Grazing, 9,500 kilos of milk per lactation and a low cell count: “With the right approach it can be done”

On the Poel dairy farm in Westerwijtwerd, William Poel milks 125 cows. With an average milk yield of 9,500 kilos per cow, 4.50% fat and 3.60% protein, he shows that grazing and good udder health go together well. “We are now at a cell count of around 100,000. My aim is to keep it at around 80,000. With the right approach we can keep it that stable,” says William.

A long grazing season

From early April to mid-October the cows are outside day and night, as long as the clay soil allows it. Although the cell count on the farm usually stays low, William keeps looking for ways to improve it further. “Now and then we had cows with a raised cell count. We used to reach for antibiotics quickly, but these days we try to limit that as much as we can.”

From four boluses to one

Before he switched to the Topro Udder bolus, William used a different garlic bolus. “With that one I had to give four at a time. That costs more and is more work. The Topro Udder bolus is easier to use, works for 3 weeks and is good value for money. My dealer also recommended this bolus, which made the choice even easier. The fact that my dealer stocks this bolus also gives me confidence in its quality and effectiveness.”

Targeted use

The bolus is not used routinely on the farm, only when there are specific signs. “If a cow has flakes in her milk or a sensitive udder, I give her an Udder bolus. After giving it, I see results quickly.” The effect is especially clear at drying off, often already in the following lactation. Cows with a cell count above 150,000 are dried off with antibiotics. In addition, all cows are routinely dipped with a sealing teat dip to prevent infections.

Better udder health

According to William, the Topro Udder bolus fits well into his strategy for keeping udder health up to standard. “Prevention is a very important point. By staying just one step ahead, I keep the cell count low and prevent problems. Sometimes a cow needs something extra, for example with E. coli mastitis, but luckily that rarely happens. As a result, antibiotic use has dropped considerably.”