Name: Birthdate: Address: Town: State: Zip Code: Name of 4-H Club Club Leader: Years in 4-H: Years in Dairy Project:
The 4-H Motto Targeting Life Skills
My 4-H Story Usethe space below to write your 4-H Story What was most enjoyable about this year in 4-H. What things did you learn? What skills did you gain from participation in 4-H? Information on who helped you with your project(s) and how they influenced your experience.
Whenever your animal is given a vaccination, or had a health problem, write this in the lines. Be sure to you write the date, vaccination/ health problem, how long it took for your animal to get over the disease, the treatment, and cost. Illness, Vaccination, Problem Treatment Time Period
Dairy Breeds What are the breeds and breed characteristics of dairy cattle used in the United States? Which are the most popular? Six breeds of dairy cattle are commonly used in the United States: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey and Milking Shorthorn. None of these were developed in America. However, all dairy breeds have long and rich histories. Although there are significantly larger and smaller animals in each breed, the mature cow size for each breed can be seen in Table 1 Table 1. Mature Cow Size and Statistics by Breed Breed Body Weight, Lbs. Milk Production, Lbs./Lactation Butterfat, Lbs./ Lactation Protein, Lbs./Lactation Ayrshire 1,300 (1,200-1,500) 18,238 702 571 Brown Swiss 1,500 (1,300-1,800) 21,736 865 717 Guernsey 1,200 (1,000-1,600) 17,269 762 563 Holstein 1,500 (1,300-2,000) 25,635 932 775 Jersey 1,000 (800-1,200) 18,315 847 658 Milking Shorthorn 1,400 (1,200-1,500) 17,607 642 544 Red & White 1,500 (1,300-1,800) 23,042 853 695 AYRSHIRE Ayrshires originated in the highlands of Ayr, Scotland, in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The exact breeds used in the development of Ayrshires are not known, but genes of Dutch cattle, White Park cattle and improved Shorthorns probably contributed to the mix. The cattle of Ayr were formally recognized as a breed in 1814. During origination, cattle of any color were acceptable, but the preferred reddish brown and white color pattern emerged in the mid-1800s. Ayrshires are known for their style and dairy character, distinct brown-and-white color markings, and graceful upturned horns. While most Ayrshires in commercial herds are dehorned, and polled (without horns) strains are available, some producers that show cattle still leave the graceful horns intact. These cattle are easy to keep compared to other dairy breeds, and can flourish with limited resources. Ayrshires are also known for their structural correctness and longevity, especially in the shape and quality of their udders.
BROWN SWISS Although named for Switzerland, Brown Swiss appeared in Switzerland, Germany and Austria at about the same time. The breed structure appears similar to bones from native cattle found in the area during the Bronze Age, as early as 1300 B.C. There may have been an infusion of other breeds such as the Pinzgauer during early development of the breed. Initially, these large, brown-colored cattle were selected to perform as a dual-purpose breed. Dual-purpose breeds are used for both beef and dairy production. However, dairy characteristics have been emphasized in America. Brown Swiss are hardy animals able to withstand extreme environmental conditions. The first continuous record book was published in Switzerland in 1893, while the first record book in the United States was published in 1881. The first American breed association was the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders Association formed in 1880. The first Brown Swiss landed in America in 1869. In the early 1900s, many Brown Swiss herds were depopulated due to hoof-and-mouth disease. Depopulation means the animals were destroyed. GUERNSEY The island of Guernsey, from which Guernseys take their name, is located in the English Channel. French monks located there brought with them several French breeds that were probably forerunners of today's Guernsey cattle. Cattle breeders were known to have used a type of score card on the island as early as 1830 to select cattle based on ideal type. Early records prove Guernseys were used as draft animals. A draft animal is one used to pull loads such as a wagon, plow or stumps. Guernseys are moderate in size and are buff and white in color. The most notable trait of Guernseys is the color of their milk. "Golden Guernsey" milk was popularized after World War I, and is more yellow in color than milk from other breeds. Guernsey milk has higher levels of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. The milk also contains a high butterfat content, making it especially suitable for cheese and butter manufacturing. The first herd book was started in 1878 on the island of Guernsey, shortly after the first American herd book was published in 1877. The American Guernsey Cattle Club was formed to record registrations of Guernsey cattle in 1877. The name has since been shortened to the American Guernsey Association. HOLSTEIN Black and white Holstein-Friesians, as they are officially known, were developed in the northern Netherlands during the late 1700s. It is theorized that European settlers brought black-and-white cattle to that area over 2,000 years ago. However, prior to 1750, few black-and-white cattle appeared in local artwork. Paintings from the area after 1750 depict many black-and-white cattle. It is unknown if other breeds were used in the development of Holsteins. This northern area of the Netherlands provided lush grazing, and Holsteins were bred to efficiently convert grass to milk. Holsteins possess large frames and produce the most milk of any breed. However, the fat and protein content of the milk ranks lowest of the dairy breeds. Nonetheless, Holsteins remain the most popular of all the dairy breeds among commercial producers. Over 85 percent of the dairy cattle in the United States are Holsteins, or have Holstein markings, according to 2012 National Dairy Herd Improvement records. A substantial percentage of the American dairy herd carries predominantly Holstein genetics (and thus Holstein markings), but are not registered Holsteins. Perhaps one of the reasons Holsteins produce so much milk is because they have been intensely selected for milk production for many years. Some Holsteins carry a recessive red gene, so red and white Holsteins are not uncommon. At first, these red and white animals were not permitted to be registered in Holstein Association USA, leading to the formation of the Red and White Dairy Cattle Association in 1964. By 1970, red and white Holsteins were officially allowed registration in the American herd book for Holstein Association USA. The first Dutch cattle were brought to the United States as early as 1625, but the first permanent herd of Holsteins was not established until 1861. In 1872, the first herd book was published in the United States, shortly before the first herd book in Holland in 1874. The Association of Breeders of Thoroughbred Holstein Cattle was formed in 1871. The name has since been shortened to the Holstein Association USA.
