TP-IMD-02 ANSC 133 Learning Guide For Midterm v0 2021-04-15

ANSC 133
DAIRY PRODUCTION
LEARNING
GUIDE
TP-IMD-02 v0 No. 21-DAS-IM-01
JULIUS V. ABELA, Ph.D.

MICHAEL DOMINIC M. GARRIDO, M.Sc.
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE & FOOD

SCIENCE (CAFS)
2021
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(DAS)
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Vision: A globally competitive university for science, technology, and environmental conservation.
Mission: Development of a highly competitive human resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge TP-IMD-02
and innovative technologies for sustainable communities and environment. V0 07-15-2020
No. 21-DAS-IM-01
No copies temporary or permanent, in whole or in part of this
IM shall be made without written permission from the author.
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No. 21-DAS-IM-01
For instructional purposes only • 2nd Semester SY 2020-2021
Vision
A globally competitive university for science, technology, and

environmental conservation.
Mission
Development of a highly competitive human resource,

cutting-edge scientific knowledge and innovative
technologies for sustainable communities and environment.
Quality Policy
The Visayas State University (VSU), a globally competitive university of

science and technology and environmental conservation, is created by law to
develop highly human resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge and
innovative technologies for sustainable communities and environment.
Toward this end, we, at the Visayas State University, commit to:
1. Produce highly competent, quality and world-class manpower in
science and technology, especially for agriculture, environmental
management and industry who are proficient in communication skills,
critical thinking and analytical abilities;
2. Generate and disseminate relevant knowledge and technologies that
lead to improved productivity, profitability and sustainability in
agriculture, environment and industry;
3. Satisfy the needs and applicable requirements of the industry, the
community and government sectors who are in need of quality
graduates and technology ready for commercialization through the
establishment, operation, maintenance and continual improvement of
a Quality Management System (QMS) which is aligned with the
requirements of ISO 9001:2015.
It shall be the policy of the university that the quality policies and procedures
are communicated to and understood by all faculty, staff, students and other
stakeholders and shall be continually improved for their relevance and
effectiveness.
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No. 21-DAS-IM-01
ANSC 133: Dairy Production
Learning Guide in
Title
Page ANSC 133: Dairy
Production
TP-IMD-02 v0 No. 21-DAS-IM-02
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No. 21-DAS-IM-01
vi ANSC 133: Dairy Production
Foreword
The Covid-19 global pandemic has dramatically impacted our way of life, including
our mode of teaching our students. A few months ago, we never had any hint that
we would be holding our classes outside of the traditional classroom starting the
first semester, at least.
This new normal has put so much pressure on our students, teachers, and no
doubt on the online resources of the university. It is a big challenge for most of us,
and there will be some surprises along the way. But I am very confident that we
will have a successful semester ahead.
I am delighted that all the faculty members in the College of Agriculture and Food
Science (CAFS) have done their utmost best to develop their learning materials
suitable for a fully online or a flexible mode of delivery of instruction. I thank them
and all the department heads for their cooperation and hard work.
This learning guide is based on the teaching material that has been in use in the
department during the last several years. It is not yet a finished product but is a
work in progress. It will be improved continuously based on the feedbacks of our
students.
I hope the students would appreciate the fact that their teachers have invested so
much time and effort in coming up fast with this learning guide for them (students)
to obtain the best education possible at these trying times.
VICTOR B. ASIO, Ph.D.

College Dean
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ANSC 133: Dairy Production
Acknowledgment
The author would like to extend his sincere appreciation to the invaluable help and
support of the following:
Dr. Victor B. Asio, Dean of the College of Agriculture & Food Science (CAFS), Dr. Beatriz
S. Belonias, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Othello B. Capuno, Vice President for
Research, Extension & Innovation, and Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin, President of the Visayas State
University (VSU) for the motivation, support and guidance. Likewise, my profound
appreciation to administration headed by Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo and Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin, for
making the author a prolific academician and researcher. He had been actively involved in
conducting basic and applied researches, authored/co-authored various international
publications in the following refereed journals: Annals of Tropical Research (ATR), Pakistan
Veterinary Journal and International Research Journal of Interdisciplinary and
Multidisciplinary Studies (IRJIMS). Among the non-refereed journals where he likewise
published relevant researches were as follows: Philippine Society of Animal Science Journal
and Graduate Research Abstracts.
Aside from author’s hectic schedules as an academician, he has provided basic
services to the extension clientele, namely: farmers, agricultural technicians and Non-
Government Organization (NGO) stakeholders. These services include lectures, trainings
and workshops on technology transfer, Artificial Insemination (AI), silage production and
organic livestock farming. The author had also been a dynamic resource person of the
different NGO’s (FAO-UN, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Caritas Czech Republic, Caritas
Germany, and People in Need (PIN-Czech Republic) under their livestock rehabilitation
project for Yolanda survivors in Leyte and Samar) to enable the farmers and other
stakeholders to utilize the research technologies produced in the university.
The administration having seen the author’s potential to manage and supervise the
Philippine Carabao Center activities and to implement research for development (R4D), the
VSU president designated him as the Center Director in 2013. Because of his exemplary
performance, as proof of his excellent performance, he was a consistent awardee as
National Best Center for extension research studies: 2015-National Outstanding Animal
Farm Manager Awardee; 2015 - National Outstanding Senior Cow; 2014- National
Outstanding Junior Cow; 2013-National Outstanding Junior and Senior Cow. Under his
management (2014) the “First Buffalo Multiplier Farm in Javier, Leyte” and the “First and
Largest Carabao Crossbred Multiplier Farm of the Philippines in Ormoc City were
established. His community involvement under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) of
Philippine Government was economically made viable for large scale animal production site
in the national level under the Research for Development project of the Philippine Carabao
Center.
The author is an epitome of hard work and diligence in the workplace. Besides, he
maintains a harmonious interpersonal relationship with his superiors, colleagues,
subordinates, students and farmer beneficiaries. As a result of his passion for research and
extension, he had become a renowned animal scientist and consultant for poultry, livestock
and dairy production in the local, regional and national levels.
From 2017 to the present the author has been designated as Department Head of the
Department of Animal Science (DAS) under the College of Agriculture and Food Science.
Special thanks to my family and loved ones for the inspiration, love and understanding that
always lift my spirit and make me feel happy and complete.
Above all, my greatest gratitude to the Almighty Father, the ultimate source of all
wisdom and knowledge. I owe everything that I have and all that I am from Him.
Finally, I thank all those, who in one way or another, have assisted and supported me
in preparing this module.
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About the Author
AUTHOR
JULIUS V. ABELA was born on July 10, 1971 in

Union, Dapa, Surigao del Norte. He finished his
elementary education in 1984 at Dimasalang
Central School and his secondary education as
Eighth Honorable Mention in 1988 from DNHS,
Dimasalang, Masbate. He graduated with the
degree of Bachelor of Animal Science in 1995 at
ViSCA. He acquired his M.Sc. degree in Animal
Science at VSU in 1999. Thereafter, he was hired by
the Dept. of Animal Science as college instructor.
He was designated as manager of the VSU Piggery
Project in 2001-2011. In 2011, he acquired his
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at VSU. He was
designated as Director at PCC-VSU in 2013-2018,
Department Head, DAS-CAFS-VSU in 2018-2020 &
as Head, at OUDRRM-SSS-VSU 2021 up to the
Present.
An efficient teacher and effective extension
worker in both public & private firms, he contributed
much to the progress of the animal industry in the
country. He was given the award as an Outstanding
Instructor in the field of Swine, Poultry, Ruminant &
Equine Science (2003-2005), obtained an
Outstanding Rating in the Teaching Performance
Award (2008-2019), Keeper of Service Award by
VSU (2010), PSAS National Outstanding Animal
Farm Manager Award (2015) and Outstanding
Agricultural Scientist Award (2017). Moreover, he
served as a private consultant of the following
farms & companies: Go Piggery Farm, OCCCI Metro
Ormoc Cooperative Farm, ENSON-Chemvet
Products in Novaliches, Caloocan City, Larrazabal
Multiplier Farm in Ormoc City, Aznar Cattle Ranch in
Tabango, Leyte & Veloso Farms in San Miguel,
Leyte. At present, he is a certified Gene Transfer
Inseminator of the Gene Transfer Corporation in
Asia (GTC).
Married to the former Rosario L. Pedrano
Abela, Ed.D. from Matag-ob, Leyte, he is blessed
with four children namely: Cherry Rose Anne,
Joseph Leeuwen Mar, Jessa Jules & Jules Bibit.
He is an Associate Professor-V of the Dept. of
Animal Science, College of Agriculture & Food
Science, VSU, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte. He is a well-
known and respected adviser/consultant of the
AREV-VSU Rodeo Enthusiasts and many Filipino
Poultry and Livestock producers in the country.
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For instructional purposes only • 1st Semester SY 2020-2021 9
Table of Contents
Vision 3
Mission 3
Quality Policy 3
Title Page v
Foreword vi
Acknowledgment vii
About the Author 8
Table of Contents 9
List of Tables 11
List of Figures 12
Module 1: Introduction to Dairy Production System 13

