The Dairy Mail March 2025

Vol 32 • No 3 • MARCH 2025

R46,50 incl VAT • ISSN: 1561-4301

PUBLICATION FOR THE DAIRY INDUSTRY

ASSESS AND

CORRECT

2025 MPO TGR

KONFERENSIE

IN THIS ISSUE: OOS-KAAP MELKFEES | MILKING IN MAURITIUS | MANURE EVALUATION

| BRD IN DAIRY CALVES PART 3 | HEALTHY SOILS PART 3

MARCH 2025 • THE DAIRY MAIL 1

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IN THE

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109 Z_LAME

108 Z_LAME

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WORLD WIDE SIRES

S O U T H A F R I C A

2 THE DAIRY MAIL • MARCH 2025

HERE FOR YOU.

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SOOS ONS DIT SIEN • AS WE SEE IT

MEET EN KORRIGEER

Joubert Fourie, ondervoorsitter MPO Noord

So eenmaal ’n jaar doen die meeste groot besighede ’n groot voorraadopname.

Dis nogal ’n belangrike deel van die rekeningkundige

proses. Dis nodig om die huidige status van ’n besigheid vas te pen,

en dit word gebruik om te bepaal hoe die verlede was, hoe dinge nou

lyk, en wat vorentoe moet gebeur.

Dit is nie noodwendig ’n aangename werk nie – mens staan so met

die “clipboard” in die hand en elke ding moet getel en neergeskryf

word. Nadat alles getel is, moet daar gekyk word of die boeke klop,

en of die huidige status is soos wat jy gedink het dit behoort te wees.

Natuurlik is dit noodsaaklik om voorraadopname te doen, anders sal

besigheidseienaars nie ’n idee hê wat in hul besighede aangaan en

waarnatoe dit op pad is nie.

Net so moet ons as melkboere soms gaan stilstaan, voorraad

opneem, oor alles reflekteer, en krities kyk na die balans van ons bates

en laste. Dit is ’n gegewe dat almal van ons wil hê dat die bates moet

toeneem en die laste afneem, maar die voorraadopname gaan oor meer as net dit. Dit is ook ’n aanwyser

wat vir jou wys of jy nog op die regte pad is om jou doelwitte te bereik, of jou kosbare tyd bestee

word aan dit wat werklik belangrik is, of jy die beste metodes gebruik om die beste resultate te kry en

of jou besluit om sekere dinge uit te stel en te vermy die regte besluit is.

Miskien wys jou voorraadopname dat jy moet stop, dalk omdraai, miskien links of regs beweeg, en

soms (as jy gelukkig is) kan jy maar net op dieselfde trant voortgaan met wat jy doen. Miskien moet jy in

die resies bly, maar die plan aanpas.

Dié van ons wat onsself nog in die resies bevind, moet buigsaam, oopkop en gewillig bly om aan

te pas by die veranderende suiwel-milieu. Ons moet besef dat daar dinge is waaroor ons nie beheer

het nie en nie in ons vermoë is om te kan verander nie. Die melkprys, insetkoste, politieke klimaat,

verbruikerstendense en klimaatsverandering is voorbeelde daarvan, maar ons moet ook gewillig wees

om waar dit nodig is aanpassings te maak en verandering te aanvaar.

Ten spyte van groot uitdagings is daar vir seker steeds opwindende groeigeleenthede vir melkboere.

Kom ons vertrou mekaar, vat hande en werk saam om die nodige aanpassings en veranderings

te maak sodat die suiwelbedryf volhoubaar en winsgewend kan voort bestaan ter wille van ons en dié

wat ná ons kom.

Joubert Fourie



REDAKTEURSBRIEF • EDITOR’S NOTE

MEASURE

TO MANAGE

by Hanlie du Plessis, editor of The Dairy Mail

It’s difficult to argue with the well-worn business

maxim, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage

it.” It is indeed imperative to assess the inputs

and outputs on your farm, to know why you’re in

business and what you need from it financially, to

determine your strengths and weaknesses and

have a reasonable measure of the farm’s financial

performance.

But knowing the current status would not

benefit your farming operation unless you are open

to change. The crux of any successful business,

whether it is a farming business or any other

business, is its ability to adapt. You need to possess

the ability to critically evaluate your business

but equally as important is your ability to make

adjustments where needed. Identify where change

is necessary and implement the necessary changes

as prompt as possible in order to ensure your

business’s survival.

In line with our focus on assess and correct in

the March edition of The Dairy Mail, you’ll find a

helpful guide on manure evaluation on page 28.

Caitlyn de Vos, ruminant development manager

at Vitam International illustrates in this guide how

manure could become a valuable indicator of a

cow’s health, digestion, and feed efficiency.

In the article Profitability through amino acid

balancing on page 32, Ranier van Heerden came

to the conclusion that by optimising the quantity

and quality of metabolizable protein and enzymatical

essentials and non-essentials in dairy

cow diets, you can significantly improve cow

performance, reproduction, and health status

during transition, as well as subsequent lactations

and calf health through modern nutritional

strategies.

Our 3 part series on soil health comes to an end

in this edition on page 52. The Dairy Mail wants

to thank Prof Driekie Fourie for educating our

farmers through this series of articles on the

importance of soil health and our role in preserving

this valuable resource.

We look forward to bringing you a jam packed

edition, focusing on stewardship and welfare in April.

But in the meantime, enjoy this read.

Hanlie du Plessis

PS. Remember to capture the essence of dairy farming wherever you farm.

Mail your photographs to hanlie@maxmediagroup.co.za.

CONTACT US

BYE-BYE BUZZZZZ…


CONTENTS INHOUDSOPGAWE

14 28

01 As we see it

03 Editor’s note

07 Meet the MPO team | Dairy calendar

INDUSTRY/BEDRYF

8 Bespreek nou vir die 2025 TGR konferensie

10 Milking in Mauritius

14 Prettige MPO Oos-Kaap Melkfees-lekkerte

19 Kortliks/Briefly

21 Dairy economic indicators

26 Dairy digits

PRODUCTION/PRODUKSIE

28 Manure evaluation

32 Profitability through amino acid balancing

38 Pasture and its effect on the butterfat content

of milk

40 Feeding beyond nutritional requirements

44 Annual mastitis testing

STEWARDSHIP/RENTMEESTERSKAP

48 Energy intake – assess and correct

52 Soil health - part 3

56 BRD in dairy calves – part 3

MANAGEMENT/BESTUUR

60 Ouerskapbevestiging met behulp van SNPgebaseerde

merkers

64 Assess and correct – herd fertility

68 Labour column

70 Finansiële rubriek Evalueer jou boerdery

en maak aanpassings

COVER / VOORBLAD

Klein JG du Toit is in sy noppies met die pragtige

Holstein koeie by Van Greunen boerdery. Dankie Lizé

Marie du Toit, streeksbestuurder MPO Wes-Kaap, dat

jy die pragtige foto van JG met ons gedeel het.

64


INHOUD • CONTENTS

Executive editor

Editor

Copy editors

Lead designer

Fanie Ferreira

Hanlie du Plessis

Magdaleen du Toit

Sue Cato

Michélle Kinnear

60

72

RESEARCH AND TRAINING/

NAVORSING EN OPLEIDING

76 Research column

MOO-VING WHEELS

78 New Lexus GX soon available in SA

Editorial contributions

Hanlie du Plessis • Tel: 083 296 8007

Email: hanlie@maxmediagroup.co.za

Advertising & rates

Ilse Liveris • Tel: 072 708 4401

Email: Ilseliv@outlook.com

Charlene Bam • Tel: 061 500 7991

Email: charlene@maxmediagroup.co.za

Accounts & subscriptions

Charlene Bam • Tel: 061 500 7991

Email: charlene@maxmediagroup.co.za

Printers

Western Printers, Centurion • +27 (0)12 941 9126

Contributors

Jade Smith

Bertus van Heerden

Caitlyn de Vos

Ranier van Heerden

Shanna Wells

Stephan Gericke

Muller Cronje

Jason Reding

Dr Carel Muller

Dr De Wet Barnard

Prof Driekie Fourie

Dawie Maree

Hannes Latsky

jade@mpo.co.za

bertus@mpo.co.za

caitlyn@vitam.co.za

raniervanheerden@gmail.com

Shanna.Wells@epol.co.za

Stephan.Gericke@meadownatal.co.za.

MCronje@deheus.com

jason@studbook.co.za

careljcmuller@gmail.com

de.wet.barnard@msd.com

driekie.fourie@syngenta.com

dawie.maree@fnb.co.za

ansofiet.tiedt@gmail.com

Expressions of opinion, claims, and statements of supposed facts

do not necessarily reflect the views of The Dairy Mail, editor, or

publisher. While every effort is made to report accurately, The Dairy

Mail, the publisher, or the editor do not accept any

liability regarding any statement, advertisement,

fact, or recommendation made in this magazine.

ISSN: 1561-4301 | An initiative of the MPO, published monthly | PO Box 1284,

Pretoria 0001, SOUTH AFRICA | www.dairymail.co.za

Milk Producers’ Organisation,

referred to as MPO

South African Milk Processors’

Organisation, referred to as SAMPRO

Milk South Africa,

referred to as Milk SA


ALGEHELE

MELKHIGIËNE

Ons verskaf skoonmaak-in-plek stelsels, deeglike

skoonmaak - middels, ontsmettingsmiddels

en spesialis oplossings vir:

• Massatenks • Melkmasjiene

• Vervaardigingsaanlegte

011 708 0209

info@bransonchemicals.co.za

www.bransonchemicals.co.za


DAIRY CALENDAR

MEET THE TEAM

THAT CARES:

SWITCHBOARD: 012 843 5600

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Fanie Ferreira fanie@mpo.co.za 083 453 9339

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIC SERVICES

Bertus van Heerden bertus@mpo.co.za 083 300 3667

JUNIOR ECONOMIST

Jade Smith jade@mpo.co.za 076 712 7395

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Wessel Steyn wessel@mpo.co.za 082 896 8116

MEMBER SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

Yolanda Strydom yolanda.s@mpo.co.za 072 371 1893

Anneke Kubannek anneke@mpo.co.za 071 875 1488

REGIONS

MPO WESTERN CAPE

Lize Marié du Toit lizem@mpo.co.za 076 774 1284

MPO NORTH

Carina Pieterse carina@mpo.co.za 073 116 8544

MPO KWAZULU-NATAL

Amy Webster amy@mpo.co.za 083 799 1303

MPO EASTERN CAPE

Anri Wolmarans ec@mpo.co.za 064 934 3951

TRAINING AND TRANSFORMATION SERVICES

Ronald Rapholo ronald@mpo.co.za 082 734 4433

SOME EVENTS TO

LOOK FORWARD TO

29 MAART 2025

MPO WES-KAAP GHOLFDAG

13-16 MAY 2025

NAMPO HARVEST DAY

NAMPO PARK, Bothaville

23-24 AUGUST 2025

KZN DAIRYFEST

Nottingham Road, KZN Midlands

25 APRIL-3 MEI 2025

BLOEMSKOU

Bloemfontein skouterrein

8-10 JUNE 2025

MPO TMR CONFERENCE

Radisson Hotel, Kempton Park

Weens herhaaldelike kragonderbrekings ondervind

ons probleme met ons skakelbord. Vir die toekoms

word aanbeveel dat u ons span direk op hulle

selfoonnommers kontak. Ons wil graag met u gesels.

Due to repeated power outages, we are experiencing problems with

our switchboard. In future, we recommend that you contact our team

directly on their mobile numbers. We would like to talk to you.

10-13 SEPTEMBER 2025

NAMPO CAPE

Bredasdorp Park, Bredasdorp


REGISTREER NOU

VIR DIE 2025

TGR KONFERENSIE

deur Hanlie du Plessis

Landbou, die spil waarom voedselproduksie vir mens en dier draai,

het die afgelope paar dekades met rasse skrede ontwikkel en verander.

Nuwe rasse, nuwe tegnieke en nuwe tegnologieë is alles deel van die

prentjie wat moet saamwerk om die sektor in staat te stel om in die

voedingsbehoeftes van die steeds groeiende aardse bevolking te voorsien.

Die Melkprodusente-organisasie (MPO) het

die afgelope 25 jaar deur middel van sy

tweejaarlikse Grootkuddekonferensies

gepoog om met innoverende oplossings

vorendag te kom wat groter-kudde-melkprodusente

in Suid-Afrika gehelp het om in die

groeiende vraag te voorsien. Demonstrasies

en die bekendstelling van nuwe tegnologiese

ontwikkeling het deur die jare deel uitgemaak

van hierdie konferensies en boere is by dié

geleenthede aan splinternuwe innovasies soos

hommeltuie, kunsmatige intelligensie, sensors

en robotika bekend gestel. Dit het vir seker

bygedra dat die sektor in pas kon bly met

nuwe ontwikkelings om so winsgewend en

doeltreffend moontlik te produseer.

Die Suid-Afrikaanse melkbedryf word in

twee uiteenlopende voedingstelsels verdeel.

In die binneland en die Wes-Kaap is die totalegemengderantsoen-stelsel

(TGR) oorheersend.

Daarteenoor is daar meer weidinggebaseerde

melkerye langs die oostelike kusstrook van die

Suid-Kaap, Oos-Kaap en KwaZulu-Natal. Omdat die

twee stelsels so radikaal verskil en die behoeftes

van die twee groepe melkboere net so verskil, het

die MPO verlede jaar aangekondig dat ’n spesiale

konferensie, uitsluitlik gefokus op die TGR-stelsel,

beplan word.

Die wagtyd is nou verby en die plek, datum

en voorlopige program van die eerste TGRkonferensie

in Suid Afrika is pas bekendgemaak.

Dit gaan van 8–10 Junie by die Radisson Hotel

& Konvensiesentrum, OR Tambo in Gauteng

plaasvind en gaan nie net op die voeding van

melkbeeste fokus nie, maar gaan ook ander

herkouers wat die TGR-stelsel gebruik, insluit.

Dié konferensie het ten doel om

sleutelrolspelers in die bedryf, naamlik melk,

rooivleis- en intensiewe skaapprodusente,

voerkraalspesialiste, veeartse en belangrike

insetverskaffers bymekaar te bring sodat kennis

gedeel en idees uitgeruil kan word ter bevordering

van die veebedryf. Die nuutste tegnieke,

tegnologieë en produkte rakende biosekuriteit

en rumengesondheidsvoer sal in diepte bespreek

word met die klem op bestuur, voeding en


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

prestasieverbetering. Die voorlopige program

spog alreeds met ‘n rits sprekers wat spesialiste

en kenners is van onderwerpe soos innoverende

voedingstrategieë, en doelgerigte oplossings

om voerdoeltreffendheid te optimaliseer, dieregesondheid

te verbeter en produktiwiteit te

verhoog.

Die TGR-konferensie beloof om ’n smeltkroes

van kennis, vaardighede en geleenthede te wees.

