Strategic Lactation Management Tools

This project will provide strategic management tools that use modifications to milking frequency, cow nutrition, or lactation length to improve on-farm profitability and productivity. The research also aims to determine associated phenotypic and genetic markers to identify “fit-for-purpose” cows suitable for various lactation management strategies.

In 2011/12, the project will focus on:

Laboratory analyses, phenotypic markers, and animal and farm system modelling to refine recommendations on altered milking frequencies during early lactation
Investigating the impact of altered milking frequency and nutrition on milk production and nutrient partitioning in extended lactation
Identification of phenotypic and genetic markers for cows suitable for extended lactation.

Expected outcomes of this project

Benefit

The project will result in improved knowledge of the effects of manipulating milking frequency and nutrition on the milk production profile, mammary function and nutrient partitioning during a standard 270- to 300-d lactation and a 670-d extended lactation. Lactation and nutrition mangement strategies will be identified that assist dairy farmers to improve on-farm profitability and productivity through increased milksolids production, reduced operational expenditure and improved labour productivity. In addition, these outcomes will enable better advice to farmers on the strategic and tactical use of different milking frequencies and supplements, and on the long-term effects of feed restriction.

Production and physiological indices associated with milk production responses to modified lactation and nutrition management strategies will assist farmers to select suitable cows and facilitate better estimation of animal responses to manipulation of milking frequency, nutrition and/or extended lactation.

The ultimate aim of the project is to provide farmers with validated genetic marker(s) and an associated breeding index to identify cows suitable for alternative lactation strategies. The direct benefits to farmers will be delivered beyond this 5-year programme (subject to future funding) and will enable improved on-farm productivity and profitability through the use of “fit-for-purpose” cows. By 2013, the project will identify genetic marker candidates associated with milksolids production and lactation persistency during extended lactations of up to 670 d.

Lactation and nutrition management strategies will be disseminated to dairy farmers and other end users through the DairyNZ Ltd research, development, extension, and adoption pathway. This will include modelling of the various strategies at the animal and systems levels to estimate the impacts on dairy farm profitability and productivity. The project will increase awareness by dairy farmers and other end users of the impact of manipulating milking frequency and nutrition at strategic time points during standard and extended lactations. Greater adoption of best practice management tools will lead to sustainable on-farm improvements in productivity, profitability, and efficiency.