Dairy farm Hoogland

The transition to HyCare

Multiple steps are involved in the switch to another method. Follow all the milestones of Johan Brouwers with his transition from traditional dairy farm to fully HyCare.

19. The first year

How do you look back on the past year?
Everything has been implemented and we have made steps, now it has to develop further to the desired results. It was difficult to adjust to a new system, had been working in the same way for years, that doesn’t go away right away. The protocols give me structure and makes it easy to keep up with the systems and products, this is also something I am now more attentive of with HyCare.

What do you think of the coaching?
It is nice to have a coach, especially with the programs and implementation of the concepts. Currently, the guidance is mainly focused on checking the application of the method and how it can be further optimized. When we are a little further along in the process we want to focus more on coaching and mentoring.

How did the startup go?
All the concepts and programs were easy to implement without any problems. For us, the MS AutoHoofClean concept stands out the most and has also made the best improvement on the farm so far. We have now also implemented the optimal care program with KetoProtect. We are not yet seeing great progress but I look forward to seeing the results when we are 1.5 years down the road.

Drinking water was a more difficult program for us. The water quality was not bad but could be better. With the program we flushed and cleaned all the pipes. The water intake was up at first, it became a lot clearer and there is less scale in the troughs.

The pest control program was up and running quickly. Only the flies were more troublesome, also partly due to the hot summer we had. We have had several additional treatments, this was also necessary. The pest problems are under control but now we need to shift the focus to prevention.

What are the current results?
Production has increased, but I personally think it’s not enough yet. I had expected a bigger difference at the beginning, but summer is always a difficult period and last summer was immediately intense. I also didn’t expect it to be better within six months, I definitely believe the method and will give it time to develop properly on my farm.

What other added value do you see?
With HyCare we are continuously analyzing and monitoring together with the veterinarian, feed consultant and HyCare coach. I find this very pleasant because things are looked at from different angles, each with their own expertise, and can also be coordinated.

I am looking forward to the coming year when all the programs have been rolled out a bit longer and I hope for great results with the HyCare method.

Johan Brouwers
Owner of Hoogland dairy farm

Results

Defined Daily Doses From 3,23 to 2,74 Since HyCare, they no longer use antibiotics on calves Life production at cullingrate From 38100 to 42000 kg milk Age at culling rate From 5 years 10 months to 6 years 2 months Water consumption From 17417 to 22244 liters per day

18. This has a smell to it

Did you know that Agro Pest Control does pest control completely organically?

At Hoogland, several scented pots have been placed to mark out the territory around the yard. These pots give off a strong burning scent, which deters rodents.

So it is an organic and responsible way to keep rodents out!

Want to know more about organic pest control? Click here.

17. Kill two birds with one stone

Flies seem harmless but cause a lot of irritation and stress for cattle. At Hoogland they were also bothered by flies.

Our partner Agro Pest Control is responsible for pest control at Hoogland. Together with Joan a company specific plan has been set up to get and keep the rodent problem under control.

Want to know more about pest control? Click here.

16. Check, double check

As HyCare Coach, Elwin helps the livestock farmer to continuously optimize the processes on the farm.

” During the monthly visit, I check whether the HyCare method is being applied correctly by means of measurements. I will talk to Johan about the past month, we will discuss the results together and look at the action points for the next month “

15. Coaching

With HyCare we not only supply products, but also provide the right application, coaching, service and monitoring.

Every month, HyCare coach Elwin Bos visits Hoogland to discuss and check all the pillars. He is the contactperson for Johan and ensures that the HyCare method is successfully implemented on the farm.

14. The water pipe

The water may look clean but nothing is what it seems.

Together with Johan, we used a camera to look at the condition of his pipes, in order to draw up a plan to tackle the problem. Results will follow soon!

Want to know more about the clean drinking water program? Click here.

13. Don't forget water

Water is the most important nutrient for animals. Yet this topic is often skipped or forgotten.

At Hoogland we started by checking the water quality. The water source was good, however the pipes were very dirty. This affects the quality of the water and the water intake of the cows.

It was agreed to flush the pipes daily to maintain the quality of the water.

12. Transition period

The optima boxes at Hoogland are used for both dairy and dry cows. After three weeks, the uptake percentage is 80 percent, results will follow quickly.

11. Optimal care

The MS Optima boxes have been installed and in use at Hoogland. It is a stand-alone system which administers MS Keto Plus by electronic identification, providing the cows with extra support during their transition period. Want to know more about the optimal transition program? Click here.

10. Fresh feed

Feed that stays fresh longer can also contribute to better feed intake.

9. Positively surprised

The coating positively surprised Johan. Besides the fact that the food stays fresher, it is also easy to clean and to keep it clean.

8. A big improvement

Previously, at Hoogland, the feed warmed up quickly and accumulations of the food developed in the corners.

Thanks to the coating, the feed is still fresh and spread out in the morning.

7. Let it shine

Everything is shining at Hoogland! The coarse dirt has been removed, the equipment has been foamed & cleaned and lastly everything has been disinfected.

6. Cleaning and disinfection

Together we strive for the highest level of hygiene. Cleaning and disinfection is an important part of this.

The equipment used at Hoogland is always thoroughly cleaned.

5. Eating of the floor

The coating keeps the feed fresher and makes it easier to clean the surface.

4. Pore-free

The beginning of a pore-free surface is made! A special coating is applied that prevents germs and bacteria from nesting.

3. Piece of cake!

Berta demonstrates how easy the hoofcare program works. The treatment program is nurtering, simple and effective.

2. Optimal hoofcare

Strong legs and healthy claws are the basis for a cow to function properly.

The AutoHoofClean mat is installed! Now the claws of the cows can be cared for without much effort and aggressive claw bath. Want to know more? Click here.

1. Perfectly arranged

Good hygiene measures prevent the spread of germs and minimize health risks.

As you can see, al the equipment at Hoogland is clean and arranged perfectly. Everything has its own place. This is one of many steps to avoid cross-contamination!

Why HyCare?

The choice to switch to another method is not made overnight. Conversations are held, possibilities are being looked at and decisions are made.

Johan Brouwers explains why he chose HyCare.