EIP Project Database

Project Title

Suitability of high-yielding Holstein-Friesian cows for ecological husbandry with reduced use of concentrated feed and grazing

Project description

In the organic milk production breeds with a genetically average level of performance are so far dominating. The conversion of Holstein-Friesian herds represents a greater challenge in terms of animal health and there are missing practical studies. The main goal of the innovation project is to examine the conditions under which the conversion of a high-performance HF herd from conventional to organic milk production (with 650 cows) is successfully possible. The investigation of the influence on animal health and performance of the cows are the focus of the project activities. In addition, the topics of crop rotation planning, pasture management and irrigation are dealt with. The demonstration project is intended to provide similar structured dairy farms that are willing to convert practical results and experience.

Final report

Results and the Final report will be found here, as soon as the project is completed.

Results focusing on practiceorientation

• Animal health: As part of an intensive health monitoring, clinical and laboratory diagnostic parameters are developed. With the help of this parameters a timely detection of health-endangering stress situations of HF cattle under organic husbandry will be possible.
• Fodder management: Planning of pasture management, crop rotation, cultivation strategies and farm cooperation in order to be able to secure a needs and performance-based energy and protein supply for the cattle largely through the internal cultivation of basic fodder and legumes.
• Economic assessment of the conversion process: e.g. changes in work organization, economy of irrigation, profitability of dairy farming

Main funding source

Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups (in the sense of Art 56 of Reg.1305/2013)

Project status

ongoing

Total budget applied for in EUR

264,189

NUTS3 CODE

DEG0D - Sömmerda