Since 2010, the University of Reading has conducted annual benchmarking of key performance indicators for 500 Holstein/Friesian UK dairy herds. Each study covers >38 different parameters describing aspects of longevity, fertility, production and health. The principal objectives of the studies are to provide farmers and their technical advisers with accurate and current benchmarking of key performance indicators as the basis for discussion and target setting at herd level.

The source of data were the monthly milk records obtained by National Milk Records (NMR). The 500 herds used in the study all fully milk record on a monthly basis and account for approximately 10% of herds recorded by NMR. The herds were all predominantly comprised of black and white breeds and had recorded for a minimum of two years. For each parameter, the first quartile, median, third quartile and interquartile range were calculated. The target value used by InterHerd+ is the level achieved or bettered by 25% of the herds in the study. This value is the “better” of the first quartile (25%) or third quartile (75%) values.

In 2023, in comparison to earlier studies, cows were markedly more fertile and with higher milk yields and significantly lower somatic cell counts (SCC)/fewer cases of mastitis. Many parameters including; conception, heat detection, age at first calving, 305-day milk yield and SCC have improved almost every year since the first study in 2010. However, culling rates have increased, so cows are being removed from the herd at an earlier age and after completing fewer lactations. Subsequently, despite substantial improvements in milk production and fertility parameters, overall cow longevity has failed to improve.

Two important measures of overall efficiency have stalled in recent years. The 2023 median values for milk/cow/day of life and milk/cow place/year were similar to the 2019 median values. Therefore, the benefits of keeping more mature cows in production may now exceed the gains being achieved from genetic improvement of first lactation cows joining the herd.

To access the full key performance indicators (KPIs) report for 2023, please click HERE

To access previous annual reports, please click HERE

NMR press release - National Milk Records | NMR 500 Herd KPI 2023 Report Released

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