In dairy cattle breeding, the introduction of innovative approaches aimed at increasing productivity and management efficiency is of particular importance. PSP "Piskivske" is a vivid example of the implementation of such modern methods through the implementation of elements of the reference model of a dairy farm. What results were achieved by the farm and how has productivity changed? In numbers and facts tells the team of the magazine "Milk and Farm" (No. 6 (79), December 2023). We share with you a part of their publication.
PSP "Piskivske" from Chernihiv region is the founder and member of the Association of milk producers of Ukraine since 2009.
The process of implementing the elements of the reference model of a dairy farm began here with a detailed diagnosis of the state of the farm, which made it possible to identify key aspects that needed intervention and optimization. Specialists of the Advisory Center of AMP drew up a plan for the implementation of elements of the reference model, which provided for improvements in most key processes. The results of the improvement of the breeding process are indicative.
During the implementation of the breeding policy, the focus was on:
- Selection of semen from breeding bulls;
- Cultivation and selection of replacement young stock for further reproduction.
As a result, the productivity of first-borns increased significantly - on average by 20%(graph 1). In addition, their lactation persistency improved, and the decrease in productivity throughout lactation was not as pronounced as in older cows (graphs 2–3).
In the farm they do not add premixes to the ration, yet they manage to 31.7 kg of milk per cow, with a fat content of 3.7% and a protein content of 3.3%
Among other significantly improved indicators is the reduction in cow disposal. At the beginning of the cooperation with the farm, the rate of forced disposal was almost 50%, but over three years, it has decreased to 30–35%. It might seem like a high rate, but the disposal is currently not forced. It is related to the fact that for some time, part of the cows were bred with a bull, and part artificially, resulting in low quality of heifers. Now, heifers born from artificial insemination are just starting to be milked. However, even with this, if we look at Graph 1, in 2023, the productivity indicators of the heifers are significantly higher — at the peak of lactation, they produce 35 liters of milk. After 300 days of milking, the productivity of the heifers is about 27–28 liters of milk, while cows in their 2nd lactation produce less than 25 liters.
The results of implementing elements of the reference model at PSP “Piskivske” are motivating due to their efficiency and confirm the value of a comprehensive approach to managing a dairy farm.
HOW TO USE THE REFERENCE MODEL
The entire list of documents of the reference model can be found on the Milkua.info website at the link: http://milkua.info/uk/post/section/referentna-model-mtf. Much of the material is available for download, however, there are documents that can be provided after a personal request from the interested party. Downloadable files are documents that farms can implement on their own without outside help.
It is reminded that the reference model for a dairy farm in Ukraine is a benchmark model for the operational activities of a farm. It is based on the best global management and production practices. Individual elements of the reference model have currently been implemented on 229 dairy farms, accounting for over 115,000 heads of cattle and constituting 30% of the industrial dairy livestock. At farms that have implemented the reference model comprehensively and systematically, the annual milk productivity has increased by an average of 26% — from 13 to 51%.
If you have additional questions, contact us at tel. +38 (093) 608 71 87 or write to zyateva@avm-ua.org.
Photo: “Milk and Farm” magazine
The Advisory Center of AMP
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