Milk production is a critical component of the dairy industry, and farmers constantly strive to maximize yields to meet consumer demand. While factors like genetics, nutrition, and herd management are well-known determinants of milk production, another often-overlooked aspect is the temperament of dairy cows. A cow’s temperament can have a significant impact on its overall health, stress levels, and, consequently, milk production. This article explores the connection between dairy cow temperament and milk production and highlights the importance of understanding and managing cow behavior in modern dairy farming.

Understanding Dairy Cow Temperament

Dairy cow temperament refers to an individual cow’s behavioral and emotional disposition. Just like humans, cows exhibit a range of temperamental traits, and these traits can vary from one animal to another. Common traits used to assess cow temperament include docility, aggression, fearfulness, and sociability. While these traits are partly influenced by genetics, they can also be shaped by environmental factors and the way cows are handled and managed.

The Impact of Temperament on Milk Production

1. Stress Levels: One of the most significant ways in which cow temperament affects milk production is through stress levels. Cows that are more easily stressed tend to produce less milk. High-stress levels trigger the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can suppress milk production. Stress can result from various factors, including aggressive interactions with other cows, noisy environments, or uncomfortable living conditions. Therefore, cows with calmer temperaments are often better milk producers.

2. Feeding Habits: Dairy cow temperament can also influence feeding habits. Nervous or aggressive cows may struggle to access food in a group setting, leading to uneven nutrient intake. This can negatively impact milk production and overall cow health. Docile cows, on the other hand, are more likely to eat calmly and consistently, which is crucial for optimizing milk production.

3. Reproductive Performance: A cow’s temperament can extend its influence to reproductive performance. Highly stressed or anxious cows may experience disruptions in their estrous cycles, leading to delayed or missed pregnancies. This can result in extended dry periods and reduced overall milk production.

Managing Dairy Cow Temperament for Improved Milk Production

To maximize milk production and overall herd health, it’s essential for dairy farmers to manage and improve cow temperament. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Select for Calm Temperament: When choosing replacement heifers or sires for breeding, consider selecting animals with calm temperaments. This can be done by evaluating the temperament of their parents and ancestors.

2. Proper Handling and Training: Gentle and consistent handling from birth can help develop calm and sociable cows. Avoid aggressive handling or practices that can lead to fearfulness in young calves.

3. Comfortable Living Conditions: Provide cows with comfortable and clean living conditions. Adequate shelter, space, and ventilation can reduce stress and promote a calmer temperament.

4. Minimize Stressors: Identify and minimize stressors in the environment. This includes reducing noise, preventing overcrowding, and ensuring access to fresh water and food.

5. Monitor Behavior: Regularly observe cow behavior and intervene when necessary. Early detection of issues like bullying or illness can prevent prolonged stress and decreased milk production.

Dairy cow temperament plays a vital but often underestimated role in milk production. A cow’s disposition can impact stress levels, feeding habits, reproductive performance, and overall well-being. By understanding and managing cow behavior, dairy farmers can optimize milk production, improve herd health, and ultimately increase the profitability of their operations. It is essential for the dairy industry to recognize the significance of cow temperament and incorporate temperament management strategies into their farming practices for sustainable and efficient milk production.

Managing a dairy herd just got easier with the aid of DeLaval Plus Behavior Analysis – the latest farm management tool which uses data sensors to record each animal’s behavior, analyzes each cow’s data using artificial intelligence (AI) and helps dairy producers identify sick cows and cows in heat.

The new system from DeLaval, a global leader in the dairy industry, can also track cows’ localization in the barn every second of every day, making it easier to find cows that need attention. Daily updates and real-time information delivered to farmers’ smartphones help them manage their to-do lists more efficiently and effectively.

“By responding to a cow quickly and with the right action, producers can drive the performance of their farm by increasing cow productivity and welfare,” said Joaquín Azocar, Solution Manager, DeLaval Farm Management Systems. “Producers with DeLaval Plus Behavior Analysis in their farm management toolbox have total visibility and oversight of their cows.”

