ONUKU MIRAKA HIPI One steep learning curve!
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ISSUE
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DECEMBER 2021 News, Advice, Breeds, Import/Export, Technology, Farm Focus, Profiles, Science, Facts, Contacts and Much More in this publication dedicated to the Goat & Sheep Industries
From the editors We are very pleased to present our second edition of the revamped Goat and Sheep Milk NZ magazine – just in time for Christmas! Since the launch of our first edition in October, we’ve had some extremely positive feedback from our advertisers, contributors, and our readers. We have also increased our digital database base by more than a thousand new subscribers and are reaching more people every day. In order for us to become more integrated in the goat and sheep milk sector we need your help in supporting us by using the magazine to promote your upcoming functions, events and gatherings – around the country. We have a live Facebook page that can also be of use to deliver your message around the country.
Contents Waikato Milking Systems: Plant Choices . . . . . . 5 New Chief Executive for Food Waikato . . . . . . 5 UK-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement . . . . . 6
Our interface on the web is slightly different as you can now access us directly through Issuu for a more user-friendly reading experience. Please recommend our website to others and help us grow our database to include all the goat and sheep milk stakeholders in New Zealand.
Four of the most popular Greek cheeses . . . . . 7
As we move deeper into the festive period and away from Covid lockdowns we trust that you, and your families, will experience a well-deserved Christmas break – as we look forward to the challenges and achievements 2022 will offer.
Meyer Cheese – Miel Meyer Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . 14
We hope you enjoy the read! Best wishes Romano Manuel and Mike Dwight
Onuku Miraka Hipi – One steep learning curve! . 8 The White Family: Our Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Reducing the risk of Listeria in silage . . . . . . . 16 Waikato farmer protecting valuable sheep milk with HALO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 PPP Feed Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Passionate about Goat Milk farming! . . . . . . . . 20
Romano Manuel
Why pH is important in animal housing . . . . . 22
EDITORIAL
PHONE: +64 220 454 892 EMAIL: romano@goatandsheepmilk.nz
Mike Dwight ADVERTISING
PHONE: +64 272 639 564 EMAIL: mike@goatandsheepmilk.nz
Science supporting industry growth: Sheep Milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 TechniPharm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Genetic and Genomic Studies on Production, Composition and Processability Characteristics of Dairy Sheep Milk . . . . . . . . . 26 GEA milking system upgrade shaves 2 hours off daily milking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
POSTAL: PO Box 9003, Springfield Heights Rotorua 3048 New Zealand
New Zealand Boer Goat Breeders Association – NZBGBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
www.goatandsheepmilk.nz
Rural Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Disclaimer The views expressed in the articles and advertising are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Goat and Sheep Milk New Zealand. Goat and Sheep Milk New Zealand reserves the right to accept, edit or reject editorial and advertising material. All endeavours will be made to ensure accuracy at time of publication. For any queries regarding information that is published in Goat and Sheep Milk New Zealand contact names and information pertaining to that article is usually printed or embedded. Goat and Sheep Milk New Zealand is happy to receive feedback regarding the publication but will not accept abusive or derogatory correspondence to any staff or persons connected.
Cover Images: Main – Matt Bolton (Oeke Farm), insert – Barrett Vercoe (Onuku)
Matt Jones Canterbury farmers and business people Matt and Tracey Jones were trying to find help for gut and skin issues plaguing their two-year-old daughter when they came across sheep milk. Tracey started researching dairy alternatives from plant-based to other animal-based systems that could be digested by someone with lactose intolerance, that could support gut health, not exacerbate eczema while providing a nutritional drink for her toddler. What she discovered was sheep milk. The more she researched the more convinced she became that she had the answer. So passionate that sheep milk was the panacea her daughter needed, Tracey and Matt decided to start milking sheep themselves. Both the Jones’ come from a sheep farming background, but neither had experience milking sheep.
Tracey and Matt Jones
They scoured the world for the best milking genetics, brought them to New Zealand and started a sheep milk farm while spreading the word and helping to establish others in the industry. They are now working with five South Island milk suppliers who are supplying Sheep Milk New Zealand with milk for their consumer products. In 2020, Sheep Milk New Zealand launched their skin and body care brand Sabelle and in 2021 launched their Jones Family Farm Gouda and Havarti sheep milk cheese and fresh pasteurised milk.
For more on Sheep Milk New Zealand and the brands head to sheepmilknz.co.nz
Partnership to enhance Soil Health and test Regen Ag practices New research on farms across New Zealand will measure and provide farmers the tools they need in order to enhance soil health, including identifying where regenerative agriculture prattices can make a difference. Early in December, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced a unique partnership between food producers Synlait Milk and danone, science provider AgResearch, and the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund. The project will study soil health on ten farms in Waikato, Canterbury and Otago over five years, to determine the impacts of changes in soil health on production, farm resilience and the environment, including climate change. Soils underpin New Zealand’s food and fibre sector and managing for healthy soils improves the natural capacity of soil to sustain plants, animals, and humans. However, assessment of soil healyh on farms is not routinely measured in New Zealand, and so practical tools are needed to help farmers understand the detailed state of of the soils and how best to manage them. As well as on-farm production and performance, improved soil health is expected to benefit the wider environment with improved fresh water and nutrient outcomes, support for biodiversity, enhanced soil carbon storage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Two paddocks on each of the ten farmswill be dedicated to a comparison between conventional practices and regenerative practices, focusing on greater pasture diversity and reduced nitrogen fertiliser use.
The findings will help respond to a nedd for evidence that regenerative practices can make a positive difference in sustainable food production. The Minister said that the aim of the $2.8 million contribution to the 3.85 million 5-year project with co-investment by SynLait Milk and Danone is to underatnd how to measure and manage soil health to boost environmental and economic performance on New Zealand farms. “We simply cannot take soil health for granted. It’s the basis of our food systems, and also New Zealand’s economic health.” Research already done by AgResearch, and commissioned by DairyNZ, has demonstrated that New Zealand has the lowest carbon footprint for milk production compared to 17 other countries, including major milk suppliers. However, the dairy industry is still striving to identify areas where it can make further environmental gains. Some initial assessment of soil helath have been conducted, and the trials on the ten dairy farms involved are expected to begin early 2022.
Goat & Sheep Milk NZ - Issue 4 | December 2021
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Waikato Milking Systems: Plant Choices Cow shed conversions remain a popular choice for farmers looking to make the switch to dairy sheep or dairy goat milking in New Zealand. Waikato Milking Systems Small Ruminants Specialist Andy Geissmann (in black shirt in the ad) has led the company’s involvement in many sheep and goat plant projects which are now well into their second milking season.
Waikato Milking Systems commissioned its prototype, 70-point internal sheep rotary for Browne Pastoral near Cambridge in the Waikato in 2020. The rotary milked around 1200 sheep in its first season and the farm had plans to move closer to 2000 milking ewes for the second season. “There’s not much difference in the footprint size of a herringbone versus a rotary, both are easy to install. “The next step is deciding what milking equipment you want to have and an entry level system will usually involve manually attaching and removing the cups. “The next level involves installing automatic cup removers and at the top level, there is milk yield technology.” Andy said the company’s ECR-S, electronic cup removers, is one of the best automation options to add to a sheep or goat milking system. It eliminates one labour unit from the milking process and prevents the animals from being over milked.
