cowmanagement UK october/november 2012

V O LU M E 10 N O 7 OC TOB ER/ N O VE MBE R 2012

IN THIS ISSUE

CALF REARING

SELLIN G STO C K

GOLD-CUP WINNERS

Yearling heifers – pointers to get them back on track

Make the most of strong cull-cow and heifer prices

We profile this year’s cream of the crop

CM07_Cover 2

11-10-2012 12:13:41

002_CM07.indd 12

11-10-12 11:19

For more products and information please visit our online shop: www.dpagri.co.uk

dpa okt.indd 34

11-10-12 11:20

6

006_CM07.indd 6

C OWM ANAGEMENT

O CTO BER/NO VE MB E R

2 0 1 2

11-10-12 11:24

ccoow wmmaannaaggeemmeenntt os c ep tt o ebm er b /e n r o2 v0 e0 m 9 b e r

CM06_p42.indd 34

2 0 0 9

23-08-2012 10:58:52

M A I N

A RT I C L E

Are you realising the best possibl e pri

Tips for top dairy We spoke to some leading auctioneers to find out why dairy stock prices – for culls, cows, freshly calved heifers and calves – are holding firm. And they offer some pointers on commanding strong prices in the sale ring. text Rachael Porter

T

here’s some good news for dairy producers after a tough summer. Business at the livestock markets, particularly on the dairy side, is booming and these auctions are key to maximising returns on stock. Whether you’re selling dairy heifers, milking cows, or culls, prices are strong, according to Bagshaw’s Staffordshire-based pedigree dairy auctioneer Meg Elliott.

“Buoyant dairy cattle prices have played a key role in helping some dairy businesses to weather the milk-price storm during the summer,” she says. “And dairy stock is set to continue commanding strong prices through livestock auction markets this autumn.

“Best-end stock prices are still very good and I can’t see them easing. If prices do fall, it will down to the quality of cattle in the sale ring,” she says.

So strong prices are providing producers with a vital source of income as costs of production continue to soar.

“And those giving more than 25kg a day will always sell well. Heifers producing less than 25kg don’t do so well in the ring.”

Mrs Elliot adds that pedigree certificates, NMR records (production figures, somatic cells counts and disease test results), and using strong and popular sires all help to maximise heifer prices too.

“Sell them freshly calved too – one or two weeks after calving,” adds Mrs Elliot. “Above all, try to think like a buyer – think about the kind of heifer you’d like to buy and what you’d like to see in the ring and the information that you’d like to have.”

Young heifers, three to four week old calves, are also selling well at the moment and realising between

Strong demand A recent sale at Leek Market saw a top price for a freshly calved heifer of £2,600 and the average price for the top 10 sold was £2,000. “The best-end second-quality heifers are selling for around £1,900. There’s plenty of demand for dairy stock, providing the quality is right,” says Mrs Elliot.

And, because demand is set to continue to outstrip supply, with a significant contributory factor being the continuing reductions in stock numbers from TB, both she and the Livestock Auction Association (LAA) expect prices to remain firm for the time being.

“Livestock markets are doing everything they can to make sure that producers see a fair return for their dairy stock. We’re attracting lots of keen buyers and making sure that they have access to plenty of information about what’s available to buy.

“Commercial bulling heifers have been fetching in the region of £1,000 and pedigree heifers, with more information available than just a date of birth, have been commanding considerably more,” says Mrs Elliott.

Producers can help to maximise the price they realise for surplus heifers by presenting them to market with a bit more strength and power.

“Those that command the highest prices are between 2.5 and three years old – a little older than you’d calve them down if you were keeping them as replacements.

8

C OWM ANAGEMENT

CM07_Main stock sales 8

OCTO BER/NO VE MB E R

2 0 1 2

11-10-2012 13:49:38

ssibl e price for your cows and calves?

dairy stock prices £250 and £440 a head. Those from pedigree herd dispersals are reaching closer to £600 each, with heifers between six and seven months old selling for up to £850 a head.

Tip-top condition “Many vendors actually breed dairy stock with prospective buyers in mind. They keep an eye on the markets and know, for example, which sires are popular and that their daughters are selling well,” adds Mrs Elliot. “They also make sure the heifers enter the ring in tip-top condition – that’s essential.

The best pedigree is worth nothing if the calf in the ring doesn’t look strong and healthy.”

Dairy cow prices also remain strong, just as they’ve been for the past three years.

“They fell at the end of April due to the drop in milk price, but they’ve rallied since and are holding well. This is despite the milk-price uncertainty during the summer and the wet weather in June and July.”

The LAA’s chairman elect and managing director of Hexham and Northern Marts Robert Addison adds that there’s some optimism out there at the moment. “Feed prices may be causing some problems, but better milk prices are fuelling demand for cows – trade is up.”

Cull cow prices are close to the record levels seen during the summer and look set to continue. “We’ve not seen them this high for 10 years and producers can expect to see more than £1,000 for a top quality cull cow.”

“So it’s usually worth getting culls into the best possible condition before bringing them to market. You should see a return on feed investment. There should be a decent margin,” Mr Addison says.

He also says that even second-quality culls are selling for between £500 and £700 a head.

“I recommend that producers go along to their local auction market and take a look for themselves and make a decision on how to manage their culls based on what they see. Things are not set to change too much for the foreseeable future.”

Auctioneers expect dairy cull prices to hold firm for at least the next three months or so.

A similar picture is seen in the south west. “Dairy culls have performed well in the sale ring, with 2011 breaking all previous price records, and this has continued through the first half of 2012 and into late summer,” says Symonds & Sampson auctioneer Mark Northcott, from Frome-based Premier Livestock Auctions.

Top prices, for the best black-and-white cattle, are still exceeding £1.40/kg LW on a typical market day and because demand is set to continue to outstrip supply, the LAA and Mr Northcott expect prices to remain this high.

“I don’t see prices for barren cows changing a great deal during the next six months. Trade really is remarkably strong and that’s good news for dairy producers.”

Eager buyers Moving to Wales, Carmarthen-based auctioneer Huw Evans, who works at the Carmarthen Livestock Centre, says he’s also seeing impressive prices for cull cows in the sale ring.

“Many cows are reaching four figures – black-and-white culls are regularly reaching more than £1,100 a head. The average price is between £800 and £1,000. And we’re seeing plenty of them at market – between 80 and 150 a week is typical. That said, the supply is still considered to be short – that’s why prices are so strong,” he says.

“There are many buyers competing to buy cull cows at market.

And that’s another reason why even a relatively poor looking cow can still fetch more than £600.

“There’s an abundance of buyers eager to pay a good price for quality cattle.” l

COW MAN AG E ME N T

CM07_Main stock sales 9

O CT O B E R /N O VE M B E R

2 0 1 2

9

11-10-2012 13:49:58

O V E R A L L s

Name: Location: Number of cows: Pastime:

O F F

Alan Hughes Whitchurch, Shropshire 160 Pallbearer

Alan Hughes: “It has changed my whole outlook – it’s life affirming”

Pallbearer’s perspective text Rachael Porter

I

t’s not for everyone and it’s far from a cheery pastime, but Shropshire-based producer Alan Hughes finds working part time as a pallbearer extremely rewarding.

“I’ve been doing it for 15 years now and I really enjoy it. I feel as if I’m doing a valuable service for people when they’re at their lowest and they need some help – it’s good to give something back, so to speak.”

Alan runs a 160-cow herd, on a farm belonging to the Heywood Lonsdale estate in Ightfield near Whitchurch, with help from his two sons, Richard and John, and his wife Ruth. And it was his work as church warden, at St Margaret’s in Moreton Say near Market Drayton, which led him to this current role.

“There was a funeral at the church and the undertaker was a man short to carry the coffin. He asked me lend a hand and so, of course, I did.

“He then asked me to be on standby for another funeral later that week and I ended up being pallbearer again. And I then said that if he was ever short of help to give me a ring. The phone now rings on a weekly basis – if not more. A typical week sees me attending three or four funerals – some as far away as Chester, Manchester and Birmingham.”

So, how does dealing with death and grief on a near daily basis affect him? “It doesn’t really – not in a negative way. It has changed my outlook on life, but it doesn’t get me down. I’m there to support other people and to help them when they’re at their lowest ebb – I’m a shoulder for them to cry on,” says Alan, who also works part time at the local livestock auction market.

“When I put on my smart black pinstriped pallbearers’ suit, I put on a professional, sombre, respectful persona. I become a different person. I’m not the man you’d bump into in the street or who you’d find on the farm – he’s a much jollier character.”

So donning that suit and ditching the overalls really is essential for his role, and not just for the sake of appearances.

Alan says that he knows it’s not a job that everyone could do, but he says he’ll do it for just as long as he’s asked to do it – and he’s fit and able.

“I think that working as a pallbearer is actually good for me.

Not only does it give me perspective on my life and my problems, but it’s also an escape from the daily trials and tribulations of running the herd. I just turn up and do as I’m asked to do.”

10

c owmanagement

CM07_OverallsOff 10

OCTO BER/N O VE MB E R

2 0 1 2

11-10-2012 12:16:00

COW MAN AG E ME N T

CM07_p11.indd 11

O CT O B E R /N O VE M B E R

2 0 1 2

11

11-10-12 11:31

COW MAN AG E ME N T

CM07_p15.indd 11

O CT O B E R /N O VE M B E R

2 0 1 2

11

11-10-12 11:36



   

   

    

Energetic ® LATEX COWMATTRESS RELEASE CUBICLE

• Animal friendly cubicle • Flexible synthetic tube • Adjustable in height and length • No damage to cows

Energetic® Latex cowmattress • Only cow mattress with 100% Latex Filling • Only Latex guarantees long lasting elasticity and comfort • Latex mattress comes out as the best in independent DLG-Test comparison • Latex mattress is very durable and reliable • Your cows feel better and live longer

for information:

Durable comfortmat • 10 years warranty!

• Animal Friendly • Easy to install Call or E-mail for your local distributor!

Tel. +31 529 450 625 • Fax: +31 529 455 315 • E-mail: info@ancotec.nl • www.ancotec.nl

16

C OWM ANAGEMENT

CM07_p16.indd 16

O CTO BER/NO VE MB E R

2 0 1 2

11-10-12 11:44

Advertorial

CM07_p17.indd 17

11-10-12 14:11

A

F E W

W O R D S

F R O M

R O G E R

E VA N S

Shropshire-based dairy producer and award-winning columnist Roger Evans says that a shortage in milk supply may just be the wake-up call that buyers and processors need to get them to pay a fairer price.

