Farmer Focus: Milk solids up 20% on the year

A recent run of low colostrum yields in fresh-calved cows prompted us to do some blood tests to try to track down the reason why. These showed the cows were entering negative energy balance as they transitioned.

In the meantime, however, we have moved to using first cut in all rations. That has improved colostrum yields and, hopefully, cured the energy deficit.

We will blood test again when things have settled in a month or so.

See also: How passive transfer testing gives calves a good start

The first cut has lifted production, with the cows now averaging 45.3 litres/day – 7.5 litres above yields at the same time last year.

This is on a ration comprising 54% forage and a feed rate of 0.34kg/litre. With our current contract, it’s milk solids that really pay, and the current yield of 3.35kg a cow a day is just over 20% higher than the same time last year. 

I can’t tell you what is responsible for what part of the improvement – the new building, year-round housing and the move to three-times-a-day milking have all played their part – but I am sure the cows seem at ease with their new level of production.

Our team are doing everything they can to fulfil the cows’ needs, and this seems to be working well.

About the author

Tom Stable

Tom Stable and family, Ulverston, Cumbria, milk 350 Holsteins three times a day, producing milk for Arla and ice cream for their Cumbrian Cow brand. The 300ha operation, of which two thirds is rented, grows grass, maize and winter wheat and cows average 11,800 litres.

Read more articles by Tom Stable

Despite the high yields, the cows look really healthy. We entered the Lancashire Herds competition for the first time in June and were delighted to win Champion Large Herd.

Our second cut of silage was taken on 11 June after a 41-day interval that included more than three weeks with no rain. Unsurprisingly, the grass headed when it did rain and, as such, I don’t hold out much hope for the quality.

We clamped it at the youngstock unit, thinking the remaining cuts this season will be better suited for milk production.

Maize and wheat have really come on well, with the wheat especially improving after a poor establishment in late October.

We did re-drill 6ha (15 acres) that looked awful, and that appears to have been a good decision, with a great crop of spring barley in its place.

I had already put the first application of nitrogen on the wheat before deciding to plough it up, and I think that accounts for the way the barley got going.