Module Pretest 13
Lesson 1.1: Dairy Animals, Breeds, and Breeding and Reproduction 14
I. Introduction to Dairy Production 15
II. Status of Dairy Production Systems 15
III. Breeds of Dairy Animals 18
IV. Breeding and Reproduction 23
Lesson 1.2: Feeding Management, Forage Production and Pasture
Management 26
A. Practical considerations in feeding lactating cows 27
B. Forage Production and Pasture Management 27
C. Option for pasture development 28
D. The native pasture or naturally growing pasture 28
E. The Over sowing legumes in native pastures 28
F. The Cultivation of improved forages 29
G. Management and maintenance of grazing areas 34
Lesson 1.3: Herd and Health Management 37
A. What is herd management all about? 37
B. Management of pregnant cow 37
C. Management of cow at the onset of calving 38
D. Management of lactating cows 39
E. Calf management immediately after calving 40
F. Weaning management 40
G. Heifer and cow management 41
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10 ANSC 133: Dairy Production
H. Management of dry pregnant cow 42

I. Management of bulls 43
Module Posttest 45
References and Additional Resources 46
Answers to the Pretest 49
Answer to the Posttest 50
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and innovative technologies for sustainable communities and environment.
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List of Tables
1 Forages that can provide amount and quality of nutrients

needed by the dairy animals ............................................... 30
2 Ways of growing forages in the farm .................................. 31
3 Selecting the right grasses on climate and soil types ........ 31
4 Selecting the right legumes on climate and soil types ....... 32
5 Native vegetation needs improved pasture and forages .... 34
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List of Figures
Figure 1. Total inventory of dairy animals by type (2015-2016) ..... 15

Figure 2.Change in inventory of goat by farm type (2015-2017) .... 16
Figure 3. Growth rate on the inventory of carabao by farm type
(2016-2017) ..................................................................................... 16
Figure 4. Percent distribution of carabao inventory by age (2020) 17
Figure 5. The total inventory of dairy animals by type (2015-2016)17
Figure 6. Percent distribution of goat inventory by age (2020) ...... 18
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Module 1: Introduction to
Dairy Production System
Module Overview
Dairy products are an important contribution of dairy animals to
humans. Goats, Cows and Buffaloes milk is a healthy food which provides
more important nutrients needed by the body compared to other milk. With the
increasing consumption and utilization of milk, in both the local and export
market, the potential contribution of dairy farming in improving the economic
and social condition of rural farming communities is very vital. A crossed all
ages does, and bucks had a combined share of 50.8% to the total goat
inventory while the remaining 49.2% were combined stocks of kids and goats
of other ages. In January 2020, the total carabao population was estimated at
2,866 million heads or 0.3% lower in 2019 accounted for 2,874 million heads.
Large ruminants like cattle and carabaos are the basic livestock raising
occupying a significant role in rural families' subsistence. They were raised for
both income generation, milk, source of power, organic fertilizer, and
enjoyment in time of leisure.
Motivation Question
What are the economic benefits of dairy animals?
Module Pretest
Instructions: Write “Yes” if you agree and “No” if you disagree.
____ 1. Dairy farming is one of the lucrative and challenging business

enterprises in the livestock industry in the country today.
____ 2. Supply and demand for dairy in the market today are deficient, as
reported by the animal industry bureau.
____ 3. Filipino’s are known to be the “milk consumer” in Asia.
____ 4. Backyard or small-scale dairy ruminant raising can be raised in any
agricultural areas.
____ 5. The commercial-scale of dairy business enterprises requires an
Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) before they can be
allowed to operate.
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Lesson 1.1: Dairy Animals, Breeds, and

Breeding and Reproduction
Lesson Summary
Dairy animal raising in the country today is commonly backyard or small
scale enterprise. They are kept on forage and low to medium concentrate
supplementation. They are fed controlled, tethered, or grazed in the pasture
area, and backyards are tethered along roadsides and riversides with whatever
available forage is grown in the area. Other forage by-products like rice straw,
corn stover, cane tops, banana peeling, and pineapple pulp are also substitute
feeds to ruminant mostly done through preservation. They are usually given in
times of forage shortage. Supplementation of concentrate is also given in
small amounts; inputs for health programs are maintained quarterly, semi-
annual, and annually for a particular ruminant. In the evaluation, dairy cattle and
buffalo raising in the Philippines has a tremendous advantage over other
ruminant production ventures due to the increasing demand for milk and beef;
ability to transform low-quality and fibrous forage materials; availability of
other native forages, improved grasses and favorable climate for fodder
production and other processing technologies resulting to higher production
efficiency and increased productivity. A breeding program was instituted to
improve the dairy animals and arrive at the development of Philippine dairy
animal which produces high volume ad quality milk. The lack of understanding
on how these dairy animals are properly fed and managed resulted to poor
animal performance and eventually, low dairy productivity.
Learning Outcomes
1. Gain knowledge of the importance, contribution, competitive
advantages, and potential of the dairy farming business.
2. Identify dairy supply and demand, including the situation.
Motivation Question
Why do we need to study dairy animals? What do you look for in different dairy
breeds?
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Discussion
I. Introduction to Dairy Production
 The dairy farming system is recognized as one of the most promising

business nowadays. Raising dairy farm animals is usually on close
supervision since it is closely to be managed by our farmers' for their
private activities or side-line work. Dairy ruminants like goats, cows and
buffaloes are raised for dairy purposes, family income, and as a source
of organic fertilizer. Dairy animals primarily offered as a source of milk
and other by-products. Dairy cattle are distinguished by sex at birth.
 Only females can produce milk, and thus heifers, young cows, are
generally considered more valuable than bulls, which are castrated and
then they are sold for meat.
 Previously, there was less dissimilarity between dairy cattle and beef
cattle is the case now, with animals of the same species often being
used for both meat and milk production.
 Dairy cattle are now specialized animals, and most of them belong to
breeds which have been bred specifically to give large volumes of milk.
This milk is made into various products, including cheese, yogurt,
butter, ghee, cottages cheese, whey and ice cream, and is consumed
around the humankind.
II. Status of Dairy Production Systems
As of January 1, 2016, the total dairy animal population was 44,432

heads. This was 6.34 percent higher than last year’s headcount. Dairy cattle
stocks grew by 8.95 percent. Dairy carabao and dairy goat population went up
by 2.91 percent and 6.75 percent respectively (psa.gov.ph/content/cattle-
situation-report-April-June-2019#) (figure 1).
Figure 1. Total inventory of dairy animals by type (2015-2016)
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As of January 1, 2017, the total inventory of goat was 3.71 million

heads. It increased by 1.30 percent from the previous year’s inventory of 3.66
million heads. Share of backyard farms was 98.62 percent or 3.66 million
heads while the remaining 1.38 percent or 0.05 million heads of goat were
raised in commercial farms (https://psa.gov.ph/content/cattle-situation-
report-april-june-2019#) (figure 2).
Figure 2.Change in inventory of goat by farm type (2015-2017)
As of January 1, 2017, the total inventory of carabao in the Philippines

stood at 2.88 million heads. Carabao stocks in commercial farms decreased
by 2.10 percent. While inventory in backyard farms increased by 0.18 percent.
(figure 3).
Figure 3.
Figure 3. Growth rate on the inventory of carabao by farm type (2016-2017)
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As of January 1, 2020, the total carabao inventory was estimated at

2,865,72 million heads or 0.3% lower than the previous year 2019 period count
of 2,873,56 million heads. The total carabao inventory of 99.6% was raised in
the backyard farms, while the remaining 0.4% was commercial farms.
Combined shared of yearlings, caraheifer, and carabaos of other ages were
32.2%, carabull shared 27.2% while the remaining 40.5% constitutes caracows
(PSA, 2020) (figure 4).
Figure 4.
Figure 4. Percent distribution of carabao inventory by age (2020)
As of January 1, 2016, the total dairy animal population was 44,432

heads for dairy animals. This was 6.34 percent higher than last year's head
inventory. Dairy cow stocks grew by 8.95%. Dairy carabao and dairy goat
population grew up to 2.91% and 6.75%, respectively (PSA, 2020) (figure 5).
Figure 5.
Figure 5. The total inventory of dairy animals by type (2015-2016)
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For the small ruminant, as of January 1, 2020, the country's total goat
inventory was estimated at 3.81 million heads. In the previous year 2019, 3.76
million heads were accounted for 1.5% lower. In the total goat inventory, 98.6%
were raised in backyard farms, while 1.4% were raised in the commercial farms.
On the other hand, for all ages, does and bucks the combined share was 50.8%
to the total inventory, while 49.2% were the combined share of kids and goats
(PSA, 2020) (figure 6).
Figure 6.
Figure 6. Percent distribution of goat inventory by age (2020)
III. Breeds of Dairy Animals
A. Breeds of Dairy Cattle
1. Ayrshire
a. These cows were originally from Scotland.