Highs and lows W

e are only just past the halfway point in this milk year, but already enough has happened to ensure that we remember it forever. I recently said in this column that enough was enough and I don’t think that producers will ever forgive or forget what processors and retailers tried to do to them this year.

That bitter experience will create a fundamental change of attitude that will live in our minds for a very long time.

For generations we have had a dairy industry in the UK that has been driven by the need to produce milk for a unique liquid market.

With more than 60 million consumers to serve we should be the envy of the world, but it was this very market that sought to let us down – and let us down ‘big time’.

I for one would prefer to take my milk away from the market that sought to let me down and take a chance on the world markets, where there seems to be the prospect of long-term growth.

It will be a volatile market for sure, but I can live with volatility if it means that I have the benefits of the highs as well as the lows.

I can live quite happily with a year at 34ppl at the other end of the scale.

I’ve had enough of a domestic market place that gives me low prices and average prices, where the climb from low to average is so slow that by the time we get to average, it’s all starting to go back down again – and at a much quicker pace!

I have to ask myself just how long can I operate a dairy business that relies on high-cost cereals and expensive imported protein? The truth is that I can’t.

These prices will be subject to volatility as well. Of course there will be record harvests and years of oversupply, but how can these be other than blips in the long-term journey to food security?

And if I’m not bothered about supplying the domestic liquid market, and I don’t see a future chasing yields with costly inputs, then why would I need a high yielding cow with all the expensive ‘attention’ and inputs she requires?

So I see my move to a low-cost, forage-based system as inevitable and so, I suspect, will a lot of others. But it won’t be just as simple as that – it never is.

Because the domestic liquid milk market will still exist and it will need milk to supply it. Processors and retailers couldn’t give a toss how much it costs you to produce your milk.

But if the supply of that milk gets short then that is a language that they understand. So it won’t take a lot of people to do, and think, like I do. And it doesn’t take much to create a shortage, just a similar percentage to a milk surplus.

That is why the people who wanted to pay us all 24ppl in June are now out there buying spot milk at around 40ppl.

That’s because volumes are down and silage is poor and the weather is shit and feed is expensive and they just happen to have undermined all our confidence. So we mustn’t let the buggers beat us.

20

c owmanagement

CM07_RogerEvans 20

OCTO BER/N O VE MB E R

2 0 1 2

11-10-2012 13:51:25

With the use of calf jackets you can make significant savings on feed, medication and bedding costs, by better conversion of energy to growth rather than warmth and reduce the risk of pneumonia and scours from chills and draughts.

Optimum protection at low temperatures • Breathable and water repellent • High quality for long life • Easy to use • Machine washable at 30˚C • Available in two sizes • One chest closer, two adjustable belly straps and two adjustable leg straps Material: Outer shell 600D Oxford, 200g filling 210D lining £20 each or orders of 25 or more £18 each plus VAT

Contact: Tel.: 07973444140 Email: minstermandy@aol.com

DECEMBER 4, 2012 SPECIAL COW HEALTH Book your advertisement now!

Deadline for reservation: November 26 Call: Julia Hughes, 01249 467224

COW MAN AG E ME N T

CM07_p21.indd 21

O CT O B E R /N O VE M B E R

2 0 1 2

21

11-10-12 12:04

F E E D I N G

How much milk is available from poorer quality second-cut silage?

Will second cut make the grade?

Many producers are facing a winter with a clamp full of silage that is of questionable quality. There are first cuts that meet the criteria for good milk production, but quantity is an issue. Not the perfect start to winter. So we spoke to a nutritionist and a couple of producers to compare notes on forage. text Allison Matthews

V

ariable silage quality is proving to be a real challenge at feed out for many producers who are looking to achieve reasonable milk yields this coming winter. But it’s a challenge that producers can meet, according to Thompsons’ dairy nutritionist James Black. “Silage with a D value of 60, and 10MJ/kg dry matter with 10% crude protein, will be what many milk producers are faced with on their silage analysis report. Balancing this material correctly and feeding it alongside expensive concentrates will be crucial to ensure that freshly calved cows perform well this winter.”

Producer Mark Blelock shares his own experience of the poor summer. “We fed second-cut silage as a buffer feed during August to ensure adequate quantities of first cut and wholecrop wheat would be available for the winter. Milk levels on higher yielding cows dropped by between four and five litres, even with increased feed rates.

Table 1: 2012 grass silage analysis for first and second cut

dry matter (%) pH NH3N (% total N) crude protein (% DM) M.E (MJ/kg DM) D value silage intake potential

22

first cut

second cut

28.5 4.1 8 11.9 11.1 70 93

27.7 4.1 7.2 11 10.6 66 86

“Thankfully we are now onto first cut, cows are calving and the whole herd is back to above a daily average of 30 litres.

Second cut will be fed to dry cows and young stock.”

The rumen requires active bugs to breakdown forage and concentrate into a simple structure for the cow to use.

To ensure the bugs are mobilised, readily fermentable energy sources such as starch and sugars must be available, which are used to break down the fibrous material in the forage.

Microbial activity Mr Black warns that the requirement for rumen degradable protein is essential to maintain microbial activity and to ensure that good rumen function is maintained.

“Low-protein diets will quite often result in stiff manure and poor fibre breakdown if they are not balanced correctly.

“Soya, irrespective of price, will be needed for both its rumen degradable and bypass qualities. Do not skimp on high-quality protein because it makes the blend price expensive. Cheaper rations could prove costly in the long run this year.”

For those producers who have excellent quality first-cut silage, as shown in Table 1, achieving the desired levels of milk production will not be an issue.

But for those feeding second-cut silage similar to that in Table 1, or possibly worse than the average, there’s a challenge.

“Dry matter intake will be critical to try

c Vco EETEE owwmmaa LnTnaajga gen emm uea enn rtit se 1O/ C p2 tem T 2O0B0b E 9R er / N 2O0 V0 E9 M B E R

CM07_HandlingForage 22

2 0 1 2

11-10-2012 12:05:30

and sustain yields of more than 40 litres.

This type of forage is ‘low intake’ to start with and then, when it is in the rumen, it is sluggish to say the least.

All raw materials included in the blend or cake should have a purpose. A range of fermentable material, including molasses, cereals and sugar beet pulp, should be fed to help utilise the fibre contained within the silage. “Ground maize has not been affected by local weather conditions and should be considered for its bypass starch,” adds Mr Black.

Eye-watering levels

Variable silage quality is proving to be a real challenge

“Wholecrop cereals will also help with this material, but be conscious of the level of fibre in the total mix. Some of the cereal inclusion levels will be ‘eye watering’ and it is a matter of finding the limit without compromising rumen health.

“Wet, fibrous second cut needs treated with care and high levels of fermentable energy should not be included without the advice of a reputable nutritionist. Get your diets wrong this winter and LDAs, sore feet and poor performance will be all too common,” he says.

Producer Neil Pepper acknowledges the merits of increasing feed rates on secondcut silage in order to sustain milk yields.

“We held cows for longer in the freshlycalved group where total TMR intakes are naturally lower, and increased feed rates through the parlour. Cows that had the potential to achieve 50 litres have gone on to do so.”

Although feed rates are higher per cow per day in this situation, feed rate per litre has actually dropped as the cows are achieving their potential.

Previously cows were struggling to achieve the yield they were being fed for and were not efficient. Efficient milk production can be described as litres that give the best return on the operating costs of the individual business.

But, as Mr Black points out, this does not necessarily mean that maximum litres will mean maximum profit.

“Marginal litres will be chased on many units this winter as bulk tank levels struggle to match those seen in 2011.

With this in mind, be careful not to produce inefficient litres just for the sake of production.

“Analyse silage and keep checking performance against feed levels. Reanalyse the clamp if figures are not adding up,” he says.

“It is going to be a troublesome winter, but keep an eye on nutrition and performance should be maintained.” l

c o w m a n a gc e m ow e nmt a O nC aT gO e m BER e n /tN O s eVpEMBER t e m b e r2 021020 9

CM07_HandlingForage 23

23

11-10-2012 12:05:44

CM07_p24.indd 24

11-10-12 14:35

BREEDING INFORMATION

High-flying O Mans Ralma O-Man CF Cricket (O Man x Durham) is currently the topselling bull in the Netherlands and number one in the Dutch NVI index ranking, with tremendous figures for functional traits. His score of 110 for udder health really stands out, particularly with a breed-leading score of –34 somatic cell count. Good fertility (105) and favourable calving ease (110) are also noteworthy and he has more to offer, so Cricket can be used widely. Milk production is high with +561kg and longevity, with +604 extra days, is also high.

Cricket will breed tall cows (frame 111), outstanding udders (107) and a solid score for feet and legs (104). Cricket is available from Avoncroft priced at £22 a straw.

The second O Man son at the top of the Dutch ranking is De-Su Oman Goli (mgs. BW Marshall). In nearly every area his figures are good, with the following peaks: milk production +524kg, longevity +554 extra days, calving ease 107 and 109 for udder. Goli is available from Avoncroft priced at £18 a straw.

The former number one, Woudhoeve 1042 Impuls (O Man x Jesther), continues to perform well as one of the world’s best O Man sons and is still being heavily used. The high milk figure of +572kg, combined with high kilogrammes of fat and protein and +0.06% fat and +0.09% protein, giving a PLI of £213 make him an attractive ‘production leader’. Impuls also has much more to offer with +458 extra days of longevity, solid figures for the functional traits and a total type score of 105. Impuls is available from Avoncroft priced at £18 a straw. Call for free on 0800 7831880.

Cricket daughter Delta Siska, 2.00 in 204 days, 6,318kg of milk, 4.53% fat and 3.28% protein

Kodak heads red list The Kevin son Topspeed Kodak was able to claim his lead position in the red ranking in Holland due to longevity and health traits, which feature strongly in the country’s NVI index.

The Kodak daughters stay around for more than a year longer than average. With an udder health score of 106 (–12 somatic cell count) and a hoof health score of 106 he displays superb health traits. Udder and feet and legs are very good (106 and 105 respectively).

In terms of production he performs well too with a PLI of £146 and positive milk fat and protein scores, both kilogrammes and percentages. On top of this, Kodak is also an ideal calving ease sire with a score of 112. A producer could hardly wish for anything more.

Logical, then, that the Kevin son is the most popular red-and-white bull.

With his pedigree, Kodak also provides alternative blood that is different from the sires of sons Kian and Lightning, who have numerous sons and grandsons on the index list.

Kodak is available from Avoncroft priced at £18 a straw.

