AN 332 - Dairy Herd Management II

Dairy facilities can take a variety of forms. This course investigates different types of facilities, the strengths and weaknesses of each and the regulations involved in developing or expanding facilities. Managing young stock and dry cows and culling strategies are also discussed.

Rationale:

This is a core course for the Dairy Science major of the Animal Science Technology program. Dairy facility design, management of manure, young stock and dry cows are the focus of this course. These topics are key components to the operation of a successful dairy operation.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:
 

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to

1. plan and design an optimal dairy facility by considering regulations, cow comfort, available technology, storage and management needs, and biosecurity.
2. evaluate a dairy facility to identify strategies to improve and optimize production.
3. explain how manure is collected, separated and used on a dairy operation and outline various costs and regulations associated with each.
4. evaluate dairy herd health and production potential through the use of herd scoring systems.
5. develop strategies and protocols to support and enhance immunity in a dairy calf and  cow through incorporation of innate and acquired immunity concepts.
6. develop a calf rearing program that will optimize growth and reduce disease risk.
7. develop a heifer rearing program that will ensure replacements enter the herd within 24 months of birth.

This course involves approximately 3 hours of lecture per week and 2 hours of lab every other week. Proper attire is required by students to be in labs. Students are also expected to participate in a dairy challenge exercise and presentation. This requires students to travel to another dairy operation to evaluate and determine areas of improvement of that operation.

Classroom and laboratory attendance is considered vital to the learning process and as significant to the students’ evaluation as examinations and reports.

1. Students having a combination of excused and/or unexcused absence of 20 percent or higher for the scheduled course hours will be required to withdraw and will automatically receive a “RW” (required withdrawal) for the course, regardless of any other evaluation results. (RW is a failing grade.).
2. An excused absence is one that is verified with your instructor. Verification should be prior to the absence or the next class day following the absence. Verification of the absence may take the form of a note from your doctor/College nurse regarding illness, or a note from another instructor regarding a field trip or other activity, or authorization by your instructor. An unexcused absence is anything NOT verified by the instructor prior to the absence or the next class day following the absence.

It is the students’ responsibility to know their own absentee record.

Normal hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with potential for evening courses, exams or extended field trips. Students are expected to be available for classes during these times.

Content of Course:
 

1. Dairy Housing
2. Manure Management
3. Herd Monitoring
4. Immunology and Vaccines
5. Dairy Calf Health and Diseases
6. Young Stock Management