scholarly journals Productivity, Profitability and Nitrogen Utilisation Efficiency of Two Pasture-Based Milk Production Systems Differing in the Milking Frequency and Feeding Level

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2098
Author(s):  
Martín Correa-Luna ◽  
Daniel Donaghy ◽  
Peter Kemp ◽  
Laurence Shalloo ◽  
Elodie Ruelle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Production System ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
N Balance ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
Milking Frequency ◽  
Supplementary Feed ◽  
Utilisation Efficiency

The aim of this study was to model the productivity, profitability and the nitrogen (N) utilisation efficiency (NUE) of two spring-calving pasture-based milk production systems differing in milking frequency and intensification levels in New Zealand. For this purpose, physical performance data from a low-intensity production system where cows were milked once per day (OAD-LI) and from a high-intensity production system where cows were milked twice per day (TAD-HI) were employed. OAD-LI cows were milked once-daily with a stocking rate (SR) of 2.1 cows/ha and fed diets with low supplementation (304 kg pasture silage/cow) with applications of 134 kg N fertiliser/ha and TAD-HI cows were milked twice-daily with a SR of 2.8 cows/ha and fed diets of higher supplementation (429 kg pasture silage and 1695 kg concentrate/cow) with applications of 87 kg N fertiliser/ha. The Moorepark Dairy System Model was used to evaluate production, economic performance and N balance on an annual basis. Despite the higher feed costs of TAD-HI as more supplementation was utilised, profitability per hectare was 16% higher because more cows were milked with a higher milk yield per cow (milking frequency) when compared to OAD-LI. At the cow level, the NUE was higher in TAD-HI (30% vs. 27%) reflecting the better balanced diet for energy and crude protein and higher milk yields as a result of milking frequency. At the farm scale the NUE was higher (38% vs. 26%) in the TAD-HI due to the losses associated with the imported feed being excluded and higher N captured in milk. These results suggest that milking frequency, the use of feed supplementation and application of N fertiliser as management tools on grazing dairy systems affect productivity, profitability and N balance. Further studies are required to find optimal stocking rates in combination with the use of supplementary feed and N fertiliser application that maximize milk production and profitability for OAD and TAD milking production systems but minimize N losses.

A holistic carrot production system for season-long weed management

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 876-881
Author(s):  
Jed B. Colquhoun ◽  
Richard A. Rittmeyer ◽  
Daniel J. Heider
Keyword(s):  
Weed Management ◽  
Production System ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Foliar Application ◽  
Weed Species ◽  
Crop Failure ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Canopy Development ◽  
Weed Density ◽  
Industry Standard

AbstractWeed management in carrot is challenging, given slow and inconsistent crop emergence and early-season growth and the lack of practical season-long management tools such as herbicides. We investigated holistic carrot production systems with a focus on minimizing inputs while optimizing resource use. In an overall sense, results of this work were consistent between years, and stark. The choice of carrot variety had a moderate influence on carrot foliar canopy development and, subsequently, weed density. For example, ‘Cupar’ carrot formed a complete crop canopy sooner than the other dicer-type ‘Canada’ variety. Likely as a result, density of weed species such as spotted ladysthumb and common lambsquarters was less where ‘Cupar’ was grown compared with where ‘Canada’ was grown. Gibberellic acid as a foliar application was not successful in these studies and, in a few cases, may have even increased weed-seed germination and establishment. Adding two carrot rows to the current regional industry-standard three-row bed system not only enhanced competitiveness with weeds but also improved carrot yield without additional fertilizer, water, or pest management inputs. By far, though, the most successful strategy to reduce weed density while maintaining or improving carrot yield was to delay seeding by 17 to 19 d. We anticipate more holistic production system research that integrates low-input alternatives in other crops as herbicide-resistant weeds proliferate while few new herbicides are developed. As was demonstrated in this research, such novel approaches can be successful without adding significant economic burden to the farmer or increasing risk of crop failure.

scholarly journals Efficiency of Crude Protein Utilisation in Grazing Dairy Cows: A Case Study Comparing Two Production Systems Differing in Intensification Level in New Zealand

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1036
Author(s):  
Martín Correa-Luna ◽  
Daniel Donaghy ◽  
Peter Kemp ◽  
Michael Schutz ◽  
Nicolas López-Villalobos
Keyword(s):  
Production System ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Total N ◽  
Protein Utilisation ◽  
Body Tissues ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Grazing Dairy Cows ◽  
Supplementary Feed