International sire The exceptional Delta Fidelity (Kian x Lightning), is being used internationally, (also on blackand-white cows), due to his high protein and excellent feet-and-leg scores (110).

With a PLI of £172 he is one of the most lucrative red-and-white bulls for production with +206kg of milk and +20.3kg (+0.17%) of protein.

Fidelity is available from Avoncroft priced at £22 per straw. Call for free on 0800 7831880.

Ganvo Glory, second-crop Goli daughter

Kodak daughter Marieke 1, 4.02 in 305 days, 9,418kg of milk, 4.25% fat, 3.56% protein

cow man ag e me n t

CM07_AvoncroftNews 25

O CT O B E R /N O VE M B E R

2 0 1 2

25

11-10-2012 12:14:51

DUAL CHAMBER WATERBEDS: • Dual chamber waterbeds offer the best cow comfort.

• Cows pressure point are floating and therefore no abrasions on joints.

• Prevents hock and knee injuries.

• Improved blood circulation in joints.

• Dry and clean surface area.

• Liquids run off quicker than on ordinary mattresses.

• Needs very little bedding.

• Virtually no maintenance.

• Lowest lifetime cost per bed.

• 15-20 year life expectancy with 10 year limited manufacturers guarantee

We offer: ADVICE-DESIGN-SUPPLY-INSTALLATION Bringing you advanced technology and barn equipment from around the world,meeting expectations of comfort and welfare for tomorrows dairyman. De Boer Housing Systems Ltd your partner in excellence.

"Enquiries with head office, telephone number 01208 816773"

Silage Inoculants Preserve - Stabilise Maximise - Enhance For more information go to: www.micronbio-systems.co.uk

26

C OWM ANAGEMENT

CM07_p26.indd 26

O CTO BER/NO VE MB E R

2 0 1 2

11-10-12 13:47

CM07_p27.indd 27

11-10-12 13:51

Kraiburg Rubber for Passages & Parlours

Softbed Mattress and Cubicles

• Improves cow flow • Anti-slip • Improves claw health • Proven product over years of use

• 10mm seamless, reinforced rubber top cover • Outstanding comfort • Ease of cleaning minimises bacteria • Excellent durability in use for over 12 years

www.batchelorenterprises.co.uk info@batchelorenterprises.co.uk

28

C OWM ANAGEMENT

CM07_p28.indd 28

Batchelor Enterprises Ltd Bulbarrow Farm, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0HQ

O CTO BER/NO VE MB E R

Tel: (0)1258 817801 Fax: (0)1258 817004 Mobile: 07831 454805

2 0 1 2

11-10-12 13:55

C A L F - R E A R I N G

S P E C I A L

Yearling heifers: Tips to get them back on track after a tough summer. Page 30 What’s new? A look at the latest products and ideas to aid calf rearing.

Page 33

CM07_SpecialIntro 29

11-10-2012 13:58:22

C A L F - R E A R I N G

S P E C IA L

Unruly teenagers – they don’t need constant monitoring but they do need close supervision

One year on...

Yearling heifers are in urgent need of attention on many units as they’re re-housed after one of the wettest summers on record. We spoke to a vet and some leading nutritionists to find out what producers can do to get them back on track and ready for first service and calving. text Rachael Porter

A

little small and lacking a bit of sunshine is how vet Debby Brown is seeing yearlings on some UK dairy units. But she admits that she’s probably underestimating the serious impact that this summer’s extreme weather has had on heifers that were turned out to pasture in the spring.

“It does vary from unit to unit, but I’ve not seen any spectacular heifers so far and on the whole they do seem to be coming off pasture in poorer condition than I’ve ever seen before,” says Advanced Nutrition’s Mrs Brown.

“Some heifers are coming in looking fit, but lacking in growth. That’s not so bad – I think something can be done here to get them back on track in time for first service. But others are coming in looking extremely hairy and rough. They’re thin and also lacking in growth and it’s these heifers that I’m really worried about,” she says.

“We’re definitely looking at a couple of months in terms of lost growth, enough to delay service and to increase age at first calving. I think losing at least a month will be fairly typical this year.”

So there’s no time to waste and producers must find out where these heifers are in terms of their growth rates and then determine where they’re aiming to be – and what’s realistically possible given the current condition of their young stock.

Silage stocks and quality have the potential to compound heifer growth

30

C OWM ANAGEMENT

CM07_SpecialYearlings 30

problems. Mrs Brown urges producers not to feed poorer quality silage to heifers.

“Nor should they feed them the very best – that’s best fed to the milking herd. But find a compromise and make sure it’s balanced with a good quality heifer cake or compound. You need plenty of protein in there to promote growth. Too much energy and the result could be excessive fat deposits in young heifers’ udders.

“So pay close attention to nutrition – consult your nutritionist if needs be. Give your teenagers a balanced ration that will result in growth – some of it compensatory if they’re short of their targets – but not too much condition.”

Veterinary advice Mrs Brown is also urging producers to be vigilant against parasites including liverfluke and lungworm – both thrive in the wet weather conditions seen this summer and pose a greater threat than they would in a typical year.

“So get some advice from your vet now on the best course of action, because parasites will also check growth rates and delay age at first calving even further.”

Promar’s Hayley Verney is also concerned, chiefly because many producers are not weighing heifers as they’re re-housed to see exactly what the damage during the summer has been. “That’s going to make the problem a lot worse. It’s important that producers grasp the nettle on this one and find out where their young stock are, in terms of growth targets, and then implement a plan to try to claw some of that lost growth and potential back.”

Looking at a simply growth curve and plotting their heifers against it will tell

OCTO BER/NO VE MB E R

them everything they need to know.

“Divide their weight by the number of days old – it should give a growth rate of between 0.7 and 0.8kg per day. That’s OK, but it won’t always be good news,” she says, adding that some will be closer to 0.6kg.

That said, that figure could be within the normal range on some units. “This monitoring needs to be done on a regular basis so you can benchmark your own heifers against the expected performance for your herd and unit.

Compensatory growth If they’re not looking good and growth rates are low, there has to be a degree of acceptance that service and first calving are going to be delayed. “There’s only so much compensatory growth you can expect and it’s critical to get weight right at first service – it needs to be around 55% of their mature body weight. That’s between 350kg and 380kg, depending on the breed and size of your cows, and ideally between 13 and 15 months of age.

Going past 15 months means that age at first calving is significantly compromised, particularly if they don’t hold to that first service,” says Miss Verney.

Volac’s Georgina Cox says that some of the blame for the ‘off target’ growth rates in yearling heifers could be pinned on management prior to turnout last spring, or indeed prior to weaning.

“It’s important to get it right from the start and to keep management and growth rates on track to reach the target of calving heifers as close to 24 months as possible,” she says.

Few producers weigh calves at birth: “But if you don’t weigh them, you don’t have a start point and you’re in the dark from day one.

“All calves should be weighed at birth and again at six months as an absolute minimum. Weighing at weaning is also recommended and this could coincide with other management practices, such as worming or vaccination, for a more efficient use of time and to minimise stress on the calf.”

Ms Cox says that the only way to ensure calves are reaching targets, and to reduce variation between calves, is to regularly measure and monitor growth rates using weigh scales through a race or crush.

“Alternatively, heart girth is closely correlated with weight, so measuring heart girth in centimetres, or using a weigh band, will provide a reliable measure.”

“If heifer calves are failing to achieve the

2 0 1 2

11-10-2012 13:48:13

Key steps to performance success • Set a target age at first calving.

• Set a target weight at first calving – between 85% and 90% of mature body weight.

• Set a growth-rate target based on target age and weight at first calving.

COW MAN AG E ME N T

CM07_SpecialYearlings 31

O CT O B E R /N O VE M B E R

2 0 1 2

31

11-10-2012 13:48:24

C A L F - R E A R I N G

S P E C I A L

Set targets and monitor them closely Growth-rate targets need to be based on the target age and weight at first calving for your unit, according to Volac’s Maggie Gould. “For example, if heifer replacements are targeted to calve at 24 months in order to increase their productive lifetime, then a 40kg calf at birth should reach 550kg body weight at calving – an average 0.7kg daily gain throughout her entire rearing period, or 510kg gain during 730 days,” she says.

In practice, however, growth rates are inconsistent. A Royal Veterinary

recommended weights in Table 2, and are too small at six months of age, then the following six points should be checked to identify the main cause for poor growth,” adds Ms Cox. She urges producers to go back to basics and look at colostrum management: “Remember ‘quantity, quality, quickly, quietly’. And then look at milk feeding, particularly the type, amount and system being used to feed calves.”

Housing, including ventilation, drainage, bedding, and pen design are also important. As is weaning management and post-weaning nutrition. And producers should also focus on vaccination and disease management.

“Corrective changes can then be made to ensure that all calves reach the target body weight and age at first service.”

So, back to those yearlings. What can be done now if they’re off target – can

32

C OWM ANAGEMENT

CM07_SpecialYearlings 32

College (RVC) survey on 19 dairy farms across southern England found that body weight gain ranged from 0.2kg to 1.3kg per calf per day during the first six months of life, a trend which has significant impact at 15 months resulting in animals reaching first service without adequate body size.

The same RVC study recorded only 67% of heifers holding to first service and they required an average of 1.4 services per conception.

Heifers averaging 0.7kg daily gain throughout their entire rearing period

they ‘catch up’? Or is it a case of damage limitation?

“It very much depends on how far behind they are in terms of growth,” says Provimi’s US-based calf specialist Jim Quigley. “If producers are looking to increase their rate of gain to more than 1kg/day, this may result in fat deposition in the udder.”

Fat deposition “Once the heifers are confirmed pregnant, you can push them a little to gain more than 1kg per day, but body condition should be monitored carefully. Increase both protein and energy to minimise the risk of fat deposition,” he advises.

He agrees that closely monitoring growth is vital to ensure that management is – and stays – on track.

Some US producers are using a tool called a hipometer. It measures the width of the hips (width at the hip joints at the point of the greater trochanters of the femurs) and uses this to estimate body weight.

O CTO BER/NO VE MB E R

calved at between 23 and 25 months, an age that helped to increase their productive lifetime according to the RVC study.

The study concluded that these animals had significantly better fertility, higher milk yield per day of life, and improved longevity compared with those calving at more than 30 months of age. First service must start before 15 months of age and, therefore, target growth rates must be set to ensure heifers have adequate body size for first service at 13 months.

“Research has shown that there is a close relationship between hip width and body weight. This tool is an excellent idea that’s waiting for more producers to embrace it.”

