tailieunhanh - WORKING WITH DAIRY CATTLE

Growth performance of an animal at various stages of the growth curve directly influences profitability in beef production systems (Newman and Coffey 1999). The expression of these traits is dependent on the animal’s inherent growth ability and production environment (Davis 1993). These traits directly influence carcass (Pariacote et al. 1998), reproductive and milk production traits (Burrow 2001). They also form the basis of selection in many of the genetic improvement programs due to their early expression and ease of measurement. . | Working with Dairy Cattle is designed for youth interested in developing a dairy cattle project. It was created to help young people build skills in selecting raising and managing a dairy heifer from a calf to a milking cow. For more information contact Holstein Foundation PO Box 816 Brattleboro VT 05302-0816 Telephone 800-952-5200 Information and editorial guidance provided by Kelli Dunklee Ed Peck Dr. Katherine M. Swift Lindsey Worden TABLE OF CONTENTS Objectives of Working with Dairy Cattle . 2 Selecting Your Feeding Your Housing for Your Health and Management of Your Heifer . 9 Preparing Your Cattle for Show or Sale . 12 Selecting a Service Sire for Your Heifer. 14 Preparing for Milking Feeding the Lactating Treatment During the Dry Identification Record Managment Breeding and Calving Summary of Producing Cows. 23 Dairy Cow Unified Breed Characteristics . 25 Objectives of Working with Dairy Cattle Your heifer project will provide you with an opportunity to raise dairy calves and learn more about various management procedures. This handbook is not a complete directory of everything you will need to know to raise a calf. Instead it is a guide which provides hints that will help make your experience of raising a calf both educational and successful. The information provided has been collected from a variety of sources such as state extension bulletins University publications and 4-H handbooks. Becoming involved with cattle will give you the chance to raise and care for dairy animals from calves to cows. A project such as this can help you . develop basic techniques in feeding and caring for an animal learn the principles of good record keeping develop basic marketing principles gain experience in buying developing and showing an animal learn how to present an animal and yourself before the public develop good personal character gain leadership .