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Sidd

Staff

Junior

45 posts

"Sustainable dairy business."

Improving Peak Milk Yields: Enhancing Dairy Farm Productivity

Milk Production, Posted on 1. Jun 2023 , modified by Sidd on 1. Jun 2023

Peak milk yield is the highest recorded production/yield during the cow's first 150 days of lactation. It is a measure of how well the nutrition and health management has been during the dry and early lactation period. We will quickly go through some of the things you should observe to ensure improved milk production at the farm.

Genetics & Breeding

One of the most significant factors affecting peak milk yields is genetics. By selecting high-yielding cows and using them as breeding stock, you can improve the overall milk production of your herd. It is essential to choose cows with proven genetic traits such as high milk yield, low somatic cell count, and easy calving. By doing so, you can ensure that the next generation of your herd is productive and healthy.

Nutrition & Feeding

Proper nutrition is vital to achieving peak milk yields. It is essential to provide cows with a well-balanced diet rich in protein, energy, and minerals. The diet should also be tailored to each cow's individual needs based on their production levels, stage of lactation, and age. Adequate forage should be available at all times, and water should be easily accessible.

Housing & Facilities

Comfortable housing and facilities are crucial to maintaining cow health and productivity. Ensure that the barn is well-ventilated and has adequate lighting. Cow stalls should be clean, dry, and spacious enough for cows to lie down comfortably. The flooring should be properly designed to avoid accidents and the sleeping area should be carpeted/layered with soft material to avoid causing lameness/ injury to the animal while lying down. The milking parlor should be well-designed to minimize stress on the cows, and the equipment should be well-maintained.

Health & Welfare

Cows that are healthy and well-cared for are more productive and can achieve higher peak milk yields. You should have a proactive herd health management program that includes regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive measures. Regular monitoring of cow health, body condition, and fertility can help identify and address any issues early on. Make sure the animals' hoof health is excellent and the coat is clean.

Milking & Milk Quality

Proper milking techniques and protocols are crucial to achieving peak milk yields. Milking should be done promptly, gently, and thoroughly to avoid stress and discomfort to the cow. Milk quality should also be a priority, with regular testing for bacteria and somatic cell count. Cleanliness should be maintained throughout the milking process, including equipment, hands, and udder prepping.

Finally,

Achieving and maintaining peak milk yields requires a holistic approach that considers all the factors discussed above. By optimizing each of these factors, you can ensure that your herd is healthy, happy, and productive.

What do you do to improve milk production at your farm? Share with us in the comments.

For people, planet and profits.

https://dairypulse.org

Sidd

Staff

Junior

45 posts

"Sustainable dairy business."

Dealing with a swarm of flies in the cowshed

General Welfare, Posted on 31. May 2023

Flies are commonly attracted to areas with organic matter and moisture, which can be found in and around cowsheds. The presence of manure, decaying feed, and stagnant water can provide suitable breeding grounds for flies. They are not only a nuisance but can also transmit diseases and cause stress to your dairy cows.

Here are some steps you can take to remedy the situation and ensure maximum comfort for your cows:

Proper manure management: Regularly remove and properly dispose of manure from the cowshed. This helps reduce the fly breeding grounds and eliminates a major attraction for flies.
Cleanliness and hygiene: Keep the cowshed clean and dry. Remove spilled feed promptly and regularly clean the feeding and watering areas to prevent the accumulation of organic matter that attracts flies.
Fly control measures: Implement fly control measures to reduce the fly population. Some effective methods include:

Fly traps: Use fly traps or sticky tapes placed strategically in the cowshed to catch flies. These traps can help reduce the number of flies present.
Fly predators: Introduce beneficial insects, such as parasitic wasps or nematodes, which can naturally control fly populations by targeting fly larvae.
Insecticides: Consider using approved insecticides specifically designed for fly control (under the guidance of a professional, otherwise you may end up causing contamination). Follow the instructions carefully and consult with professionals or local agricultural agencies for guidance on the proper use of insecticides.

Proper ventilation and lighting: Ensure proper ventilation in the cowshed. Good airflow helps reduce moisture and discourages fly breeding.
Animal hygiene: Pay attention to the cleanliness and hygiene of your cows. Regularly groom and clean them to remove any organic matter stuck on their coat that may attract flies.
Regular maintenance: Repair any cracks or crevices in the cowshed walls, windows, and doors where the flies may find conducive for hiding and wreaking havoc.
Fly repellents: Use approved fly repellents designed for animals to provide temporary relief to your cows. Consult with a veterinarian for suitable options and proper application methods.
Professional advice: If the fly infestation persists despite your efforts, it is advisable to consult with agricultural experts or pest control professionals. They can provide specialized knowledge and guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Remember to prioritize the safety and well-being of your cows throughout the process.

