According to the latest information from Kingshay, the average yield per cow increased between March and April, by 0.7litres/day to an average of 26.1litres/day. Average butterfat levels fell by five percentage points to 4.10%, while protein levels increased one percentage point to 3.25%. Between March and April, there was a fall in average Bactoscan levels of 1,000/ml to 27,000/ml, while SCC levels increased 3,000/ml to average 192,000/ml. Concentrate use per litre fell over the same period, by 0.02/kg/litre to an average of 0.31kg/litre. The average milk price fell slightly over the period, by 0.41ppl to an average of 25.56ppl.

Annual comparisons show that the average milk yield has fallen by 0.7litres/day (2.6%) from an average of 26.8litres/day in April 2007. Butterfat levels are 11 percentage points higher than in April 2007, when they stood at 3.99%. Protein levels are slightly lower over the same period, by one percentage point to 3.25%. Bactoscan has shown a fall of 1,000/ml while SCC levels have averaged 3,000/ml higher than April 2007 when they stood at 189,000/ml. Concentrate use is 0.05kg/litre higher than in April 2007, perhaps due to cows being turned out later compared to 2007. The milk price is 45.6% (8.0ppl) higher when compared to the average price in April 2007, when it stood at 17.56ppl.

For further information on Kingshay National herd data, please click here.

Monthly Results

Source: Kingshay

Rolling annual data shows that the average yield has fallen by 60 litres per cow to an average of 7,609 litres per cow in the 12 months ending April 2008. Butterfat and protein levels are both up in the 12 months to April 2008, by five percentage points to 4.07% and two percentage points to 3.27% respectively. Average concentrate use stood at 0.31kg/litre in the 12 month period ending April 2008, 0.01kg/litre more than the previous year. The average milk price has increased by 4.98ppl (27.8%) to an average of 22.88ppl over the same period.

Rolling Annual Averages

Source: Kingshay

The tables above show the average performance of herds using the Kingshay Dairy Manager recording system. When using Kingshay data, it must be noted that a certain amount of caution should be taken. Although the sample size Kingshay use to collect the data is relatively large, it does not necessarily reflect the trends and performance of UK dairy herds. It is also worth noting that retrospective adjustments to the data may also occur.