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Describe the management of a dairy cow from the time of conception until calving (gestation period)

      

Describe the management of a dairy cow from the time of conception until calving (gestation period)

  

Answers


Kavungya
- Small breeds like Jersey and Guernsey should be served at 15-18 months of age having attained 250-270 kgs
- Large breeds at 18-20 months of age or 280 –320kg live weight
- Milking is done for 7 months after conception
- Pregnancy diagnosis ie. Checking conception is carried out in the fourth month after insemination.
- Drying off of incalf cow at 2 months before calving i.e in 7th month of gestation by skip milking or partial milking
- Mastities control antibiotics applied into feat canal i.e carry out dry cow therapy
- Drying up build body reserves hence increases milk production in the next location period
- The foetus also gets sufficient food hence born strong and healthy
- Food reserves are used to synthesize colostrum
- Initiate steaming up in order to give dam enough energy during calving
- Steaming up should include high quality pastures, concentrates and minerals
- Do not dip incalf cow in plunge dip to avoid abortion due to shock.
- Spraying the incalf cow
- Avoid drenching toward the end of gestation as this may be dangerous to foetus
- In preparation for parturition, the incalf should be taken to a parturition pen next to homestead and wait for parturition signs
- Parturition signs include disterned udder, enlarged vulva, clear mucus discharge from vulva, slackening of pelvic girdle muscles i.e relaxing of hip muscles, sometimes colostrum drips out of teats and dam frequently bellows
- Leave the cow to calve undisturbed
- Watch for malpresention, if present seek assistance of veterinarian
- Allow the dam to lick its calf clean of mucus or wipe mucus from nostril and mouth to allow it breath
- Artificial respiration may be performed when breathing is delayed
- The naval cord is out and tied and wound sterilized using iodine or methylated spirit to avoid infection.
- Separate the calf from the dam after it has been licked and take to a warm calf pen
- Check and ensure that the placenta comes out a few hours after birth but if not, consult a veterinarian.
Kavungya answered the question on March 28, 2019 at 06:32


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