Don’t over-milk
When milk volumes are reducing there is an increased risk of over-milking as the cows milk out quicker, says Milk Quality Manager Terry Playle who is part of Farm Source’s On Farm Excellence Milk team.
"Waiting for slow milkers and trying to get every last drop is also often a factor. It creates a scenario where other cows are already tapped out and being over-milked. This can lead to teat end damage and increases the risk of mastitis. Damaged teat ends create a more favourable environment for bacteria, and the natural mechanism of the teat end to close and resist entry of bacteria is also compromised," he says.
"So be mindful, particularly if you don’t have automatic cup removers. Leaving milk behind in the cow will not create the risk of mastitis but it will if you’re over-milking."
Book in your culls early
It’s not just the sun and heat that farmers are having to contend with– wind can play havoc with pastures and feed and conditions can change quickly. Maximising feed for producing cows is paramount and can mean you need to make the decision to dry off cows early for calving or send culls earlier than usual.
"My advice is to be proactive and make decisions early in regards to culling cows. If you’ve got the records available like herd test results, condition scores, treatment records, and other history, you might find some cows are better to be culled and save the feed for the rest of the herd that is producing. Book in early with your stock agent if you are looking to cull so you’re not having to wait for everyone else doing the same thing," Terry says.
Keep in touch with others
Each region is affected differently by El Niño weather patterns. Terry recommends farmers keep in touch with others in their district to check in and share advice.
"Droughts can be mentally challenging for farmers. You don’t want to be isolated, making decisions a bit late or not being as fully informed as you could be about what’s going on and what others are doing.
"Keep your connections going – whether it’s with your Farm Source team or DairyNZ discussion groups, or your neighbours– keep talking and keep monitoring."
Tips for Late Lactation
- Monitor pasture cover and grazing residuals and update feed budget
- Implement summer management plan in dry conditions
- Use supplements to extend lactation
- Cull cows based on somatic cell count (SCC), empties, production, temperament or dry cows off based on body condition score to achieve calving targets
- Consider once-a-day milking to manage feed supply and cow condition
- Monitor for and treat mastitis and lameness. Consider options for dry cow treatment.
For more information and support on late lactation management reach out to your Milk Quality Manager or your local Farm Source team.
Information adapted from DairyNZ Farm Management Calendar.