The system works with new DeLaval BioSensor ear tags, which automatically communicate with nodes installed throughout the barn. The data is shared with DeLaval DeepBlue, an artificial intelligence-based software which analyzes the information using  sophisticated models of cow behavior. The system provides state-of-the-art heat detection, rumination and eating behavior calculations and returns this information to farmers in the form of actionable intelligence so they can make better, faster and more accurate decisions.

The Riddells, who milk 90 cows in Ontario, Canada, installed DeLaval Plus Behavior Analysis to help them take better care of their herd. “If the cow is not feeling well, the graph on the computer will tell us before we can see it,” said Jaclyn Riddell. Her husband, Travis, also noted that the AI-component takes herd management to the next level. “It’s looking behind the scenes and can find things quicker than we can,” he said.

As many farms struggle to find and retain skilled people, DeLaval Plus Behavior Analysis promotes a better work experience for farmers and their staff by taking the guesswork out of the equation. The tool, which is available with or without cow localization, can suit multiple barn layouts and reporting requirements.

Paying greater attention to feed efficiency indices while choosing sires for dairy herds would assist compensate for today’s growing feed prices.

With this in mind, dairy producers are being asked to investigate all possibilities to help reduce these high expenses, and a more focused and effective use of genetics is a fantastic instrument for doing so.

Two Holstein cows with the same productivity level may consume quite different amounts of grain.

According to one study, the more efficient cow ingested 861 kilos less dry matter than the other cow, resulting in a 12% decrease in feed expenditures.

What exactly is a feed efficiency index?

Dairy producers may employ sires that breed cows as better feed converters by choosing genotypes with a high index for feed efficiency.

This means cows produce more milk and meat on less feed while maintaining high health, reproductive performance, and a long productive life.

This contributes to the company’s profitability and long-term viability.

The feed efficiency index measures how efficiently a cow converts grain into milk. While some cows are adept at this, others use excessive amounts of feed for upkeep and are inefficient in terms of feed utilization.

The creation of a credible index for feed efficiency requires direct and precise measurements of each cow’s feed intake in a large number of nursing cows under the predicted performance circumstances.

Cows bred by bulls with a high feed efficiency index use fewer feed resources because they transform feed more effectively and need less energy for upkeep.

This implies that resources are being utilized more effectively, and dairy producers are able to produce more milk and meat with less inputs, lowering the environmental impact.
Cows bred from bulls with a high feed efficiency index use fewer feed resources because they transform feed more effectively and need less energy for upkeep. Image provided

Cows bred from bulls with a high feed efficiency index use fewer feed resources because they transform feed more effectively and need less energy for upkeep. Image provided

Decoding feed efficiency indices: five crucial questions for making educated decisions

When examining feed efficiency indices, a farmer should ask his or her genetics representative five simple questions.

Is data acquired from commercial herds with varying production methods and management levels collected without interfering with cows’ natural behavior and daily farm routines?

Because herds have diverse production techniques and management levels, data should be gathered from a variety of farms to provide a more trustworthy index.

Is the feed intake data recorded on lactating cows?

Some genetic firms provide data gathered from heifers. Pryce et al. (2014) discovered a genetic association of 0.67 between heifer and first lactation cow efficiency. This suggests that heifer efficiency accounts for just 45 percent of the variance in cow efficiency. This makes the usefulness of registering heifers to forecast cow efficiency exceedingly wasteful.

Is feed intake monitored during the lactation and throughout the lifespan of the cow?

The physiology and productivity of a cow alter drastically throughout lactations. Feeding needs and performance vary depending on the stage of lactation. As a result, data from all periods of the cow’s life should be obtained.

Does the index allow for breeding for improved feed efficiency while minimizing the effect on productivity, health, and fertility?

Breeding merely to conserve feed is insufficient since output levels must be maintained to ensure farm profitability. Farmers must be cautious while breeding for more feed efficient cows and avoid favoring animals that exhaust their body reserves for milk output.

Does the feed efficiency index take metabolic efficiency into account?

Metabolic efficiency is an important component of feed efficiency since it assesses how efficiently the cow converts feed energy in her body. This is energy that is utilized to promote milk production, for example.

Advantages of the Feed Efficiency Index

Because more feed efficient cows emit less methane, breeding for increased feed efficiency helps lessen the environmental effect of the dairy and beef sectors.

