DAIRY HERD MANAGEMENT I

FISC 63

In this comprehensive course, students will learn how to care for their herd to increase production and profits. Use of business, feeding, and herd management tools in dairy farm operation will be covered in depth. Case studies of individual farms used for analysis and planning. Specific topics covered will include: cattle movement and behavior, calf care, heifer care, nutrition, reproduction, fresh cows and diseases, parlor management, milk harvest, mammary anatomy, mastitis and milk quality control, cattle comfort and housing options, herd culling decisions, and interacting with the consumer.

DYSCI 535

Principles of nutrition, breeding, reproduction, and management at the farm level are integrated. Develop skills in decision making, information gathering, problem solving, and interpersonal communication through field trips to working commercial dairy operations.

DYSCI 205

Dairy cattle evaluation and selection, including: linear type appraisal, dairy cattle judging, mating programs, breed comparisons, cattle marketing, and national genetic improvement programs.

DYSCI 234

The second of a two course sequence designed as an overview of practical dairy herd management with components of animal welfare and handling, health, calf and heifer rearing, facilities and production economics. Laboratories emphasize practical applications, investigation of alternatives and decision making.

DYSCI 534

Provides the technical knowledge and practical skills to design and execute an effective reproductive management program for dairy cattle. Study key reproductive physiology and practical research results that underlie reproductive management programs. Participate in hands-on laboratories to learn, practice, and demonstrate practical reproductive management techniques including: semen handling, artificial insemination, and ultrasound of ovaries and uterus.