And with US producers waking up to the importance of ‘targeted’ heifer rearing, he says measuring is becoming routine on many units. “Fewer producers relegate their heifers to poor quality pasture. They understand that once a heifer is impaired, it is impaired for life. So greater care is being taken in early life management, with a focus on proper colostrum management and milk feeding.

“That said, producers could still do a better job in monitoring growth rates – both weight and height. Weighing calves every couple of months is optimal.

“And there is still a tendency to forget the pregnant heifers. Even though their nutrient requirements are proportionally less than other animals on the farm, they still need adequate intake of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals.” l

2 0 1 2

11-10-2012 14:44:06

Windschermen • Pare-vent • Windbreaks • Windschirme

WE’RG FEOR

LOOKIN

DEALERS

Reg.No.013QS

DNV Certification B.V., BELGIQUE

Slow but constant aeration without draught...

In other words, optimal ventilation.

Industriestraat 8c • 8755 Ruiselede • Belgium • e-mail: info@vervaeke.be Phone +32 (0)51 68 97 73 • Fax +32 (0)51 68 99 92 • Mobile 0475 43 56 78 W W W. V E R VA E K E . B E

SUBSCRIBE NOW TAKE A TWO-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION (£60) AT COWMANAGEMENT AND GET A PAIR OF BEKINA STEPLITE X WELLINGTONS ( WORTH £40) FOR FREE. GO TO: WWW.COWMANAGEMENT.NET

34

C OWM ANAGEMENT

CM07_p34.indd 34

O CTO BER/NO VE MB E R

2 0 1 2

11-10-12 14:02

ALH_2012_01_Algemene_ALH_Marketing_1-2_Advertentie_UK_ALH 27-02-12 14:30 Pagina 1

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING HOLSTEIN GENETICS WE DELIVER: EMBRYOS | AI BULLS | LIVESTOCK

We deliver:

embryos AI bulls livestock T

O P

R

O

24

P C

IV L

S

O

W W W. A L H - G E N E T I C S . N L

E

S

Y R

T

B

M

E

experience

K

years O

IM

X

E

R T

F U L L S E RV I C E : D e l i v e r i n g e m b r y o s and livestock to their final destination

DAMMELAAN 31 | 9104 GS DAMWOUDE | THE NETHERLANDS | TEL.: +31 (0) 511-424243 FAX: +31 (0) 511-423525 | INFO@ALH-GENETICS.NL | WWW.EMBRYOSALE.COM

COW MAN AG E ME N T

CM07_p35.indd 35

O CT O B E R /N O VE M B E R

2 0 1 2

35

11-10-12 11:37

CM07_p36.indd 36

11-10-12 11:40

F R O M

T H E

V E T E R I N A RY C H R I S

P R A C T I C E

P R I C E

Cattle vet Chris Price, from the Wiltshire-based XL Vet Group’s Drove Veterinary Hospital, takes a timely look at health and welfare issues effecting UK dairy herds. In this issue he looks at why calf pneumonia is still a big problem on UK units.

A dry, clean and draft-free environment is crucial

Breathe easy this autumn C

alf pneumonia costs the UK dairy industry millions of pounds each year, in fatalities, treatment and lost potential in terms of future milk production. Yet still producers aren’t ‘getting it right’ when it comes to preventing it.

Changeable weather, just like we’re experiencing at the moment, never helps. In our region the past two years haven’t been too bad as far as calf pneumonia is concerned. But it’s always difficult to know how things are going to pan out as the winter-housing period progresses. So following best practice, at all times, is essential.

Poorly ventilated housing is a key causal factor on many units, exacerbated by the pressure on buildings caused by expanding dairy herds. One of the most common mistakes is overcrowding – as animals grow they take up more airspace. Housing conditions may have been adequate for 12 baby calves, but not 12 three-month-old heifers. This is why producers can see breakdowns in

mid winter. Allow at least 13 cubic metres of airspace, and two square metres of lying area, per calf.

Mixing young calves with older ones is also a ‘no no’, even if they’re home bred. Different ages in the same building always poses a disease risk, as the older animals will expose the younger ones to more bugs.

Producers should also avoid using straw blowers to bed down calves. Showering the calf with dust and small pieces of straw creates a challenge to the calf’s respiratory defence mechanisms. It irritates the lungs and this ‘stress’ gives any bugs that are around a chance to take hold.

Multiple procedures can also overwhelm the calf and stress can cause a dip in the calf’s immunity and her ability to fight off infection. So also avoid dehorning and weaning at the same time.

Spreading out procedures can be a ‘labour’ issue, but think how much more labour is required to treat calves with pneumonia.

The encyclopaedia Calf pneumonia Causes

Diagnosis

The causes of pneumonia are either a viral, namely RSV, PI3 or IBR, or a bacterial infection. Both thrive and are easily spread in dirty, wet and poorly ventilated housing and the problem can be exacerbated by high stocking rates and other stressors on the animal, including mixing calf age groups and diseases such as BVD.

It’s vital to seek veterinary help to determine whether pneumonia is viral or bacterial as this will determine prevention and treatment protocols.

Symptoms Initial signs are a loss of appetite and a temperature, followed by listlessness, sunken eyes, laboured breathing and coughing. The first symptom may be death if the infection is severe, as can be the case with viral pneumonia.

Prevention Calves should be housed, according to age and at an appropriate stocking rate, in dry, clean and well ventilated accommodation.

Stress should be kept to a minimum and vaccination against viral pneumonia should be carried out where there is a known and severe problem.

Treatment Sick calves should be isolated wherever possible. And they should be treated with antibiotics and a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID).

COW MAN AG E ME N T

CM07_Vet 37

O CT O B E R /N O VE M B E R

2 0 1 2

37

11-10-2012 12:09:08

s i r e

r e p o rt

Anton Slotboom: “The Geertje family always breeds in a way that results in ‘invisible’ cows”

Flying start for Pilot S l o t b o o ms P i l o t ( M as c o l x J o c k o x F ata l )

thanks to Pilot, it has got off to the very best possible start with

Production proof: 182 daughters in 152 herds (Source: GES/DairyCo breeding+, August 2012)

an exciting and exceptional breeding bull. During the NRM,

kg m % fat % prot. kg fat kg prot. PIN PLI +356 +0.04 +0.05 +17.7 +15.9 £32 £127 Longevity: SCC: Calving ease: Temperament: Milking speed: Fertility:

text Florus Pellikaan

Conformation traits: 110 daughters in 88 herds 88

107

dairy strength

107

udder

109

feet and legs

106

total score

111

stature

103

chest width

102

body depth

106

angularity

104

condition score

101

rump angle

104

rump width

102

rear legs rear view

104

rear legs side view

105

foot angle

95

locomotion

107

fore udder attachment

103

front teat placement

105

teat length

38

100

112

91

udder depth

106

rear udder height

105

central ligament

107

rear teat placement

110

the All Holland Dairy Show in the Netherlands, the Mascol son surprised people with his uniform daughter group.

+350 days –7 106 100 104 101

frame

The Geertje family is relatively new in the breeding world but,

A

nton and Bianca Slotboom, from Neede in the Netherlands, had never been on the NRM podium until last June when the bull bred by them, Slotbooms Pilot, entered the ring with a daughter group. “It was a really exciting moment.

You hear the speaker talking about your bull and your herd name is on the board for the group – that’s brilliant,” says Anton.

For many people, both the cow family behind Pilot, the Geertjes, and their breeders, the Slotboom family, were new names in breeding. However, there is absolutely no question of this being a fluke. “We don’t go to shows because we have not grown up with them, but we do have a love for breeding,” says Anton.

“For many years we have been more heavily involved than the average producer in bulls and combinations. We always try to compensate for the weak points in a cow. Protein, feet and legs, udder health and late maturity are particularly important.”

Sound and trouble free

Well rounded

“The cattle breeders that we asked to put forward their Pilot daughters for the NRM show group didn’t know them from memory. The Pilots really are inconspicuous – they’re invisible,” says CRV’s Bastiaan Vernooy. Together with fellow breeding committee member, Cees de Jong, Bastiaan set up the NRM Pilot daughter group. “These daughters are sound, trouble-free cows that stand well on slightly sickled legs. I have only seen the low score for foot angle in one of the Pilots.” Bastiaan uses Pilot in his own herd on milky cows with straight legs.

From this philosophy the Slotboom family has, for many years, built on the Geertje family and Anton’s parents have also contributed. “My grandfather came to this farm in 1925 and he already had the Geertjes at that time. The oldest Geertje that I can remember is Geertje 39 and today we’re milking Geertje 581,” says Anton.

“Three quarters of our 80 dairy cows are Geertjes. They are not large cows but they are sound and robust and are late maturing and persistent. With each lactation they produce more milk and

c owmanagement

CM07_SlotboomsPilot 38

OC T OBE R / N O V E M BE R

accrue more points for type. The two Mascol sisters of Pilot scored 83 and 84 points as heifers and today they scored 86 and 87 points. Besides, the Geertjes are always the better production cows in the herd.”

Anton also describes the family as perfect cows that have no characteristics that need to be bred in or out. “The family always breeds the way you want it to.

I think that this is because the family is so well rounded in all characteristics.”

Sound cows CRV sire analyst Tonny Koekkoek has known the Geertje family for almost 20 years and he confirms the description.

“They are sound cows with superb rumps that really achieve continuous development and high lifetime production. I regularly ask Anton to let me see the Geertjes again in their following lactation because you know that they are continuously developing.

That has nothing to do with breeding or care, this cow family is just so late maturing,” says Tonny.

Geertje 222 was the first cow in the Geertje family who attracted the attention of AI companies. The Sunny Boy daughter is the great great grandmother of Pilot, produced 129,000kg of milk in her lifetime and also gave 10,000kg of fat and protein. “She achieved lactations of well into the 120 lactation value and scored highly for our old selection criteria,” says Tonny. At CRV’s request Geertje 222 was flushed with Labelle, but that did not result in an AI bull.

According to Anton, around the same time the United Nick daughter of

2 0 1 2

11-10-2012 12:44:14

Jocko daughter Geertje 358, Slotbooms Pilot’s mother

Geertje 222 was flushed as a yearling with Dombinator. A bull from this flushing did go to AI but was ultimately rejected because of the udder depth of its highly productive mother, who produced a total of almost 85,000kg of milk.

The bull Fatal then follows in Pilot pedigree, after United Nick. “With many cow families, Fatal was ill-fated but the Geertje family could take it and Geertje 270 even scored another 85 points for legs,” says Tonny.