You can also share with us some of the measures you have put in place to reduce the fly population and improve the comfort of your cows in the cowshed.

For people, planet and profits.

https://dairypulse.org

Sidd

Staff

Junior

45 posts

"Sustainable dairy business."

How to register dairy cattle in Kenya Stud Book

Reproduction, Posted on 31. May 2023

Registered dairy cattle have a higher market value than unregistered ones. This is because their pedigree can be verified by the available records, which gives their buyers more confidence during acquisition.

Some of the benefits of registering dairy cattle include:

Higher market value for the registered livestock
Ease of tracing ancestry of animals
A farmer can breed their stock up to pedigree level without spending a fortune
Farmers with registered bulls can be contracted to contribute to the National Breeding Program (i.e. Kenya Agricultural Genetic Resource Centre - KAGRC).
Farmers can also participate in contests and shows (e.g. Agricultural Societies of Kenya - ASK show), which gives them a larger platform to market their stock at a premium
Registration records are important for the conservation of the national biodiversity assets.
Farmers are better informed when making decisions on breeding, feeding, culling, and claiming insurance.

The registration entails a number of documentations to keep track of various critical dimensions of the animal of interest. For instance, the registered animal has records to show their milk production data (including quantity and quality of the milk), certification of lactation, and certification of lifetime productivity.

With these certifications, the farmer can avail the records to the local livestock breeding centre to be incorporated into the National Breeding Program.

They also get to enjoy professional extension service delivery to ensure proper livestock management at the farm.

Procedure for getting your cow registered in the Kenya Stud Book

Make sure your animals are properly marked for easy identification. Read the following rules and guidelines to have a better grasp of what is expected of you during the process.
Fill the Kenya Stud Book application form to request for an official name for your herd. This form supplies the registrar with details such as the name of the farm, its location, size of the herd and specific animals kept.
A KLBA official will be dispatched to the farm to verify the information. The official will classify the animals as belonging to either Foundation, Intermediate, Appendix or Pedigree class. Foundation is the lowest class while Pedigree is the highest class.
Duly filled forms are forwarded to the registrar. A prefix will be given for the herd and then each animal is registered individually.
KLBA will then issue registration certificate for the herd. The registration fee for each animal depends on class, breed and sex of the animal. Check the KLBA website for current rates.

For people, planet and profits.

https://dairypulse.org

Sidd

Staff

Junior

45 posts

"Sustainable dairy business."

Curdling of fresh milk when heated, what's the problem and how do I solve it?

Post-harvest Handling, Posted on 30. May 2023 , modified by Sidd on 31. May 2023

I was recently browsing a popular dairy farmers forum on Facebook when I stumbled upon this question from a concerned farmer. She could not understand why the fresh milk she has just milked from the cow was forming lumps when she boiled it.

In the comments, people troubleshot the problem, raising concerns on hygiene, health of the cow, type of feed and stage of lactation of the cow. All these are probable causes to this problem and only a direct diagnosis can pinpoint the exact problem so that a proper solution can be implemented.

Some probable causes of this problem include:

Sick animal: When the cow gets an infection, the body fights back by producing large amounts of white blood cells to fight the disease. The presence of high somatic cell count in milk leads to high neutrophil content which affects the protein net charge, leading to curdling when the milk is exposed to heat.
Bacterial contamination: High bacterial load in milk increases the acidity in milk due to the activity of the bacteria, which increases the proneness to curdling. You can read the complex science how it happens here. High acidity in fresh milk can be attributed to high bacterial load due to infection (e.g. mastitis) or post-harvest contamination if the milking environment/equipment/person are not hygienic.
Type of feed: Certain feeds like sweet potato vines can increase the likelihood of the milk curdling due to their high protein content. Protein imbalance in milk affects the isoelectric point of casein (milk protein) leading to clumping of casein. This is observed as curdling when the milk is heated.
Stage of lactation: Milk composition is never constant during the different phases of lactation. The animal's body adjusts appropriately to produce the desired nutrients at the correct proportions. For instance, milk is very thick during early lactation because the animal is producing high protein content in milk (colostrum) to nourish the calf. Milk is more fluidy during peak production and then tappers off with high salt content towards the end of lactation. Milk from early and late lactation is likely to curdle when heated due to this phenomenon.
Enzymatic activity: Some enzymes naturally present in milk can cause curdling when activated. This can happen if the milk is not properly stored and allowed to sit at higher temperatures for extended periods.
Issue with hygiene: we have already alluded to this factor in point number 2 but I think it needs more emphasis. If you use improperly cleaned containers to hold and heat milk, the milk will be contaminated. The type of container used to hold the milk can also lead to spoilage if the material leaches into milk and causes an adverse reaction.

