Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Primary Industries

Extended Lactation Field Day

Extending lactation involves milking cows for longer than 300 days.

By Department of Primary Industries - 12th April 2006 - Back to News

Extending lactation involves milking cows for longer than 300 days (calving cows less than once per year). The idea of milking cows beyond the traditional 300 days receives mixed reactions from people in the dairy industry and there is recognition that it is not the preferred strategy for everyone.

Research projects investigating using extended lactation with pasture-based dairy farming have been in progress at DPI Ellinbank for the past three years.

Production has been surprisingly good under extended lactation management systems and early indications are that this might be a viable alternative production system for some businesses.

The Ellinbank experiments have also revealed an unexpected bonus from systems that incorporate longer lactations – high milk protein concentrations and greater cheese yields.

Interim results of this work will be the topic of a seminar/field day being held at DPI Ellinbank on Friday 21^st April 2006 between 10.00am until 12.30pm.

Some of the topics to be covered include:

• The latest feeding and production trials - Martin Auldist
• Reproduction issues with extended lactation systems - Chris Grainger
• Implications for whole farm economics - Bill Malcolm
• Quality of extended lactation for processing ie cheese making - Martin Auldist
• A chance to view the current feeding trial - Greg O'Brien

The seminar is being held at DPI Ellinbank, Hazeldean Road, Ellinbank.

Further information is available from Greg O'Brien at DPI Ellinbank on 5624 2222.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• East Gippsland and Wellington farmers' 'Looking Ahead Farmer Survey' extended until 9 October 2026
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington have until October 9 to complete the Looking Ahead Farmer Survey 2026, helping shape agricultural priorities, advocacy and future government support across the region.
• Baw Baw Australia Day Awards nominations open, recognising local heroes, organisations and events, voting is until 30 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising outstanding citizens, young people, organisations and community events making contributions locally.
• Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.
• Community planting day advances Blue Rock Lake foreshore restoration and native fish habitat
  Students, Landcare volunteers and partner organisations have planted native vegetation at Blue Rock Lake, building on fish habitat projects and erosion-control works to strengthen the shoreline and support wildlife.
• East Gippsland invites nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards celebrating outstanding community contributions and achievements until 6 December 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising community contributions across volunteering, sport, arts and culture. Nominations close December 6, 2026.
• Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026.