The technical breeding interest really got into its stride from the Jocko mother of Geertje 222 (Sunny Boy) Geertje 239 (United Nick)

Frame improver

Geertje 270 (Fatal) Geertje 358 (Jocko)

Geertje 436 (Mascol) Slotbooms Urbanus (Brilliant)

Slotbooms Pilot (Mascol)

Pilot, Geertje 358. “Owing to greater width and capacity Jocko was ideally suited to the Fatal daughter,” he explains.

“Geertje 358 developed into a heavy cow and was the first on our farm achieved 89 points.”

She also turned out to be a good producer and in her third lactation produced more than 13,000kg of milk with 3.57% protein in 305 days.

Her lifetime production reached around 72,000kg of milk. The Jocko daughter was a bull mother throughout her life, but CVM played a lot of tricks on her.

The whole pedigree structure of the Geertje family was dealt with by Anton, until Geertje 358 has to be flushed.

Geertje 437 (Mascol)

“Tonny let me choose from Ramos, Apina Fortune and Mascol. Both Tonny’s and my preference was Mascol because he inherited higher values than Ramos. I found Fortune to be less suitable because, after Jocko, he would be a second ‘fat reducer’,” explains Anton.

The flushing with Mascol resulted in Pilot and three heifer calves, two of which are still in production.

From a flushing with Buckeye, one young bull went to Germany. But owing to its

cow man ag e me n t

CM07_SlotboomsPilot 39

own type it was not put into service.

As the first AI bull put into service from the Geertje family, Pilot was therefore promoted directly to an AI bull.

“You can see the cow family traits in the Pilots. They are sound, not too big, have superb rumps and develop very well.

Pilot can really improve a lot in frame characteristics,” says Tonny.

“The bull does everything right, including the health characteristics and that is his strength. Above all, Pilot is free from O Man, Shottle and Goldwyn blood.

While Pilot’s breeding values are slowly improving, Tonny is continuing to work with the Geertje family on a successor.

With Slotbooms Urbanus (Brilliant x Geertje 436, the full sister of Pilot) a young bull is already waiting for the time to be put to use. The Mascol sisters and a Gibor daughter from Geertje 436 are under contract at CRV, just like Snowman, Brilliant and Jordan daughters. Other AI organisations are also showing interest.

“In 2011 30 calves were born from bull contracts and, together with the start of Pilot, we have had a busy year”, says Anton.

“We haven’t the faintest idea where it will end, but we are enjoying the breeding.” l

O CT O B E R /N O VE M B E R

2 0 1 2

39

11-10-2012 12:44:25

CM07_p40.indd 36

11-10-12 13:09

adv_88x125mm_OpenTop_EN

15-04-2011

15:26

Pagina 1

by vdk

AN UNIQUE CONCEPT ...

A system with lots of possibilities: • Deliverable with or

without movable frame.

• Hutch and the hardwood bottom can be tilted, so they are easy to clean.

• Good view on calves because of ‘Open Top’.

RE Buildings Ltd. Spout House Bay Horse Lancaster LA2 9DE Tel: 01524 792247

www.calfotel.com

We Offer: ADVICE-DESIGN-SUPPLY-INSTALLATION Bringing you advanced technology and barn equipment from around the world, meeting expectations of comfort and welfare for tomorrows dairyman De Boer Housing Systems Ltd your partner in excellence.

• Cow comfort; Super comfort and 2-D cubicle divisions.

• Mattresses and waterbeds.

• Self-locking feed fences and Easy Drink stainless steel water troughs.

• Cow handling systems and return race gating/fencing.

• Ventilation systems; Lumitherm and cow curtains.

• Slurry scraper systems; Cable, rope, chain or hydraulic powered.

• Pre-cast concrete slats and cubicle beds.

• Agrilights for optimum light/darkness ratio.

"Enquiries with head office, telephone number 01208 816773"

COW MAN AG E ME N T

CM07_p41.indd 41

O CT O B E R /N O VE M B E R

2 0 1 2

41

11-10-12 15:10

H E A LT H

Excessive rainfall means that feet have suffered this summer

‘Lame’ weather impacts on hoof health The wet weather has played havoc with hoof health. We spoke to a producer, a vet and a hoof trimmer to find out why, and to get some tips on how to deal with lameness both now and in the coming winter. text Rachael Porter

42

c Vco EETEE owwmmaa LnTnaajga gen emm uea enn rtit s1Oe/ C p2 te T 2Om 0B0b E 9R er / N 2O0 V0 E9 MB E R

CM07_WetWeatherFeet 42

C

ow’s feet have suffered this summer – so much for their usual outdoor respite away from wet slurry and concrete.

Not only have conditions outside been muddy and damp, but many herds have been re-housed, even if only for a short period, because grazing land was simply too wet.

And now lameness issues, which usually

2 0 1 2

11-10-2012 14:42:00

Digital dermatitis: compounded by weather

Heel erosion: ‘soft’ feet are susceptible

Toe necrosis: swift treatment is vital

ease during the five months or so of the year when cattle are outside and conditions are relatively dry under foot, are causing problems that have the potential to get worse as cows are housed for the winter.

Shropshire-based producer Jim Franklin, who runs a 100-cow herd in partnership with his father Richard and step-mother Helen, is seeing a lot of cracked heels.

They’re the result of cows’ feet being wet for a long period of time – or sodden, as he describes it.

“I’ve never seen conditions like it and thankfully it’s eased a little during the past couple of weeks, but the damage is done. My hoof trimmer is lifting a lot more feet that he would normally be doing at this time of year and cracked heels and soft hooves are paving the way for problems, like sole ulcers and whiteline disease, both now and later in the year. I don’t usually see those kinds of hoof problems in August and September – or even October.”

He likens cow hooves softening to humans’ finger nails after a long soak in the bath. “The cows then walk on wet cow tracks, churning them up and treading on a few stones along the way.

It’s a recipe for disaster.”

He was advised by his vet to put an extra layer or two of wood chippings on his cow tracks. “A 15-tonne load of chippings has helped a little, but not as much as a few days of sunshine and a little less rain has,” he says.

“I’m just disappointed as the cows’ feet usually get a little respite during the summer. They should be nice and dry and hard. But that just hasn’t happened this year.

“My one consolation is that my herd is housed in a straw-bedded loose yard during the winter – so at least their softened hooves won’t be subject to the rigours of concrete passageways in a cubicle shed.”

Registered foot trimmer Steve Paul has seen a lot of lameness problems this summer. “Namely caused by cows being outside in wet conditions – soggy cow tracks and gateways in particular – but also caused by changes in their diet.

One minute they’re outside on grass and the next they’re back inside and being fed a TMR. “Sudden dietary changes are not good for cows and they’re not good for their feet.

And I think the full effects of this are going to be seen during the next two or three months, when cows are re-housed for the winter.”

according to cattle vet Rob Drysdale, from the Westpoint Veterinary Group.

“It’s the result of hairy heel warts – a condition similar mud fever seen in horses in wet weather. We don’t usually see it in cattle, but it’s been so wet.”

Summer respite Hooves do usually have a chance to harden up in the summer, when conditions out at grass are generally drier – and cleaner – than they are during winter housing.

Foul in the foot is causing a few problems, exacerbated by cows standing around in wet and muddy areas, such as gateways and around water and feed troughs.

“We’re no busier than usual – we trim feet all year round. But one thing that is changing is that dairy producers are being more proactive and rather than waiting for lameness problems to present themselves, they’re routinely lifting every cow’s feet two or three times a year.

“I’d say that this heightened pro-activity is going to pay off this year – the wet weather means that it’s more important than ever,” says Steve.

He adds that cow rations are also vital, particularly the mineral balance.

“Nutrition’s role in preventing lameness is underestimated. If a mineral is deficient, it will show in her feet. And it will also show if she’s getting all the minerals she needs too – her feet will benefit.”

Necrosis, particularly in the toe, is a growing problem in cows’ feet, compounded by the wet conditions this summer. And it’s a tough one to tackle,

Preventing problems DairyCo’s extension office Jo Speed describes it as ‘nasty’: “Toe necrosis is difficult to clear up and treatment – as soon as you spot it – is vital.”

She urges producers to get their vet involved. “You need to remove the surface infection – not a nice job – and then remove any other infection in the foot until you have an open lesion. This then needs to be treated with an antibiotic or any other product that your vet recommends.”

If you’re struggling to get on top of hoof health problems, she also recommends getting involved in DairyCo’s Healthy Feet programme. “It’s tailored to your herd’s specific lameness issues and is designed to put you firmly back in control of hoof health, with the emphasis very much on preventing problems occurring in the first place.”

Most producers only lift cows’ feet at drying off and won’t see them again for between 60 and 80 days. “This year has been unprecedented in that we’re urging producers to lift feet again just after calving,” says vet Rob Drysdale.

Rob says that mobility scoring really comes into its own here: “It’s key to managing any increase in possible lameness issues. Catch problems early, before they become more serious. It’s all about treatment and prevention.

“And remember that we’re not just talking about preventing lameness when we’re looking at cows’ feet. If a cow can’t walk freely and easily – without pain and discomfort – she won’t eat, drink and behave in a way that’s conducive to good health and fertility.” l

c o w m a n a gc e m ow e nmt a O nC aT gO e m BER e n /tN O s eVpEMBER t e m b e r2 021020 9

CM07_WetWeatherFeet 43

43

11-10-2012 14:42:19

CM07_p44.indd 36

11-10-12 13:27

DAIRY MANAGEMENT NEWS

Industry to learn from milk tests Five hundred British milk producers will join a four-year project that uses data from milk tests to measure key health characteristics in cows. A key aim of the project is to use this data to develop new tools for improving production efficiency.

Developed by NMR in partnership with Marks & Spencer and the Scottish Agricultural College, the project is cofunded by the Technology Strategy Board.

Another 20 M&S suppliers have also been recruited to take part in more detailed milk testing and data collection for individual cows. This will include information on weight changes, condition scores and feeding systems and will be collected four times a year.

“The project will also carry out midinfra-red tests on NMR milk samples to establish fatty acid profiles,”

says NMR’s project manager Rachel Williams.

“Relationships between these profiles and aspects of cow health and performance will be investigated. We hope this will lead to new prediction tools for parameters such as pregnancy, methane production and acidosis.”

In addition, the saturated fatty acid data may be able to deliver health benefits to milk and dairy products for human consumption.

“We have worked closely with producers in our milk pool through our Milk Pledge Plus agreement to drive improvements in animal health and welfare,” says M&S’s agricultural technologist Anna Playfair-Hannay.

“We recently developed and launched our ‘better for you’ milk, which is lower in saturated fat, and so this work ties the two elements together.”

