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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Comparing irrigated biodynamic and conventionally managed dairy farms. 2. Milk production and composition and animal health

L. L. Burkitt A , W. J. Wales B E , J. W. McDonald C , D. R. Small D and M. L. Jenkin D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Tasmania, PO Box 3523, Burnie, Tas. 3720, Australia.

B Primary Industries Research Victoria (PIRVic), 120 Cooma Road, Kyabram, Vic. 3620, Australia.

C Veterinary & Nutrition Consultant, 82 Monds Avenue, Benalla, Vic. 3672, Australia.

D Environmental & Agricultural Consulting Pty Ltd, 68 Saunders Street, Kyabram, Vic. 3620, Australia.

E Corresponding author. Email: bill.wales@dpi.vic.gov.au

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47(5) 489-494 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA06085
Submitted: 14 July 2005  Accepted: 27 July 2006   Published: 13 April 2007

Abstract

Ten paired irrigated dairy farms under biodynamic (BD) and conventional (CV) management were compared over a 3-year period (1991–93). The paired farms were located in the irrigation districts of northern Victoria and southern New South Wales and were matched for soil type, cattle breed and farm area. The BD farms practised BD principles for an average of 16 years before the study. The effects of farm management on milk yields and composition and animal health were examined by annually surveying farm managers regarding disease incidence and chemical treatment of animals, and by measuring milk yield and composition and faecal egg counts over the experimental period. The two hypotheses tested were that (1) milk volume and milk solids per cow would be lower under BD management, and (2) the incidence of internal parasitic infection and disease would be lower under CV management.

Milk production and milk components produced, both on a per hectare and per cow basis, were 24–36% higher (P < 0.01) under CV management, due to significantly higher pasture intakes (P < 0.001). Although the incidence of parasitic infection was similar for mature cows, CV farms consistently used a greater number of chemical treatments (P < 0.05). Although BD heifer calves <8 months in age had significantly (P < 0.05) higher faecal egg counts, the results highlight the risk of reduced growth rates in calves due to high rates of parasite infection, under both management systems. Somatic cell counts were higher (P < 0.05) under BD management, with this being consistent with the use of significantly less chemical treatments under this management system. The implications of these findings for both CV and BD management for milk production and animal health are discussed.

Additional keywords: bloat, mastitis, reproduction.


Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dairy Australia (formerly the Dairy Research and Development Corporation) and the Victorian Department of Primary Industries for funding this project. We sincerely thank the 20 dairy farmers who participated in this project and recognise that without their support, the project would not have been possible. We also acknowledge the biometric advice provided by Leigh Callinan and Jim Madden from DPI. We recognise the contribution of data from local milk processing companies, namely Sandhurst Foods Pty Ltd, Bonlac Foods Pty Ltd, Kraft Foods Pty Ltd, Murray Goulburn Cooperative, Nestle Australia Ltd, Tatura Milk Ltd and herd improvement companies; Nu Genes, Northern Herd and Consolidated Herd Improvement Services.


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