Producing higher milk solids economically is a means of increasing net farm income. In a research paper, outlining the prevalence of Milk Fat Depression (MFD), one of the authors, Dr. Morgan Sheehy outlined that 1 in every 10 dairy farmers experience the problem. MFD occurs when milk fat % drops significantly at grass. MFD normally occurs from April to September and always results in significant drops in milk price (pence/litre).
Devenish Nutrition have developed Milk Solids Booster which focuses on increasing milk solid output (milk butterfat and milk protein percentages and yields). This is a 7th generation product, and the concept is well accepted and used widely.
The product combines four specialist ingredients with specific known mode of actions and has delivered significant improvements in milk solids output. Ryan McPolin, a nutritionist with Devenish emphasises the importance of proper concentrate composition in maximising the return from Devenish Milk Solids Booster.
Farm results have shown a significant return on investment (ROI). Typical farm results are giving a ROI of 1.75 – 3:1 i.e. a net return after paying for the product of £1.75 - £3.00 for every £1 spent.
Maximising Milk Value
Patrick Coffey MVB, who farms in Co. Cork, has been using Devenish Milk Solids Booster since April 2024. Over the last 12 months, he has increased butterfat levels on average by 0.28%, as well as seeing an average 0.18% increase in milk protein.
To put these improvements into financials, in a 7,500L herd, the results equate to an increased net margin of £212/cow on milk performance alone.
Milk Solids Booster made a real difference on my farm in two key areas:
1. Improved Milk Price: The noticeable lift in butterfat and protein levels directly boosted the price I received per litre – a real financial win. My milk price was 0.8 cent/litre under the Co-Op average milk price in 2023. I saw an improvement in my milk price since using Devenish Milk Solids Booster and was 4.4 cent/litre above Co-Op average milk price in 2024.
2. As a winter milk producer, I saw a significant increase in milk solids while cows were indoors. You can see these figures in the graphs below. I was particularly happy with the cow’s performance in Autumn 2024 and Spring 2025.
Overall, the return on investment was substantial. This is a product that should be considered by all farmers and particularly by those that find it challenging to reach the Co-Op average milk price.”
Patrick Coffey MVB, Lisnacunna Holsteins, Co. Cork
If you would like to know more about how Devenish Milk Solids Booster can drive profitability on your farm? Contact:
