PROGRAM WHAT WE SAID WE’D DO WHY WE DID IT WHAT DID WE ACHIEVE? Dairy CRC Focus on genetic improvement through genetic markers and reproductive technologies, and on identifying novel bioactive components Increase the productivity of dairy cattle, better management of their lifecycle, and improved daily management onfarm Reproductive and genetic technologies represent large opportunities for farmers in the identification and breeding of superior bulls and cows A federal funding application for a new Dairy CRC project was not successful. Future investment in biotechnology that can lift farm productivity continues to be a priority for investment and alternate funding arrangements will need to be made from July 2008 onwards Final stage testing of new genetic marker technology is almost complete and will likely result in faster and more accurate identification of elite sires The CRC is also investing on many diverse biotechnology fronts that are building a comprehensive picture of the genetic makeup of cows, gene function, novel means to influence lactation (quantity, quality, presence of high-value components) as well as innovations in embryo biology and the production of stem cells Future Dairy Test the boundaries of future forage, feeding system and technological advances and provide guidelines on-farm adoption Completed a third year of research in complementary forage rotations (three crops per year) and best-practice forage management. Research grew in excess of 40 tonnes of dry matter per ha (crops) and 17 tonnes per ha of kikuyu permanent pastures. Results exceed average dry matter production on the average farm by between 50% and 200%. Future Dairy is now developing an innovative approach to extending results to farmers on a regional basis Completed a one-year comparison of running cows at different stocking rates at different levels of supplementary feeding and per cow production. The project is now continuing for a second year to deliver an assessment of the key factors involved in profitable intensification of systems Completed the commissioning phase of the automatic milking system farm. Progressing with a series of farm systems questions on optimising the management of cows and facilities around an automatic milking system. Also undertake the testing of new innovations that aid management and reduce labour
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