“We always ask farmers, what is right for you? Is there an option to convert an existing herringbone shed or is a new rotary or new herringbone the best option?
“We’re always looking for new ways to make the milking process more efficient for farmers, easier for the staff and easier on their animals.
“A decision is normally made based on how many animals the farm wants to milk and what the farm wants to achieve. Sometimes it just comes down to the farmer’s preference.”
“From family operations to larger commercial dairy farms, there are options for everyone to achieve their goals as the small ruminants dairy market continues to grow in New Zealand.”
New Chief Executive for Food Waikato Dairy product manufacturer New Zealand Food Innovation Waikato has appointed Tony Giles as its new Chief Executive. Tony Giles, who was the former Chief Executive of New Zealand Dairy Goat Co-operative, is taking over from Stuart Gordon, who has been Chief Executive of FoodWaikato for the past nine years. Stuart is stepping down from the role but will remain as part-time Chief Executive at Waikato Innovation Park, where FoodWaikato is based. FoodWaikato Chairman, Barry Harris, says “Tony comes to FoodWaikato from New Zealand Dairy Goat Co-operative, so he not only has knowledge in the dairy goat industry, but he also brings a wealth of experience in dairy manufacturing, international marketing, leadership, and governance.” FoodWaikato offers specialised spray drying facilities for the manufacture of innovative dairy products, including infant formula. It tripled its manufacturing capacity with the commissioning of a new spray dryer in 2020 and it has grown its staff from two to nearly 40, over the past nine years. Its customers include New Zealand’s two biggest sheep milk producers Maui and Spring Sheep, both of which are tenants at the neighbouring Innovation Park. It also manufactures products for Australian-based Nu Mega, which develops bioactive ingredients for health and nutritional products.
“Over the past nine years with Stuart at the helm of FoodWaikato has grown from a business with two employees to nearly 40. He has put in place a strong management team with a culture of being flexible and innovative and the result has produced a high-quality product,” said Barry. He said the growth in New Zealand’s sheep milk industry was a boon for FoodWaikato which has a bright future. The value of New Zealand’s largest supply of dairy sheep milk is likely to triple to $44 million over the next three seasons. Tony was with New Zealand Dairy Goat Co-operative for 19 years in total, holding executive and marketing roles. He held the position of Chief Executive for five years, until 2018. “I see it as a great opportunity to get involved in the Innovation Park environment, continuing to build on the great work Stuart has already done and helping emerging and innovative businesses to grow.” Goat & Sheep Milk NZ - Issue 4 | December 2021
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UK-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement
Sam Pass (The British Deputy High Commissioner to New Zealand)
On 21 October, and following just over a year of intensive negotiations, the United Kingdom and New Zealand announced that Agreement in Principle (AiP) had been reached on a UK-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). As the AiP document shows, this is an exciting, ambitious, and comprehensive agreement, true to the spirit of the broader UK-New Zealand relationship. It will unlock a whole series of new opportunities for business and consumers in both countries, further strengthening the connections between us. There is still work to be done. Once the text has been finalised, legally verified, and domestic processes completed, arrangements will be made for signature. I appreciate that for many of you reading this article it will be what the deal means for the export of New Zealand’s agricultural product that will be of most interest. As expected, it was our negotiations on goods that proved to be particularly sensitive. UK negotiators recognised the need to reassure UK farmers and rural stakeholders that market access outcomes would not threaten sensitive sectors. Even allowing for this, we have been able to secure an outcome that delivers broad liberalisation on tariffs on a mutually beneficial basis.
There are ground-breaking commitments that reinforce our mutual commitments to tackle climate change through the Paris Agreement and our efforts to meet net zero emissions. There will be a specific chapter on animal welfare, recognising the importance that both the UK and New Zealand attach to this issue. It will also include a bespoke chapter on Indigenous Trade, recognising the unique and historic relationship between the UK and Māori, and our shared aspiration to strengthen our connections and co-operation in trade and business. Through various visits to farms and attendance at the National Agricultural Fieldays, I have seen during my time in New Zealand the strong connection New Zealanders have with the rural community. The New Zealand farming landscape is one that all New Zealanders can be proud of, exemplifying quality farming practices and products that are the hallmark of this country, and a strong tradition of innovation. Put simply, New Zealand farmers produce goods that Britons want.
The agreement will offer commercially meaningful access for New Zealand’s leading exporters at entry into force. Where there are product-specific safeguards, these are limited to particular UKsensitive products to allow UK farmers time to adjust. The agreement sets out a clear pathway to full quota liberalisation.
The UK and New Zealand can learn much from each other’s farming journey. This includes how to address the question of subsidy reform, land management and sustainability, overseas market access, and agritech exchange. The FTA is therefore just the beginning of, I hope, a new chapter of bilateral agricultural dialogue between the UK and New Zealand.
But of course the agreement is about much more than goods. It reflects our values as two like-minded democracies who believe in free trade, including provisions in areas such as the environment, development, and gender and labour.
These are exciting times for the UK-New Zealand relationship. (Sam Pass: British High Commision, Wellington) Follow us online: www.gov.uk/fcdo
British High Commissioner, Laura Clarke and her team at Fieldays 2021
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Goat & Sheep Milk NZ - Issue 4 | December 2021
Four of the most popular Greek cheeses 1. XYGALO SITEIAS This soft, spreadable cheese has been made in the municipalities of Siteia, Makry Yialos, Itanos, and Lefki for over 50 years. It is produced from goat or sheep milk from the local breeds, which feed on a diet of local herbs and aromatic plants. Its taste is fresh, acidic, and slightly salty.
2. ANEVATO This cheese is usually made from sheep milk or a blend of sheep and goat milk. This soft, grainy cheese has been produced for many years exclusively in Western Macedonia where, in the past, local shepherds, would rennet their milk in the morning and leave the curd to rise during the day. Its name is even derived from this method – anevato means ‘the cheese that rises’.
DCS
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You can trust Dairy Cooling Solutions with your valuable milk Dairy Cooling Solutions offer premium milk cooling equipment for your farm to help you comply with the MPI regulations and to ensure you get the most out of every milking. DCS has supplied over 300 Packo Ice Banks nationwide, with the units living up to their reputation of excellent quality, performance and value.
Packo Horizontal Milk Cooling Tanks
3. GALOTYRI The name of this cheese is derived from the words galo (milk) and tyri (cheese). This ‘milky’ cheese is a curd cheese made from milk and yogurt. It is produced in Epirus and Thessaly in central Greece, and is made from sheep or goat milk, or a mixture of the two. Nowadays, it is mostly produced in August from the thick, fatty summer milk of sheep and goats reared traditionally in the region.
4. MANOURI Manouri is a silky smooth fresh whey cheese (similar to feta) made exclusively in the areas of Central and Western Macedonia and in Thessalia. It is traditionally used in preparing pastries such as Spanikopita or eaten with honey or in cheesecakes. Manouri produced by adding milk and cream to the whey of sheep’s or goat’s milk, or a mixture of the both derived from hard cheese production, usually from making feta cheese.
The First NZ Packo Milk Cooling Tank installation in Karaka at Milkabit Goat Dairy in September 2015. A 15,000L horizontal tank and a very happy farmer!
