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ANIMAL HEALTH

PHENOMENAL RESULTS

WITH HYCARE

It is common knowledge that hygiene measures are
beneficial to the health and production of cows. But the
fact that the lifetime of cows has increased by 6 months
after 1.5 years in a HyCare-managed barn, exceeds the SAVE
wildest expectations. Milk production, its contents and THE DATE
veterinary costs have also improved. The additional
profit amounts to tens of thousands of euros.
Adjustments were made to the working methods of dairy
farmer Jos Seuntiëns (210 cows, 4 milking robots) based on the
HyCare approach barely 1.5 years ago. Everything is focused
at the highest hygiene and the prevention of infections. Six
aspects have been fundamentally addressed: pore-free feed-
ing alleys, germ-free living environment, clean and germ-free
drinking water, pest control, structural hoof care and support
for a healthy transition (see box below).
Now that the results of the cows are slowly coming in, Wilco
de Crom, divisional manager for dairy cattle at MS Schippers,
is pleasantly surprised. “We thought it would work, also be- JOIN US IN 2020
cause HyCare gives great improvements in pigs. Yet this is far VICTAM ASIA is firmly established as
beyond any expectations.” On the other hand, it is also no sur-
prise that the results are good. “We know that 85 to 90% of the the event dedicated to the animal feed
problems in cows can be traced down to infections. If you stop processing industry within Asia.
that, you’ll make big strides.”
Co-located with VICTAM Asia 2020 is
Delivering way more milk Animal Health & Nutrition, making this
The results: In 1.5 years’ time, the lifespan has increased by the total animal feed and health event Circle 12 on enquiry card
6 months, according to independent CRV figures. That is a lot. organized by Victam and VIV.
The average in the Netherlands has barely increased by one
month since 2011, while the sector’s goal is to extend the life
span by half a year by 2020. A longer life span means more
old cows with higher milk production. Milk yield rose by 1,000
kilos to 11,500 kilos a year. The fat content is 0.11 percentage
points higher and the protein content is 0.09 percentage points
higher.
All this means that 245,000 kilos more milk can be delivered
within the phosphate quota. Each extra liter of milk gives a WHY ATTEND?
marginal balance (milk price minus feed costs) of € 0.22 per
kilo. For the company this means a return of almost € 54,000. � See what is trending in your
In addition, there are even lower costs for the veterinarian industry
and an unpayable aspect: easier and more enjoyable work
because there are fewer health problems and cows enter the � Specific conferences with key
robot more easily. topics in line with your interests

Gaining more experience � Build your network
The coming months the experience with HyCare at this com-
pany will continue. In January, MS Schippers also opens its own � Business matchmaking
testing company where the concept is further developed and
visitors are given more background information. opportunities
De Crom expects the concept to be gradually rolled out in � Access to the industry exhibition
practice starting next year. Initially, this will be mainly at com-
panies with a milking robot because of the routing. In addition,
they must have or make a hygiene lock in order to create a first
barrier for visitors.
De Crom emphasizes that livestock farmers can count on
full support from MS Schippers. “This starts with an entre-
preneurial scan to see what the situation is and how it can be
helped. And when everything’s up and running, there’s contact
every six weeks. We also involve the other people accessing OFFICIAL SHOW WEBSITES
the farm so that there is an all-round commitment from every-
one.” victamasia.com & vivhealthandnutrition.nl
Circle 11 on enquiry card
Vol. 35 No. 7 9
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