F E E D I N G M A N A G E M E N TVOLUME 1

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Feeding Management volume 1 is thefourth of a series of management manualspublished by Veepro Holland and the firstof two volumes on feeding management.Though these manuals Veepro Hollandaims at providing you with useful manage-ment information. Dairy cattle worldwideneed to be managed well to utilize theirpotential to full extent.

No single booklet can cover every subjectas diverse and complex as dairying.Nor can everyone associated with dairyingagree on all points covered in one publica-tion. But we of Veepro Holland believe thecombination of this manual and otherpublications on the subject may broadenyour knowledge on dairy cattle feeding andsubsequently contribute to a healthy

and highly productive herd.Veepro Holland is indebted to those whocontributed to this manual, particularly,ir Bob Subnel of the Research Station forCattle, Sheep and Horse Husbandry atLelystad and ir Wilfried van Straalen of theCLO Institute for Animal Nutrition“De Schothorst” at Lelystad, for theirconstructive criticism.

We would like to thank IPC-D / DairyTraining Centre ‘Friesland’ at Oenkerk fortheir valuable assistance in the prepara-tion of this manual.

Many thanks also to those associations andpublishers who permitted us to use variousdata and illustrations.

Veepro Holland

FOREWORD

Publisher / Editor : VEEPRO HOLLAND Information center for Dutch cattle P.O.Box 454 / 6800 AL ARNHEM HOLLAND

Phone: * * 31 26 3898740 / Fax: ** 31 26 3898744 / E-mail: info@veepro.nl / Internet: http://www.Veepro.nl

Design & Realisation : D vision

Copyright © VEEPRO HOLLAND. Publication from this manual is permitted only after approval

of VEEPRO HOLLAND and on condition of statement of the source

With good nutrition dairy cows are able to demon-strate their genetic potential

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INTRODUCTION

Animal nutrition has great influence on theprofitability of the dairy farm. Cows shouldbe fed well-balanced rations as a prerequi-site for optimal milk production. With goodnutrition, dairy cows can demonstrate theirfull genetic potential whilst maintainingtheir good health. The ration should meetthe cow’s energy and protein requirementsfor maintenance, milk production, growthand reproduction. A successful rationshould be nutritionally complete, with ade-quate amounts of minerals and vitamins.

Two feeding manuals have been written toassist you in feeding your cows correctly.This first discusses the composition offeedstuffs and gives a description of feedsused in dairy cattle feeding. The seconddescribes the balancing of rations andtells how to feed cows during the variousstages of the lactations period.

The availability of the different kinds offeed and their composition as well as thenutritional requirements of dairy cowsdiffer considerably on a worldwide basis.Influencing factors include the climate, thelevel of milk production and the geneticpotential of the cows. Therefore, it isdifficult to give figures and examples thatare applicable to all circumstances. In thismanual average values of the nutritionalcomposition for quality feeds are given, butit is advisable to have feed samples ana-lyzed to ensure the desired composition.

THE COMPOSITION OF FEEDSTUFFS

In order to get a better insight into animalnutrition one should have a basic knowl-edge of how feedstuffs are allocated to thevarious nutritional groups and how theycontribute to animal nutrition. Figure 1gives a schematic view of how feeds aredivided into their nutritional components.

nitrogenouscompounds

crude protein

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Figure 1 The composition of feedstuffs

Healthy cows take in as much as dry matter asnecessary to satisfy their appetite

feed

water dry matter

organic matter inorganic matter

N-freecompounds

NFE

macroelements

Ca,P,NA,CI,K,Mg,S

microelements

Fe,Cu,Co,Mn,Zn,I,Mb,Se

trueproteins

amidesNPN

fat (oil)EE

crabohydrates

non-structural structural

starch/sugars (hemi) cellulose/pectine

WaterWater is an essential dietary componentfor dairy cattle, since it makes up about55-60% of a cow’s bodyweight. Water isneeded for maintaining body fluid levels,digesting and metabolizing nutrients, theproduction of milk and so on. Furthermorethe intake of water depends on the drymatter content of feeds, the level of milkproduction and climatic conditions.Forages have a relatively high water/drymatter ratio, whereas cereals and their by-products have a relatively low water con-tent. Water should always be fresh andfreely available. At high ambient tempera-tures, a high-yielding cow may require over100 litres of fresh water per day.

