Before
understanding the management of dairy animals we should understand
their production Cycle.
Production Cycle of Dairy Animals:
After the
birth of female calf, it is reared until it reaches the age of
maturity (age of maturity should be 13-15 months in ideal condition;
may vary from breed to breed). At this age this heifer is
inseminated and becomes pregnant. This pregnant animal spends its
first gestation period and
normally calves after 9 months
(age of first
calving should be 22-24 months in ideal condition; may vary from
breed to breed).
After first calving, animal starts producing milk which is first
lactation of animal.
To maintain
production cycle, animal is again inseminated two months
after first calving. This animal becomes pregnant but continues
producing milk (first lactation). Milking of first lactation is
stopped two months before next calving. This period of two months in
which animal does not produce milk is called dry period. |