Animal

This page covers the concept of genetic reliability, highlighting the confidence in an animal's breeding value and worth.

Proteins are essential for many metabolic functions in dairy cows, including growth, lactation, and reproduction. This page explains that the protein in feed, known as crude protein (CP), is calculated based on the feed's nitrogen content.

Johne’s disease is a long term, infectious disease that affects the gut of cows and reduces their ability to absorb nutrients. There is no cure, so management focuses on reducing the risk of spread.

Moving animals on and off farm has its risks. A common way for mastitis bacteria to be introduced into a herd is in the udders of cows that are brought in. These bacteria can spread rapidly through a herd, so it is important to mitigate risk factors.

Prioritising the health of bobby calves makes transporting them more efficient. Additionally, they must meet requirements for transportation before leaving the farm to keep them comfortable and healthy.

Herd reproductive performance is a crucial factor in your dairy farming success. This page highlights the importance of accurate record-keeping, right from a calf's birth, to get a true picture of your herd's reproductive health.

The Dairy Industry Good Animal Database (DIGAD) holds pedigree and performance information for every recorded dairy cow in New Zealand. It is led by NZAEL, which uses the data to keep improving the sector’s efficiency and productivity.

The transition period in a dairy cow's life, spanning three weeks pre and post-calving, is crucial. During this time, your cows shift from late pregnancy to lactation.

Clinical ketosis is a metabolic disease in cows, occurring when they are in severe negative energy balance, particularly during early lactation and may occur as a secondary condition to other health challenges the cow may be experiencing.

The page provides ways to find a milk quality adviser, a qualified milking machine tester, or a vet specialising in mastitis investigations.