Fully Insulated double skin stainless steel provides excellent thermal storage compared to traditional NZ manufactured vats which are single skin, uninsulated and have minimal cooling capacity. A large cooling pad covers the full length of the tank and 50% of the diameter provides significantly faster cooling than traditional NZ manufactured Tanks. Available in either Ice Water or traditional Direct Expansion Refrigeration configuration. Patented CIP system with automatic dosing and wash cycles.
Visit www.dairycoolingsolutions.nz and talk to your refrigeration contractor for more information.
0800 122 893
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The AgFirst Central Ph 07 349 4333 | www.agfirst.co.nz | email rotorua@agfirst.co.nz
Onuku Miraka Hipi
One steep learning curve! The Onuku Trustees became interested in the Sheep Milking Industry after undertaking a feasibility study and proposal, presented by the Trusts’ Agfirst Agribusiness Advisor, Peter Livingston.
Over the last 12 years the Trust has carried out a number of major developments on their 2,400-hectare mixed Dairy, Sheep and Beef and Forestry property located at Rerewhakaaitu, next to Lake Rotomahana and under the watchful eye of Mount Tarawera. Adding Dairy Sheep to the land use portfolio (which includes a Honey export company in Whakatane) provides a perfect fit with the Trusts long-term strategic thinking around its Business, Environmental, Animal Welfare and Kaimahi profiles.
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Goat & Sheep Milk NZ - Issue 4 | December 2021
Onuku is regarded as being a leader amongst Maori Lands Trusts in the area, having won the prestigious Ahu Whenua Trophy award for excellence in Dairy Farming in 2018. The board of Onuku Maori Lands Trust is chaired by Barnett Vercoe, with fellow board members, previous chair Moyra Te Ariki Bramley (who has been on the board since it started in the 1980’s), Tina Ngatai, Maramena Vercoe, Les Stowell and Ken Raureti.
As a progressive governance board, the Trust and its management team, which includes Agfirst, spent time getting to know the sheep milking industry before committing physically and financially. At the same time, it was experimenting with and implemented a breeding programme to build its own Foundation Flock of East Friesians milking ewes. Attending some of the NZ Sheep Milking conferences and forming strong industry contacts prior to making the decision to convert one of their four Bovine Dairy Farms to Dairy Sheep were part of an extensive due diligence process. Whilst the Trust could have made the decision to convert any part of their 900 ha drystock farm, there was interest in considering ways to reduce the long-term reliance on Bovine dairy and reduce the environmental footprint on the land. Dairy Sheep was seen as a possible solution and “ticked all the boxes”. These included identifying a way in which the Trustees saw that the profit and landcare focus could remain strong to ensure that the Trust could achieve growth to look after future generations of owners. Being a Maori land Trust, currently with over 4790 owners and numbers growing, it will never be sold. This was factored into the project decision to build with that long-term view. Instead of a retrofit to the existing older milking shed on their 130 ha No 2 bovine dairy unit, Peter Livingston and the farm committee drew up plans to include a brand new GEA 72 bail Rotary Shed with large Smart Shelters constructed to cater for lamb rearing and animal housing when needed. Given the colder Winter and early Spring weather in Rerewhakaaitu, animal housing capability does give options and also meets many of the animal welfare standards that the Trust was also endeavouring to introduce. This includes shelter and shade capability across all seasons. The Onuku Miraka Hipi farm is 112ha (106 ha effective) running nearly 1600 ewes in year two of operation and set to peak at 1800 ewes milking next season. All lambs are reared in the barns and the male lambs are transferred at weaning to the Trust’s adjoining Drystock Farm to join the pool of 15,000-16,000 lambs it finishes annually.
Spring Sheep confirm the supply number ready to go – Rudolph van Zuydam, Barnett Vercoe, Ken Raureti, and Thomas McDonald
Peter Livingston and Barnett Vercoe
The farm grows lucerne and summer safe forage crops such as chicory and plantain/clover to support the lactation, although the focus is largely based on a ‘grass based’ system. After extensive deliberations, the Onuku chose to purchase Zealandia sheep from and supply milk to Spring Sheep Milk Ltd. Onuku have been very happy with this partnership and the on-going support that Thomas McDonald and the Spring Sheep team have provided. The decision to hit the conversion “go” button was made in late 2019. Early 2020 Covid related challenges hit to delay the main part of the project build through Autumn. Thankfully, after a short delay, the builders were able to carry on and although the start of lambing for year one was pushed back a fortnight, ewes were on the milking platform by late-August 2020. The trust is exceptionally grateful to have Rudolph and Marijke Van Zuydam as farm managers, having made the move after seven years managing in the goat milking industry. They have been an integral part of the team and critical to the Onuku Miraka Hipi success so far. Onuku also employs a number of staff who whakapapa back to Ngati Rangitihi. The first year was one of a “baptism by fire”, with the trustees fully involved at ground level. This has helped them to understand the important aspects of the operation. Lots of tweaking at the end of their first season has seen huge improvement achieved in the current season with much improved milk and lamb production outcomes. The trust is excited about the results so far, which have largely supported the targets set out in the original business case proposed by Peter and the Agfirst team.
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MAXIMISE
r e a M y Dr
INTAKE
By Alastair Nelson, Ruminate NZ
We all know that dairy sheep and dairy goats can be somewhat fickle, some may even say they're fussy. We also know that when it comes to optimising their production, we need to provide a balanced nutrition offering and do everything we can to maximise quality dry matter intake. They simply do not have enough space in their rumen to waste with low quality feeds and when it comes to silage this means we need to do everything possible to ensure we offer the best quality silage that we can. This means you need to make a string of important decisions from harvest time, chop length, stack site, covering and most importantly, what you're going to treat it with. At Ruminate we have been using Silo Guard II® for several years now and consistently see great results in terms of quality, palatability, and reduced wastage. Voluntary feed intakes have increased, and we see less push out.
Silo Guard II® is a preservative. It works by removing oxygen from the stack which enables fermentation to start much sooner, leading to less nutrient loss and reducing the chances of moulds and yeast spoiling the silage. Silo Guard II® allows natural fermentation to occur. We have been making silage for hundreds of years without inoculants by allowing the lactic acid bacteria found in nature to ferment the silage. All we need to do is protect them from the moulds and yeasts and this means removing oxygen. Get in touch with Quirien Cowie from Ruminate today for a chat about how Silo Guard II® can help your business.
quirien@ruminate.nz | 021 808 377
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Goat & Sheep Milk NZ - Issue 4 | December 2021
Get great silage with Ruminate preservative, Silo Guard II.® Being a preservative rather than an inoculant, Silo Guard II® gives much more flexibility to harvest crops when they will best meet the nutritional objectives for that feed.
they provide their animals.
Whether it’s high DM maize silage, earlage or high protein grass or lucerne silage, protect your investment with Silo Guard II®.
“
Silo Guard II® gets to work from day one by stealing the oxygen and shutting down the aerobic process fast. The all important anaerobic fermentation starts when all the oxygen is gone from the stack. By scavenging the oxygen, the silage gets to an anaerobic condition quickly and the good bacteria on the crop begin to grow and produce lactic acid. Spring Sheep Dairy farm near Taupo milks 2200 sheep, and farm manager Anthony Sheppard, says high quality lucerne silage is essential to the operation. He also says using Silo Guard II® preservative has led to a significant improvement in the quality of feed
“Sheep are not as fussy as goats, but they are certainly fussier than dairy cows. We cannot feed them standard bulk silage,” Anthony says.
