Innovation on Milk Recording New Management Indicators Decision Making and Profitability Pregnancy, Embryo loss, Ketosis, Acidosis, Methane, Energy Balance

3 Research Centres, 3 Universities, 11 Milk Recording Organizations, 1 Laboratory EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP

Milk recording and Mid Infrared spectrometry MIR spectrum for each cow © Bentley MILK RECORDING DATA Fat Proteins Cells Urea

How to give value to this MIR spectrum ? How to use it in dairy herd management ? MIR spectrum for each cow

The MIR spectrum got by analysing a milk sample of one cow may provide information on its fertility, its feeding, its health and its environmental impact. MIR Spectrum and Management Indicators

STEP 1 Standardisation of spectrometers...

PIECE-WISE DIRECT STANDARDIZATION (PDS) - Slave to master method STEP 1 Standardisation of spectrometers

STANDARDISATION OF SPECTROMETERS Goal = to obtain similar spectra overtime, across models of machine, and across brands of machine. 65 spectrometers in 25 labs The standardisation is mandatory: 1.To constitute a common database with spectral data from different sources 2.To develop equations or models able to be applied on every machines of the network Example: an University has built a model by using non-standardized spectra  this model is accurate only on the machine that the University used, and as soon as no disturbances. 3.To obtain the right predictions on every machine of the network whatever the brand or model of spectrometers, and whatever the disturbances over time. Example: a MRO utilises non-standardized spectra to get predictions from an OptiMIR equations  the predictions obtained are completly wrong. STEP 1 Standardisation of spectrometers

Pooling and coupling of the required data in a common transnational database: Milk Recording data, including the MIR spectra Animals and lactations data Fertility, health, feeding and environmental impact data STEP 2 Transnational database

STEP 3 Research and Modelling Building of predictive equations Associations between « phenotypes » and milk MIR spectra Prediction of Pregnancy, Embryo loss, Ketosis, Acidosis, Methane, Energy Balance, Mastitis, etc.

STEP 4 Web Tools Development IT specs and programming Tests in pilot farms Development of user friendly web application Delivering through web interface Training of users (farmers and consultants)

Conclusion OPTIMIR EUROPEAN NETWORK Network involving Milk Recording Organisations and Agronomic Research Partners. Innovative framework for the development of dairy farm management tools. Standardisation of MIR spectrometers across EU partners  mandatory ! Constitution of a transnational database. Building of equations and models that can be applied everytime, on every machine and in every lab. Getting accurate predictions from the equations and models. With OptiMIR the partners will access to decision making tools: (1) Fatty acids; (2) Minerals: Ca, P, Na, K, Mg; (3) Pregnancy monitoring; (4) Methane gauge; (5) BHB, Acétone and Citrate concentrations; (6) Ketosis alert; (7) Acidosis alert; (8) Energy balance predictor EEIG with MROs

Lead Partner of the project Walloon Breeding Association Coordinator Xavier MASSART +32 (0)