Strong uptake of good wintering practices
DairyNZ has seen a significant increase in the number of farmers improving their wintering practices, which results in a higher standard of animal care and environmental protection.
DairyNZ developer Jane Kay says the term ‘mammary memory’ is being bandied around the industry, causing farmers to question their drying off decisions and continue milking when this might not be the best option.
“This statement is based on the premise that the cow’s mammary cells have a memory for low production and short lactation lengths. There is no truth behind this statement,” says Kay.
“Don’t worry about when the mammary cells go on holiday as most of them won’t be coming back.”
Kay says the cells in the mammary gland (or udder) are continuously changing.
“During the lactation, old, inactive cells die and new cells are formed. These two processes -- cell death and cell formation -- are constantly occurring and the rate at which they occur depends on factors such as stage of lactation and milking frequency.
“The balance between cell death and cell formation determines the number of cells in the udder and this affects milk production.”
After a pregnant dairy cow is dried off, the udder resets itself during the dry period. Old inactive cells continue to die and new cells form.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the relationship between New Zealand and the US will remain strong and enduring irrespective of changing administrations.
More than 200 people turned out on Thursday, November 21 to see what progress has been made on one of NZ's biggest and most comprehensive agriculture research programmes on regenerative agriculture.
The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) says securing more China label registrations and developing its own nutritional manufacturing capability are high on its agenda.
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As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make an early November dash to Bologna to the 46th EIMA exhibition.
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OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.