Multivariate herd data - milk quality changes over time

[Guest guest]

markjon chatburn wrote:

 

> Pancaratna prabhu,

>

> I finally got round to creating the multivariate herd

> data that is so necessary for a proper business plan,

> whatever the format. Play with it at will.

>

> Cows/yr is the determinant factor of how many calves

> are to be born each year.

>

> Milking yield responds to a 4-year lactation that can

> be altered. Also, for a 3- or 2-year lactation one can

> put in zero and alter the other 2 years accordingly.

> Though this could change herd population dynamics in

> terms of breeding, though non-milking cows should take

> up the slack in the available herd of mothers to

> impregnate.

>

> Milk price is in L8, and it is a/the major factor.

 

I have not seen your spread sheet -- but I wonder if you are factoring

in declining milk production for each cow.

 

For example, at the beginning of a lactation a Brown Swiss cow might be

giving 10 gallons (86 pounds) of milk per day. After a year and a half,

milk output might be 2 gallons or (about 17 pounds) per day, and might

continue that way for the next couple years.

 

Also, you probably want to factor in the quality-value of a gallon of

milk over that time. Milk during the first year of the lactation can be

used for any purpose. Milk after the first year is a different

consistency and might be better for curd (possibly cheese, also?).

Maybe burfi. Not so good for hot milk.

 

ys

hkdd