Milk & Honey: Israel’s path to milk quality and udder health excellence – Part one

You have probably heard and read a lot about Israel recently. This article aims to provide you with a closer look at the dairy industry in Israel, showcasing its advancements, history, and contributions.

The Israeli dairy industry tradition meets innovation

Israel’s dairy industry, recognized for its efficiency and innovation, plays a vital role in the global dairy sector. Despite its modest size, the industry is notable for achieving high milk production levels per cow through the integration of technology and innovative farming practices. Israel’s approach to overcoming environmental challenges such as water scarcity and arid conditions has provided valuable insights into sustainable dairy farming, contributing to its respected status in the worldwide agricultural community.

According to the Yearbook of the Israeli Dairy Council for 2022 report, Israel is home to 659 dairy farms, with around 120,000 cows recorded in the herd book. These cows achieve an impressive average milk production of 12,074 liters per cow per year, contributing to the country’s total annual milk production of approximately 1.554 billion liters. This data underscores the high efficiency and productivity of the Israeli dairy sector, reflecting its significant role in the national agricultural landscape.

Agricultural communities in Israel

To better understand dairy farming in Israel, you should know the agricultural communities first. Israel’s agricultural landscape is uniquely characterized by two innovative farming models: the Kibbutz and the Moshav. The Kibbutz system embraces a collective approach to farming, where resources, work, and rewards are shared among all members, fostering a strong sense of community and mutual support. On the other hand, the Moshav model allows for individual family farming, promoting independence while benefiting from cooperative efforts in resource sharing and marketing. These systems exemplify Israel’s pioneering spirit in agriculture, blending tradition with communal solidarity and individual entrepreneurship.

Unlocking dairy potential: Israel’s 100-year innovation journey

In the 1910s, the foundation of Israel’s dairy industry was laid by establishing the first experimental dairy farms, such as Ben-Shemen and the iconic Kibbutz Degania Aleph. These initial steps marked a significant shift from traditional, small-scale farming towards more scientific and systematic approaches to dairy farming in a land with fewer than 1,000 heads of cattle.

World War II and the following decades saw a dramatic industry expansion, with the importation of Holstein-Friesian cattle significantly boosting milk yields. The 1950s, in particular, were a turning point, as massive immigration and establishing the Israel Dairy Board led to a structured, organized dairy sector capable of supporting the nation’s needs and beginning to eye international markets.

By the 1960s, Israel had transitioned from an importer to an exporter of dairy cattle, showcasing its improved breeds and farming techniques on the global stage. A very interesting fact is that Israel exported Israeli Holstein heifers to Iran.

The subsequent decades saw the Israeli dairy industry embrace technological advancements, such as electronic milk meters and computerized farm management systems, to enhance productivity and efficiency further.

The 1990s marked a milestone with Israeli cows setting records for milk production, a testament to the industry’s continuous innovation and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in farm management. This era underscored the pivotal role of technological integration in advancing dairy farming in Israel.

Israeli Holstein – The local genetics

The Israeli Holstein is dominating the Israeli herd. Genetic cross-breeding started as early as 1920, and it was born from the crossbreeding of local Damascus, Dutch, and Friesian stock. Adapted to the country’s warm climate through decades of selective breeding, it represents the pinnacle of Israel’s dairy genetics. Managed through rigorous artificial insemination programs by the “Sion” Co-operative, the breed benefits from continuous genetic improvement, focusing on milk yield, protein, and fat composition.

About 50 young bulls undergo testing yearly, with semen from around 25 proven bulls made available to Israeli dairy farmers. These include bulls validated through offspring production records and high pedigree index young bulls. Genetic evaluations for these bulls are conducted twice a year.

Assaf, the Israeli sheep breed

The process of genetic improvement, as is done for cows, is also applied in Israel for sheep, with the development of the Assaf sheep. This breed is a strategic cross between the Awassi and German East Friesian sheep, aiming to harness the strengths of both. The Assaf breed has become a favored choice among Israeli dairy sheep breeders, with an average annual milk production of 450 liters and a prolificacy rate of 1.3 lambings per year with 1.6 lambs at each event. Although it produces slightly less milk than the Awassi, its higher prolificacy and adaptability to various farming systems, from semi-extensive to extensive, make it a valuable asset. This breed’s resilience and productivity under Israeli conditions, where ewes can have up to three lambings in two years, exemplify the successful implementation of genetic improvement strategies in enhancing the dairy sheep industry. The Assaf breed’s success has led to its exportation to many countries, and today, it is widespread in Spain, where the population of Assaf sheep nears one and a half million, showcasing its international appeal and adaptability.

