Publications

How can you be sure you have sufficient feed to see your cows through to spring turnout? And if you haven't got enough, what can you do now, to maximise stocks for the winter? There has never been a more pertinent time to calculate your current forage stocks and compare with your expected forward requirements. […]

This is the third 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 Cow and Calf Behaviour. Providing an environment where dairy cows and calves can exhibit natural behaviour is considered to contribute to a high […]

Expanding dairy export markets and increasing consumer interest means processors are tightening up on milk quality standards, which means an effective parlour circulation cleaning routine is more important than ever. This dairy insight looks at getting the most from your parlour chemicals: Why is a circulation clean so important? Achieving the optimum CIP How to […]

to the public is something that both industry organisations and individual farmers can – and many say, should – be doing. This insight publication looks at what initiatives are under way, and how producers can get involved. About Kingshay insight publications insight publications replace the Farming Notes which have been produced by Kingshay […]

This is the first 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: Lameness in Dairy Heifers – Randall et al. Lameness in dairy heifers; impacts of hoof lesions present around first calving on future lameness, […]

Freezing Point Depression (FPD) is a test used to measure extraneous water in milk. The freezing point of milk is usually in the range of -0.512oC to -0.550oC with an average of -0.522oC. FPD is usually reported as a whole number, hence -0.522oC would be reported as 522moC. This insight publication looks at the factors […]

Many farmers see the benefits of maintaining their machinery, but what about their minds? It is often things that are out of farmers' control; financial pressures, weather, market fluctuations, harvest and livestock diseases – as well as changing policies and an uncertain future post-Brexit – that can take their toll on the mind. This insight […]

Holding regular team meetings to discuss and review business aims and objectives are a must for any modern dairy farm. Routinely involving the whole farm team in meetings helps morale and ensures every member of staff is clear on how the business is performing and where it's going. This helps improve clarity of objectives among […]

The UK does not often experience the hot temperatures currently being faced, and the duration of the heat is almost unprecedented. So what additional considerations need to be taken into account due to these conditions?

The optimal dry period length between lactations in dairy cows has been debated for many years. Traditionally, an 8-week dry period was considered the ideal duration – balancing a rest period, allowing the udder and milk tissues to regenerate, with preparation for calving and milk production. This recommendation was established during the 1940s, and was […]

With the latest Kingshay Dairy Focus Report putting the cost of mastitis at £290 per case, anything that can be done to prevent infection on farm is a must. Teat disinfection plays an important role in maintaining good udder health and is a vital component of any mastitis prevention plan. However, with a vast array […]

This is the second 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 the impact of heat stress on UK milk production and greenhouse gas emissions.