An update on reducing milking frequency from Moorepark

Dr Emer Kennedy and Kieran McCarthy from Teagasc Moorepark join Stuart Childs on the latest Dairy Edge to discuss the reduced milking frequency work that is ongoing there.

Emer first outlines the reduction in yield that farmers would be likely to see if they implement reduced milking frequencies; although milk volumes reduce, increased milk solids percentages help to compensate somewhat.

Emer then spoke about SCC and how it changes when the reduced frequencies are being done.

Kieran explains how they manage these groups on the farm. While it is slightly different to a normal commercial farm going onto reduced frequency milking, they still have the same issues to handle when transitioning as commercial farms.

Emer and Kieran also highlight what people could do to ease the transition, with Emer suggesting that the mindset of the person may be a bigger issue than the mindset of the cow.

Finally, Kieran says that this is something all farmers could consider, but that they will need to manage their SCC well from the start of lactation.

Listen in below:

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast, a co-production with LastCastMedia.com, visit the Dairy Edge podcast show page.