Publications

The typical method for preventing new infections and treatment of intra-mammary infections during the dry period has historically been the blanket use of Dry Cow Therapy. With the rise of antimicrobial resistance in human as well as veterinary medicine, this prophylactic use of antibiotics (ABs) is now considered unnecessary, as many cows in the herd will be treated with ABs when they don't need it.

Every clinical case of mastitis costs around £290. Currently the top 25% of farmers achieve 22 mastitis cases per 100 cows, while the group average is 41 cases per 100 cows (Kingshay Dairy Costings Focus 2017). These 19 fewer cases achieved savings of £5,510 through reduced treatment costs and increased milk sales. Keeping good mastitis […]

Replacement heifers account for almost 10% of on-farm costs, yet the Kingshay 2012 Youngstock Survey found that 15.5% of first-calving heifers fail to calve into the milking herd for a second time. It is vital to manage youngstock in a way that will produce excellent growth rates and set up an animal for a long, […]

To maximise the health and performance of any dairy herd, it's essential that all dairy farms work hand-in-hand with their vet to proactively prevent disease. No modern-day farmer or vet can afford to view veterinary intervention as something to consider only when an animal is sick. Instead, taking a team approach to set farm specific […]

Once the decision has been made to cross breed, it's important to establish a clear, well planned breeding programme and choose bulls based on the qualities you want, as well as the breed. Genetic gain should be the focus of any strategy. Issued November 2017 About Kingshay Farming Notes Since 1991 Kingshay has been publishing […]

Cross breeding could form part of the solution for those farmers looking to make improvements in herd health, fertility and robustness. Issued Oct 2017. About Kingshay Farming Notes Since 1991 Kingshay has been publishing Farming Notes on issues critical to the success of a modern dairy farm business. These briefings provide dairy farmers, large […]

Body Condition Scoring (BCS) is a simple and effective farm management tool. It is a measure of body fat/energy reserves, that can be used to aid decisions or troubleshoot issues as they arise. The fine tuning of nutrition throughout the lactation and dry period improves the overall nutritional status of the herd, leading to improved […]

Ketosis is one of the most significant 'hidden' diseases affecting the UK dairy herd. Around 30% of cows are estimated to develop the metabolic disease during the transition period at a cost of about £200 a case. This Farming Note focuses on causes, diagnosis, testing and treatment. Issued August 2017 About Kingshay Farming Notes […]

Tracks play a key role in enabling early turnout and allowing effective use of grazing right through the season. This Farming Note assesses the key practical aspects of a good track infrastructure and includes feedback on track demonstrations at Bridge Farm and Gelli Aur in South Wales. Issued February 2017. About Kingshay Farming Notes Since […]

Leptospirosis (lepto) is a bacterial disease of cows which causes infertility, abortion storms, higher cell counts and lower milk yields. Control of lepto is particularly crucial as it is zoonotic, so can be transmitted to humans.

Environmental mastitis pathogens are naturally present in the housed environment, but problems occur when the pathogen pressure becomes too high. This Farming Note covers: What encourages environmental mastitis? Reducing humidity Loose housing risk Which bedding is the most hygienic? Bedding conditioners – prices Issued December 2015. About Kingshay Farming Notes Since 1991 Kingshay has been […]

There is increasing pressure on producers to use veterinary medicines more sparingly, in particular, antibiotics. Many assurance schemes are striving to prove agriculture is doing its bit to prevent antimicrobial resistance. This Farming Note covers measures that can be taken to use antibiotics more selectively. This Farming Note covers: How antibiotic resistance can develop on […]