DAIRY CATTLE SELECTION AND EVALUATION

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.

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.

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 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.

FISC 61

In this course, students will learn the basic veterinary medical terminology and goals of a veterinarian as it pertains to the dairy cow and dairy young stock. Students will understand how to prevent herd health problems and will begin to recognize signs when they arise. Students will also be able to discuss health problems with the herd veterinarian. Specific topics will include: cattle disease problems; how the animal body works; digestive disorders, noninfectious diseases, principles of infection and sanitation; state regulations against disease.