Publications

We all know that quality grass silage is the linchpin to cost effective, profitable production. Kingshay figures show that it costs just 6.1ppl to make average quality grass silage, versus 8.1ppl for a typical 18% parlour concentrate (Forage Costings Report 2017). With that in mind, it makes sense to maximise the potential of the silage you make in order to displace expensive bought-in concentrates. This DAIRY insight highlights the considerations for setting yourself up for a successful silage season.

This is the fifth in a series of DAIRY insight publications covering 'Net Zero Emissions', where we aim to outline current and future actions that may help the UK dairy industry become net zero emissions by 2040.

A growing number of milk processors are testing milk for thermoduric bacteria and penalising for counts above >500 cfu/ml. With high counts associated with milk quality and shelf-life issues, it is likely that thermodurics could join somatic cell counts (SCC) and bactoscans on the list of routinely monitored parameters in the not too distant future. Understanding your farm's levels and adopting good cow and milking plant cleanliness is a must to keep counts under control. This DAIRY insight looks at where thermoduric bacteria are found and how to prevent them getting into your milk.

Lameness is a costly disease in dairy herds with each case estimated to cost £196 – for treatment costs, labour, loss of milk production, loss of fertility and culling. It is thought average lameness levels have increased slightly to around 40 cases for every 100 cows. However, in the top 25% of dairy herds lameness levels are down at 21 cases per 100 cows saving £3,724 for every 100 cows (Dairy Costings Focus Report 2019). This RESEARCH insight explores some of the latest lameness studies and looks at how the findings can influence on-farm performance.

An increasing number of processors are introducing plans to encourage farmers to phase out calf euthanasia of healthy, young bull calves. Such a move is undoubtedly the right thing to do from both a moral and animal welfare perspective. However, it means some farmers will have to find ways to rear higher stock numbers, whilst also identifying an outlet for those calves. Arla's recent announcement that no calf should be euthanised under eight weeks old will impact on a large number of UK farmers. The key is to plan ahead to maximise the value of every calf, this DAIRY insight publication explores the key considerations.

This is the fourth in a series of dairy insight publications covering 'Net Zero Emissions', where we will attempt to identify the sources of each GHG, how it may be reduced and aim to outline current and future actions that may help the UK dairy industry become net zero emissions by 2040. On dairy farms nitrogen oxides are produced almost entirely by the way we store and spread manures and fertilisers and the ability of our soils to manage water flow. This DAIRY insight explores practical ways to mitigate these gases.

This is the third in the series of dairy insight publications covering 'Net Zero Emissions' where we will attempt to identify the sources of each GHG, how it may be reduced and aim to outline current and future actions that may help the UK dairy industry become net zero emissions by 2040. Dairy cows produce approximately 21 grams of Methane (CH4) per kilogram of dry matter consumed: 500 g/day for cow consuming 24 Kg/DM/day, or 4,828 kgCO2e/yr. Reducing methane levels in the atmosphere is seen by many as a powerful lever to buy time until a decarbonised economy is created. This dairy insight explores practical ways to mitigate methane production on dairy farms.

This is the second in the series of dairy insight publications covering 'Net Zero Emissions'. We will attempt to identify the sources of each GHG, how it may be reduced and aim to outline current and future actions that may help the UK dairy industry become net zero emissions by 2040.

This is the first in a series of dairy insight publications covering 'Net Zero Emissions'. We will attempt to identify the sources of each GHG, how it may be reduced and aim to outline current and future actions that may help the UK dairy industry become net zero emissions by 2040.

Business planning and succession planning are often seen as two separate topics, but fusing them together is a must if farming families want to safeguard their business's future. After all, if the long-term business objectives of the current farming generation do not fit with that of the successor this could result in long-time business challenges. At the same time, if different people have varying expectations of how the farm will be divided, this could lead to a will being contested and potentially the end of the business. This BUSINESS insight explores the succession process with this in mind.

Many factors determine the quality of the silage that is ultimately fed to dairy cows. The Forage Cost Report bases yield and cost values on an average of well grown crops in a typical growing year and medium soils. But this is only part of the story. The quality of the grass, the speed and consolidation of the grass in the clamp, the chop length, clamp design, sealing, fermentation characteristics and the feed out all impact on the amount and value of the original crop that is ultimately converted to milk or meat (silo losses). In this DAIRY insight we compare the strengths and weaknesses of Forage Wagons versus Precision Chop systems in their silage making qualities.

In recent years many papers have been published around the procedure of disbudding, the use of NSAIDs, as well as health and safety aspects – including the inhalation of noxious gases during the process. This DAIRY insight explores a selection of this research.