It is critical to limit the environmental effect of each dairy farm. And if the farmer can do this by making relatively easy changes in the genetics used in the herd in order to minimize the quantity of feed that cows consume and waste generated while maintaining the required production level, this results in more efficient farming.

Jan Lassen, MSc., PhD, Senior Research Manager at VikingGenetics, a Nordic genetics firm owned by cattle breeders in Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, encourages farmers to examine the significance of the Saved Feed Index, which is part of the Nordic Total Merit index.

“Improving efficiency through breeding is a win-win situation.” “We increase production by selecting the most efficient animals,” Mr Lassen said.

“There are no negative effects on health, reproduction, or longevity.”

The Saved Feed Index is based on information from the Cattle Feed Intake technology (CFIT), a cutting-edge technology that uses three-dimensional cameras and artificial intelligence to recognize cows, evaluate their weight, and quantify how much they consume.

CFIT delivers real-time data for each cow’s feed intake recorded in the cow’s natural surroundings year round, backed by more than nine years of research and development.

1,300,000+ lactating cow daily intake records
12,000 or more cows with CFIT data 1,000,000 or more feed visits per day

By including the Saved Feed Index into the breeding aim, dairy producers get a valuable tool for optimizing their operations and meeting the criteria for sustainable food production.

Stressors resource center helps shed light on its complexities

How do you save energy? That’s easy. Turn off the lights. Unfortunately, when it comes to dairy cow stress, it’s not that simple. You can’t turn off stress that easily.

Stress is caused by stressors. We recognize more than 30 different stressors that can affect the health and performance of a dairy cow. However, if you read through dairy-related articles, you may realize that the industry tends to focus only on a small handful of stressors and address each of them individually. Your reality at the farm level is that stressors interact with each other and compound, negatively impacting cow health, performance, reproduction and longevity.

Dairy cow stress is complicated. Knowing how stressors work and how they affect your cows will help you reduce their negative impact on your herd — and improve your revenue.

The concept of stress and strain

Domesticated food animals are prey species. When they perceive a threat, their instinct is to avoid a predatory attack. Things are different under modern farming conditions since cows have very little risk of being eaten by a predator. Today, a perceived threat (stressor) comes from different sources and often leads to metabolic strain. As a result, your cows will make a physiological or behavioral change to maintain balance.

A key step is to understand that each cow handles these changes differently. During the Jefo RumiNation Podcast Impacts of Stress and Strain on Reproductive Health (Series 3, Episode 6), Dr. Matt Lucy, professor at the University of Missouri, said it’s important to know the difference between stress and strain. “All cows are stressed, but the strain is how the cow responds to that stress. For example, we have a lot of cows in a herd that make 100 pounds of milk per day. The stress is the production. However, the strain is how she responds to that. We want our cows to have very little strain.”

According to Dr. Lucy, the amount of strain determines the impact stress will have on production and fertility. Genetics can help as it allows a producer to select for a more resilient cow. “We want cows that can handle these stresses,” says Dr. Lucy. “Once we have the right kind of cows, then, as a producer, you have to manage the remaining strain. You cannot fix everything with genetics — you have to be a top producer and manage the remaining strains like heat stress, nutrition, bunk space and so forth.”

The key is to identify the stressors that are having the biggest impact on you, your cows and your team, and then incorporate solutions to reduce the strain they cause.

Know stress, no stress

You know the old adage: Knowledge is power. Knowing more about stress helps eliminate the effects of stress. Jefo Nutrition has outlined five key stress categories and identified solutions to help keep cows comfortable, healthy and productive:

· Weather

· Feed Intake Issues

· Standard Operating Procedures

· Stage of Production

· Herd health

1) Weather

As temperatures climb, we hear a lot about heat stress. A dairy cow experiences stress when her heat load is greater than her capacity to remove the heat. She often will adapt by modifying her metabolism to reduce heat production.

To minimize the impact of heat stress on your herd, a whole-farm approach is essential. The goal is to maintain good health, feed intake and production levels. That approach is even more critical when the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) reaches 68 or higher.

