Estrategias para optimizar la eficiencia de las granjas intensivas de vacas de leche

Abstract

Milk worldwide growing demand inevitably implies an increase in milk yield. This increase can only be achieved through optimized management and handling systems. In turn, the current framework in which livestock is developed, specifically dairy cows and the complicated situation that the sector is going through, makes increasing production at the lowest cost (economic, social, animal and environmental costs) essential. This is maximizing the efficiency of farms. Efficiency is a very general concept and can be applied to the different factors affecting milk yield, and consists on achieving results with the minimum resources. Reproductive management is one of the most important factors, since milk yield is directly linked to reproduction. Reproductive efficiency implies improving fertility, reducing open days and the percentage of pregnancy loss. There is no universal tool to achieve it, and each veterinary consultant must choose the ones that best suit each farm among all available tools, considering the animals, the general management, the yield level, the environment, the costs, and a continuing education plan...