Hostname: page-component-76fb5796d-r6qrq Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-26T08:14:44.080Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Applying current technology to improve milk protein at farm level

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2018

T. Shanahan*
Affiliation:
Kerry Agribusiness, Princes Street, Tralee, Co. , Kerry, Ireland
Get access

Abstract

Improving milk protein concentration at farm level can add fifty pounds per cow to milk sales annually. The benefit for processors is an increase in protein supply by ten percent and improved milk processability. The farm changes needed to improve milk protein content can also lead to a reduction in milk production costs of at least fifty pounds per cow. The objective of the Kerry Agribusiness/Teagasc “Focus on Profit” project was to adopt current technology in relation to improving milk protein at farm level to enable farmers to improve their income. Specifically to improve milk value by 0.85 p/litre by increasing milk protein content from 32 g/kg, the Kerry average for 1994, to 34 g/kg by the year end 2000. Thirty five farmers were selected to represent each category of milk supplier to Kerry Agribusiness in relation to scale of production, size of holding, soil type, farm management practices and farm location. Herds were milk recorded. Milk volume, protein and butterfat concentration, production costs, farm characteristics and management practices were monitored. Current information/technology from research on improving milk protein content and reducing costs was communicated to monitor farms by means of farm visits, farm walks, demonstrations, discussion groups, clinics, seminars, newsletters, booklet, press articles and the radio by advisors and research personnel from Kerry Agribusiness, Teagasc, Munster Cattle Breeding Society, Department of Agriculture and New Zealand. From 1994, milk protein concentration has increased by 1.1 g/kg from 31.7 to 32.8, butterfat concentration has increased by 2.4 g/kg from 35.2 to 37.6 g/kg and milk value has increased by 0.97 p/litre from 20.23 to 21.20 p/litre. The best improvement in milk protein was observed during January, February and March — 0.27 g/kg, 0.36 g/kg and 0.24 g/kg respectively. Twelve monitor farmers had protein content in their milk greater than 32.0 g/kg in 1994. This increased to 33 farmers by 1998 of which 14 had milk protein content greater than 33.0 g/kg. Thirty two (91%) of monitor farmers improved milk protein by over 0.1 g/kg, six increased milk protein by over 2.0 g/kg. Milk costs were reduced by 0.7 p/litre by monitor farmers when 1995 was compared to 1998. This reduction was 1.74 p/litre from 4.66 p/litre to 2.92 p/litre when 1995 was compared with 1997. By applying current information/technology, Kerry Agribusiness monitor farmers increased milk protein content and reduced milk production costs.

Type
Opportunities for non–nutritional manipulation of milk composition and application of current technology in practice
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 2000

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Butler, T.M., Gleeson, P.A. and Morgan, D.J. 1983. Effect of supplement feeding level and crude protein content of the supplement on the performance of spring calving cows. Irish Journal of Agricultural Research 22: 6978.Google Scholar
Dillon, P. and Crosse, S. 1994. Summer milk production – the role of grazed grass. Irish Grassland Association Dairy Conference, March 4th pp. 2435.Google Scholar
Fitzgerald, S. 1988. Evaluation of wheat and corn gluten as concentrate ingredients for milk production. Irish Grassland and Animal Production Association, 14th Annual Research Meeting. Google Scholar
Gordon, F.J. 1980. The effect of interval between harvest and wilting of silage for milk production. Animal Production 31: 3541.Google Scholar
Gordon, F.J. 1984. The effect of level of concentrate supplementation given with grass silage during the winter on the total lactation performance of autumn calving cows. Journal of Agricultural Science, Cambridge 102: 163179.Google Scholar
Irish Dairy Records Co-operative Annual Reports 1992 to 1998. 131 Kylemore Road, Bluebell, Dublin 12.Google Scholar
Keady, T.W.J. and Murphy, J.J. 1993. The effects of ensiling on the intake of herbage and milk production by lactating dairy cows. Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Production, Winter meeting p. 20.Google Scholar
Murphy, J.J. and Morgan, D.J. 1983. Effect of inclusion of protected and unprotected tallow in the supplement on the performance of lactation dairy cows. Animal Production 37: 203210.Google Scholar
O’Mara, F. 1992. Factors affecting milk protein concentration. Irish Grassland and Animal Production Journal pp. 813.Google Scholar
Phipps, R.H., Weller, R.F. and Siviter, J.W. 1990. Whole crop cereals for dairy cows. In: Whole Crop Cereals – Making and Feeding Cereal Silage. Proceedings of a seminar held at the A.F.R.C. Institute for Grassland and Annual Production, Hurley, 17th January 1990.Google Scholar
Teagasc National Farm Survey 1992, 1995, 1997. Teagasc, 19 Sandymount Avenue, Dublin 4.Google Scholar