Definitely a worthwhile investment, especially if the real benefits
are quantified.Milk recording is of immense value, not only to the individual
farmer, but the entire dairy industry. It actually yields benefits of national
interest. In terms of gross value, the dairy industry is the fourth
largest contributor to agricultural output in South Africa. With more benefits
getting realised from milk recording, the industry can grow even larger. Indeed,
milk recording has wide scope for development, even beyond the country's
borders. The efficient production of milk and high quality dairy
products, which result from the use of milk recording information, will make our
country more competitive on the international market. Milk recording can also
contribute indirectly to the meat market, if it results in more animals being
culled. In addition to improved product quality, the dairy industry is also in a
better position to plan effectively from information generated through the milk
recording scheme. Additional benefits, especially for the producer, can be summarised
as follows:The actual production per lactation of milk, butterfat and
protein is established for each cow, thus providing essential quantitative and
qualitative information. The genetic potential of animals is determined through estimated BLUP
breeding values.
Herd genetic trends over years are determined, which gives an indication of
the herd's genetic progress.
Environmental trends, established through BLUP analyses, can also be used as
an aid to management.
By utilising breeding values and genetic trends, a planned
breeding policy can be followed, in order to meet market requirements. Problems within the herd are pin-pointed. For example, somatic cell counts
indicate udder health status.
The general management of the farm, herd and dairy is improved.
The farmer can aim for and accomplish more accurate record keeping.
Accurate selection will, in time, raise the standard of herds and the
national population.
| | Even more… In addition, producers who join the Milk Recording Scheme get: An increase in the value of their animals
Buyers are inclined to pay more for animals where additional
information such as performance test results and breeding values is
available.
To join is simple:
All that needs to be done is apply to ARC Animal Improvement
Institute for participation. One prerequisite is that you need to be a member of
either Taurus Co-op or National Independent Quality Laboratories. Once
application is approved, the farmer receives training on how to conduct a milk
recording test from ARC technicians. After this, he is included in the normal
pick-up route.
ARC technicians can do the test for you.
Not all farmers can afford the time and/or manpower to do milk
recording tests. ARC technicians would be more than glad to do the test for you.
In such a case, you will have to pay a fee for the service, plus the mileage
costs.
How quickly are results obtained?
Should the farmer have e-mail facilities, results may be sent
to him electronically, as soon as they are produced.
Test-day results are posted within two weeks and production
certificates within a month from test day. Breeding values are produced
biannually. A summary of lactations completed within a specific test year
are printed and sent to the respective herd owner, at the end of the test year.
Breed and herd averages are published and made available to the industry
annually. The ARC Animal Improvement Institute has six regional offices,
namely Stellenbosch, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Irene, Cedara and Vryburg.
These offices serve participants in their respective regions. ARC's partners in milk recording are:Enquiries:
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