Files and links (2)
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Meeting Breeding Potential in Organic and Low-Input Dairy Farming
Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Vol.7, 544149
28/10/2020
PMID: 33195517
Metrics
7 File views/ downloads
17 Record Views
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites
Abstract
Low-input (LI) dairy farming, relying heavily on grazing, is increasing in popularity for perceived sustainability, welfare, and milk nutritional quality benefits. However, there is little research into the breed suitability for these systems. The popular Holstein–Friesians are not well-suited to LI production as, to achieve their potential high yields, they require high levels of concentrate intakes and veterinary inputs. Holstein–Friesians were traditionally bred for high milk yields, which often correlate negatively with functional traits, such as fertility and health. This drives the need for alternative breed choices, and UK dairy farmers use several crossbreeding practices. Additionally, classic measures of production efficiency (kilogram feed per liter of milk) are not the sole priority in LI systems, which also aim for improved health, fertility, forage conversion, and milk quality. This study aimed to explore the effect of breeding strategy on LI and organic production in dairy systems, collecting data from 17 farms throughout England and Wales: 7 organic and 10 low-input conventional systems with both purebred and crossbred cows from different breeds. Records from 1,070 cows were collected, including background data, health, fertility, breeding, and parity. Additionally, milk was analyzed on four occasions (autumn 2011 and winter, spring, and summer 2012). Principal components analysis was used to visualize the effect of management, Farm ID, and stage of lactation on LI production. The analysis clustered cows by Farm ID, showing that individual management practice on each farm had the greatest impact on various production traits. Cows were allocated a composite score based on their yield, health records, and milk fatty acid profile, and a linear mixed-effects model indicated (p < 0.01) that crossbred New Zealand Friesian cows scored highest, whereas Dairy Shorthorn cows scored the lowest. This paper highlights weaknesses in current breeding programs for LI and organic farms in the UK, in terms of the alignment of breeds with husbandry practices. Additional research is needed to explore any gene by environment interactions to meet the true potential of individual cows and certain breeds under LI and organic management.
Details
- Title
- Meeting Breeding Potential in Organic and Low-Input Dairy Farming
- Creators
- Hannah Davis (Author) - School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United KingdomSokratis Stergiadis (Author) - Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, United KingdomEleni Chatzidimitriou (Author) - French Agency for Food Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), Regulated Products Assessment Department, Residues and Food Safety Unit, Maisons-Alfort, FranceRoy Sanderson (Author) - School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United KingdomCarlo Leifert (Author) - Centre for Organics Research, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, AustraliaGillian Butler (Author) - School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Publication Details
- Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Vol.7, 544149
- Publisher
- Frontiers Media S.A
- Grant note
- This study was funded by the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities as part of the Low Input Breeds Project (http://www.lowinputbreeds.org/home.html; grant no: 222623) and Newcastle University SAgE faculty PhD program.
- Identifiers
- 991012925434702368
- Academic Unit
- Centre for Organics Research
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article