Publications

With forage larders bare on many farms, optimising the production of quality grass silage, across all cuts is even more vital this season. With that in mind, it's worthwhile giving yourself a refresher of things to consider following first cut; whether it's forage budgeting, silage making strategy or fertiliser regimes. Issued April 2019. About Kingshay […]

Soil health is key to crop yields and quality – but it relies on a complex balance between biological, chemical and physical factors. Whilst best practice to manage soil physics (soil structure) and the basic chemistry (nutrients) are well documented, soil biology is often neglected. This Soil Biology – an introduction DAIRY insight is the […]

Milk cheques are becoming increasingly influenced by milk butterfat levels, which makes avoiding the typical milk fat depression seen at turn-out vital. However, ensuring diets are balanced sufficiently to utilise grazing, whilst meeting milk contract requirements should be a priority. This dairy insight looks at the causes of the butterfat depression and investigates practical solutions, […]

Maize is an excellent feed providing a good source of starch to complement the protein in grass silage, but it is not cheap to grow. It is therefore essential to optimise soil conditions so that maize can achieve its growth potential, along with careful variety selection, timely drilling and the precision use of fertiliser inputs […]

This insight publication is one in a series of three worming publications: Understanding Anthelmintics and Youngstock Worms, that together provide a comprehensive guide for developing a good worming strategy in conjunction with your vet. In the UK, anthelmintic resistance is common in sheep, and while less so in cattle, it is a growing threat to […]

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 […]