A training program to improve milk production in the developing Chinese dairy industry
R. D. Bush A D , J. K. House A , B. Hamilton B and P. C. Wynn CA Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia.
B Ruminant Nutrition Australia, PO Box 23, Lennox Head, NSW 2478, Australia.
C School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: russellb@camden.usyd.edu.au
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 48(7) 746-751 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA07409
Submitted: 11 December 2007 Accepted: 28 March 2008 Published: 20 June 2008
Abstract
The Chinese government has been concerned about the inability of Holstein heifers imported from Australia to perform to their genetic potential. Therefore, the Australian government initiated an extension program to address the nutritional, environmental and health management of these animals. This involved developing appropriate resources and providing on-site training at workshops in four Chinese provinces (Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Hebei and Heilongjiang) that have been the major recipients of Australian cattle and together account for 65% of China’s dairy herd. Training resources were developed in the form of a comprehensive reference manual, a set of 12 applied fact sheets and an interactive DVD. Training has been delivered to over 285 key dairy extension workers and farmers from across China, with over 90% of participants giving a positive appraisal for all workshop sessions. The growth of dairy farming in China is likely to be the key driver of continued demand for dairy heifers from Australia and associated support for training, which must now be the initiative of the Chinese government.
Additional keywords: imported Holstein, dairy farmer, extension worker, animal welfare, dairy nutrition, dairy cattle.
Acknowledgements
This dairy heifer training project was a project under the IAC-LATP and ATC program administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The University of Sydney team wish to acknowledge the cooperation and support of the Meat, Wool and Dairy Branch of the Department in Canberra and the Ministry of Agriculture in Beijing, which ensured the success of the project. The team also wish to acknowledge the support of the Moxey family, Goolagong, New South Wales for allowing access to film on-site for the DVD, the expertise of Biomedia in producing the DVD, Dr Kathy Zhu and Dr Yizhou Chen who provided expertise in translation and interpreting and Ms Nicole Spiegel who assisted in the collation and preparation of training material.