Producers should rely on heat abatement strategies, such as the use of fans, misters and shade. Make sure these tools are well maintained and effective – this is an area that is sometimes overlooked but needs to be well established. In addition, it’s important to increase clean water supplies and avoid overcrowding as much as possible. Other points to consider:

· deliver feed during the coolest time of the day

· increase nutrient density of the ration in anticipation of lower dry matter intake

· feed high-quality forages

· increase feeding frequency to avoid heating of the ration

During heat stress, it’s also important to adopt key precision nutrients. B vitamins are essential to supporting efficient glucose and protein production, and research shows that a blend of protected B vitamins can help cows cope with heat stress. By supplementing during known stress periods, we can overcome many of the negative outcomes of strain, which in turn will help drive your farm profitability.

Don’t forget dry cows in the heat. It’s estimated that heat-stressed dry cows account for more than $800 million in milk loss annually in the United States. Conversely, taking steps to cool dry cows was shown to add to farm profits. Studies show that supplementing a blend of protected B vitamins (choline, folic acid, B12 and riboflavin) before and after calving reduced subclinical ketosis, and lowered incidence of retained placenta and metritis. Another reason to focus on dry cows is to help the calf she is carrying. Research shows that calves born from cows who experienced heat stress in late pregnancy will have lower birth weight, reduced immunity and less milk in their first lactation.

Heat isn’t the only “weather” stressor you need to worry about. Other weather-related stressors include extreme cold, humidity, excessive rain and snow, changes in daylight, and other adverse weather events. Take home message: Any weather event that impacts dry matter intake, impacts cow performance.

2) Feed Intake Issues

During the RumiNation Podcast Impacts of Stressors on Physiology and Health of Dairy Cows (Season 3, Episode 4), Dr. Trevor DeVries, University of Guelph, said cows can suffer from nutritional stress. This can be physiological, such as how her body literally reacts to a change in diet. Or it can be perceptual as the cow simply views a diet change as different and may stop eating. Or it could be behavioral due to competition for bunk space, changing a cow’s eating time and the number of meals, which in turn will negatively impact rumen health, diet absorption and digestibility. Anything that negatively impacts intake then has a trickle-down effect on energy balance, production and overall cow health.

At this year’s American Dairy Science Association’s annual meeting, two research reports were presented about DMI and nutritional stressors. Faith Reyes and her University of Wisconsin colleagues presented research related to stocking density and how more competition at the bunk lowered intake. She concluded the following: “As stocking density increased, cows appeared to modulate their bunk visits and eating rates to adjust for greater competition and less opportunity to gain feed bunk access.”

In the second report, Francesca Mazza presented a poster on feed hygiene. The report reviewed bacteria, yeasts and molds commonly found in various feed types on farms across the United States. When ingested in high amounts, these organisms can cause negative health issues, plus lead to reduced feed intake and decreased milk production. Mazza and her colleagues surveyed 8,942 feed samples collected from farms across 35 states. The results showed that spoilage organisms and potential pathogens were more prevalent in the TMR than in the individual fermented feed components of the diet. This survey highlights the importance of proper feed management practices and reducing feed contamination as a potential stressor.

Dr. Lucy concurs. He says there is no substitution for good, quality nutrition. Dr. Lucy recommends consistency. “In a perfect world, cows get the same TMR at the same time delivered by the same person using the same tractor.” He adds that this type of balance acts like a suit of armor for cows and helps them manage the strain from potential stressors.

3) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

Day-to-day activities can affect cows. Your daily or weekly routine procedures may seem harmless but can add up in excessive time for cows away from feed, too much time standing out of their stalls, and negative social interacts. All of which can cause issues. Having SOPs in place can help maximize efficiency and reduce stress.

Here’s a short list of potential management-related stressors:

· human-animal interactions

· stocking density

· group changes

· bunk space

· housing issues

· herd health checks

· social stress

Dr. DeVries says social stress can have a negative impact and come from a variety of places. “Cows are social animals, and they like to be in social environments,” explains Dr. DeVries, “but there are aspects of a social environment that may have a negative effect on cows and can actually be stressful. For example, overcrowding at the feed bunk or in the parlor’s holding pen.”

Dr. DeVries also mentioned the challenges of mixed-parity groups and how mixing young animals in with older animals can cause stress, especially in the younger cows.