Of jy nou ’n gesoute of nuweling-veeboer is,

hierdie konferensie is waarskynlik al wat jy nodig

het om jou visie te verbreed sodat jy beter kan

boer en groter winste kan toon. Maar om die beste

waarde uit so ’n konferensie te kry, moet ’n mens

strategies daarvoor voorberei. Volg hierdie stappe:

STAP 1. Navorsing voor die konferensie

Raak voor die geleentheid vertroud met die

program, sprekers en onderwerpe. Identifiseer

sessies wat ooreenstem met jou doelwitte en

behoeftes. Hierdie voorlopige navorsing sal

verseker dat jy die voordeligste dele van die

konferensie prioritiseer.

STAP 2. Stel duidelike doelwitte

Definieer wat jy wil bereik, hetsy of dit is om ’n

nuwe tegniek aan te leer, met bedryfsleiers te

netwerk of meer oor markneigings te wete te kom.

Met duidelike doelwitte kan jy die konferensie

meer doelgerig en doeltreffend aanpak.

STAP 3. Neem aktief deel aan sessies

Neem aktief deel aan sessies deur vrae te vra en

by te dra tot besprekings. Betrokkenheid verseker

’n dieper begrip en moedig skakeling met mededeelnemers

en kundiges aan. Dit omskep passiewe

leer in ’n interaktiewe ervaring.

STAP 4. Neem aantekeninge en skryf inligting

neer

Hou altyd ’n notaboek of digitale toestel byderhand

om aantekeninge te maak. Skryf sleutelpunte,

innoverende idees en potensiële opvolgaksies

neer. Hierdie aantekeninge kan ná die konferensie

as waardevolle verwysings dien.

STAP 5. Netwerk doelbewus

Afgesien van leergeleeenthede, gaan konferensies

veral ook oor die uitbreiding van netwerke. Maak

tyd om te meng, netwerkgeleenthede by te woon

en gesprekke te begin. Poog om waardevolle

kontakte te versamel eerder as om net bloot

besigheidskaartjies uit te ruil.

STAP 6. Besoek uitstallings en stalletjies

Die 2025 TGR-konferensie gaan ’n uitstallingsarea

hê waar nuwe tegnologieë en dienste ten toon

gestel sal word. Maak tyd om hierdie stalletjies

te verken, met insetverskaffers te gesels en die

potensiële voordele van produkte wat vertoon

word te verstaan.

STAP 7. Reflekteer en implementeer ná die

konferensie

Sodra die konferensie verby is, moet jy besin oor

wat jy daaruit kan wegneem. Beplan strategies

om die nuwe tegnieke of tegnologieë in jou

boerderybedrywighede te implementeer. Volg alle

leidrade op en koester nuwe verhoudings.

STAP 8. Deel die nuwe kennis met jou span

Moenie jou nuwe insigte net vir jouself hou nie.

Om te deel wat jy geleer het, is van kardinale

belang. Dra dit wat jy geleer het oor aan jou

werkers, want dit help hulle en versterk ook jou

eie begrip. Dit is ’n wen-wen-situasie waar almal

se kennis verbreed en jou boerdery in die geheel

voordeel trek.

Deelname aan die 2025 TGR-konferensie kan

’n uitstekende groeigeleentheid vir jou wees. Deur

hierdie stappe te volg, kan konferensiegangers

seker maak dat hulle die maksimum waarde uit

die geleentheid kry en die weg na verbeterde

boerderypraktyke en vrugbare professionele verhoudings

baan.

Registreer vandag reeds op die MPO-webwerf

by https://mpo.co.za/tmr-conferenceregistration/

of gesels met LIZE MARIÉ DU

TOIT per e-pos by lizem@mpo.co.za, of skakel

haar op 076 774 1284 om meer te wete te kom. TDM


MILKING IN

MAURITIUS

Mauritius has a relatively small dairy industry, which has developed

significantly over the past few decades. According to the Food and

Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, dairy farming was introduced

to Mauritius in the 1940s by European settlers, and by the 1960s, there were

a small number of commercial dairy farms operating on the island.

However, it was not until the 1990s that the dairy

industry in Mauritius began to expand, with the

government implementing policies to encourage

dairy production and reduce the country's

dependence on imported dairy products.

The cattle population in Mauritius totals around

35 000, comprising various breeds. Of this,

approximately 7 000 are females of producing

age. This industry is generally a low-input system.

The local Creole cattle, a Bos taurus type, are

medium-built, weighing between 300 kg and

450 kg as adults, polled and humpless. They are

mainly white or white-brown, with characteristic

dun, black, or brown spots. Cross-breeding

programmes using artificial insemination and bulls

have resulted in various Friesian-Creole crosses,

with other exotic breeds and their crosses in

smaller numbers.

There are approximately 28 commercial dairy

farms in Mauritius, according to the Mauritius

Livestock Industry Association. Most of these

farms are situated in the central and southern


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

regions of the island, focusing primarily on

producing fresh milk for local consumption. While

the dairy industry is relatively small compared to

other sectors, it plays a crucial role in the country's

food security and rural economy.

Small farms in the villages typically have one

to four cows per household. These cows produce

between 1 200 L and 1 500 L of milk per lactation,

with short lactations (225–250 days), long calving

intervals (15–18 months), and first calving at

around 3–3,5 years of age. The cows are handmilked

twice a day, usually before sunrise and at

sunset. All cattle are kept indoors, and fodder is

brought to them. The stables range from very

simple structures made of poles with thatched

roofs to improved ones with concrete walls and

iron sheet roofs.

The traditional practice among cow keepers

(small-scale cattle owners in the villages) is to feed

their cows mainly on sugar cane tops, abundant

during the sugar cane harvest season (June to

November), along with selected grasses and crop

residues. Throughout the rest of the year, they

feed a mixture of various grasses, creepers, shrubs,

twigs, and crop residues, available in varying

amounts year-round. Most of this forage is highly

fibrous, containing between 4% and 12% crude

protein in dry matter. All forage is collected from

the neighbourhood, and none is cultivated by cow

keepers for use as cattle feed.

The cow keepers form an important socioeconomic

group, supplying about 95% of the

fresh milk produced in the country. This accounts

for approximately 12% of the total consumption,

which amounts to around 90 million litres per

year (including fresh milk and imported milk

powder). Cattle rearing on village smallholdings is

typically a family business and a part-time activity.

This makes the business flexible, as smallholders

can easily add or sell one or two head of cattle

depending on the circumstances.

This is likely a key factor contributing to

continued viability of the cow keeper community,

despite the recent wave of industrialisation and

the accompanying migration of labour from

agriculture to factories. While their numbers have


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BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

decreased compared to a couple of decades ago,

the cow-keeping tradition persists in rural areas,

and people continue to invest in these family

businesses. There remains a steady demand for

fresh milk in both urban and rural areas.

Mauritius has a subtropical climate with

relatively little seasonal variation in temperature.

Summers are hot and humid, while winters

are mild and comfortable. Dairy farms can be

established nationwide, provided the relevant

permits are obtained and the site is located

away from residential areas. However, due to

the island’s climatic conditions, the most suitable

locations for setting up dairy farms are the central

plateau, as well as the north and south regions of

the country.

Mauritius allows 100% foreign ownership and

has no exchange control. The US dollar, euro,

British pound, and South African rand are all freely

exchangeable. The country boasts some of the

lowest tax rates globally, with a corporate income

tax rate of only 15%. This rate applies to dividends

from foreign companies involved in business

activities with Mauritius and processing activities.

There is no tax on capital gains or dividends for

companies headquartered in Mauritius.

Work permits for managers or workers

can be obtained, but the country prefers local

employment to boost job numbers. Permanent

residency is available for individuals who invest

over R4 million in Mauritius. TDM


Prettige MPO

Oos-Kaap

MELKFEES-

LEKKERTE

deur Hanlie du Plessis

Die MPO Oos-Kaap Melkfees is nou al ’n instelling en ’n groot,

groot lekkerte in die Gamtoos-vallei. In 2024 Sou die fees sy derde

bestaansjaar gevier het, maar die ernstige bek-en-klouseer-uitbreking in

die provinsie het ’n stokkie daarvoor gesteek en die feesvieringe moes

uitgestel word. Die derde jaarlikse MPO Melkfees het op 1–2 Maart

vanjaar weer by die Gamtoos Ferry Hotel in die Oos-Kaap plaasgevind.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Die Melkfees het ten doel om die gemeenskap

opnuut bewus te maak van die waardevolle rol

wat melk, die natuurlike superkos, in voeding

speel. Albei dae van die feesprogram was propvol

suiwelverwante feestelikhede en aktiwiteite

– soos kursusse om kaas en jogurt te maak,

Duitse Herdershond-demonstrasies, ’n kans vir

die dorpsjapies om lewendige kalfies van nader

te bekyk, inkopies by ’n groot verskeidenheid

stalletjies te doen, weg te lê aan heerlike

eetgoed, en om ’n vermaakprogram met bekende

kunstenaars soos Jackie Louw, Jo Black, Chris

Steyn, Barto en Tino op die verhoog te geniet.

Nog hoogtepunte op vanjaar se Melkfeesprogram

was die kroning van die heel eerste

Meneer en Juffrou Melkfees, en die immergewilde

melktert-eet-kompetisie. ’n Hele klomp brawe

soettand-lekkerbekke het weereens vanjaar

vir die melktert-eet-kompetisie ingeskryf. Elke

deelnemer het ’n volgrootte melktert gekry wat

hulle so vinnig moontlik moes verorber – tot groot

vermaak van die toeskouers.

Anri Wolmarans is die streekbestuurder van

die MPO in die Oos-Kaap en ook die organiseerder

van die Melkfees. Volgens haar is die Melkfees

’n manifestering van ’n wonderlike gevoel van

samehorigheid en samewerking tussen die

melkboere, die insetverskaffers, die borge en die

Gamtoos-gemeenskap.

Sy noem die name van ’n ellelang lys van

mense wat elke jaar die ekstra myl vir die fees

loop en sonder wie die fees, volgens Anri, nie

sou kon plaasvind nie. Wicus Joubert van Nova

Veevoere is een van hulle. Die maatskappy tree

al sedert die eerste Melkfees as naamborg vir

die geleentheid op en Wicus vertel meer oor hul

betrokkenheid: “Nova Veevoere is baie betrokke

by die melkbedryf en bied al vir langer as 60 jaar

innoverende voeroplossings aan melkboere.

Ons sien onsself nie net as 'n voervervaardiger

nie, maar dra ook by tot die suiwelbedryf in die

geheel. Die Melkfees bied vir ons die geleentheid

om waarde toe te voeg en terug te gee aan die

bedryf en die gemeenskap. Ons is trots om die



BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

hoofborg van die Die MPO Oos-Kaap Melkfees te

kan wees.”

Nedbank is ook een van die fees se belangrike

borge en Derrick Sissons, landboubestuurder by

Nedbank Kommersiële Bank, vertel: "Die jaarlikse

MPO Melkfees is ’n feestelike geleentheid waarby

die suiwelbedryf en plaaslike besighede betrokke

is. Nedbank is trots om een van die korporatiewe

borge te wees en by te dra tot die sukses van

die Melkfees. Dit is vir ons 'n voorreg om so

’n progressiewe inisiatief te ondersteun waar

die oorsprong van die fees diep in die landbou

gewortel is. Dit is vir Nedbank ’n manier om

terug te gee aan ’n gemeenskap wat ons goed

ondersteun, en ook ’n gulde geleentheid om

saam met van ons vele vriende in die bedryf te

kuier. Ons vennootskapsbenadering beteken

dat ons elke moontlike geleentheid aangryp om

met ons kliënte, landbou-organisasies en ander

belanghebbendes in gesprek te tree, en die MPO

Oos-Kaap Melkfees is 'n prettige, gesellige manier

om dit te doen."

Volgens Anri verrig Apex Synergy elke

jaar wondere met die bemarking van die fees.

Nicolette Gerber van Apex Synergy sê: “Dit was

vir ons ’n groot eer om betrokke te kon wees

by die bemarking van die 2025 MPO Melkfees.

Ons is passievolle ondersteuners van die

landboubedryf en het groot waardering vir die

uiters belangrike rol wat melkboerdery in ons

gemeenskap speel. Dit was weereens vanjaar vir

ons ’n vreugde om die wonderlike verhouding

tussen die insetverskaffers en die organiseerders

te kon aanskou en bevorder. Ons sien met groot

verwagting uit na die 2026 Melkfees en is vol

vertroue dat die fees net sal aanhou groei om nog

groter en meer suksesvol te word.”

Van die ander borge wat ook ’n baie belangrike

rol in die die Melkfees se sukses speel is King

Price, Absa, Humansdorp Toyota, GWK, Waikato,

OVK, Ecowise, Sinani, Dairy Group, Tractor

Land, GEA, Afgri, John Deere, Lactalis, Cargill,

Gamtoos Water en Landini. Of dit elektriese installasies,

terreinversorging, die bemanning van

sekuriteitspunte of die vervoer van die kunstenaars

was, almal is deurentyd meer as gewillig om te

help.

“Hierdie mense is ons industrie-vennote

en in samewerking met die hele MPO-span en

die melkboere in ons gemeenskap breek ons

jaar na jaar rekords met die feesganger- en

uitstallersgetalle. Baie, baie dankie aan elkeen

van julle, sonder hierdie grootse poging van

samewerking sou die MPO Melkfees in die Oos-

Kaap nooit kon plaasvind nie,” sê ’n dankbare

Anri Wolmarans. TDM



KORTLIKS/BRIEFLY

TLU SA JONGBOER-

KONFERENSIE

Die TLU SA Jongboerkonferensie

2025 het op 14 Maart, by Future

Africa, Universiteit van Pretoria,

plaasgevind. Hierdie dinamiese

geleentheid het meer as 120

jongboere bymekaar gebring vir

’n propvol program wat fokus op die tema van

vanjaar se konferensie – Die denkwyse van die

moderne boer.

Sprekers soos Wian Süllwald, TLU SA se

2024 Jongboer van die Jaar, Jaco Cilliers van

ProAgri, Johann Pretorius, uitvoerende hoof

van Farming Portal, Pieter Kleingeld van NWK,

Phile van Zyl van ZZ2, Laurika du Bois van Agri

Skills Transfer en megaboer George Barnard

het almal insiggewende gedagtes rondom Die

denkwyse van die moderne boer gedeel.

Jaco Cilliers het gesels oor die belangrikheid

daarvan om betrokke te raak by TLU SA en

georganiseerde landbou. Volgens Cilliers is dit

noodsaaklik om aktief deel te neem wanneer jy

by strukture betrokke raak, hand op te steek, op

komitees te dien en kundigheid te deel. “Sluit

aan, word lid, en neem deel aan forums,

werksessies en komitees. Boerdery is nie net ’n

beroep nie; dis ’n roeping,” het hy beklemtoon.

Johann Pretorius het sy perspektiewe gedeel

oor die vrou se stem in landbou, terwyl Phile

van Zyl van ZZ2 jongboere uitgedaag het om

buite die boks te dink en alternatiewe markte

te ontgin.

Clemens Senekal, voorsitter van die TLU

SA Jongboerkomitee, het gesê dat die Jongboerkonferensie

’n perfekte geleentheid is vir

jongboere om bymekaar te kom en saam te

gesels oor die pad vorentoe.

