Evaluation of two training programs aimed to improve early lactation performance of heifers in a pasture-based automated milking system
R. H. Donohue A , K. L. Kerrisk A B , S. C. Garcia A , D. A. Dickeson A and P. C. Thomson AA Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: kendra.kerrisk@sydney.edu.au
Animal Production Science 50(10) 939-945 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN10061
Submitted: 15 April 2010 Accepted: 30 July 2010 Published: 21 October 2010
Abstract
The adaptation success of inexperienced heifers to a pasture-based automated milking system (AMS) is likely to influence the viability and feasibility of the system. This study evaluated two heifer training programs designed to improve adaptation success to determine their impact on early lactation performance within a pasture-based AMS. The two training programs involved heifers calving in spring 2007 (S07) and autumn 2008 (A08) being managed as members of the milking herd for 2 weeks, starting 2 months before their expected calving date. In each calving season, heifers were randomised into two treatment groups with one being fed and teat sprayed (FTS) while visiting the milking stations, while the other group passed through (PT) the milking stations. Milk yield, milking frequency and waiting time were selected as indicators of early lactation performance within an AMS and were reported as values relative to those measured by their experienced herdmates (within calving season). Longer relative waiting times (hours spent in pre-milking area where experienced herdmates = 1.0; FTS: 1.36 vs PT: 1.95; P = 0.006) may have been one cause of the low relative milk production levels reported (range 0.49 S07PT–0.78 A08PT). The milking frequencies of the heifers were in line with their experienced herdmates (range 0.83 S07PT–1.10 A08PT). There were no significant differences between the two training programs, indicating that farmers could adopt either program and expect similar early lactation heifer performance. The choice of program would more likely be affected by AMS utilisation levels, costs of consumables (teat spray and concentrate feed) and any existing desire to feed concentrate to heifers during the training period.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to acknowledge the assistance of Terry Osborne and Shannon Bennetts. We also wish to acknowledge the support of the sponsors of the FutureDairy project, particularly DairyAustralia, Industry and Investment New South Wales, University of Sydney and DeLaval.
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