A Northcliffe dairy company achieves top results in new research linking healthy cows with quality produce

A Northcliffe dairy company continues to make waves in the industry, demonstrating fantastic results in a recent study looking to establish a formal link between animal care and high levels of vitamins and minerals.

The study — conducted by Murdoch University — examined the milk from six West Australian dairy farms including Bannister Downs Dairy, with the Northcliffe-based producers returning the highest level of B12 and ranking in the top two for calcium levels.

Bannister Downs milk was also found to have high levels of key peptides such as lactoferrin — which was double that of the average lactoferrin levels in WA milk — beta-casein A2, monosaturated fatty acids, cow milk fat and a lower level of the undesirable saturated fatty acids.

Associate professor Vicky Solah said farm management and herd behaviour played a major role in overall milk quality.

“I think the management of the farm is really important for all sorts of quality aspects,” she said.

“Healthy cows produce a good product … and the cows there don’t produce a huge volume per day.”

Further research is now under way to determine the factors impacting the results.

The research will include brands from the Eastern States in the study comparisons.

Bannister Downs managing director Sue Daubney said the results and the potential for additional study were exciting.

“Ever since we started producing our milk we’ve been curious to find out if there is something different or special about it and, if so, get to the bottom of it,” she said.

Ms Daubney said Bannister Downs Dairy prioritised animal welfare and wellbeing, including utilising automatic milking processes, automatic feeding, massage brushes, padding and headrests to weaner cradles, increased shade in important areas such as over water troughs, water temperature reduction and constant cattle surveillance using tags, drones and helicopters.