TheDairySite Newsletter - 8 April 2011

Welcome to this week's newsletter

Editorial: Feed Correctly To Decrease Carbon Emissions And Increase Profit

Earlier this week, the UK agricultural industry launched a joint Greenhouse Gas Action Plan (GHGAP) setting out how the industry will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by three million tonnes of CO2 equivalents from 2018-2022 without compromising domestic production.

Changing the diet of cows and sheep could reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, according to new research funded by the UK's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The study, which aims to help farmers cut their contribution to climate change, shows that giving these animals feeds such as maize silage, naked oats and higher-sugar grasses can reduce the amount of methane they produce.

UK Agriculture Minister Jim Paice said: “We are committed to supporting the farming industry as it faces the challenge of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. It is very exciting that this new research has discovered that by simply changing the way we feed farm animals we have the potential to make a big difference to the environment.”

In the US, producers have been advised to keep cows on full rations despite high corn prices.

University of Illinois Professor of Animal Sciences, Mike Hutjens said that dairy farmers can't afford to take cows off feed now because it takes too long to bring them back into full production.

Whilst dairy cows can use forage and byproduct feeds, increasing corn prices pushes the prices of these commodities up as well.

Despite this, Prof Hutjens said, high producing cows fed correctly will make money in 2011, with $7 + bushel corn.

Charlotte Johnston

This Week's Feature Articles

We have 4 new features this week:

Fighting Brucellosis In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has been fighting an epidemic of brucellosis for over 10 years. Significant progress has been made in this time, however there is a minority who persist in spreading the disease for financial gain, reports Charlotte Johnston, TheCattleSite Editor.

Dairy Cow Feeding In Ethiopian Central Highlands
This leaflet highlights the current status of feeding practices for dairy animals and some recommendations which can be used for most of the Central Highlands of Ethiopia.

When To Introduce Heifers To The Milking Herd?
Introducing newly calved heifers into the main herd after the afternoon milking, reduces exposure to aggression and improves welfare, according to new research from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute.

Supermarket Price Discounting For Home Brand Milk
Around one-quarter of Australia’s total milk production is consumed as market milk (drinking milk), with just over half of the volume being sold through major supermarkets. Other milk outlets include independent grocers, fast food outlets, corner stores and service stations, reports ABARE.

Global Dairy Cattle Industry News