Publications

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.

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 […]