b. They are red with white markings or white with red markings and
the red can be very light or almost black.
c. The size is between the Guernsey and the Holstein and the weight
is around 1,250 pounds and the bulls from 1,600 to 2,3000
pounds.
d. This breed is considered to be the most beautiful breed of dairy
cows as the animals have level rumps, good udders and straight
top lines.
e. They also have long horns which train upward.
f. The Ayrshire are sometimes shorter and thicker around the neck
than other dairy breeds.
g. They are very nervous, active and hard to manage and are good
rustlers.
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h. These cattle love to graze because of their ruggedness, stamina,

and activity.
i. Ayrshires excel in udder conformation and are not subject to
excessive foot and leg problems.
j. These traits make Ayrshires outstanding commercial dairy cattle.
k. Other traits that make Ayrshires attractive to the commercial
dairyman include the vigor of Ayrshire calves.
l. They are strong and easy to raise. The Ayrshire is a moderate
butterfat breed and relatively high protein breed.
2. Guernsey
a. These originated in France, is a breed of cattle used in dairy
farming. They tend to be rough over the rump and weak in the loin
and the udders are less symmetrical than the Jersey.
b. Cows of this breed are alert and active, but not nervous and are
easily managed.
c. The Guernsey is a good grazer.
d. The Guernsey is more It is fawn and white in color, and is
particularly renowned for the rich flavor of its milk, as well as its
hardiness and docile disposition.
e. The unique qualities of the milk produced by the Guernsey cow
have made the breed world famous.
f. The milk has a golden color due to an exceptionally high content
of beta carotene which may help to reduce the risks of certain
cancers.
g. The milk also has a high butterfat content of 5% and a high protein
content of 3.7%. Guernsey cows produce around 6000 liters per
cow per annum.
h. The cow weighs 450 to 500 kg, slightly more than the average
weight of the Jersey cow which is around 450 kg (1000 pounds).
i. The bull weighs 600 to 700 kg which is small by standards of
domestic cattle, and they can be surprisingly aggressive.
j. The Guernsey cow has many notable advantages for the dairy
farmer over other breeds. These include high efficiency of milk
production, low incidence of calving difficulty and longevity.
3. Jersey
a. This breed originated from England. The Jerseys vary in color from
light fawn to black and from white-spotted to solid in marking.
b. The tongue and switch may be black or white and the muzzle is
black with a light encircling ring.
c. These are the smallest of the dairy breeds with the cows from 800
to 1,100 pounds and the bulls to 1,600 pounds.
d. They have straight top lines, level rumps, and sharp withers. Their
heads have a double dish.
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e. They have excellent udders, both in shape and in fore and rear
attachment.
f. a small, honey-brown breed of dairy cattle, this is renowned for the
high butterfat content of its milk, as well as a genial disposition.
g. The main factor contributing to the popularity of the breed has
been their greater economy of production, due to:
h. the ability to carry a larger number of effective milking cows per
unit area due to lower body weight, hence lower maintenance
requirements
i. high butterfat conditions, 6% butterfat and 4% protein and to thrive
on locally produced food.
4. Milking Shorthorn
a. This breed originated from England. The Jerseys vary in color from
light fawn to black and from white-spotted to solid in marking.
b. Shorthorns are most numerous in the British Isles, America, and
Australia.
c. They are either red, red and white, white or roan, the last being a
close mixture of red and white, and found in no other breed of
cattle.
d. Shorthorns commonly have a deep chest, deep long, well-sprung
ribs, strong loin, level rump, capacious udder, and straight legs.
e. The approximate weight of a mature cow in milk should be 1250
pounds.
f. The Milking Shorthorn breed is the most versatile of all breeds and
this is one of its greatest attributes.
g. These docile cows efficiently produce large volumes of nutritious
milk each lactation and are large enough to have a high salvage
value when their long productive lives come to an end.
h. Other attributes of the breed include ease of calving, ease of
management and economy of production, especially on home
produced roughages and grass.
5. Holstein or Friesian
a. Is a breed of dairy cow known today as the world's highest
production dairy animal.
b. These originated in Holland. A Holstein must be black and white,
and the switch must be all white.
c. The weight is 1,250 pounds and the bulls weigh at least 1,800
pounds.
d. Holsteins are larger than most of the animals of other breeds.
e. Their milk is lower in fat than is milk from any of the other dairy
breeds.
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6. Brown Swiss
a. Originated in Switzerland.
b. Their color is from a light fawn to almost black with the muzzle
and a stripe along the backbone being light. The horn tips, switch,
tongue and nose are black.
c. These are the most rugged, meatiest breed and the largest of all
dairy cattle, weighing from 1,200 to 1,400 pounds and bulls weight
from 1,600 to 2,400 pounds.
d. These cows have large heads, large bones and thick, loose skin and
are not as angular as other dairy breeds. Is a breed of dairy cow
known today as the world's highest production dairy animal.
e. the breed of dairy cattle that produces the second largest quantity
of milk per annum, over 9000kg.
f. The milk contains on average 4% butterfat and 3.5% protein,
making their milk excellent for production of cheese.
g. The Brown Swiss is known for a long gestation period, immense
size, large furry ears, and an extremely docile (though some would
say lethargic or stubborn) temperament.
h. Regardless, the Brown Swiss is quite a resilient breed of cattle; they
are hardy and capable of subsisting with little care or feed.
7. Buffalo
a. Buffalo have been responsible for more than ten percent of world
milk production for several years, but the potential of these animals
has seldom been appreciated or recognized.
b. The word “buffalo” evokes a mixed response in North America, a
large section of Europe, and in many other parts of the world where
buffalo have never been considered a domesticated species.
c. The immense popularity of buffalo milk and meat products has
ensured that buffalo production has followed in the path of the
dairy cattle industry.
d. This has not yet happened. Buffalo, although potentially excellent
for both milk and meat production, still languish in obscure
conditions of poor nutrition, breeding, management and welfare.
8. Water buffalo
a. Water Buffalo are the most undeveloped type of Bovine milking
animal.
b. They produce far less milk than even our cows, but their milk has
exceptional qualities which make it excellent for cheese-making
and other dairy products such as ice cream.
c. It is also possible that buffalo milk may be a potential substitute for
those with allergy problems.
d. The domestic water buffalo Bubalus bubalis, belongs to the family
Bovidae, sub-family Bovinae, genus bubalis and species arni or wild
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Indian buffalo (Chantalakhana and Falvey, 1999). Buffalo are

classified into two distinct classes: swamp buffalo and river
buffalo.
9. Nubian Dairy goat
a. The Nubian is the most popular breed in North America today and
multiple births of 3 and 4 kids are common.
b. The Nubian is also more heat tolerant and less cold tolerant than
Swiss breeds which may have something to do with its pendulous
ears.
c. They tend to be more out of season breeders than Swiss and
therefore provide winter milk more easily.
d. They are also favored by buyers who purchase for meat because
of their meatier carcass.
e. Milk production is a little less than Swiss breeds but a good Nubian
doe can average 2.5 liters per day over a 10-month lactation.
10. Alpines Dairy goat
a. one of the Swiss breeds but its origin is believed to be mainly Swiss
and French influence.
b. The Alpine is medium to large in size and is considered a good
milkers with long lactations.
c. A good doe can easily produce 3 or more liters of milk per day over
a 10-month lactation.
d. It is a very popular breed and is adaptable to any climate.
11. Saanens Dairy goat
a. Considered the Holstein of dairy goats because of its superior milk
production and is also the largest of the dairy goat breeds.
b. An average doe should produce 3 liters of milk per day over a 10-
month lactation.
c. The Saanen is also a Swiss breed and animals are white to light
cream in color.
d. They are also very adaptable and can do well in almost any
environment.
e. The Saanen holds the world record for milk production with 3028
kg. in 305 days.
f. That is an average of approximately 10 liters of milk per day over a
10-month period.
12. Toggenburgs Dairy goat
a. Considered the oldest and purest of Swiss breeds and once the
most prominent of all dairy breeds.
b. They are the smallest of the five prominent dairy breeds and are also
noted for their hardiness and adaptability to all climates.
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c. A good doe should have no problem averaging 3 liters of milk per

day over a 10-month lactation.
d. Toggenburgs are noted for their longer than average lactating period
although their butterfat tends to be a little lower.
e. A good doe can easily produce 4 to 6 liters at her peak of lactation.
13. La Mancha Dairy goat
a. Very small ears are their most outstanding characteristic,
sometimes called gopher or elf ears with gopher being the most
desirable.
b. The La Mancha is of medium size but is very strong and hardy and
well suited to Newfoundland or Canadian conditions.
c. They make excellent dairy animals but produce a little less milk
than the Swiss breeds.
d. A good La Mancha doe, however, should average 3 liters of milk per
day over a 10-month lactation.
14. Oberhasli Dairy goat
a. The Oberhasli dairy goat breed is a newer breed to Florida.
b. The Oberhasli is a Swiss dairy goat.
c. This breed is of medium size, vigorous and alert in appearance.
15. British Milk sheep
a. A dual purpose breed with more viable lambs for meat.
b. Yields are variable from 150 to 450 liters/lactation.
c. The milk has a high solids content and is therefore particularly
suitable for yogurt and cheese making.
d. The Ewes are more prolific than the Friesland and the Ewes and
Lambs more robust.
16. Lacaune and Assaf Sheep
a. These breeds are widely milked in Europe and are also available in
the UK.
IV. Breeding and Reproduction
For dairy farm in-charge, managers, and animal breeders, improvement

