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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.
Answer
In a liquid milk production farm, breeding strategies often focus on achieving a year-round calving schedule. This ensures a constant supply of milk and allows the farm to maximize profits from liquid milk sales. Dairies typically pay for quantity; therefore, breeds may be selected for their milking efficiency and yield.
Conversely, a creamery milk supplier may utilize a seasonal breeding strategy, aiming for spring calving. This method facilitates the production of higher quality milk, which is more profitable when sold for creamery products. In this case, farmers select breeds for their quality characteristics, such as flavor and fat content, ensuring their milk meets the specific demands of creamery markets.
Overall, the two approaches differ primarily in their breeding goals – quantity versus quality – shaped by the market demand of liquid versus creamery products.
Step 2
For a spring-calving maiden heifer construct a graph showing her growth-curve over the two-year period.
Answer
To illustrate the growth curve of a spring-calving maiden heifer over two years, the graph should distinguish between the following stages with appropriate target weights:
- Birth: 40 kg
- First Winter Housing: 200 kg
- Service: 300 kg
- Calving: 550 kg
The x-axis will represent the time in months, while the y-axis will represent the weight in kilograms. The curve will smoothly rise from birth to calving, reflecting expected weight gain at each stage.
Step 3
Give three reasons for the rest period between the end of one lactation and the start of the next.
Answer
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Energy Use: Cows need a period to regain strength and energy after giving birth and while providing milk. Energy is consumed quickly during lactation, and the rest period allows recovery.
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Repair of Body Condition: The resting phase helps the cow recover body condition and ensures she can support the next lactation effectively. It gives the cow time to regain the necessary fat reserves.
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Health Maintenance: The rest period allows time for udder health recovery and any necessary veterinary care, reducing the risk of mastitis and ensuring the cow is in optimal health before the next calving.