Boer George Barnard het met konferensiegangers

gesels oor ’n denkwyse vir groei, en die

konferensie afgesluit met Spreuke 4:23. “Bewaak

jou hart meer as alles wat bewaar moet word,

want daaruit is die oorspronge van die lewe.”

Clemens Senekal is weer as die Jongboerkomitee-voorsitter

aangewys met Wian

Süllwald is as ondervoorsitter en sy vrou,

Irmarie Süllwald as sekretaris.

Read all about the MPO’s activities in each issue of The Dairy Mail.


NEDBANK’S POINT OF VIEW ON HOW TO ENSURE

THAT AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TRANSLATE INTO

A STRONGER AGRICULTURAL GDP

by John Hudson, Nedbank national head agriculture

On average the agricultural sector has

outperformed South Africa’s total gross

domestic product (GDP) growth over the

past 20 years. And, while having experienced

a tough 2 years, agriculture has delivered

record exports. This is an interesting

contradiction and it’s worth exploring the

dynamics behind it.

In South Africa, we generate a substantial

share of agricultural revenue from exports,

with more than 50% of our agricultural

produce by value exported. Exports simply

take US dollar revenue into account, while

sector performance is impacted by both

revenue and costs. For instance, port

inefficiencies cost the pome fruit industry

R1 billion through additional cost in the value

chain and quality claims, and electricity and

labour costs rose, as did feed costs with the

smaller summer crop due to drought. All

these factors negatively influenced the GDP

contribution from agriculture, but not the

revenue from exports.

To grow the sector, we need both

local consumption and exports to grow.

Local consumption is still subdued but the

prospects for economic growth are

encouraging. The importance of export

markets to the South African agriculture

sector cannot be denied and, with the

extreme volatility being experienced on the

global stage, it brings into sharp focus the

need to grow and diversify market access.

Of course, developing new markets

alone is not enough to boost the global

competitiveness of South Africa’s excellent

agricultural produce. Infrastructure constraints

continue to present a significant challenge,

and we need to invest urgently in creating

more efficient port and rail systems and

logistics networks to support increasing

trading volumes and boost economic growth.

Biosecurity also remains a hindrance, and

intense focus on addressing and curtailing

both animal and plant health is critical.

The hurdles that must be overcome to

ensure the long-term competitiveness and

sustainability of the agricultural sector are

complex – it will take a strategic approach

and substantial investment to overcome

them. But our primary producers, secondary

agribusinesses and sector organisations

have shown time and again that they are

absolutely committed to the task. Now it’s

time for policymakers to follow suit.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Dairy Economic Indicators

Monitoring

DAIRY RETAIL PRICES

by Jade Smith, MPO economist

The MPO compiled the following figures to provide an overview of the average retail prices for dairy

products from 2023 to February 2025. Prices for fresh and long-life milk as well as Cheddar cheese

decreased marginally between December 2024 and February 2025. (Source: BMI as supplied by

Agri Inspec).

Figure 1 Clover 2 L fresh full-cream milk prices

R 41,00

R 40,00

R 39,00

R 38,00

R 37,00

R 36,00

R 35,00

R 34,00

R 33,00

R 32,00

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2023 R 37,23 R 34,91 R 35,85 R 34,80 R 35,92 R 37,53 R 36,92 R 36,45 R 35,95 R 35,18 R 36,12 R 36,13

2024 R 36,57 R 36,35 R 38,26 R 36,69 R 38,17 R 39,14 R 37,77 R 38,57 R 37,53 R 36,08 R 36,37 R 36,59

2025 R 35,99 R 36,67

J The price of a Clover 2 L fresh milk in retail stores increased by 2% from January to February 2025.

J In February 2025, Clover was the most expensive brand to purchase at R36,67, compared to other

brands.

J Additionally, prices increased by 5% and 0,9% when compared to the same period in 2023 and

2024, respectively.


Figure 2 Douglasdale 2 L fresh full-cream milk prices

R 40,00

R 39,00

R 38,00

R 37,00

R 36,00

R 35,00

R 34,00

R 33,00

R 32,00

R 31,00

R 30,00


2023 R 31,82 R 32,90 R 34,08 R 33,59 R 34,74 R 36,59 R 33,10 R 32,99 R 35,99 R 35,19 R 35,09 R 34,74

2024 R 35,29 R 36,09 R 35,69 R 34,70 R 34,79 R 35,62 R 35,49 R 36,37 R 36,28 R 36,74 R 34,49 R 36,99

2025 R 35,37 R 34,99

J Douglasdale was the only brand to experience a downward price movement of R2,00 from

December 2024 to February 2025.

J In February 2025, Douglasdale 2 L fresh milk cost R2,09 more than in the same period in 2022,

compared to a price decrease of R1,10 in 2023.

J The price of Douglasdale 2 L fresh milk increased by R3,55 when comparing January 2023 to

January 2025.

Figure 3 Department’s own brand (DOB) 2 L fresh full-cream milk prices

R 38,00

R 37,00

R 36,00

R 35,00

R 34,00

R 33,00

R 32,00

R 31,00

R 30,00

R 29,00


2023 R 32,09 R 33,74 R 34,49 R 34,37 R 35,53 R 34,46 R 35,89 R 35,95 R 35,95 R 36,22 R 34,89 R 35,07

2024 R 35,06 R 35,26 R 34,86 R 36,67 R 37,34 R 36,68 R 36,63 R 35,16 R 36,34 R 35,85 R 34,96 R 34,99

2025 R 35,38 R 35,09

J Similar price trends were followed for both DOB and Douglasdale.

J DOB experienced the smallest price movement of R0,29 between January and February 2025.

J When comparing the first two months of 2024 and 2025, similar price trends were observed.

Overall, Douglasdale and DOBs were the only brands with prices below R36,00 for a 2 L fresh

milk, while Clover averaged R36,33.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Figure 4 Clover 1 L ultra-high temperature (UHT) processed milk prices

R 22,00

R 21,00

R 20,00

R 19,00

R 18,00

R 17,00

R 16,00

R 15,00


2023 R 18,83 R 19,05 R 19,25 R 19,58 R 20,81 R 20,91 R 21,05 R 21,10 R 20,93 R 20,37 R 20,60 R 20,45

2024 R 20,38 R 20,37 R 21,07 R 19,57 R 21,15 R 21,30 R 21,41 R 21,29 R 21,13 R 20,85 R 20,61 R 21,49

2025 R 20,86 R 20,66

J Clover was the only brand to experience a downward price movement of R0,89 from December

2024 to February 2025.

J April 2024 was the only month in the year to experience a price below R20,00.

J The largest price variation of R2,03 was experienced between January 2023 and January 2025.

Figure 5 Parmalat 1 L UHT milk prices

R 24,00

R 23,00

R 22,00

R 21,00

R 20,00

R 19,00

R 18,00

R 17,00

R 16,00

R 15,00


2023 R 18,89 R 19,72 R 19,82 R 20,29 R 20,18 R 20,75 R 20,41 R 20,96 R 21,18 R 21,42 R 21,25 R 21,28

2024 R 21,16 R 21,72 R 22,23 R 22,40 R 22,44 R 22,62 R 22,93 R 22,69 R 22,02 R 21,96 R 21,96 R 22,19

2025 R 21,88 R 21,88

J The price of the Parmalat brand remained constant at R21,88 in both January and February 2025.

J Parmalat was the most expensive brand to purchase from 2023 to February 2025, with prices

exceeding R22,00 in 2024.

J The largest price variation of R2,52 was experienced between July 2023 and 2024.


Figure 6 Crystal Valley 1 L UHT milk prices

R 22,00

R 21,00

R 20,00

R 19,00

R 18,00

R 17,00

R 16,00

R 15,00


2023 R 16,32 R 16,35 R 16,85 R 16,58 R 16,49 R 16,98 R 17,05 R 17,21 R 17,14 R 17,06 R 17,18 R 17,04

2024 R 16,97 R 17,11 R 17,48 R 17,40 R 17,33 R 18,18 R 18,33 R 18,55 R 18,80 R 18,59 R 18,41 R 18,59

2025 R 18,17 R 18,33

J Crystal Valley is the only brand to experience a price increase of 0,9% from January to February

2025.

J Although prices increased in 2025, Crystal Valley remains the cheapest brand to purchase, with

its price remaining below R19,00.

J January 2024 was the last month to show a price below R17,00, followed by an 8% increase up

to February 2025.

Overall, Crystal Valley was R2,33 and R3,55 cheaper compared to Clover and Parmalat, respectively.

Figure 7 Lancewood Cheddar cheese price/kg

R 180,00

R 170,00

R 160,00

R 150,00

R 140,00

R 130,00

R 120,00

R 110,00

R 100,00


2023 R 137,95 R 150,76 R 151,99 R 154,99 R 150,98 R 144,15 R 149,72 R 156,66 R 153,20 R 150,90 R 155,99 R 159,55

2024 R 154,99 R 153,99 R 152,32 R 169,37 R 168,80 R 160,60 R 163,70 R 154,90 R 155,40 R 138,78 R 164,44 R 164,99

2025 R 167,41 R 165,81

J In February 2025, the price per kilogram of Lancewood Cheddar increased by 10% compared to

the same period in 2023, and by 8% compared to 2024.

J The prices for both January and February 2025 shifted upwards, compared to the same period in

2023 and 2024.

J The largest price variation of R29,46 was observed between January 2023 and January 2025.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Figure 8 Parmalat Cheddar cheese price/kg

R 180,00

R 170,00

R 160,00

R 150,00

R 140,00

R 130,00

R 120,00

R 110,00

R 100,00


2023 R 135,31 R 143,08 R 141,12 R 148,05 R 145,64 R 152,60 R 150,77 R 153,77 R 152,51 R 151,92 R 151,08 R 153,42

2024 R 153,10 R 154,98 R 155,98 R 154,68 R 161,27 R 156,68 R 161,60 R 157,51 R 162,46 R 161,50 R 160,46 R 156,63

2025 R 163,83 R 162,94

J In February 2025, Parmalat Cheddar cheese was R0,89 cheaper than in January.

J Similar price trends were observed from 2023 to February 2025, with the largest price variation

of R28,52 occurring between January 2023 and January 2025.

J In February 2025, a price increase of 14% and 5% was observed compared to the same period in

2023 and 2024, respectively.

Figure 9 Elite Cheddar cheese price/kg

R 180,00

R 170,00

R 160,00

R 150,00

R 140,00

R 130,00

R 120,00

R 110,00

R 100,00


2023 R 133,91 R 131,42 R 127,42 R 125,77 R 127,16 R 139,13 R 133,84 R 138,30 R 136,24 R 140,13 R 136,66 R 136,66

2024 R 144,28 R 149,16 R 142,13 R 151,65 R 138,32 R 138,99 R 139,99 R 156,66 R 139,99 R 149,99 R 148,32 R 148,99

2025 R 149,99 R 159,99

J The price for Elite Cheddar has shifted upwards with R10,00 p/kg between January and February 2025.

J February 2025 experienced the highest price to date, marking a 22% and 7% increase compared to

the same period in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

J Although the price increased, Elite Cheddar remained the cheapest brand to purchase.

Overall, Lancewood Cheddar cheese prices per kilogram was R2,87 and R5,82 more expensive

compared to Parmalat and Elite Cheddar.

For more information on the trading environment, contact JADE SMITH, economist at the MPO at

jade@mpo.co.za TDM


DAIRY

DIGITS

MARCH 2025

Table 1 Key market indicators

Item Period Value

Dairy Digits is a Milk SA feature. It is also available

on the Milk SA website: milksa.co.za.

Percentage change

(same period previous year)

Unprocessed milk purchased (’000 tonnes) 2023 1 3 339 –0,3%

Unprocessed milk purchased (’000 tonnes) 2024 1 3 456 +3,49%

Unprocessed milk purchased (’000 tonnes) estimate Jan 25 1 290 +1,16%

Unprocessed milk purchased (’000 tonnes) estimate Jan 25 1 290 +1,16%

Dairy imports (’000 tonnes) 2023 2 48,5 –8,32%

Dairy imports (’000 tonnes) Jan 24 2 –Dec 24 2 33,9 –30,10%

Dairy exports (’000 tonnes) 2023 2 56,1 +8,10%

Dairy exports (’000 tonnes) Jan 24 2 –Dec 24 2 53,5 –4,63%

Dairy exports inclusive of sales to other SACU countries (’000 tonnes) 5 Jan 24 2 –Dec 24 2 191,8 –0,05%

Producer price index of unprocessed milk (base Dec 23 = 100) 3 Jan 25 3 95,8 –5,4%

Farm requisite price index (base 2015 = 100) 4 Jul 24 4 128,6 –5,5%

Producer price index of dairy products (base Dec 23 = 100) 3 Jan 25 3 104,6 +3,8%

Source:

1

Milk SA returns

2

SARS statistics supplied by SAMPRO

3

Stats SA PPI index

4

Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural

Development (DALRRD) price index of farm requisites

5

SARS statistics supplied by Agri Inspec

Figure 1 International dairy product prices (free on board), Jan 2014–Feb 2025

150 000

130 000

Source:

USDA price surveys,

exchange rate South African

Reserve Bank middle rates,

last month – average of

daily closing values.

110 000

Rand per tonne

90 000

70 000

50 000

Butter

SMP

Cheddar

FMP

30 000

10 000

Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19 Jan-20 Jan-21 Jan-22 Jan-23 Jan-24 Jan-25

Acronyms and abbreviations: Milk South Africa (Milk SA) • Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) • South African Milk Processors’ Organisation

(SAMPRO) • Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) • South African Revenue Service (SARS) • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

• producer price index (PPI) • consumer price index (CPI) • Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD)

• full-cream milk powder (FMP) • skimmed milk powder (SMP) • ultra-high temperature (UHT) processed


DAIRY DIGITS

Figure 2 Monthly unprocessed milk purchase trends, Jan 2021–Jan 2025

360

340

Source:

Milk SA statistics.

Note: Each year's figures

are assessed, reviewed, and

finalised by 31 March of

the ensuing year.

320

'000 Tonnes

300

280

260

2025*

2024*

2024

2023

2022

240

220

Jan Feb March Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

* Last two months preliminary:

sample survey

* Feb 2024 = 29 days

Figure 3 Monthly cumulative net imports, milk equivalent, Jan 2020–Dec 2024

200

150

Source:

MPO calculation

from SARS data

supplied by

SAMPRO.

1000 t milk equivalent

100

50

0

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

-50

-100

Figure 4 PPI indices of unprocessed milk and dairy products, and the CPI of milk, cheese, and eggs, Jan 2014–Jan 2025

230

210

190

Source:

Stats SA PPI and

CPI information,

statssa.gov.za.

Index (2012 = 100)

170

150

130

Dairy products PPI (fresh milk,

UHT, cheddar, yoghurt)

Unprocessed milk PPI

110

Milk, cheese & eggs, CPI

90

Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19 Jan-20 Jan-21 Jan-22 Jan-23 Jan-24 Jan-25

This publication is compiled from sources that are deemed reliable. However, Milk SA and the contributors to the publication accept no responsibility

for the accuracy of the information. The information is, furthermore, intended to provide market signals only and Milk SA indemnifies itself against any

actions based on this information.


