Publications

In response to member queries about calf jackets and their efficacy, we carried out a Tried & Tested survey and trial in early 2015. The survey was completed by a sample of Kingshay members and other dairy producers. The trial included a comparison of 8 different calf jackets that were put on heifer calves and […]

The Kingshay Cubicle Demonstration Unit has been allowing farmer members to test out different cubicles and mats and mattresses that are on the market since the first section of it was built in 2004. 11 years on, we can make clear judgements on the longevity and performance of the many products in the unit. This […]

Traditional calf feeding practice limits milk fed to encourage early intakes of concentrates and promote earlier weaning, to cut feed costs and labour. Recent research however has shown that feeding higher volumes of milk can boost lifetime productivity, but this can make weaning more difficult. This Farming Note discusses how different calf feeding approaches can […]

featuring results from the Heat Detection Survey There are numerous and varied products sold in the UK claiming to increase heat detection rates in bulling cows, from tail paint to sophisticated multifunctional accelerometers. Kingshay's Heat Detection Tried and Tested Report details the different products on the market and includes ratings and comments from the farmers […]

Lighting on a dairy farm is important for animal health and production, but can be a significant cost. This Farming Note addresses: Optimum lighting levels and hours of light and dark for both milking and dry cows Advantages of 'long day' and 'short day' photoperiods Comparable costs of buying and running different types of bulbs, […]

As part of Kingshay's exhibit at the 'Livestock Event' and 'The Dairy Show' last year, farmers filled in a survey assessing levels of cow comfort on their farm. The Cow Comfort Report presents these results in an interactive style report, which is designed to help you pinpoint pressure points in your system where production and […]

Natural service can save time and money, but a poorly performing bull can be costly if conception rates are low. Is your bull in peak form? With up to 33% of bulls thought to be sub-fertile, it is worth reviewing your bull management to make sure that your bull is given the best opportunity to […]

Most herds produce milk containing two types of beta casein, A1 and A2, however there is a small minority who are intolerant to the A1 protein. A2 milk is produced by cows genetically selected to only produce the A2 milk protein and this niche product has become popular in New Zealand and increasingly Australia, where it currently accounts for 6% […]

The young dairy heifers are the future of your herd. By planning their rearing from day one until they start their first lactation, farm profits can be improved as a result of maximising milk yield, reducing the number of youngstock on the farm, reducing culling rates and heifer losses. Price: POA Issued September 2012

The Effective Bedding Management report provides a guide to choosing an alternative bedding material or managing existing cow bedding. The report includes results of the Members survey which many of you completed last winter and also describes the pros and cons of different bedding types. This Report is only available to members – Price: POA […]