The Dairy Industry

What are the proper terms used in describing dairy cattle, and what are the parts of a dairy animal?

A. The following are common names and terms used in describing dairy cattle. 1. Cattle are bovines, which are members of

the genus Bos. 2. A mature male is a bull. 3. A mature female is a cow. 4. A young male is a bull. 5. A young female is a heifer. 6. A castrated male is a steer. 7. A newborn is a calf. 8. A group of cattle is a herd.

B. Dairy cattle have many external parts that we need to identify to judge them and to describe any problems the animals may have.

C. Since dairy cattle are used mainly for milk production, the reproductive system and mammary system comprise the most important internal parts.

1. The reproductive system is the system that reproduces cattle by natural, in vitro, or various artificial means of insemination.

2. The mammary system is the system that produces milk after parturition.

What are the major dairy cattle breeds?

Seven major breeds of dairy cattle are used for milking.

Each breed has advantages and disadvantages.

A. Holstein cattle are the most popular breed of dairy cattle. This breed makes up more than 90 percent of the dairy

cattle in the United States. The name Holstein is shortened from Holstein-Friesian. The breed came from The Netherlands in the early

1600s. The animals are black and white and very large.

The cows can weigh up to 1,500 pounds, and the bulls up to 2,200 pounds.

The biggest advantage of Holsteins is that, in comparison to other breeds, they produce the largest average amount of milk per cow.

The disadvantage is that although they produce more milk, it is lower in butterfat and protein.

Butterfat is the fat content of the milk.

B. Red & White Holstein cattle evolved from black-and-white Holsteins. Other than the color

difference, all characteristics of the Red & White Holstein and the Holstein are very similar.

The animals are large and have high milk production but with lower butterfat and lower protein than other breeds.

C. Ayrshire cattle originated in Scotland and were introduced to North America in the early 1800s. The colors are light to dark

cherry red, brown, and white in any combination.

There is also a polled strain of Ayrshire.

The animals of this breed are most widely known for having strong feet and legs, good grazing ability, and strong, well-attached udders.

D. Brown Swiss dairy cattle originated in the Alps of Switzerland and were introduced to North America in 1869. In comparison to Holsteins,

Brown Swiss cattle have a higher fat and protein ratio and a calmer disposition.

The Brown Swiss is solid brown, varying greatly from very light to dark.

Both the nose and the tongue are black, and the muzzle has a light-colored band around it.

E. Guernsey dairy cattle originated on the island of Guernsey and were brought to North America in 1831. Their color is mostly fawn, with

clearly defined white markings. Guernsey cattle usually have

smaller calves than other breeds. They are most commonly known for their milk

color, which is more golden than that of other breeds.

The popularity of Guernseys has declined, although they are small, quiet cattle that are very easy to work with.

F. Jersey cattle originated on the island of Jersey and were brought to North America in 1850. They vary greatly in color and

color patterns, which may be fawn, near white, or grayish and may or may not include white markings.

The breed is especially known for its udder qualities: well shaped with strong attachments.

Although the amount of milk is lower in Jersey cattle than other breeds, the butterfat and protein content is the highest.

The popularity of this small breed has increased in the last few years.

G. The Milking Shorthorn originated in England and can be any combination of red and white, just red, or just white. The breed is very adaptable to a variety of

situations and is commonly used for beef production as well as dairy.

The breed is fairly new compared with other breeds, since it was just designated as a dairy breed in 1968.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of dairy production?

Dairy production has several advantages and disadvantages.

A. The advantages of raising dairy cattle are: 1. The raising of dairy cattle has proven to be a

stable agricultural enterprise for many years. 2. Dairy production leads to a reasonable profit

and allows for long-term financial growth. 3. Dairy producers take great pride and

satisfaction in ownership and production of milk and milk products.

4. Dairy animals react and bond to kindness.

5. The dairy industry provides wholesome milk and other dairy foods and products to consumers.

6. The dairy industry also contributes to the beef supply.

7. Dairy cattle provide an interest to FFA and 4-H projects.

B. The disadvantages of raising dairy cattle are: 1. Cows must be milked twice

a day. 2. A huge capital investment is

needed. 3. Dairy cattle cannot get an adequate supply

of nutrients from roughages alone. Their rations must include concentrates. Concentrates are feeds, such as grains or protein

supplements, that allow the diet to be high-energy based.