Request and test on line Vets can now order disease testing services on line through NMR’s ‘Request and Test’. Accessed through the Herd Companion website, vets can order specific disease tests to be carried out on milk samples, including IBR and IBRGe, BVD, leptospirosis, neospora and liverfluke tests.

“With permission from their clients, vets can use this on line service to request particular tests on bulk milk samples,” says NMR’s Chris Spence. “Our NML lab already keeps a supply of bulk milk samples for 98% of British dairy herds. These can be accessed and used for carrying out disease tests. There’s no further milk sampling required on farm and it avoids any packaging and posting of samples. Instead, Request and Test offers a fast, efficient and seamless service with results through Herd Companion.”

Summer stars

Shropshire producer wins iPad James Steele, from Treflach Hall near Oswestry in Shropshire, will be using the latest technology for managing his dairy herd. As winner of NMR’s Sam Hargreaves, NMR area field manager, and NMR milk recorder Agnes Roberts (right) present James Steele with an iPad

iPad competition, James was presented with his prize following his successful entry in the company’s milk testing competition.

The Steele partnership has been milk recording their British Friesian dairy herd for the past 44 years and has used the information meticulously to select the right sire for each cow.

“We now milk 90 cows and look for longevity and body strength rather than just production,” says James, who farms the 56-hectare unit on the Welsh Marches.

“We look at our milk records regularly and the iPad means we can do this on the move. It will be handy to see the latest recording information and milk test results through the NMR iReports as soon as they are published.”

Breaking the 100-tonne production target and ranked on Lifetime Daily Yield (LDY), here are July and August’s top three cows. The full list is published on the NMR website: www.nmr.co.uk.

In first place is Shanael Roxy Formation ET EX2E from the Miller’s herd, based at Evesham, Worcestershire. She produced 107,999kg of milk in six lactations and has a LDY of 32.16kg/day.

Second and third place is taken by two cows from the Cobb’s Chalclyffe herd, Dorchester, Dorest.

Chalclyffe Principal Blossom GP82 produced 105,086kg of milk in six lactations and has a LDY of 30.98kg/day.

Chalclyffe Ruben Rita VG85 produced 108,873kg of milk in eight lactations and has a LDY of 30.14kg/day.

For more information on NMR products and services contact customer services, 0844 7255567, NMR web address: www.nmr.co.uk, NMR email address: customerservices@nmr.co.uk cow man ag e me n t

CM07_NMRNews 45

O CT O B E R /N O VE M B E R

2 0 1 2

45

11-10-2012 15:11:38

H E R D

Hickory Hill Milk Watson Dorn is cashing in on consumers’ desire to buy local products.

Number of cows: Farm size: Average yield: Somatic cell count:

R E P O RT

South Carolina

275 243 ha 9,500kg < 200,000 cells/ml

Watson Dorn

The trucks deliver milk direct to the stores

A US-based producer adds a bottling plant to the family dairy

Do-it-yourself milk marketing A on-farm bottling plant is helping to secure one dairy business’ to secure its share of the dollars that the end consumer spends on milk. And customers are lapping up this locally produced milk. text Becky Mills

S

even years ago Watson Dorn’s wife, Lisa, looked to see if the numbers would stack up for on-farm processing.

“She said they would,” Watson recalls, “But our children were small then.”

However, the South Carolina-based producer says: “I couldn’t get the idea out of my mind.”

Three and a half years later, in October of 2008, he read an article about Missouribased producer/processor Leroy Shatto.

“He said there wasn’t a day he didn’t get a call, letter or e-mail thanking him for his milk.” That did it for Watson.

“Bottling went hand in hand with what we were already doing,” he explains.

Watson and his family, going back to his late grandparents, Marvin and Maysie, his parents, Jim and Marie, and he and Lisa’s children, Daniel and Courtney, have always taken pride in the quality of their milk.

Their milk has routinely earned quality awards from their milk co-op. “Plus more and more people want to know where their food is coming from and under what conditions it is produced,” he says.

46

Geoff Benson, economist at the North Carolina State University, agrees. “I think the key to the expansion of on-farm processing is consumer interest in local foods. They want to know the producer and know how the product is made.”

While the Dorns are in a fairly isolated area they have two larger cities, with many potential customers, within an hour’s drive.

Bottling plant Once they committed to the new enterprise they wasted no time in building the bottling plant. By February 2009, cartons of milk were rolling off the line. Now, Watson says he is at 75% of his goal of bottling and selling 22,700 litres of milk each week.

It hasn’t been a cheap or easy process.

“Economists will tell you that if you start a new business you won’t see a dime of profit for the first two years. That is about right,” he says.

“A small bottling plant costs at least £193,000. Then you need at least one truck and inventory, cartons, caps, labels, testing equipment, chocolate,

C VCO EOEW W TM EMEAA LNTNAAJGG AEN EMM UEA ENN RTT I S1OE/ C P2 T 2 O EM 0B 0EB9RE /R N 2O0V0 E9 M B E R

CM07_FarmreportDorn 46

Tip-top milking routine

sugar. On and on before you see a dollar.”

Labour is another cost. While he is still milking 275 cows, the same as before he built the bottling plant, Watson has gone from five full-time employees to six with three part-time employees. The additional workers are all in the bottling plant. “A bottling plant will double your work load,” he says.

Red-tape nightmare Watson also says: “If you don’t have everything organised at the dairy, don’t do it. Our dairy nutritionist says 90% of the time, when somebody starts bottling their own milk, their dairy goes down. It hasn’t here. That is because of our employees. They take pride in producing quality milk. The key is to hire competent, energetic, trustworthy people.”

Another time consuming process involved lots of red tape. “It was a nightmare,” says Watson. “Since we sell in Georgia and North Carolina, I had to get interstate shipper listed.”

Unfortunately he learned that the expensive way when he watched $600 of milk go down the drain in Georgia.

He also had to get another well drilled and that required planning permission.

He also had to be certified to run the dairy’s in-house lab and labels had to be approved by the South Carolina Department of Health. This is in addition to monitoring already carried out in the milking parlour.

There was one part of the learning curve that wasn’t steep, though. Watson says that the milk processing itself was easy to learn even though they do it differently from most commercial suppliers. They rely on low temperature vat pasteurisation at 145 degrees for 30 minutes. “That kills the bad bacteria but not the good bacteria,” says Watson.

They also do not homogenise, which gives the milk its old fashioned taste and consistency.

Another selling point is the quality.

2 0 1 2

11-10-2012 11:57:20

Good ventilation helps keep the cows cool

Strict hygiene rules have to be adhered to

“It makes the shelf life longer,” Watson says. “It only comes from our cows, it isn’t on a milk truck for 1,000 miles and it can go from the udder to the carton in between three and six hours.

“I think all milk is a really good product,” Watson emphasises. “But we know ours is better. I couldn’t sell it if I didn’t believe in it.”

And sell it he does. He says conventional advertising is cost prohibitive so he relies on word of mouth.

While one of his first and biggest customers was food distribution giant Sysco, he and his family literally knocked on doors to get their milk in supermarkets, health food stores and independent convenience stores.

They would stand outside the stores and try to give customers brochures, but Watson says that wasn’t successful. Then

The small milk bottling plant

he had the idea of adding to their sales force. He called Earth Fare, an up-market health food store, and asked the manager if he could bring a cow. The next Saturday morning, Fran, a former show cow, was bedded down in a shaded pen in the car park.

Farm tours “Mothers would walk up and ask if their children could pat the cow. I’d say of course, here is a brochure. The store almost ran out of milk.”

In three years Earth Fare has gone from selling 90 litres of Hickory Hill milk in a week to more than 1,800 litres.

The Dorns also go to three or four food shows a year. One of their main customer draws, though, is their farm tours. Held each Tuesday in October and year round when asked, they charge £3.50 a person.

The tours include a hay ride and a pint of their chocolate milk.

“It isn’t a money maker because of the time it requires, but people meet our family and the cows and feel like they have ownership in the product.”

There is also an on-farm sales outlet, better known as the cooler.

“It is open 24 hours a day and there’s an honest box for payment. We sell almost as much there as we sell in our biggest stores.”

Even with the increased work load and responsibility, Watson says he would definitely build the bottling plant if he had it to do over.

“I’d just do it when I was younger,” he laughs. “It is definitely a way to recoup more of the dollars that consumers spend on milk. We are getting ready to make some serious money.” l

Winning formula: green grass and sunshine are two of the main ingredients in Hickory Hill milk

cow man ag co e m w emn at n o ac g te o m BER e n t/ n s eopvteem mbbeerr 22001029

CM07_FarmreportDorn 47

47

11-10-2012 11:57:34

Cow Man. Advert_Cow Management Ad 21/06/2012 14:15 Page 1

high spec. high perform ance

NEW ZEALANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEST AGRIBOOT Buy on-line at www.skellerupgumboots.com

Insulated, Non-Insulated and Safety boots Versions available!

Skellerup Footwear Europe* Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 4YF. England Tel: +44 (0)1993 701936/7 Email: sales@skellerupgumboots.co.uk *Ambic Equipment Limited. Trading as Skellerup Footwear Europe

Tel: 01772-785252 www.farmplus.co.uk 48

C OWM ANAGEMENT

CM07_p48.indd 48

O CTO BER/NO VE MB E R

2 0 1 2

11-10-12 13:34

CM07_p49.indd 36

11-10-12 13:37

CM07_p51ENG.indd 41

11-10-12 13:44

CM06_p64.indd 34

11-10-12 13:45

CO NTENT

F E A T U R E S

5 Cow Talk 10 Overalls off: Pallbearer 25 Avoncroft Breeding Information/ Thompsons Nutritional News 37 Veterinary practice: Calf pneumonia 45 NMR Dairy Management News 50 Events and contacts R eports 12 The Miller family scooped the 2012 NMR/RABDF Gold Cup 14 Gold Cup runners up: David and Louise Hodgson 46 A US-based producer processor C O L U M N

20 Roger Evans B reeding

38 Flying start for Slotbooms Pilot M anagement

18 Test to tackle mastitis bugs 22 Success with variable silage

Paul Miller “At the core of our business is the well being of our cows” 12

Main article Stock sales

8

Are you realising the best possible price for your cows and calves?

Editor Rachael Porter Taking stock

I

t’s been a tough summer – you don’t need reminding of that. But what you may need, or find helpful, are useful tips and pointers on how to deal with some of the fall out. We’ve an article on page 22 on how to feed out variable-quality silage and make sure you are putting a consistent and productive ration in front of your cows this winter.

