Knowledgebase
Kingshay's Knowledgebase - Farming Notes
![Understanding Your Parlour Farming Note](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/understanding-your-parlour.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
A poorly functioning parlour will damage teats, increase the risk of mastitis and slow milking time. Understanding your parlour is critical to optimise milking and cow...
![Urea Treated Wholecrop & Alkalage Farming Note](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/urea-treated-wholecrop-and-alkalage.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
Wholecrop can be barvested at a range of dry matters. Wholecrop silages which are over 55% dry matter can be preserved by urea treatment. Urea treated wholecrop offers ad...
![Urea vs. Ammonium Nitrate](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/AdobeStock_319488910-2-1024x683.jpeg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
Urea fertiliser can be a cost-effective alternative to ammonium nitrate (AN) in some circumstances. However, a recent government consultation has cast doubt on its future...
![Using Fertility Indices Farming Note](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/BFFreshlyCalvedCowOct03.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
A key to reversing the general trend of declining fertility is to use the right measures which focus on getting cows pregnant. Most of the traditional measures are histor...
![Using Wind & Solar Energy Farming Note](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/Windmill-(2).jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
Whilst using energy efficiently is clearly important, farmers are in a good position to reduce their electricity cost by making use of alternative energy sources. Wind p...
![Vaccination Planning](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/Injection-2-683x1024.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
Vaccines have been available from the 1930’s, since then they have made a major contribution to improving cattle health and welfare. They are vital components in preven...
![Ventilation Farming Note](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/ventilation.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
Poor dairy building ventilation can have dramatic consequences on milk production. Research suggests 50% of buildings designed for livestock are not suited to the housed ...
![Vitamin Requirements for Dairy Cows Farming Note](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/vitamin-cow.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
Vitamins are essential for cattle growth, production, reproduction and health, and deficiencies have serious implications. Maintaining the correct vitamin levels in the ...
![Water Quality & Udder Health](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/Dairy-centre-farm-manager-David-Pettitt-of-Kingshay-power-washing.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
Private water sources are a great way to lower water costs on dairy farms, but failure to routinely monitor and address water quality issues can lead to problems with udd...
![Water Supply at Grass Dairy Insight](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/drinking-at-grazing.png&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
Getting water supply at grass right is a must for optimal cow welfare and to avoid potential dips in production. Water supply is a common pinch point on dairy farms, part...
![What are your Cows telling you about their Ration?](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/DF-200116-9-1024x683.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
Analysing forages and balancing rations with your nutritionist are important components of cost-effective feeding. Formulating a diet that works on paper is only part of ...
![Winter Bedding Options Farming Note](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/BatchelorsCubicle3.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
With straw supplies limited and expensive, different bedding options may prove economic for your herd. An increase in straw price of £15/tonne would typically increase c...