Modern approach to dairy goats farming in the Netherlands
Artem Berezhnoi, Account Executive at Globifield, will participate in the session "Other Milk: Exploring Dairy Production from Alternative Livestock Breeds" at the Dairy Olympics conference, which will take place from April 7-10 in Al Ain (UAE) and will bring together global players from the dairy industry.
In his presentation, Artem will highlight modern approaches to dairy goat farming in the Netherlands, where particular attention is given to innovation, sustainability, and technological solutions aimed at improving productivity and milk quality. DairyNews.today asked the speaker a few questions ahead of his presentation:
What role does technology play in dairy goat farming in the Netherlands?
— Technology plays a significant and crucial role in dairy goat farming in the Netherlands. Labor is expensive and qualified professionals are hard to find, even in the Netherlands. Automation and labor-saving technologies, therefore, are essential. Efficiency is key in Dutch farming.What innovations in goat feeding and care help improve productivity?
— In terms of feeding, the focus is on providing balanced diets and fully indoor housing, which allows for 100% control over feed intake. On the animal husbandry side, the Dutch approach emphasizes prolonged lactations.
How do Dutch farmers ensure high milk quality?
— Dutch farmers ensure high milk quality by maintaining hygienic milking practices. Balanced feed durations are also crucial. Additionally, they focus on maintaining a very high health status for their goats. Dutch goat farms are certified as free fr om nearly all known goat diseases and have strict biosecurity protocols in place.
What role do sustainability and ecology play in modern dairy goat farms in the Netherlands?
— Sustainability and ecology are important in Dutch dairy goat farming. A long lifespan and high lifetime production are key characteristics of healthy, sustainable livestock. The use of medication is restricted and monitored through a legally designated database, which also serves as a sector monitor and benchmark for individual farms. Farmers are penalized by the government if they fail to comply with regulations. There is also a welfare monitoring system wh ere goat farmers record the measures they take to ensure the well-being of their goats, with a score given based on the number of measures implemented. Many aspects of animal health and welfare are regulated by law and integrated into the quality assurance program, known as QualiGate. For example, there is also an energy scan that helps farms assess their energy consumption and the degree to which they generate sustainable energy. Points are awarded for sustainability efforts. The sector also aims to improve its image by being transparent about its practices, showing consumers and citizens a realistic picture of its developments, sustainable food production, and challenges through social media.
What challenges does dairy goat farming face in the Netherlands, and how are they addressed?
— The biggest challenge is public opinion, which is a specific issue in the Netherlands. The country has one of the highest livestock densities in the world, and there is a competition for space, with the government prioritizing population and nature over animal husbandry. As a result, the expansion of goat farming has been prohibited for several years, and the government encourages the closure of farms in favor of creating more protected nature reserves. Another challenge is that only a small portion of the milk produced is consumed domestically; over 80% is exported, making sales vulnerable to geopolitical tensions and economic fluctuations in importing countries.
What herd management and genetic selection methods are used to improve the dairy goat breed?
— An important focus in breeding is milk persistence rather than just high production. This allows goats to have prolonged lactations. On average, farms with over 1,000 goats produce 1,400 liters of milk per goat per year. Genetic selection is also achieved through artificial insemination using high-quality semen from various breeding stations in the Netherlands. Farmers have a broad selection of genetically superior semen to choose from.
Dairy Olympics 2025 is an international conference taking place April 7-10, 2025, in the UAE. It will bring together leading experts and specialists from the global dairy industry. This event will serve as a crucial platform for discussing current trends, innovations, and challenges facing the dairy sector. The Olympics will showcase cutting-edge technologies, sustainable solutions for dairy production, the prospects of digitalization, environmental concerns, and the growth of new dairy markets.
If you are interested in becoming a speaker or sponsor for Dairy Olympics 2025, please contact us at ads@dairynews.today
Gold Partners: Al Ain Farms, Imperial
Innovation Partners: Cowow, PPB
Partners: France Group, IFCM