If it’s udder health that’s taken a downward slide, as it has in several herds in the past three months, then we’ve some good news on how to get to the bottom of what’s causing it on page 18. NMR’s nofuss services, with quick turn around, can accurately diagnose the problem and ensure that you tackle the particular bugs that are damaging your herd’s milk quality and health.

A timely update on hoof health starts on page 42.

Again, the wet weather has wreaked havoc with cows’ feet and we find out why and what you can do about it as you re-house your herd this autumn.

Our calf-rearing special also focuses on another problem area on many units – yearling heifers.

Growth rates have been checked by poor grazing conditions after they were turned out to pasture in the spring. So, starting on page 29, we have the low down on what you can do to try to get them back on track to meet their first service and calving targets.

Dairy stock prices have been extremely good this summer and they’re set to remain strong. So we spoke to some livestock auctioneers from across the UK on page 8, to find out what you can do to maximise the sale price of your stock and make the most of the buoyant market.

Special Calf-rearing

Health Cows’ feet

29

42

Yearling heifers: Tips to get them back on track after a tough summer

cow man ag e me n t

CM07_Content 3

The wet weather has played havoc with hoof health, so it’s time to take control

O CT O B E R /N O VE M B E R

2 0 1 2

3

12-10-2012 11:52:37

C O W

TA L K

‘Jet set’ for better cleaning A jetter tray with candles made of extremely durable, high-grade stainless steel is now available from Dairy Spares.

The Greenoak jetter tray is suitable for

most parlours and cluster models and its rubber jetter cups are available in three different sizes, to fit the majority of makes of milking liner.

To allow cleaning, each teat cup is placed down over the four stainless steel wash candles to secure the cluster for washing. The liner hood sits within the rubber cup, creating a strong seal between the cup and the liner, rather than between the candle and the liner mouthpiece. This helps to eliminate mouthpiece distortion and prolongs the life of the liner.

A drain on each wash nipple helps to ensure that water is not left in the jetter tray after washing, which may otherwise freeze.

The trays can be retro fitted on the pit wall or to overhead stalling, conveniently folding away when not in use. Each one costs £103 plus VAT.

was a keen Young Farmers’ Club member and it will be no surprise to friends and colleagues to learn that he was undefeated YFC county champion in all public speaking and debating competitions.

He retired to Plymouth with his wife Sue to be nearer family and to enjoy his main hobby of sailing.

Frank Armitage

The Netherlands’ most successful redand-white bull in the show ring, Poos Stadel Classic, died in late August.

This sire of attractive, productive redand-white daughters would have been 13 years old in October.

He leaves an impressive legacy, with a large number of champion daughters, both nationally and internationally.

He even had his own website and fan club!

Classic had a remarkable career, producing almost 25,000 daughters in the Netherlands and Flanders alone, of which no less than 25 were excellent.

Wipe away costs with re-usable cloths

Renowned industry figure will be sadly missed Frank Armitage, one of the dairy industry’s most informed and experienced experts in cattle identification and recording, has died at the age of 67.

During his 34 years with NMR he was instrumental in implementing major changes in livestock recording, including somatic cell count inclusion as part of NMR’s basic service that later became part of the milk quality payment scheme, and in electronic data capture on farm. He was secretary of the Wilson Committee in 1990 and a board member of the Animal Data Centre.

He joined the MMB as sales development officer in north Wales before moving to NMR. He spent two decades in the south west where his regional role developed into national manager with responsibility for all field operations. He became a member of the NMR board in 2001.

Frank was a British Isles’ board member of the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR) for the past 11 years. Earlier this year he received the ICAR President’s Award as recognition for his outstanding expertise given to ICAR activities.

A Lancashire-born farmer’s son, Frank started his career on the family farm. He

Classic’s lasting legacy

Want to save money on your pre-milking routine without compromising on quality? Then why not replace your disposable single service paper towels with the economical and re-useable Dermatex udder cloth system, recently launched by GEA Farm Technologies.

“Replacing paper towels with a re-usable cloth, such as Dermatex, cuts costs without compromising on the condition or cleanliness of your cows teats,” says the company’s Melanie Heath.

“The cloths are for use before milking to disinfect and clean the cow’s teats. One cloth will last for approximately 10 months, depending on farm conditions, making it more economical than using single service paper towels.”

“Since switching from using paper towels to the cloths my Bactoscans have reduced from an average of 28 to just eight and my somatic cell count has reduced from 160,000cells/ml to 98,000 cells/ml,” says Cheshire-based producer Philip Brocklehurst.

“Milking time has also reduced by 35 minutes. Using these cloths has saved me both time and money.”

A free storage tub, to keep used cloths that are ready for washing, is available, while stock last, for producers who sign up to using the system.

C O W M A N A G E M E N T VOE C E TT EOEBLET R /J A NN O UV AE R M I B E1 R / 2 2 20 01 02 9

CM07_CowTalk 5

5

12-10-2012 13:43:13

H E R D

R E P O RT

Crowning glory follows an Olympic effort from the UK’s leading dairy herd

The Miller family Increasing herd size and stepping up fertility and health management are just some of the key factors that wowed this year’s Gold Cup judging panel.

Herd size: Unit size: Average yield: Calving interval:

Happy and glorious Evesham

– was held aloft by a deserving family at this year’s Livestock 2012. We find out more about the winners of the top prize in

350 milkers 336 hectares 12,199kg 410 days

A

the 2012 NMR/RABDF Gold Cup competition. text Rachael Porter

s the cheer went up on the NMR stand at this year’s Livestock event, another dairying family and herd went down in history.

The Miller family from Evesham, Worcestershire, scooped the 2012 NMR/ RABDF Gold Cup. Mike and Shan Miller and sons Paul and Steven run the Shanael Holstein herd on their 336-hectare tenanted unit and their win follows success in the 2011 competition, when they were runners-up and won the NMR Silver Salver.

“We are absolutely delighted – it’s such an achievement for the whole family,” says Paul, adding that it’s the ultimate reward for all their hard work. “And

12

C OWM ANAGEMENT

CM07_GoldcupWinners 12

A glittering gold trophy – the ultimate accolade for UK producers

some definitive proof that we’re doing it right. What greater accolade is there?”

The publicity surrounding their achievement has served to raise the profile of the herd, which can only be a good thing when there are surplus heifers to sell. “Pedigree breeding and stock sales are a large part of what we do, so winning the industry’s top prize is a real bonus. We’re really looking forward to the obligatory open day next year – it’ll be a chance to show off our system and our cattle,” says Paul.

As well as increasing herd size and taking on more land during the past 12 months, the team has also stepped up fertility and health management.

OCTO BER/NO VE MB E R

“Winning has given us a renewed zest for what we’re doing. It’s put a spring in our step and we’re raring to go.

“We have facilities for 350 cows in the milking herd and by the end of the year we should hopefully be fully stocked. It makes sense to maximise the use of our buildings and parlour and we have the team to manage this number of cows.”

Impatient to increase cow numbers, the Millers are in the process of purchasing animals from quality pedigree herds.

“We look at type and production carefully but we are very careful when it comes to health status. We buy in BVD and IBR vaccinated stock from Johne’sfree herds then stick to strict protocols

2 0 1 2

12-10-2012 11:31:40

The herd is milked three times a day

on the farm, vaccinating for IBR, BVD and Lepto.

“We will hold herd size at 350 cows for a few years I think,” adds Paul. “This should give us some replacements to sell and add another income stream to the business. Hopefully we’ll have about 50 heifers to sell next year.

“And maybe in three years there might be plans to expand further but we’ll see.

We’re open-minded and if wheat prices hold and milk price falls then maybe we’ll grow more cereal crops instead.”

That said, the Millers are dedicated to the dairy industry and are rightly very proud of their successes to date, particularly in the breeding of quality dairy animals. Their latest news is that two bulls, which were exported to Canada as embryos, have qualified to join the Semex stud.

Closer to home, management of the farm is a family affair overseen by Mike, with Shan looking after calves and accounts and Steve and Paul taking on cropping and cows respectively.

The core of the business is the well-being of the Shanael Holsteins cows, with an NMR average production for the Gold Cup qualifying year ending September

Good feed storage facilities minimise waste

Cow comfort is a top priority at the unit

2011 of 12,199kg of milk, 535kg higher than the previous year, at 3.6% fat and 3.08% protein on three-times-a-day milking.

Along with milk yields, Paul is pleased to see an improvement in calving interval – a drop of 11 days from the 2011 Gold Cup figures and a drop of 20 days in the past 18 months to 410 days.

“We’ve made a real effort to improve fertility. We’re calving year round and we’re now more aggressive in checking for heats. We have increased routine vet visits to every two weeks and monitoring individual cows and trends through InterHerd – our vet and consultant can also access this data and the reports so we’re all working from the same information.

When it comes to breeding decisions, the Millers want the ‘best’ for their top pedigree cows. For them this means bulls with a high PLI and a cross that will appeal to AI studs and buyers in the UK and abroad. For the more commercial cows in the herd, they look for bulls that produce cows with good functional traits, and are capable of producing 11,000kg of milk or more and will last for four or more lactations. l

Shropshire-based herd retains LDY award The Chris May Memorial Award, for the herd with the highest average lifetime daily yield among NMR/RABDF Gold Cup qualifying herds, has been won by the Higgins family, from Wilderley Hall Farms near Shrewsbury, for the second year running. The family’s 290-cow herd achieved a lifetime daily yield of 18.22kg

for the year ending September 2011.

Bill and Margaret Higgins run the pedigree Holstein herd, with sons Andrew and Bill, on 145 hectares. They rear all replacements. Average age of heifers at first calving is 24.9 months.

Cows are in the herd for an average of four lactations.

“Achieving a high average lifetime yield for the whole herd requires a calving age as close to 24 months as possible and good longevity,” says Andrew. “But it also calls for cows not to be dry for too long and to be milking to their full potential while at the same time remaining fit and healthy.

“There’s no secret to how we achieve this, but we believe a consistent diet is vital, along with good management and care, particularly the transitional period.”

From left to right: RABDF president David Leaver, Bill Higgins junior, Bill Higgins senior, RABDF chairman David Cotton, Andrew Higgins, and NMR chairman Philip Kirkham

cow man ag e me n t

CM07_GoldcupWinners 13

O CT O B E R /N O VE M B E R

2 0 1 2

13

12-10-2012 11:31:55

H E R D

R E P O RT

NMR Silver Salver winners have realised their Gold Cup competition dream

Aspiring to win The Hodgson family Investing in genetics and new housing, and continually fine tuning health and fertility management, has helped this business to realise a dream.