JERSEY Jerseys are the smallest of the dairy breeds. Jerseys originated on the small island of Jersey located in the English Channel just south of the Island of Guernsey. Their exact origins are unknown, but some cattle from nearby France were probably used in breed development. By the 1700s, cattle from the island were known to produce high-fat milk. Not surprisingly, Jerseys are known today for their extremely rich, high-fat milk. The color of Jersey cattle can vary widely from light tan or gray to nearly black. The coat may be mottled with white patching in some cases. They have long reproductive lives in comparison to other dairy breeds and are known for easy calving. The first island herd book was published in 1866, but cattle had been selected for ideal type using a score card since 1834. The first recorded importation of Jersey cattle to the United states was in 1850, and the America Jersey Cattle Club was formed in 1868. MILKING SHORTHORN Milking Shorthorns have the same ancient parentage as beef Shorthorns, but have been selected strictly for milk production for many years. The history of the entire Shorthorn breed can be traced to the mid-1600s in England. Robert Colling, an English cattle breeder in the early 1800s, is credited with the beginnings of the Milking Shorthorn line of Shorthorns. Shorthorns can be solid red, solid white, red-and-white spotted, or roan (a mixture of red and white hairs). Because of their close relationship to beef Shorthorns, calves grow quickly and castrated males make acceptable market steers. Castration means to neuter an animal through removing its testicles or by other means. The first herd book for Shorthorns was begun in 1822, and eventually evolved into the Shorthorn Society of Great Britain and Ireland. That herd book is mostly concerned with Milking Shorthorns. The first Shorthorns were brought to America in 1722, and the first herd book was published privately in 1846. The American Shorthorn Breeders' Association was first formed in 1882 to record parentage for both beef and dairy Shorthorns. In 1912, the Milking Shorthorn Cattle Club was formed as a subdivision of the parent association. In 1948 the division was made official and complete with the formation of the current association known as the American Milking Shorthorn Society. CROSSBREEDING Dairy producers have recently increased the use of crossbreeding techniques for several reasons. Starting in about 2000, the Normande, Montbeliarde and Scandinavian Red breeds were introduced to the United States from Europe for crossbreeding purposes. Improvements have been shown in reproduction, total lifetime milk production and milk quality as well as better health and vigor of the offspring as a result of this crossbreeding. For example, a 2010 Ph.D. dissertation by Bradley Heins at the University of Minnesota found a higher removal rate for Holstein cows compared to crossbreed cows. That means the percent of cows that survived to have a third lactation record in the herd was better for crossbreed cows compared to Holsteins cows. SUMMARY: Dairy breeds differ in size, color pattern, milk production and milk composition. All, however, are currently selected strictly for dairy traits. Because of economic conditions favoring cows producing large amounts of milk, Holsteins are easily ranked as the most popular of the dairy breeds. Complete this worksheet to review key concepts from the lesson. 1. The breed is the smallest of the six breeds of dairy cattle commonly used in the United States. 2. Ayrshires are colored and, may have graceful upturned and are known for correctness and longevity. 3. The breed was first selected as a dual-purpose breed. Cattle in this breed are large and brown in color. Their characteristics have been emphasized in America. 4. cattle take their name from an island in the English Channel, are and white in color and produce milk high in beta-carotene and content. 5. cattle are black and white, were developed in the and produce the most milk of any breeds. 6. The breed can vary in color from light tan or gray to nearly, are known for easily and produce high- milk. 7. The breed can be traced to Robert Colling, an English cattle breeder. Castrated male calves make acceptable market. 8. are the most popular dairy breed in the United States
1. DHIA stands for. 2. If a herd's calving interval exceeds months, the producer may be losing money due to lost milk production. 3. Automated estrous detection systems include a monitoring cuff worn around a back or a monitoring collar worn around the. 4. Days open is the average number of days cows are not after calving. 5. Services per are an important measure for producers using artificial insemination. 6. Services per conception can be reduced by improving detection, improving insemination technique and timing, and/or improving the level of early lactation cows. 7. The ideal average days in milk should be about to days if the herd is on a 12- to 13-month calving interval. 8. Late lactation cows produce relatively little. 9. Cows give the most milk in early lactation shortly after.