of the genetic make-up of the animal intended on the next generation. This is
because, an individual’s genotype is fixed at conception or when the oocyte or
egg is fertilized to become a young calf, kid, or lamb. Hence, the genetic
potential of a new-born animal is already determined at birth. Current animal’s
genotype could no longer be changed nor manipulated. Breeders can only
improve the genetic make-up of the next generation through careful selection
and mating of desired animals, assuming that their offspring will be much
better than their parents. Therefore, it is in this context that breeding plan and
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reproduction strategies are essential. Animals must be bred and made to

produce offspring that have potential for high milk production to contribute in
providing economic benefits.
A. Purpose of breeding dairy animals
1. Acquire animals that adapt and perform well under tropical condition.
They have the following characteristics;
1.1. Good milk production
1.2. Ideal body conformation and mammary system to support high milk
production
1.3. Produce live offspring every breeding season
1.4. Have good tolerance to heat and humidity
1.5. Good resistance to diseases and external parasites.
2. Improve production through selection among purebreds and crossbreds.
B. Characteristics of a desirable dairy cow. Always consider the attributes
listed when selecting ideal dairy animals:
1. Fertility and reproduction
1.1 Produces a live offspring each breeding year
1.2 Has feminine appearance
1.3 Lean and trimmed brisket, over its shoulder and flanks
1.4 Long hips to pin bone
1.5 High and wide pin bones
2. Feet and legs
1.1 With healthy feet and legs

1.2 No lameness and swollen joints
1.3 Hooves are well shaped and even
3. Mammary system
1.1 Strong mammary system

1.2 Evenly attached udders with close front teat placement and strong
suspensory ligament
1.3 Evenly shaped udders with moderate sized teats that are not too big
nor too small
1.4 Good udder depth and wide rear udder width
4. Body shape, size and capacity

1.1 Cow is large enough with deep, wide chest with an adequate body
capacity
1.2 Body capacity or cows having very good body depth are always high
producing cows
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5. Features
1.1 Feminine-looking
1.2 Excellent body depth
1.3 Good angularity when viewed from above
1.4 Wide and moderately high pins
1.5 Good and strong pairs of legs and feet
1.6 Excellent teat size and placement
1.7 Strong udder attachment
1.8 High milk production and excellent breeding record
1.9 Produces five calves in six years, all of which were through AI
C. Designing a breeding program

1. Select the right type of dairy breed for dairying
2. Acquire breeding stocks
3. Start the recording system for the herd
4. Enroll your herd in the dairy genetic improvement program
5. Make a mating plan
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Lesson 1.2: Feeding Management, Forage

Production and Pasture Management
Lesson Summary
Sound and proper feeding management is the heart of every dairy farm.
Genetically superior dairy animals will not express their optimum potential to
produce milk without the right quality and proportion of feeds. Thus the farm
nutritionist should provide the required feeds to attain the herd’s target
productivity in milk production, reproduction and growth of the dairy animals.
The main objective of feeding lactating dairy animal is to provide ration that
will meet the nutrients for maintenance, pregnancy and milk production at
reasonable cost. It involves the feeding management during the transition
phase of the cow from one growth or reproductive phase to another. Nutrients
required for body maintenance is based on the liveweight of the cow while the
nutrients needed for milk production depends on the stages of gestation and
lactation periods. The following are the most critical nutrients in feeding dairy
animals like; energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A. Their
availability is entirely dependent on the kind and seasonality of the feed
resources. The farm manager and the farm nutritionist should never assume
that forage is available throughout the year. Every dry season is accompanied
by scarcity and poor quality of forage. On the other hand, rainy season is the
time of forage abundance. It is an opportunity time to conserve forage and
support the feed deficiency during dry season. Adapting a sound feeding
strategy is a must to sustain feed supply and to provide balance quantity and
quality of nutrients for improved growth, increased milk production, good
health condition, and superior reproductive condition of the dairy animals.
Motivation Question
Why need a balanced ration to our dairy animals?
Discussion
Feeding Management. Lactating cows should be given the best feed
and optimum milk production. Producing milk is one of the most energy
demanding processed. When the energy intake of the lactating cow is less than
the energy required for milk production it will result to a significant weight loss.
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A. Practical considerations in feeding lactating cows
Steps to be followed:
Step 1. Determine the cow’s body weight and identify the nutrient
requirements of the cow.
The recommended amount of feed intake and the

corresponding energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus requirements at
a given animal weight and physiological stage. It also provides the
resulting estimated gain in weight.
Step 2. Determine the cow’s current stage of milk production/lactation.
Lactation has four stages based on duration (in days) of milk

production after calving, namely: early lactation, mid-lactation, late
lactation, and dry period. Except of dry period, every stage has
different volume of milk production and requires a specific feeding
ration.
Step 3. Get the milk yield and its milk fat content.
Identify the lactation stage facilitates the estimation of volume

of milk production. Daily record of milk production, however, is the
best reference of milk volume.
Laboratory test, i.e., Milkosan, provides the milk fat content.
Conduct milk sampling and analysis every month.
Step 4. Get the nutrient composition of available feed resource for the
herd.
List down all the available feed resources for the herd. Check
and write down the corresponding nutrient composition of available
grasses and legumes. Check and write down the corresponding
nutrient composition of the concentrates.
Step 5. Tabulate the information and prepare sample ration.
B. Forage Production and Pasture Management
Forages are plant materials eaten by the animals directly from

pasture, crop residue or immature cereal crop, also to include plants cut for
fodder and carried to the animals, such as hay or silage. These are
considered the major and cheapest source of feeds for dairy cows. Under
Philippine condition, it constitutes about 70 to 100% of the daily feed intake
of livestock animals. It is either naturally growing or planted species mostly
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native grasses, some herbaceous plants, shrubs, trees and leguminous or

non-leguminous plants. Native grasses are usually low yielding, early
maturing accompanied by quick loss of quality. Cultivated species usually
produce reasonable yields and nutritive value and respond better to
improved management. In dairy operation forage and pasture management
shall be done to ensure sustainable supply of cheap and quality feeds.
C. Option for pasture development
Pasture is a land planted with forage grasses or vegetation cover used

for grazing dairy animals. It is primarily source of food for the grazing
animal like dairy livestock. Pasture development options will depend on the
availability of land, land topography labor and financial resources to
achieve operational objectives. It can range from simple utilization and
management of native pasture to introduction of cultivated pasture
species.
Learning Tasks/Activities
1. Activity (Let us identify the grasses and legumes forages)
D. The native pasture or naturally growing pasture
Native or naturally growing pasture common under plantation

crops could be managed as grazing pasture. This can be done by
establishing fences and practicing rotational grazing for the continued
supply of naturally growing forages while achieving optimum animal
productivity. However, naturally growing forages do not easily respond
to area improvement resulting to low dairy animal carrying capacity.
E. The Over sowing legumes in native pastures
This option is applicable in areas where land cultivation is a

problem, i.e., hilly areas. Legume seeds are over sown in native pasture
or rootstocks are planted without or with limited cultivation such as
furrowing. Legumes have high protein and mineral content, thus
improve the overall quality and productivity of the pasture. The most
commonly used legumes for over sowing are Kudzu, Centro, Calopo,
Siratro, and Stylo.
2. Analysis (Let us analyze the CP, P and Ca of the above mentioned forages
and identify their scientific names for more learning information)
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a. What does your list tell about the native forage pasture?
b. How do you improve the carrying capacity of native pasture

vegetation for dairy animals?
3. Abstraction (Let us add to what you know)
F. The Cultivation of improved forages
It involves complete replacement of naturally growing forages

with cultivated forage species to improve productivity in terms of
herbages yield and quality, thus, increasing stocking rate. However, they
require intensive management and inputs than naturally growing
forages. Often, the guiding principles is to manage the planted forages
as crop.
Analysis (Let us analyze)
a. What does your management practices tell about dairy

management, is it important to grow them for dairying? Why?
b. How do you have other dairying management practices to be
included in this course? If Yes, provide the details for more
information sharing.
Application (Let us apply what you learned on dairying management)
a. Forage garden establishment
How to evaluate forages with students?
1. Understand students'/clients' necessities

2. Choose the best ways to grow and use forages
3. Choose forages that are best adapted to the climate and soil
4. Choose the best varieties for clients.
How to select the best forages?
1. Suitability of forages for different uses.

