Publications

According to data released by the UK government in April 2023, 48% of bird species have shown a decline in the five years between 2015 and 2020. Currently the 2021 index is running at 12% below its 1970 value. Farmers can play a crucial role in helping to improve species loss by implementing various practices […]

Johne's disease costs farmers up to 50% of their annual net profits and the estimated 10-year average annual losses totalling £25.5 million in the UK and 364.31 million euros across losses in the EU. Johne's disease is also the disease which causes the highest GHG emissions in cattle. This Research Insight explores how microRNA Biomarkers […]

Slurries and farm yard manures represent a hugely valuable and often under utilised resource on many dairy farms. Understanding their nutrient values could help reduce reliance on bought in fertiliser and save money.

Parasites, both ectoparasites (external parasites) and endoparasites (internal parasites) can be a major cause of disease in dairy cattle. They will not only contribute to poor animal health and welfare, but ultimately, they will impact productivity, through reduced appetite and feed intake. Historically, control of parasites has largely been through the use of chemicals, such as anthelmintics, flukicides, and ectoparasiticides. This dairy insight is the second of a two-part series exploring the control of parasites by using preventative methods and the correct control, where necessary. Detailing the most important and commonly found ectoparasites to UK cattle herds.

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.

The AHWP is part of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), it can be as a stand-alone application or can sit alongside the Environmental Land Management Standards (ELMS). The first step includes a veterinary visit / review, where you can discuss any topic that you feel would be beneficial to you and your business. Part of the first visit for cattle MUST include testing for Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD). The aim of the visit and any outcomes is to reduce endemic disease, improve welfare, increase productivity and to ensure vet meds are being used to get maximum efficacy and reduce antimicrobial resistance. It is not an audit and should not be used replace a farm assurance visit. This is an opportunity for you and your vet to 'think outside the box'.

In February the Government announced they were adding 6 new SFI (Sustainable Farming Incentive) Standards during 2023. A Hedgerow Standard has been included in the scheme which aims to help the government progress towards their environment and climate goals. This insight explores the government aims for hedgerows, the grants available under Countryside Stewardship (CS) and the new SFI Hedgerow Standard and what they could mean for your hedgerow management.

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.

Of the three main milk solid components; fat, protein and lactose, lactose has the highest concentration in bovine milk. However, it has the lowest commercial value per unit of weight, and as a result of this, not much attention has been focused on the quality of milk lactose in the past. More recently, some milk buyers have added lactose to their regular testing suite. This DAIRY insight explores milk lactose levels, what is considered normal and what affects lactose levels in milk, to help you make informed management decisions on farm.

Q (Query) fever, caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetti, is an important disease of cattle, sheep and goats. As well as causing potentially significant losses in dairy herds, it is a zoonotic disease, which means it can cause illness in humans. However, despite this, awareness of the disease across the farming industry is considered to be very low. This dairy insight aims to improve your knowledge and understanding of the disease and how you can manage it on your farm.

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.

Begin the Year How you Want to Continue! – We all have good intentions to change what we do but setting a new pattern of behaviour can be a challenge. Once established, however, the task will become second nature. Take time this new year to set new objectives for you and your business. This DAIRY insight explores how you can make the most of taking time to reflect on your business and how a change of perspective can result in business progression. We also explore what two ex-employees of Kingshay are now accomplishing and discover their business strategies and plans for the year ahead.