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IN INDUSTRY	STRAWBERRY MADE BY BLESSEDDAIRIES
YOGHURT MADE BY BLESSEDDAIRIES	OUR FARM IN GICUMBI
BLESSEDDAIRIES OWNER	AUTOMATIC MILKING
CALVES IN THE FARM	AUTOMATIC MILKING
BUTTER PRODUCT OF BLESSEDDAIRIES

ANIMAL HEALTH

Rethink your strategies for prevention of hypocalcemia

Everyone knows that milk fever is an important problem that affects lactating dairy cows, particularly those starting their second or greater lactation. In the US, 5 to 7% of the dairy cows are diagnosed every year with milk fever, and those cows require intravenous administration of calcium (Ca) borogluconate to recover.

Cow welfare and farm size – opportunities and challenges

The public is showing an increasing concern for the welfare of the cows on modern large dairy farms. Are the new technologies harmful? Is there a lower standard of care and a lack of beneficial practices like pasture on these large farms? The Animal Welfare group at the University of British Columbia studied barn design and management, and their results show that farm size is not primarily what matters, but rather the use of technology to detect illness and professional management with Standard Operation Procedures to ensure consistency. And deep bedding. That is the single most important feature that can reduce lameness on your farm. From Hoard's Dairyman webinar with Dan Weary, University of British Columbia.

Milk is nature’s wonder beverage. It builds strong bones. It lowers blood pressure. It reduces the risk of diabetes and some cancers. It’s helpful for maintaining a healthy weight. It is both tasty and satisfying. Milk has no equal in providing major health benefits. It’s a powerful package of goodness, containing such important nutrients as calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, high-quality protein and Vitamins A and D.

CALF MANAGEMENT

Feeding calves: it takes more than just milk

When thinking of calves and what it takes to grow them properly the main component of their diet is milk or milk replacer. However, it’s important to think about the other components of their diets as well. Milk is fed to calves for only a limited time, and the transition to a solid diet is relatively quick. To create a smoother weaning period and maintain growth post-weaning it’s important to encourage intake of more than just milk, even in the pre-weaning period.

Milk quality in India

India is changing rapidly in aspects of life. The effect of westernization is one of the main factors responsible for societal changes, mostly related to living standards, changing diets, and accordingly a change of product lines in the retailers. There are about 1.22 billion people in India, with around 120 million cows & buffalos. There is a long tradition of milk production and consumption (based on small units), cooperative structures, and a tradition of selling milk over the counter in the street, milk that consumed fresh. 70% of the population lives in the countryside with only 30% based in cities; however with the trend of urbanization this is changing. The dairy market is very much fragmented and the government involvement is limited. In the near future as a result of all the changes the dairy chain itself will change. The pace of the change is a multi factorial issue mostly depending on the government, government rules and their implantation. Food safety and food security are very much on top of the agenda in India and it will remain in the near future as food and feeding this huge population is crucial for sustainable growth of this ancient culture.

Thinking about buying robots? Talk money and strategies first

There have been many discussions about the economics of robotic milking systems, many of them even questioning their profitability and viability. Today, more than two decades after the first commercial automatic milking systems (AMS) started in Europe, the technology has proven to be equal or more efficient than conventional milking systems (CMS), not only in terms of productivity but also profitability. In addition, AMS have proven to be a sustainable solution to improve the socio-economic conditions of modern dairy farming.

Water: the often forgotten nutrient

With temperatures starting to consistently drop below freezing it is important to make sure the water sources in your barn are in proper working order and not frozen. Water is essential for milk production, growth, and health, while also being needed for proper rumen function, nutrient digestion and absorption.