4. Lactation requires large amounts of nutrients.

What facilities and equipment are required in dairy production?

Dairy cattle production facilities and equipment need to be designed to reduce labor, cleaning, feeding, and handling.

The production of dairy cattle requires a greater level of labor than any other livestock enterprise. A. Modern dairy cattle farms commonly house cattle in free-stall (or loose) housing systems.

B. Other types of housing used in dairy cattle production are cold housing and warm housing.

Cold housing is housing that is kept cold in the winter and is unheated. The use of natural wind allows for ventilation,

removes moisture, and keeps the building cold. Warm housing is housing that has

insulation and is kept warm throughout the winter. The animal’s body heat warms the building,

while the insulation keeps the warmth inside.

What facilities and equipment are required in dairy production? 1. Each type of building is designed to use

the free-stall housing system. 2. Many dairy cattle producers install

rubber or another type of non-slip flooring in their barns to increase the ease of movement among their cattle.

3. Bedding used in dairy cattle barns can range from waterbeds to sand beds to mattresses made of rubber or foam.

4. In some dairy barns, fans and misters are used to keep cows cool and comfortable during warm days.

C. Dairy calves do not normally nurse their mothers. Commonly, calves are

removed from their mothers and fed milk replacer up to eight weeks of age.

Calves are housed in calf hutches.

These hutches usually have one open side and provide a healthy environment for the babies.

D. Milking parlors have become more and more common in the United States. A milking parlor speeds up the milking process,

reduces labor, and increases cleanliness.

What are the leading states and nations in dairy production?

A. The leading dairy-producing states, based on dairy cash receipts, are the following: (1) California (2) Wisconsin

(3) New York (4) Pennsylvania (5) Idaho

G. The United States exports many dairy products. Some of the different types are

cheese, lactose, whey, ice cream, infant formula, fluid milk and cream, and milk powders.

Our main exports are to Mexico, China, Japan, Southeastern Asia, and Canada.

Other markets include Korea, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and South America.

H. The United States also imports milk products that are not made domestically. These include casein, milk

protein concentrates, and European-style cheeses.

The United States mainly imports from the European Union and New Zealand.

How does the dairy industry affect the U.S. economies?

Currently, the structure of the U.S. dairy industry is changing from smaller to larger farms.

The cost advantage and improved efficiency of larger farms increases dairy productivity and maintains dairy prices.

This change in the dairy industry has allowed the United States to expand competition beyond its borders.

A. Developing countries are demanding milk to increase the nutrient level of diets, and developed countries are seeking specialty dairy products.

As long as changing diets continue to demand milk and other dairy products, exports will grow, as will the dairy industry.

Therefore, the dairy industry has a huge impact on the U.S. economy.

Dairy farms in the United States have shown high levels of efficiency.

If U.S. dairy farms continue to respond efficiently to technological change, globalization of dairy trade, and changes in consumer demand, the future of the U.S. dairy sector will be strong.

B. Large dairy farms are located all over the country. More are striking roots in the

Midwest, where grain is readily available.

Large operations have significant cost advantages over smaller operations.

The major cost advantage is their ability to clinch overhead costs.

Large farms can use capital and labor far more intensively than smaller operations.

Small dairy farms must find niche markets to survive.

Organic dairy products have allowed small dairy farms to produce on a lesser scale.

Organic feed costs more than conventional feed; however, the organic milk market provides premium prices.

Current organic standards require that dairy cows have access to pasture.

This encourages small dairy farms to make a mark in this niche market because larger dairy farms operate less land per cow.

What are common diseases and disorders that affect dairy cattle, and what are appropriate prevention and treatment methods?

Several diseases and disorders can affect dairy cattle.

Good management systems, nutrition, and prevention programs can control these.

A. Metabolic disorders can occur in dairy herds.

A metabolic disorder is a disease resulting in the inability of an animal to make proper use of nutrients.

