Milk, particularly cow’s milk, has long been an integral part of human life. We can imagine it as a white ribbon winding through our lives. Today, the availability of milk itself, as well as the countless products made from it, is taken for granted. Equally taken for granted by milk consumers today are its quality and safety — and ensuring these is also the mission of our Institute. We develop methods and solutions that not only maintain this established standard and its sustainability, but also enhance the overall quality of milk.
The Veterinary Research Institute plays a key role in supporting the health and well-being of cows, which directly impacts the quality and quantity of milk produced. It focuses on research and the prevention of health disorders that can affect milk yield and the overall condition of dairy cows. Among other things, it conducts research into mastitis and proposes strategies to reduce its occurrence. It develops modern diagnostic methods and innovative treatment and other approaches that help reduce the use of medicaments—especially antibiotics—thus contributing to the health of cows and the production of milk of the highest quality.
Another important aspect of the Institute’s work is the development and application of technologies for monitoring animal health and welfare directly on farms. These technologies make it possible to detect health issues early — from the level of the individual animal to the level of the entire herd — and to minimize their impact on milk production. The Veterinary Research Institute thus makes a significant contribution to sustainable agriculture and the quality of dairy products that reach our tables. Its work supports not only the health of cows but also the economic stability of farmers and the satisfaction of consumers, who can trust that the milk comes from responsibly and professionally managed farms. Otherwise, the national productivity could not rank among the world’s best, especially considering that the Czech Fleckvieh cattle breed actually holds the very top position among combined pied breeds.
