Dairy Production

History

Large component of American Agriculture Account for 13% of farm commodities Unique in only animal production area intended for food consumption only 85%Holstein breed Rely on more forage than grain Five leading states in milk production include: Wisconsin California New York Minnesota Pennsylvania

Milk Facts Milk is “Natures Most Perfect Food” Milk is 87% water Consume: 28.8 gallons of milk 23.7 pounds of cheese 16 pounds of ice cream 4.3 pounds of butter 4.3 pounds of yogurt Low fat milk once thought of disadvantage

Feeding General considerations: Were mainly raised on pasture Today large dairies keep cows in lots or barns Feed balanced ration of: Silage (corn or hay) Corn Grain sorghum Cottonseed Molassus Hay

TMR A Mixer Wagon with innovative Reel and Auger Design for your Total Mixed Ration Fluffy, more palatable total mixed ration Faster, more thorough mix Less pressure means less power required, less machine wear, less feed breakdown Efficient hay handling capability

Feeds Silage: Plants are cut while still growing Stored to ferment Maintains palatability and longevity of feed Must not feed to cows before milking or will create an off flavor

Gestation Pregnancy = Gestation 280 days Estrus lasts ? Days 2 calf per year starting at age 2 Must have calf to keep milk production high

Hormone Cycle

Milk Production Alveoli produce milk Grapelike clusters Takes raw material from the bloodstream to make milk pounds of blood circulated thorugh udder for one pounds of milk produced

Milk Yields