Once a Day Milking Conference 2021
Type Event Proceeding
Once a Day Milking Conference 2021 took place virtually on Thursday, 14 January. The theme of this year’s online conference centred on the latest research about the impact of once a day milking on milk production and how to manage this effect. Speakers at this conference included: Emer Kennedy, Teagasc Moorepark; dairy farmer MJ Delaney and Nick Sneddon, Fonterra.
Once a Day Milking is currently only practised on around 200 Irish dairy farms. But the interest in the practice of once a day milking continues to grow. It’s considered as a viable alternative in situations where labour is in short supply, where the farm layout results in long walks to and from the parlour for cows, or where reducing the number of daily milking’s is attractive from a lifestyle perspective. The big challenges farmers face when considering the option of once a day milking are the risk of increased somatic cell count and reduced milk yield. This however is counterbalanced by improved cow fertility and farmer lifestyle.
Emer Kennedy, Teagasc Moorepark reviewed the performance of the first two years of the Moorepark OAD milking experiment. She presented the latest research about the impact of OAD on milk production and the steps that can be taken to manage this effect.
Farming on the Laois/Kilkenny border, dairy farmer MJ Delaney discussed the impact on farm performance and lifestyle following the changeover to OAD with his 110-strong Friesian herd.
Nick Sneddon who works with Fonterra, New Zealand’s largest milk processor reviewed the milk production and reproductive performance of New Zealand dairy herds that are being milked either once or twice a day. Cow type, particularly udder conformation and capacity are of particular relevance to OAD herds. Dr Sneddon shared the results of his research into the importance of conformation when breeding cows suitable for once a day milking.
OAD conference 2021 Emer Kennedy (PDF)
OAD conference 2021 Nick Sneddon (PDF)
OAD Conference M J Delaney (PDF)
View webinar recording here: