August 2008 Breeds of Dairy Cattle 6 major U.S. breeds Original by Nicki Schaefer GA Ag Ed Curriculum Office To accompany the Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Lesson July 2002

August 2008 Milk Most wholesome & complete food Oldest agricultural industry –dates back 7,000 years

August 2008 Care of Milk Milk is easily contaminated with bacteria –udder is close to ground Cows can carry Brucellosis –causes undulant fever in humans –cows are tested each year Pasteurization: heat to 161 degrees F for 15 seconds –kills bacteria

August 2008 Milking Dairy cows require lots of high quality feed, lots of concentrates & water Dairies milk 2-3 times / day –udder is washed & dried –primed by hand –milking machine pipes milk to a cooling tank –dip teats in iodine to disinfect & close sphincter muscle

August 2008 Milking Any cows treated with antibiotics, milk is not suited to humans –can cause a whole truck of milk to be dumped out due to contamination Lactation period = 10 months, dry = 2 months Freshen: cows calve and begin to lactate Colostrum: mothers first milk, loaded with antibiotics etc. for the calf –first 3 days milk from a cow can’t be fed to humans (feed to calf)

August 2008 Milking Calves are usually not allowed to nurse from their mother –bottle fed colostrum, then milk replacer or cows milk

August 2008 Mastitis Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland and udder tissue, and is a major endemic disease of dairy cattle

August 2008 Aryshire Originated in Scotland Originally known as the Dunlop Color: red and white Good feet and legs, Excels in udder conformation Medium-sized frame

August 2008 Brown Swiss Originated in Switzerland Because of foot and mouth disease, only 3 have been imported since 1906 Good temperament and strong feet and legs Color: gray or light brown to dark brown

August 2008 Guernsey Originated from the Isle of Guernsey Known for high quality (high fat and protein content) milk while consuming less feed Intermediate frame

August 2008 Holstein Originated in Europe Large frame Color: black and white or red and white Known for outstanding milk production

August 2008 Jersey Originated from the Isle of Jersey (small British isle) Color: very light gray to dark brown or almost black Known for high milk fat Wide-range of body weight; typically smaller-framed

August 2008 Milking Shorthorn Originated in England Color: red, white, red and white, roan Most versatile of all breeds: good producers, good temperament, good calves, good frame