In this study, we modelled and compared lactation curves of efficiency of crude protein utilisation (ECPU) and the nitrogen (N) excreta partitioning of milking cows of two contrasting spring-calving pasture-based herds to test some aspects of farming intensification practices on cow performance and N partition. In the low-intensity production system (LIPS), 257 cows were milked once-daily and fed diets comprised of pasture with low supplementary feed inclusion during lactation (304 kg pasture silage/cow). In the high-intensity production system (HIPS), 207 cows were milked twice-daily and fed pasture with higher supplementary feed inclusion (429 kg pasture silage and 1695 kg concentrate/cow). The dietary crude protein (CP) utilisation was calculated for each cow at every herd test date as the ECPU as a proportion of protein yield (PY) from the CP intake (CPI) derived from intake assessments based on metabolisable energy requirements, and the CP balance (CPB) calculated as the difference between CPI and PY. Total N excreta partitioned to faeces (FN) and urine (UN) was estimated by back-calculating UN from FN, considering dietary N, and from N retained in body tissues, taking into account live weight change during the lactation. The higher CPI (2.7 vs. 2.5 kg CP/day), along with the reduced milk yield (1100 kg milk/cow less), of the LIPS cows led to a lower ECPU (23% vs. 31%) and to a higher CPB (2.1 vs. 1.8 kg CP/day) when compared to the HIPS cows. Mean N excreta, and particularly UN, was significantly higher in LIPS cows, and this was explained by higher dietary CP and by the reduced PY when compared to the HIPS cows. Reducing the low-CP supplementation in the “de-intensified” herd lessened the ECPU, resulting in higher UN, which is sensitive in terms of body water eutrophication.

The effect of grazing season length on nitrogen utilization efficiency and nitrogen balance in spring-calving dairy production systems

2012 ◽  
Vol 150 (5) ◽  
pp. 630-643 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. RYAN ◽  
D. HENNESSY ◽  
T. M. BOLAND ◽  
L. SHALLOO
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Utilization Efficiency ◽  
N Use Efficiency ◽  
Dairy Production ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Grazing Season ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Milk Solids ◽  
N Use

SUMMARYThere is a continual requirement for grass-based production systems to optimize economic and environmental sustainability through increased efficiency in the use of all inputs, especially nitrogen (N). An N balance model was used to assess N use efficiency and N surplus, and to predict N losses from grass-based dairy production systems differing in the length of the grazing season (GS). Data from a 3-year grazing study with a 3×3 factorial design, with three turnout dates (1 February, 21 February and 15 March) and three housing dates (25 October, 10 November and 25 November) were used to generate estimates of N use efficiency and N losses. As the length of the GS increased by a mean of 30 days, milk production, milk solids production and milk N output increased by 3, 6 and 6%, respectively. The increase in milk production as the length of the GS increased resulted in a 2% decline in N surplus and a 5% increase in N use efficiency. Increasing GS length increased the proportion of grazed grass in the diet, which increased N cycling within the system, resulting in an 8% increase in milk solids/ha produced/kg of surplus N. The increased cycling of N reduced the quantity of N partitioned for loss to the environment by 8%. Reducing fertilizer N input by 20% increased N use efficiency by 22% and reduced total N losses by 16%. The environmental and production consequences of increased length of the GS and reduced N loss are favourable as the costs associated with N inputs increase.

scholarly journals Typology and characterization of goat milk production systems in the Cariris Paraibanos

2010 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 656-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Germano Costa ◽  
Hélio Luiz Beretta Dal Monte ◽  
Edgard Cavalcanti Pimenta Filho ◽  
Evandro Vasconcelos Holanda Júnior ◽  
George Rodrigo Beltrão da Cruz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Production System ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Goat Milk ◽  
System 2 ◽  
Technological Level ◽  
Group 5 ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
System 1

This work was aimed to identify the typology and the characteristics of the goat milk production systems. Seventy rural properties were researched. Multivariate data analysis with cluster formation techinique was used, and also the identification of five different groups of production systems. The production systems were classified through technical and economical efficiency, ranking groups 1 and 2 as high technological level, groups 3 and 4 as medium level, and the group 5 as low level. The high technological level systems used practices of more rational handling with larger technological employment becoming better specialized. These systems present the largest revenues of milk and unitary net profit. Medium technological production systems adopt technological recommendations and look for alternatives of handling practices. Production system 1 adopts intensive sanitary practices for the farmyard facilities and stables, but this does not happen in the production system 2. Vermifuge is applied three times a year in system 1 while in the system 2 it is applied twice a year. The producers of the systems 1 and 2 obtain more financial resources through official credit lines, and the producers of the group 2 are more punctual on the pay off deadlines.

