Dairy cattle husbandry training module Adapted from “Guide for the care and use of agricultural animals in agricultural research and teaching”; Federation of Animal Science Societies; 1st revised edition, January 1999 NDSU-IACUC

Facilities and environment Dry area for loafing Adequate thermal comfort, physical comfort, disease control, freedom from fear Affect of heat and cold stress on lactation Calves outdoor hutches, bedded pens, elevated stalls dry, draft free, clean and dry NDSU-IACUC

Facilities and environment Fenced pastures, corrals, exercise yards with shelters, insulated and ventilated barns Outdoor exposure and exercise where appropriate Dry, non-slip substrate (dirt, rough concrete) NDSU-IACUC

Facilities and environment Area individual stalls (length of the animal), stanchions, tie stalls, free stalls Bedding dry long or chopped straw, poor quality hay, sand, sawdust, shavings, rice hulls absorbent, free of toxic chemicals NDSU-IACUC

Facilities and environment Free stalls one stall per lactating cow clean, dry bedding slope uphill from rear to front natural lying and rising behavior ease of cleaning NDSU-IACUC

Facilities and environment Special needs areas Preparturition clean, dry environment; ration for entering milking herd; free-stall housing Maternity well-ventilated; clean, dry and well-bedded; provisions for lifting “downer” animal; tractor access; adequate feeding space; clean, fresh water calving pasture; drainage; adequate space and shelter NDSU-IACUC

Facilities and environment Special needs areas Removing calf early removal is recommended about 12 hrs Postcalving area to observe cow for 0-7 days after calving; monitor feed intake and milk production; free stalls or large, well-bedded pens NDSU-IACUC

Facilities and environment Special needs areas Treatment artificial insemination pregnancy diagnosis postpartum examination sick cow examination surgery holding sick or injured animals Dry-off separation from milking herd for treatments, feeding, observation NDSU-IACUC

Facilities and environment Corrals scraping and flushing minimize moisture and mud Pasture appropriate stocking rates minimize stress of overgrazing Lighting NDSU-IACUC

Feed and water Formulated diets for maintenance, growth, production, reproduction Avoid contamination and spoilage of feeds Adequate space for feed and water Calves should consume 2-3 liters of colostrum within 4-5 hours of birth and another 2-3 liters within 24 hours of birth pooled, high quality colostrum Johne’s disease problems – see Johne’s module NDSU-IACUC

Feed and water Until calves can consume dry feed, give liquid food at 10% body weight per day until weaned Avoid giving water with milk to allow normal curd formation Dry feed and fiber to develop rumen microflora Clean, non-contaminated water available at all times Areas under watering sources should be dry NDSU-IACUC

Social environment Herd animals Cows handled individually undergo more stress than handling as a group Under duress may bellow, butt or kick Crowding can create stress and disease problems NDSU-IACUC

Husbandry Consult veterinarian for vaccination schedules Handling with stanchions, head gates, squeeze chutes, halters, rope, tail hold Use nose tongs, hobbles and electric prods sparingly May require assistance during dystocia (difficult birth) Handling of newborn calves dipping navel in 7% iodine colostrum NDSU-IACUC

Standard agricultural practices Individual identification Removal of supernumery teats on heifer calves Castration Dehorning NDSU-IACUC

Standard agricultural practices Foot care avoid acidosis (high grain diet) – can lead to laminitis (lameness) foot rot hairy heel warts footbaths and topical sprays may be appropriate avoid predisposing problems sharp rock substrates muddy ground NDSU-IACUC

Handling and transportation Loading and shipping knowledge of flight zone room for animal to turn stair steps and solid sides for loading ramps move slowly attempt to ship under favorable weather conditions calves should be 5 days old before shipment dry navel, adequate colostrum, walk easily, dry hair coat, protection from elements NDSU-IACUC

Special considerations Milking machine and udder sanitation program for regular milking machine maintenance clean floors, good traction, good lighting personnel with training to work in a dairy written operating procedures milk cows with mastitis last in line milking machine and udder sanitation udder washing, hair removal teat sanitation – predips, wiping, post milking hand washing of milkers NDSU-IACUC

Special considerations Stray voltage locate source of electrical current passing through animals poor electrical connections, corrosion of switches, frayed insulation, faulty equipment, heavily loaded power lines evaluate facilities voltage reduction, control of voltage leakage, gradient control, proper grounding, proper installation of equipment NDSU-IACUC

Special considerations Bulls Aggression makes handling difficult Many facilities do not maintain bulls If you do work with bulls remember aggression increases with age remove smaller, subordinate bulls from group human safety issues electroejaculation performed by experienced personnel NDSU-IACUC

Euthanasia Barbiturates Captive bolt Gunshot NDSU-IACUC