Technical Archive
Find technical articles from over a year ago
- Jerseys and genomics8 January 2010
The science of genomics has taken some giant strides forward in recent years, leading some countries to now publish genomically enhanced genetic evaluations for dairy bulls. And while the focus of attention has inevitably been on the ubiquitous Holstein, work has also been ongoing on the Jersey breed. - Effective use of Water on Dairy Farms1 August 2009
Dairy farmers could slash mains water costs on their farms by using water more efficiently, according to DairyCo extension officer in the South West, Chris Coxon. Mains water supply on the average dairy farm costs £31 per cow per year but can be over £100/cow/year on some units... - The Pros and Cons of Crossbreeding1 July 2009
For some dairy farmers who are looking for a cow which is easier to manage, crossbreeding may be able to offer the solution. But careful consideration needs to be given to the pros and cons, before embarking on this major change of direction... - Helping to Solve the Mastitis Puzzle1 June 2009
Mastitis is like a jigsaw puzzle, says Wiltshire dairy farmer David Homer. You can’t solve the puzzle until you know you are working with all the right pieces. It was identifying the right pieces in the mastitis puzzle at his dairy unit at Chisbury Lane Farm, near Marlborough, that David Homer found such a useful part of the DairyCo Mastitis Control Plan... - Earth Banked Slurry Lagoons – Think Before You Dig!1 June 2009
- How to Spot the Bulling Cow1 May 2009
Spotting the signs of bulling is crucial if farmers want to improve fertility and cut culling rates. DairyCo extension officer Chris Coxon sets out what to look for... - Managing Milk Hygiene at Grazing1 May 2009
DairyCo extension officer Hugh Black looks at the costs and causes of environmental mastitis. Mastitis costs the average 100 cow herd £12,000 per year for clinical cases alone, but added into this are the additional losses from effects such as SCC penalties, yield loss and secondary health effects... - What if you could find the time to plan for the long term?1 May 2009
When Richard Davies’s father said he wanted to retire completely from their dairy farm it was time to take stock and look at what was really needed to help make the business run smoothly... - Getting on a Firm Footing with DairyCo Business Group1 April 2009
Geoff and Janet Carrington are dairy farmers on Bassett Wood Farm, which covers 274 acres on the edge of the Peak District. They have 120 Holstein-Friesians and have been tenants on the farm for over 15 years. When the Carringtons arrived it was obvious that the buildings had to be upgraded, and they’ve made substantial changes over the years; but lately they’ve been able to shift their attention to the inside of the buildings, most recently installing rubber matting in their cubicle sheds. - Grazing a Profit Driver1 April 2009
All farmers are aware there is huge potential from grass in terms of nutrition, milk production and profits. But it is not always easy to know what sort of targets to aim for in terms of energy and protein, and what is achievable in your area.
