously outlined in the notes on breeding management of small ruminants.
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Care During Parturition
About 2 weeks before parturition, the pregnant female should be taken to a clean, disease-free, well-bedded, comfortable, and easily observable calving pen. The animal should be left undisturbed in the pen. The normal labor period of a cow lasts 2 hours. If labor is prolonged and the calf is not yet born, veterinary assistance should be sought.
Signs of Parturition
1. Restlessness
2. Relaxation and swelling of the vulva
3. Enlargement of the udder
4. Mucus discharge from the vulva
5. Sinking of the flanks
6. Seeking isolation from the herd
Heifers typically experience a longer parturition period than cows. The placenta should be expelled within 24 hours. The cow should not be allowed to eat the placenta as it may cause stomach upset.
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Post-Partum Breeding
The first heat after parturition is usually observed 35-45 days after calving, extending to 50-75 days in mature animals in the tropics. This period may be longer due to underfeeding or delayed involution of the reproductive tract.
Feeding during this period is crucial as it affects milk production. Typically, animals are fed concentrate rations based on their level of milk production and grazed on high-quality pasture. Animals should not be bred at the first post-partum estrus. The second post-partum estrus occurs 90 days after calving, when the animal is ready for re-breeding. Animals with parturition problems should be left until the third heat period.
Drying the Cow
This refers to the period when the animal is no longer producing milk. The drying period is necessary because:
1. It gives the animal sufficient rest before the next lactation.
2. It allows for repair and regeneration of the udder’s secretory cells.
3. It improves milk production in the next lactation.
The drying period lasts 45-60 days. Animals should be fed good-quality concentrate and forage. When the animal is dried, the teats must be disinfected, and the animal should receive antibiotics, especially to prevent mastitis.
Both internal and external parasites should be controlled, and vaccinations should be administered against preventable diseases.
In conclusion, proper management of dairy animals is essential to ensure high production levels. Dairy cows react immediately to poor nutrition with a sudden drop in milk production. Maintaining good sanitation is crucial to prevent infections, as milk is a suitable medium for microorganism growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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