1. Milk fever is the most common metabolic disorder in dairy cattle. Approximately 6 percent of U.S. dairy cattle will be

affected yearly. Usually milk fever occurs shortly after calving. The disease is caused by an acute deficiency of calcium. Older cows and cows with a history of high milk

production are more prone to milk fever than heifers. Signs of milk fever are weakness; small tremors in the

triceps; and possible loss of consciousness, with the head curled toward the body.

Milk fever can be treated with injections of calcium gluconate.

Cows are likely to die if they are not treated or if milk fever is severe.

Prevention of milk fever is good nutritional management of dry cows.

2. Ketosis is a metabolic disorder in dairy cattle and commonly occurs during the first six weeks after calving. It is caused by extra ketone bodies

in the blood, urine, and milk. These give off an odor that

characterizes ketosis. Other signs are low appetite, low

milk production, weight loss, and constipation. If a cow is eating, treatment can be put into grain to

increase blood sugar levels. To prevent ketosis, a producer should use high-quality

hay, provide sufficient proteins, avoid fattening cows at the time of calving, and increase concentrates once a calf is born.

3. Grass tetany is classified as a metabolic disorder and is caused by poor levels of magnesium in the blood. This disease is most likely to occur in lactating cows on

lush, spring pastures. Pastures with low levels of magnesium and high levels of

potassium and nitrogen are the most common cause. The primary sign of grass tetany is a twitching of the

muscles. Cows may also have trouble breathing and fall while

grazing. Intravenous injections of magnesium salt are a

treatment. A preventive is the feeding of a free-choice

supplement containing magnesium.

B. Bloat is a disorder that causes discomfort to cattle and could lead to death. Bloating is the swelling of an animal’s

left side. This could cause pressure on the

diaphragm and lungs, resulting in breathing trouble.

There is no exact cause of bloating. Alfalfa hay, high levels of concentrate feeds, and high

levels of legume pastures have been shown to create bloating symptoms.

A veterinarian should be consulted regarding treatment. To prevent bloating, feed dry forages before allowing

grazing on legume pastures, keep salt and water available, and avoid a rapid fill to cattle stomachs when they are empty.

C. Anaplasmosis is a disease of cattle with symptoms of increased body temperature, weight loss, and poor appetite. This disease is caused by a parasite usually

carried by horse flies, stable flies, or mosquitoes.

However, it can also be spread by contaminated instruments, such as needles, tattoo equipment, and dehorning saws.

The disease has several forms. Treatment consists of antibiotics.

D. Mastitis is an inflammation of the udder. Signs include fever, depression,

decreased milk production, abnormal milk, hardening or sensitivity of the udder, and loss of appetite.

Sometimes signs are not visible. Bacteria can spread through wash rags, milking

machines, or dirty lots and bedding. Several types of bacteria can cause mastitis. Cleaning and controlling the environment,

drying teats after milking, and avoiding overmilking are just a few methods of prevention.

Several testing techniques help a producer determine the type and cause of mastitis.

The California Mastitis Test is a simple test that can be used.

Treatments are sensitive to the severity of each case.

An infected cow should be moved to an individual pen, and a veterinarian contacted.

Once treatment for a cow has been determined, evaluation and review of the animal’s performance should be closely monitored.

The California Mastitis Test (CMT) is a simple test used to detect mastitis in its early stages.

A positive test result allows the producer to start treating an animal immediately.

A. Needed for the test are a CMT paddle and CMT solution.

B. The steps of the CMT are as follows: 1. About 1 teaspoon of milk is taken from

each quarter. 2. About 1 teaspoon of the CMT solution is

added to each compartment on the paddle.

3. The CMT paddle is rotated in a circular motion to mix the milk and the solution.

4. The results are read.

C. The CMT is scored as follows: 1. If no thickening of the mixture occurs,

the score is N. This means Negative (not infected).

2. If a slight thickening occurs and the reaction disappears as rotation of the paddle continues, the score is T. This means Trace (possible infection).

3. If the mixture has a distinct thickening but does not form a gel, the score is 1. This means Weak Positive (infected).

4. If there is immediate onset of thickening and a slight gel starts to form, the score is 2. This means Distinct Positive (infected).

5. If a gel forms and the mixture elevates, the score is 3. This means Strong Positive (infected)

D. Paddles should be rinsed after each test.

E. Tests should be performed on lactating animals monthly, and records kept.