Without sounding like a guy who sells it, using Silo Guard II® has made a real difference to us. We get a better product, less wastage & better utilisation by the animals.” “We have to cut our lucerne a bit earlier than it is normally harvested, and with this product we produce high quality silage with very little wastage.”
Get your inoculant for free, use Silo Guard II®. Get in touch with Quirien Cowie from Ruminate today for a chat about how Silo Guard II® can help your business.
quirien@ruminate.nz | 021 808 377
Silo Guard II® is a registered trademark of International Stock Food Corp, Woodstock, GA, USA. Ruminate Limited, 7 Waitangi Road, Awatoto, Napier 4110. www.ruminate.nz © 2021 Ruminate
Te Awamutu Phone: 07 871 6781 2 Livingstone Brothers Lane
Putaruru
Phone: 07 883 3423 89 Tirau Street
Otorohanga Phone: 07 873 8500 12 - 14 Progress Drive
The White Family: Our Story There was only one choice of Milking Machine Company for Paul and Dianne White. Their goal was to create a pleasant, reliable milking environment for their sons moving back to the family operation. Kieran and Brad who both worked away from the family operation were keen to head back to farming. There was limited growth capacity on the home Dairy Farm. Then came an opportunity for the White family to take a giant step into the Sheep milking industry. When they decided to convert the new dairy farm to sheep milking, using past experiences they decided to take the opportunity with Qubik using Waikato Milking Systems plant and design. Qubik worked closely with the White family throughout the project to get the best outcome for milking performance but most importantly something, both Kieran and Brad could operate easily and stress free. This was the first of the Waikato milking Systems MCU (milking control unit) for sheep and the first for the Waikato Milking Systems Rapid Exit System. The milking machine installed by Qubik features the state-of-theart MCU, which combines the pulsators and the cup-remover forming a complete unit.
This also has a milk yield indicator and includes the Bail Marshall, which in future will allow Paul to monitor each sheep’s milking performance every milking. The milking plant includes a Fristam positive displacement milk pump on a VSD to maintain the valuable quality of the milk. The Vacuum system includes a BP400 Blower Vacuum also using a Variable speed drive to improve vacuum stability and power cost saving for White family. A Qubik automatic plant wash system allows Brad and Kieran to focus on other areas of the farming system once milking has finished, knowing that the complete wash cycle is carried out efficiently and effectively. In contrast with cows, milking sheep is a speedy affair, each row of 40 Ewes and hogget’s is taking around six minutes. With easy start vacuum operated cup removers it’s an easy task when cupping the lightweight sheep clusters.
Sensors within the MCU detect when milk flow/sensitivity combined with time activates the cup removers to remove from the sheep, this in-turn avoids any overmilking which is crucial with such delicate udders and teats and speed milking performance. Paul White quipped that Kieran and Brad are now “much fitter than they were when they first started milking the flock! You’re on the move the entire time.” With the installation of the MCU’S one person will be able to milk the entire flock, freeing others to get the second or third flock to the shed for milking. Qubik also, kitted out the restored dairy with a new wash-down pump, plate cooler pump, two new dairy hot water cylinders with heater stand and a Qubik fabricated Stainless steel wash tub. (Article supplied by Qubik)
Paul White in his dairy
Goat & Sheep Milk NZ - Issue 4 | December 2021
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Meyer Cheese Miel Meyer Q&A 1 How did the Meyer cheese come about? Meyer cheese was founded by my father, Ben, in the 1970’s in a tiny village in the south of the Netherlands. Gouda style cheese is popular in Holland and my Dad lived on a dairy farm. In those day you could build your own cheese factory so that’s what he did. Dad an engineer and my mum a school teacher both held onto their jobs while starting the business and made cheese in the evenings/weekends and sold cheese out of the cellar. (All raw milk and no refrigeration.) Things went well so Dad could quit his full time job and focus on cheese making (formally founded Meyer Cheese 1976).
2 What is your point of difference? We specialise in Gouda style cheese of the highest quality. We proudly own our own dairy farm and have a single source supply for our raw goat and sheep milk. It’s great to know the people and animals supplying the milk, quality starts here long before it’s processed into cheese.
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Goat & Sheep Milk NZ - Issue 4 | December 2021
The Meyer family: Haley and Miel at the back. In front (left to right) Milan, Arlo and Sebastian
3 What is your favourite product and why? I love garlic & chives cheese – grilled cheese sandwich, can’t beat it.
4 What do you find satisfying/fulfilling about your work? Working for the family, yes there are some stresses with this as you can imagine. But very rewarding and successes are personal and im proud to run the company my Dad started before I born. Good feeling!
5 What do you find a challenge?
Maui milk tankers collecting milk
Life. Everything has its challenges, but we are fortunate to surround ourselves with good people and trade partners. I am a bit like my Dad and manage stress relatively well, remain calm and have a good think before taking action. I enjoy challenges and some of the most stressful times have become very rewarding having overcome it and being mentally stronger for it.
6 Effects/impact of Covid? Covid has been challenging from a boom early on (2020) to a slow down in 2021. We have been fortunate to continue to supply supermarkets throughout the pandemic so the stall in our smaller shops was picked up by the supermarkets – however, now milk prices are high and inflation is creeping up so this will add some challenges in the near future.
7 Distribution and how do you sell? We sell directly to many stores around the country and also via 3PL services to get into supermarkets.
8 Future prospects? Goats and sheep milk products have really been a strong growth point for us. I’ve been blown away by the popularity of the goat milk Gouda we are producing. It was only a few years ago consumers were nervous to try it but now it’s the hot seller in many stores. I expect more development with these two milk types. We have some great quality milk coming from the Averil family at Goat Land Farms and also sheep milk from Maui Milk. The key to our success are the people supporting us with great milk. They are passionate producers and care to produce top quality milk and love to see us produce some of the finest cheeses in the world.
Ben Meyer with his first cheese Goat & Sheep Milk NZ - Issue 4 | December 2021
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Reducing the risk of Listeria in silage Grass and lucerne silages are an important component of many goat and sheep diets, with these forages supplying critical protein, fibre and energy for milking or dry does and ewes. However, sheep and goats can be very severely impacted by silages that contain high levels of listeria, more so than cattle. The primary symptom of enteric listeriosis is diarrhoea, but this may be accompanied by elevated temperature and reduced feed intake. It can also progress to ‘encephalitic listeriosis’ in which the listeria infection travels to the brain, often causing ‘circling’ or ‘moon gazing’ symptoms.
Some tips to reduce the risk of listeria and other spoilage organisms thriving in your silage: 1. Get a good wilt to achieve target dry matter (DM) before ensiling The more water the silage contains, the more acid that needs to be produced by ensiling bacteria to reduce the silage pH below 5.0. Silage should be wilted to at least 30% DM, ideally 32-38%. The team at Nutritech can help you optimise timing of making silage stacks or bales with the use of their forage tools to assess dry matter. 2. Apply a high-quality, grass and lucerne specific inoculant Not all silage inoculants are equal when it comes to their ability to rapidly drop silage pH. Sil-All®4x4+ is a leading silage inoculant from Lallemand Animal Nutrition, designed to help rapidly reduce silage pH. When it comes to preventing listeria growth, it is not just the final pH that matters, but how fast it got there. With a team of four bacteria that are specifically selected to work down the pH scale, high levels of lactic acid are produced to inhibit spoilage organisms. Sil-All®4x4+ also contains four enzymes, to help improve fermentation and the digestibility of the silage which is important for milking sheep and goats. 3. Seal bales or stacks with a proven oxygen barrier pH is the main determinant of L.monocytogenes growth in silage, and parts of the silage which are not sealed properly will typically have a higher pH and more spoilage. SiloStop® oxygen barrier film can be applied to both bales and stacks to significantly reduce the amount of oxygen entering the silage after it is sealed or wrapped. One layer of SiloStop® Orange is the equivalent of 60 black+white covers based on the amount of oxygen it lets through. This incredibly powerful oxygen barrier can reduce the risk of listeria and reduce silage losses to result in more palatable and hygienic silage. For more information on reducing listeria and spoilage in your silage, contact your local Nutritech Area Manager.