scholarly journals Increasing Grazing in Dairy Cow Milk Production Systems in Europe

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 2443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deirdre Hennessy ◽  
Luc Delaby ◽  
Agnes van den Pol-van Dasselaar ◽  
Laurence Shalloo
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Cow Milk ◽  
Pasture Management ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Grazed Pasture ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Tools And Techniques

In temperate regions of Europe where grass grows for most of the year, grazed pasture is the lowest cost feed for milk production. Grazed pasture can make a contribution to dairy cow feeding systems in other parts of Europe, but is less important. While there are many challenges to maintaining or increasing the proportion of grazed grass in dairy cow diets, there are also opportunities to increase its contribution. Grass use and quality can be challenging for several reasons, including the cow and sward interaction, and factors influencing dry matter intake. Adapting grazing management strategies can provide opportunities for incorporating grazing and perhaps increase grazing in dairy cow milk production systems. Pasture management tools and techniques offer the opportunity to increase herbage use at grazing. While there are many benefits of grazing including economic, environmental, animal welfare and social, there are also the challenges to maintaining grazed pasture in dairy cow diets. The objective of this paper is to present an overview of the challenges and opportunities for grazing in dairy milk production systems.

Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) evaluation for an automated ice cream production line

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (5) ◽  
pp. 1009-1032 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis H. Tsarouhas
Keyword(s):  
Operations Management ◽  
Production System ◽  
Production Line ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Ice Cream ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pareto Analysis ◽  
Automated Production ◽  
Working Day

Purpose As overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is a metric to estimate equipment effectiveness of production systems, the purpose of this paper is to identify strategic management tools and techniques based on OEE assessment of the ice cream production line. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents the collection and the analysis of data for ice cream production under real working conditions. The data cover a period of eight months. A framework process to improve the OEE of an automated production system was proposed. Six major stoppage losses, i.e. equipment failure, setup and adjustment, idling and minor stoppage, reduced speed, defects in the process, and reduced yield, were examined with the help of Pareto analysis. In addition, the actual availability (A), performance efficiency (PΕ) and quality rate (QR) measures, together with the complete OEE for each working day, week and month of the production line were shown. Findings The main goal of the study is to identify major stoppage losses, in order to examine and improve the overall equipment efficiency (OEE) of the ice cream production line through the application of an adequate management, i.e. TPM approach. Based on the obtained results, maintenance management strategy and production planning have been suggested to improve their maintenance procedures and the productivity as well. Originality/value The proposed method can be applied to each automated production system. The main benefits of this method are the improvement of productivity, quality enhancement of products, the reduction of sudden breakdowns and the cost of maintenance. Moreover, the analysis provides a useful perspective and helps managers/engineers make better decisions on the operations management of the line, and suggestions for improvement were proposed and will be implemented accordingly.

Potential use of Acacia mearnsii condensed tannins to reduce methane emissions and nitrogen excretion from grazing dairy cows

2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Grainger ◽  
T. Clarke ◽  
M J Auldist ◽  
K A Beauchemin ◽  
S M McGinn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Condensed Tannins ◽  
Methane Emissions ◽  
High Dose Rate ◽  
Nitrogen Excretion ◽  
N Balance ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Acacia Mearnsii ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Dietary Concentration

