Dermatitis is an issue, but not a problem with daily foot
bathing. The herd is bedded on mattresses with deep
bedded shavings and lime on top, and for this number of
cows, they are exceptionally clean and well kept.
Another thing obvious during my visit was the great
atmosphere and airiness of the sheds, which was
impressive when you consider the two acres of building in
which the milking herd is housed. However, on mentioning
this, I unearthed another issue of interest and concern to
Phil, Henry and Tim - heat stress. Around 10 years ago the
36/36 parlour was installed, and around 300 cows from
two units were merged into the one herd. Since then, the
herd has obviously expanded to more than double, with
new sheds simply added to adjoin the existing structure,
which has comprimised airflow. Huge fans run in the sheds
(even in March) and, last year, Yorkshire boarding sides to
the shed were removed, as was the ridge. The Americas
are a rich source of information on heat stress, and Henry will travel to huge include two heifer groups, two
units in Mexico in a few weeks time to look at the subject, while Phil has a trip high groups, one mid group and
scheduled to the USA soon. Research suggests to them a mere two weeks of one low group. The herd is also
extreme heat a year in the UK is having the equivalent of 90 days effect on vaccinated for BVD, Lepto, IBR
the cows, especially in large units like Kemble. and Rotavirus. Under a Johnes
The herd does not classify, and unfortunately is another one shut down monitoring programme, the herd
with TB, but when open again, would hope to show. Progeny that stand
has its milk tested for Johnes,
out at the moment include the Jackson and Suede daughters, while on the
while all milking cows will be
female side, cow families are not really monitored, although the Olive family
individually sampled four times
is appreciated for its production and longevity. Thameshead Olive 24 has
a year. From this, carriers will be
completed 10 lactations, amassing over 118 tonnes of milk. Their highest
identified with red neck bands
producer is now giving between 67 and 70 litres per day and their highest
and are snatch calved, and then
lactation in 305 days is one of 15,800 litres.
will not be bred from again. High
Producing in the region of seven million litres of milk annually, the cell
risk individuals are designated
counts and health of the herd are closely monitored, and for this there
yellow collars and are served
are strict procedures. The installation of ADF has removed the need for a
only to a beef sire, with both
third man in the parlour pit, and the high cell count and antibiotic groups
groups housed and milked in
are the last of eight groups to go through the parlour. The other groups
with the high cell count group
58 THE JOURNAL APRIL 2009
e2-09 Kemble.indd 4 01/04/2009 13:32:27
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