Farmer case study: Ian and Karen Litchfield, southern Riverina
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Farmer case study: Ian and Karen Litchfield, southern Riverina
- 1. Farmer case study: Ian and Karen Litchfield ‘Kariana’, Mayrung (southern Riverina) X Our farm
- 2. Our farm business: 400 hectares (37% dry / 63% irrigated) 470 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows Milk twice per day Avg. production: 10,000 litres/cow Have limited paddock shade Use irrigation Ongoing drought and hotter temperatures have prompted us to change to a more flexible feeding system, which is less reliant on pasture and gives us more control over heat stress
- 3. Temp. Humidity Index (THI) Moderate (THI 75) Cows begin to experience heat stress In-calf rates drop Milk production declines Big losses in milk Severe heat stress +/- dead cows Heat load: Heat stress risk level: High (THI 78) Severe (THI 82+) Impact:
- 4. Temp. Humidity Index: Deniliquin 2009-10 Our cows are highly susceptible to heat stress (large Holstein-Friesians, high milk production) We estimated that heat stress was costing us > 200 litres lost milk production/cow/year plus additional losses a.w cow fertility and health (= approx. $75,000 / year)
- 8. Feed troughs Feedpad 1 Shade shed - Single pitch roof, North-South - Provides 4m ² shade/cow Central drive alley between two feedpads Water troughs Raised earthen loafing area
- 9. Feedpad 2 Cows utilising shade as sun moves across
- 10. 5% slope to enhance drainage Manure is scraped from heavily trafficked areas weekly Compacted clay surface
- 11. Rainfall on roof is directed into recycle system Roof is designed to withstand high winds Concrete footings protect steel from contact with manure
- 13. Temp. Humidity Index: Deniliquin 2009-10 We estimate that our $120,000 investment in cooling infrastructure provides us with greater control over milk production during extended hot weather, and saves us approx. $33,000 to $40,000 / year
Notes de l'éditeur
- (Show where farm is located)
- (Give a very brief outline of the farm. Explain that ongoing drought and hotter temperatures have required you to change to a more flexible feeding system.)
- (Explain that impacts on cow fertility, production, health and welfare become more serious as THI increases to 75 to 78 to 82+.)
- (Explain that in a “normal” summer (if there is such a thing any more!) the THI level in your area is high to extreme (above 78) for many days, often consecutively. Explain why your cows are highly susceptible to heat stress – breed, size, milk production level. Explain what you estimate heat stress was costing you in litres of milk/cow/year and total $’s/year.)
- (Explain that Australia has an extremely diverse range of dairy feeding systems, from traditional grazed pasture only through to housed, TMR.)
- (Explain that these are classified into five main systems, 1 to 5. Grazed pasture is used by 98% of Australian dairy farmers in their feeding system (systems 1 to 4)).
- (Explain that like many farmers in northern Victoria / sth. Riverina, over the past 4-5 years you have set up a feedpad, bought a mixer wagon and changed feeding system (in your case to system 4 - Hybrid). Explain that northern Victoria / sth. Riverina has the largest proportion of farmers of any region now using a Hybrid feeding system.)
- “ This is our new system……….” (Explain that you decided on this system after visiting farms in the US. Point out key physical features of the facility).
- (Explain how cows use the shade during the day.)
- (Explain that there are some key design features of the shade shed and earthen pad that are critical to its success.)
- (Explain that the amount of natural tree shade you have in your paddocks is irrelevant, as cows remain on the pad 24/7 during the summer. You do however also use the milking shed morning and afternoon to help cows manage their heat load.)
- (Explain that your investment in cooling infrastructure is cost-effective and gives you greater control over milk production.) “ Any questions?”