As well as performing ad hoc milk testing (butterfat, protein, lactose, somatic cell count and non-protein nitrogen (urea)) we offer a DIY milk recording service that can be tailored to your specific needs. All analyses are performed according to the guidelines of the International Committee of Animal Recording (ICAR) of which QMMS Ltd is a Full Member.

Our milk recording service has been audited and has achieved the ICAR Certificate of Quality. Our reporting is compatible with most main farm software packages (see below), or a basic on-farm management program can be provided at no additional cost (software developed by SUM-IT Computer Systems to QMMS Specifications).

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Download our milk recording brochure

Key facts about our milk recording services:

  • Different service levels from ad hoc testing to a full milk recording service
  • Factored milk recording available
  • On farm management software included in the price
  • Powerful management reports, adding value to your data, delivered direct to your desktop
  • Compatible with existing on farm software (see below)
  • Cost effective and competitively priced
  • Backed by RCVS Recognised Specialist veterinary advice
  • Awarded ICAR Certificate of Quality for Production Recording (Milk Recording) in Dairy Cattle

Compatability

The QMMS full milk recording service is widely compatible with a range of on-farm software, including (but not limited to):

Our services are also compatible with all the major supermarket contracts, Breeding+ and pedigree recording

Pregnancy Diagnosis

Milk recording samples can also be processed for Pregnancy Associated Glycoprotein (PAG), an indicator of early pregnancy in dairy cows. Samples submitted for milk recording can be selected to confirm PD+ status in cows that are approaching drying-off to compliment the routine fertility work offered by your veterinary surgeon. Please ask for more details.

FAQs

Why milk record?

Motivation for milk recording varies greatly from farm to farm, ranging from the desire for genetic improvement in pedigree herds to the need for more detailed management information, which can be crucial in some of the large dairy herds of today. A philosophy of QMMS is to add value to the milk recording process, by helping farmers interpret the data, whilst still fulfilling the needs of the pedigree breeder.

Is QMMS’ milk recording data eligible for pedigree purposes?

We are ‘Full Members’ of ICAR (International Committee for Animal Recording) and all aspects of our milk recording service are performed to ICAR guidelines. With permission, we can send data to AHDB for pedigree evaluations. (Please note pedigree recording incurs some additional charges).

How much milk is needed for each sample?

Please fill each pot at least to the top of the white rack, but not to the very top. Overfilled pots can spill in transit causing loss of the sample, or lead to fat sticking to the pot lid, which affects the analysis.

Do I need to sort all my samples into cow number order?

No, we actually discourage this practice as it leads to the potential introduction of systematic errors into the milk recording process.

How do samples get to the laboratory?

Once you phone us to confirm when the samples will be ready, we will arrange courier collection; samples are the delivered to us the next working day. You can of course deliver your own samples (and save on the courier costs) if you so wish.

How long does it take for me to get my results?

It is highly unusual for results not to be dispatched by the next working day following arrival at the laboratory.

Do you provide paper reports?

Our service is designed to be paperless with all data traveling electronically. However, paper reports can be provided if required (at a small additional cost).

Do you tell me when I have to record?

Our system is designed to be flexible – we will remind you, but you are in control and have ‘ownership’ of the milk recording process.

Is all this extra data analysis and on-farm software expensive?

Our prices are very competitive due to the low overhead structure of our business. We operate a philosophy of ‘user pays’ – you only pay for the services you utilize - we do not cross subsidise.

Do I have to collect milk samples from each milking?

No, we offer a factored milk recording service. We recommend taking a milk sample from one milking, but recording a full 24-hour milk yield, as we feel this gives the best compromise between effort and quality of results.

How do I pay?

You only pay for the tests performed, no more - no less. We invoice monthly and offer substantial regular recording discounts linked to prompt payment.