The water quality must be good and with-outany flavour. The total soluble salts content ofthe water should be below 2,000 ppm, asotherwise it will affect health and milkproduction.

Dry matterDry matter (DM) is the material remainingafter the water has been extracted fromfeeds. The daily DM intake for high-yieldingdairy cows is about 3-4% of their live weight.Cows regulate dry matter intake and waterconsumption independently. The drymatter intake depends, amongst others,

on the DM percentage of the ration, themilk production and climate. These maybe divided into animal factors and feedfactors (see table 1).

Dry matter can be divided into organicmatter and inorganic matter. The organicmatter contains nutrients such as protein,fat, carbohydrates and vitamins.

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High-producing dairy cows need much energyand protein to make their production possible

Table 1: Factors influencing dry matter intake

Prehrambeni faktori- Palatability/DM content- Digestibility- Crude protein content- Crude fibre content- Oil content- Energy value- Silage quility (smell)- Roughage structure- Roughage/concentrate

ratio

Animal factors- Genetic feed

intake ability- Milk production- Weight- Growth- Lactation stage- Pregnancy stage- Age- General condition- Health

Table 2: Ruminal undegraded protein in selected feedsSource: Nutrient requirements of Dairy Cattle, 6th rev. edition, update 1989, NRC.

% of protein

undegradedFeedsFeeds

Alfalfa pellets

Blood meal

Brewers' dried grains

Cottonseed meal

Maize

Fish meal

Grass (fresh)

Meat and bone meal

Sorgum

Sugarbeet

59

82

49

40

52

60

40

49

54

45

Alfalfa freshBarleyBeetpulp molassesMaize silageGrass silageOatsSoybeansSunflower mealTapioca mealWheat bran

% of protein

undegraded

28273531291726263629

The inorganic matter consists of macro andmicro elements (see fig. 1). The energyrequirements for maintenance, milkproduction, growth and reproduction arederived from the organic matter in theration.

ProteinThe proteins and their structural units,amino acids, are essential dietary compo-nents. The crude protein (CP) refers to allnitrogenous compounds in a feed andconsists of true protein and non-proteinnitrogen (NPN). It is the total nitrogen (N)converted to a protein basis by multiplyingthe nitrogen content by 6.25. The averageN content in crude protein is 16% (100divided by 16 equals 6.25).

A further distinction can be made betweendegraded and undegraded protein. De-graded intake protein (DIP) is protein whichis broken down in the cow’s rumen.Undegraded protein escapes (by-passes)rumen fermentation. It is partially absorbedin the lower digestive tract and is calledundegraded intake protein (UIP).

High-yielding cows need a substantialamount of protein that escapes the rumen(undegraded protein) to be absorbed in thesmall intestinal tract. Table 2 lists feedswith their ruminal undegraded protein.In the Netherlands the DVE system was

developed to calculate the amount of pro-tein available for digestion in the smallintestine. It consists of the undegradedintake protein (UIP) in a ration, togetherwith microbial protein produced in therumen. The DVE system was discussed inVeepro magazines 16 and 17.

CarbohydratesThe dairy cow derives her energy mainlyfrom carbohydrates. They consist of carbo-hydrates that are rapidly absorbed, such as

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soluble sugars, easily degraded andundegraded starch, and crude fibre carbo-hydrate, which is degraded more slowly(although most of it passes through theintestine unchanged), such as cellu-lose and hemicellulose. The carbohydra-tes are to a large extent digested by mi-crobes in the cow’s rumen. Ruminantsneed sufficient amounts of fibre for properfunctioning of the rumen. Crude fibre slowsdown the passage of feed in the rumen andthus the rumen attains a more neutral pHand microbes function at their optimum.This leads to better utilization of the feed.

