Scotland has lost five dairy herds in the first six months of 2023 with the total number of milking herds now 799, according to new figures from the Scottish Dairy Cattle Association, who maintain the data base.

Herd numbers are now 20 less than the same time last year, with the average herd size having increased by one to 223 cows.

Despite this drop in herds, actual numbers of milking cows only decreased by 94 since January 2023. Total milking cows in Scotland now stands 178,460.

Of the five herds lost in the first six months, Orkney was the most affected, losing three.

Interestingly, Ayrshire boasts the highest number of herds at 209, followed by Dumfriesshire at 148 and Wigtownshire on 117. However, it's the small number of herds in Berwickshire that milk the most cows per herd, with an average number of 659, followed by Roxburghshire on 626, Morayshire on 564 and Kirkcubrightshire with an average of 413 milking cows.

The percentage of cows being officially milk recorded has remained static at 73%, with the average herd size increasing by one to 237 cows.

READ MORE: Scottish dairy herds fall 223 on the decade

Milk recording data is used to monitor the whole herd and individual cows, not only for composite quality results and somatic cell count values but also to access genetic merit.

There has been an increase in pregnancy diagnosis and health testing, especially johne’s, IBR, neospora and liver fluke, through milk samples which provides more accurate information to assist better nutrition, fertility, and health management.