The gene is called calpain, and it turns out that it may be one of the factors that can determine whether milk production is turned off by the mammary gland. Could these regions be what distinguish a good dairy cow from a beef breed? Quite likely, but there were surprisingly few regions identified, and perhaps other breeds could add to this tally. The good news is that there is still enough diversity within the cattle genome to continue to improve production by selection Although genetics can be optimized by selective breeding, the rest of production improvement is up to the farmer.
Detecting loci under recent positive selection in dairy and beef cattle by combining different genome-wide scan methods. PLoS One 8: e The Bovine HapMap Consortium. Genome-wide survey of SNP variation uncovers the genetic structure of cattle breeds.
Science The genome response to artificial selection: A case study in dairy cattle. PLoS One 4: e Genome-wide genetic diversity of Holstein Friesian cattle reveals new insights into Australian and global population variability including impact of selection.
Anim Genet 7— Genet Sel Evol Depending on the farm, female cows are either bred by a bull, or through a process known as AI. Some farms have a bull on farm, and use a combination of bull breeding and AI. Farmers have a close relationship with their veterinarian, who makes routine visits to their barn.
These checks are important to monitor the herd, but also for the health records of individual cows. A dairy cow will have her first calf when she is around two years old. Since farmers keep detailed records, they watch their cows carefully around due dates. Veterinarians are on call should a complication in delivery arise. Calves are usually delivered in a part of the barn separate from the rest of the herd, where the mother cow has privacy and her own space.
The farmer prepares the delivery area by providing fresh, clean, and comfortable bedding. Witnessing or assisting in a birth is a humbling experience for many farmers. Even those who have been farming for a long time report that it is a miracle each time a calf is born.
After a cow gives birth, the farmer immediately attends to her needs, and the needs of the calf. The farmer inspects the calf to make sure that he or she is in good health and with time, able to stand. At this time, the mother typically licks the baby clean, or is assisted by the farmer, who may towel dry the calf. The milk a cow produces after giving birth is called colostrum.
Colostrum is thick, creamy and golden-hued. Calves should drink colostrum within the first few hours of their life. I mean, what kind of cow it comes from? There are six different breeds of dairy cow in our region, and each has its own unique personality.
When you think of a dairy cow, you probably picture a black-and-white Holstein. Holsteins are originally from Holland, and came to America in the s. Jersey cows are a smaller breed, with soft brown hair and great big beautiful eyes. Jersey cows are originally from Britain, and came to America in the s. Brown Swiss cows are originally from you guessed it Switzerland, and came to America in the s.
However, they also need some feed to ensure they get enough nutrients to produce a good milk supply. These cows are docile and friendly , making them perfect for a small farm or homestead.
They can produce roughly 4. Dexter cows rule — and if you want a tiny cow for your homestead, then a Dexter cow may be the best cow for milk!
The Dexter cow breed was originally Irish but then imported into America around Dexter cows are highly popular with small farms and homesteads as they are much smaller cows, but they still provide a good amount of milk for their size.
Dexter cows will generally reach about 3. The small size of Dexter cows has a few advantages! Dexter cows do not require much grazing space or extra feed to keep them healthy. Dexter cows are also a lot lighter compared to other cow breeds! Their comparatively small impact can lessen damage to the soil and the pasture that they walk on.
These small cows can produce three gallons of milk in a day , which is perfect for supplying milk for a family.
Dexters are also friendly and cute little creatures that the whole family will enjoy looking after! I think any of the cows on this list make excellent dairy cows and can provide your homestead with an abundance of wholesome, rich, delicious milk. I also think that many of the cows have their pros and cons!
Consider your needs. Then consider Jersey cows or Dexter cows! Are you looking for a cow to help produce good quality butter and cheese? Then you need a cow that provides an abundant source of rich milk to get the best flavor possible! From the cows listed above, both the Jersey cow breed and the Guernsey cow breed are the best cows to help produce these products. Either cow breed helps produce the richest milk, with the best fat to protein ratio available. This good protein to fat ratio helps provide a rich, creamy, and full-tasting cheese or butter.
Some homesteaders require a dual-purpose cow breed; or a cow used for both milk production and meat. From the cow breeds listed above, the breed best suited for this is the Dexter cow breed. Dexter cows were used as dual-purpose cows for years in England as they produce a good amount of good quality milk and, even though they are smaller in size, they do offer a large amount of meat.
If you have a bit more space on your homestead, then the Holstein cow breed is also a great dual-purpose cow used for both milk and meat for many years.
However, I think Jersey cows have a serious run for the money regarding quality and delicious cream.
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