Over the past 30 years, the number of dairy farms in South Africa has decreased, while the average number of cows in dairy herds has more than doubled. Milking parlours, too, have increased in size, making it easier to milk large numbers of cows daily. Today, four to five workers can milk 300 cows per hour in a rotary parlour with 50 milking clusters.
At the same time, specialised dairy computer software can collect large amounts of data, such as the milk yield at each milking event and the live weight of cows, and this can be used to improve the management of dairy cows.
Despite all these developments, dairy farmers have to be aware of the basics of how cows function and how they are managed.
COMPONENTS OF THE HERD
Dairy cows are the production units of a dairy herd. Because milk is the main source of income for a dairy farm, a herd should consist of mostly lactating cows. Cows have only two production cycles: the lactating phase and the dry phase. At least 82% of the cows in the herd should be in milk at all times.
Denne historien er fra March 20,2020-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra March 20,2020-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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South African avocado production: a success story
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An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
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Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
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The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
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Tips for better olive production
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More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
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