Research is fragmented and action is therefore required to ensure co-ordination and that research & development is functional in respect of the strategic direction of the dairy industry. The strategic direction of the industry is to broaden the market for milk and other dairy products, to improve the international competitiveness of the South African industry and to empower previously disadvantaged individuals. Furthermore, action is required to promote the practical application of local and international research & development in South Africa.
During 2008, Milk South Africa will engage in a project to compile a list of completed and ongoing dairy related projects in South Africa and abroad. This will provide a structured reference framework for the industry. The project will in collaboration with other role-players in the industry, be broadened to provide a comprehensive library and information service to the dairy industry.
At present, Milk SA provides statutory funding for the National Milk Performance Testing Scheme of the RSA, as co-ordinated by MBISI.
National Milk Performance Testing Scheme of the RSA. (Project manager: Milk Business Information Systems Incorporated)
The main goal of the project is to run a cost efficient and effective milk performance scheme in such a manner that participating animals will grow at more than 5% per annum. MBISI must also ensure that no duplication takes place in order to cut costs to all participants.
The available data is used for the determination of breeding values for animals, and the values attained by A.I. dairy bulls (local and imported) have a huge impact on the genetic progress of South African dairy cattle.
Any other research done on e.g. feed, production methods or any other aspect where production plays a role, the data generated from the National Milk Recording Scheme is utilised for both production and milk quality information. This research can be done for the evaluation on production methods, to evaluate different rations (feeding additives) or even fertilizer trials on pastures. Enclosed please find a list of research opportunities where this data has been utilised.
In the past the milk-recording scheme was utilised mainly to determine breeding values. Today this information is utilised for management information, e.g. somatic cell counts, Milk urea nitrogen (MUN) information per animal/herd, etc. The Somatic Cell Count information is used to monitor the udder health per animal but also to determine and monitor the status of the herd and accordingly give an indication of milk machine function, be it correct or incorrect.
By addressing the problems early on, higher quality milk can be delivered to milk buyers, which in turn reduces processing costs. MUN results are utilised to balance rations and is effectively utilised in addressing conception problems.