When it comes to reducing management-related stress, attention to cow comfort is also critical. The rule of thumb: A comfortable cow is a cash cow.

Key factors to help ensure cow comfort include:

· adequate feed and resting space

· protection from the elements

· access to high-quality feed and water

· training employees on proper animal interactions

In particular regarding this last point, cows should not fear their handlers. A fearful cow is a stressed and less productive cow. Dr. DeVries said acute stressors, such as poor handling, can have a direct impact on cow physiology and her productivity. “A clear example of that is bad handling of cows in the milking

parlor,” says Dr. DeVries. “A stress like that can cause a cortisol spike in cows which may lead to a block or reduction in oxytocin release which may limit milk let down.”

There’s a new tool called farm synchronization that can help eliminate stress and maximize feed efficiency. During the RumiNation Podcast Increase Milk Production with Farm Synchronization (Season 2, Episodes 6 and 7), David Greene of Greene Ag Solutions and Barton, Kiefer and Associates Consulting Group, discussed how this approach can help improve milk production and labor management. According to Greene, farm synchronization marries the three main management centers: 1) feeding operation, 2) milking operation and 3) herd management. “The goal is to synchronize the milking schedule and the feeding schedule with the activities of the herd management team, whether it’s breeding or herd health checks. If we can get these three areas working together, we can maximize feed efficiency,” Greene says.

According to Greene, the goal is to feed cows about two hours ahead of their time in the parlor. This promotes more frequent smaller meals, which means extra intake, more efficiency and a healthier, more productive cow. If each department can communicate and work together, Greene said producers can see an increase of 2-3 pounds of milk for the same or less feed intake. “Every movement on the farm needs to be centered around maximizing the efficiency of milk production,” adds Greene.

4) Stage of Production

Having a calf can be one of the most metabolically stressful and challenging times for a cow. It’s critical to provide a quiet, clean and comfortable maternity pen, plus reduce environmental and social stresses.

In addition, Dr. Lucy explains that stress is a big factor in getting cows pregnant. “Traditionally, we always thought about the effects of stress on ovarian function. Whether or not the cow had started cycling and come into heat. But more recently, we’re trying to understand specifically how stress affects uterine function and the preparation of the uterus for that pregnancy.”

According to Dr. Lucy, it’s important for producers to understand that reproduction starts in the dry cow pen. “Avoid the long-term drag on cows and take care of them in the transition pen.”

We know that stressors can negatively impact fertility, so it’s important to direct resources toward prevention and early detection. There are tools available to help monitor how cows are reacting to stress. For example, excessive weight loss in early lactation can be monitored via body condition scoring (BCS) and by new technology such as body weight camera imaging. Why is monitoring weight loss in early lactation important? A reduction in BCS in the first 30 days in milk can lead to decreased fertility and loss of conception. Find time to monitor weight loss in early lactation and use the data to make improvements.

5) Herd Health

Exposing a cow to unnecessary stress can increase susceptibility to diseases. Manage, prevent and treat early, said University of Manitoba animal science professor Dr. Meagan King during the RumiNation Podcast Precision Technology to Monitor and Predict Animal Health (Season 3, Episode 5). From subclinical ketosis to moderate lameness and mastitis, she recommends jumping on any problem early.

Dr. King’s research has been looking at the impact of stressors on production, whether it is from lameness, overcrowding or feed delivery. She recommends using precision technology, such as rumination or activity tracking information, to look at behavior, help identify problems promptly and make better management and nutritional decisions to treat the problem.

Research also shows that supplying essential nutrients in a form that guarantees the right level is absorbed can help support a cow’s health and metabolic well-being. For example, supplementing biotin has been

proven to improve hoof health, while protected choline and B vitamins have been used to reduce clinical and subclinical ketosis.

Learn how stressors affect your cows

While there is no off switch for cow stress, shedding light on its complexities can help you manage stressors more easily.

Jefo Solutions are designed to help producers cope with everyday stressors and keep cows healthy and productive. Learn more at JefoDairyStressors.com, our educational resource center for research, articles, podcasts and more.