MANURE

EVALUATION:

A practical guide

for dairy farmers


PRODUKSIE • PRODUCTION

by Caitlyn de Vos, ruminant development

manager, Vitam International

Manure is more than just a by-product of dairy production – it is a

valuable indicator of cow health, digestion, and feed efficiency.

Mature cows provide ample opportunities

for manure evaluation, passing faeces

once every 1,5 to 2 hours and producing

over 45 kg daily. While not an exact science,

observing fresh, undisturbed manure during daily

walks can reveal key insights into rumen function

and diet digestion, as changes in manure are

typically related to the diet. Specifically, where,

what, how, and to what extent feed is fermented

and digested.

By understanding a cow’s digestive system

and the factors that cause changes in manure

appearance, we can interpret what is happening

and make the necessary improvements to ration

formulation and management for better herd

performance.

Practical steps for manure evaluation

Assess manure from about 10% of the herd or

group to gather enough information. Consistency

is key! While some variation and diurnal changes

in manure are normal, variation exceeding 5%

indicates that all cows are not consuming the

same ration. Manure can be evaluated by visual

inspection or examining washed and sieved

manure.

The 3 Cs of manure evaluation

CONSISTENCY

Manure consistency depends on water content

and is a function of feed type, moisture, nutrient

and fibre content, and passage rate. Normal

manure has a porridge-like consistency, forming

a dome-shaped pile, between 2,5 cm and 5 cm

high, with a slight indentation in the centre when

freshly dropped. Take a half step into a manure

pile. You have the ideal consistency if no footprint

is left in the pile and manure does not stick when

lifting your boot. Nutritionists will often use a

five-point manure scoring system (Table 1), with a

score of 3 being optimal for lactating dairy cows.

Scores under 2 and over 4 are undesirable and

may reflect a need to rebalance the ration or even

indicate a health problem. Note that the ideal

manure score shifts as cows progress through

lactation.

COLOUR

Manure colour varies with feed type, bile

concentration, passage rate, and health disorders.

Recognising what is ‘normal’ for the current diet

helps identify variations indicating a need for

action. Manure is dark green when cattle graze

fresh forage, darkens to a brown-olive with hay,

and is yellow-olive in colour when consuming a

total mixed ration. Diarrhoea can turn faeces grey,

while medications can cause abnormal colours.

Dark or bloody manure can signal gastrointestinal

bleeding caused by watery dysentery, mycotoxins,

or coccidiosis. Bacterial infections, such as

salmonella, can cause light-green or yellowish

watery manure.


Table 1 Manure scoring and possible dietary causes

1

Manure Score Manure appearance Possible causes

• Very liquid, pea soup consistency

• No rings or dimpling

• Manure puddles or runs

• Manure may 'arc’ from the cow

• Excess protein or starch

• Insufficient fibre

• High passage rate

• Excess hindgut fermentation

• Excess minerals (K, Na)

• Rumen dysfunction

• Disease/mycotoxins

2

• Does not pile, runny

• Less than 2,5 cm deep

• Appearance of rings

• Splatters when it hits the ground

• Same as above

• Lush pasture

3

• Optimal score

• Porridge-like consistency

• Stands 2,5–5 cm high

• Concentric rings and dimples in the

middle

• Makes a 'plopping' sound

• Well-balanced ration

• Ideal score for a lactating dairy cow

4

• Manure is thicker, will stick to your shoe

• No dimpling

• Concentric shiny rings

• Lack of rumen-degradable protein

• Lack of water intake

• Low starch

• Slow passage rate

• Excess fibre/low-quality roughages

• Dry cow or heifer manure (low producers)

5

• Firm manure balls

• Stacks 5–10 cm high

• Same as score 4

• Dehydration

CONTENTS

The final ‘C’ to inspect is content. Ideally, manure

should indicate the uniform digestion and

utilisation of the feed offered to the cow. However,

sometimes cows might not digest the feed they

could have and, potentially, digestible material

ends up in the manure, suggesting problems with

rumen function, excessive hindgut fermentation,

feed processing, or feeding management.

Rumination and microbial digestion in the rumen

determine feed particle size; when cows do not

consume enough fibre to maintain rumination and

rumen function, digestibility is reduced, and feed

can pass through the rumen quicker and in larger

particles than it should. Hindgut fermentation is of

little nutritional value to dairy cows and generates

gas and acids that cause diarrhoea and bubbly

or foamy manure. Dragging your boot over a

manure pat may reveal shiny rope-like mucus that

moves after your boot sweeps the pile, known as

a mucin cast (Figure 1). This is sloughed-off mucin



Figure 1 Mucin cast visible in fresh manure pat

or fibrin, produced to protect the hindgut when

damaged. These signal chronic inflammation and

damage to the hindgut, possibly caused by low

pH from excessive hindgut fermentation, though

mycotoxins or disease may also be factors. Note

that mucin casts can appear in manure of any

consistency.

Physical evaluation

After the 3 Cs inspection, a closer inspection of

the manure can reveal more about digestive

efficiency. Walking through the cows, collect at

least five fresh manure samples that represent

the group of cows. Mix them and place a 500 g

sample in a manure sieve or a kitchen strainer

with an aperture of between 1,25 cm and 2 cm.

Using a hose, wash a gentle but steady stream of

warm water over the sieve, passing across the

sample continuously until the water runs clear.

Rinsed manure should appear ‘fuzzy’ with fine

particles and minimal recognisable feed present.

Large identifiable feed particles suggest room

for improving feed efficiency, milk production, or

components. Examine the remaining material for:

• Long fibre particles: Inevitably, some long

fibre particles will be present, but if most exceed

1,25 cm, it may reflect inadequate rumination,

sorting behaviour, inadequate feed mixing,

poor roughage quality, an imbalanced ration

with excess grain, or insufficient effective fibre

to maintain the rumen mat and adequate cud

chewing.

• Grains or maize kernels: Due to high feed

intake, rapid passage rate, and high-grain diets,

some undigested grain is expected in highproducing

dairy cows. Assess manure for any

remaining grain to evaluate how well it was

processed and if cows are utilising it. Grains

that are whole or hard may suggest a need

for additional processing or grinding. Properly

processed grain, including maize kernels from

silage, should be well-digested. If white starch

remains, feed value is lost; this could result

from too fast a passage rate. If undigested

maize grain becomes particularly evident, or if

a pale white colour is observed on the surface

of dried manure, performing a faecal starch

analysis is advisable. A rule of thumb is that

for each 1% increase in faecal starch above 3%,

milk yield can be reduced by 0,3 kg/cow.

Final thoughts

It is not science, but manure evaluation is a simple

and valuable tool for dairy farmers. By routinely

keeping an eye on what cows leave behind,

alongside careful monitoring of herd health,

performance, behaviour, and feeding practices,

farmers can detect nutritional imbalances and

digestive challenges early, and make informed

decisions to optimise nutrition and support a

healthier, more productive herd.

References are available from the author on

request. TDM

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PROFITABILITY

through amino

acid balancing

for dairy cows

by Ranier van Heerden

Today’s dairy producers are constantly pressured

to function more efficiently. These pressures

result from highly irregular climatic and economic

conditions, including increased public awareness

of environmental impacts and animal welfare.

Substantial attention is placed on protein and

amino acid nutrition of dairy cows due to the

negative effects excessive nitrogen excretion

has on the environment, the cost of protein

supplements, and increasing public demand for

milk protein. These pressures could partly be

alleviated by increasing the efficiency with which

dairy cows utilise protein and amino acids to meet

the cow’s requirements for absorbed amino acids,

satisfy public demand for milk protein, and reduce

nitrogen excretion into the environment.

Introduction

Dietary crude protein (CP) in dairy diets refers

to the total nitrogen (N) content of the feed

multiplied by a factor of 6,25, based on the

assumption that all protein contains 16% N.

Crude protein represents a collective term for

N-containing compounds [i.e. non-protein



Figure 1 Overview of protein metabolism in dairy cows

Diet:

Forage/Grains

Dietary protein

Saliva

Urea

Rumen

RUP

Protein

2

Non-protein N

K 5

d

Amino acids K 5

d

Ammonia

Rumen protected amino acids

RDP 1 EndoCP 3 Bioavailability/Efficiency of absorption

SCFA 7

Bacterial Protein

Metabolisable energy

Ruminal K 6

p

k p

6

Intestines

Protein/MP 4

Amino Acids

faeces

Undigested feed and

microbial nitrogen

Metabolic Faecal

nitrogen

Urea recycling

Urea

Ammonia

Urea

Ruminal wall

Portal blood (To liver)

Liver

Amino Acids

Glucose (GNEO 8 )

Kidney

Urinary nitrogen

Amino Acids

Maintenance

Protein-anabolism and catabolism

Muscles/ Tissue)

Bodily Protein

General Circulation

1 Rumen degradable protein; 2 Rumen undegradable protein; 3 Enodgenous crude-protein; 4 Metabolisbale protein; 5 Rate of degradation/utilisation; 6 Ruminal passage rate/utilisation efficiency;

7 Short chain fatty acids; 8 Gluconeogenisis

N (NPN, e.g. urea, ammonium sulphate),

soluble protein, rumen-degradable protein

(RDP), and rumen-undegradable protein [RUP;

bypass protein)]. Each protein fraction can

be divided further into sub-classes based on

different digestion kinetics, including the rate of

degradation in the rumen and rate of passage out

of the rumen.

Rumen-degradable protein is broken down in

the rumen to by-products [i.e. peptides, amino

acids (AA) and ammonia] and utilised by microbes

as essential nutrients. Rumen microbes also require

fermentable metabolisable energy to ferment

plant-based fibre to volatile fatty acids (i.e. acetic,

propionic, and butyric acids), which supply between

60% and 75% of the cows daily metabolisable

energy requirements. The RUP fraction not

degraded in the rumen, combined with microbes

leaving the rumen and endogenous proteins,

represents metabolisable protein (MP). Microbial

protein accounts for between 50% and 80% of

the total MP reaching the cow’s small intestine.

After MP reaches the cow’s small intestine,

it is broken down enzymatically to various AA

[essential (EAA) and non-essential (NEAA)],

which can be absorbed and used for maintenance,

growth, gestation and lactation. Each individual AA

is absorbed and utilised for various functions (i.e.

milk protein yield) with different efficiencies and

is also influenced by other factors (i.e. cow status,

level of performance, diet composition). Figure 1

shows a basic overview of protein metabolism in

dairy cows. It is clear that cows do not have a CP

requirement per se, but rather a requirement for

MP, specifically the EAA content thereof.

Implication of oversupplying dietary

protein to dairy cows

Ruminants have lower N use efficiency than

other species, with only around 25% to 35% of

total dietary N consumed by dairy cows being

excreted as milk protein. The remaining portion

is excreted as urinary-N and faecal-N, with most

N excreted via urine. An estimated 60% to 80%

of urinary-N is in the form of urea. Faecal-N is

converted to ammonia by bacterial degradation,

and these bacteria secrete urease, which

converts urinary urea to ammonia. This leads to

ammonia volatilisation, influenced by atmospheric

temperature, air speed, manure or urine pH,

floor space, and manure moisture content. This

threatens air quality and contributes to surface

water eutrophication, nitrate contamination, and

the acidification of soil and water. In gaseous

form, ammonia can bond with nitric and sulphuric

acids to form ammonium nitrate and ammonium

sulphate, which are linked to respiratory problems

in humans.




oversupply of dietary CP and/or an imbalance of

AA, which could harm animal performance and the

environment. Therefore, it is recommended that

dairy diets be balanced for AA.

Excess dietary N affects both the environment

and the cow, as there is a high metabolic energy

cost associated with excreting N as urea in urine.

This could reduce production outputs due to less

available energy for production. Excess ammonia

in the rumen is absorbed and transported to the

liver, where it is converted to urea. Urea moves

freely through cell membranes by diffusion,

increasing blood urea-N (BUN) and consequently

milk urea-N (MUN) levels. Drastically increased

BUN levels negatively affect cow reproduction

and performance. The implications of oversupplying

dietary N in dairy cow diets extend

beyond environmental pollution and reduced cow

performance, health, and reproduction, resulting

in major economic losses due to the high cost of

unutilised protein and energy supplements.

Why do we tend to overfeed dietary

protein?

Both methionine and lysine have consistently been

identified as the two most limiting AA for lactating

dairy cows (Lean et al., 2018). To address these

AA limitations, nutritionists often use high-quality

plant- and/or animal-based protein supplements in

a ‘shot-gun’ approach to improve the level and AA

profile of duodenal MP and supply a theoretically

optimal lysine-to-methionine ratio. However,

studies where RUP was increased or replaced RDP

have yielded variable results, perhaps due to an

Balancing diets for essential amino acid:

Dairy cows require specific post-ruminal absorbed

AA, while rumen microbes need various nitrogencontaining

compounds (e.g. peptides, AA, and

ammonia). When formulating diets, the goal is

to optimise the AA profile of MP reaching the

cow’s small intestine, particularly essential AA like

methionine (Met). Improving cow performance,

health, and sustainability is achievable by

decreasing dietary CP levels, optimising rumen

fermentation and microbial protein production,

altering the passage of essential AA to the small

intestine, increasing AA utilisation efficiency, and/

or modifying the rumen microflora involved in

peptide degradation and AA deamination.

Recent research shows that ignoring AA

balance when formulating diets increases costs.

Balancing for AA is becoming more widely

accepted because of the positive impacts on

lactation performance, reproduction, future

lactations, and calf performance (Cardoso, 2021),

especially considering methionine (Batistel et al.,

2017).

Suggestions and recommendations for

protein and AA nutrition

• Monitor the barn, parlour, and feed mixing

area: Early signs of sub-optimal protein supply

include lower-than-expected milk production

and quality, low peak milk in early lactation,

poor persistency in later lactation, and milk urea

nitrogen (MUN) levels outside the 8–14 mg/dl

range.

• Evaluate cow manure regularly: Excessive RDP

intake may cause loose manure, while darker

and/or drier manure suggests heat-damaged

silage or roughage. Feed sorting at the bunk is

often overlooked and can lead to inconsistent

protein intake within a pen.

• Establish the optimal essential amino acid (EAA)

concentration in MP: Formulate diets based on


lactation stage, production level, pregnancy

status, and production system. Lower-producing

cows (e.g. later lactation) have reduced protein

and amino acid needs compared to highproducing

or early-lactation cows.

• Optimise rumen function and microbial protein

yield: Since microbial protein has a superior

amino acid profile (Sok et al., 2017), especially

for lysine and methionine, formulate diets to

maximise microbial CP yield. Monitor histidine

levels, especially in grass- and legume-based

diets where microbial histidine tends to be low.

• Use high-quality dietary protein sources:

These are typically rich in lysine or methionine.

Incorporate diverse feedstuffs to reduce

inaccuracies in nutrient estimates. As cow

performance increases, microbial protein alone

meets a smaller proportion of EAA requirements.

