Significant increase in milk yield with smaXtec: Success at Agrarprodukte Dedelow GmbH

Since 2024, the dairy farm Agrarprodukte Dedelow GmbH – home to around 3,400 animals – has been successfully using the smaXtec health management system. A lot has changed at the dairy farm since then:

The farm has always placed great importance on close monitoring – with smaXtec, this can now be done even more individually and precisely. Managing Director Thomas Lück explains: "Previously, we relied on our own eyes to tell us what action to take, and we looked more at group or overall herd reactions. Now, with the system, we can see this much more individually for each animal and can also see whether each individual animal is performing well or not at a relatively early stage – before it is perhaps visible to the human eye – and detect changes in or on the animal."

Precise pH monitoring for optimised feeding

The dairy farm achieved particular success with the smaXtec pH bolus, which is generally used for 10% of the herd, and the associated individual advice provided by smaXtec's dairy consultants. “The pH values we gather from the boluses help us in our daily feeding routines,” reports Thomas Lück. By continuously measuring the pH value, potential problems or errors in feeding can be quickly identified. Adjustments can then be made to ensure optimal rumination activity and digestion, leading to higher milk yields. “We work closely with the dairy consultant from smaXtec – via on-site audits, video calls, or even quick WhatsApp check-ins. She gives us valuable feedback and reaches out whenever she notices any anomalies in the data," Thomas Lück continues.

Concrete improvements with measurable success

And this feedback is also reflected in the figures. During the intensive consultation, the pH data was used to quickly identify areas for improvement. The cutting lengths were particularly striking. The feed structure was improved by changing the harvesting and chopping process. “We chopped the first cut to 8 mm and the second cut to 7 mm, kept the silage maize very short and paid particular attention to starch digestibility,” explains Thomas Lück. These measures led to a significant increase in performance after just a few months: milk yield rose by more than 5%.

Thanks to precise pH monitoring and the consistent implementation of improvements, the farm now operates at an even higher level. The next goal is a further 2% increase in milk yield – with healthy, high-performing cows.