New Zealand Milk – P4

Finally, it should also be pointed out that in a pasture-based system, where cows are not contained in indoors facilities, the general infection and production disease pressure is lower8-11. For example, because the animals do not spend excessive amounts of time standing on concrete surfaces, the incidence of lameness may be lower. Equally, with the cows kept on pasture the incidence of mastitis tends to be lower, which also has a positive effect on milk quality. Further, reproductive performance may improve as does general animal welfare, as the animals can exhibit more natural movement and behaviour. However it must be emphasized that, regardless of the animal husbandry system, good farm management practices will always remain of critical importance.

In summary, the indisputable foundation of the New Zealand dairy sector is its lush green pastures, allowing cows to do what they are naturally designed to do: converting grass into high quality milk. Over the years New Zealand dairy farmers have perfected the pasture based system and it is increasingly looked at by dairy farmers all over the word as the future model for sustainable dairy production.