• Utilise supplemental rumen-protected amino

acids: To meet EAA needs (e.g. methionine)

and the optimal lysine-to-methionine ratio in

MP, use rumen-protected amino acids. Ensure

accurate economic evaluations by verifying the

product’s rumen-bypass rate, bioavailability,

and metabolisable amino acid supply.

Supplementing methionine to dairy cows

Methionine has several functional roles in metabolism

that may enhance cow performance,

support the transition through early lactation,

improve reproduction, and positively affect calf

performance through carry-over effects. Since

methionine is often the most limiting amino acid

for dairy cows, the potential effects of rumenprotected

methionine (RPM) supplementation

(e.g. ethyl-cellulose protected) on these

parameters are important and may include the

following:

• Significant improvement in cow performance

(milk yield, persistency, solids) and NUE with

modern, low CP, or heat stress diets (Patton, 2010;

Guyader et al., 2023; De Oliveira et al., 2024).

• RPM supplementation pre- and post-partum

increases DMI, lactation performance, reduces

NEB/NPB, and improves cow health (Batistel et

al., 2018).

• Methionine is crucial for protein synthesis,

enzyme production, antioxidants, and lipid

metabolism (Chandler and White, 2017).

• RPM supplementation during the periparturient

period improves liver function, inflammation, and

oxidative stress by reducing blood fatty acids

and BHB, and boosting neutrophil and monocyte

function (Batistel et al., 2017; Han et al., 2018).

• RPM improves immune status and liver function,

positively impacting milk production (Vailati-

Riboni et al., 2017).

• RPM supplementation enhances skeletal muscle

gene activity related to nutrient transport,

energy generation, tissue protein replenishment,

and antioxidant responses (Thanh et al., 2023).

• RPM supports embryo viability through higher

lipid content, embryo volume, and DNA methylation,

and reduces pregnancy losses (Bonilla et

al., 2010; Toledo et al., 2017).

• RPM improves AA utilisation and protein

efficiency (Vailati-Riboni et al., 2019).

Methionine improves calf performance through

foetal programming, epigenetics, and nutrient

transport regulation (Krog et al., 2018; Ma et al.,

2019).

RPM supplementation during gestation and

transition increases calf birthweight and growth

and improves hindgut health (Elolimy et al., 2019;

Urie et al., 2018).

Conclusion

Optimising the quantity and quality of MP and

EAA in dairy diets through modern nutritional

strategies can significantly improve cow performance,

reproduction, and health status during

transition, as well as subsequent lactations and

calf health. This approach enhances overall

production system efficiency, sustainability, and

profitability. TDM




Pasture and

its effect on

the butterfat

content of milk

by Shanna Wells,

national ruminant specialist

Milk fat is composed of fatty acids, which come from two different sources. Just

over half of the fatty acids found in milk fat are made by milk-synthesising cells in

the mammary glands from products that are produced by rumen bacteria.

This process is known as de-novo fatty acid synthesis.



The main substrates for de-novo synthesis are

acetate and butyrate produced in the rumen from

the slow breakdown of fibre by rumen microbes,

and short-chain fatty acids (from C4 through to

part of C16). The other fatty acids are absorbed by

the milk-synthesising cells from the blood, which

originate mainly from dietary sources. Therefore,

what happens or does not happen in the rumen

has a direct impact on milk fat percentage and milk

yield.

Dry matter intake varies from day to day when

cows are grazing, which influences cow health,

milk production, and body condition. The fat test

will drop when cattle move from a dry lot, winter

feeding system to succulent pastures that are

low in fibre. Butterfat production can be affected

when cows consume rapidly digestible grass.

The biggest effect on butterfat content occurs

in spring, when cows are grazing pastures that are

lush and have a high sugar content and low fibre

content. Butterfat is produced from acetate, which

is produced when bacteria break down fibre. One

of the main issues affecting butterfat occurs when

the fermentation of propionic acid exceeds and

suppresses fermentation of acetate/butyrate.

Fresh, lush grass can cause a decrease in rumen

pH, which will lead to sub-acute rumen acidosis.

Bacteria will not work as effectively if the rumen

pH is below 6. This can have a negative effect on

feed intake and digestion, leading to a decrease in

milk production, fertility, and other health issues.

Improving rumen pH and avoiding conditions

that lead to sub-acute ruminal acidosis are critical

to ensure the rumen is working at its best. The

bacteria in the rumen will work more efficiently,

therefore optimising the breakdown of grazed

grass and concentrates, and improving the nutrient

availability.

The type of fatty acids in spring grazing

contributes to the rumen unsaturated fatty acid

load (RUFAL) of the diet; this can compromise

rumen fermentation, which may lead to a decrease

in butterfat. It is therefore important that the

diet is balanced with the correct fatty acids. Fat

metabolisation in the rumen has a significant

impact on the mammary gland function. The fatty

acids flowing out of the rumen influence milk

fat synthesis and content. The rumen needs to

function properly for fats to be processed and to

maximise milk fat production.

Unsaturated fats can be toxic to bacteria,

especially the bacteria that digest fibre. When

unsaturated fatty acids enter the rumen, they

undergo a process called biohydrogenation. This

process involves the conversion of unsaturated

fatty acids into saturated fatty acids in the rumen. If

rumen unsaturated fatty acids are not metabolised

properly, a greater concentration of conjugated

linoleic acid, C18:1 trans-1, cis-12, is produced

though an alternative metabolism pathway.

Fat metabolism in the rumen can be slowed

by several factors, including a low rumen pH, or

feed or management that negatively affect rumen

function, such as spoiled feed or variable feeding

times. The link between rumen pH and milk fat

depression is important. Research has shown

that a low rumen pH, together with the intake of

unsaturated fatty acids, results in the production of

more milk fat-depressing intermediates.

Data have shown that as little as two grams

of these intermediates from the rumen can

reduce butterfat production by as much as

20%. A fatty acid content of 6% can be found in

fresh grass, with a high level of rumen-available

polyunsaturated fatty acids that can cause milk fat

depression. Another article stated that the fatty

acid content of pasture varies but can potentially

be more than 5% of forage dry matter, although

this depends on grass species, stage of maturity,

and the environment.

Therefore, cattle on young, fresh, immature

pastures may consume a diet high in fat. In

a full grazing system, controlling the level of

polyunsaturated fatty acids is difficult. Regardless,

diets should be formulated to ensure the RUFAL

stays within an acceptable range. TDM

For more information contact SHANNA

WELLS, national ruminant specialist at Epol,

at shanna.wells@epol.co.za or 063 787 6162.


Feeding

beyond

nutritional

requirements

by Stephan Gericke, ruminant technical manager at Meadow Feeds,

KwaZulu Natal



Maintaining an optimal body condition score

(BCS) during the transition period is essential

for improving reproductive performance and

reducing health issues in dairy cows by promoting

metabolic stability and minimising energy deficits

after calving. At the same time, the partitioning

of absorbed nutrients between milk production

and body reserves is influenced by endocrine

regulation, with hormones like insulin and growth

hormone playing a key role in directing energy use

based on the cow’s physiological state. Together,

these concepts highlight how strategic nutritional

management can balance energy, enhance fertility,

and improve overall cow productivity.

To explore the relationship between these

concepts, I reference two key papers: "The

high fertility cycle" by Fricke et al. (2023) and

"The impact of absorbed nutrients on energy

partitioning throughout lactation" by Piantoni and

VandeHaar (2023). These works provide valuable

insights into how endocrine regulation, nutrient

partitioning, and the high fertility cycle intersect

to optimise cow health and productivity.

Endocrine regulation and nutrient

partitioning

A cow’s physiological state affects the way

nutrients are digested, absorbed, and used. This

concept, called homeorhesis, describes the way

the body coordinates its metabolism to support

a specific physiological stage such as growth,

lactation, or pregnancy. Throughout lactation,

the endocrine system determines how much of

which hormone will be secreted, and regulates

the sensitivity of cells towards these hormones.

For instance, during the fresh period (two to

three weeks after calving), the gluconeogenic

capacity of the liver increases, resulting in

higher glucose production. Insulin levels and

insulin sensitivity remain low, while growth

hormone levels spike. As a result, body reserves

are mobilised and glucose is spared in order to

prioritise milk production. During early lactation,

insulin secretion and sensitivity start to rise, while

growth hormone levels slowly decrease. Due

to these changes, nutrient partitioning becomes

more evenly split between milk production and

body reserves. Finally, during mid- to late lactation,

both insulin levels and sensitivity peak, while

growth hormone levels continue to decrease.

This ensures most nutrients are allocated towards

replenishing lost body reserves.

Endocrine regulation and, thus, nutrient

partitioning can, however, be influenced through

nutrition. Nutrients absorbed from the diet

alter hormonal signals, which, in turn, influence

energy partitioning. For instance, high starch diets

increase ruminal propionate production, gluconeogenic

precursors to the liver, and blood insulin

concentrations. On the other hand, diets high in

fibre increase the production of acetate, which

is less insulinogenic than propionate, meaning

that nutrient partitioning towards body reserves

is minimal. Dietary strategies, such as balancing

starch and fibre content, managing protein intake,

and supplementing fatty acids, can be used to

influence the endocrine system and optimise

energy partitioning between milk production and

body reserves. This is crucial for maintaining cow

health and productivity across lactation stages.

The high fertility cycle and its

connection to nutrition

The high fertility cycle is closely intertwined

with both endocrine regulation and nutritional


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dynamics. When cows maintain a BCS of around

3,0 at calving, their metabolic and endocrine

profiles tend to be more favourable. During early

lactation, cows that lose less body condition

typically have lower levels of non-esterified

fatty acids (NEFAs) in their blood, indicating

better metabolic health. This metabolic state

positively influences oocyte quality and embryo

development through multiple endocrine

pathways.

The nutritional status of these cows directly

impacts their endocrine function. When cows

enter lactation at an optimal body condition and

maintain it, they experience less severe negative

energy balance. This moderated energy balance

helps maintain proper hormonal signalling,

particularly for reproductive hormones. Research

shows that cows losing significant body condition

have altered gene expression in their granulosa

cells and oocytes, demonstrating how nutrition

and body condition directly affect reproductive

function at the cellular level.

This creates an interconnected system where

nutrition influences endocrine function, which,

in turn, affects both nutrient partitioning and

reproductive success. The key insight is that

managing body condition through proper nutrition

helps maintain optimal endocrine function,

supporting both metabolic health and fertility.

This biological synergy explains why cows in the

high fertility cycle, with their better-managed

body condition, demonstrate superior reproductive

performance.

Conclusion

By understanding the mechanisms of endocrine

regulation and energy partitioning, nutritionists

can design feeding strategies that support the

high fertility cycle. This cycle emphasises the

importance of maintaining optimal body condition

and reproductive health, ultimately leading to

healthier, more fertile, and more productive

cows. Through targeted nutritional interventions,

farmers and nutritionists can apply the knowledge

from these papers to enhance herd performance

and sustainability.

STEPHAN GERICKE is the ruminant technical manager at Meadow Feeds, KwaZulu-Natal.

For more information, email Stephan.Gericke@meadownatal.co.za. TDM

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ANNUAL

MASTITIS

TESTING



Mastitis diagnosis starts with visual observation, where the milker’s role is

crucial. Large differences in clinical mastitis diagnosis exist between farms

(Lam et al., 1993), causing differing definitions or variations in observation.

The latter is improved by forestripping, an important part of udder preparation.

A good clinical diagnosis requires sufficient light

(at least 250 lux) underneath the udder where teat

cups are attached to see abnormalities. Definitions

set by the National Mastitis Council (1996) should

be followed. Any detectable change in a quarter or

abnormality in the milk indicates clinical mastitis.

Clinical symptoms, including even the smallest

clot in the milk, should not be ignored. Immediate

action is required.

Somatic cell count

A somatic cell count (SCC) has long been an

important indicator of intramammary infections.

The California Mastitis Test (CMT) is an easy,

cheap, and quick on-farm test to estimate SCC.

It is a semi-quantitative measure that forms a

stringy mass from the reagent (3% sodium lauryl

sulphate) and DNA from disrupted cells. Although

the CMT is simple, it is not always performed

correctly in practice.

Although the CMT has been valuable for

over 40 years, results from fresh cows are

difficult to interpret, and it should not be used to

detect pathogens in milk from cows within four

days post-calving. The CMT can be useful, for

example, to assess therapy success based on SCC

estimation after treatment in clinically recovered

cows or to identify the affected quarter in cows

with elevated SCC. Direct SCC measurement

is more accurate but more expensive and not

always available cow-side.

If SCC must be measured in large numbers

of samples, they are usually sent to a laboratory

using high-capacity cell counters based on flow

cytometry, such as the Fossomatic cell counter.

This is a reliable method for measuring SCC.

On-farm tests, such as Porta SCC and the DeLaval

cell counter are now available and seem to provide

accurate SCC estimates. An operational threshold

of 200 000 cells/mL, with minimal diagnostic

error, was proposed by Schukken et al. (2003).

Bacteriological culturing

Bacteriological culturing can be executed at herd,

cow, or quarter level, each with its specific goal.

It is most commonly used as a diagnostic tool

to address mastitis problems. Knowledge of the

infectious status of mammary glands can also help

prevent pathogen transmission by diagnosing a

reservoir early. Additionally, historical BC results

provide herd-based information that can aid in

optimising the treatment of future mastitis cases.

For clinical mastitis diagnosis, it is crucial

that BC results are available quickly to optimise

treatment, save costs, and prevent the ineffective

use of antibiotics. To achieve this, several

commercial on-farm culturing systems, such as

the Minnesota Easy Culture System II and the

Petrifilm system, have become available in recent

years. Both are user-friendly, using a sterile cotton

swab or plastic pipette to apply milk, and their


DeLaval

We use the goodness from

milk to help prevent mastitis

Contact your

DeLaval Dealer

for pricing!

Most people buy milk for its nutritional goodness

At DeLaval we buy a milk component for its germicidal

effectiveness

• DeLaval Lactisan TM . A lactic acid foaming teat dip

• Keeps teat skin condition soft and moisturised

• Dipped teats are covered in green foam

• Used as a Pre- and Post foaming dip

Mastitis causing pathogens don’t stand a chance



test characteristics are good enough to make

them useful management tools. However, reading

results from the Petrifilm system requires more

experience and skill than the Minnesota system.

Molecular methods for diagnostic

purposes

The use of molecular methods for pathogen

detection has increased in recent years, often

using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology.

In this method, a part of the pathogen's DNA is

amplified and visualised to test for the presence of

a specific bacterial species. Techniques based on

PCR technology have been described for several

mastitis pathogens. However, these methods

are currently labour-intensive, and performing

a separate PCR test for each potential mastitis

pathogen is expensive. Multiplex PCR tests,

which allow for the testing of several pathogens

simultaneously, are of interest for this reason.

Real-time PCR assays are being developed to

detect and quantify mastitis pathogens in milk.

