At the Van der Ham-Jansen dairy farm in Nieuwland, South Holland, father Aart and son Willem care for 85 milk-producing cows with accompanying youngsters. Experience at work is backed with new insights, allowing the company to perform above average. Since September 2017, they have taken an extra step with the help of the Watter system.
“We were convinced that our groundwater was good,” says Willem, “Until I was pointed out during a study club meeting that we had never measured the quality of water in the drinking troughs themselves.” Van der Ham senior adds: “You don't really know better as a dairy farmer. The KKM controls were always okay, but after installing the Watter machine, the troughs were spotlessly clean within days."
Healthier Cows
Not only is the water crystal clear now, but the cows are also clearly healthier. The somatic cell count has dropped below 100 and this year there were only 3 mastitis cows. This saves on medical costs, less milk has to be thrown away and above all, this results in a lot of job satisfaction. "The ladies look healthier and behave accordingly." Says Aart. "Since Watter and new deep litter boxes, milk production has increased by 3 kg per cow per day."
The family business always has an eye for improvement. In addition to drinking water, investments have therefore been made in new cubicles, among other things. Aart and Willem are convinced that developments are necessary in modern dairy farming.
"Without these investments, we would now have had fewer results. The KKM control puts you on the wrong track because you do not measure in the drinking bowl. We see a clear difference in drinking troughs and in the stable. We now milk over 10,000 litres of milk and this is still increasing. That is why we recommend other livestock farmers measuring from the drinking trough and then taking action."