Notably undegraded starch may have apositive effect either on milk or proteinproduction. It is broken down into glucosein the small intestine and is a very impor-tant energy source for milk production.A large amount of undegraded starch atthe beginning of lactation will lead to betterutilization of amino acids from the smallintestine for milk protein production. If thelactating cow gets an insufficient supply ofenergy from undegraded starch, theseamino acids may be used as an alternativesource of energy.

Minerals and vitamins are essential for the cow’soverall health

Usually soluble sugars have a positiveinfluence on the butterfat percentage andundegradable starch has a favourableinfluence on milk production, but too muchof these components will lead to a largeamount of lactic acid within the rumen.This will result in less crude fibre beingdegraded. In other words, high levels ofeasily digestible carbohydrates will disruptrumen fermentation.

FatFat has the highest energy content per unitmass. It is the main source of energy re-

serve for animals.Furthermore, itacts as a carrier forother feed compo-nents such as fat-soluble vitamins.Several essentialunsaturated fattyacids should besupplied with theration to guaranteehigh milk produc-tion and goodfertility. A rationcontaining at most50 grammesvegetable fat perkg DM for freshlycalved cows and40 grammes perkg DM for end oflactation cowsusually meets theserequirements.

Roughages are generally low in fat. Anexception is fresh grass which is an impor-tant source of essential fatty acids.Concentrate mixtures can contain more fat.However, as mentioned above, a high fatcontent may lead to high fatty acid levels inthe rumen and consequently reduce crudefibre fermentation.

MineralsMinerals are needed for strengthening ofskeleton and all sorts of vital functions.They also serve as the constituents oforganic compounds which are required forthe formation of body tissue and enzymes.

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A clear insight into the composition of feeds isessential for feeding the cow to her requirements

They can be divided into two groups, nota-bly macro and micro (trace) minerals.Minerals needed in larger amounts are themacro minerals: Sodium (Na), Chlorine(Ci), Calcium (Ca), Phosphorus (P), Potas-sium (K), Magnesium (Mg) and Sulphur (S).Minerals needed in smaller amounts, themicro minerals, include: Iron (Fe), Copper(CU), Cobalt (CO), Manganese (Mn), Zinc(Zn), Iodine (I), Molybdenum (Mo) andSelenium (Se). These minerals are essen-tial for the cow’s health. Overdosing ofsome minerals (e.g. Cu, Mo and Se) maylead to toxic effects.

Dairy cows exposed to high ambienttemperatures require more minerals (cattlesalt) than those exposed to moderatetemperatures. High-yielding cows loseconsiderable amounts of certain mineralsduring their lactation period. Therefore, amineral mixture with adequate amounts ofSodium, Chlorine, Calcium, Phosphorus,Magnesium, and limited amounts of Sele-nium and Iodine should be available adlibitum to high-yielding cows.

VitaminsVitamins are either fat-soluble or water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)are necessary for optimal functioning ofspecific structures within the cow’s tissues.Water-soluble vitamins (B, C) act ascomponents or activators of enzymes at abiochemical level. Vitamins in smallamounts are essential for overall health,maintenance of body structures, milkproduction, growth, and reproduction.Vitamins A and D are the only two vitaminsthat cannot be made by the cow itself andhave to be supplemented in the ration.Additional other vitamins are often suppliedin commercially available concentratemixtures.

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF FEEDS

The nutritional composition of feedstuffs isinfluenced by many factors. These includethe quality and the degree of fertilization ofsoil, the stage of growth at harvestingor grazing and climatic conditions. Theaverage composition of commonly usedquality farm feed per kg fresh product isshown in tables 3 en 4 (see pages 8 and 9).

These figures represent a good practicalguide, although they may be substitutedfor preferred values.

In the Feeding Management manuals theterms Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) andNet Energy for Lactation (NEL) are usedsince these terms are most often usedinternationally. The energy determinationwithin the Total Digestible Nutrients iscalculated by adding the feed levels ofdigestible crude protein, crude fibre, nitro-gen free extract (soluble starch) and fat.The fat percentage is multiplied by 2.25 toallow for the energy content of fat.

