Recognized for its rigorous, scientific approach to bovine assessment
Moussours’ Precise Methodology Reveals High Standards in Bovine Lactation
The Moussours station, renowned for its rigorous and scientific approach to bovine evaluation, has officially launched the milk testing season. These controls are crucial for measuring milk productivity and the impact on calf growth, key indicators for the Créalim cooperative.
The PLAITqms index, specific to the station, is a precise reflection of milk production calculated by the difference in weight of calves before and after suckling, at critical moments in their development. This unique method, which requires no external supplementation, enables us to assess the natural ability of primiparous females to support the growth of their offspring.
The control procedure is meticulously orchestrated:
- The calves are separated from their mothers the day before the test for a 12-hour fasting period.
- Weighed on an empty stomach in the morning, they then join their mothers for a carefully supervised feed.
- The duration of feeding varies according to the mother’s milk capacity, ensuring accurate measurement.
- After feeding, calves are immediately weighed to avoid weight loss due to post-feeding activities.
- The couples are separated again for another fasting period before the second check-up of the day.
- The sum of the morning and evening milk quantities gives the total daily production, with an increased weight for production at 120 days to favour cows with long-lasting lactation.
Historical data show an average milk production of 6 kg at Moussours, with a spectrum ranging from 1 to 13 kg. It is noticeable that production levels below 4 kg are a significant brake on calf growth, while production levels above 7.5 kg guarantee optimal growth, without the need for supplementation.
