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What is the most cost effective way to increase milk yields on UK dairy…
What is the most cost effective way to increase milk yields on UK dairy farms?
Introduction
Aims of the project
The primary goal of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of each factor that can increase milk yields. Each factor will be reviewed in depth to come to a fully justified conclusion that will accurately determine the outcome.
This extended project will evaluate the different factors and how they affect overall milk yield. I will also assess costs of each factor to conclude which is the most cost effective way to increase the milk yields.
Statistics
In July 2019, UK dairies processed 1,187 million litres of milk
This is a 0.2% increase in milk processed compared to June 2018
[one]
July saw a 0.1% decrease in liquid milk, 0.7% increase in butter, and a 0.5% increase in cheese production
Proposed global population of 9.77 billion by 2050 (medium variant)
Proposed UK population of 75.38 million by 2050
[Two]
Chart and graph shows that whilst there has been an increase in the average yield of a cow (1.8%), there has been a decrease in the average dairy herd (-0.8%)
Therefore, farmers must be finding a way to increase the average yield per cow: But is it in the cow's Best interests?
THREE
Factors
Dairy milk yields can be influenced in a variety of ways. This project will only take into account 4 factors in order to gain an in-depth review of each. These factors are: Feed, Production system, and Breed of Cow
However when determining different factors to increase milk yields, we must account for the welfare of the cow. It is easy to produce high milk yields through strategies such as, intensive farming, overuse of antibiotics, or creating a cow that produces a lot more milk than the average breed. But this doesn't necessarily mean that the cow is comfortable, it may be in a great deal of pain causing a low quality of life. Many consumers are becoming more aware of how their food is produced through ways such as the 'Red Tractor Assurance' so it is essential to take welfare into the factors.
Why is an increase in milk yields important?
More products are being made from milk such as cheese, yoghurt, and butter [1]
Use graph from [1]
Global Population increase, more milk needed to meet global demand [2]
If the average milk yield per cow increases then an overall increase in milk production will be obtained without necessarily needing to increase herd size
Money? Add ppl and why that is important
Background theory: Dairy Lactation Cycle
Theory
What is it?
The dairy lactation cycle is the period before one calving and the next. The cycle splits into 4 phases: Early lactation, mid lactation, late lactation, and the dry period. Usually in farming, the cycle lasts 12 months of milking followed by a few months of a dry period before the cow calves again.
Holstein Foundation
Early, Mid and Late Lactation should last around 120 days each with the dry period lasting around 65 days
Managing Cow Lactation Cycles
Calving to peak lactation (Early Lactation)
How much milk is produced?
A cow may start producing 10kg/d of milk with the peak rising to 20kg/d around 7 weeks
Managing Cow Lactation Cycles
Cows use own body conditions for about 12 weeks after calving to provide the cow with energy
This allows them to achieve a higher peak milk production than if they were only using diet
Cows must have sufficient body condition available to lose so will need to gain this condition in late lactation of the last cycle
Managing Cow Lactation Cycles
Def of Peak lactation
The highest recorded test day milk production in a cows first 100DIM
Improving Peak Milk Yields
Why is peak lactation important?
Peak milk can indicate how well a cow responds to feeding practices during the lactation cycle.
Most cows achieve peak milk yield by 40-90 DIM and then lose production
When is it?
After calving, the farmer must optimise feed intake.
Provide 10-15 gallons of warm water
Why
Figure & shows how much dry matter intake, milk yield, and live weight changes for a cow during the Lactation Cycle.
The Milk production increases rapidly through early lactation but then decreases through mid-lactation and late-lactation before stopping for the dry period. Overall, the high milk yields only lasts between months one to fore before gradually declining over the 12 month period.
Managing cow lactation cycles
Figure shows the interrelationships between feed intake, milk yield and live weight for a Frisian cow
Rumen Acidosis
Statistics
Peak milk production sets the lactation curve for cows and should occur 60-100 days after calving (2-3 months).
First lactation cows should typically reach 75% of the peak milk levels of mature cows
SIX
At calving, Appetite is only at about 50-70% of the maximum at peak intake
Use in "FEED"
This is because during the Dry period, the rumen volume and size of papillae is reduced. It will take 10-12 weeks for the cow's appetite to reach its full potential after calving as the rumen has to stretch and the papillae has to regrow
Background theory: Welfare/Red Tractor Assurance
Many consumers are becoming more aware of how their food is produced through companies such as the Red Tractor Assurance
Welfare Standards
Feed
Farming Type
Housing, lighting, number of cows per unit area
Breed of cow
Main welfare issues in the uk
The 5 Freedoms
Freedom from hunger and thirst
Ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour
Freedom from discomfort
Appropriate environment (inc shelter) and a comfortable resting area
Freedom from pain, injury or disease
Prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment
Freedom to express normal behaviour
Provide "sufficient space, proper facilities, and company"
Freedom from fear and distress
Ensure good conditions and care