Founded in 1982, Jefo is a family-owned company that aims to improve animal health and increase human longevity by feeding growing populations with better protein sources. With its Life, made easier commitment in mind, Jefo uses a practical approach to share its results based on complex scientific research and testing methods, while implementing different solutions via its programs for the different life stages of production animals: Jefo Care – Health & Prevention, Jefo Peak – Performance & Production, and Jefo Cycle – Reproduction. For further information, please visit: www.jefo.ca

Despite the harsh agricultural circumstances in Alberta’s prairie state, dairy cows like the dry and chilly temperature.

In Canada, there are around 1.4 million dairy cows and 9,700 herds. The majority are situated in eastern Canada, with just a few dairy producers in the prairie provinces. There are around 500 dairy producers in Alberta, the final plains province before the huge Rocky Mountains. The average size of a herd in Canada is just approximately 100 cows. However, there are herds of 400 dairy cows in Alberta.

The dairy cows seem to flourish in Alberta’s dry and frigid environment, where summer lasts just four months and the temperature difference between summer and winter ranges from 35°C to -40°C. The province’s dairy herds produce between 10,000 and 12,000 kg of milk per cow per year on average.

Holstein cows grazing in a flat grassland

We went to one of these milk producers, which had 410 Holstein cows. The property is located approximately an hour north of Calgary on the relatively flat prairie. The farm is operated by Arie and Anita Van den Broek, who are in their 60s, and their five children, Meike, Lieke, Gijs, Teun, and Geertje.

The family immigrated from the Netherlands in 2000 and purchased the property in Olds. It was formerly a cow farm where beef cattle were bred and plants were grown. Arie and his family converted the enterprise to organic milk production a few years after the acquisition, and they acquired a certificate for this in 2009. They began with a herd of 50 cows and have now expanded to 410 cows.

“The reason we left the Netherlands was the increasingly restrictive conditions for running milk production – far too many restrictive retail rules from the EU made running a farm in the Netherlands more and more difficult.” That is why, like many other Dutch milk producers, we decided to try our luck in Canada. And we haven’t looked back since coming here,” Arie explains.

The farm comprises an additional 1,000-hectare plot of land where spring barley, peas, maize, ryegrass, and lucerne for silage are farmed in a three-year crop cycle. On the farm, all plant products are utilized to feed the cow herd. A third of the feed must be organically cultivated, according to the standards.
Son Teun van den Broek tells about the dairy farm in Canada in the cow barn. Son Teun van den Broek tells about the dairy farm in Canada in the cow barn.
Cattle bedding

The straw from the barley is utilized for bedding in the stable buildings, and the cow beds in the resting barn are covered with gravel. This implies that it is usually always dry here. Fertiliser is driven out from the farm just outside the stables twice a year, and the fertiliser demand in the fields is assessed using a computer twice a year.

“We use precision agriculture on the farm in the form of digital technologies to collect and analyze data about field conditions.” This offers us an idea of how much fertilizer the crops need, allowing us to optimize fertiliser distribution in the field, which benefits both us and the environment,” adds Teun.

He goes on to say that fertilizer, seed, and plant protection are all rated. “We use the data from the previous year’s treatments and the yield maps to determine whether we distributed our fertilizer and plant protection correctly.” We must follow specific standards as an organic farm since we have a license. “We are a member of Alberta Milk, which advises us and sets the rules for our production,” Teun explains.

Milking takes done three times a day on the farm. Milking takes done in the farm’s milking carousel, which can accommodate 28 cows at a time, and it takes 4 hours to milk all of the cows. Last year, the herd produced slightly over 4.7 million litres of milk, equal to an average of just under 11,000 kg milk per cow per year.

Payment is made per litre of milk.

“At the moment, we get approximately 1 Canadian dollar (US$0.74) per litre of milk from the dairy, and when it comes to organic milk, the price is approximately 20 cents higher per litre/kg milk,” Teun says, adding that cows are typically weaned after 6-8 calvings, with the highest yielding cows able to be weaned later.

Weaner cows are sold to a local butcher for about €1,020,00 each slaughter cow. Mastitis is uncommon in the herd because to the cold winter temperature and generally dry barns. The daily cell count is roughly 170,000, with a high of 400,000. In terms of breeding, the farm works with researchers at Olds Technical University, which is just around 20 kilometers away.

