Lifetime Achievements Recognised In New Dairy Awards

NMR is using its unique Lifetime Daily Yield (LDY) data in the new Alta NMR Production and Efficiency awards. These awards will identify cows that are achieving their milk production potential efficiently across a number of lactations. The first national awards will be made at this year’s Dairy Event in September and will be preceded by regional recognition of top cows and herds this summer.

“It’s vital that cows are producing milk efficiently,” says NMR`s Jonathan Davies. If they’re not, there’s little chance that the unit will be profitable. And today’s herds need cows that can maintain this efficiency across a number of lactations, so calving intervals and longevity are all part of it and these achievements are reflected in their LDY.”

Lifetime Daily yield for each cow in the herd is published by NMR. It is the total of that cow’s milk production across all her lactations divided by the number of days she’s been alive.

“For example, a cow at the end of her second lactation, calving at 24 months, with a calving interval of 400 days and producing a total of 18,000kg will have a higher LDY than one calving at 30 months, with a CI of 410 days and total milk of 17,500kg,” says Alta`s Craig Watson. “This simple example shows the value of LDY as a measure of efficiency that takes yield, health and fertility and longevity into account.”

The cow with the top LDY in each region will be recognised with a certificate and winners will go forward to the national round.

NMR has also identified the top 5% of herds for Lifetime Daily Yield (LDY). “All these herds have a spread of cows across at least five lactations and it identifies the most efficient milk production herds in the country,” adds Mr Watson.

“We plan to visit each herd and evaluate cow data to see which animals are the most efficient producers of the three main components, milk, fat and protein using a new Interherd report has been developed specifically to compare cows within the herd. Based on a herd average of 100%, the top cow for each criteria is identified. And a national winner for each will be selected from the top regional performers.

“This will give interesting information for those looking to fulfil specific milk contracts – liquid milk or cheese for example – and it can play a great part in breeding decisions.”

Regional winners in each section will go forward to a national round and winners will be announced and presented with awards at the Dairy Farming Event, Stoneleigh in September 2007.

For more information contact:
Craig Watson, Director Alta UK, 07711 181886
Jonathan Davies, National Field Manager NMR, 07970 017243

Issued by:
Karen Wright, 01780 767222

Posted May 14th

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