Among the many breeds of dairy cows, the Holsteins are the most popular in the United States. This is not surprising considering there are many things about the Holsteins that sets them apart from other dairy cattle.

So what makes the Holstein dairy cow special? Holstein have the highest milk productions, for one. Their ability to give quantities of milk knows no limit, and this genetically anchored ability just keeps on improving year after year.

Holsteins can also easily adapt into any management and utilization system. They can be either fed in the stables or left to graze on the fields. Either way, the Holsteins are assured to be healthy. They can also be put in high or low areas and are not concerned about land as long as there is grass to graze on. Whether it be mixed farming systems, intensive farming, or low-cost farming, the Holsteins are easy to take care of.

There may be a problem when it comes to heat and diseases though, especially in difficult agro-ecological areas. While they do exhibit excellent adaptation abilities, there may be a reduced production capacity when in these conditions.

Holsteins also produce their offsprings with little or no problem at all. There will certainly be no fertility problems if they are managed well enough.  The calves may also exhibit higher heat tolerance and higher production figures, especially if breeding is done with natural breeds. The calves will mature early and grow up fast that there are little problems taking care of them in their young years.

Holstein dairy cows are also soft and good-natured, which contributes a lot to their being easy to handle. There are no problems with them when they are stabled and there is no ounce of them fighting their handlers. Holsteins are also resistant to stress. They also like to be in a herd and are not solitary animals. Their appearance may also have contributed to their breed being the superior one. Their black-and-white coat is the trademark appearance of a dairy cow.

Aside from producing great quantities of milk to consumers, Holsteins also give to the meat supply industry. They are especially significant in the fattening sector, and they produce meat with a fine fiber. Many are cross-bred with beef breeds to produce better quality veal.

We can clearly see how the Holsteins have contributed a lot to both the milk production market and the meat supply industry. The Holsteins are especially preferred for milk production. Their ability to produce milk in great quantities have made them very valuable indeed.

It is evident that they have superior qualities when compared to other breeds. Their genetic abilities and adaptability have made them popular not only in the United States but also around the world. The export of Holstein cows and frozen embryos  and semen is being done with many countries, and this has helped improve the foreign food sector and dairy producer incomes. With these many advantageous qualities, is it any wonder why the Holstein dairy cattle is so special?

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The dairy industry is an important part of Iowa agriculture. The sale of milk, cull cows and calves contributes more than 500 million to the state’s economy. Good reason to stop by the Livestock Pavilion for the Dairy Cattle Show. For more Iowa State Fair 2008 Coverage visit www.iptv.org

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The author of this article is working on Chameleon Care. Feel free to contact her at keywriterm@gmail.com for any inquiries or concerns.

Water requirements to reduce heat stress in dairy cows is an important subject to tackle. Like most living mammals, cows don’t do well when there’s more heat than they can handle. It is even more pressing when they have to provide gallons of milk and healthy meat.

Cows’ water intake will increase as temperature rises. There should be a nearby water source to where they are feeding or herded. It is also important that the source is close to shade as it would help with reducing the heat stress in the dairy cows. Higher producing cows are even more prone to suffer from heat stress so you may have to watch out for them more. These cows generate more heat because of their higher feed and drinking water intake.

The cows’ drinking water has to be fresh and clean, and has no contaminants. With wells and other outside water sources, you should have them tested and determined to be safe for the livestock. Do not keep the cows close to the ponds in your area. Ponds have poor quality water, and can increase mastitis and higher somatic cell counts in your cows. This poses as a health risk to the cows.

It may be necessary to run a suitability test for water sources that are outside your area’s water systems. The outside sources have to be tested for sodium, alkalinity, sulfates, nitrate nitrogen, electrical conductivity and hardness, for the purpose of determining if it’s suitable for a drinking water source for the cows.

What is most critical when there is heat stress concerns the lactating cows and the milk production. Milk production may decrease by as much as 25 percent in times of great heat stress. This is accompanied by the dry matter intake of the lactating cattle, which also decreases when under extreme heat stress. For every one pound of matter intake lost, twice the amount of milk production is lost, it is said.

The feed manger has to shaded for added comfort for the cows while they are eating and feeding. You can also add a water sprinkler system and fans that are directed towards the cows to further reduce the heat felt int eh place. Do not spray water on the feed as dry matter intake is important. As much as possible, keep the udders of the cows dry to reduce the possibility of having mastitis. Also make sure that the floor is still good enough for the cows to walk on and prevent injuries due to slipping.

Water is really a priority when the temperature rises. We can say that management and the feeding of the cows are also part of the process in reducing heat stress in dairy cows. Some responses of the cows, though, can help reduce heat production in them, like selective consumption of feeds and cooling strategies. Still, a lot of work has to come from you. The dairy cows can only do so much and you are the one controlling their environment.

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The dairy industry is an important part of Iowa agriculture. The sale of milk, cull cows and calves contributes more than 500 million to the state’s economy. Good reason to stop by the Livestock Pavilion for the Dairy Cattle Show. For more Iowa State Fair 2008 Coverage visit www.iptv.org

Help answer the question about dairy cow

About Author

Dairy Cows For Sale at Holstein Embryo & Doubletree Dairy. Feel free to contact her at keywriterm@gmail.com for any inquiries or concerns regarding the article.