Publications

Increased milking frequency, whether through a parlour or robots, is often considered as a means of maximising herd genetic potential and income. However, before making any changes it's essential to weigh up the pros and cons of different milking systems and calculate the impact on the milk cheque, staffing and long-term sustainability.

The importance of formulating a well-balanced, appropriate ration for cows is well known. Once this is done, we must next focus on how we present this ration to the cow. A ration that is perfectly balanced on paper but is poorly presented, not well structured or unpalatable will not achieve the performance expected. This applies to all cattle, not just the milking herd. This Dairy Insight highlights the importance of feed presentation for cattle, offering advice on feed barrier design and tips for structuring rations efficiently.

Opting to have heifers reared on contract by a third party could be an attractive option for those farmers with limited labour, time, interest or facilities. On units where hitting a target age at first calving of 24-months is a challenge, outsourcing to a specialist could also improve heifer rearing efficiencies. This Dairy Insight explores different contract rearing models and health considerations to include when deciding to explore this new enterprise.

When it comes to maximising milk from forage there is always a lot of information around the grass plant itself and the infrastructure required to maximise grazing, or how to maximise conserved forages. However, the cow also plays a vital role, this Dairy Insight is therefore dedicated to the cow aspects of maximising milk from forage whilst grazing. This is the 2nd in a series of publications 'Achieving Milk From Forage'

The rumen is a complex fermentation vat which, through muscular contractions and a careful balance of microorganisms, breaks down the plant cell walls into volatile fatty acids and then passes the semi-digested feed on to the rest of the digestive tract. This Dairy Insight explores the importance of monitoring rumen function with particular reference to acidosis and highlights how and early corrective treatment can improve overall herd performance.

Amid general high costs of production, purchased feed costs represented about 26% of total costs and averaged 12.7ppl for the year ending September 2023 – it is therefore essential to think of ways to boost profitability. Efficient use of forage and fodder, and replacing purchased feeds with quality forages therefore remains a sensible approach for most dairy farmers. This Dairy Insight is the first in a series of publications exploring milk from forage and together will provide a comprehensive, yet practical guide to realising your forage potential.

How much sugar is being delivered by your herd's ration? Most UK winter diets are falling well below the target 6 to 8% sugar in the total diet dry matter, meaning there's huge potential for farmers to improve rumen health, dry matter intakes and milk constituents. This Dairy Insight explores recommended sugar levels in the dairy cow diet and what you can feed to achieve them.

The costs of rearing dairy replacements is estimated to be between £1,546 and over £2,170 depending on the age at first calving (see Youngstock Rearing Costs Dairy Insight). This accounts for between 10 to 20% of dairy enterprise costs (according to Kingshay's Profit Manager figures). With these costs ever increasing, it is as important as ever to have a highly efficient rearing system. After all, heifer calves are the future of most dairy herds and you don't get a second chance to get it right. Whilst the impacts of early life nutrition on cow productivity are well understood, the impact of other life experiences is not so well recognised. This Dairy Insight explores the effects of social contact on calves and the lasting effects into adulthood.

Have you ever considered the impact of forage quality or compound feed on the overall carbon footprint per kg FPCM (Fat and Protein Corrected Milk)? It may be larger than you first thought and the effects on footprint can be almost immediate, so this is one area to review straight away in order to quickly decrease your carbon footprint per kg FPCM. This Dairy Insight explores how you might achieve this.

This insight explores how blood profiling can help you identify problems with the cows and the ration they are being fed – if interpreted correctly. Interpreting the results from blood profiling is complex and requires professional input. This note provides an overview of what's involved, allowing you to have a more informed discussion with your vet or nutritionist.

With the costs of purchased feeds at record levels, there has never been a more important time to challenge how much milk you can achieve from grazed grass. It is never too early to prepare for turnout and having a plan in place to manage it, helps to ensure that the transition from full housing to grazing is as smooth as possible. This DAIRY insight explores the cost benefits of early season grazed grass and how perfect preparation helps to avoid disruptions to cow health, welfare, and performance.

Balancing diets is not just about ensuring you provide the correct energy, protein, starch, etc. Minerals are essential for health, fertility and production. With forage contributing a major proportion of the diet, its mineral status will have considerable impact. This dairy insight publication explores the importance of analysing forage minerals, when and how to take a sample, and how to interpret your analysis results.