When is a cow ready for a milk break? And how long should it last? Wageningen researchers have developed an app that helps livestock farmers make these decisions. This reports Resource.
The timing and length of drying off affects the health of the cows. The best approach differs per cow. Researcher Renny van Hoeij, chair group Adaptation physiology, developed an app that helps farmers decide when to dry off the cow.
App takes features into account
'The app takes into account various characteristics of the cow, such as age, how much milk she gives and her health, and provides tailor-made advice based on that.' This is not only better for the health of the animals, it also reduces the use of antibiotics.
The researchers started a pilot with 15 livestock farmers at the end of April. Van Hoeij not only checks whether the livestock farmers follow the advice of the app, but also asks why they do or do not. 'Something may look nice on paper, but in practice it is unmanageable. So we would like to know what the livestock farmers base their decisions on.' They will also test the app at the Dairy Campus in Leeuwarden. 'We then also look at the effects on milk production and health.'
Customized drying time
The app is part of the 'Droogstand op Maat' project and is financed by the Dairy Product Board and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. If the app is successful, it can contribute to more sustainable milk production, according to Van Hoeij. 'A healthier cow lasts longer. She will then give just as much or perhaps even more milk over her entire life.'
© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.