Publications

Milk urea levels are a useful means of assessing ration balance, with fluctuations typically highlighting a shift in the balance between rumen degradable protein and energy. Elevated milk ureas suggest protein is not being utilised effectively by the cow. This not only has dietary and environmental cost implications but could also negatively impact on fertility. This insight publication looks at how urea is produced, discusses target levels and how to manage urea levels.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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% […]