Better Fertility and Health
Tim den Toom of RumiVar, in collaboration with Henri Kolkman of compound feed cooperative CAV
Den Ham, calculated an optimal mineral mixture in the ration of the Bolks' cows, with the addition of
55 grams of OmniGen per day. 'The cows produce more than 40 liters of milk a day and they now do
that with ease', Erwin experiences. The number of white foulers fell to almost zero and the cows
clean up faster after calving. This makes them heat faster and better, the dairy farmer noticed. 'I
inseminate them earlier and they also get pregnant earlier.' The udder and claw health also
improved. 'How do I notice that the cows do it more easily?' Erwin asks the question himself. 'During the heat period it was 36 degrees and the BSK was at 58. Even after that they remained at
production, healthy and fertile.' The result is also less failure. “Now we have to find out which cows
need to be removed.”
Better management
The BSK of dairy farms was of course already discussed at the Secondary Agricultural School. Erwin still remembers it. “It was already quite something if you had a BSK of 30-32.” In his career as a dairy farmer, the BSK of 40 and 50 came into the picture. "We are now at a BSK of 60 and our cows give almost 12,000 liters of milk on average when milked three times a day," the dairy farmer says. "I could never have imagined that." Can it go any higher? 'In 20 years we will be at a BSK of 80', says Erwin with a laugh, but then again seriously. ‘We know better and better how we can best feed and care for the cows. We are constantly learning. We can now feed and care for a cow with 80 to 90 liters of milk per day in a healthy and fertile way. “They are at the top of their game. But, in their
slippers.”
Dry cows
OmniGen is one of the success factors in achieving high milk production. Erwin also made
adjustments to the dry period. The box width was increased to 1.20 metres, deep spreading boxes
with horse manure were introduced and OmniGen is also being rationed here. "A good dry period is
crucial for a good start of lactation."
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