January 29, 2008

Britain reports of poor milk yields as quality improves

A data on 60 percent of British dairy cows indicate that for the first time in more than a decade, the average milk yields dropped, the latest NMR Annual Production Report stated for the year ending September 2007.

However, the report also cited that protein percentage has improved in all the major dairy breeds while fat percentage has dropped. An exception to this is the Holstein and Guernsey breeds which recorded an increase in both fat and protein percentage.

NMR national field manager Jonathan Davies said that the fall in milk yield may be the effect of poor forage fed during the 2006/07 winter, which was followed by a wet June and July in many parts of the country, which again had an adverse effect on yields.

Davies added that the British industry is hopeful to see trends reverse in the next few years as producers working with their vets and advisers, are taking a more proactive approach to the issue.

Led by the Holstein breed, which accounts for 91.7 percent of all recorded lactations, average milk yield has dropped by 6kg to 8,264kg.

Meanwhile, both fat and protein have increased by 0.01 percent and 0.02 percent to 3.88 percent and 3.21 percent respectively. Fat percentage is now at its highest level since 2000/01 and protein levels are at a three-year high.