This course highlights the economic importance of milk and its products, pure breeds and dual-purpose breeds of dairy cattle, the characteristics of the dairy animal, the lactation curve, the factors influencing milk production and composition, selection and genetic improvement in dairy cattle. The Course also emphasizes housing systems and the main aspects of the creation, management and running of dairy cattle farms
Course Objectives :
Acquaint the students with the important breeds of dairy cattle, management, raising and housing systems, and the factors affecting milk production and composition
Intended Learning Outcomes :
At the end of this course students should :
Recognize the importance of dairy production locally and worldwide.
Be familiar with important breeds of dairy cattle
know the structure of the cow’s udder and milk secretion and let down
Know the production and housing systems of dairy cattle.
Understand reproduction, feeding and ration formulation for dairy cattle
Know the factors affecting milk yield and milk composition
Recognize genetic improvement tools for dairy cattle and handling of records.
This is an important topic which provides the student the tools and knowledge on the standards used to judge dairy cattle based on physical appaearance including dairy characters and type traits.
Objectives:
1. Know the different body parts of the dairy cow
2. Know the main characteristics for judging dairy cows and the percentage of points for each characteristic
3. Recognize the dairy cow score card and be able to rank (judge) a group of cows based on their characteristics
Finally: Watch these videos on structure of the udder (cow's mammay gland) and formation of milk:
Topic 5
Topic Five: Establishing a Dairy Cattle Farm
Introduction:
Creating a dairy farm requires a big investment. A business plan is needed before starting such operation. This topic will introduce the student to the main steps to take when creating a dairy farm and the factors that need to be taken into cosideration.
Objectives:
1. Know the factors to take into consideration when starting a dairy farm
2. Understand the basic requirements for establishing a dairy farm
Plan:
First:Study the following powerpoint presentation on establishing a dairy farm
Topic Six:Management of Reproduction in Dairy Cattle
Introduction:
Management of reproduction of dairy cows is one of the most important tasks of dairy farmers. It is a critical factor in regard to profitability of dairy operations.
Objectives:
Understand the estrous cycle of dairy cows
Know how to detect heat (estrus) in dairy cows and recognize the new technological aids in detection of estrus.
Determine the appropriate time for inseminating cows
Understand the factors which affect pregnancy rate of cows
Plan:
First:Study the following presentation on the topic.
1.Watch the following video to Understand the ventilation needs of new buildings, looking at the negative impact of ineffective airflow. Considering the techniques used to remove excess heat, vapour and viruses whilst providing an even distribution of air flow and speed.
2.The following video shows selection of shots of different dairy housing systems with problems for the cows.