Dairy NZ

The project has identified alternative technical procedures for achieving a fully functioning national genetic evaluation system - enhanced with genomic data - during the dairy season 2008-2009. Farmers will benefit from this project by being able to compare bulls from competing AB companies, knowing that they have been evaluated in the industry-controlled system called Animal Evaluation.

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New Zealand dairy farmers achieve rates of genetic gain that are very close to the maximum theoretically achievable with current technologies. Emerging technologies for identifying superior dairy cows in New Zealand. This annual and cumulative benefit exceeds $35M for the same amount of feed.This project delivers information to farmers and breeding companies that supports the National Breeding Objective and industry wide genetic gain.

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The goal of this project is to identify a genetic basis for improved Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE) at a metabolic level in dairy cows in dairy cattle.

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This research investigates the feasibility of OAD and extended lactations in pasture-based dairying systems
focusing on:

- Extending lactation to 670 days
- Winter feeding systems for extended lactations
- Identifying genes supporting improved OAD milking performance

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InCalf is a learning package for herd reproductive management. It includes resources, tools and training for both dairy farmers and their advisers. It was developed in Australia and is revised for New Zealand conditions, and made available thanks to an agreement between DairyNZ and Dairy Australia.
This year the resources have been developed and the programme launched with farmers and rural professionals.

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Managing feed supply around mating can be challenging and is believed to be an important determinant of dairy cows reproductive performance.
This study has investigated the effect of changing intakes at mating on reproductive outcomes.

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This research aims to contribute to reduced empty rates on dairy herds. Research is ongoing as we aim to develop a novel approach to selecting high fertility cows, and understand key factors that allow cows to get in-calf easily and quickly.

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The National Mastitis Advisory Committee (NMAC) is a group of interested and experienced people, who have an interest in mastitis. NMAC undertakes activities for the benefit of the NZ dairy industry including the updating and promotion of the SAMM plan.

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Heifer mastitis has been an increasing problem for dairy farmers in recent years and is costly to farmers, with increased treatment and labour costs, and increased losses due to milk discarded, additional culling and lost production.
This study has identified a new method to reduce heifer mastitis, which focuses on reducing the interval between calving and first milking.

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This project seeks to reduce the incidence of mastitis in New Zealand dairy herds by clarifying how bacteria, particularly Streptococcus uberis, contribute to teat-end infection. It will identify management techniques which reduce exposure of cow's teats to Streptococcus uberis, thereby reducing the industries reliance on antibiotics.

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The project followed changes in mastitis profile and milk production of 370 cows on two farms over two seasons. Four different approaches to mastitis control were evaluated: cows were either teat sprayed postmilking or not for the whole season, and received either whole herd (blanket) or selective dry cow antibiotic therapy at drying off in year one.
Changes in quarter bacteriology, incidence of clinical mastitis and individual cow SCC and milk yields were monitored over the two seasons.

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Launched in early 2008 the purpose of Healthy Hoof is to help farmers reduce lame cows through improved management of cows and people. The Healthy Hoof has been developed in consultation with vets as well as local and international lameness experts.
Forty farms nationwide have piloted Healthy Hoof during the last two seasons and farmer feedback has been instrumental in shaping the final programme.

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The South island Dairy Lameness Project has now completed the second of three years. This project has produced key new research findings that represent an important step forward in understanding lameness and why certain regions have unacceptably high rates of lameness.

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This study aims to quantify the risk factors and economic consequences of BVD in dairy herds.

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This study has measured production responses to FE damage in cows in the Waikato. Liver damage levels have been linked to genetic markers for FE susceptibility.

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During 2007/08 there were drought conditions in many dairying regions of NZ.
A key part of managing through a drought is the understanding of animal nutrition needs and balancing home-grown and brought in feed to match this. Decisions on milking frequency and drying off are also important.
The DairyNZ Field Extension team were active in communicating relevant, timely material for farmers.

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Recently, oestradiol benzoate (ODB) has been removed from the New Zealand market following the banning of its use in production animals in the European Union. New protocols to treat cows not detected in oestrus before the start of the breeding programme ("anoestrous") were required and have been tested prior to promotion in Spring 2008.

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