Low-input cows need more energy for maintenance

ManorFarmApril1 red 2SOLID SCIENCEContrasting genotypes of dairy cows can use feed energy with similar efficiencies for milk production, but they require more energy for maintenance of basal activities when managed under low than high input systems. This result needs to be implemented in practice to improve production efficiency and reduce environmental footprint.

By Dr. Tianhai Yan

A dairy cow needs enough nutrients to meet her requirements for basal activity, milk production, body weight gain and pregnancy. These demands are determined by calculation of amount of feed energy requirements using dairy cow energy rationing systems.

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Young scientist: SOLID has been a unique opportunity to develop an international network

Marcus Horn Austria

Marco Horn, a young livestock scientist from Austria, did his Ph.D. as part of the SOLID project which gave him a unique opportunity to become part of an international network of more experienced livestock scientists.

By Ulla Skovsbøl

A number of young scientists have benefitted from being involved in research in organic and low input farming systems within the SOLID project. One of them is Marco Horn – a young livestock scientist from Austria who did his Ph.D. at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Austria as part of the SOLID project. At the annual SOLID meeting in Granada in May 2015, he agreed to give an interview about his SOLID experience:

Marco, why did you become involved with SOLID?

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Adapted breeds for organic and low input dairy systems

Austrian cows grazing an alpine pasturelille

A study conducted by breeding experts within the SOLID project has identified a number of genotypes as specificly suited for organic and low-input  dairy systems.  In the study, these genotypes are compared with conventional breeds.

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Farmers keen on participatory research

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On-farm research is a new and efficient tool, which may be helpful to assess good cultivation practices with farmers. As part of SOLID WP1, a number of successful trials were carried out in Finland – demonstrating the advantages of participatory research for both farmers and researchers.

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