Rio Mais Leite Project Advances with the Third Round of Animal Health Management

The Instituto BioSistêmico carried out the third round of animal health management and Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) services of the Rio Mais Leite Project in September, marking another important step in strengthening dairy farming in the Southern Fluminense region. The technical visits continued the work initiated in the first half of the year, focusing on herd health, reproductive organization, and the consolidation of good practices adopted on the assisted farms.

The services were conducted by William Eduardo da Silva, veterinarian and IBS consultant, and prioritized essential actions for animal health and milk quality, including guidance on milking hygiene, animal health protocols, parasite control, vaccination, and reproductive monitoring of breeding cows.

Technology and Clear Goals in the Field

The consultant highlighted producer engagement and the positive impact of continuous technical assistance. According to him, the adoption of reproductive and sanitary technologies has encouraged the establishment of new goals on the farms.

“When producers join a project like this, they begin to work with clearer goals. Cow selection, herd organization, and the possibility of adding value to milk production serve as important motivators,” he explains.

William also emphasizes that producer recognition of the progress achieved reinforces the importance of technical assistance. “It is very rewarding to follow the development of the farms, to see producers satisfied with their herds, their genetics, and understanding the role of genetic improvement in the future of the activity,” he adds.

Animal Health and Reproduction as Pillars of Productivity

During the third round, producers received reinforced technical guidance on fundamental practices to reduce health-related issues and improve herd performance. These included proper pre- and post-milking management, implementation of FTAI protocols, and continuous monitoring of cow health — factors directly related to increased pregnancy rates and production regularity.

Technical monitoring also helps correct common shortcomings observed in daily farm routines, especially among producers who historically did not have access to regular technical assistance. Through practical guidance and close follow-up, small adjustments begin to generate tangible impacts on productivity and the long-term sustainability of the activity.

For the project team, the relationship built in the field has been a key differentiator. “We are very well received and clearly see the producers’ genuine interest in learning and applying the recommendations. This level of engagement is essential for technology to truly make sense and deliver results,” the consultant emphasizes.

About the Rio Mais Leite Project

Designed and implemented by the Instituto BioSistêmico, the Rio Mais Leite Project is funded by the Zoetis Foundation and focuses on the development of dairy farming in 100 family-based dairy farms located in the southern region of the state of Rio de Janeiro.

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

The project uses the CheckMilk methodology, which includes a digital platform with a management system and a mobile application to support the work of technical teams and producers, providing continuous support for farm routines.