News

6 Points to Summer Success; Youngstock

17th May 2022

The effects of heat stress and warm weather in calves are not as well documented and can often be overlooked compared to their dairy cow counterpart, due to having no obvious production loss. Although calves have an upper critical limit of 25ºC, they can start to feel the effects of heat stress at 21ºC. Above 20ºC the calf will use additional energy to maintain a normal body temperature, shifting vital energy away from growth. Similar to when it’s cold, calves require more energy to keep warm. When it is hot, calves require energy to keep cool.

Why is supplementation of minerals important?

10th May 2022

As dairy cows are out at grass or due to be turned out it is important to remember that grazed grass is a variable source of minerals, with levels directly dependent on the mineral content of soils. Typically, some levels will be in short supply giving rise to potential deficiencies whilst others can be present at high levels and cause issues with antagonism. A deficiency or oversupply of any mineral will potentially compromise a number of metabolic functions and reduce performance from grazing. Therefore, it is vital to ensure correct levels are fed, with consideration of the different types of supplementations and which best suits individual farms and systems.

Award Winning, High Performing Lancashire Herd

1st May 2022

Fourth-generation sons Chris and Matt, along with their father David Barton run a high yielding herd of just under 100 cows over 230 acres in Lancashire. This 11,600L herd’s rolling 12-month constituents are 4.2% butterfat and 3.25% milk protein, resulting in the family being awarded the Harold Jackson Challenge Cup Champion Cow at the Lancashire Milk Records. The award is for the highest weight of fat and protein over three lactations and where the cow in question, who is coming up 11 years old and well into her 8^th lactation is producing 46L/ day at 4.27 BF, and 3% protein.  She has produced 120 tonnes so far!