Cross-breeding in our herd

19-02-2021

 

Many years ago, we moved from pure Holsteins cows to cross-bred cows. First, we started with Fleckvieh as a second breed. Nowadays we aim for 50-60% Holstein blood, at least 25% Fleckvieh and a third breed like Scandinavian-Red, Jersey or Brown Swiss. On our farm, where we mainly feed roughage, we observed that the crossbreeding improved the fertility, energy balance, feet and the general health of our herd. This will help us farming in a sustainable way, with long lifetimes and less antibiotics. Although crossbreeds are less milk oriented than Holsteins, in a few weeks we will have our first 100,000 kg Holstein/Fleckvieh cow!

 

 

 

Harvesting corn and fudder beets

November 15, 2020

The corn and fodder beets were harvest under great circumstances last month! Since it was dry, the beets (Limagrain & KWS), ‘superfood for cows’, were clean and didn’t need a wash before being shredded into the silage. However, the Limagrain variety had a better shape, with fewer grooves with dirt in it, which we only will use next year.

We are sure the cows will enjoy their new meal!

 

Seperated manure as bedding

09-07-2020

Recently we refreshed the cow bedding in the barn again. For several years, we are separating the manure and use the thick fraction as comfortable bedding for the cows. The aim is to have the perfect humidity, in order to maintain the best udder health while the bedding as pleasant for the cows as possible. The health of the udder/milk quality is outstanding since the somatic cell count (SCC) is always <100. We are refreshing the bedding frequently to achieve the best cow comfort, also when the cows are not in the fields.

Nationale Proeftuin PrecisieLandbouw

30-6-2020

Hunsingo Dairy is always looking to find the most efficient way to use the land. Together with NPPL (Nationale Proeftuin PrecisieLandbouw) we are optimizing the fertilization of the fields. For each 16 m², we are exactly measuring the deposit of manure and fertilizer, while also measuring the yields and soil conditions. We are investigating different methods of fertilizing the fields in relation to the yields. When we exactly know the response of our land on fertilizer and manure locally, we can reduce our environmental footprint and increase the biodiversity (adding low-nitrate needing herbs locally) of our crops, while maintaining the yields to feed our cows.

Accelerator Innovative Ambitions

Under the Accelerator Innovative Ambitions 2016 scheme, a subsidy has been granted to Melkveebedrijf Van Velde and Global Dairy Farmers to carry out their project.

The aim of the project is to develop innovative milk and dairy products with a reduced saturated fat content and a higher unsaturated fat content for healthier nutrition for the consumer. For the implementation of this project, the expertise of Feed Innovation Services B.V. from Wageningen will be hired.

The project fits well with the objectives of the VIA scheme and contributes to the social importance of health, demography and welfare and also to the social importance of food security, sustainable agriculture and bio-economy.