When you find yourself in a similar situation, here is how you can troubleshoot the problem:

Evaluate the cow's health: Regularly check for mastitis. Perform regular tests to measure the pH level of the milk. If the acidity is high, investigate the cow's diet, as certain feeds can contribute to increased acidity. Consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist to adjust the cow's diet if necessary.
Ensure proper milk storage: Implement proper milk storage practices to minimize exposure to temperature fluctuations. Store the milk in a cool environment and avoid sudden temperature changes. Refrigerate the milk as soon as possible after milking. Use certified food grade containers to store the milk.
Maintain hygiene: Properly clean and sanitize all milking equipment, including storage tanks, milking machines, and utensils. Bacterial contamination can contribute to curdling. Follow recommended cleaning protocols and use approved cleaning agents. The milking person should be clean.
Monitor milk handling practices: Train farm staff on proper milk handling techniques. Avoid excessive agitation or rough handling of the milk, as this can lead to curdling. Use gentle handling methods to prevent enzymatic activity and protein denaturation.
Regularly test milk quality: Conduct routine quality tests to identify any potential issues before they become more significant problems. This can include microbiological, proximate and sensory tests. Identifying and addressing issues promptly will help maintain milk quality.
Observe the milking calendar: Make sure you are not milking the cow during withdrawal periods.
Seek professional advice: If the curdling issue persists despite troubleshooting efforts, consult with a dairy specialist, veterinarian, or agricultural extension service. They can provide specific recommendations based on their in-person diagnosis and farm's unique circumstances to identify any underlying issues.

By implementing these measures, a farmer can troubleshoot the curdling problem and work towards eliminating it, ensuring the production of high-quality milk on the farm.

For people, planet and profits.

https://dairypulse.org

Sidd

Staff

Junior

45 posts

"Sustainable dairy business."

Read these forum rules before you start!

Forum Rules, Posted on 30. May 2023 , modified by Sidd on 30. May 2023

Welcome to our DairyPulse Forum! To ensure a positive and productive environment for all members, we kindly request that you read and adhere to the following forum rules:

Be respectful: Treat all forum members with respect and courtesy. Avoid personal attacks, insults, or any form of discriminatory language. Disagreements are natural, but keep discussions civil and focused on the topic at hand.
Stay on topic: Keep your posts relevant to the dairy value chain and its various aspects, such as milk production, animal health and nutrition, breeding, animal housing and welfare, dairy farm management, marketing, farm records, and industry policy issues. Off-topic discussions may be removed to maintain the forum's purpose.
Provide accurate information: When sharing information or advice, strive to provide accurate and reliable content. Cite credible sources whenever possible and avoid spreading misinformation. Remember, this forum aims to facilitate knowledge-sharing among professionals in the dairy industry.
Respect confidentiality: Be mindful of the sensitivity of certain information shared within the industry. Do not disclose confidential or proprietary information about individuals, companies, or organizations without their explicit consent.
No self-promotion or spam: While we encourage resource sharing and collaboration, please refrain from excessive self-promotion, advertising, or spamming the forum. Share resources or links that genuinely contribute to the discussion and avoid any form of overt marketing. If you have a product to promote, click the "Advertise" button to list it.
Use proper language and tone: Maintain a professional tone and use appropriate language when posting on the forum. Avoid excessive use of profanity, offensive language, or any content that may be deemed inappropriate or offensive.
Be cautious with personal information: Protect your own privacy and the privacy of others. Refrain from sharing personal contact details, sensitive financial information, or any other private information on the forum. Be wary of phishing attempts or fraudulent activities.
Report inappropriate content: If you come across any posts or content that violate these forum rules, or if you believe a member is acting inappropriately, please report it to the forum moderators. They will review the situation and take appropriate action.
Respect copyright laws: Do not post copyrighted material, including articles, images, or any other content, without obtaining the necessary permissions or giving proper attribution. Plagiarism and copyright infringement will not be tolerated.
Have fun and collaborate: Remember that this forum is a community of professionals aiming to enhance the dairy value chain. Engage in constructive discussions, ask questions, share experiences, and collaborate with fellow members to foster a supportive and knowledge-driven environment.

By participating in this forum, you agree to abide by these rules. Failure to comply with the rules may result in posts being deleted, warnings issued, or, in severe cases, suspension or removal from the forum.

Thank you for joining our DairyPulse Forum, and we look forward to your active participation and contribution!

For people, planet and profits.

https://dairypulse.org

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