2. Adaptation of forages to climate and soils.
3. Special considerations.
4. Other potentially useful forages.
Forages are the cheapest feed source in dairy animals.

a. Natural feed for dairy cows, buffaloes and goats
b. Can adequately provide the amount and quality of nutrients
needed by the dairy animals.
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Table 1. Forages that can provide amount and quality of nutrients

needed by the dairy animals
Species DM Yield % CP % Ca
(t/ha/year) (g/Kg) (g/Kg)
Napier Grass 40 9.7 0.36
Guinea Grass 30 11.2 0.49
Setaria 24 9.1 0.24
Paragrass 24 7.9 0.34
B. Humidicola 15 9.0 0.23
Cogon 11 6.5 0.33
Centrosema 12 18.9 0.95
Stylo 10 14.0 1.38
Desmanthus 8 15.8 1.65
Kakawate 16 22.3 1.19
Ipil-ipil 15 23.3 1.07
Trichanthera 15.6–16.75 16.4–20.8 38.0
Table 1. Forages that can provide amount and quality of nutrients needed by the dairy animals
b. Forage garden development
1. Integration of forages into the farm

a. Establishment to the utilization of forages for ruminants
b. An essential contribution to the profitability and sustainability of
the ruminant enterprise.
2. Knowing and selecting the right forages for garden development

a. Climate
1. Dry season
2. Drainage (water logging)
3. Light availability (shade)
b. Soil
1. Fertility
2. pH/acidity
c. Way of using/integrating into the farm

1. Growth Habit
2. Harvesting method
3. Other uses
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Table 2. Ways of growing forages in the farm

Way of Growing Use(s) of Forages Types of Forages
Easy access to cut the Erect grasses
1. Cut-and-carry plots feed (medium, tall)
Concentrate manure Shrubs and trees
for easy collection
Simply feeding by Low growing monocot
2. Grazed plots allowing the animals to Creeping and
graze rhizomatous dicots
Provide protection Erect grasses
3. Living fences/ (medium, tall)
Boundaries/ Source of feed Shrubs and trees
Bunds primarily during the dry
season
Reduce runoff and Erect grasses
4. Contour Hedgerows erosion (medium, tall)
Source of feed Shrubs and trees
Restore soil fertility Erect grasses
5. Improve Fallows Suppress weeds (medium, tall)
Source of feed Shrubs and trees
6. Cover Crops (for Suppress weeds
both annual and tree Reduce erosion Creeping and twining
crops) Improve soil fertility legumes
Source of feed
Table 2. Ways of growing forages in the farm
Table 3. Selecting the right grasses on climate and soil types

Climate Soil
Grasses Short Long Infertile Acid Very Water
Dry Dry Soil Soil Acid Soil Logging
Season Season (pH<4.8)
Napier grass √ √
Guinea grass √ √
Ruzi √ √
Setaria √ √
Brizantha √ √ √ √ √
Signal grass √ √ √ √ √
Gamba grass √ √ √ √ √
Humidicola √ √ √ √ √ √
Para grass √ √ √ √
Paspalum √ √ √ √
Table 3. Selecting the right grasses on climate and soil types
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Table 4. Selecting the right legumes on climate and soil types

Climate Soil
Legumes Short Long Infertile Acid Very Water
Dry Dry Soil Soil Acid Soil Logging
Season Season (pH<4.8)
A) Herbs/Shrubs
Arachis pintoi √ √ √ √
Centrosema √ √
Kudzu √ √ √ √
Stylo √ √ √ √ √
Desmanthus √
Flemingia √ √ √ √ √
Rensonii √ √
Trichanthera √ √ √ √
B) Trees
Caliandra √ √ √ √
Kakawate √ √ √ √
Ipil-ipil √ √
Indigofera √ √
Table 4. Selecting the right legumes on climate and soil types
c. Forage Management
1. Forage should be managed and treated as a crop

(Aim alive and productive forage)
a. Collection and handling of planting materials

- Before planting (planting material should be alive)
b. Planting and establishment of forages

- Planting and growing stage (alive and growing well)
c. Utilization and management
- When forages are utilized (alive and productive)
2. Forage establishment is similar to common crops

a. Rice and corn – grasses tillers and seeds

b. Mungbean and peanuts – legumes from seeds
c. Sugarcane, sweet potato, and cassava – cuttings
d. Tree crops from seeds and cuttings – shrubs and tree cuttings
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3. Collection of seeds/planting materials

a. Healthy
b. Right stage of maturity
c. Taken from best plants
d. Handle and store properly
4. Handling and storage of seeds/planting materials
4.1. Planting materials quality should be maintained
a. Seeds – dry and cool

b. Vegetative materials – moist and cool
c. Free from dirt and damage
d. Emergence test for the seed to determine viability
e. Inspect store materials regularly
4.2. Emergence test for seed one month before planting
a. To determine the seeding rate
4.3. Cut out leaves from vegetative materials
a. Leaves take a considerable amount of stored nutrients

which could have been used for germinating/root growth
5. Planting seeds
a. Good and firm seedbed
b. Sowing deep (around 2 cm)
c. Protect germinating materials – easily to eroded/roots and
shoots are fragile (easily broken)
d. Sow in rows – facilitate identification if the seed has
germinated and avoided accidental weeding.
6. Planting vegetative materials
a. Good and firm seedbed

b. Plant deep enough to provide adequate anchorage
c. Protect germinating materials
d. Plant in rows
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7. Management of growing seedlings
a. Protect from the competition (weeding, thinning) and damage

(insects, grazing, and trampling).
b. Assure fast growth by assuring provisions of water, nutrients,
and light.
8. Proper forage utilization
a. Cut or grazed only when the plant has stored enough reserves
for growth.
b. Age at first cutting: three to four months in grasses and eight
to twelve months for legumes.
c. The next cuts depend on regrowth status: six to eight weeks
for grasses and eight to twelve weeks for legumes.
9. Native vegetation needs improved pasture and forages
Table 5. Native vegetation needs improved pasture and forages

Native Pasture
Common Native grasses Scientific name Remarks
1. Talahib Saccharum spontaneum Note:
2. Cogon Imperata cylindrica Low nutritive
3. Bagokbok Themeda triandra value; low
4. Misamis grass Capillipedium parviflorum voluntary intake
5. Amorseco Chrysopogon aciculatus and digestibility.
Toxic Weeds
1. Lantana, Piyo-piyo Lantana camara Note:
2. Bracken fern, pako- Pteridium aquilinum
pako Avoid intake;
3. Hagonoy Chromolaena odorata causes
4. Giant mimosa Mimosa invisa scouring, etc.
5. Wild eggplant Solanum ferox
6. Pongapong Amorphophallus campanulatus
Table 5. Native vegetation needs improved pasture and forages
G. Management and maintenance of grazing areas
1. Establishment of improve or cultivated pasture species
Should management decide to replace naturally growing pasture with

cultivated pasture species. The next step is to decide the pasture
utilization system and forage species to grow.
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A. Selection of forage species for establishment. In deciding the

forage species to grow, management should consider the
production or feeding system, the adaptability of the species to the
local climate and soil condition, the availability of planting material
and relative yield and palatability.
B. The steps in selecting forage species are as follows:
1. Select based on the production and feeding system of the farm.

2. List down species that has high potential for the specific
utilization system.
3. Short list selected species based on productivity, quality and
lifespan.
4. Short list potential species base on climatic adaptation.
5. Short list potential species base on soil adaptation.
6. Selected species based on availability of planting materials.
4. Application (Let us apply knowledge on farm planning, layout and fencing)
2. Farm Planning
2.1 Site selection
Locate the cut-and-carry pasture near the dairy barn to
reduce the labor cost of harvesting and feeding the forages. This
can also facilitate the utilization of the farm’s wastewater to fertilize
and irrigate the pasture/forage area;
Locate the grazing pasture near the barn to minimize travel
distance and ensure the availability of water in each grazed
paddocks.
Determine the size of the cut-and-carry pasture area. It will
dependent on the total herd population, percent forage feeding and
expected forage yield.
Determine the size of the grazing pasture area and the
number of paddocks. The number of paddocks or pasture division
should correspond to the number of herds and number of rotational
paddocks per herd. A minimum of three paddocks rotation per herd,
a farm with minimum of two herds shall need to establish six
paddocks. Pasture utilization and efficiency will increase with
increasing number of rotation. However, more rotation needs more
paddocks, thus, entailing more cost in fence establishment.
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3. Farm Lay-out
3.1 Fencing
For a sample rotational grazing lay-out, refer on the
recommended pasture development and utilization and
management.
a. Establish fence line to manage pasture utilization and animal
grouping.
b. Fencing materials varies from steel pipes, cement post, wooden
post, or live post which vary in cost and durability.
c. Carefully plan the layout of the farm to save fencing cost.
d. Fence the farm before forage establishment to ensure
protection from early grazing damage.
4. Land Preparation
Well prepared area ensures good germination and growth of

the forage. It lessens the possible competition of nutrients from
weeds, especially during the emergence of the seedlings. After
germination, good land preparation saves the farm manager from
labor cost and possible damage to the seedling due to weeding.
5. Planting
Plant when soil has sufficient moisture (i.e., during wet

season) to ensure good germination and survival. Planting
materials varies from vegetative materials (i.e., stem cutting or
rootstocks) or seeds.
Assessment
1. Discuss the importance of native pasture or naturally growing pasture.
2. Write your comments on the Over sowing legumes in native pastures?
3. Would you agree with this statement? The potential of improve or

cultivated pasture species. If yes, why & and if otherwise, support your
opinion or suggestion for such statements.
Instructions on how to submit student output

The student concerned is required to submit their answers via email.
This is my email for your guidance (docjulsgrebitabela@gmail.com).
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Lesson 1.3: Herd and Health Management
A. What is herd management all about?
The best way to ensure productivity and profitability in dairy farm is

through sound, science-based standards herd management practices. The
lack of understanding on how to feed and manage the dairy animals properly
are some of the common problems affecting the operation, which often results
to poor reproduction and production performance.
In dairy production, the management of cow and calf is very important
because they are the main sources of farm income. The farm manager should
always remember that properly managed cows give more milk, calves and
income. Special care and attention should be given to calf because as the
saying goes ”todays calf is tomorrows cow.” This means that the quality of
your calf today would reflect the performance of the herd’s future cow. The
production of healthy calves would mean more replacement bulls and heifers
for future breeding and dairy production purposes.
B. Management of pregnant cow
Calf management starts even two months before the expected delivery.
This is followed by the management of the cow during calving up to the post-
calving stage. Thus, care of both the dam and the newborn calf should be given
importance.
Tips to remember in managing a cow near calving.