Net Energy for Lactation (NEL) is theamount of feed energy needed for milkproduction and body maintenance. On adry matter basis, feeds are usually similarin total energy content, but vary widely inthe proportion of the total energy availablefor milk production and maintenance. Theremainder of the energy in a feed is lost infaces, urine, gas (methane) belched formthe rumen and excess heat

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Grass should be mown at the right stage ofmaturity to guarantee quality grass silage

Table 3 Examples of rougheages and their nutritional composition per kg fresh product (g/kg)

Name DMg

CFg

TDNg

NELMcal

CPg

CAg

Pg

max. kg inrations

200200200180240

220

450300300

900920900880

910850920900

5065754555

30

1007580

200240240250

380300375375

210110150110140

150

280180170

540550510530

430510460400

0.300.250.300.250.35

0.35

0.600.350.40

1.301.251.151.20

0.901.151.050.85

4518202025

55

752020

2001757075

40504030

4.401.201.30

-0.90

0.60

2.500.800.70

13.4014.004.50

-

2.704.90

1.60

0.700.501.00

-0.40

1.20

1.000.700.50

3.002.303.50

-

0.700.800.600.50

-----

10

---

-10--

----

Alflfa freshNapier grassRhodes grassRyegrassSorghum forage

Brewers grains (wet)

Grass silage (Dutch)Maize silageSorghum silage

Alfalfa hayAlfalfa pelletsRhodes grass hayRyegrass hay

Barley strawMaize stoverOats strawWheat straw

production by the cow. Net energy is alsorequired to support the growth of the foetus.Each kilogramme of milk produced re-quires a known amount of net energy(Feeding Management, Volume 2).

As regards the difference in prices amongdifferent feeds, one unit of crude protein(CP) or energy (TDN) should be comparedon a 100% DM basis. This will indicatewhich feed has the best quality-to-priceratio.

DESCRIPTION OF FEEDSTUFFS

ROUGHAGESGood-quality roughages are the bestsources of fibre for optimal functioning ofthe rumen. This relates to their influence onthe rumen flora. In order to maximize thenutrient value of forages, it is important toharvest (graze) at the right stage ofmaturity. Nearly all forages have theirhighest nutrient content before the flower-ing stage. The nutrient value as well asdigestibility declines after this stage.Maize/sorghum to be ensiled should beharvested at the dough stage of the grainto obtain the highest nutrient value.

Wet brewers’ grains is a by-product of thebrewing industry. It is a medium-protein and medium-energy feed. It is verypalatable and is best fed at a rate of 5 to 10kg per dairy cow per day. It must be fedfresh or obtained from ensiled storage.If ensiled, the wet brewers’ grains take

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Table 4 Examples of feeds rich in energy and/or protein and their nutritional compositionper kg fresh product (g/kg)

Energy-rich feeds

BarleyMaizeOatsSorghum

Corn and cob mealHominy feed

Rice branWheat bran

Sugarbeet pulpTapioca meal

Cane molasses

Protein and energy-rich feeds:

Brewers grains

Cottonseed, delintedCottonseed cakeSoybean seedsSoybean cakeSunflower cake, dehulledSunflower cake, with hulls

Animal protein feeds and by-products

Blood mealFat (tallow)Fish mealMeat and bone meal

Common mineral supplements

Bone meal (steamed)Dicalcium phosphateLimestone (ground)Limestone (dolomite)

