Yassin Mwangi

Calving Department Duties and Responsibilities

Inspect heifer/cow that nearly calving, and also if they have injuries.

Assist in parturition of heifer/cow especially a wrong position of calf.

Feeding of calves (3x before bring in the calf house between 6 hrs from the first feeding.)

Separating the calf from the cow after birth and give colostrums.

Can do esophageal tube feeder.

Cleaning the calf sheds.

Bring in fresh cows/heifers in milking par lour for the collection of colostrums

Administer calcium to cow after calving.

Collect colostrums in medic’s par lour.

Pasteurization of collected colostrums for about 2 hrs.

Ear tagging of calf.

Ear tag checked in heifers for movement.

Loading and unloading heifers

Vaccination of cow/heifer 21 days before calving (Coglavax, Spirovax, Bovishield)

Collection of urine sample for laboratory test.

Tail clipping, Hoof trimming and putting of chip (identification of cow) in the heifer before calving.

Cleans as well as sterilizes milk containers equipment, calving equipment and pasteurizer machine.

Drive farm tractor for collection and bring calves in calf house.

May maintain data in Daily Calving Records.

Feeding Responsibilities

Check all animals on a timely basis (three to four times per day) to be certain they are receiving adequate feed. Be certain clean water is available at all times.

Feed cows and calves in a timely manner as outlined or directed by manager.

Be certain lots and barns are cleaned daily or as directed by the manager.

Routinely check freshening area and assist in birthing process as needed.

Check all lots at least five times per day (dry cow, heifer and calf areas) to be certain cattle are not under stress due to weather conditions.

Maintain all equipment as prescribed by manufacturer’s suggestions. Be certain all machinery is in working order. Notify manager immediately if any malfunctions occur.

Take any necessary feed or forage samples for nutrient testing as required by manager.

Be certain all pastures and fencing are maintained. Repair these items when needed.

Maintain all equipment and tools in an orderly manner so they are readily available to use by any employee if needed.

Treat sick animals and administer appropriate prescription drugs only when told by the manager.

Perform routine vaccinations under supervision of the manager.

Assist in any special projects or routine maintenance of farmstead in coordination with the manager.

Milking Responsibilities and Procedures

Prepare milking equipment and bulk tank for milking.

Bring in cows for milking or help other employees bring in cows if needed or requested.

Wear gloves when milking to help prevent spread of mastitis-causing organisms.

Follow recommended pre-milking preparation of cattle before milking.

Milk all cows in an orderly, proper and consistent manner.

Be certain to look at treatment records so that milk from treated cows is not put into the bulk tank. Since all milk will be sampled for various drug residues at each pick-up, it is the milker’s responsibility to guarantee that milk shipped meets the current State Public Milk Ordinance. If any question or concern is expressed about the safety of any shipment, it should be tested by the milker and the results discussed with the manager immediately.

Note cows that may have mastitis or other problems and inform the manager for possible treatment. (No treatment will be done without permission of the manager.)

Clean the milking parlor, holding area and bulk tank room.

Operate all milking equipment as recommended by the manager and factory specifications.

After milking, be sure all machinery and sanitation procedures are followed according to manufacturer’s specification and Grade A Standards of the Public 

Animal health and production