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Dairy Cattle Essentials

Dairy Cattle Essentials . Texas 4-H and Youth Development. Topics to Discuss. The following topics will be discussed: Selection Facilities Nutrition Health Management Show Rules & Health Requirement. Texas 4-H and Youth Development. Selection.

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Dairy Cattle Essentials

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  1. Dairy Cattle Essentials Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  2. Topics to Discuss The following topics will be discussed: • Selection • Facilities • Nutrition • Health • Management • Show Rules & Health Requirement Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  3. Selection • Dairy heifer should excel in frame, body capacity, and dairy character • Should be growthy and well developed based on her age • Shows age divisions are typically divided on a 3 month break- Ex. March, June, September, December • All major shows require heifers to be registered and papers transferred to the exhibitor prior to the ownership date listed in show’s premium list Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  4. Selection cont. • Most common breeds • Holstein • Jersey • Brown Swiss • Southwestern Exposition & Livestock Show (Fort Worth), San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, State Fair of Texas, Heart of Texas Fair (Waco), South Plains Fair (Lubbock) accept the above breeds. • Open shows in Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Lubbock allow junior exhibitors to double enter and show in both Junior and Open divisions Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  5. Facilities • Heifers should be kept in a large pen that is well drained, sheltered from rain and wind, and preferably opened to the south. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  6. Nutrition • Clean fresh water available at all times is very important. • High quality coastal or hybrid sudan and a 16-18 percent textured grain is ideal depending on age • A 1:1 calcium phosphorous mineral is also very important along with loose white salt Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  7. Health • Should be vaccinated (Brucellosis) between 4-6 months of age • Free of ectoparasites and internal parasites • Use only approved insecticides, wormers, and vaccines for dairy cattle • Other vaccinations should include: Lepto – Vibrio, IBR, PI3, BVD, BRSW, and Blackleg/Clostridia complex Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  8. Management • Heifer should be taught to lead as early as possible. • Rope halter should be used • Make sure halter does not get wet and shrink into the head • Work daily to train heifer to lead and stand properly • Brushing hair is excellent way to maintain hair and gentle animal Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  9. Management cont. • Consider hoof trimming early in the feeding process • Keeping pen well drained and dry will encourage harder hoof development and less hoof problems • Consider breeding heifers at 15-16 months of age. • Timing to targeted shows and to calve during ideal class breaking months is important Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  10. Management cont. • AI sire should be used with high predicted difference of milk, milkfat %, protein % and type scores will add value to the heifer if sold as a bred heifer • Management to calving and post calving is critical • Can be difficult to keep cows healthy during this time. • Proper nutrition to avoid calving difficulty is important. • After calving arrange for the cow to be milked at dairy(prevents udder damage) Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  11. Show Rules and Health Requirement • Read rules for each show attending to identify specific rules. • Each show will vary • Check on Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and requirements for negative brucellosis and negative tuberculosis tests Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  12. Additional questions to address with Exhibitors • What are the goals of the 4-H member and family? • Do you wish to exhibit a dairy heifer? • Have you developed a plan to appropriately care for your project after her first calf? (Milking arrangements) • Do you need assistance in locating and selecting your project? Texas 4-H and Youth Development

  13. Conclusions • All aspects of the selection process should be understood. • Proper facilities should be available. • Proper diets and nutritional information about feeding dairy heifers should be identified. • Health is one of the most important aspects of raising dairy heifers. • Time must be spent with heifer to ensure she can lead and stand properly • All rules should be followed in regards to registration and health papers. Texas 4-H and Youth Development

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