At LUDF we now have 381 in the main herd and 220 in the small herd (heifers and a few light condition score cows), giving a total of 601 cows milking into the vat. Average milk production per cow (all cows milked into the vat) is 2.15kgMS/cow. This is similar to the last few weeks, while production per hectare (now at 7.83 kg MS/ha) continues to increase with increasing cow numbers. The whole herd liveweight has remained relatively stable this season. The monitor group of 347 mixed age early calving cows has ranged between 456 and 460kg/cow since 20 August. First calvers have ranged between 413 and 417kg/cow. Soil temperatures at 9 am have averaged 10.2 degrees; this is 1.1 degree warmer than last week. We have had 5 mm rain this week, the Aquaflex soil moisture meter data shows irrigation will be required shortly. Average Pasture Cover for the week increased from 2326 to 2554kgDM/ha with an estimated average pasture growth rate of 98kgDM/ha/day, though there is some doubt whether the herd will find this much pasture when grazing. A decreasing amount of silage will be used if required to maintain a 21 day rotation.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Oct 2013 03:11:02 +0000
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