Molecular methods can also differentiate bacterial

strains within a species, which may be important

as they can be linked to differences in virulence,

epidemiology, and cure rates. Phenotypic

characteristics, such as phage types, serotypes,

and antibiotic sensitivity patterns, can be used

for this purpose. Another option is genotyping

(fingerprinting) the strains’ genomes. However, in

most countries, PCR technology is not available

for routine mastitis diagnostics. Recently, more in-

formation has become available on a commercial

multiplex PCR test, performed directly on milk,

which is now available for routine use.

Biosensors

Biosensors have emerged as a new technology for

on-site mastitis testing, offering faster alternatives

to conventional diagnostic methods. Recent

advances in nanotechnology and biotechnology

have led to the development of biosensors,

which convert biological compounds in a sample

into electrical signals to detect specific cells and

markers with high sensitivity upon proper tuning

and amplification. Wang et al. (2015) identified

single-stranded oligonucleotides, antibodies, and

artificial binding proteins as the most commonly

used recognition elements in sensing bacterial

contamination.

Duarte et al. (2015) and Ashraf and Imran

(2018) mentioned infrared thermography, biosensors,

and nanotechnology as the emerging

diagnostic technologies developed in recent

years to improve mastitis diagnosis at both

microbial and biomarker levels. New biomarkers

with high sensitivity and specificity, along with

rapid and efficient ‘cow-side’ applications, are

among the development prospects for novel

Escherichia coli mastitis diagnosis techniques.

Much knowledge is available in the field of

mastitis diagnostics, and science continues to

develop. Several diagnostic methods are available

to monitor the effects of interventions in udder

health, but these are not always fully utilised.

At the cow level, the cure rate after therapy is

measurable but rarely quantified.

Clinical diagnosis, along with SCC measurement

and BC, are the most frequently used

parameters for this purpose. At the herd level,

goal setting based on available retrospective data

could be practised more often. The same

parameters can be used, supplemented with SCC

and bulk milk BC. Future developments, such

as systems that combine several milk-derived

parameters like electrical conductivity and lactate

dehydrogenase, may lead to changes in this field

in the near future. TDM


ENERGY INTAKE

– ASSESS AND

CORRECT


RENTMEESTERSKAP • STEWARDSHIP

Increasing pasture intake by allocating

additional plantain pasture to cows

before morning milking

by Muller Cronje

Are your cow’s nutrient requirements met? Can we feed concentrate at

lower levels, increase pasture dry matter intake, and be more profitable?

It is well documented that the main limitation

in pasture-based dairy production systems is

energy intake due to the low energy density

of pasture and limited intake capacity. These

deficiencies are met by supplementing nutrientdense

concentrates to cows, usually fed in the

dairy parlour. The cost of concentrate ingredients

has increased exponentially throughout the

years, while the milk price did not always follow

the same trend. Milk production response to

increased levels of concentrate follows the law of

diminishing return, meaning that once a certain

level of concentrate is passed, each unit increase

in concentrate will result in less than one unit

increase in milk production, reducing the profit

margin per cow. Higher profit margins are possible

in pasture-based production systems due to

the lower cost per kilogram of milk produced.

This emphasises the importance of maximising

pasture utilisation.

A positive correlation exists between pasture

allowance (kg DM/cow/day) and pasture dry

matter intake (DMI). A high pasture allowance is

not viable due to the build-up of residual pasture

and thus a decrease in pasture quality. A high

pasture allowance will maximise production per

cow but when the aim is to maximise production

per hectare, pasture must be grazed more

conservatively. A viable option to maintain uniform

pasture quality, reduce wastage, and simplify

fodder flow planning is to strip graze pastures.

My master’s degree trial at Outeniqua

Research Farm investigated ways to improve

the profitability of pasture-based dairy farming

by increasing pasture DMI, especially at times of

the year when pasture quality and quantity are

high. Based on the rate of ryegrass digestion and

rumen clearance, space is available in the rumen

of cows in the early morning hours. The aim

of this trial is to allocate a high-quality, fastdegradable

pasture to fill this space just before

morning milking. The amount allocated should

be sufficient to increase DMI without inhibiting

cows from taking in the concentrate fed during

morning milking or decreasing the overall DMI

by substituting one pasture with another. The

high-quality, fast-degradable pasture used in

this trial is the forage herb plantain (Plantago

lanceolata). The lower neutral detergent fibre

(NDF) content of plantain will allow higher DMI


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as NDF and neutral detergent fibre digestibility

of a forage determines the rumination time and

potential DMI.

The effect of allocating additional plantain

pasture and its interaction with feeding either

4 kg or 6 kg of concentrate to cows was evaluated

across four treatments, each consisting of

15 cows.

Treatments

RGPL6: Cows grazed ryegrass day and night

and were moved to plantain pasture for 1

hour before morning milking. Cows were

supplemented with 6 kg concentrate/cow/day.

Results

Milk yield

(kg/cow/day)

Energy

corrected

milk (kg/

cow/day)

Milk fat

content (%)

RGPL6 RGPL4 RG6 RG4

20,1a 19,2b 19,1b 17,5c

25,2a 24,4a 24,2a 22,2b

4,98 5,06 5,17 5,19

RGPL4: Cows grazed ryegrass day and night

and were moved to plantain pasture for 1

hour before morning milking. Cows were

supplemented with 4 kg concentrate/cow/day.

RG6: Cows grazed ryegrass day and night and

were supplemented with 6 kg concentrate/

cow/day.

RG4: Cows grazed ryegrass day and night and

were supplemented with 4 kg concentrate/

cow/day.

Is this practical?

While working for De Heus and being in the field,

the first step in making any recommendation is

to assess whether it is both practical and realistic.

The goal is that in times of the year when pasture

is in excess, to allocate extra pasture to cows in

order to increase pasture DMI. For example, having

pasture near the dairy parlour where the second

milking team can graze while the first team is

being milked.

Conclusion

Cows allocated additional plantain pasture before

morning milking had higher pasture DMI resulting

in higher milk production. The benefit of additional

plantain pasture was more pronounced when

concentrates were fed at a lower level. Similar milk

production was observed between cows grazing

ryegrass only, receiving 6 kg of concentrate, and

cows grazing ryegrass and moved to plantain

pasture, receiving 4 kg of concentrate. It is thus

plausible to partially substitute concentrate with a

high-quality pasture without causing a reduction

in milk production. This resulted in a substantial

increase in profit/cow/day.

Conversely, feeding concentrate at a higher

level creates an opportunity for higher stocking

rates owing to the substitute rate between pasture

and concentrate. The additional plantain pasture

also takes a small proportion from the dairy

platform, thereby reducing the overall carrying

capacity of the farm. Due to the small profit

margins in dairy production, the number of cows

will always be an important factor. The ultimate

goal is to maximise profit/hectare rather than

profit/cow. TDM


RESTORING AND

OPTIMISING

SOIL HEALTH:

The best of

both worlds

by Prof. Driekie Fourie



PART

3

As summarised in the previous article in this series, measuring soil health

requires a comprehensive approach that considers various factors used as

indicators: chemical, physical, biological, and soil processes. Producers must

appreciate that restoring soil health demands an integrated strategy that

employs different building blocks, which should complement each other.

When engaging with producers about soil health,

their primary needs are to acquire knowledge

on how to measure, restore, and optimise it in

their fields. The main message from producers

is that the processes implemented to restore

and enhance soil health must remain profitable,

practical, and compatible with their crop

production systems. This is particularly challenging

in dryland areas, where producers have

limited water and must ensure sufficient

soil moisture remains after a rainy season to

successfully grow a second crop in one year.

Hence, restoring and optimising soil health

through innovation will be crucial in less

favourable conditions.

There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution; each

producer must conduct their own on-farm

research using available tools to achieve healthier

soils. In addition, producers must seek the support

of experts who research soil health under local

climatic conditions. As knowledge about this topic

becomes increasingly available, producers can

learn from such experts and use their advice to

build a tailor-made plan to restore and optimise

soil health on their farms.

The recommended practices for restoring and

optimising soil health are straightforward and

practical. However, they must be tailored to each

producer's specific needs and be compatible with

available equipment and infrastructure. Ultimately,

these practices should support and complement

the producer’s financial viability.

Below are four basic guidelines for addressing

soil health. As noted above, it is each producer’s

prerogative to integrate them into their farming

system alongside other complementary practices:

• Protecting crops with new-generation

chemicals, biologicals, and natural products:

The best of both worlds

It is undeniable that to ensure food safety, crops

must be protected from diseases, pests, weeds,

and abiotic constraints such as drought and salinity.

In an ideal world, no pesticides would be needed,

as nature would serve as the primary safeguard

against biotic and abiotic challenges. However,

since we do not live in an ideal world, we must

remain pragmatic and utilise available technologies

and products to benefit both agriculture and the

environment.

The intensification of agriculture, driven

by humans, has led to increased – sometimes

unmanageable – disease, pest, and weed

populations that must be managed to sustain

global food production. Climate change is further

exacerbating these challenges, both now and in

the future. A present and future where chemical

products are entirely excluded would not only


hamper To food support production and complement and safety but new-generation also The crop development protection products,

of crop protection

threaten the it, as integration significant yield of losses biologicals would result and products is derived supported from by natural growing awareness

from unchecked substances diseases, (plants pests, and/or weeds. animals) has and already stewardship contributed from agricultural and will and biotech

To support continue and to complement contribute significantly new-generation

crop enabling protection and safeguarding products, the food integration security. production. The same The principle simultaneous applies development to

of

to companies sustainable focused crop production,

on sustainable crop

of biologicals

humans

and

and

products

animals,

derived

who

from

sometimes

natural

require

new-generation

conventional

chemicals

medicine

and biologicals,

for

with

substances (plants and/or animals) has already minimal or no impact on non-target organisms,

some illnesses – medicines that have been rigorously and responsibly

contributed and will continue to contribute significantly

to sustainable crop production, enabling companies in protecting animals, humans, and the

demonstrates the urgency of agricultural

evaluated and registered for use. However, conventional medicine

should – and increasing is – complemented by natural and/or biological

and safeguarding food security. The same principle

applies to humans and animals, who some-

and registering products with environmentally

environment. The increasing trend of developing

options (e.g. prebiotics, probiotics, immune regulators, vitamins, and

others) to restore wellness.

times require conventional medicine for some friendly chemicals, along with biological and

illnesses – medicines that have been rigorously natural active ingredients, enables producers to

and responsibly The development evaluated and of registered crop protection for use. products combine is these supported products by in their growing efforts to optimise

However, awareness conventional and medicine stewardship should from – and agricultural soil health. and biotech companies

increasing focused is – complemented on sustainable by natural crop and/or production. Another important The simultaneous

option for producers is the

biological development options (e.g. of prebiotics, new-generation probiotics, chemicals immune

regulators, no impact vitamins, on and non-target others) to organisms, restore effective demonstrates and beneficial the urgency for addressing of soil health

use and of seed biologicals, treatment with products, minimal which are highly

wellness. agricultural companies in protecting due animals, to the following humans, benefits: and the

environment. The increasing trend of developing and registering

products with environmentally friendly chemicals, along with biological

and natural active ingredients, enables producers to combine these

products in their efforts to optimise soil health.

3



Agronomic benefits:

Maximises seedling establishment and early

plant growth.

Increases the seedling’s ability to withstand

external abiotic and biotic stresses.

Reduced environmental impact:

The amount of chemical applied to the soil is

significantly less per ha: ~20 time less compared

to in-furrow application and 170 times less in

broad pesticide applications (whole field).

Targeted protection :

A wide range of seed treatment products are

available that are effective against a broad

spectrum of diseases, insect pests, plantparasitic

nematode and abiotic stresses.

A small amount of active ingredient provides

extended protection during the early stages of

plant development, ‘shielding’ the young plant

from abiotic and biotic stresses.

• Increase organic matter inputs

Another major input that producers should

consider in restoring and optimising soil health

is the addition of organic matter, a critical

component of soil health. However, most

agricultural soils in South Africa are degraded

and have sub-optimal levels of organic content.

Organic amendments such as manures, composts,

and other sources decompose in humus in the

soil. This essential process enhances soil structure

and drainage, retains moisture, and supplies

nutrients. Not all nutrients are immediately

available to crop plants and must be recycled

by the soil-inhabiting microbial community to

ensure they are converted into a form that can

be absorbed by the roots of growing crops. The

simplest way to add organic amendments to

crop fields is by leaving plant residues on the soil

surface or by mixing them into the top few inches

of soil. The soil microbial community will break

down the materials into nutrients that plants can

use and help distribute these nutrients deeper into

the soil for plant roots to access as the crops grow.

• Practice crop rotation and grazing

By practicing crop rotation (including crops and

cover crops) and diversifying the crop species

grown on a field over time, the soil-inhabiting

microorganism community is also diversified.

The diversity and abundance of soil microbial

communities significantly regulate essential

ecosystem processes, such as organic matter

decomposition, nutrient cycling, and gaseous

fluxes, leading to improved soil functioning. This

equates to healthier soils.

Producers should, however, always keep in

mind that pathogenic diseases and pests may be

present in their soils. Therefore, careful planning

regarding which cultivars of crops and/or cover

crops to plant each season is essential. Producers

need to choose crop cultivars that are recognised

as poor or non-hosts for specific diseases or

pests present in their fields. Additionally, the

adaptability of these crop or cover crop cultivars

to the producer's region is another crucial factor

to consider when evaluating their use.

Further benefits can be reaped when crop

rotation is extended to ensure that fields are

covered with a crop or cover crop for most of the

year. Additionally, cattle grazing on plant residues

or pastures will add value by stimulating and

optimising a diversified soil microbiome, which is

key to optimising soil health.

In conclusion, the three basic guidelines

discussed above will provide producers with a

strong foundation for restoring and optimising

soil health on their farms. However, incorporating

additional practices to develop tailor-made

programmes will be the initiative of the producer,

utilising the expertise, knowledge, and resources

available.

PROF. DRIEKIE FOURIE is a product biologist for Africa-Middle East at Syngenta and extraordinary

professor at the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University,

Potchefstroom. For more information, email her at Driekie.Fourie@syngenta.com. TDM


BRD in

dairy calves-

Peace of mind

through vaccination



PART

3

by Dr De Wet Barnard (BVSc), technical veterinarian at MSD

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in dairies threatens animal welfare,

erodes a dairy enterprise’s profits, and may contribute to antimicrobial

resistance if antibiotics needed for treatment are not used prudently.

Animals diagnosed with BRD typically receive a

course of antibiotics. However, lower respiratory

tract infections may promote antibiotic-resistant

bacteria proliferation in the following ways:

• Degradation of antibiotics

Infection triggers inflammatory, producing

mediators like white blood cell-derived

enzymes that chemically modify or

break down antibiotics, reducing their

concentration and allowing more bacterial

cells to survive.

• Immune response’s effect on bacteria

Inflammatory mediators may stimulate

bacterial resistance mechanisms, such as

efflux pumps that expel antibiotics from

bacterial cells.

• Biofilm production

Some bacteria form biofilms – protective

coatings that that thrive in chronic

infections, hindering antibiotic penetration

and reducing effectiveness.

