NMR KPI REPORT HIGHLIGHTS HERD IMPROVEMENTS AND SETS TARGETS Significant improvements in herd health and fertility are highlighted in NMR’s latest Key Performance Indicator (KPI) report, which is based on data from 500 NMR-recorded Holstein Friesian herds for the year ending August 2022. It also shows the trends from 2010 when the KPI report was first published by the University of Reading. The report also sets new herd
performance targets, based on the achievements of the top 25% of the 500 randomly selected herds, for each of the 38 parameters measured. Annual trends in herd health, from 2010
to 2022, shows that the median - or mid-point - of the 500 herd average somatic cell count (SCC) improved from 210,000 cells/ml to 166,000 cells/ml. The top 25% of herds in 2010 had an
average SCC of 169,000 cells/ml. This is higher than the median level in herds today. In 2022, the top 25% of herds had an average SCC of 130,000 cells/ml. A highlight in udder health improvement
is that nearly half the cows in the top 25% of herds completed their lactation without a high SCC reading, defined as more than 200,000 cells/ml. In 2010 only a third of cows in these herds achieved this. Most fertility parameters also improved
with the median calving interval now at 394 days, which is a drop of 30 days since 2010. Conception rates increased from a median of 32% in 2010 to 38% in 2022. But there is a 13% range between the top and bottom 25% of herds analysed in the year to August 2022.
There was also a big difference in the
percentage of cows that conceived by 100 days after calving, ranging from an average of 29% in the bottom quarter of herds to 46% in the top quarter of herds. The median for this parameter was 39%. The latest KPI report shows significant
improvements in age at first calving with the mid-point of the 500 herds averaging 799 days, or 26 months and one week; an improvement of 10 days in the 12 months to August 2022, and an improvement of 95 days since 2010. The ‘best’ 25% of herds are now averaging 756 days, or 25 months. “The UK dairy industry can be proud
of the technical progress it has made,” says NMR’s Ben Bartlett. “Improvements in herd health, fertility and production drive commercial performance and also support business sustainability. “ Mr Bartlett adds that this latest NMR
KPI report is particularly relevant following the launch of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway in February 2023, which provides
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access to funding to support improved herd health management and diagnostic testing. “This will rely on knowing where the herd’s strengths and weaknesses are and where best progress can be made to support performance,” he adds. The NMR 500-Herd report is produced
by Dr James Hanks and Dr Mohamad Kossaibati from the University of Reading. It is published on NMR’s web site.
PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE MILKING COWS OF THE
FUTURE Top tips for successful calf rearing Rearing calves accounts for some 20% of production costs on dairy units in the UK, but these heifer calves represent the future milking herd and need the best possible start to life to achieve their potential. “The first 90 days of a calf’s life are vital
for future performance. Ensuring calves are well managed and well fed will play a vital role in hitting heifer rearing targets,” explains Charlotte Ward, KW Feeds ruminant technical manager. “Maximising growth in the first months of
life is critical to reducing overall heifer rearing costs,” she adds. Calves convert feed into growth most
efficiently when young, so putting extra effort into colostrum feeding and management, using a good quality milk replacer and encouraging early intakes of calf starter can mean less ‘catch-up’ growth is necessary when calves finally go out to grass. Ms Ward provides the following pointers
to help maximise the future milking herd’s potential. Colostrum Colostrum is the most valuable nutrient for new-born calves, it contains high energy levels, growth promotors, vitamins, and immunoglobulin, which are vital for protection against disease. Colostrum has 60 times more antibodies than normal milk! • Quality - Test for colostrum quality using a Brix refractometer. Colostrum quality target should be greater than 50g IgG/L so aim for a Brix reading of more than 21 or 22% • Quantity - 10% of bodyweight within the first 2 hours of life. 4-6 litres within the first 24 hours • Quickly - Feed as soon as possible after birth and within the first 6 hours. This will ensure highest absorption of antibodies as this reduces rapidly over the first 24 hours of life • Quietly - Minimise stress to ensure efficient absorption of antibodies • Hygiene - Contamination must be avoided at all stages
Feeding
Calf milk replacer Calves need to be fed a minimum of twice a day from birth until one week before weaning, while the volume and number of feeds can
be reduced as part of a step-down weaning process.
• Select a good quality milk replacer ensuring a high nutrient density • Milk replacers are often fed at a concentration of 12.5% dry matter, similar to cow’s milk. To achieve this concentration milk replacer should be mixed at 125g of powder to 875ml of water
• Understanding concentrations is important to ensure targets are met, milk replacer can be fed at concentrations ranging from 10-20% dry matter depending on the system and growth rates required • Mixing of milk replacer needs to be done correctly and presented to the calves in a consistent manner to reduce stress and nutritional scours • In colder weather, maintenance requirements for energy will be greater. Consider feeding more milk replacer, at the same concentration, to supply extra energy
Starter feed, water and forage • A good quality starter feed, forage and clean water should be offered from day 3 • These should be supplied ad-libitum to kick-start early rumen development • Weaning should only commence once calves are eating 1.5-2kg of starter feed for 3 consecutive days • Forage offered should be clean, fresh and chopped with straw being preferable over long, green, tasty hay which can lead to pot-bellied calves It is important to monitor growth
•
rates regularly and adjust feeding schedules as necessary
Calf housing & hygiene A clean, comfortable, well-ventilated environment and good hygiene are very important for successful calf rearing. • Ensure adequate space per calf • Housing should be dry, draught-free and well-ventilated • The area should be bedded down regularly especially vital during periods of cold, wet weather • Provide a wet area for fresh, clean water and starter feed • Attention to temperature - in very cold weather consider the use of calf jackets
• Dip navels after birth • Ensure hygiene procedures are in place for calf building, feeding equipment and staff • Calves should be observed on a regular basis, so any signs of ill health are spotted quickly “Investing in the milking cows of
the future will help maximise potential lifetime milk production,” concludes Ms Ward. “Contact your nutritionist for more information.”
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