Publications

Consistent growth throughout their early years is essential to ensure heifers calve in at the most economical age at first calving of 24 months, but all too often turnout can set youngstock back. This insight publication looks at avoiding dips in growth rate at grass, and how regular weighing, careful nutrition and putting in place […]

This is one of a series of three insight publications, looking at parasitic worms in cattle. Together these publications provide a comprehensive guide for developing a good worming strategy in conjunction with your vet. There are many species of roundworm worms (Nematodes) that can parasitise cattle, but only a few are of economic importance within the UK, these are: Ostertagia ostertagi, Cooperia oncophora and Dictyocaulus viviparous. This insight publication examines theses parasites in greater detail, to provide a better understanding of this economically important disease.

In the UK anthelmintic resistance is common in sheep, and while less so in cattle, it is a growing threat to their health and welfare. If left unimpeded, it could lead to existing anthelmintics becoming ineffective. Ensuring good worming practices and developing a reliable worming strategy will not only improve herd health leading to economic […]

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 […]

Adopting a multi-cut silage system, which reduces the interval between silage cuts could be one way to help farmers maximise milk from forage – something nearly all respondents from a 2018 Kingshay survey identified as a priority. Cutting more frequently means grass is younger, leafier, higher quality and highly digestible. As a result, cows are […]

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 […]

This is the fourth 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 how farmers can optimise medicine efficacy by following best practice in storing and administering drugs. There is increasing pressure on producers to use […]

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 […]

is the buzzword of the moment – but what does it really mean and why is it essential to farmers? This insight publication looks at why natural capital is important in the dairy industry and summarises some dairy farming practices that support natural capital. Issued November 2018. About Kingshay insight publications insight publications […]

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle caused by the pestivirus. It causes huge losses in terms of reduced herd health, fertility, production and abortion. It is estimated that over 90% of the national cattle herd have been exposed to the virus. Estimated costs of disease are between £13 and […]

A refractometer is a simple instrument used for measuring concentrations of aqueous solutions. It requires only a few drops of liquid, and is used throughout the food, agricultural, chemical and manufacturing industries – and the home brewers amongst you will certainly be familiar with them. This DAIRY insight publications looks at how to use a Brix refractometer and what you can test on farm to make informed management decisions.

As the biggest agricultural contributor to UK ammonia emissions, dairy farmers are under increasing pressure to improve air quality. At present we are not on track to meet targets set, which led to the release of the Draft Clean Air Strategy in May 2018. The strategy gives every indication that farmers will face regulation for ammonia emissions. At the same time, there are also clear signs that post-Brexit financial support will be focused on delivering improvements to the environment, including air quality. This DAIRY insight looks at why ammonia is a problem, what we can learn from Denmark and The Netherlands and how to reduce ammonia emissions.