BULLS SELECTED on gene analysis, before they have daughters producing milk, have been drafted out of the BW lists.

THE MOOD on dairy farms around the country has lifted into positive territory as rain falls and pasture recovery is better than expected, says DairyNZ regional team manager Craig McBeth.

AN AUSTRALIAN farming couple have been investigating ways to achieve faster milking without the need to outlay for a major extension to their shed. 

‘LITTER FALL’ – the feed wasted when some of each cow mouthful falls to the ground – is a hitherto little-noticed contributor to nitrous oxide gas emissions to atmosphere. 

EXPECT MORE genetic breakthroughs and more frequently, says LIC in the wake of the ‘small calf syndrome’ (SCS) announcement earlier this month.

NORTHLAND FARMERS now have a new AI facility in Dargaville to help them prepare for the coming mating season. 

PALM KERNEL extract is a reasonable quality feed for dairy cows when pasture supply is short, says DairyNZ.

THE USE of feed additives to improve feed efficiency has been common practice for many years around the world. Due to feed costs being such a large chunk of overall farm costs, improving feed efficiency has a large impact on the bottom line. Feed additives are feed ingredients which do not add direct nutritional value but improve animal performance or health. 

SEVERAL STRATEGIES allow farmers to achieve BCS targets at calving, says DairyNZ.

FARMERS CONCERNED about losing cows and productivity to magnesium deficiency should always ask their supplier of animal health magnesium products for a certificate of analysis (COA) which will provide the appropriate information.