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Demonstration of technologies and best management practice to improve milk protein content in a commercial dairying situation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2018

R.H. Henning
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland, Hillsborough, Co. , Down BT26 6DR, Northern Ireland, U.K.
M.V. Mulholland
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland, Hillsborough, Co. , Down BT26 6DR, Northern Ireland, U.K.
A. Cushnahan
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland, Hillsborough, Co. , Down BT26 6DR, Northern Ireland, U.K.
A.C. Peoples
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland, Hillsborough, Co. , Down BT26 6DR, Northern Ireland, U.K.
D.W. Bruce
Affiliation:
John Thompson and Sons Limited, 35-39 York Road, Belfast BT15 3GW, Northern Ireland, U.K.
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Abstract

A technology transfer project has been set up to demonstrate management techniques to help raise the weighted average annual milk protein concentration to 36 g/kg in a cost effective manner using feeding, breeding and management techniques over a period of five years. A herd of autumn calving Holstein/Friesian cows was selected for the project on the basis of performance records and a number of commercial farms were selected for demonstration and benchmarking purposes. Methods which have been employed to improve milk protein include the use of extended grazing, improvements in silage quality, the use of specifically formulated concentrate supplements and the development of a breeding strategy designed to improve milk protein. Herd performance currently stands at 34.2 g/kg milk protein. Improvements in protein content to date have coincided with improvements in silage quality, the early introduction of grazed grass and the use of a specifically formulated concentrate. To date heifers entering the herd have not improved milk protein content. However, this appears to have been a result of the breeding policy adopted prior to the start of the project. Farmers have been able to develop their own competencies and management skills through project features on the Internet, in press articles, during visits to Greenmount College and through John Thompson and Sons Technical Department.

Type
Posters
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 2000

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References

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