GoatSolutions
They are what they eat
Goat
airy Nutritech D ok bo Goat Hand
Working closely with many dairy goat and sheep farmers, Nutritech have developed a range of nutrition and forage solutions that support dairy goat and sheep health and performance. Click here to find your local Nutritech Area Manager to arrange an on farm visit and get your free copy of our Dairy Goat Handbook.
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0800 REMEDY (736 339) www.nutritech.co.nz
We make animal nutrition and forage easy.
®
HALO will alert you if your milk gets too hot or too cold! Up to 99% Volume Accuracy!
HALO monitors: • Vat temperature and volume • Pre-cooling temperatures • Wash temperatures • Valve positions • Stirrer status Get texts or email alerts if something is not right. Monitor the important parts of your dairy shed and protect from disasters. Don't cry over spilled milk.
Waikato farmer protecting valuable sheep milk with HALO In June 2021 Justin Read bought a cow dairy farm and converted it to sheep, supplying milk to Maui Sheep Milk. He’s currently in the middle of his first season. It’s been a determined effort to get things underway and get into the sheep milk industry. Justin says “with all the hard work we can’t risk losing milk so we chose HALO as a fail-safe because we heard great things about it.”
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It is important to farm smarter, not harder.
HALO’s system measures the vat down to 25 litres whereas others will only measure to the 100s of litres. Importantly, you’ll get alerts if your milk gets too hot or too cold. You can monitor the important parts of your dairy shed from wherever you are with the HALO dashboard on your smartphone or device. “It is important to farm smarter, not harder,” says Justin. HALO’s suite of products covers milk, water, feed silos, effluent, soil moisture, and weather monitoring. HALO helps you manage and monitor your farm processes and put fail-safes in place. Knowing you’ll be alerted if anything needs attention and avoiding any financial disasters brings huge peace of mind. Farmers are facing new pressures and complexity, being able to automate and monitor remotely frees up head space for other things. “We have our eye on areas that we’d like to put some processes in place for with some of HALO’s other products. We have some feed silos that we’d like monitoring on,” said Justin. Silo monitoring lets you check the level of your silo’s contents without climbing the ladder and it can also automate reordering of feed. This means you’ll avoid being caught short of feed and it’s a health and safety win. If you’d like to discuss your farm’s needs, get in touch with the friendly HALO team on 0800 HALO SYS (425 679) or email info@halosystems.co.nz
Goat & Sheep Milk NZ - Issue 4 | December 2021
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PPP Feed Systems Typically, our system comprises of a silo outside the milking parlour and for HB sheds two auger lines out of the silo into the shed. With a rotary as most farmers are only feeding one type of feed or blend then there is just single auger into the shed. HB Double Auger line
Sheep Dipping
If you are looking at controlling feed concentrate feed intake the best option, we have to offer is our double auger line system where we are able to do feed drops as low as 60g per animal. The control box allows you to have two preset feed rate drops for different flocks.
Watch the videos here
Standard HB Feed System This comprises of one dispenser per two animals and typically the minimum drop is 250g – this is the cheapest option we are able to offer and is very reliable option and it does give you the opportunity to upgrade to a double auger line at a later date.
Watch the video here
PPP started manufacturing sheep dipping machines in the 1980’s. As the leading sheep dipping manufacturer in New Zealand PPP are able to offer the most competitively priced unit in the country. PPP are now exporting into Australia, UK & Ireland, Europe, Middle east & South America. The Lincoln model is well suited to the New Zealand bred sheep. The unit is manufactured from stainless steel and coupled with an electronic eye for auto on off most farmers can easily Watch the dip 800-1,000 sheep per hour. video here Each unit is complete with a Honda motor & Davey fire fighter pump with hose kit and delivery to nearest main centre.
Rotary PPP import a platform dispenser from Watch the Hanskamp in Holland and this dispenser video here that can drop as low as 50g per animal. With a rotary you have the added advantage of adding on additional auger lines and dispensers in the shed and blending your own feed or targeting feed or animal health products to individual animals.
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All our system come with a 12 month warrantee on equipment and installation. The company has a serviceman who operates 7 days per week 52 weeks of the year.
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We aim to be of service to the goat and sheep milk community and stakeholders across New Zealand
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Goat & Sheep Milk NZ - Issue 4 | December 2021
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Passionate about Goat Milk farming! Matt Bolten loves his work. Its not only because he has such a positive outlook on life – there are many other reasons for being so. He cites one example where a young child who was suffering greatly from many allergies, and was being treated by Starship, then started to started regularly drink goat’s milk, which he provided. With the mother’s perseverance, it was not long before the child was restored to good health Matt believes in the nutritional benefits of goat’s milk. “Not only does the body absorb it so much better but it also intolerant and even helps brain growth in younger people.” It is important for Matt to have that inner drive in knowing he can make some difference and he works hard to build up the industry as a result.
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Where we can’t cut the grass, we plant trees!
This has not been his life time work, as initially he grew up farming bees and later, for many years also farmed 800 cows. About nine years ago he made the switch – after noticing its potential.
Working with goats has its advantages too. He relates how people do relax more around these animals – not being kicked! with each one having their own personality. His staff all have their own favourite three or four, but overall, each has a very high level of individual care. This caring for the goats he extends to the community and each year about 500 kids are taken in by surrounding families. They look after the goats for a few months and return them when their provided bag of milk powder is finished, or when the goat has grown to a weight of 16kg.
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The community and Oeke staff interact on many levels. During the second lock-down he found that the surrounding community in South Auckland were drawn even closer into the farm life. (In the first lock-down he channelled energies into building infrastructure and a milk shed.) A positive frame of mind is the best way to counter adversity – even Covid! The environmental footprint of goat milk farming is much lower and he prides the fact that it takes 70% less water to produce one litre of milk than with cows. It also takes much less dry matter to produce the milk. In addition, he has planted over 140,000 native tress and plants to offset the carbon imprint. “Where we can’t cut the grass, we plant trees!” When he started farming there, the river running through his farm was a sludgy green toxin filled waterway. Not surprisingly therefore, that recently, freshwater crayfish have been introduced. These are the reasons Matt believes goat milk farming has bright future. He acknowledges that right now there is stiff international competition for New Zealand farmers, but the positive above-mentioned factors will he believe make the sector prevail. To view Matt Bolten’s inspirational story, do view a related documentary on Country Calender – click here.