To reduce the risk of resistant bacteria emerging,

infection must be prevented. Along with proper

nutrition, hygiene and biosecurity, the most

effective approach is a comprehensive vaccination

programme covering all relevant bacterial and

viral causes of BRD.

Vaccine technology has advanced significantly

since Louis Pasteur developed the first commercial

anthrax vaccine in 1881. Companies like MSD

Animal Health continue to innovate, creating

vaccines that provide faster, longer-lasting, and

more complete immunity while minimising side

effects.

Bovilis® Vista Once SQ is the only vaccine

in South Africa containing live components of

two major BRD-causing bacteria, Mannheimia

(Pasteurella) haemolytica and Pasteurella

multocida. It also protects against the five

most common viral BRD pathogens, namely,

infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, bovine

viral diarrhoea virus type 1, bovine viral diarrhoea

virus type 2, parainfluenza-3 virus, and bovine

respiratory syncytial virus.



Live vaccines differ from inactivated (dead)

vaccines in key ways:

• Inactivated vaccines contain an adjuvant to

enhance the immune response. Adjuvants

may cause side effects such as swelling, pain,

inflammation, fever, lethargy, or, in rare cases,

allergic reactions. They can also increase

vaccine-related adverse effects, including fever,

arthritis, loss of appetite, and lethargy. As a fully

live vaccine, Bovilis® Vista Once SQ contains no

adjuvant, significantly reducing the potential for

side effects.

• Live vaccines trigger an immune response

within days, while inactivated vaccines may

take weeks and require a booster 21–28 days

later for full protection. Bovilis® Vista Once SQ

requires no booster, providing BRD protection

with a single yearly injection.

• Colostrum-derived maternal immunity can

interfere with immune response development

after inactivated vaccination. In contrast, calves

vaccinated with Bovilis® Vista Once SQ, even

in the presence of maternal antibodies, showed

lower clinical scores, reduced fevers, less weight

loss, and decreased mortality compared to the

control group.

Bovilis® Vista Once SQ is the next step in BRD

protection for any dairy enterprise. It provides fastacting,

long-lasting immunity with minimal side

effects and can be integrated into any dairy BRD

prevention protocol. This enhances animal welfare,

supports antimicrobial stewardship, and

boosts profitability by reducing the economic

impact of BRD.

For references and more information,

contact DR DE WET BARNARD (BVSc),

technical veterinarian at Ruminants Injectable

Antibiotics & Growth Enhancing Technologies,

at de.wet.barnard@msd.com. TDM


Ouerskapbevestiging

met behulp van SNPgebaseerde

merkers

deur Jason Reding, SA Stamboek


BESTUUR • MANAGEMENT

SA Stamboek het onlangs die enigste DNS-datainterpretasiesentrum

op die vasteland van Afrika

geword wat deur die Internasionale Komitee vir

Diere-aantekening (ICAR) vir SNP-gebaseerde

("genomiese") ouerskap-analise geakkrediteer

is. Veetelers in Suider-Afrika is gewoond aan tradisionele

ouerskapverifikasie met behulp van

mikrosatelliet-tegnologie, maar is dalk nie vertroud

met die nuwer en hoogs akkurate SNP-gebaseerde

ouerskapontleding nie. Hierdie artikel bespreek

hoe SNP-gebaseerde ouerskap werk, sowel as

die bonus om die paring tussen twee diere te

verifieer as die bevestiging van ouerskap, eerder as

die tradisionele manier van ouerskapbevestiging.

Altesaam 195 SNP-gebaseerde merkers,

goedgekeur deur die ICAR DNS-werkgroep,

word gebruik om te bepaal of ouerskap

aanvaar moet word, twyfelagtig is of uitgesluit

moet word op grond van die eenvoudige

Mendeliese oorerwing van hierdie SNP-merkers.

Enkelnukleotiedpolimorfismes is van nature biallelies,

wat beteken dat 'n dier op 'n spesifieke

plek op sy DNA slegs een van drie kombinasies

kan hê, dit is AA, AB of BB.

Dit maak voorsiening vir 'n eenvoudige ontleding

van hierdie merkers tussen nageslag en

die genomineerde (moontlike) ouers, aangesien

'n dier slegs so 'n kombinasie van sy ouers kan

ontvang. 'n Spesifieke SNP word as van waarde

beskou waar die nageslag homosigoties is (AA of

BB) sowel as waar albei ouers ook homosigoties

(AA of BB) is. 'n Konflik ontstaan wanneer die

spesifieke genoemde nageslag wat ondersoek

word, die teenoorgestelde van die genomineerde

ouer is. Dit staan bekend as opponerende

homosigote. In eenvoudiger terme, wanneer 'n

nageslag AA is en die ouer BB is, word dit as 'n

konflik gemerk, aangesien die ouer slegs die B

SNP-merker aan sy nageslag kan oordra.

Tabel 1 dui aan hoe die SNP-gebaseerde

merkers gebruik word om ouerskap te verifieer.

Tabel 1 Ouerskap word beoordeel deur eenvoudige Mendeliese oorerwing met behulp van

opponerende SNP-gebaseerde homosigote vir genomies getoetste diere.

SNP1 Passing? SNP2 Passing? SNP3 Passing? SNP4 Passing?

Lam AA BB BB AA

Ram 1 AA BB BB AA

Ram 2 BB AA AA AA



FP STC


Tabel 2 'n Illustrasie waar die paring van geverifieerde ouers beoordeel word deur eenvoudige

Mendeliese oorerwing met behulp van opponerende SNP-gebaseerde homosigote vir genomies

getoetste diere.

SNP1 Passing? SNP2 Passing? SNP3 Passing? SNP4 Passing?

Lam AB AB AB AB

Ram 1 AA BB BB AA

Ram 2 BB AA AA AA

In Tabel 1 word waargeneem dat Ram 1 vier uit

die gekontroleerde vier SNP-gebaseerde merkers

teen die genomineerde Lam pas, terwyl Ram 2

'n konflik met drie uit vier van die merkers het.

Dit sluit dus Ram 2 uit om as die ouer van die dier

aanvaar te word.

Enige navrae oor genomiese of SNPgebaseerde

ouerskap kan per e-pos by

jason@studbook.co.za of landlyn by

+27 51 410 0900 aan JASON REDING

gerig word.

'n Ekstra stap in die verifiëring van ouerskap

met behulp van SNP-gebaseerde merkers is

om te bepaal of die paring van die Vader en

die Moeder van die nageslag sal lei tot die

genetiese kombinasie wat in die nageslag

waargeneem word. In hierdie afsonderlike

analise is die insiggewende SNP vir wanneer

beide geverifieerde ouers homosigoties is (AA

of BB) en die nageslag heterosigoties (AB) is.

Tabel 2 illustreer hoe hierdie scenario afspeel

nadat albei ouers aanvanklik geverifieer is.

By al vier SNP-gebaseerde merkers is die

dier heterosigoties (AB), en die geverifieerde

ouers is homosigote (AA of BB). Die paring

van die Ram en Ooi by die eerste drie merkers

word aanvaar omdat die dier 'n kombinasie

van paring van albei ouers is. Merker vier dui

op 'n konflik aangesien beide die Vader en

die Moeder slegs die A-merker kan deurgee,

maar die dier is AB wat die oorerwing van die

B-merker aandui (wat nie by enige van die

ouers teenwoordig is nie). Die ouerskap moet

dus verwerp word.

Telers wat van SA Stamboek se Genomiese

Dienste gebruik maak, kan dus verseker

wees dat die bevestiging van ouerskap

met behulp van SNP-gebaseerde merkers

100% akkuraat is en deur die ICAR geoudit

word. Alle genomiese profiele wat deur SA

Stamboek aangeteken word, word outomaties

vir ouerskapverifikasie nagegaan. Hierdie

resultate word ook gepubliseer en vertoon

op alle SA Stamboek-webwerwe soos LOGIX,

SABeefBulls.com, SADairyBulls.com en

SASmallStock.com. TDM


ASSESS AND

CORRECT

– herd fertility

by Dr Carel Muller, research associate, Stellenbosch University



The fertility of dairy cows and heifers determines

the financial sustainability of dairy herds. A varying

proportion of dairy cows are culled annually.

Cows culled early in their productive life are a

loss. One main reason for culling is failure to

become pregnant after calving. Cows must calve

down to initiate a lactation period. After calving,

daily milk yield of cows increases, peaking at

about 8 to 10 weeks, then declines, reaching a

plateau at about 35 weeks. Thereafter, depending

on the feeding programme, this lower milk yield

can be maintained for a long time but remains

much lower than if cows had calved again.

Extending the lactation period results in a loss in

milk income. Herd milk yield is lower when a large

proportion of cows are in late lactation. Increasing

the average days in milk from 140 to 170 days

resulted in a decrease of about 3 kg/cow/day for a

Jersey herd. The aim of reproduction management

is to get as many cows as possible pregnant within

100 to 120 days after calving.

Early age at first calving

In most dairy herds, heifers calve down after 24

months of age. A local survey among Holstein

herds showed that the average at first calving

was 27,8 months of age. For the top and bottom

10% of herds, it was 24,6 and 33,4 months,

respectively. An analysis of the current fertility

status of heifers in a generally well-managed herd

indicates the expected age at first calving to be

more than 27 months. More than 90% of pregnant

heifers will calve down later than 24 months, and

about 35% are expected to calve down after 27

months. This is further exacerbated by the fact

that about 28% of heifers over 24 months of age

have not been confirmed pregnant. Depending on

the feeding programme, the rearing cost for each

heifer increases by about R1 000 per month after

24 months – the most expensive feeding period.

Heifers calving later do not necessarily produce

more milk in their first lactation.

How to prevent this

Apart from applying correct protocols regarding

semen storage, thawing, and accurate deposition

within the uterus or cervix, an often overlooked

aspect of the fertility of cows is ongoing

management. This involves knowing, after each

pregnancy check test, which cows (and heifers)

are pregnant as expected. This applies to all cows

over 100 days in milk, dry cows, and heifers over

18 months of age. For cows and heifers not

pregnant, specific actions are required to achieve

pregnancy. This may include treating cows with

uterine infections, applying hormonal treatment

to those showing heats, and deciding to put mopup

bulls with the cows.

Reproduction management also involves

examining cows that have calved to determine

if they are ‘clean’, i.e. not suffering from a calving

injury or uterine infection. This may include

monitoring rectal temperature for about 10 days

after calving, as elevated temperatures indicate

endometritis. Cows more than one month

after calving that are not showing heat should

be examined to determine whether they are

ovulating. A pregnancy test should be done on

cows inseminated about six weeks earlier.

This process should be followed by an analysis

of the results and appropriate action for cows

experiencing problems such as uterine infections,

irregular signs of heat, and failure to become

pregnant. It should be conducted with the herd

veterinarian on an ongoing basis.


PRODUCTIVITY FOR HERDS.

PROFITABILITY FOR THE FARMER.

SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE WORLD.

Persistence of milk production (average slopes)

during cycles between control cows and cows treated

with rbST (Lactatropin ® ) over 17 injections every 14 days.

Lactatropin ® , compared to

the control group, produced

796 KGS

MORE MILK!

in entire lactation1.

1De Morais et al. 2017.

J. Dairy Sci. 100-5945-5956.

TO ORDER,

CONTACT

US ON

Reg.no: 66 G2167 THE DAIRY (Act 36/1947) MAIL | • Reg. FEBRUARY holder: Lionel’s 2025 Veterinary Supplies (Pty) Ltd (2001/011520/07), 7 Isotope St, Stikland, Cape Town | Tel: 021 932 2019


Parameters Cows Parameters Heifers

Average days in milk (d) 149 Age at first service (m) 16,8

First service interval (d) 67 First service before 15 m (%) 11

First service before 80 DIM (%) 84 Pregnant first service (%) 66

Days open (d) 86 Heifers pregnant > 15 m (%) 44

Cows pregnant first service (%) 61 Heifers > 24 m not pregnant (%) 24

Services per conception 1,63 Services per conception 1,36

Cows pregnant > 100 DIM (%) 75 Age at conception (m) 17,9

Expected calving interval (d) 366 Expected age at first calving (m) 27,1

Results from herd tests

Specific parameters should be determined to

establish the level of reproduction management.

The table above shows parameters for cows and

heifers. The interval from calving date to first

service was 67 days. Eighty-four per cent of first

services occurred within 80 days after calving.

The number of services per conception was 1,63,

while the interval from calving to conception was

86 days. The expected calving interval is 366 days.

In contrast to cows, first insemination for

heifers was late (16,8 months). Only 11% of heifers

were inseminated before 15 months of age. Of

heifers older than 15 and 18 months, only 44%

and 64% respectively, were pregnant. For heifers

older than 24 months, 24% were not pregnant.

This would result in a late age at first calving

(more than 27 months), with the possibility of a

proportion of heifers being culled due to failure

to become pregnant.

These parameters should be established

after each pregnancy check test. They can also

be presented as graphs to indicate changes in

management. The following figure shows the

mean number of days open and services per

conception for a Jersey herd in a zero-grazing

system plotted against pregnancy test dates

are shown. Initially, both parameters increase

(indicating a deteriorating position), after which

they decrease, signifying an improvement

in reproduction management. The change

in parameters occurs at a slow rate, as each

subsequent pregnancy test includes cows from

earlier tests.

In closing

Reproduction management is a farm action that

cannot be applied in an irregular or haphazard

way. Cows calve down every month, and their

recovery to normal heat cycles should be

monitored and managed. The reproduction

monitoring process should occur every two to

three weeks or at least monthly. The veterinary

cost involved with this process is generally small

(about 3% of total milk production cost) and is

recovered through higher herd milk yield and an

increase in herd numbers. TDM


LABOUR

column

BY HANNES LATSKY

IS YOUR EMPLOYEE

EXPECTING?

– an employer’s

key responsibilities

South African labour legislation makes provision

for a document known as the Code of Good

Practice on the Protection of Employees During

Pregnancy and After the Birth of a Child (the

Code) which provides essential guidelines for

employers to support and protect pregnant

and/or breastfeeding employees. It outlines the

employer’s general responsibilities, including risk

assessments, reasonable accommodations, and

maternity leave provisions. Note that the Code

may be reasonably adapted, depending on the

specific business’s workplace circumstances and

occupational health requirements.

KEY LEGAL REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

Non-discrimination

Employers are legally prohibited from

discriminating against or dismissing employees

due to reasons relating to pregnancy. This

protection is reinforced by both the Labour

Relations Act (66 of 1995) and the Employment

Equity Act (55 of 1998).

Employees who are unfairly dismissed on this

ground can refer the matter to the Commission

for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration. Such

a dismissal would be considered automatically

unfair and would put the onus on the employer



to prove the contrary. The compensation awarded

in such a case can be up to 24 months of the

employee’s salary.

Safe work environment

Employers are obligated to maintain a workplace

free from health risks, including those affecting

reproductive health. Five key responsibilities

include:

1. Conducting thorough risk assessments to

identify and mitigate hazards specific to

pregnant and breastfeeding employees.

2. Implementing measures to control or eliminate

identified risks, ensuring ongoing safety. This

might involve modifying workstations, adjusting

work schedules, or providing special equipment.

