Question 1

Which of the following is the most critical factor in reducing disease risk in newborn dairy calves during the first few months of life?

Accepted Answer

Feeding colostrum within 2-4 hours after birth

Question 2

A dairy calf is vaccinated at 7 days old. What is the most likely outcome, based on the interaction between maternal antibodies and vaccination?

Accepted Answer

Maternal antibodies will neutralize the vaccine, reducing its effectiveness

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the main dietary transition for dairy calves at around 8 weeks of age?

Accepted Answer

Weaning from a milk-based diet to solid starter grain

Question 4

A dairy farm is experiencing high rates of scours (diarrhea) in calves. Which management practice should be prioritized to reduce this health issue?

Accepted Answer

Improving cleanliness and hygiene in calf housing

Question 5

Why is feeding waste milk to calves discouraged, especially if the milk comes from cows with mastitis?

Accepted Answer

It can transmit pathogens and antibiotic residues to the calves

Question 6

A dairy heifer is not pregnant by 14 months of age. What is the most likely economic consequence for the farm?

Accepted Answer

The heifer may be culled or moved to the food industry, reducing farm efficiency

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why the timing, volume, and quality of colostrum feeding are critical for newborn calves?

Accepted Answer

They determine the level of passive immunity and reduce calf mortality

Question 8

A farm uses robotic milk replacer feeders for pre-weaning calves. What is a potential benefit of this technology?

Accepted Answer

It allows for more precise and consistent feeding schedules

Question 9

Which of the following is the primary goal for dairy calves between 8 weeks and 12 months of age?

Accepted Answer

Achieving healthy growth of approximately 1.8–2 lb gain per day

Question 10

A dairy cow is in the 'fresh' stage of lactation. Which of the following best describes her risk profile?

Accepted Answer

She is at the highest risk for leaving the herd early due to health issues

Question 11

Which of the following is the most common health problem in dairy cows that impacts milk quality and leads to increased antibiotic use?

Accepted Answer

Mastitis

Question 12

A dairy farm wants to maximize milk revenue. If the average days in milk (DIM) increases from 160 to 200, how much less milk revenue is generated per 100 cows per year, given $0.155/lb milk price and a loss of 0.17 lbs per DIM over 160?

Accepted Answer

$38,471

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the relationship between somatic cell count (SCC) and subclinical mastitis in dairy cows?

Accepted Answer

An increased SCC indicates subclinical mastitis, even if there are no visible symptoms

Question 14

Which of the following management practices is most effective in preventing infectious hoof disease in dairy herds?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a clean, dry, and comfortable environment

Question 15

A dairy cow has a body condition score (BCS) of less than or equal to 2.75. Which of the following physical features would you expect to observe?

Accepted Answer

Angular hooks and angular pins

Question 16

Which of the following is a key economic impact of poor reproductive performance in a dairy herd?

Accepted Answer

Increased replacement costs and decreased ability to cull cows

Question 17

Which genetic selection strategy uses the evaluation of over 50,000 SNPs for association with traits in a reference population?

Accepted Answer

Genomic selection

Question 18

A dairy farm is considering the cost of feeding lactating cows. If it costs $7.02 per day to feed one cow, how much would it cost to feed 6,100 cows for 30 days?

Accepted Answer

$1,284,660

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for preventing lameness in dairy cows?

Accepted Answer

Increasing standing time for cows

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the stage of lactation matters for a dairy cow's dietary needs?

Accepted Answer

Different stages require different nutrient levels to support milk production and health

Dairy Cattle Biology: Life Stages, Health, and Management

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