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Gas heating gives calves cosy start

Enough milk is heated for 350 calves in 30 minutes.

Gas heating in a new calf-rearing shed in Canterbury is helping its owners achieve the animal health and staff environment they deem necessary for their business.

Contractors watch drivers set up own tractors

Contractors Dion Richards (left) and Josh Carston.

Josh Carston and Dion Richards joined forces two years ago as Carston Contracting, Reporoa.

Easing post-calving heifers into productive life

For young cows calving for the first time, the milking routine is new.

After calving, heifers often suffer discomfort with swollen udders (oedema) and may be more difficult to move, handle and milk out.

Passing the cooling proof point

MPI is implementing new milk cooling regulations.

Pending MPI milk cooling standards are intended to maintain current milk quality, improve milk quality and increase New Zealand’s reputation as a quality milk provider.

Uni sells start-up to US giant

Massey University has sold its 35% stake in New Zealand Veterinary Pathology Ltd (NZVP).

Train heifers in milking area before calving

The first two weeks of milking will go better if heifers are trained prior to calving.

It takes about two weeks for heifers to get to know the milking area, entry and exit routes, and to establish a quiet, reliable routine.

Calf care for first 24 hours crucial

Newborn calves are vulnerable to cold and disease, so careful handling, feeding and hygiene are important to get them safely through their first 24 hours, DairyNZ points out.

Revenues, profit fall for Synalit

Canterbury-based independent milk processor Synlait Milk has reported a drop in profit, largely due to decreases in dairy prices.

Bulls in paddocks save little, risks a lot

Farmers thinking about cutting artificial insemination (AI) this mating season will save very little now and lose a lot in the long term, says Jeremy Bryant.

Bulls in paddocks save little, risks a lot

Farmers thinking about cutting artificial insemination (AI) this mating season will save very little now and lose a lot in the long term, says Jeremy Bryant.