The Regional Association for Performance and Quality Inspection in Animal Breeding (LKVBW, Landesverband Baden-Württemberg für Leistungs- und Qualitätsprüfungen in der Tierzucht e.V.) is is a self-help organization for livestock farming of the state of Baden-Württemberg.
The
most important task of the LKVBW is to carry out
performance and quality tests in the field of animal production
and to advise farmers for better farm management. This includes milk recording for more than 270,000 cows in 4,000 farms in the state Baden-Württemberg. We also deliver IT tools to farmers and extension workers for management and decision making. In addition, the LKVBW is the official association for animal identification.
14 years ago, LKVBW, together with veterinarians, developed the first system for recording animal health data in Germany in order to improve the health and robustness of dairy cows. The data is accessible and retrieved either through a modern online herd management software, or via an app for smartphones, and made available to breeding associations.
Our task in the HoliCow project is to implement the project objectives and to ensure the coordination in the state Baden-Württemberg, as well as in Germany. We also provide data from dairy farms, including biomarkers from dairy cows. Our special expertise in evaluating the results of the innovative milk analysing technology with infrared analysers will also be a great asset for the project. In addition, we will be involved in the creation of monitoring models, in the integration of routines and in the development and implementation of IT-tools for the farmers. Our experienced team will also train the farmers and empower them to use the new tools in order to become more resilient.
Our Team
DDr. Laura Monica Dale, Scientific Collaborator
I am a dedicated
postdoctoral fellow at LKV Baden Württemberg, where I lead
dairy research projects as a project manager. My work focuses on developing
innovative calibration models using milk MIR (mid-infrared) spectral data to
create equations that improve our understanding of blood parameters, negative
energy balances, and feed efficiency. Additionally, I am committed to enhancing
animal health and welfare by developing alarm systems for diseases like
mastitis, ketosis, and heat stress. Through HoliCow Project, I contribute to
more sustainable and efficient livestock management practices that benefit
farmers and the agricultural community.
Jürgen Bieger, Head of Milk Recording Organisation
I am the Managing Director of the State Association of Baden-Württemberg for Performance and Quality Inspection in Animal Breeding (LKV Baden Württemberg), under my leadership, the association is committed to promoting performance testing and maintaining high quality standards in animal breeding. With my commitment to sustainable practices and future-oriented development, I contribute significantly to the project goals, engage in the training of advisors, and help facilitate the sharing of project results with the breeders.
LKV BW Milk Recording and Management Team
The technical team of
the State Association of Baden-Württemberg for Performance and Quality
Inspection in Animal Breeding (LKV Baden Württemberg) consists of Carmen
Natterer, Dr. Elisa Strang, Tatjana Heim and Dr. Zlatan Vassilev. We support
the member farms in the areas of animal breeding, animal health and performance
testing. In close cooperation with vets, hoof trimmers and farmers, the team
develops individual strategies to improve animal health. The field workers such
as: Corinna Skulj, Jana Berg, Josef Büchele and Heribert Gut play a central
role in supporting farms, organizing milk performance tests and animal
identification. They advise farmers on technical and production-related issues
based on the results of the MLP. The whole team also coordinates the project
farms and ensures effective communication within the department. Performance
and quality tests are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the
Animal Breeding Act and the association's guidelines. In this way, the team
makes a decisive contribution to improving quality and efficiency in milk
production.
LKV BW IT Services and Support Team
The IT-Team of the State
Association of Baden-Württemberg for Performance and Quality Inspection in
Animal Breeding (LKV Baden Württemberg) consists of Andreas Werner, Oliver
Marquardt, Alexander Kirr, Anton Krebs, Mario Krupa and Achim Rumberger. It
plays a central role in ensuring a stable IT infrastructure and develops
strategies to optimize IT processes. The team is responsible for the
procurement, installation and maintenance of hardware and software, as well as
for support and problem solving. In addition, the LKV - Baden-Württemberg's own
software projects will be implemented and the software of the The Cattle Network
(RDV) will be adapted to the needs of the LKV - Baden-Württemberg. It also
organizes data exchange between systems, participates in international projects
and continuously monitors system performance. Within the project, the LKV -
Baden-Württemberg IT-Team works on data exchange with the project database and
the provision of results to farmers in Baden-Württemberg.