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Dairy - Stokman Farm, Holland

Executive Summary

Key areas of good practice:


Operations

  • With the introduction of robotic milking (over 10 years ago) milk yields have increased and it allows the cows “Free Choice” as to when they are milked. For staff, repetitive strain injury is eliminated through not having to milk 14 times per week and being released from this routine allows increased social/family time.


Inputs

  • Dual chamber water beds improve cow comfort. Research shows that cows need to lie down for 10 to 12 hours per day so this comfortable lying environment is of paramount importance. The water bed also reduces the quantity of bedding required per cow and remains cleaner than other bedding types.

 

Outputs

  • The grooved anti-slip floor reduces emission of ammonia from the slurry and with hourly cleaning/removal can give a reduction in ammonia emissions of 30%. The grooved anti-slip flooring gives improved cow comfort which allows the cows to show natural behaviour.

 

Additional areas of good practice:


Management

  • The farm is a member of the independently-inspected Qarant farm assurance scheme which covers key aspects such as food safety, animal health and welfare.

 

Operations

  • Weekly foot-bathing and tri-annual professional foot trimming ensures that hoof care is at the forefront of animal welfare, reducing the incidence of lameness.
  • An outdoor loafing area for cows during the summer period allows cows a “free choice” on access to the outside.

 

Resources

  • 15 hectares of “Nature fields” are available for migrating wild geese to graze over the winter period.