We measured the effect of condensed tannins (CT) extracted from the bark of the Black Wattle tree (Acacia mearnsii) on the milk production, methane emissions, nitrogen (N) balance and energy partitioning of lactating dairy cattle. Sixty lactating cows, approximately 32 d in milk grazing ryegrass pasture supplemented with 5 kg d-1 cracked triticale grain, were allocated to three treatments: Control, Tannin 1 (163 g CT d-1) or Tannin 2 (326 g CT d-1 initially, reduced to 244 g d-1 CT by day 17). Cows were dosed twice daily after milking for 5 wk with the powdered CT extract (mixed 1:1 with water). Low and high CT supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) methane emissions by 14 and 29%, respectively (about 10 and 22% on an estimated dry matter intake basis). However, milk production was also reduced by the CT (P < 0.05), especially at the high dose rate. Milk yields were 33.0, 31.8 and 29.8 kg cow-1 d-1. Tannin 2 also caused a 19% decline in fat yield and a 7% decline in protein yield, but protein and lactose contents of milk were not affected by CT supplementation. After the initial 5-wk period, five cows representative of each treatment group were moved to metabolism facilities to determine effects of CT on energy digestion and N balance over 6 d. The energy digestibility was reduced (P < 0.05) from 76.9 (Control) to 70.9 (Tannin 1) and 66.0% (Tannin 2) and the percentage of feed N lost to urine was reduced (P < 0.05) from 39 to 26% and 22% for the respective treatments. The CT also caused a reduction (P < 0.05) in intake during the metabolism study, effectively increasing CT as a percentage of intake. Although CT can be used to reduce methane and urinary N losses from cows fed pastures with a high crude protein (CP) concentration, reduced milk yield in this study suggested the dietary concentration was too high. If CT are to be considered as a means for lowering methane emissions further research is needed to define impacts of lower doses of A. mearnsii CT on methane production and cow productivity. Dairy producers will be reluctant to adopt feeding practices that compromise profitability.Key words: Dairy cow, condensed tannins, methane, milk production, energy, nitrogen balance

Defining resilience in pasture-based dairy-farm systems in temperate regions

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Horan ◽  
J. R. Roche
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Sustainable Intensification ◽  
Pasture Management ◽  
Global Demand ◽  
Grazing Systems ◽  
Supplementary Feed ◽  
Grazing Behaviour

The sustainable intensification of pasture-based food-production systems provides an opportunity to align the ever-increasing global demand for food with the necessity for environmentally efficient ruminant production. Biophysically and financially resilient grazing systems are designed to harvest a large amount of the pasture grown directly by the cow, while minimising the requirement for machinery and housing, and exposure to feed prices. This is primarily achieved by matching the feed demand of the herd with the annual pasture supply profile (i.e. seasonal milk production). Ideally, the entire herd is calved before pasture growth equals herd demand; breeding and drying-off policies facilitate this. The type of cow is also important; she must be highly fertile and have good grazing-behaviour characteristics. Pasture species are chosen to best suit the predominant climate, and pasture management aims to maximise the production and utilisation of chosen species. Purchased supplementary feeds support biophysical resilience and can be successfully incorporated into grazing systems, if stocking rate (SR) is increased to achieve high pasture utilisation. However, industry databases indicate that, on average, profitability declines with increasing purchased supplementary-feed usage, because of reduced pasture utilisation and lower than expected marginal milk-production responses. In the present paper, we outline the characteristics of resilient pasture-based dairy systems in the context of the necessity for the sustainable intensification of global food production.

Anaerobic digestion and milking frequency as mitigation strategies of the environmental burden in the milk production system

2016 ◽  
Vol 539 ◽  
pp. 450-459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacopo Bacenetti ◽  
Luciana Bava ◽  
Maddalena Zucali ◽  
Daniela Lovarelli ◽  
Anna Sandrucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Production System ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Environmental Burden ◽  
Milking Frequency

scholarly journals Effect of different alternative roughages on the profitability of milk production systems with F1 Holstein x Zebu cows

Revista CERES ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 807-815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Etiene Pinheiro Teixeira Júnior ◽  
José Reinaldo Mendes Ruas ◽  
Marcos Aurélio Lopes ◽  
Maria Dulcinéia da Costa ◽  
Daniel Ananias de Assis Pires ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Sugar Cane ◽  
Production System ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Saccharum Officinarum ◽  
Minas Gerais ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Profitability Analysis ◽  
Sorghum Silage

ABSTRACT It was analyzed, by means of simulation, the effect of using four different rougahge alternatives during the dry period on the yield of milk production system using F1 Holstein x Gir cows. The rougahge alternatives were, as follows: 1) use of fresh sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) for three months and corn silage (Zea mays L.) for three months, 2) use of corn silage for six months, 3) use of sorghum silage for six months, and 4) use of fresh sugar cane enriched with urea and ammonium sulfate for six months. The F1 Holstein x Gir herd of the Experimental Farm Felixlândia (FEFX) of the Agricultural Research Corporation of Minas Gerais (EPAMIG), located in the municipality of Felixlândia, state of Minas Gerais, central region of the state was used as reference. The inventory expenses, revenue and other data were registered in CUSTO BOVINO LEITE 1.0 software, aiming to generate the results for the profitability analysis. Fresh sugar cane was the rougahge alternative with the best profitability in milk production system with F1 Holstein x Gir cows, even with a smaller volume of milk produced.

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