The latest KPI study for 2025 is now available! See the latest targets and trends for over ~40 parameters.

Since 2010, the PAN Livestock Services Ltd has conducted annual benchmarking of key performance indicators for 500 Holstein/Friesian UK dairy herds. The 500-herd KPI report supports informed discussion between farmers, vets and advisers primarily through benchmarking a herd’s performance against a large cross-section of commercial dairy herds. As well as highlighting areas for potential improvement, this report provides realistic target values to support the decision making process. Users are strongly encouraged to apply an holistic approach to benchmarking, appreciating that positive improvements in one KPI may impact negatively elsewhere. It is discussing the competing demands of herd production, health and economics that will result in sound long-term decision making.

Herd demographics remained stable in 2025, with first, second, third, and fourth-or-higher lactation cows accounting for 29%, 23%, 18%, and 29% of the herd, respectively. However, cows are completing the same number of lactations within a shorter productive lifespan and are leaving the herd at a younger age, partly linked to reduced calving intervals. Fertility improvements have plateaued since 2021, though key metrics continue to rise. Median heat detection increased from 35% (2021) to 43% (2025), and conception rates improved from 34% (2021) to 40% (2025), indicating ongoing gains in reproductive performance. Milk production recovered in 2025 to 2021 levels following a dip between 2022 and 2024. Median lifetime milk per cow per day reached 13.1 kg, with a 305-day yield of 9,136 kg and annual production of 8,962 kg. However, more first-lactation cows are failing to achieve 75% of mature cow yield, indicating that younger cows are not keeping pace with improvements seen in mature animals. Somatic cell count (SCC) indicators have improved, with median herd SCC falling to 160,000 cells/ml. While high SCC sample rates remain stable (15–16%), more cows are dried off without elevated SCC, rising to 53% in 2025.

To access the full key performance indicators (KPIs) report for 2025, please click HERE

To access previous annual reports, please click HERE