IS YOUR MILK COOLING SORTED? The quality of your milk determines your bottom line. So stay ahead of the game by ensuring your milk cooling is up to standard. Talk to your local milk quality expert at DTS to find out more about our milk cooling solutions. MILK VAT MONITORING REFRIGERATION AUTOMATION & DRAFTING PRE-COOLING
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PH: 0800 500 387 | WWW.DTS.CO.NZ
TALK TO THE QUALITY EXPERTS - DTS DTS is New Zealand’s leading manufacturer of foodgrade stainless steel vats. With over 70 years of experience in the engineering and production of food-grade vats, working with DTS means your next project will fully comply with MPI guidelines for milk production. Add to this, DTS’s expertise in advanced refrigeration technologies to service the dairy, beverage, and wider agribusiness market, you can be sure that your production and food storage requirements are in safe hands. DTS’s production plant is based in Taranaki and can be scaled up to make 1000 vats a year, so it’s hardly surprising DTS is the first choice for co-operatives like Fonterra and Westland Milk Products. To complement their engineering and refrigeration capabilities, DTS have a comprehensive suite of cooling products, dairy automation and vat monitoring products. DTS deliver exceptional sales and service, backed up with a nationwide network of area sales managers and technicians. Call DTS today for advice on your next project.
WWW.DTS.CO.NZ PH: 0800 500 387
Why pH is important in animal housing
As animal waste builds up in the environment, so levels of ammonia, a strong alkali with a pH around 13, increase and cause an increase in the pH value of the bedding. This alkaline environment will break down sebum and skin, compromising an animal’s defence system and increasing the risk of infection (see figure 1).
Alkaline
14 13
HYDRATED LIME
12
Damaging to animal skin
AMMONIA
ALKALINE DETERGENT
11 10 9
Neutral
In general, pathogenic bacteria perform poorly in acidic environments. An animal’s protection mechanism is to excrete a sticky acidic substance (sebum) that covers the skin, inhibiting harmful bacteria from penetrating the skin’s surface. Sebum is regarded as an important first line of defence against disease-causing bacteria.
pH-value
LIMESTONE BENTONITE
STABLE FLOOR
8 7
PH NEUTRAL BEDDING CONDITIONERS
6
4 3
CLAY
PURE WATER
Survival range for pathogenic bacteria.
ANIMAL SKIN
5
Acidic
For farmers caring for housed animals, it’s important to maintain an environment which supports the maintenance of a healthy skin. Your aim should be to neutralise ammonia and adjust the pH value from alkaline to neutral.
STALOSAN F HAS A PH OF 3.5.
STALOSAN F
pH
3.5
2 1
Figure 1
0
It neutralises ammonia and helps to maintain the pH-value in the animal environment in the range of 4.5 - 5.5 (similar to animal skin). At this pH level, animals have a higher resistance to infection.
Stalosan® F
Using a powdered bedding product with a low pH is one of the most effective ways of counteracting the alkaline environment in animal housing. Unfortunately, many (often cheaper) powder hygiene agents for animal housing are also alkaline, with a pH-value between 9 and 13; using these products does little to reduce the pH of the bedding and may compromise the skin defence system even more, leaving animals more susceptible to infection. In addition, the bacterial enzymes which converts the nitrogen in urine and faeces to ammonia are also more effective at a higher pH, which can lead to elevated environmental ammonia levels and an increased risk of pneumonia. Choose a biosecurity product that has a high concentration of acidic minerals with low pH-values. The mineral acids will help prevent the breakdown of skin, leaving your animals better able to protect themselves against infection. Ideally the bedding agent should absorb moisture and ammonia to reduce proliferation of bacteria and improve the animal environment.
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For improving the environment and minimising proliferation of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, fly larvae, ammonia and moisture to improve bedding quality in animal housing Easy to apply by hand or AgriVantage applicator Remains active for several days, even in the presence of manure and bedding Powerful drying agent Can be applied to most animal housing, including cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and horses Available in 15kg
0800 64 55 76 www.agrivantage.co.nz
with an
Science supporting industry growth: Sheep Milk With the rapid growth of New Zealand’s sheep milk industry, crown research institute AgResearch has launched a new online resource to showcase the science supporting the industry. The suite of research undertaken to prove the quality of product from the industry, and how it is produced and what impacts it has, is captured at https://www.agresearch.co.nz/sheep-milk “In this world of high consumer expectation we need to provide knowledge to support the farmer, the exporter and to inform new customers,” says AgResearch senior scientist David Stevens. “This emerging food industry must understand their footprint and be able to quantify the nutritional benefits of their products. This empowers the consumer to balance their nutritional outcomes with the production systems that deliver that nutrition.” The culmination of a six-year research programme, the online resource houses the new knowledge generated in milk composition and processing, milk nutritional values, farming systems and environmental impacts. The programme funded by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, ‘Boosting the export earnings of the emerging dairy sheep industry’,
Dr Linda Samuelsson
“Parts of the programme delivered answers to underlying questions such as ‘what makes New Zealand sheep milk unique?’ and ‘how big is out environmental footprint?’. Other questions addressed the best ways to convert our raw milk into high-value consumer-ready products and what types of functional benefits can we expect from consuming New Zealand sheep milk. At the same time we investigated how our farming and feeding systems provide subtle variations in the composition of our milk.” “A significant objective of the industry is to ensure high ethical standards of our farming practices. Lamb rearing, as an important part of production, has received special attention. This has led to the development of a suite of options and practices ensuring the care and best possible outcomes for each lamb crop.”
Dr David Stevens
involved industry partners and aimed to provide relevant knowledge through a joint process that kept researchers and the industry fully involved in the discovery and development work. “The programme was split into four parts to directly answer industry questions,” says AgResearch science team leader Linda Samuelsson.
The online resource guides the user through each objective to link farmers, industry and consumers to the range of new knowledge developed in the research programme. This includes, for example, fact sheets about lamb rearing practices, environmental impacts and composition of New Zealand sheep milk. “At the other end of the spectrum we have papers defining the effects of on-farm practices on milk composition, as well as the functional properties of sheep milk in immune function and bone growth.” Goat & Sheep Milk NZ - Issue 4 | December 2021
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GOAT’S & SHEEP
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PERMA YARDS™
DUNGBUSTER™
LA LECHE ROBOT™
MILK CHECKER™
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TechniPharm For more than 30 years, New Zealand owned company TechniPharm has delivered trusted innovative and proven ‘make farming ezy’ solutions to food and fibre producers of the world, but particularly those in New Zealand and Australia. The company’s purpose is to ‘make farming ezy’ and create solutions and innovations to make life easier and better on the farm. “ Our focus on this is seen right across our systems and the way we do things,” says CEO Harmen Heesen. “ Our success can be measured by our client’s success.” TechniPharm specialises in the dairy, beef and sheep sectors, with each category having its own specialised range of product Solution, for Sheep and Goat farmers, milk or meat that means Yard and handling systems, EID weigh and data collection, Automatic yard cleaing systens and Lamb and Kid feeders, but also effluent or water storage solutions can be high on the agenda.
“Many of our products have received awards for innovation, both in New Zealand and overseas, which is a good indicator of how the industry has judged the product solutions,” Harmen Heesen Group CEO says. “Water, nutrient and labour savings for many farmers is a must to stay ahead and the last 2 years have highlighted these needs.
