Knowledgebase
Kingshay's Knowledgebase - Cows
![Dry Period Length](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/fresh-cow-protocols.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
The optimal dry period length between lactations in dairy cows has been debated for many years. Traditionally, an 8-week dry period was considered the ideal duration - ba...
![Dynamic Parlour Testing Farming Note](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/Rotary-Milking.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
Testing milk machine and parlour function can highlight problems which are resulting in a less effective milking and damaged udders. Unlike static parlour testing, dynami...
![E. coli Mastitis](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/Mastitis.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
E. coli is one of the primary causes of clinical mastitis in the UK, presenting in various guises from mild cases to severe toxic mastitis that few cows will survive. Wi...
![Effective Bedding Management](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/SandCubicle.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
The Effective Bedding Management report provides a guide to choosing an alternative bedding material or managing existing cow bedding. The report includes results of the ...
![Effective Farm Lighting](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/P3030438.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
Lighting on a dairy farm is important for animal health and production, but can be a significant cost. This Farming Note addresses: Optimum lighting levels and hours ...
![Efficient Water Use Farming Note](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/boreholes.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
Having more efficient water use and minimising waste will reduce the cost of milk production. On average, a dairy farm will use 5 litres of water for every litre of milk...
![Energy Feeds Farming Note (includes feed information chart)](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/FeedPassage.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
Energy is the key nutrient to aid good health, fertility and performance. Low energy intake is the major nutritional factor linked to dairy cow feeding problems. Getting ...
![Feed Trough Cleanliness & Surfaces Farming Note](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/Cows-Feeding.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
Dirty feed troughs containing spoiled feed will reduce intakes, increase wastage and put animals at risk of disease. Clean troughs can improve daily dry matter intakes by...
![Feeding Strategy](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/Picture1-23.png&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
With feed costs rising significantly month on month, the instinct is to do something drastic and change feed type or feed rates. However, this may have a negative impact ...
![Fibre Supplementation at Grass](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/Fibre-supplementation-at-grass-1024x768.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
To improve feed efficiency at grass, fibre supplementation should be considered.
![Fine Tuning at Calving](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Mum-040221-1-768x1024.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
One of the most difficult times for dairy cattle is the transition period around calving. The cow has to cope with many changes - physiological, environmental and managem...
![Fly Control In Cattle](https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/plugins/kingshay/kingshay-image.php?src=https://www.kingshay.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-control-1-e1556785989478.jpg&w=103&h=103&zc=1&a=c&q=100)
As the days start to get longer, it is time once again to turn our attention to fly control. The main months of fly activity in the UK are May to August, but as we all kn...