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TPR-2015

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47 AGRICULTURE EDITION DELAVAL | struggled to develop as a calf will most likely not produce a high volume of milk yield. Studies have shown that a young and well-developed first-calf heifer has a higher milk yield during her first and second lactations compared with an underdeveloped heifer. The DeLaval Calf Manager and the DeLaval Calf Feeder are products that can, in combination, be used to monitor a group of calves. From the convenience of a computer a farmer can manage the feeding programmes of many calves by checking if their milk intake is sufficient and monitoring the speed of the their suction rate. These products can be used as tools to generate reports indicating milk rations and consumption over specific periods of time. Sustainability through automation While attempting to attain increased food-production rates, farmers will have to continue to improve practices that do not exacerbate the environmental problems already facing the world. Greenhouse gas emissions from UK dairy farms are responsible for 2% of the nation's total greenhouse gas emissions, which is slightly lower than the international average of 3%. When asked, 62% of UK dairy farmers say that they are already feeling the effects of climate change and expect to do so for the next 10 years. However, there are still opportunities to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from dairy farms, and one of these is through feeding efficiency. Feeding is the single largest cost driver in milk production, and that proportion is still increasing. It is also the most time-consuming operation after milking. Feeding costs represent around 50% of farms' running expenses, although this may vary considerably depending on the farmer's herd and the feeding activities. If farmers can increase the individual milk yields of their cows, ultimately this will lead to fewer cows being required in total. This, in turn, will mean a reduction in building and labour costs, as well as feed costs, which ultimately will lead to environmental savings. All-over grooming with a swinging brush improves cow health, comfort and welfare

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