900900900900

900900

900900

900900

750

920

910910920900920920

910990910930

970970

10001000

5025

10525

8555

120100

16030

-

130

1951205560

110240

10-

1020

20---

750800690670

720840

640630

700740

540

650

870680840760700450

6101750730630

155---

1.801.801.551.20

1.702.00

1.201.40

1.551.65

1.20

1.50

2.001.601.901.651.601.00

1.355.751.651.85

0.40---

11595

120115

80100

130155

9020

30

275

215410380440450290

800-

650460

120---

0.500.500.800.50

0.600.50

0.701.30

5.601.80

8.00

3.00

1.401.702.503.503.803.80

2.90-

40.00110.00

240.00165.00370.00200.00

3.402.803.40

3.200

2.505.00

14.4011.60

0.901.80

0.80

5.00

6.9011.006.006.40

10.009.70

2.50-

28.5054.00

120.00120.00

2.10-

70502525

20 (obroku)50

2525

15 (ubroku)25

10

10

10 (ubroku)1520-2020

2,52,52,52,5

5---

Name STg

SVg

TDNg

NELMcal

CPg

CAg

Pg

Max. % ukoncentratima

about 4 to 6 weeks to ferment properly.It is important that the silage clamp hasproper drainage to prevent the feed fromrotting.

ENERGY-RICH FEEDSCereals have a high energy and low proteincontent. See table 4 for the maximumamount to be used in concentrate mixtures.

BarleyBarley should be milled moderately fine orrolled for maximum utilization by dairy cows;otherwise it will pass through the digestivetract partly undigested. It has about 95% ofthe energy value of maize and is verypalatable and an ideal feed for cattle.

MaizeMaize is highly palatable and supplies alarge amount of energy economically.However, it is low in protein, crude fibreand minerals. Maize may be used as themain source of energy. In order to use thehigh energy content of maize efficiently itshould be properly balanced with otheringredients. It should be used milled orrolled or be fed as a high moistureensilaged grain. Maize meal on its ownshould not be stored too long as it easilybecomes rancid and its carotene contentwill decrease considerably. The advantageof maize is the high amount of undegradedstarch.

10Maize can be used as the main sourceof energy in the cow’s ration

Forage sorghum is an energy-rich feed

OatsOats are very rich in crude fibre; thereforeit is advisable to mix oats with other cerealsin rolled from for maximum utilization.Oats have a positive effect on milk andbutterfat production. The rolled form is avery good feed for calves. The high crudefibre content contributes to early rumendevelopment.

SorghumSorghum grain is an excellent feed forlivestock when supplemented with otherpalatable ingredients. It should be milledmoderately fine, since too finely groundsorghum resultsin reduced consumption.It is important to remember that the redsorghum varieties have a high tannincontent and lack carotene. Tannin is a toxicsubstance if eaten in large quantities.

Corn and cob mealCorn and cob meal are the complete milledmaize cobs (includes grains, spills andhusks). Corn and cob are much lower inTDN and crude protein than maize itself,but is known for its easily digestible highcrude fibre content.

Hominy feed (maize germ and branmeal)This is a by-product of the dry maize millingindustry and consists of the bran coatingand maize germs. Hominy feed is verypalatable and its nutrient content is nearlythe same as that of maize grain. However,it contains more oil when the germs areincluded.

Rice branRice bran is a by-product of the rice-millingindustry. It is made up of the bran layer,rice germs and pieces of broken rice.Rice bran is similar to oats as regardscrude protein, energy, oil and crude fibrecontent, but contains more phosphorus.

Wheat branThis is a by-product of flour wheat millingand is highly palatable. It is poor in calcium,but tends to be higher in phosphorus thanmost other cereals and their by-products.It is a bulky feed, rich in crude fibre and hasa laxative effect.

Sugar beet pulpDried sugar beet is available in pellets.It is an ideal energy source for dairy cowsproducing large amounts of milk since itcontains a high percentage (45%) ofundegraded protein. Molasses may occa-sionally be added to increase its palatabil-ity. The crude fibre is very digestible andthe sugar beet pulp can be fed to milkingcows at a rate of up to 3 kg per day.

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Tapioca is made from cassava roots

Alfalfa is a protein- and energy-rich feed

The cotton plant delivers cottonseedwhich contains much protein and energy

TapiocaTapioca is produced in tropical and sub-tropical zones. It is the substance thatremains after starch has been extractedfrom the roots. Tapioca is quite palatableand relatively inexpensive. It is high in TDNcontent but low in protein. Its starch ishighly digestible and quickly degraded.

