Publications

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]