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Background and targets

PREMIUM MILK PROJECT – Background and Targets

Project Aim

Milk production, which will bring increased financial reward to the dairy farmer and improved health benefits to the consumer, with a holistic approach to compositional and hygienic quality.

Objectives

(a) Demonstration of improved business competitiveness and profit margins through improved milk price, due to higher compositional quality and improved animal management:
    1. Increase quantity and quality of milk protein produced
      1. Maintain butterfat level
      2. Maintain high standards of hygiene.
(b) Assessment of health benefits of milk with higher protein yield and quality:
Levels of alpha and beta casein and conjugated linoleic acid for decreasing the incidence of osteoporosis, heart disease and improving the body’s immune system (Loughry Campus)
(c ) Highlight the importance of full integration in the food chain, and the development of effective partnerships to the benefit of the Northern Ireland dairy industry.

Targets

  • 70 cows
  • 7500 litres / cow / year
  • 4.10 percent butterfat
  • 3.50 percent protein
  • Condition Score > 2.5
  • 70 percent calved prior to December 31
  • 25 percent replacement rate
  • Within top15 percent of benchmarked herds for net profit/ha