Netherlands

The Netherlands is the second largest exporter of agricultural and food products, thanks to its innovative agro-food technology.

The Dutch agro-food sector is a sustainable source of healthy, safe food that is produced with respect for nature and the environment. In particular the Dutch excel in dairy production.

Indeed, the Netherlands is the cradle of the worldwide famous Holstein-Friesian cows. Early in the 20th century, the first Friesian-Dutch black-and-white cows were exported to the U.S. and Canada. As the 20th century progressed, the continuously improved black and white cows spread out all over Europe and the rest of the world. Since 1990, the Netherlands has a leading position when it comes to genetic quality of these specific Holstein-Friesian cows. A little less known, but in no way inferior are the original Dutch red and white cows that also include Holstein genes.

Production Potential

The Dutch Holstein-Friesian population consists of around 1.5 million milking cows.

In total, already 27,000 Dutch cows have produced more than 100,000kg of milk with more than 2,000 cows ahieving

10,000kg of fat and protein. This proves that high production, high components and durability can all come together. Therefore it might not come as a surprise that the average Dutch cow produces more than 30,000kg of milk, at 4.37% fat and 3.52% protein, during her lifetime. No other country in the world can match these high lifetime production figures. So what is the Dutch secret? "It all starts with high producing cows," says CRV's global breeding specialist Theo Gieling. "And, of course, management skills of the herdsman are very important. But most of all it's the result of breeding high producing cows with the conformation to produce persistently and to have the ability to be fertile and healthy year after year."

Setting Up or Extending a High Yielding Dairy Farm in Pakistan

The best way to fully utilise the genetic potential of a dairy cow is to create an ideal environment so she can produce optimally.

Therefore the set-up and the level of management of your dairy farm is of great importance for the future milk production of your dairy cows, the final product and financial results.

A good start is to follow a dedicated training course supported by the Dutch Government. A training course for managers of dairy farms has been set-up in Lahore. Solve Agri Pak and Dairy Institute, in collaboration with two renowned Dutch institutes, organized a series of special training modules covering all aspects of dairy farming. Dairy managers should have an overall view on the total farm operation, and, if possible, discuss on the spot some of the management aspects, such as capital investment, milk parlour design, milk production per cow, labour requirements, fodder crop production, mechanical problems, health and fertility management, feed requirements, etc, to get a real "fee!" for dairying in that particular area.

If you decide to invest, Dutch companies can provide you with all necessary assets and the knowhow to maximize milk produc-tion. Provided that a thorough assessment of your plans has been done. There is a Dutch saying that goes "If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing well". This vision is reflected in the Dutch desire to implement changes in every part of the chain. This is because they are well aware that the chain is only as strong as its weakest link. An approach taking into account all aspects mentioned above is the only way to make your dairy production truly sustainable, or to elevate it to a higher level.

The first decision to be made is whether to breed locally using Artificial Insemination on local breeds, or to import heifers or to combine these methods. Dutch companies like CRV and KI Samen sell their "straws" (semen) all over the world. However, the quickest way to bring your dairy farm to the desired high production level is to import (pregnant) Holstein- Friesian heifers.

Next is to decide on housing. Roelof van den Berg of R. van den Berg Export BV, from the Dutch town of IJsselmuiden, is involved in the export of heifers from Europe to Pakistan.

"Holstein cows are doing fantastic in the climate-controlled barns," Roelof van den Berg says. The heifers are best fit for farms with climate-controlled barns. "Otherwise, it does not work," he indicates.

Besides cattle selection and housing a whole array of manage. ment aspects like milk parlour design, milk production per cow, labour requirements, fodder crop production are essential for good results. Dutch companies are happy to sell key equipment if required. But most importantly, they will assist you in making the right decisions so that the Holstein-Friesian cows can reach the promised production standards.

How to start?

In the Netherlands, there is healthy competition between all companies involved in the Dairy Cattle production chain. We suggest you to contact the trade desk at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Islamabad, isl-ea@minbuza.nl. They will provide you with a list of relevant companies that suit your purpose, or convey your questions and demands to the exporters in the Netherlands. It is up to you to select the companies. All companies in the Netherlands meet the very high standards which have been set by numerous organisations. These ingredients have been set by numerous one current leaders when i comes to the genetic quality of the black and white Holstein-Friesian cows. We look forward in assisting you to make your farms more productive!