Dairy R&D in SA

The camera frame was deployed at the University of Pretoria experimental farm. The frame was placed over the crush above the weighing platform. Three 3D cameras were used to capture the cow body from different angles – top, rear, angled – in order to obtain enough body information. During the course of the investigation several changes were made to the system and the data collection procedure to ensure the process went smoothly and as much of the collected data was accurate and usable as possible.

Cattle in South Africa produced a total of 35.37 million tonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 e) emissions in 2019, inclusive of emissions from pasture, range and paddock. Methane (CH4) from enteric fermentation accounted for 64.5% of the total emissions followed by emissions from pasture, range and paddock (27.7%). Manure management contributed 4.34% of N2O (nitrous oxide) to the total emissions while this source also produced 3.45% of CH4 emissions.

The efficiency of milk production of dairy cows has been a common point of discussion among dairy farmers, veterinarians, feed and breeding consultants. Whereas there are different ways of expression, it primarily should be a financial metric of the value of product(s) produced in relation to the production cost of all product(s). For dairy cows this mainly includes milk production income in relation to the feed cost to produce milk. For the lifetime efficiency the beef production income of cows should probably also be included.

Discipline: grazing/pastures;

Discipline: microbiology; 

Discipline: mastitis; 

Discipline: Industry; 

Discipline: nutrition/feeding; 

Discipline: industry;

Discipline: management;