In addition to the roughly 1,200 hectares dedicated to plant breeding, the farm contains around 450 hectares of pasture on which all cows and calves over the age of 8 months graze during the summer. Milking robots are used by 16% of Canada’s milk producers, while the remainder utilize milking carousels. 45% of the milk produced is consumed by humans, while the remainder is processed into over 500 different products.

Approximately 30% of dairies in the milk business are cooperatives. The dairy industry aims to have zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Teun is in charge of field management, while Geertje is in charge of milking. In addition, there are 20 personnel, 8 of them are full-time, to oversee the field and herd. Mexico accounts for half of the workforce. “The employees from Mexico are a good and stable workforce who are knowledgeable about agriculture, which is why we hired them,” Arie explains.

Farm for visitors

“We like discussing our production. People outside of agriculture, in our view, know much too little about agriculture. That’s why we formed the East Olds Dairy Farmers organization, which is made up of numerous dairy farmers,” Arie explains.

“The goal was to invite people from the local community to come to our farms and have breakfast while we talked about where the milk comes from, how we care for our animals, and how we look after our neighbors,” he continues. Our philosophy is to open the farm gate and welcome visitors. The Southern Alberta Holstein Club and Alberta Milk helped us hold the inaugural breakfast in 2013, and 348 individuals attended. Since then, we’ve refined the idea, and each year, over 1,000 people visit the six farms engaged in the initiative for breakfast.”

As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the agricultural sector faces increasing scrutiny for its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock, particularly cattle, are a significant source of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that has a much greater warming potential than carbon dioxide over a shorter time frame. However, there is a promising solution that not only reduces emissions but also improves the sustainability and profitability of the cattle industry: investing in feed efficiency.

The Emissions Challenge

Cattle are responsible for a substantial share of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to enteric fermentation, the digestive process that produces methane in their stomachs. This methane is then released into the atmosphere when cattle burp. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), enteric fermentation accounts for nearly 40% of global methane emissions. To combat climate change effectively, it is crucial to find ways to reduce these emissions while still meeting the growing global demand for meat and dairy products.

Feed Efficiency as a Solution

Feed efficiency refers to the ability of cattle to convert the feed they consume into body weight. Cattle that are more feed-efficient require fewer resources to produce the same amount of meat or milk, which has several benefits:

1. Reduced Methane Emissions: Feed-efficient cattle produce less methane per unit of meat or milk. This reduction in methane emissions directly contributes to mitigating climate change.
2. Lower Feed Requirements: By improving feed efficiency, cattle can produce the same amount of meat or milk while consuming less feed. This not only reduces the environmental impact but also lowers production costs for farmers.
3. Increased Profitability: Farmers can realize significant financial benefits by investing in feed efficiency. Reduced feed costs and improved production efficiency lead to higher profit margins.
4. Sustainable Agriculture: Embracing feed efficiency aligns with the principles of sustainable agriculture, ensuring that the cattle industry remains viable in the face of environmental challenges.

Investment Opportunities

Investing in feed efficiency involves several strategies and technologies:

1. Genetic Selection: Breeding programs can be used to select for cattle with superior feed efficiency traits. Over time, this can lead to herds that are more environmentally friendly and economically efficient.
2. Nutritional Management: Optimizing the diet of cattle to improve their digestive efficiency can significantly reduce methane emissions.
3. Monitoring and Data Analytics: Implementing technology to track cattle performance and feed efficiency can help farmers make data-driven decisions to enhance their operations.
4. Methane Reduction Technologies: Researchers are developing innovative solutions, such as feed additives and dietary supplements, that can reduce methane emissions from cattle.

Conclusion

Investing in feed efficiency is a win-win solution for the cattle industry and the environment. By reducing methane emissions from cattle, it contributes to global efforts to combat climate change while simultaneously improving the profitability and sustainability of the livestock sector. Governments, agricultural organizations, and farmers should collaborate to promote and adopt feed efficiency strategies, ensuring a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future for cattle production. This investment is not just in the cattle industry; it’s an investment in the health of our planet.

The dairy industry is no stranger to price fluctuations, and when milk prices take a nosedive, dairy farmers and producers are faced with tough decisions. In such challenging times, it becomes crucial to identify areas where sacrifices can be made to weather the storm without compromising the overall quality and sustainability of the operation. This article explores some strategies and considerations for navigating low milk prices in the dairy industry.

