The UK Agri-Tech Centre’s Dairy Technical Manager, Mike Jones, takes us on a tour of his favourite dairy cows at the South West Dairy Development Centre, to celebrate Cow Appreciation Day (July 9). Mike helps look after a 200-cow dairy unit in Shepton Mallet, owned and managed by the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s farming partner, Steanbow Farms.
As part of Cow Appreciation Day, Mike was keen to share a few interesting facts about his beloved dairy cows and what they get up to on a normal day.
Mike said: “The cows in the all-year round calving herd make their own decisions and choose when they eat, drink, lie down and rest. They can visit one of the three milking robots to receive some cow cake and be milked.
Currently, the herd is achieving a Lact average of 11,300 L at 4.2% BF 3.3% P, which is how much the average cow produces in lactation of 305 days, before she has a six-week holiday prior to calving again. The cows live in a clean, relaxed, calm environment and their fertility rate is excellent, with a pregnancy rate of 35%, well above the national industry standard.”
To join Mike on his virtual tour around the farm, click the link to watch the video and meet Mike’s favourite cows.
