Case Studies

Diet changes and forage variability are inevitable parts of any dairy business, often leading to digestive upset, acidosis and subsequent losses in milk production which often go unseen. However, these negative effects can be avoided managing diet changes and by optimising the rumen environment.

Ensuring a smooth transition from the dry period to lactation is key to setting cows up for successful performance and reproduction for the entire lactation. Correct nutrition, optimised rumen function, maintaining a consistent diet and cow comfort are essential to maximising herd health and perform...

Transitioning dairy herds to grass in the spring means a change in diet and environment for cows, which can often impact rumen function whilst gut microbes adjust to the change in levels of nutrients.

Colin Murphy, farms together with parents Brian & Mary, near Knockbridge, Dundalk and currently milks 350 cows on their 400-acre farm.

When it comes to milking cows, the key to exceptional results is detailed and thorough management. But with a day full of jobs to do, it is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day chores and not make time for the more finely-tuned management strategies that can make all the difference to a herd’s yi...

Sudden changes in diet composition can cause any number of problems in dairy herds, and most of these issues can be avoided with proper planning of diet transitions. But the unexpected does happen and it’s important to react quickly to minimise the effect on animals.