Factsheet of the IDF N° 39/2024: Management of calves from birth to weaning: Milk feeding of calves from newborn through weaning
This IDF Calf Management Factsheet (one in a series of IDF factsheets addressing novel approaches to improve calf rearing) provides a short comprehensive overview of the advantages of providing calves during the milk feeding period with higher planes of nutrition than the traditional 10% body weight (BW) equivalent of milk (e.g., ~ 4 L/d for […]
Factsheet of the IDF N° 38/2024: Management of calves from birth to weaning: Rearing of calves by dam-calf contact
This IDF Calf Management Factsheet (one in a series of IDF factsheets addressing novel approaches to improve calf rearing) provides a short comprehensive overview of the advantages and challenges of rearing calves with prolonged contact to their dam. Cite this content as: International Dairy Federation. (2024). Management of calves from birth to weaning: Rearing of calves […]
The IDF Milking Technologies Symposium 2023 – Watch again on Demand
Session 1: Milking machine technology: design, efficiency and testing This session will delve into the intricacies of design, efficiency, and testing. Attendees will gain insights into the latest advancements in milking machine design, exploring how cutting-edge technologies enhance functionality and user experience. Additionally, experts will share valuable information on improving milking efficiency, optimizing milk yield, […]
IDF Animal Health Report N° 17
In this edition of the IDF Animal Health Report, dedicated to the science and practice of young stock management, we delve into intriguing and inspirational cases from around the world. Our journey takes us to Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Nigeria, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, and The Netherlands. Additionally, we gain valuable insights from the […]
Bulletin of the IDF N°523/2023: Proceedings of the 7th and 8th IDF Paratuberculosis Fora
The 7th and 8th IDF Paratuberculosis Fora took place on 26 May 2021 and 12 June 2022 respectively. The 7th event was virtual while the 8th Forum was held in conjunction with the International Colloquium on Paratuberculosis in Dublin, Ireland, and both were chaired by Dr. David Kelton (Chair of IDF Standing Committee on Animal […]
IDF Animal Health Report N° 16
The present edition presents animal health and welfare research from eight different countries and one international organization, showcasing the many efforts that the Global Dairy sector is doing in all regions of the world to control and prevent infectious diseases in animals. Cite this content as: International Dairy Federation. (2022). IDF Animal Health Report (n° […]
Bulletin of the IDF N° 486/ 2017: The IDF Guide to Water Footprint Methodology for the Dairy Sector
These guidelines are intended to reach better understanding of water footprint assessment within the dairy sector. They provide transparency about a dairy product’s water profile throughout its life cycle to allow monitoring, quantification and evaluation of the potential environmental impacts related to water use. The document reviews previous work on life cycle assessment and provides […]
Bulletin of the IDF N° 515/2022: Guidelines for defining quarter and udder health status and cured clinical and subclinical mastitis cases
Given ongoing technological developments in the areas of microbiological diagnosis, detection of inflammatory markers and biomarker sensors and sensor systems, the definitions of clinical, subclinical and chronic mastitis are increasing in number and complexity. There is a need to target these definitions to their specific applications to facilitate value for the end-user. The developmental background […]
IDF Animal Health Report N° 15
The 15th edition of the IDF Animal Health Report illustrates the importance of animal health and welfare for sustainable dairy production, providing information and practical insight. It explores the role of animal health and welfare in sustainable development and food security and gives examples of innovative solutions for improvement that take animal health and welfare […]
IDF Factsheet 19/ 2021: IDF Reproductive Technology: Artificial Insemination
Since the domestication of cattle for milk and meat purpose, over 6,000 years ago, farmers have used reproductive technology to improve their cattle. In the beginning, farmers used simple breeding programs selecting a desired male to mate with their cattle for each successive generation of animals. Today, a variety of reproductive technologies are used by […]



