CÓMO PRODUCEN MÁS DE 1,200 LITROS DE LECHE AL DÍA CON GANADO JERSEY - FINCA LA FONTANA, COLOMBIA 🇨🇴

Production and Management of Jersey Cattle at La Fontana Farm

Overview of the Farm

• The farm, La Fontana, is located in Colombia and specializes in Jersey cattle with an average milk production of 22 to 23 liters per cow daily.

• The farm spans approximately 9 to 10 hectares and employs a traditional milking system with a well-located milking parlor.

Feeding Practices

• Cows are fed around 85 kg of green forage daily, supplemented with concentrated feed averaging 6 kg in the morning and 3 kg in the afternoon.

• A maximum of 12 kg of concentrated feed is provided per day, adjusted based on lactation stages and production peaks.

Reproductive Management

• Reproductive management includes bi-monthly checks using ultrasound and synchronization protocols; patches for heat detection are also utilized.

• The farm aims to increase its purebred animal count through follicular aspiration processes and embryo transfers, focusing on enhancing Jersey stock due to better milk prices compared to Holstein.

Economic Aspects

• Current milk prices range from 2300 to 2400 Colombian pesos per liter, with production costs estimated at about 1400 pesos.

• The operation employs one worker responsible for milking cows and managing other tasks related to both dairy cattle and pig farming.

Fertilization Techniques

• The farm utilizes pig manure as fertilizer alongside chemical fertilizers, achieving cost savings by reducing the need for purchased fertilizer bags.

• Approximately 35 bags of fertilizer are used monthly due to the integration of pig farming into their operations.

Pasture Management

• Emphasis is placed on maintaining optimal pasture conditions; cows graze on well-fertilized pastures while respecting recovery periods post-fertilization.

• The goal is to maximize milk production primarily through pasture-based feeding systems while ensuring nutritional balance tailored for Jersey cows' metabolic needs.

Nutritional Challenges

• There’s a focus on providing high-quality mineral supplementation due to high potassium levels from pig manure; magnesium levels must be increased accordingly.

Overview of Dairy Production in Northern Antioquia

Dairy Production Statistics

• The municipality of Santa Rosa de Osos, located in northern Antioquia, is a significant dairy region in Colombia, producing approximately 5 to 6 million liters of milk daily.

• In the northern Antioquia basin, which includes San Pedro de los Milagros and other municipalities, production estimates range from 2.5 to 3 million liters per day.

• The majority of dairy farms are small-scale operations with herds ranging from 30 to 60 cows, relying heavily on pastoral systems.

Pastoral System Insights

• Cows tend to graze optimally when they consume only the leaves without moving much; this behavior enhances productivity and prevents overgrazing.

• The farm's design allows each cow to consume around 80 to 85 kg of green forage daily, emphasizing efficient pasture management.

Nutritional Management Strategies

• Efficient harvesting of dry matter is crucial for maintaining competitive advantages in pastoral systems; cows that graze effectively spend less time eating and more time ruminating.

• Pastures are managed carefully based on measurements ensuring cows receive adequate nutrition throughout different seasons.

Seasonal Challenges and Solutions

• During scarcity periods, supplementary feeding with maize silage is employed to maintain nutritional standards for the cows.

• Continuous education on nutrition practices is vital for adapting new concepts into their farming system.

Importance of Forage Quality

• Proper management of pastures contributes significantly to profitability; about 70% of a cow's energy needs come from grass.

• Harvest timing must be adjusted according to light conditions and plant growth stages; optimal heights for cutting are critical for nutrient retention.

Pest Management Considerations

• Pest control is essential as infestations can reduce protein quality in forage by up to three liters per day per cow.

Infrastructure and Operational Efficiency

• Well-planned infrastructure such as concrete paths reduces wear on cattle during movement between pastures, enhancing operational efficiency.

Integrating Livestock Operations

Porciculture and Dairy Farming Synergy

Economic Benefits of Combining Dairy and Pork Production

• The cost of fertilization in dairy farming can be around 12-15%, but when integrated with pig farming, this cost can drop to as low as 5% or even disappear entirely.

• This synergy between pork and dairy farming can increase the profitability of milk production by up to 10% or more, providing a safety net during poor milk market conditions.

• Diversification through this association allows farmers to mitigate risks; if milk prices fall, pork production can help sustain income, and vice versa.

Feeding Systems in Dairy Farming

• At La Fontana farm, a hopper distributes concentrated feed in 40 kg bags, allowing workers to manage daily feeding needs efficiently.

• A management software is utilized for tracking production data related to reproduction and nutrition tailored to each animal's specific requirements.

Data Management and Analysis

• The software collects extensive information daily, enabling continuous development through analysis of historical data on each animal's performance.

• For example, it tracks individual milk production levels (e.g., 21.19 liters), food consumption (4 kg), lactation days (295), and health records including veterinary protocols.

Reproductive Management Strategies

• Regular evaluations are conducted with stakeholders (owners, veterinarians) to assess reproductive indicators such as the interval from calving to first service (60-65 days).

• The goal is maintaining pregnancy rates above 20%, with monthly targets set for necessary pregnancies based on insemination cycles.

Optimizing Insemination Practices

• Emphasis is placed on achieving high first-service conception rates (>45%) for Jersey cows due to their lower average milk volume compared to Holsteins.

• Ruben Betancur discusses his farm operations at La Fontana, highlighting plans for expansion post-pandemic while managing a herd of 52 animals averaging about 20 liters per day.

Innovations in Milking Process

• Cows are incentivized with concentrated feed during milking sessions; this practice encourages them to approach the milking area willingly.

• Unlike practices in other countries where cows are not fed during milking, this system ensures that cows associate milking with receiving food rewards.

Nutritional Challenges in Pastoral Dairy Systems

High Starch Load and Its Implications

• The high starch load during milking can become a limiting factor in pastoral systems, leading to cows experiencing persistent subclinical conditions.

• In a pastoral diet, the concentrate load often exceeds 50%, allowing a cow to consume up to 2.5 kg of starch within the short duration of milking (5-6 minutes).

Feeding Strategies for Improved Ruminal Health

• To manage starch intake effectively, feeding systems have been developed that distribute feed across multiple meals, aiming for more stable ruminal pH levels.

• Understanding nutrition is crucial in dairy farming; courses at Santa Fe Agro Institute emphasize the importance of tailored feeding strategies based on the animal's life stage.

Importance of Tailored Nutrition

• Different nutritional needs exist for cows at various stages: freshly calved cows require different diets compared to those late in gestation or transitioning between phases.