Many of the TechniPharm solutions offer all or a combination of these savings. www.technpharm.co.nz | 0800 80 90 98
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Genetic and Genomic Studies on Production, Composition and Processability Characteristics of Dairy Sheep Milk Ana Carolina Marshall (PhD Student at Massey University)
The New Zealand dairy sheep industry has had significant growth over the last seven years and is an alternative to traditional dairy cow farming. The high nutritional value of sheep milk is mainly attributed to the high content of unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, and protein. The higher content of milk solids (fat, protein, and lactose) in sheep milk also makes it ideal for processing into dairy products such as cheese. The lower carbon footprint and the smaller nitrogen leaching effect produced by dairy sheep when compared to that of dairy cows are also important aspects to consider as New Zealand aims to market environmentally sustainable farming systems. The characteristics of milk prior to processing is determined by several factors such as the animals` feed and genetics, farm management, and animal health. However, there has been very limited research done on the molecular genetics (identification of genes that determine traits of economic interest) in dairy sheep milk. Most dairy sheep breeding programmes have focused mainly on improving milk yield, leaving aside other traits of economic relevance such as milk composition, milk processing value, ewe udder morphology, milk somatic cell count, ewe machine milking ability, and ewe resistance to diseases. Selection of dairy sheep solely for milk yield can indirectly result in reduced fertility, impaired udder morphology and reduced milk solids. Udder characteristics must be considered in the breeding programme as selection of dairy ewes for high milk yield has been related to pendulous udders, which is not a desirable trait for machine milking nor for suckling lambs. Furthermore, udder scores were reported to have high heritability and can affect coagulation traits which can be exploited in selection indexes. Milk processability traits have not yet been included in selection schemes (for most ruminant species) although heritability of coagulation traits (important indices of product yield and quality i.e., cheese yield and quality) in sheep milk has been reported to be moderate and could be included in selection schemes. Heritability of somatic cell counts, lactose content and milk pH were moderate and were significantly correlated with coagulation traits in sheep milk, so there is also potential in including these traits.
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Black ewe and her lamb in the yards at Kingsmeade.
PhD student Ana Carolina at the Food Characteristics Lab, Massey University, for analysis of milk coagulation traits.
Overall, the New Zealand dairy sheep industry needs a breeding program for selection of genetically superior animals for production and for milk characteristics. Although application of molecular genetics is costly and recording of production data/traits is time demanding, using genes to assist in selection for traits in a small number of animals (nucleus) for further expansion of genetics through breeding and transfer to commercial flocks can result in faster genetic gain, which is attractive for the industry. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a model for genomic selection of dairy sheep for milk production, composition and processability. This study will also investigate a faster and cheaper method to achieve coagulation traits for inclusion in genetic schemes. The calibration of the spectra generated by infrared spectroscopy equipment could enable indirect measurements of coagulation traits and of fatty acid profiles from individual milk samples. It is also important to enhance the need for more accurate and efficient milk sampling and recording systems at the farm level as most milk meters designed for sheep or goats collect a very small percentage of the daily milk volume which is insufficient for research purposes that usually require 100-200 mls of milk.
This study is being conducted at Kingsmeade, Masterton, New Zealand. Whilst most New Zealand dairy sheep farms have relied on the use of new imported genetics from European countries (mainly East-Friesian and Lacaune), Miles and Janet King, have been selecting from an original flock of cross-bred East-Friesian sheep since 1998. They have registered New Zealand’s first dairy breed of sheep as Dairymeade. Their selection has been based mainly on temperament, health, and lactation length on a pasture-based system with low supplementation. Therefore, these animals are genetically adapted for milk production under the New Zealand environment (i.e., resistant to diseases, efficient in converting feed, and adapted to the climate) when compared to the new imported European genetics. They are considered ideal for the current study. The current study forms the PhD of Ana Carolina Marshall, a postgraduate student at Massey University. A total of 225 ewes have been enrolled in the current study and milk samples are being collected from each ewe three times during the production season of 20212022. The milk samples are taken to the laboratories at Massey University, where they are analysed for composition and for processability characteristics. A small skin notch sample was collected from each animal and DNA was isolated and scanned. Animal information (i.e., year born, pedigree, coat colour, udder score), test-day records for milk volume, milk composition (fat, protein, and lactose), live weight and milk processability characteristics will be used to perform genome-wise association studies (GWAS) for the identification of chromosomal regions affecting these traits. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) aims to identify genetic variants (genotypes) that are associated with specific traits (phenotypes). It enables the investigation of genetic markers across the whole genome of a large number of individuals and predicts genotype-phenotype associations by statistical analysis at the population level. This knowledge will be used to increase the accuracy of genetic evaluation of dairy sheep, which will allow the identification of the best animals at early age creating the opportunity to increase the rate of genetic gain in the right direction for the traits of economic importance in dairy sheep. From the data obtained so far from over 300 test-day records, it is already possible to see variation and a large gap between low and high producing animals in levels of milk yield, milk fat content and in milk processability characteristics which is evidence that there is potential for improvement of the herd through selection of the ewes with the best production and milk processibility traits. Opposite Page: Test buckets attached to the milking line for milk sampling and recording of milk yield on test-day. Black Dairymeade sheep after being milked, in the milking shed.
PhD student Ana Carolina performing DNA extraction from sheep skin samples.
Miles (right) and farm assistant Andrew (left) during normal milking routine at Kingsmeade.
This project is part of the MBIE-funded New Zealand Milks Mean More (NZ3M) Endeavour programme which aims to obtain a better mechanistic understanding of natural variations in New Zealand bovine and nonbovine milks. For more information on the NZ3M programme, please contact Professor Warren McNabb at w.mcnabb@massey.ac.nz or +64 6 951 7742.
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Goat & Sheep Milk NZ - Issue 4 | December 2021
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GEA milking system upgrade shaves 2 hours off daily milking New Zealand Goat Farmers Wiebe and Piety Smitstra retrofitted their goat milking shed with a GEA low line double-up herringbone system, including automatic cup removers, milk meters and DairyPlan software. The efficiency gains have been well worth it, with the Smitstra family seeing big improvements in milking time, animal health and herd management. The Smitstras farm at Matamata, a small community in the heart of the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island. The farm is 130ha and home to a herd of 1,200 dairy goats. Most of the herd are Saanen goats, originally from Switzerland. Approximately 30% of the herd are replaced annually, with all replacements reared on farm. Milking goats is a family business. Wiebe and Piety have been in the industry for 25 years, raising five children in that time. The farm is currently managed by Wiebe and Piety with the help of their two sons. The goats are milked twice daily, with Wiebe managing the morning shift and the boys managing the afternoon shift. In the past they worked with an old 40-bale herringbone parlour with highline swing over clusters and pulsation. Between them, the family spent up to eight hours a day in the milking parlour – four hours in the morning and another four in the evening.
