Rio Mais Leite connects producers with solutions to improve reproductive efficiency.

Between April and July, the Rio Mais Leite Project carried out the first two rounds of sanitary management and Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) visits, reaching several farms in the dairy basin of southern Rio de Janeiro state.

According to Gustavo Artiere, veterinarian and consultant at the Instituto BioSistêmico (IBS), who leads the visits, the region has significant productive potential, but many farmers still lack regular technical assistance and access to development programs aimed at improving dairy activity.

“Most of the farmers assisted had contact with Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) for the first time or had previously experienced unsuccessful attempts. This time, many are already celebrating confirmed pregnancies as a result of the first round of visits,” he reports.

According to the consultant, the farmers’ engagement and enthusiasm have been a highlight of the project. “We are very well received in the field. Farmers take every opportunity to ask questions, clarify doubts, and apply the guidance we provide. Many have already noticed real improvements in production, especially in milk quality,” he says.

The technical guidance offered by the Instituto BioSistêmico includes best practices in milking, hygiene, sanitary management, and nutritional adjustments, helping correct common issues in the daily routines of farms.

Among the challenges identified during the visits are the low quality and quantity of milk, which reflect the lack of continuous technical support. “Small changes in daily practices make a big difference. Improving milking hygiene, adjusting feed, and following basic sanitary protocols already have a direct impact on productivity and herd health,” Gustavo explains.

In addition to increasing milk production, the visits also directly impact herd reproductive efficiency. “The technique is an important ally for genetic advancement and herd production regularity. With more confirmed pregnancies, farmers are beginning to envision a new outlook for their activity,” reinforces the IBS consultant.

For Gustavo, specialized technical assistance is one of the pillars for transforming regional dairy farming. “By aligning health, nutrition, reproduction, and good management practices, we make the activity more efficient, productive, and profitable. This is essential for ensuring that farmers can remain in the activity with dignity and competitiveness,” he concludes

About the Rio Mais Leite Project

Conceived and implemented by the Instituto BioSistêmico, the Rio Mais Leite project is funded by the Zoetis Foundation and focuses on developing dairy farming in 100 family-farming profile dairy properties in the municipalities of Valença and Volta Redonda, located in the southern region of Rio de Janeiro State.

The initiative involves technological assistance actions organized into four areas: best practices, reproductive management, nutritional management, sanitary management, and best practices in artisanal cheese processing.

The project uses the CheckMilk methodology, which includes a digital platform with a management system and a support app for technical teams and farmers, providing continuous support for farm operations.