1. Determine the expected date of calving based on service date or by
pregnancy diagnosis through rectal palpation.
2. Separate the cow expecting to calve from the pregnant herd and keep
them individually at the maternity pen two months before calving.
3. Check the calf presentation two weeks before calving through rectal
palpation or ultrasound. In case of malpresentation, consult a
veterinarian.
4. Deworm the expectant cow for any internal and external parasites, at
least a month before calving.
5. Provide the pregnant cow with dry beddings (i.e., rice straw and rice
hulls) in the maternity pen to keep her warm and comfortable.
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Learning Outcomes
1. Learn to evaluate and understand the herd management practices
involve in dairy farming.
2. Establish a herd management practices for calving cows.
3. Learn and understand the standard management of pregnant cows,

calving, and postpartum practices of dairy cows.
Discussion
C. Management of cow at the onset of calving
At the start of calving, the cow normally becomes restless, seeks

seclusion, lies down and gets up frequently. It attempts to urinate more often,
then, starts delivering. Prepare the checklist prior to calving: Provide the cow
with suitable environment and hygienic place for delivery. Prepare all the
supplies and materials such as veterinary kit, drugs, feeds, and calf pen. Make
sure to observe and provide assistance to the cow before, during, and after
calving.
D. Management of parturient cow
Calving is a process of giving birth to a young calf. In cattle, 282-290

days and in buffaloes, it occurs during the terminal stage of gestation, about
312 (295-320) days in riverine buffaloes.
The following behavior and physiological changes occur in the
reproductive organ of the cow before the actual calving. 1) Relaxation of the
pelvic and perineum region; 2) Enlargement of the udder; 3) Swelling of the
vulva with clear mucus discharge, 4) Frequent urination of the cow; 5)
Restlessness and seeking a quiet place to give birth; and 6) Soft and watery
feces and padding of either one forelimb.
The three stages of calving cows: 1) Dilation of the cervix, 2) Expulsion
of the fetus, and 3) Expulsion of the placenta.
E. Management of postpartum cows
Postpartum cows are those that calved, lactated, dried-off after milking
period, and may conceive within its service period. Postpartum management
aims to shorten the calving interval to and produce more calves and more milk.
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Likewise, it is intended to address any traumatic injuries occurred during

calving.
The following management must be followed for postpartum cows

1. Separate the calf immediately after calving. Do not allow the calf to
suckle the colostrum. Milk the cow immediately and feed the colostrum
to the calf.
2. Do not allow the cow to eat the placental membrane
3. Flush the uterus of the cow using 10% betadine solution. Flush only
after the retained placenta is corrected.
4. Check for any injury on the reproductive organ or mammary gland.
5. Observe for any problem of the teats/udder before milking the cow.
6. Check if the cow has milk.
7. Provide for free access to feed and water.
8. Regularly replace the wet beddings to ensure dryness and comfort for
the cow.
9. Observe for the occurrence of the postpartum estrus starting from15-
45 days after calving.
10. Cows should conceive within 90 days after calving.
Learning Tasks/Activities
1. Activity (Let us understand identify the different dairying management

practices)
D. Management of lactating cows
While on colostral feeding, the cow should stay for 3-5 more days
at the maternity pen. During this period, feed the cow with ration
containing balanced energy, protein, minerals and vitamins. Ensure
that the cow has free access to water in order to regain the nutrients
lost during calving.
Consider the following management practices in managing a

lactating dairy cow.
1. Within 3 hours after calving, the colostrum should be manually

extracted from the cow.
2. Sensory check the quality of the colostrum by odor, taste and
textures. In case of abnormalities, discard the colostrum.
Otherwise, continue feeding it to the calf up to 5 days.
3. Offer the colostrum to the calf through bottle or pail feeding.
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4. After colostral feeding, transfer the cow to the lactating herd. Milk
the cow twice a day by hand or milking machine.
5. Group the lactating cows based on the stage of lactating or milk
production. This is important to be able to monitor the milk
production and to observe the first postpartum estrus.
6. Feed the lactating cow consistently based on the dairy milk
production and milk quality.
E. Calf management immediately after calving
1. After the expulsion of the fetus, check if the calf is alive or not.
2. Use a clean dry cloth to remove the placental tissue and amniotic
fluid attached to the calf.
3. Clean the mucus that clogged the nostrils of the calf to facilitate
breathing.
4. Allow the cow/dam to lick the calf. This behavior of the dam invokes
good mothering ability and it helps in cleaning and drying the calf.
5. Transfer the calf to a dry-bedded individual calf hutch.
7. Management of navel cord: Tie the navel cord 2 inches from the
calf’s abdomen and cut it at 1 inch below the tie.
8. Deep the entire navel in 10% povidone/iodine solution.
F. Weaning management
Weaning is very important in calf management because the calf

tends to loss weight after weaning from milk. The change of feed from
liquid for it to grow normally. The manager should make keen
management decisions regarding sound transition to avoid adverse
effect on its body weight after weaning.
1. When to wean a calf?
There are two basic considerations to be followed in weaning

a calf immediately after calving based on age and body weight.
a. Weaning at birth from dam
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This is done immediately after calving wherein the calf is

separated from the dam. The calf is artificially reared using
cow’s milk or a milk replacer.
b. Weaning from milk
The average age of weaning a calf from milk is at 3 months old.

At this age, the calf weighs about 80-90 kilograms. Generally, it
is recommended for the calf birth weight to double in 90 days.
At this time, the calf has already developed rumen and capable
of surviving on solid diet.
2. Pointers in weaning a calf from milk
a. Gradually phase out the milk or milk replacer feeding starting 80

to 90 days of calf age.
b. Determine the forage and concentrate intake. A calf should be
consuming 1-2 kg of concentrates per day.
c. Determine the body condition (body weight/conformation) and
health status of the calf before weaning.
d. Transfer the calf from the individual calf hutch to the growing
pen along with other weanlings.
3. Management of post-weaned calf (3 to 6 months)
a. Minimize the stress when transferring the calf to the new pen.
b. Feed the newly weaned calf with a ration containing balanced
proportion of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals to support
an ADG of 500 grams. Feed good quality grasses and legumes/
hay and starter concentrate.
c. Monitor regularly the health condition of the claves in the corral.
d. Clean and disinfect the corral and replace beddings 1-2 times a
week. When wet, change he beddings more frequently.
e. Corrals must be free from stray animals (dogs, cats, and
chickens)
f. in case the calf is raised in pasture, the manager must know the
pasture cover and its carrying capacity.
g. Provide supplementary mineral lick.
G. Heifer and cow management
Management of heifer is important because they become the

future breeders of the herd. The improvement of the dairy herd starts
when culled cows are replaced by genetically superior, well fed, healthy
and properly managed heifers. Dairy heifers should be fed properly to
reach its pubertal weight of 300-350 kg and deliver a calf at a younger
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No. 21-DAS-IM-01
age of 27-42 months. If nutrition is in adequate, heifer will not reproduce

normally even at four years of age or older. Breed the best cows to the
best bulls to produce good replacement heifers.
1. Managing heifers to reach early sexual maturity.
1.1 Calf to be raised as replacement heifer should come from cows

mated with genetically superior bull.
1.2 Allow the growing heifer to interact with male animals when it
nears its pubertal age.
1.3 Heifers usually attain sexual maturity as early as 16 months.
However, breeding starts when the heifer reaches 300 kg body
weight. Start observing for signs of first estrus.
A well-nourished heifer can withstand diseases compared to a

poorly nourished animal. Sometimes, poor growth and reproductive
performance are observed despite proper nutrition due to possible
illness or infection. In such cases, consult the veterinarian. In heifers,
the common diseases are prevented by regular vaccination and
deworming.
2. Management of pregnant heifer and cow (1st and 2nd trimester)
The pregnant dairy animal should be given proper care and

nutrition during the early stage of gestation. A balance ration is needed
not only for body maintenance but for the developing fetus. In cases
when the cow is simultaneously pregnant and lactating, feed with
higher plane of nutrition with ration composed of well-balanced
nutrients to support its maintenance, gestation and lactation. Below is
the important guide in managing pregnant heifer/cow.
2.1 Right after the heifer/cow is confirmed pregnant, segregate it

immediately from non-pregnant heifers and cows.
2.2 At this stage of gestation, monitor regularly its body condition.
Recommended BCS is between 3 & 4.
2.3 Feed with balanced diet and water.
2.4 Observe the health condition to avoid abortion and stillbirth.
H. Management of dry pregnant cow
Dry period is the interval between the end of lactation and the
period of subsequent calving. A minimum of 60 60 days and maximum
of 90 days’ dry period is recommended to serve as resting period of the
dairy animal. This is the time of rebuilding the body reserves and the
mammary tissues.
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No. 21-DAS-IM-01
1. Monitor the body condition of dry cows.

