Key Points of Dairy Cattle Farming Technology and a Detailed Guide to Scientific Feeding and Management Methods

Dairy cattle farming technology refers to a complete set of production methods built around the feeding and management, breeding and reproduction, disease prevention and control, and milking operations of dairy cattle, with the goal of keeping the herd healthy while steadily increasing milk yield and milk quality. It is a fundamental part of dairy production and involves breed selection, feed formulation, barn environment, and daily management, among other aspects.

In terms of breed selection, the most common dairy cattle breed in China is the Holstein, which has outstanding milk production performance and strong adaptability; in some regions, breeds such as the Jersey are also raised, which have a higher milk fat percentage but relatively limited milk yield. Farmers should determine the appropriate breed to raise based on local climate, feed resources, and market demand.

Feeding and management are the core of dairy cattle farming. Dairy cattle have considerably different nutritional needs at different physiological stages, so they are usually kept in separate groups according to the dry period, transition period, and lactation period, with roughage and concentrate rationally matched and an adequate supply of clean drinking water ensured. Barns should be well ventilated and dry, warm in winter and cool in summer, with manure cleaned regularly, so as to provide dairy cattle with a comfortable environment for lying down and moving around.

Disease prevention and control must not be neglected either. Mastitis, hoof diseases, and reproductive disorders are common problems in dairy cattle, and it is necessary to persist with regular disinfection, hoof trimming, and health inspections, standardize milking procedures, and carry out vaccination immunization on schedule. At the same time, keeping good breeding records and selection plans and promptly culling low-yielding individuals help raise the overall level of the herd. Mastering scientific farming technology not only makes farming returns more stable but also helps ensure the quality and safety of dairy products.