The dairy industry in Australia is constantly evolving and improving, with new technologies and practices reshaping the way farms operate. Recent data from the National Milk Records (NMR) for Holstein Friesian herds in the year ending August 2023 show some exciting trends that highlight the improvements in herd health and productivity.
Holstein Friesian Herds Performance Trends
The report is based on data from 500 NMR-recorded Holstein Friesian herds and spans from 2010 when the University of Reading first published the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) report. One of the key indicators analysed in the report is the Somatic Cell Count (SCC).
Somatic Cell Count
In 2023, 70% of the herds had a SCC below 200,000, a significant improvement from just 26% in 2010. Additionally, 52% of cows completed their lactation without recording a single high SCC above 200,000 cells/ml, compared to only 35% of cows in 2010.
Mastitis
Mastitis, a common udder infection in dairy cows, has seen a decline in incidence across the recorded herds. The average mastitis cases per 100 cows per year stood at 22 in 2023, down from 36 in 2016. Moreover, in half the herds, 85% of cows recorded no mastitis in completed lactations, an increase from 79% in previous years.
Fertility
Fertility improvements have also been notable, with the mean age at first calving decreasing by 89 days to 804 days since 2010. The median calving interval is 30 days shorter than in 2010, currently standing at 394 days. Conception rates have seen a 7% increase over the past 14 years, with a 1% increase compared to 2022.
Production
Despite the challenges faced by the industry, production levels have remained stable, averaging 8,737 kg in 2023. This figure is slightly higher than the previous year and significantly higher than 2010 data, with a rise of 1,000 kg over the years. Notably, milk fat and protein levels have also improved significantly over the years.
- Milk Fat: Increased from 3.35% in 2010 to 4.26% in 2023, showing a steady rise over the years.
- Protein: Rose from 3.27% in 2010 to 3.36% in 2023, reflecting positive growth in this area as well.
The data signifies a positive shift in the Australian dairy industry, indicating that farms are moving in the right direction. Farmers, veterinarians, and advisors can utilise this valuable information to benchmark their herds against top-performing parameters and make informed decisions to enhance their herd’s sustainability.
In conclusion, the continuous improvement in herd health, fertility, and production levels among Holstein Friesian herds in Australia demonstrates the resilience and commitment of dairy farmers in adapting to new practices and technologies. These positive trends bode well for the future of the Australian dairy industry, showing promising growth and advancements on the horizon. Subscribe to Cattle Weekly’s newsletter to stay updated on the latest trends and insights in the agriculture sector.