The Smitstra family Wiebe, Emma, Piety
“We milk 600 ewes in just 1 hour with this shed.“ Rhys Darby - WAIKATO 42 a-side dairy sheep Rapid Exit Swing-Over Parlour. Converting an obsolete herringbone 36 a-side shed back in June 2020, Rhys and the Darby family have added another string to their bow, with significantly less capital outlay – hoping to pay back their new install in just 3 years. Having built 2 dairy cow sheds with GEA in the past, Rhys says “GEA equipment isn’t the cheapest stuff around, but at least we know it lasts and works really well, with what we want”. Rhys enjoys the quickest and most efficient way of milking sheep, incorporating in-shed feeding and TopFlow S clusters for ultimate cluster alignment and a quick milking-out process. Each milking row is in, and then out in just 5 minutes - with it just taking 30 seconds to exit the stall, thanks to our Rapid Exit Stalling. Need breaking ground technology like Rhys? Call us for your free on-farm consult. 0800 GEA FARM
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Increasing efficiency with GEA Looking to increase efficiency, Wiebe called on GEA and GEA service partner Matamata Milk and Water. “I told these guys what I wanted, and they came up with plenty of good ideas, turning our old milking shed into something modern and efficient” says Wiebe. “I chose to work with GEA because they have a lot of research behind their equipment and they’ve got plenty of experience in the goat milking industry worldwide.”
Ground-breaking milking technology Cost-effectively retrofit an existing shed to dairy sheep milking without even breaking ground. Our milking systems are specifically engineered right here in New Zealand, with the added advantage of our global GEA expertise. Plus, all systems are customised to suit the NZ milking environment and of course, your farm. With market-leading solutions for retrofit conversions - either double-up or swing-over, we know how to get you more bang for less buck. Converting to sheep milking doesn't have to mean breaking dirt on a greenfield. If you have an existing plant, we can help convert it. 0800 GEA FARM Driving dairy efficiencies? We can help.
GEA goat milking equipment is specifically designed around the comfort of the animal, while the range provides flexibility for farmers on a budget, with options to upgrade at any time. Most of the equipment can be retrofitted to existing parlours. Wiebe’s upgrade doubled the capacity of his parlour to 80 bails. New features include fitting a low line with cup removers, Metatron milk meters together with DemaTron 70 control units (featuring time or flow take-off) and PPiD (per point identification) with RFID. DairyPlan is linked up to record the milking time, volume and conductivity for each animal, with additional information on animal health, mating and kidding.
The changes have been very costeffective Wiebe says that since the GEA upgrade, one person can easily manage milking 420–500 goats an hour. They’ve shaved off one hour in the morning and another hour and 20 minutes in the evening. And that’s with teat spraying. “A double up parlour makes cupping so much quicker and the cup removers ensure there’s no overmilking” continues Wiebe. Capturing data is another big plus for him. He can also see exactly how each goat is producing as they milk, with the information appearing on the Dematron units above each animal. This information is fed into DairyPlan so the Smitstras can see which animals consistently perform well. In addition, they can also identify animal health and possible mastitis issues before they might notice this with their own eyes. The data is saving the Smitstras money too. For example, they used to herd test 4 times a year, but don’t need to anymore because they can see all the details in DairyPlan. That’s a saving of around NZD14,000 a year. Goat & Sheep Milk NZ - Issue 4 | December 2021
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Wiebe notes their production levels remain similar per goat, but the upgrade enables them to milk more goats. He adds that animal condition is better too. “At the start of the season, we had some animal health issues. But since we started in the new plant, those problems disappeared.” Cup slip is a thing of the past and they have had fewer grading issues.
Prepared for the future “We have generally been careful about investing too much” says Wiebe. “But we feel that the (NZ) goat industry keeps getting better, with the market much more positive than it was 20 years ago. The (NZ Dairy Goat) Co-op continues to want more milk and we’re always aiming to better our operation.”
Key Points: • Milking 1,200 goats twice daily used to take 8 hours/day. • Existing parlour was retrofitted with GEA’s double-up herringbone system (80 bails), low line with cup removers, Metatron milk meters and DemaTron 70 control units, PPiD with RFID and DairyPlan software. • With GEA retrofit, milking time has been reduced by more than 2 hours/day. • Other benefits: production data is captured on each animal, less animal health issues, big costsavings.
The Smitstras are well-prepared to increase production with a high-end milking parlour and good information on the herd. They have since built a new barn and will increase the herd size.
New Zealand Boer Goat Breeders Association – NZBGBA The New Zealand Boer Goat Breeders Association was formed in 1989 to maintain a stud registry, with the objectives of promoting the breeding and production of meat from Boer Goats in New Zealand.
REASONS TO CHOOSE BOER GOATS • Meat goats producing a low saturated fat and low cholerestol meat • Improves meat carrying capacity when used as a terminal sire over dairy, feral and fibre goats • Suitable for a wide range of pastoral conditions • Browsing animal – improves pasture management and control of weeds. To contact a Boer Goat registered breeder near you go to www.nzbgba.co.nz/members Find us on Facebook @nzbgba (NZ Boer Goat Breeders Assn)
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The Boer Goat originates from South Africa, with the breed established in the 1950’s specifically to produce meat. The breed was imported into NZ in the late 1980’s and goats created from breeding programs at the Quarantine Stations were released to the farming public in 1993.
Founded in 1925, Rural Women New Zealand was originally known as the Women’s Division of the Farmer’s Union and is rooted in a search for community support and friendship. From a place of rich heritage, RWNZ has grown and changed over the years and is now reaching a wider, younger audience, sparking a desire to become an inclusive, creative and innovative organisation for rural New Zealand.
The core foundation of RWNZ lies in connecting and supporting women in the rural community, something which has been a goal from the very first days of the organisation’s existence.
Rural Women NZ (RWNZ) is a member based organisation with the purpose of supporting and empowering women to reach their full potential in all aspects of rural life. RWNZ has built a reputation as a respected voice on health services, education, environment and social issues in rural communities. Its members are very much a part of New Zealand’s rural fabric; listening to the voices of their communities and ensuring that their needs are being met.
RWNZ has a number of ongoing projects, some of which are long term and others which require a quick response, especially when assisting communities and individuals who experience adverse events. An example of one of its most recent projects is the new podcast series titled “Black Heels and Tractor Wheels” which shares a fresh perspective on starting your own business, navigating career and university changes, building confidence and getting back to work with young children. The podcast is a series of personal stories and experiences of rural women from all walks of life.
RWNZ is not afraid to seek change for rural communities through influencing New Zealand’s local and national political leaders. Through being the voice of rural communities, RWNZ ensures that a rural perspective is being included in policy development and meeting rural needs. Women are often considered the backbone of the rural community and play a crucial role in all aspects of rural life.
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Women are often considered the backbone of the rural community and play a crucial role in all aspects of rural life.
over seven different categories; Emerging Business, Love of the Land, Creative Arts, Rural Health and Wellbeing, Rural Champion, Innovation, Bountiful Table and Supreme. These Awards recognise and promote the innovation, resilience and creativity of rural women who own and operate businesses in rural New Zealand. In 2025, Rural Women New Zealand will celebrate its centenary year, a milestone moment of achievement and a positive place from which to reflect and plan for the next 100 years of support for New Zealand’s rural communities.
For nearly 15 years, RWNZ has held annual awards celebrating entrepreneurial women in business. These awards are now held in partnership with NZI, the Ministry of Primary Industries and others. This event showcases the achievements and successes of rural women in New Zealand Goat & Sheep Milk NZ - Issue 4 | December 2021
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Safe, comfortable and efficient milking A simple, efficient system designed for comfort & fast milking The DeLaval Parallel stall P300SG is a vertical lift rapid exit stall with integrated headlock system and sequence gates. It is the perfect solution for medium and large goat herds. The design assures high throughput, reduced labour costs, smooth animal flow and provides comfort & safety for both operators and animals. Bundle this up with the DeLaval milking system of your choice from pulsation only, through to full herd management.
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