2. Feed dry cows with high plane of nutrition diet to attain a BCS of 4
during calving.
3. Dry pregnant cows are kept in group in a corral or paddock but they
are separated with the other animal herds.
H.1 Management of dry (non-pregnant) cow
1. Feed dry cows with ad libitum forage without additional

supplementary concentrates.
2. When feeding farm by-products such as rice straw or corn
stover, give supplementary concentrate at 0.5-1.0 kg/day.
3. If the dry gestating cows are raised under grazing (pasture),
provide a grazing time of about 6-8 hours to meet its feed
requirements.
4. Following the level of feeding described above, the nutrients
supply should be adequate to maintain the BCS of dry gestating
cows of 2.5-3.5
I. Management of bulls
Male calves are purposively raised for future breeding. Bulls

intended for breeding or semen collection must be raised with proper
nutrition and care management starting at an early age to become
gentle and docile.
1. How to manage the bull?
1.1 At 8-10 months old, the male calves are separated from female
or non-pregnant heifers and cows.
1.2 Give balanced ration to be able to gain 500 grams ADG.
1.3 At two (2) years of age, regulate the ration to support 300-400
grams ADG.
1.4 It is important to give mineral supplements such as Ca, P,
selenium, and Zn because it directly influence the bull’s sexual
activity and the quality of its semen.
1.5 At one to one in-half (1-11/2) year old, keep the bull in individual
pen with space requirement of 10 m3 with an exercise area.
1.6 To ensure physical fitness for breeding or semen collection, the
bull is given 30-minutes to one hour daily to exercise.
2. Preparing the bull for natural mating
1.1 Virgin bull or candidate replacement is subjected to a breeding
sound evaluation (BSE) for mounting behavior, tameness,
sexual urges or libido, before mixing into the herd.
Page 43 of 52
No. 21-DAS-IM-01
1.2 Conduct a physical examination every 6 months and full

breeding soundness examination every 12 months.
1.3 Provide adequate handling facilities for bulls to reduce injury to
the animals and farm workers.
1.4 Observe for signs of illness or other physical condition such as
lameness, abnormal gaits, and etc.
1.5 Rotate bulls in and out of the breeding herd based on the
developed mating plan.
1.6 Ideally, a 2.5 years old bull is already capable of breeding
1.7 Standard recommended bull to cow ratio of 1:25.
1.8 Avoid drastic changes in diets. Do not fed bulls abruptly onto
the same diets as that of lactating cows.
1.9 Minimize the heat stress by providing shade and cooling
systems
1.10 Apply the same vaccination and preventive health program to
bulls as in the rest of the cows.
Assessment
1. Discuss the importance of forage development in dairy farming, its
nutritional contribution in dairy feeding.
2. Write your comments in the overview of the benefits of forage

development in dairy production systems. Is it exciting and
challenging forage garden establishment and forage management for
small-scale, semi-commercial, and commercial-scale dairy animal
raising? What is your opinion?
3. Identify the grasses, shrubs, trees and legumes species with potential
in the Philippines.
4. Would you agree with this statement? It is essential to select the best
forages in dairy production and management operation. If yes, why &
and if otherwise, support your opinion or suggestion for such
statements.
Instructions on how to submit student output
The student concerned is required to submit their answers via email.

This is my email for your guidance (docjulsgrebitabela@gmail.com or
julius.abela@vsu.edu.ph).
Page 44 of 52
V0 07-15-2020
No. 21-DAS-IM-01
Module Posttest
1. Identify and discuss the types of forages intended for dairy animals (For
Cows, Buffaloes and goats).
2. Write down the common poisonous plants or toxic pasture species only
found in the Philippines. Provide vital information that makes them very
poisonous to dairy animals.
3. The importance of forage development and benefits of forage

development in dairying.
4. Establish a feeding program for dairy junior and senior bulls.
5. Provide standard feeding management for empty dairy cows, buffaloes

and goats.
6. Establish a feeding program for pregnant dairy heifers, cows, buffaloes

and goats.
7. Why weaning the calf important to cow and calf management.
8. Establish a feeding program for dairy lactating cows.
9. List down the native pasture or naturally growing pasture (grasses and
legume) found in the Philippine.
10. What would be the best Dairy Production System in the Philippine
setting. Likewise, provide the pictures of the different dairy farm animals
like cattle, buffaloes, and dairy goats with their important characteristics.
Page 45 of 52
No. 21-DAS-IM-01
References and Additional Resources
A. Textbook(s)
1. Akundabweni, L., and Njuguna, S.K. (1996). Seed production of native

hay clovers in the highlands of eastern Africa. Tropical
Grasslands, 30, 257-261
2. Baldridge, D.E., R.L. Ditterline, L.K. Holzworth, J.D. Scheetz, J.R. Sims,
S. Smoliak, G.L. Tibke, and L.E. Wiesner. (2004). Alsike Clover
(From Montana Interagency Plant Materials Handbook).
Montanta State University Extension Service. Bozeman, MT.
http://animalrangeextension.montana.edu/Articles/Forage/Spec
ies/Legumes/Alsikeclover.htm (verified 14 July 2004).
3. Bilbao, PP., Corpuz, BB., Llgas, AT & Salandanan, GG. (2018). The
Teaching Profession. 4th Edition. OBE-&PPST-Based. Published
by LORIMAR Publishing Inc. 776 Aurora Blvd., Cor. Boston Street,
Cubao Quezon City, Metro Manila
4. Boschini, C.F. (2002). Establishment and management of mulberry for
intensive fodder production. In: Sánchez, M.D. (ed.) 2002.
Mulberry for Animal Production. Animal Production and Health
Paper 147. pp. 115-122. (FAO, Rome).
5. Bowman, A.M., Wilson, G.P.M. and Gogel, B.J. (1998) Evaluation of
perennial peanuts (Arachis spp.) as forage on the New South
Wales north coast. Tropical Grasslands, 32, 252-258.
6. Bray, R.A., Palmer, B. and Ibrahim, T.M. (1997) Performance of shrub
legumes at four sites in Indonesia and Australia.Tropical
Grasslands, 31, 31–39.
7. Chen, C.P., and Hutton, E.M. (1992) Panicum maximum Jacq. InIn: 't
Mannetje, L. and Jones, R.M. (eds) Plant Resources of South-East
Asia No. 4. Forages. pp. 172-174. (Pudoc Scientific Publishers,
Wageningen, the Netherlands).
8. CIAT (1992). Pastures for the Tropical Lowlands. CIAT, Cali, Colombia.
9. Corpuz, BB., Lucas, MRD., Borabo, HGL., & Lucido, PI. 2018. The Child
and Adolescent Learners and Learning Principles. OBE-&PPST-
Based. Published by LORIMAR Publishing Inc. 776 Aurora Blvd.,
Cor. Boston Street, Cubao Quezon City, Metro Manila
10. Evans, D.O. (2001) Sesbania sesban: Widely distributed multipurpose
NFT. In: Roshetko, J.M. (ed.) Agroforestry Species and
Technologies. pp. 157-158. (Winrock International, Morilton,
USA).
11. Farias, M.L. and Piedade, M.T.F. (2000) Growth and biomass of
Echinochloa polystachya (Poaceae) under nitrogen fertilization
and different harvest treatments. German-Brazilian Workshop on
neotropical ecosystems; Living Resources Management,
Hamburg 2000.
Page 46 of 52
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No. 21-DAS-IM-01
12. Fernández, O.A., Brevedan, R.E. and Gargano, A.O. (eds) (1991) Pasto
LlorÓn. Su Biologia Y Manejo. Centro De Recursos Naturales
Renovables De La Zona Semiárida (CERZOS), Universidad
Nacional del Sur, Bahia Blanca, Argentina. ISBN 950-43-3258-8.
13. Getnet Assefa (1998) Biomass yield, botanical fractions, and quality of
tagasaste (Chamaecytisus palmensis) as affected by harvesting
interval in the highlands of Ethiopia. Agroforestry Systems, 42, 13-
23.
14. Gibbs Russell, G. E., Watson, L., Koekemoer, M., Smook, L., Barker, N.
P., Anderson, H. M., and Dallwitz, M. J. (1990)`Grasses of
Southern Africa.' Memoirs of the South African Botanical Survey
number 58. Botanical Research Institute: Pretoria.
15. Gutteridge, R.C., and Shelton, H.M. (1994) Forage Tree Legumes in
Tropical Agriculture. CAB International, Oxford, England, reprinted
1998 by Tropical Grassland Society of Australia, St Lucia,
Australia.
16. Hardjono, A. and Warsito, T. (1990) The effect of lime and P fertilizer
on the growth of Calopogonium caeruleum . II. Field experiment.
Menara Perkebunan, 58, 70-73.
17. Henderson, L. (2001). Alien weeds and invasive plants. A full guide for
proclaimed weeds and invaders in South Africa. Plant Protection
Research Institute Handbook No. 12, 300pp. PPR, ARC South
Africa
18. Jingura, R.M., Sibanda, S. and Hamudikuwanda, H. (2001) Yield and
nutritive value of tropical forage legumes grown in semi-arid parts
of Zimbabwe. Tropical Grasslands, 35, 168-174.
19. Jones, R.M., Bishop, H.G., Clem, R.L., Conway, M.J., Cook, B.G., Moore,
K. and Pengelly, B.C. (2000) Measurements of nutritive value of a
range of tropical legumes and their use in legume evaluation.
Tropical Grasslands, 34, 78-90.
20. Rosales, M. (1997) Trichanthera gigantea (Humboldt & Bonpland.)
Nees: A Review. Livestock Research for Rural Development, 9, 4.
21. Stewart, J.L., Allison, G.E., and Simons, A.J. (1996) Gliricidia sepium:
Genetic resources for farmers. Oxford Forestry Institute,
University of Oxford, UK.
B. Main References
22. Barnes R. F, Baylor J.E., 1995 Forages in a changing world. In: Barnes
RF, Miller DA, Nelson CJ (eds) Forages, Vol 1. An introduction to
grassland Agriculture, 5th edn. Iowa State University Press, Ames,
Iowa, pp 3–13.
23. Forster, J. W., Jones, E. S., Kölliker, R., Drayton, M. C., Dumsday, J. L.,
Dupal, M. P., Guthridge, K. M., Mahoney, N. L., Van Zijll de Jong, E.,
Smith, K. F. 2001. Creation and application of molecular markers
for the enhancement of the forage crop. Molecular Breeding of
Forage Crops pp 101-133
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No. 21-DAS-IM-01
24. McKersie B. D., 1997. Improving forage production systems using

