Optimisation opportunities for the high-performing herd

As this year’s technical partners at Dairy Tech, AHDB are hosting an exclusive evening ahead of the show, looking at data-led decision making, particularly focussed on high yielding systems.

Chaired by farmer Keith Gue, we will explore how data, genetics and new technologies are being applied on innovative farms to tackle challenges facing high-performing dairy herds including Johne’s disease, heat stress and lameness.

Programme Highlights

Johne’s Disease – Understanding hidden risks

Andrew Bradley will provide an update on the latest research into interpreting Johne’s disease test data, what it means clinically and how it can be applied practically on your farm. You will learn about:

• Using your data to understand Johne’s transmission routes and how essential it is for effective control
• Identifying and managing “high-risk hidden cows” and how it is critical for long-term success
• AI-driven early warning systems and how they can support better breeding and calving decisions

Heat Stress and building microclimates: Interactions with cow behaviour

Zoe Barker will share how heat stress affects cow health, welfare and behaviour, using data from temperature, location and behavioural sensors. Learn how buildings respond to temperature changes and how mitigation strategies can be modelled for current and future climates. She’ll explain how:

• Bunching is a maladaptive behaviour with serious negative consequences
• Multiple factors influence bunching behaviour
• Monitoring systems can predict heat stress and inform management decisions
• Many current mitigation approaches may not adequately relieve heat stress

Genetics and hoof health – Can we make an impact?

James Wilson will give an overview of the latest research into the genetics behind hoof health and how genetic tools can be used to improve cow health and welfare on farm. You’ll understand how:

• Genetics play a significant role in susceptibility to hoof horn lesions and digital dermatitis
• Using the Lameness Advantage Index and Digital Dermatitis Index can deliver substantial long-term reductions in lesions
• High quality phenotypic data is essential to improving genetic evaluations

A buffet dinner will follow the evening presentations, please include any dietary requirements on booking.

Presenter biographies

Andrew Bradley

Andrew Bradley earned his veterinary degree from the University of Cambridge in 1993. Following a period in dairy practice in the South West of England, he returned to University at Bristol where he undertook research in aspects of mastitis control as well as running the extension Practice and lecturing in dairy production medicine.

He has published widely in the field of mastitis control and has a particular interest in dry period management. He joined the University of Nottingham in 2009 as a Clinical Reader in Dairy Production Medicine. He holds a RCVS Diploma in Cattle Health and Production and is an RCVS recognised specialist in Cattle Health and Production. He is a de facto Diplomate of the European College of Bovine Health Management. Andrew is also founder and Director of Quality Milk Management Services Ltd a privately owned milk quality laboratory, clinical and research consultancy. Based in Somerset, QMMS offers services to the dairy sector both in the UK and overseas.

Zoe Barker

Zoe Barker is a lecturer in Animal Science at the University of Reading. Her research interests are centred around the health, welfare, and sustainability of livestock systems. Her early research involved epidemiological studies of risk factors for lameness and also consisted of encouraging farmers to implement interventions to reduce lameness.

Zoe has also spent time working for the pig industry levy board, supporting farmers to work collaboratively to reduce infectious disease at a regional level. More recent research has involved the application of novel sensor technologies to monitor cattle behaviour to detect changes in behaviour indicative of disturbances to health or welfare. Current work has focused on the behavioural changes associated with spatial and temporal changes to building microclimates.

James Wilson

James is a post-doctoral research associate at the University of Liverpool, contributing to the UK Hoof Health Registry (a national database of hoof health records). This research has involved collating hoof health data from a range of sources for the improvement of the genetic evaluations for lameness, and to develop a pattern analysis tool for hoof health data. Alongside the data collation, James is researching the social motivators behind farmers’ engagement with lameness management.

He holds a PhD in the management of dairy cow lameness from the University of Nottingham, awarded in 2021. James was involved in teaching and research at Duchy College’s farm, and earlier in his career, he worked in herd management across a range of systems following his BSc in Agriculture and Livestock Science, obtained in 2014.

James is a Dairy Consultant at Herd Health Consultancy, having joined the team in February 2022. James has a wealth of experience and expertise in working with farmers internationally to drive best practice in all matters hoof health and cow comfort. He offers hoof trimming training and hoof health/cow comfort consultancy across the globe to a range of clients. Based in Cornwall, James offers evidence-based solutions to tackle lameness on farms. He takes a compassionate view to lameness with respect to both the cow and the farmer. He's passionate about driving on-farm improvements in a caring and supportive way. James works closely with farmers, trimmers, and vets to implement evidence-based hoof health strategies and continues to pursue research that supports sustainable and practical solutions.