Publications

In our recent DairyCo funded study, starlings have been found to cost Somerset dairy farmers an average of 3ppl on every litre produced over the 90 day winter period when farm infestations are at their peak. Our study set out to assess the impact of starling infestations on dairy farms around the Somerset Levels, which […]

Natural service can save time and money, but a poorly performing bull can be costly if conception rates are low. Is your bull in peak form? With up to 33% of bulls thought to be sub-fertile, it is worth reviewing your bull management to make sure that your bull is given the best opportunity to […]

Wholecrop cereals can provide an alternative option for winter forage and are a good substitute for maize in the ration. Choosing the optimum time to harvest will largely depend on the ration nutritional requirements and economic crop production. This Farming Note covers: Economics of harvest timing Economics of feeding How to assess the dry matter […]

Red clover is probably the most reliable and consistent source of home-grown protein and can be grown over a range of soil types, in both organic and conventional systems. This flexibility provides an ideal opportunity for many farms to increase the protein level of the forage portion of the winter ration, reducing the need for […]

Most herds produce milk containing two types of beta casein, A1 and A2, however there is a small minority who are intolerant to the A1 protein. A2 milk is produced by cows genetically selected to only produce the A2 milk protein and this niche product has become popular in New Zealand and increasingly Australia, where it currently accounts for 6% […]

The young dairy heifers are the future of your herd. By planning their rearing from day one until they start their first lactation, farm profits can be improved as a result of maximising milk yield, reducing the number of youngstock on the farm, reducing culling rates and heifer losses. Price: POA Issued September 2012

Maize is an excellent feed providing a good source of starch to compliment protein in other forages. However, it can be an expensive crop to grow and good yields are key to making it an economic feed for livestock. This report provides the essential facts to enable you to grow good crops of maize on […]

Hybrid ryegrass is a cross between Italian and perennial ryegrass, thus allowing the positive traits of both crops to be incorporated into one grass. Desirable attributes of a hybrid ryegrass includes rapid establishment and early season growth, with the tillering ability of a perennial to improve ground cover. We have started a three year study […]

Slurry additives are sold with a range of product claims. These include enhanced nutrient availability, improved slurry consistency with less crust development and reduced odours. As part of a muck management strategy, additives could improve profitability. A Kingshay trial was conducted during the winter of 2010/2011 assessing 5 slurry additives to determine their potential benefits […]

The Effective Bedding Management report provides a guide to choosing an alternative bedding material or managing existing cow bedding. The report includes results of the Members survey which many of you completed last winter and also describes the pros and cons of different bedding types. This Report is only available to members – Price: POA […]

Good quality scraping is important for feet and udder health. Read our independent yard scrapers report which includes results from the members survey and 'hands on' assessments by the Kingshay Team. Price: POA Issued September 2009

Whilst using energy efficiently is clearly important, farmers are in a good position to reduce their electricity cost by making use of alternative energy sources. Wind power electricity generation and solar water heating are technologies which can be used to reduce electricity bills on a wide range of UK farms without a huge investment. This Farming Note […]