biotechnology. In: McKersie BD, Brown DCW (eds) Biotechnology
and the improvement of forage legumes. Biotechnology in
Agriculture Series, No. 17. CAB International, Wallingford, pp 3–
21.
25. Merkel, R. C. & Subandriyo (eds.) (1997). Sheep and Goat Production
Handbook for Southeast Asia. (3rd ed.). Small Ruminant
Collaborative Research Support Programme, Davis, USA:
University of California.
26. Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC), 1998. Kinuskusan,
Bansalan, Davao del Sur, Philippines, 1998-12-01
27. Palmer J. J., 2017. Cut-and-Carry Forage Systems Based on Nitrogen-
Fixing Plants for Asia's Tropical Slopelands. Publication of the
Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC), Kinuskusan,
Bansalan, Davao del Sur, Philippines. p. 1
28. PCARRD. 1998. Technical Bulletin No. 12 MBRLC Data, Kinuskusan,
Bansalan, Davao del Sur, Philippines, 1998-12-01 (website:
http://www.nzdl.org.)
29. Sarabia, AS., del Barrio, AN., Abes, NS., Abesamis, AF., Aquino, DL.,
Duran, PG.,Flores, EB., Lapitan, RM., Manuad, FV., Gabunada, Fg.,
Herrera, JRV., Maramba, JF., Salces, CB & Battad, LG. 2009. Dairy
Buffalo Production Handbook. Science City of Munoz, Nueva
Ecija, Philippines.
30. Spangenberg'r', G., Kalla, R., Lidget, A., Sawbridge, T., Ong, E.K. and
John, U. 2001. Breeding Forage Plants in the Genome Era.
Molecular Breeding of Forage Crops. Developments in Plant
Breeding, vol 10. Springer, Dordrecht
31. Van Wijk AJP, Boonman JG, Rumball W. 1993. Achievements and
prospectives in the breeding of forage grasses and legumes. In:
Baker MJ (ed) Grasslands for our world. SIR, Wellington, pp 116–
120.
C. Other References
32. Khan, MAS. & Siddiki, S.R. 2004 Preparation of Urea Molasses Block
(UMB) and its use in livestock. [Leaflet] Forage Production and
UMB Technology Project (NRI/DFID). Bangladesh Agricultural
University, Mymensingh-2202.
33. Yokota, H., Fujjii, Y., & Oshima, M.. 1998.– Nagoya University – The
Farm, School of Agriculture Science – Nutritional Quality of
Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) Silage
Supplemented with Molasses and rice bran by goats.
34. Phelps, J. M.. 2017. Estimating Dry Matter Yield in Mitchell grass
country. Department of Employment, Economic Development,
and Innovation, 1-3.
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Answers to the Pretest
Instructions: Write “Yes” if you agree and “No” if you disagree.
____ 1. Dairy farming is one of the lucrative and challenging business

enterprises in the livestock industry in the country today.
____ 2. Supply and demand for dairy in the market today are deficient, as
reported by the animal industry bureau.
____ 3. Filipino’s are known to be the “milk consumer” in Asia.
____ 4. Backyard or small-scale dairy ruminant raising can be raised in
any agricultural areas.
____ 5. The commercial-scale of dairy business enterprises requires an
Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) before they can be
allowed to operate.
Page 49 of 52
No. 21-DAS-IM-01
Answer to the Posttest
Use Normal text here
Page 50 of 52
V0 07-15-2020
No. 21-DAS-IM-01
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
College of Agriculture & Food Science
For inquiries, contact:
JULIUS V. ABELA, Ph.D.

docjulsgrebitabela@gmail.com
julius.abela@vsu.edu.ph • ansci@vsu.edu.ph
+63 920 855 3990
+63 53 565 0600 Local 1234
Use this code when referring to this material:

TP-IMD-02 v0 07-15-20 • No. 20-DAS-IM-02
Visca, Baybay City, Leyte

Philippines 6521
information@vsu.edu.ph
+63 53 565 0600
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No. 21-DAS-IM-01

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ANSC 133

JULIUS V. ABELA, Ph.D.

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE & FOOD

A globally competitive university for science, technology, and

Development of a highly competitive human resource,

The Visayas State University (VSU), a globally competitive university of

TP-IMD-02 v0 No. 21-DAS-IM-02

VICTOR B. ASIO, Ph.D.

About the Author

JULIUS V. ABELA was born on July 10, 1971 in

Module 1: Introduction to Dairy Production System 13

H. Management of dry pregnant cow 42

1 Forages that can provide amount and quality of nutrients

Figure 1. Total inventory of dairy animals by type (2015-2016) ..... 15

Instructions: Write “Yes” if you agree and “No” if you disagree.

____ 1. Dairy farming is one of the lucrative and challenging business

Lesson 1.1: Dairy Animals, Breeds, and

2. Identify dairy supply and demand, including the situation.

I. Introduction to Dairy Production

 The dairy farming system is recognized as one of the most promising

II. Status of Dairy Production Systems

As of January 1, 2016, the total dairy animal population was 44,432

Figure 1. Total inventory of dairy animals by type (2015-2016)

As of January 1, 2017, the total inventory of goat was 3.71 million

Figure 2.Change in inventory of goat by farm type (2015-2017)

As of January 1, 2017, the total inventory of carabao in the Philippines

Figure 3. Growth rate on the inventory of carabao by farm type (2016-2017)

As of January 1, 2020, the total carabao inventory was estimated at

Figure 4. Percent distribution of carabao inventory by age (2020)

As of January 1, 2016, the total dairy animal population was 44,432

Figure 5. The total inventory of dairy animals by type (2015-2016)

Figure 6. Percent distribution of goat inventory by age (2020)

III. Breeds of Dairy Animals

A. Breeds of Dairy Cattle

a. These cows were originally from Scotland.

h. These cattle love to graze because of their ruggedness, stamina,

Indian buffalo (Chantalakhana and Falvey, 1999). Buffalo are

c. A good doe should have no problem averaging 3 liters of milk per

IV. Breeding and Reproduction

For dairy farm in-charge, managers, and animal breeders, improvement

reproduction strategies are essential. Animals must be bred and made to

2. Feet and legs

1.1 With healthy feet and legs

1.1 Strong mammary system

4. Body shape, size and capacity

C. Designing a breeding program

Lesson 1.2: Feeding Management, Forage

A. Practical considerations in feeding lactating cows

The recommended amount of feed intake and the

Step 2. Determine the cow’s current stage of milk production/lactation.

Lactation has four stages based on duration (in days) of milk

Identify the lactation stage facilitates the estimation of volume

Step 5. Tabulate the information and prepare sample ration.

B. Forage Production and Pasture Management

Forages are plant materials eaten by the animals directly from

native grasses, some herbaceous plants, shrubs, trees and leguminous or

C. Option for pasture development

Pasture is a land planted with forage grasses or vegetation cover used

D. The native pasture or naturally growing pasture

Native or naturally growing pasture common under plantation

E. The Over sowing legumes in native pastures

This option is applicable in areas where land cultivation is a