1. Cost Management

   One of the first areas to scrutinize when milk prices are down is your cost structure. Analyze your expenses meticulously and identify areas where cost-saving measures can be implemented without affecting the health and well-being of your herd or the quality of your dairy products. Some potential cost-saving strategies include:

   • Feed Efficiency: Review your feed program and explore ways to improve feed efficiency. This might involve adjusting the composition of the feed, sourcing more cost-effective ingredients, or optimizing feeding practices.
   • Labor Costs: Evaluate your labor costs and consider options such as cross-training employees to handle multiple tasks or adjusting work schedules to maximize efficiency.
   • Energy and Utilities: Look for ways to reduce energy consumption on the farm, whether through better insulation, energy-efficient equipment, or alternative energy sources like solar power.
2. Herd Management

   Your cows are the heart of your dairy operation, and their health and productivity are paramount. While you may need to make some adjustments during tough times, ensure that you maintain high standards of care and management. Consider the following:

   • Healthcare: Continue to invest in the health and well-being of your herd. Cutting corners on healthcare can lead to long-term issues and decreased milk production.
   • Breeding and Genetics: Evaluate your breeding program to ensure you are producing cows that are well-suited to your operation. High-quality genetics can pay dividends in terms of milk production and longevity.
3. Product Diversification

   When milk prices are low, consider diversifying your product offerings. Explore options such as producing artisan cheeses, yogurt, or other dairy products that can fetch higher prices in the market. While this may require additional equipment and marketing efforts, it can provide a valuable income stream.

4. Market Analysis and Contracts

   Stay informed about market trends and pricing. Consider entering into contracts or agreements with processors or cooperatives that provide price stability or incentives during periods of low milk prices.

5. Financial Planning

   Maintaining a robust financial plan is crucial during volatile periods. Build up cash reserves during times of prosperity to help cushion the impact of low milk prices. Additionally, consider working with financial advisors who specialize in the agricultural sector to navigate challenging financial situations.

6. Sustainable Practices

   Embrace sustainability practices that can reduce operating costs and improve your farm’s resilience in the long run. Implementing eco-friendly measures like nutrient management plans and waste reduction can lead to cost savings and a more environmentally responsible operation.

When milk prices are down, dairy farmers face tough choices, but it’s essential to approach these challenges strategically. By carefully managing costs, prioritizing the health and well-being of your herd, diversifying products, staying informed about market trends, and maintaining financial resilience, you can navigate periods of low milk prices while positioning your dairy operation for long-term success. Adaptability and a commitment to sustainable practices will be key to enduring the cyclical nature of the dairy industry.

The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) has warned that the difference between farmgate milk and retail pricing will continue to widen, and that high input costs would put major burden on the industry.

According to government data, the average UK gate price for milk in June was 36.48 pence per litre (ppl), a 16% decrease from the previous month. Meanwhile, the present cost of production is expected to be between 40ppl and 45ppl, rendering many dairy farms unsustainable.

According to RABDF chairman Di Wastenage, producers are caught in the crossfire, with no respite expected in the short to medium term.

“Our dairy farmers are facing enormous financial pressures,” she said. “They are caught in the crossfire, with farm gate milk prices remaining low while farm input costs remain stubbornly high, and high retail prices also have an impact on consumer demand.”

Mrs. Wastenage went on to say that UK processors are also dealing with increased energy and labor expenses, which are reflected in the pricing. Furthermore, she noted that the increased retail price of some dairy goods, such as cheese, is due to producers employing higher-cost milk earlier this year.

In terms of the next six months, she believes global markets provide little hope for UK dairy producers.

“The decline in Chinese demand for whole milk powder (WMP) and Fonterra’s forward forecasting indicate that this is going to be a difficult year.” “Unfortunately, for many people, this may be financially unsustainable,” she cautioned.

“The UK requires a dairy industry that operates efficiently and profitably from the farmgate to the supermarket shelf for all sectors along the supply chain.” Mrs Wastenage said, “We must ensure that this occurs and that the value is shared by all parties.”