Selected reference

The objective of the training program was to provide participants of BiH with information and latest know-how of modern dairy herd management systems and programs aiming to support BiH dairy producers to improve milk production technology and management and to become more profitable. The training program demonstrated experiences and practical working methods of dairy herd improvement systems and programs in Germany and was meant to be the initial point to lead BiH in a process of setting-up a DHIP in their country. The focus of those meetings was to get a better understanding how to utilise milk recording under different circumstances of a specific farm and/or dairy herd and how the cost/benefit ratio can be evaluated. The participants should understand the options and organisational requirements of dairy herd improvement and service systems and the advantages of farmers to use better and up-to-date information to improve the profitability of dairy farms. Also the participants received detailed knowledge about the management and organizational aspects of dairy farm services and could observe practical working methods in recording, analysing production, breeding, feeding and profitability records. Finally the training program initiated and supported a discussion of participants and trainers about ideas and concepts and future programs to improve dairy herd management and related services in BiH under the specific conditions of the country.

A second aim of the training program was to facilitate a proper understanding of the back-office infrastructure and functions to maintain a professional DHIP. The participants should receive a good understanding of minimum standards of the system, of potential investment costs for technical equipment, of operating costs depending on the scope and scale of services and of necessary human resources and qualification.