Leaving Cert Agricultural Science Beef & Dairy Cattle: Outline the contrasting breeding

Outline the contrasting breeding strategies employed in two differing dairy farms, one involved in liquid milk production, the other a creamery milk supplier - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 3 - 2009

Question 3

Outline the contrasting breeding strategies employed in two differing dairy farms, one involved in liquid milk production, the other a creamery milk supplier. For a... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Outline the contrasting breeding strategies employed in two differing dairy farms, one involved in liquid milk production, the other a creamery milk supplier - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 3 - 2009

Step 1

Outline the contrasting breeding strategies employed in two differing dairy farms, one involved in liquid milk production, the other a creamery milk supplier.

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Answer

In liquid milk production, dairy farms often focus on year-round calving to maintain a constant milk supply. This strategy allows for a steady income stream, as dairies pay for milk based on quantity. The herd may include a mix of pure breeds and crossbreeds, selected specifically for their milk yield.

Conversely, a creamery milk supplier may employ spring calving, which allows the farm to utilize seasonal pastures effectively. Dairies in this sector typically pay for milk quality, emphasizing higher fat and protein content. Therefore, farmers would select their cows based on these traits, not just quantity, aiming for a trade-off between quality and production volume.

Step 2

For a spring-calving maiden heifer construct a graph showing her growth-curve over the two-year period. Your graph should indicate target weights at: (i) birth

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Answer

The target weight at birth for a spring-calving maiden heifer is approximately 40 kg.

Step 3

(ii) first winter housing

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Answer

The target weight at first winter housing (around 6 months) is estimated at 200 kg.

Step 4

(iii) service

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The target weight at service (around 15 months) is around 300 kg.

Step 5

(iv) calving.

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Answer

The target weight at calving (around 24 months) is approximately 550 kg.

Step 6

Give three reasons for the rest period between the end of one lactation and the start of the next.

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Answer

Energy recovery: During the rest period, a cow can regain energy lost during lactation.
Body condition recovery: This period allows the cow to adjust her body condition score, ensuring she is fit for the next lactation cycle.
Repair of udder tissue: A necessary recovery time is essential for the physical rehabilitation of the udder, optimizing milk production in the subsequent lactation.

Outline the contrasting breeding strategies employed in two differing dairy farms, one involved in liquid milk production, the other a creamery milk supplier - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 3 - 2009

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Outline the contrasting breeding strategies employed in two differing dairy farms, one involved in liquid milk production, the other a creamery milk supplier - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 3 - 2009

Outline the contrasting breeding strategies employed in two differing dairy farms, one involved in liquid milk production, the other a creamery milk supplier.

For a spring-calving maiden heifer construct a graph showing her growth-curve over the two-year period. Your graph should indicate target weights at: (i) birth

(ii) first winter housing

(iii) service

(iv) calving.

Give three reasons for the rest period between the end of one lactation and the start of the next.

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