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| Why Record |
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| Farm data and milk recording is an important management tool for dairy farmers. By recording and analyzing essential data farmers are able to identify the main strengths and weaknesses in their herds and to make informed decisions to improve the profitability of their business. Working with the KCLB we have introduced milk recording on a pilot basis on 15 dairy farms in Kosovo. On each farm over the last 9 months we have: |
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Collected essential herd data in relation to reproductive performance, herd health, etc.
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Collected regular milk samples from every individual cow in milk
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Provided results and analysis from the recording to each of the participating farmers
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Supported the farmers in interpreting the results and analysis and taking management decisions based on the data
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Trend in Total Bacteria Count and Milk Hygiene Quality on Pilot Farms |
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Differences between the main breeds of cows in terms of milk yield and compositional quality have also been analyzed and show the higher yield potential of the dairy breeds such as the Holstein in comparison with the dual purpose breeds such as Tyrol Grey. |
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The above comparison between breeds and with the same breeds in Austria shows that the biggest gains are to be made by improving cow yield. The average milk yield on the pilot farms has a wide range from around 10kg/cow/day to 25kg/cow/day indicating a very big potential to improve overall production through better feeding, breeding management and herd health. Potential income gains of over 2,000 euro/cow/lactation are possible in many herds. |
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Milk Recording Update June |
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The latest results from the pilot dairy farms involved in milk recording are showing significant improvements in milk hygiene levels: |
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Starting at the end of May 08 the project will be running a series of practical training courses in conjunction with the University of Prishtina and the MAFRD Advisory Service for livestock farmers throughout Kosovo. These courses will cover the important aspect of feeding, breeding management and herd health. For more information on these courses visit our web-site www.kclb.net participation is free of charge. |
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With milk price in Kosovo now based on composition (protein and butterfat) and hygiene quality (total bacteria count) there are significant financial gains for dairy farmers in producing high quality clean milk. Through milk recording farmers have been receiving regular feedback on individual cows in their herds in terms of composition (protein and butterfat), hygiene quality (total bacteria count TBC) and Somatic Cell Count SCC (an indicator of mastitis infection which affects cow health, milk quality and yield). Acting on the results of the milk recording participating farmers have been able to identify problem cows and take appropriate remedial action, improve hygiene levels and to make informed breeding decisions by selecting the most suitable AI bulls to improve milk yields and compositional quality. |
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The average milk yield on the pilot farms has a wide range from around 10kg/cow/day to 25kg/cow/day |
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The Project is working with KCLB to improve the use of Artificial Insemination in Kosovo to improve the genetic quality of Kosovo herd
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