1. Dairy Production

2. History

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. Hormone Cycle

10. Milk Production Alveoli produce milk Grapelike clusters Takes raw material from the bloodstream to make milk 300 - 500 pounds of blood circulated thorugh udder for one pounds of milk produced

11. Milk Yields