DAIRY HERD HEALTH

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.

MEDSC-V 570

Introduces use of the problem oriented medical record concepts, history taking, physical examination and basic restraint, and diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in large and small domestic animals.

FISC 114

Students will learn practical nutrition for lactating dairy cows, dairy heifers, and dairy beef. This course covers digestion and nutrient metabolism, milk synthesis and ration formulation guidelines and stresses importance of quality forage in the feeding program. Students will learn the basic anatomy and physiology of the digestive system of ruminant animals and how feeding and management are geared toward optimizing rumen function. This course will introduce the basic concepts of nutrition and how feeds provide nutrients and basic skills necessary for feeding dairy cattle. Students will learn how to assess animal performance and adequacy of the feeding program through evaluating intake, body condition, and transition cow health and learn how to feed and manage growing ruminants.

MEDSC-V 741

Explore animal diseases and dysfunction spanning multiple body systems. Through a structured approach comprising various modules, including foundations of disease, and barriers and defense, explore disease etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methodologies, therapeutic interventions, and preventive strategies. Interdisciplinary perspectives will be employed to develop an understanding of the mechanisms underlying various animal diseases. Apply didactic knowledge to real-world scenarios. Utilize foundational knowledge with an emphasis on practical clinical applications and the development of clinical reasoning essential for navigating the complexities of veterinary practice.

FISC 105

In this course, students will learn the basics of genetic selection programs and the effectiveness of appropriate selection strategies specific to the dairy farm. Genomic testing research and advanced reproductive techniques will be discussed and students will learn about the correct application of these techniques on their farm. Basic anatomy of a dairy cow and linear scoring systems. After establishing dairy cow conformation and functionality and appraisal systems, students will evaluate cattle using type scorecards to improve the appearance, performance and longevity of dairy cattle. Following the understanding of the factors that impact the value of cattle, students will also learn how to apply corrective mating programs to improve perceived defects or nonexistent features in their herd(s).