3. Providing comprehensive information and training

on health and safety risks and protective

measures.

4. Involving worker health and safety representatives

in risk assessments and controls.

5. Ensuring employees take reasonable steps

to safeguard their own and their colleagues'

health and safety.

Protecting the health of pregnant and

breastfeeding employees:

Employers are required to prioritise the health and

safety of pregnant and breastfeeding employees

under Section 26 of the Basic Conditions of

Employment Act (75 of 1997) (BCEA), which

prohibits hazardous work. Key obligations include:

n Risk assessment: Identifying workplace risks

specific to pregnant or breastfeeding employees

and implementing necessary protective measures

and adjustments to mitigate these risks

effectively.

n Alternative employment: Offering suitable alternative

roles if current work poses health risks

during pregnancy or breastfeeding, ensuring

terms are fair.

n Notification and evaluation: Encouraging

early pregnancy notification to promptly

assess workplace risks, including evaluating

physical conditions and job tasks to determine

appropriate accommodations.

n Risk mitigation: Informing employees of

identified risks, consulting on preventative

measures, providing necessary training, and

considering occupational health consultations

for uncertain adjustments.

n Health monitoring: Maintaining ongoing

risk assessments throughout pregnancy and

breastfeeding, supporting clinic attendance and

necessary breaks for breastfeeding employees.

Aspects of pregnancy affecting work

Both employers and employees should consider

these four common aspects of pregnancy

impacting work:

1. Morning sickness: Employees may struggle with

early shifts and heightened sensitivity to strong

smells, which can exacerbate nausea.

2. Physical strain: Prolonged standing or sitting

can lead to backache and varicose veins,

while manual handling tasks can contribute to

discomfort.

3. Increased toilet needs: Ensuring access to

suitable toilet facilities is crucial, especially

considering challenges with leaving work

unattended.

4. Fatigue: Tiredness may limit overtime and

evening work capability, requiring rest periods

for proper recovery.

This article is intended to be a brief and general

overview of some of the considerations that

employers need to consider. The Code contains

more detailed information and a schedule of

hazard examples and best practices to mitigate

risks effectively. For advice and a copy of the

Code, please contact LWO on 0861 101 828 TDM


FINANSIËLE

rubriek

DEUR DAWIE MAREE

Evalueer jou

boerdery EN maak

aanpassings

In ’n vorige artikel verlede jaar het ek genoem

dat landbouers beter finansiële bestuurders

moet word om te kan oorleef. Verskeie geel- en

rooikaarte is geïdentifiseer wat vermy moet word

en ’n paar opsies is genoem wat belangrik is vir

volhoubare finansiële oorlewing.

Ek glo steeds ons produsente weet baie goed

wat in hulle boerdery aangaan as mens vra vir

tegniese inligting. Enige (goeie) melkboer gaan

vir jou sy stalgemiddeld kan gee, enige mielieboer

ken sy opbrengs per hektaar op die punte van sy

vingers vir elke land op sy plaas. Maar kan hulle,

of jy, dieselfde doen vir nie-tegniese inligting?

Wat is jou EBITDA (verdienste voor rente,

belasting, waardevermindering en amortisasies)?

Dit is ’n vraag wat elke bankier of kredietbestuurder

’n besigheid sal vra wanneer ’n

leningsaansoek gedoen word. Ander vrae wat

gevra word en waaroor landbouers partykeer eers

moet wonder, is wat is jou strategie, waar wil jy



oor 5 of 10 jaar wees? Hoe lyk jou kernpersoneel

in die besigheid – het hulle die vermoë om dit te

doen wat van hulle verwag word? En daar is nog

vele meer.

Dit is belangrik om gereeld jou besigheid te

evalueer. Produsente is geneig om te dink hulle

kan voortgaan en boer soos hulle die laaste

paar jaar gedoen het, maar is dit volhoubaar? As

mens nie aanpas nie, gaan jy eintlik agteruit, want

die omgewing waarbinne jy boer en besigheid

doen, verander gereeld. Baie van ons het ’n

besigheidsplan, maar dit lê daar in die onderste

laai van die lessenaar, want jy het mos nou klaar

die lening gekry en die investering gedoen. En

dit is waar die fout insluip – jou besigheidsplan

moet ’n lewende dokument wees, dit mag nie stof

opgaar nie.

SMART is die basiese beginsels vir die opstel

van ’n besigheidsplan en begroting. Dit moet

SPESIFIEK wees. Definieer jou doel so duidelik

S M

A

R

T

en spesifiek as moontlik. Dit moet MEETBAAR

wees. Maak seker jou doelstellings kan gemeet

word deur verskillende kritieseprestasie-aanwysers.

Daar word nie om dowe neute gereeld

verwys na prof Bonsma se sê-ding “om te meet

is om te weet” nie. Die derde beginsel is dit

moet AANVAARBAAR wees. Jou doelstellings

moet darem aanvaarbaar wees vir almal in die

besigheid, van jou werker tot by die bestuur. Dit

moet ook REALISTIES wees. Stel doelstellings

wat bereikbaar en realisties is. En laastens moet

dit TYDSGEBONDE wees. Stel vir jouself ’n

afsnydatum om die doel te bereik en wanneer dit

gebeur, stel die volgende doel.

“

Baie van ons het ‘n besigheidsplan,

maar dit lê daar in die onderste laai

van die lessenaar, want jy het mos nou

klaar die lening gekry en die investering

gedoen.

Wanneer

”

jy hierdie SMART-besigheidsplan

en begroting opgestel het, en dit lewend hou,

kan jy dan begin om jou boerdery-besigheid

deurlopend daarteen te meet of te toets om

te verseker dat jy nog op koers is. En dit is hier

waar die belangrikheid van aanpasbaarheid

te sprake kom. Wanneer jy sien dat dinge in

byvoorbeeld die mark sodanig verander het

dat dit ’n wesenlike invloed op byvoorbeeld

jou kontantvloeibegroting het, dan moet

aanpassings vinnig gedoen kan word. Die melkprys

het byvoorbeeld gestyg wat veroorsaak

dat jy surplusfondse beskikbaar het om op die

korttermyn te belê, of die mielieprys het gestyg,

wat beteken jou voerrekening styg skerp en daar

mag dalk addisionele oortrokke fasiliteite nodig

wees. Dit is dan ook belangrik dat jy deurlopend

met jou bankier in verbinding is, sodat daar vinnig

aanpassing gemaak kan word wanneer dit nodig is.


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Charles Darwin

“

Wanneer jy sien dat dinge in

byvoorbeeld die mark sodanig verander

het dat dit ‘n wesenlike invloed op

byvoorbeeld jou kontantvloeibegroting

het, dan moet aanpassings vinnig gedoen

kan word.

Dit is

”

egter belangrik dat wanneer jy

jou boerdery of besigheid evalueer, jy ook

onafhanklike insette kry. Mens is baie keer

geneig om oor jou foute te kyk, nie noodwendig

bewustelik nie, maar dit is menslik. In die vorige

artikel waarna ek vroeër verwys het, het ek

genoem dat die Springbokafrigterspan bestaan

het uit verskeie spesialiste wat insette gee om

’n wenspan te maak. Gebruik dus kundiges wat

beskikbaar is om jou te help met so ’n evaluasie.

Hierdie kundiges sluit in jou voerkonsultant,

veearts, grondkundige, boekhouer, bankier en

landbou-ekonoom, en nog vele meer. Hulle kan

vir jou onafhanklike terugvoer gee en help om

aanpassings te maak om jou boerdery-besigheid

volhoubaar te laat presteer. Onthou net dat die

besluit altyd by jou as eienaar lê, soos die Engelse

sê “the buck stops with you”.

Die kruks van enige suksesvolle besigheid,

hetsy boerdery-besigheid of enige ander besigheid,

is dat dit aanpasbaar moet wees. Jy moet

die vermoë besit om jou besigheid krities te kan

evauleer en dan waar aanpassings nodig is, dit

spoedig te identifiseer en implementeer om te

verseker dat die besigheid kan oorleef.

Charles Darwin het gesê dit is nie die sterkste

van die spesies wat sal oorleef nie, en ook nie die

slimste nie, maar dié een wat aanpasbaar is by

verandering. TDM



NAVORSING & OPLEIDING • RESEARCH & TRAINING


RESEARCH

column

BY DR HEINZ H. MEISSNER

OPTIMAL

INSEMINATION TIME

Determining the optimal insemination time

for individual cows is not always easy, as

pregnancy, among other factors, affects

absolute milk yield, as reported in several

studies. However, there is limited quantitative

information on the association between

days post-conception (DPC) and lactation

persistency, based on a lactation curve model,

and, specifically, how persistency changes

during pregnancy and relates to days in milk

at conception (DIMc). Understanding this

association might provide indicators for

determining the optimal insemination time.

The aim of the cited study was to investigate

the association between DPC and lactation

persistency, with an additional focus on the

influence of DIMc.

Milk production data of 23 908 first-lactation

and multi-lactation cows from 87 herds were

used. Persistency was measured by a lactation

curve characteristic decay, representing the time

taken to halve milk production after peak yield.

Decay was calculated for eight DPC (0, 30, 60,

90, 120, 150, 180, and 210 days after DIMc), which


NAVORSING & OPLEIDING • RESEARCH & TRAINING

served as the dependent variable. Independent

variables included DPC, DIMc (≤60, 61–90, 91–

120, 121–150, 151–180, 181–210, >210 days), parity

group, DPC × parity group, DPC × DIMc, and

variables from 30 days before DIMc as covariates.

The results showed an increase in decay,

which is to say, a decrease in persistency, during

pregnancy for both first- and multi-lactation

cows, albeit in different ways. Specifically, from

DPC 150 to DPC 210 days, multi-lactation cows

showed a greater decline in persistency compared

with first-lactation cows. Furthermore, a later

DIMc (cows conceiving later) was associated

with higher persistency. Except for the early DIMc

groups (DIMc <90 days), DIMc did not affect the

change in persistency by gestation.

It was concluded that the findings from

this study enhance the understanding of how

DPC and DIMc during lactation influence

lactation persistency, enabling more informed

decision-making by farmers who wish to take

persistency in their reproduction management.

Reference:

• Chen, Y., W. Steeneveld, K. Frankena, I. Leemans, Aardema, H., Vos, P.L.A.M., M. Nielen and M. Hostens (2024).

Association between days post-conception and lactation persistency in dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science,

107(8), pp.5794–5804. doi:https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2023-24282 TDM

South Africa’s award-winning dairy industry magazine

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advertising solutions to suit your needs.

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New Lexus GX

soon available

in SA

The new Lexus GX will be launched in South Africa before the end

of March, with two variants on offer. The entry-level model is the

burly Overtrail, while the top-spec option is the premium SE.


MOO-VING WHEELS

The GX is the half-sibling of the Toyota Prado as

it shares the same platform, often being referred

to as the ‘luxury Prado’. It is the first time the

nameplate has ever been on sale in South Africa, as

it has thus far only been limited to North American

and Eurasian markets.

Q: What will we find under the hood?

A: Both GX variants are equipped with a

3.5 L, V6, turbocharged petrol mill linked to an

automatic 10-speed gearbox. The power unit

produces a heady 260 kW and 650 Nm, which

is sent to all four corners via a permanent fourwheel-drive

system with Eco, Normal, Sport,

Sport S+, Comfort, and Custom modes.

Q: With the current fuel price,

efficiency is of the essence. How

does the GX fare in this regard?

A: Its generous output allows the GX to

accelerate to 100 km/h in a rather brisk 7,0

seconds despite its 2,5 t heft, although it comes

at the price of fuel consumption, which is pegged

at a manufacturer-claimed 12,3 L/100 km.

Q: How does the GX handle urban offroad

conditions?

A: Being pitched as a premium adventure

sports utility vehicle (SUV), the Lexus boasts

rather aggressive approach and departure angles

of 27 and 22 degrees, respectively. Ground

clearance, however, comes in at a not-thatoutstanding

220 mm.

As the more off-road oriented of the two, the

GX Overtrail boasts a rear differential lock as well

as Lexus’ electronic kinetic dynamic suspension

system (e-KDSS). The e-KDSS can automatically

disconnect the suspension stabiliser bars for

increased off-road articulation, and re-engage

them for better on-road handling.

Also included in this model is downhill-assist

control and crawl control, as well as the multiterrain

select tool that brings Snow, Mud, Sand,

Dirt, and Auto drive settings. The front tread of

the Overtail is wider, too, measuring 1 687 mm

compared to the SE’s 1 667 mm.


Q: What special exterior features can

we expect to see?

A: Styling-wise, there are marked differences

between the two GX derivatives on offer.

The more affordable entry comes with modelspecific

18-inch aluminium wheels, standard

side steps, and black mirrors and door handles;

whereas the flagship sees flashier 22-inch rims,

retractable side steps, and colour-coded mirrors

and door handles.

Q: One expects to enjoy an interior

with luxurious comfort, please tell

me about it.

A: Looking inside, the distinctions are equally

as stark. The Overtrail provides seating for five

passengers only, including the driver, whereas the

SE can accommodate up to seven occupants.

Furthermore, the Overtrail features resin door

scuff plates, an electro-chromatic rear-view

mirror, synthetic leather upholstery, and a tilt-andslide

moonroof. The SE, on the other hand, offers

sports illuminated scuff plates, a completely digital

rear-view mirror, semi-aniline leather seating, and

a fixed panoramic sunroof with dimming.

Differences aside, buyers of either GX versions

are sure to be satisfied with the generous level

of creature comforts afforded by both. Standard

kit in the high-end SUVs include automatic LED

lighting with daytime running lights, rain-sensing

wipers, keyless entry and start, an electric driver

seat, front seat heating and ventilation, dual-zone

climate control, a digital driver’s display, a headsup

display, a fridge, and an electric tailgate.

A 14-inch infotainment screen with Apple

CarPlay, Android Auto, and integrated navigation

is also included, as is a wireless device charger.

Apart from these fitments, the SE also boasts

adaptive high-beam functionality, a heated

steering wheel, massaging front seats, secondrow

seat heating, a 21-speaker Mark Levinson

stereo, and hands-free tailgate operation.

Q: Please elaborate on the GX’s safety

features

A: This is on top of adaptive cruise control,

blind-spot monitoring, 360 degree cameras,

front and rear parking sensors, lane-trace assist,

rear cross-traffic alert with braking, hill-assist

control, and trailer sway control.

Q: How deep should our pockets be?

A: The South African pricing and model lineup

of the new Lexus GX are as follows:

• Lexus GX 3.5T Overtrail – R1 766 000

• Lexus GX 3.5T SE – R1 829 000

Each purchase includes a seven-year/105 000 km

warranty and maintenance plan. TDM


UNMATCHED POWER

FOR HEAVY-DUTY PERFORMANCE

TK Khuzwayo

+27 60 324 9027

tk@wwsires.co.za


Gerrit Ebersohn

+27 82 456 6510

gerrite@iafrica.com

WORLD WIDE SIRES

S O U T H A F R I C A

The Dairy Mail March 2025

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