Improving herd longevity
The 400-Holstein cow herd is on track to meet its ambitious plan, achieving a carbon footprint of 0.9kg carbon dioxide equivalent per litre of energy-corrected milk (ECM), substantially lower than the UK average of 1.25kg.
However, Ruminant Sector Manager Kate Robinson believes ProCROSS breeding may unlock even greater potential.
“We want to improve herd longevity from our mean herd parity of 3.1 lactations,” says Kate. She adds that the plan to improve longevity is to sell heifers rather than ‘make room’ within the herd.
The plan is to calve the crossbred animals in a tight autumn block and manage them alongside the Holsteins.
“Speaking to other farmers that have ProCROSS within a Holstein herd, I’m hoping it will help boost constituents and they will be hardier and longer lasting.”
ProCROSS is a scientifically proven, three-breed rotational crossbreeding concept that combines VikingHolstein, VikingRed, and Montbéliarde to optimise hybrid vigour at 86%.
A proportion of VikingRed and Montbéliarde calves are already on the ground, allowing the university to compare growth rates.
The crossbred calves have grown better than Holsteins born at the same time, despite being fed and managed the same way.