Your weekly glimpse into research in action at Southern Dairy Hub.
Insights
Increasing pasture allocation to springers to a maximum of 50% of the diet DM (25m²/cow/day), while using surplus springer paddocks for colostrum cows.
The spring rotation planner is back on track after high pre-graze covers resulted in less area being grazed than planned during the first two weeks of calving.
Continuing with 1kg DM of in-shed feed for all milkers, and 2-3kg DM silage for colostrum cows.
There are now 200 replacements in the shed.
Around 10% of calvings have required assistance, with most cases involving malpresentation, such as breech or legs back.
Replacement calves are starting to transition onto milk powder, with disbudding scheduled for the week ahead. The oldest calves will then move outside to relieve pressure on the calf pens.
The utility pad has been used overnight during periods of inclement weather, with the farm team observing positive calf welfare outcomes, including cleaner and more active calves.
Farm System Description
Standard herd: average BW Southland herd stocked at 3.2 cows/ha at peak, up to 180 kg N/ha and wintered on swedes & kale
Future herd: higher genetic merit herd (127 BW difference) stocked at 2.5 cows/ha at peak, up to 180 kg N/ha and wintered on baleage
If you have any questions about this week's HubWatch, please contact our team.
