Publications

Volatile feed markets and increasing pressure on margins mean that the role of the farm nutritionist in creating a well-balanced ration to meet specific farm requirements and boost efficiencies, has never been more important. Combining sound nutritional advice from a competent advisor, with top-notch, on-farm management will ultimately maximise herd performance and help farmers meet […]

Careful monitoring of the performance and health of freshly calved cows will help to achieve expected lactation yields. Particular attention should be paid to cows who are "at risk" of having problems post calving. Monitoring their health and providing early treatment where necessary will improve whole herd performance. This insight covers: Knock-on effects post calving […]

Protein feed markets are always volatile but farmers can look to forward plan purchasing protein sources to manage costs or introduce more home grown forage proteins to the diet. Reducing reliance on purchased protein by using more red clover for silage or multi-cut Lucerne can slash feed costs while still meeting protein requirements. This insight […]

How can you be sure you have sufficient feed to see your cows through to spring turnout? And if you haven't got enough, what can you do now, to maximise stocks for the winter? There has never been a more pertinent time to calculate your current forage stocks and compare with your expected forward requirements. […]

Freezing Point Depression (FPD) is a test used to measure extraneous water in milk. The freezing point of milk is usually in the range of -0.512oC to -0.550oC with an average of -0.522oC. FPD is usually reported as a whole number, hence -0.522oC would be reported as 522moC. This insight publication looks at the factors […]

The UK does not often experience the hot temperatures currently being faced, and the duration of the heat is almost unprecedented. So what additional considerations need to be taken into account due to these conditions?

With the latest Kingshay Dairy Focus Report putting the cost of mastitis at £290 per case, anything that can be done to prevent infection on farm is a must. Teat disinfection plays an important role in maintaining good udder health and is a vital component of any mastitis prevention plan. However, with a vast array […]

The optimal dry period length between lactations in dairy cows has been debated for many years. Traditionally, an 8-week dry period was considered the ideal duration – balancing a rest period, allowing the udder and milk tissues to regenerate, with preparation for calving and milk production. This recommendation was established during the 1940s, and was […]

This is the second issue of our new publication, RESEARCH insight. The aim of the publication is to translate relevant scientific research into useful information for your farm. This issue looks at the impact of heat stress on UK milk production and greenhouse gas emissions.

Cow brushes not only help to fulfil the cow's natural desire to scratch, but could also lead to a 1-litre a cow a day uplift in milk yield, along with less disease and reduced damage to farm buildings. Such enrichment is already part of some farm assurance requirements, but is likely to become increasingly important […]

There are very few truly 'closed' herds in the UK, as farmers purchase stock for various reasons including replacements for culls, expanding the herd size, sweeper bulls or even for improving the herd genetics.

What is the most cost-effective dairy system? With Brexit just around the corner, and global dairy markets remaining volatile, farmers are going to have to manage risk more carefully than ever. This demands a critical focus on profitability, which needs a complex blend of technical efficiency and business focus. This report encourages readers to align […]