The Israeli dairy farmer

For Israeli dairy farmers, every cow and every liter of milk is a valuable data source. They thrive on detailed information for each animal, using automatic systems to make operations from milking to health monitoring more efficient. Adopting advanced management software is a crucial strategy, enabling them to keep records, analyze trends, and make informed decisions precisely. This digital prowess extends beyond their farm boundaries; Israeli dairy farmers are at the forefront of sharing their data and results, promoting a culture of transparency and cooperation. Their readiness to share insights advances their farms and uplifts the country’s dairy industry, making them leaders in agricultural innovation and community building.

Government involvement

The dairy sector in Israel plays a crucial role in the agricultural economy, characterized by significant government intervention. That includes establishing milk production quotas, determining a target price for raw milk, pricing for milk exceeding quotas, and overseeing consumer prices. Such measures reflect the government’s commitment to managing this vital industry closely.

In the 20th century, Europe commonly supervised its dairy industry, but now, Israel stands out for its government’s active role in regulating the dairy production chain, including consumers’ basic dairy product prices. The Israeli government’s support for the dairy sector is driven by a commitment to food security, ensuring continuous access to essential dairy products at reasonable prices. This extensive regulation underscores the government’s effort to preserve agricultural lands, support rural peripheries, and maintain the agriculture sector’s overall benefits.

We anticipate a reduction in government intervention in the dairy industry over the next few years.

Exclusive to Israel: Kosher feed for dairy cows

In Israel, most dairy products carry Kosher certification, reflecting a deep commitment to Jewish dietary laws. Following these guidelines ensures that the food meets strict cleanliness, purity, and exceptional quality criteria.

With Passover nearing, this dedication extends to the diets of Israeli dairy cows. During this seven-day holiday, dairy farms avoid feeding cows wheat silage to prevent the violation of “chametz” – grains that might ferment and rise, which are strictly prohibited. Instead, cows receive a special diet of beans, corn, and chickpeas, ensuring the milk remains Kosher throughout Passover. This unique practice sets Israel apart as the only country that adjusts the diet of all dairy cows annually for a limited time. It presents a significant challenge for our dairy nutritionists.

The Israeli Dairy School

At the Israeli Dairy School, we excel in dairy farming education, combining hands-on experience with cutting-edge agricultural innovation. Our program covers over 50 practical topics, offering groups worldwide to explore some of Israel’s leading dairy farms firsthand.

This experience goes beyond traditional learning. It’s an in-depth dive into the daily operations, technological advancements, and sustainable approaches that make Israel a pioneer in dairy production. With a choice of 30 different farms to visit, ranging from intimate family operations to expansive kibbutz dairy farms, each participant can tailor their learning experience to match their interests and needs. These visits are more than just tours; they’re an opportunity to see, touch, and understand the innovations that drive success in dairy farming.

Participants gain valuable insights from top professionals, enjoying presentations and tailored tours that offer a comprehensive learning journey. Our core aim is to provide a deep understanding of advanced dairy herd management against Israel’s unique agricultural landscape. We encourage attendees to apply these insights to their dairy practices, aiming for enhanced cow welfare efficiency and higher profits.

Udder health and milk quality program

At the Israeli Dairy School, we offer an in-depth exploration of udder health and milk quality through practical learning experiences. Our program starts with detailed lectures addressing key topics such as the operation of milking machines and their impact on udder health, alongside factors that influence milk quality. Following the theoretical discussions, we provide a hands-on experience with a visit to a dairy farm during milking operations to observe and analyze the processes within the dairy parlor.

Our seminars extend to cover vital areas like heat stress management, nutrition, herd health, and cow welfare, highlighting their crucial roles in enhancing dairy performance, maintaining udder health, and ensuring high milk quality. Over the last few years, the dairy industry worldwide has faced escalating challenges, directly affecting milk production on our farms. In response, we have innovated a cooling system for cows in Israel. This strategic approach improves the cows’ comfort and elevates milk production, showcasing our commitment to practical solutions.

To learn more about what we do, please visit our website at https://www.dairyschool.co.il.