Ketotic cows are 5.2 times more likely to suffer from a left displaced abomasum Sub-clinical ketosis affects between 10% and 60% of cows in UK herds, so how can monitoring dairy cows during the transition period minimise the impacts of the disease? British Dairying explores how using herd management software can reduce the risks. During the transition period, increased energy demands – stemming from foetal growth, calving, and a rapid increase in milk production – coupled with a reduction in dry matter intake, cause a negative energy balance. This can lead to ketosis. “The three weeks pre- and ..read more

Steve and Ruth Ashley credit farm success to getting heifers off to the best start and making good quality forage Excellent heifer performance on a Shropshire dairy farm starts with good dry cow nutrition and calf management. Rhian Price reports on how success has been achieved. Achieving growth rates of 0.9kg/day up to bulling at 12 months with modest concentrate inputs is no mean feat. Yet heifers at Meadow Bank Farm, Shrewsbury, are hitting this while only being fed forage and a small amount of concentrate (1-2kg) after weaning. Once heifers reach 11 months, they are on silage only until th ..read more

The RABDF / NMR Gold Cup is the most prestigious award in the British dairy sector – attracting entries from some of the best farmers throughout the country.  Picking up the trophy this year is Bisterne Farms in Hampshire. Olivia Cooper pays them a visit. The first thing that strikes one upon arrival at Bisterne Farms is that this is a team affair. Immediately welcoming and open, they sit me down with a cup of coffee as they settle down  or breakfast – something they do together every day. “That’s really important,” says Farm Manager George Brown. “We also have weekly team meetings a ..read more

Clover will fix significant amounts of nitrogen but other nutrition is needed Reducing mineral nitrogen fertiliser applications on grassland while maintaining yield and quality may seem far-fetched, but selecting innovative clover varieties developed through a new research project could be the answer. British Dairying reports. Reducing feed costs, lowering fertiliser requirements through fixing atmospheric nitrogen, and improving forage digestibility can all be achieved through adding clover to swards. And a new £4.7m four-year research project is helping farmers to increase the value of clove ..read more

Five outstanding dairy herds were crowned champions in the NMR RABDF Gold Cup presentations at Dairy-Tech. Olivia Cooper looks at what made them stand out. The suspense and excitement were palpable ahead of the NMR RABDF Gold Cup presentations at Dairy-Tech. Farm teams gathered, supported by friends and family, nervously  waiting the big announcement. And it was with a sense of stunned disbelief that George Brown and James Dunning stepped forward to claim the overall Gold Cup for Bisterne Farms in Hampshire. It is one of the first farms in the competition’s recent history to receive the a ..read more

Mark Lovatt is utterly focused on maximising milk from forage Leicestershire dairy farmer Mark Lovatt’s approach to forage production is well-planned, just like every other aspect of his farm management. British Dairying pays him a visit. The 220-cow herd at Oak Lodge Farm has become one of the top performing in the country, with average yields topping 13,000 litres/cow. And it has a remarkable feed efficiency, producing 1.57 energy-corrected litres per kg of dry matter (DM) fed. Daily DM intakes for the milking cows are exceptional, at over 27kg/cow, in a ration that is typically 60% silage ..read more

The first female calf born by artificial insemination with sexed semen in 1999 First published in 2004, the Sexed Semen Report examined the level of uptake and financial implications, along with the improvements that had taken place in the use of the technology during its early years. British Dairying revisits the report 20 years on. In 2004, Cogent Breeding, in conjunction with Alan Whibley, now Publisher of British Dairying magazine, economist Sean Rickard and global research company Kynetec, published the Sexed Semen Report. The report looked at the reason for the level of uptake of sexed s ..read more

Dr Claire Whittle says the review can be used to discuss anything with your vet, from parasite control to calf care The Animal Health and Welfare Pathway is designed to help farmers to improve their livestock’s health, welfare, and ultimately productivity. Dairy expert Gwyn Jones, who’s a member of the Defra Animal Health and Welfare Board for England, reports. The Animal Health and Welfare Pathway is an industry-led initiative, co-designed by the Government, farming industry, vets, retailers and non-governmental organisations. This process has been remarkably successful and a plan has been fo ..read more

The challenge from endotoxins is ever-present, and detrimental impacts range from lameness to sudden death An ever-present toxin challenge, which can compromise herd health and performance, may be leading to avoidable and potentially costly challenges to cows’ immune systems. British Dairying finds out the considerations when it comes to toxins. The threat that mycotoxins pose to the health and performance of herds is well-known, and producers are usually aware of the telltale signs in feed and forage. But endotoxins, which are less commonly discussed, could be causing hidden damage. Endotoxin ..read more

The ADF Milking competitionADF Milking are launching an exciting competition in which they are giving away a brand new ADF automatic dipping and flushing system worth up to £30,000, plus consumables & servicing included for 1 year, to one lucky dairy farmer. Farmers can enter online now via the ADF website here adfmilking.com/competition/. Alternatively you can visit the ADF Milking stand at Dairy-Tech to complete a physical entry form and place into the ballet box. The competition is live now and entries close shortly before 3:00pm on Wednesday 7th February 2024. The winner will be announ ..read more