Cane molassesCane molasses make feed more palatableand serve as a dust-settler and binder indry feed. It is an inexpensive and excellentsource of energy. Up to 10% by weight maybe used in mixtures.

PROTEIN/ENERGY-RICH FEEDSThe majority of the protein-rich feeds arederived from oilseeds. They consist of theresidues remaining after oil has beenextracted. Whole oilseeds may also beused as feed.

Alfalfa pelletsAlfalfa pellets are produced in dehydrationplants from standing alfalfa. The protein ofalfalfa pellets is less degraded in the rumenthan the protein of alfalfa hay, so alfalfapellets are a good source of escape (by-pass) protein.

Dried brewers’ grainsThe protein of dried brewers’ grains isdegraded at a relatively slow rate in therumen. Up to 2 kg per cow per day can befed to milking cows. It contains about 49%of undegraded protein.

Cottonseed (fuzzy)The whole kernel of cottonseed without thelint (fuzzy cotton) may be used as a goodfeedstuff for mature cattle. This feed isoften used in tropical and sub-tropicalregions. It is rich in protein, oil, crude fibreand energy. An amount of up to 2.5 kg perday for high-yielding cows may be fed inearly lactation. It has a positive effect onthe butterfat percentage of milk and isknown for its enduring effect on milk pro-duction.

Cottonseed cakeCottonseed cake (meal) is an excellentprotein supplement for dairy cattle. It isimportant to avoid overfeeding becausethe cottonseed cake may contain a toxicsubstance called gossypol. Gossypol hasan inhibitive effect on digestive enzymesin the cow’s intestine. Heating to above100° C alters the chemical composition ofgossypol and removes its toxicity.

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Soybeans are rich in protein, oil and energy

SoybeansSoybeans are rich in protein, oil and en-ergy. The beans should be milled orcrushed and not be stored longer than oneweek. Milled or crushed soybeans willrapidly become rancid owing to their lipasecontent. Furthermore, soybeans containan enzyme called urease, which converturea into ammonia and may have anadverse effect on the cow’s digestivesystem. Lipase and urease are inactivatedby heating. Dairy cows fed with heat-treated (flaked) soybeans produce moremilk than cows fed on raw soybeans.

Soybean cakeSoybean cake (meal) is one of the mostvaluable source of vegetable protein andenergy available. It is very palatable andmay be used as the main protein source indairy rations without restriction.

Sunflower cakeSunflower cake (meal) is the by-productremaining after most of the oil has beenextracted from sunflower seeds.The national composition varies widelyowing to differences in the amount of hulls(fibres) present. Decorticated cake is amost useful protein source for dairy cows.

ANIMAL PROTEIN FEEDS AND BY-PRODUCTSThese products are very rich in protein andare the by-products of slaughterhousesand seafood industries. Some productsare very low in palatability and they shouldbe used in limited amounts as mentionedin the tables. Caution is recommendedbecause of the risk of salmonella contami-nation by some of these products.

COMMON MINERAL SUPPLEMENTSThese supplements are used mainly forbalancing the required mineral compositionof the ration and should be used accordingto its specifications.

Proper feeding is a prerequisite for profitable milkproduction

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Proper understanding of the basic principles of dairy cattle nutrition is essential foroptimizing milk production and maintaining good animal health. Basic knowledge of thecharacteristics of various feeds and of the nutritional requirements of dairy cow duringlactation are essential prerequisites for profitable milk production.Feeding Management volume 2 will deal in greater detail with the composition of well-balanced rations for dairy cows and concentrate mixtures.

