„ Inflammation of the udder is swelling and discoloration of the udder due to infection or injury. The udder is the baglike mammary gland of cattle (and other livestock) that has two or more teats hanging near the hind legs. The teats are the nipples of the mammary gland from which the milk is extracted. See Figure 10-15. „ Lameness is when the cow is having trouble moving on its feet and legs. Lameness becomes a serious issue for dairy cattle because they walk mainly on concrete to enter the milking parlor. Calving Birth Finishing begins Seedstock Processing and packaging By-products to rendering plant Distribution Further processing Harvest at 16–30 months Distribution Weaning Mating with bull or through A.I. Gestation 279–290 days Milk replacer for 5 weeks Rearing for 3–6 months Cow returns to milk production Cow Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 10-14. The production cycle of dairy cattle production is similar to that of beef cattle production. What are the main differences between the two cycles? After studying the production cycle, visit www.g-wlearning.com to test your knowledge. 530 Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.