Working on Longleys Farm with the Hook family really gave me an insight into the running of an organic dairy farm and the sheer demand that it entails. Arriving at 6.30am I was set to the routine task of bottling the raw milk ready to be delivered that morning. I also lent a hand with the large number of delivery boxes that needed assembling before they could be delivered nationally. After a quick tour of the farm I was given the challenge of rounding up fifty cows to bring back to the dairy parlour for milking.
Having finally managed to gather all of the cows in, I was given a hands on lesson milking in the pit. The Hook parlour has the capacity to milk ten cows at a time and with your head at kicking height it was important to pat each cow to ensure they knew you were there, so as to avoid any nasty surprises! The Hook’s produce unpasteurized, organic milk and so cleanliness was a priority; before attaching the teat cups we first dipped each teat into soapy water and squeezed the initial milk out before wiping it clean. After milking, the teats were dipped in iodine, Mr Hook informed me that the milk ducts remain open for approximately 20 minutes after milking and so this was important to protect against any infection. To ensure the health of the udders I was also told to feel all four quarters, this was to ensure they were even and were not hardened or contained any lumps.
At Longleys Farm each cow carries out a ten month lactation period as well as a two month dry period allowing them to be rested. I was given the responsibility of checking those that were being rested for any signs of illness. One of the diseases I checked for was New Forest eye, which exhibits symptoms such as redness, weeping and a white spot in the eye, this disease is particularly prevalent during the Summer months and can easily spread through the herd and so it is important to catch it early. On my final day at the farm when I went to check on the herd they were further away than usual, meaning I had to walk across a rather marshy field. I ended up falling over into a very muddy bog that was deceptively deep and nearly lost both of my boots!
The most rewarding part of my time at the farm was getting to feed the calves of approximately 7 months old, as well as a newly born that was delivered during my time there. I was also informed about a disease known as joint ill that can affect young calves, it occurs as a result of an infection that has entered via the umbilical cord. Symptoms of this illness include swelling of the navel, high temperature and a reduced appetite, if the infection spreads via the bloodstream it commonly affects the joints which become swollen, stiff and hot. The disease can be fatal if left untreated (as it can spread to areas such as the the heart and the brain), however it can be treated with antibiotics and pain killers. To prevent the disease iodine can be applied to the navel and a clean environment must be maintained, particularly whilst the calf is at its most vulnerable stage.
Since completing my time at Longleys Farm I have also spent time working with the African elephants at Howletts Wild Animal Park which I will write about in another blog post.
Amy
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