SUMMARY

REFERENCE FOR FURTHER READING- An introduction to Animal Nutrition, Lecture notes Dairy Training Centre ‘Frieland’.- Cattle Feeding, Lecture notes Dairy Training Centre ‘Friesland’- Relationship between Energy Values of Feedstuffs predicted with thirteen Feed

Evaluation Systems for cattle, Van der Honing and Steg, IVVO-DLO, report 160 (1984).- Feeds and Nutrition Digest, Ensminger, Oldfield and Heineman, 2nd edition (1990).- Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle, NRC, 6th revised edition, update 1989.- Tropical Feeds, by Bo Göhl, FAO (1981).- Directory of Feeds & Feed Ingredients, by Charles A. MacGregor, Hoard’s Dairyman (1989).- Total Mixed Rations & Supercows, by Marshall E. McCullough, Hoard’s Dairyman (1991).- Principles and Practice of Feeding Dairy Cows, Broster, Phipps and Johnson, NIRD (1986).- Feeding Dairy Cattle, Dairy Handbook, NADF of Zimbabwe (1987).

Earlier publications:

· Reproduction Management· Young Stock Management· Foot Care

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Dairy Training Centre Friesland (DTC-Friesland) is established by various Dutch farmers’organizations and controlled by the Ministry of Agriculture. The Centre conducts a varietyof international training-programmes and courses. We also provide consultancy andmanagement services

All courses have a strong practice-oriented character based on the training concept oflearning by doing. The practical training is very intensive; one instructor deals withgroups of six students and for subjects like milking even with three students only.DTC-Friesland offers training in the following subjects:

- Dairy Husbandry

* machine- and handmilking, milking machines, milk hygiene* feeding, ration-calculation, feedplants, quality of feedstuffs* fertility management, heat detection* Breeding, use of A.I., culling, body conformation* housing, tying/cubicle systems, hygiene* health, mastitis control, hoofcare* calfrearing* farm economics* farm administration

- Forage production

* pasture management* foddercrops* silage making* farm machinery

- Milk processing

* manufacture of cheese, butter, yoghurt,ice-cream, etc.

* milk collection and payment systems* marketing* management of a dairy unit

- Sheep-husbandry- Dairy goat husbandry- Intensive beef-production- Horse-keeping and animal traction- Teaching-methodology

Visits to farmers organizations, A.I.-stations, Health and Extension service etc. are inte-grated in the courses to provide a good picture of the dairy sector in the Netherlands.

Dairy Training Centre Friesland

Feeding of dairy cows is a major aspect of moderndairy farming

AD HOC COURSES

Our major activity is the organization of ad hoc courses on request, preferably for groupsof a multiple of six participants. These training programmes are tailor-made and com-pletely designed according to the requirements of the client. The courses deal with one ormore of the earlier mentioned subjects. Duration of the courses varies from 1 week toseveral months.The courses are conducted in English. For some special subjects training can be providedin French, Spanish or German as well.If facilities are available locally, our staff is prepared to conduct courses abroad as well.

SIX-WEEKS COURSE: MODERN DAIRY FARM MANAGEMENT

This course is especially designed for persons in charge of a large-scale dairy enterprise,and includes all aspects involved in managing a dairy herd. The course offers a goodopportunity to refresh one’s knowledge and learn about recent developments in dairy-farm management. The course is conducted annually in September/October.However, for groups of least six persons it can be organized at any time during the year.

TRAINING FACILITIES AND STAFF

The center has four farms, eachwith a different managementsystem. One farm is especiallyequipped for international courses.The total stock at the four farmsincludes 250 dairy cows, 50fattening-bulls, 45 dairy-goats, 85sheep and 12 Friesian horses.Additionally, the centre maintainsclose relations with twentyneighbouring farms which areused for practical training.Our staff consist of fifty dedi-cated and well-qualified trainers.All have up-to-date knowledge ofmodern dairy-farm managementand over 70 man-yearsexperience is present in variousdairy development projectsthroughout the world.

ACCOMMODATION

A newly constructed hostel provides full board and lodging in single or double bedrooms.The hostel provides an international kitchen, and many recreational facilities. Socialexcursions are organized during the weekends to enable the students to get acquaintedwith the Dutch culture.

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Making quality grass silage as part of the training

For more information on our activities, please contact:

IPC-Livestock / DTC-FrieslandP.O.Box 859062 ZJ OenkerkThe Netherlands

Telephone : +31 582561562Telefax : +31 582561628E-mail : info@oenkerk.ipcagro.nl