The dairy on Klipstapel Farm, situated on 954ha in Heidelberg, Gauteng, has been running since 1983. Owner Billy Hall started the business with only a few registered cows, and today the herd comprises 1 316 registered Holstein animals, of which approximately 600 are milked on a rotational basis. According to dairy manager Shaun Spence, the milking parlour runs 24 hours a day.
The dairy, which is registered with SA Holstein Cattle Breeders’ Society, has won a number of awards for the quality of its milk. Much of this success is due to meticulous management by Spence, who says that he knows every one of the cows on the farm. Records are kept for each cow with the aim of improving the overall efficiency of the herd. Individual milk samples are taken every month and analysed for butterfat, protein, lactose and somatic cell count.
The results of the tests indicate, among other things, whether any adjustments have to made to feeding or milking. They also assist with the early diagnosis and treatment of mastitis.
Spence aims to maintain a somatic cell count of about 200 000/mL milk, a butterfat content of 3,6%, and a protein content of 3,2%.
If the butterfat content is too high, fewer litres of milk will be produced.
This aspect has to be managed carefully, as high milk volumes are the goal.
This story is from the February 05, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 05, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Care of newborn lambs and goat kids
It may be a relatively simple task to successfully get rams to mate and for females to give birth, but the first couple of weeks of the life of a lamb or kid is a crucial period in livestock farming.
Don't ignore ChatGPT for one more day
If you are not using the free artificial intelligence app you’re missing out on assistance from the most potent personal assistant you could ever have.
Afternoon tea at the famous Mount Nelson
Brian Berkman says there’s not much to beat afternoon drinks and snacks served in the gardens at the newly refurbished Mount Nelson.
Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 4
Bill Kerr says that increasing the organic and microbe content of your soil is the first step to ensuring healthier crops and greater yields.
Luxurious and powerful workhorse at a great price
The new JAC T9 is certainly great value for money by offering features and driver comforts that compare with brands twice its retail price.
Are there solutions to antibiotic resistance, or are we running out of time to find new antibiotics?
Free State regional sales manager for Alltech, discusses how farmers can mitigate the use of antibiotics in cattle.
Dream stud Merinos
This stud was winning awards and attracting top prices, thanks to a quality sire imported from Australia eight years ago.
Choosing a breed that goes along with your lifestyle
Jarred Hodgson gives farmers advice on choosing the dog breed best suited to them, their families and operations. Although only four specific breeds are highlighted here, other breeds can also be considered.
Wheat production in South Africa
Master’s in Integrated Pest Management candidate at North-West University Zunel van Eeden explores the increasing importance of wheat production and the challenges experienced on the way to harvest time.
Sorghum essential for South Africa
Magda du Toit discusses Grain SA’s focus on sorghum as an important grain crop to cultivate, research and develop further in the country.