Herd size: Unit size: Average yield: EX cows:

You’ve got to be in it to win it, say this year’s runners up in the Burgh by Sands

NMR/RABDF Gold Cup competition. And win they certainly did, scooping a silver award that many producers can only dream of winning. Here we find out how. text Rachael Porter

145 122 hectares 10,761kg 40

G

old Cup runners up this year and winners of the NMR Silver Salver are Cumbria-based producers David and Louise Hodgson. And they are also thrilled with their achievement.

“We’ve already been out to celebrate and we’re all still very excited and buoyed by our success,” says David, who admits he was always in awe of previous Gold Cup winners. “I wouldn’t say that I aspired to winning it – it always seemed just too far out of our reach. But we got our heads down and did the very best job that we could with what we had and then found ourselves in a position where we could enter.

“So, when we qualified, we thought, why not – you’ve got to be in it to win it, as they say. And just look at us now!”

Today he and Louise run the Wormanby Holstein herd, based near Burgh by Sands in Cumbria, which was registered pedigree in 1985. They run the business

with David’s parents Harry and Margaret.

David’s keen interest in genetics has encouraged investment in renowned cow families.

Constantly improving the herd and its management has led to a flexible system to suit their Holstein cows. And with the latest investment in new housing they are looking forward to more fine-tuning of the herd’s health and production.

Selecting for longevity means that as well as milk sales from their 145 milkers, the Hodgsons have up to 40 newly calved heifers for sale annually along with breeding bulls, amounting to a third of the business’ gross income. “Despite the recent drop in milk prices, cow values have held up, but should we feel it would be better to milk more cows then we have the flexibility to retain the heifers and increase herd numbers,” says David.

The unit’s 122 hectares could run a 200cow herd, but Harry and David currently manage the cattle themselves with some relief help. They believe that one of the threats to the industry is the availability

of quality labour and this is one of the reasons why they have invested in a building that reduce labour input.

But they can see plenty of opportunities and, having invested heavily in buildings and genetics, the Hodgsons are optimistic about the future and believe the demand for quality milk will make production sustainable. The new cubicle house for 105 cows has improved herd management by facilitating year-round housing of the majority of the milking herd.

“We have seen an increase in yield of up to 500kg a cow and we have only had six cases of mastitis during the 12 months since we started using the building,” says David.

Longevity is high up on the agenda at Wormanby and the Hodgsons look to breed long lasting cows. The aim is for cows to achieve 50,000kg within five lactations. Currently there are 40 EX cows in the herd with 70 VG and 30 GP cows. The herd averaged 10,761kg of milk, at 3.76% fat and 3.12% protein on twice-a-day milking, for the year ending September 2011. l

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Cow house: a new cubicle shed for 105 milkers allows the herd to be managed inside all year round

14

C OWM ANAGEMENT

CM07_GoldcupWinners 14

OCTO BER/NO VE MB E R

2 0 1 2

12-10-2012 11:32:08

M I L K

Q U A L I T Y

An unseasonal rise in SCC and Bactoscans puts focus on bug identification

Know your udder enemies A warm wet summer has caused a blip in the declining trends and satisfactory low levels of somatic cell counts and Bactoscans on many dairy units. And while producers might be tempted to settle for a blanket antibiotic treatment, this might not be the best solution. Bug identification is essential. text Karen Wright

yielded contagious organisms or a mix with environmental pathogens, which we picked up through bacteriology tests and qPCR. “Milk samples from cows with high cell counts or clinical mastitis were qPCR tested and results could tell us whether any of the 12 listed pathogens were present. As with bacteriology, the samples need to be uncontaminated and taken cleanly in order that the test identifies the bacteria in the udder. Preserved milk

N

ML has seen average somatic cell counts (SCC) and Bactoscans reach unseasonably high levels in July and August. Average SCC for all bulk milk samples tested through NML peaked at 232,000 cells/ml in mid July compared with a peak of 214,000 cells/ml in 2011.

Likewise Bactoscans shot up to 35 in July 2012 compared with 28 in July 2011. As a result, 58% more samples have arrived with NML for microbiology testing during the past three months in a quest to identify the pathogens causing the problems.

The University of Liverpool’s Jo Oultram has also seen herds developing higher than usual bulk milk somatic cell counts.

But while producers assumed this was weather and environment related, a closer look at the milk records partly disproved this.

New infections “The monthly cell count data showed that infection had begun months previously in the form of new infections, which became repeated and chronic. These were more likely to be contagious, or they implicated straw-bedded yards and a failure to cure Strep uberis cases.”

The typical procedure at Liverpool is to

Peter May: “Belt and braces identification”

Jo Oultram: “Test are vital for decision-making”

carry out bacteriology to identify the causes of clinical mastitis and raised cell counts. “Knowing the bacteria involved in high somatic cell counts and raised Bactoscans, or in cases of clinical mastitis, is vital in order to choose appropriate drugs and to advise on the probable source and on improving routines,” says Ms Oultram.

“Some producers still tend to start treatments before taking a milk sample and identifying the pathogens. The qPCR test is an advantage here as it enables us to test animals after treatment has started as the antibiotics do not interfere with the test.

“Many of the cases we tested this summer

samples could be used for qPCR, which was very convenient.

“We also found it invaluable to identify the penicillin-resistance gene in any staphs present and choose our treatment with this knowledge. This was a vital part of our decision making process and of making the most efficient use of the available treatments.”

Wiltshire-based vet Peter May has recently carried out a ‘belt and braces’ mastitis pathogen identification on a 350-cow high yielding herd with a history of high cell counts, averaging 204,000 cells/ml but fluctuating from 150,000 cells/ml to 290,000 cells/ml and Bactoscans that varied from 30 to 240.

Speed is of the essence when it comes to milk quality Cell count and Bactoscan results can be accessed through NMR’s on-line iReports as soon as tests are completed. This will normally be within several hours of the sample arriving in the lab. Producers can access their iReports on a smart phone, iPad or PC. It keeps producers right up to date and allows any further tests to be actioned without delay.

18

Results from Bactobreakdown, Parlour Hygiene Suite and Mastitis ID tests are also available online through Herd Companion. “When it comes to milk quality, speed is important,” says NMR’s Jonathan Davies. “It’s all about resolving any problems and getting the herd back on track. The iReports bring current data straight back on to the farm.”

C VCO EOEWW TM EMEAA LNTNAAJGA GEN EMM UEA ENN RTIT S1OE/ C P2 T 2 EOM 0B0B E 9R ER / N 2O0 V0 E9 M B E R

CM07_Crossbreeding 18

2 0 1 2

12-10-2012 11:15:16

Watch out for penicillin resistance A third of samples infected with the mastitis-causing pathogen Staph aureus also contain the Beta-Lactamase gene, which infers resistance to penicillin. So if these cows are treated with a penicillin it will have little or no effect.

Published by NML’s microbiology group, these findings are based on results from Bacto-breakdown and mastitis identification tests on 3,000 individual milk samples from January 2010 to September 2012. “We found that 32% of

the individual cow samples had Staph aureus and the Beta-Lactamase gene present,” says NML’s Caroline Best. “So this means that, of the samples with Staph aureus present, 72% also contained the penicillin-resistant gene.”

“This was a good opportunity to demonstrate the usefulness of the bug identification procedures,” says Mr May. “While many farms will not need to carry out all tests, many will need to dip in and out of the mastitis identification tests to keep control of milk hygiene and cow health.”

Weekly Bacto-breakdown tests through NML, using a bulk milk sample already held in the lab, were initiated. These tests included bacteriology of parlourassociated pathogens – the Parlour Hygiene Suite service – and the qPCR test for mastitis pathogen identification.

The Parlour Hygiene Suite will show up groups of bacteria normally associated with environmental pathogens and is usually adequate for pinpoint areas to tackle Bactoscan problems.

qPCR tests on bulk or on individual cow milk samples will name species of pathogens for which DNA has been detected, giving an overview of the pathogens that are challenging the herd for bulk samples or which pathogens are found in the udder for individuals.

“We selected a group of cows showing clinical signs of mastitis and carried out qPCR tests and, simultaneously, carried out culture tests through our own lab.

“Both tests identified individuals with Staph aureus and Strep uberis, both of which could be transmitted from cow to cow at milking.

“Interestingly, there was a large amount of agreement between the qPCR and culture test results, but there were significant benefits of using qPCR. Firstly, cows that were already undergoing treatment could be sampled and tested through qPCR,” he adds.

“And, for convenience, preserved samples could be used for qPCR tests so growth in transit can be eliminated and we got results within several days.” l

Milking hygiene problem “The Parlour Hygiene Suite identified pathogens that suggested intermittent faecal contamination problems related to milking-time hygiene,” adds Mr May. With an improved wash cycle and better protocols, we saw average Bactoscan drop to less than 20 within eight weeks and reduced levels of coliform, Psychrotroph and Thermoduric counts.

“Somatic cell counts remained more of a problem,” Mr May says.

Know your enemy: identifying the bacteria involved in raised cell counts or Bactoscans is only a milk test away

C O W M A N A GC E M OW E NMT A O NC AT GO E M B EE RN /TN O S EVPETME BMEBRE R2 021020 9

CM07_Crossbreeding 19

19

12-10-2012 11:15:29

Just a selection of new products and ideas to aid calf rearing

Tapes and temptation We profile a winter warmer and a weighing solution, as well as some research on flavoured water, that should help you to ensure that you get your calves off to a flying start and keep them on track to meet age-at-first-calving target. text Rachael Porter

Wrap them up warm!

Calf jackets could be the answer if you’re using large open buildings, to maximise ventilation, to rear young stock, but also want to protect them from the winter chills. Calves can be subject to considerable temperature changes in just a few hours – typically 12°C between day and night.

“So the biggest problem is how to keep the calves at a comfortable body temperature without restricting airflow or increasing humidity while, at the same time, maintaining a feeding regime to promote growth in cold weather without giving them scours,” says CosyCalf’s Mandy Turner, who developed the idea for the UK after spending almost 20 years rearing calves.

“Using calf jackets is routine in some countries and not only does it improve feed conversion efficiency because less energy is diverted from growth to keep the animal warm, it also reduces the risk of pneumonia and scours from chills,” she adds.

Made from breathable and waterrepellent material, the jackets are machine washable at 30°C. They fit calves up top 100kg in weight and have one chest fastener, two adjustable belly straps and two adjustable leg straps.

The jackets cost £20 each or £18 each plus VAT for orders of 25 or more.

‘Sweet’ water to tempt calves Calves like caramel – or at least caramel-flavoured water. They drank significantly more of it in a study that looked at the impact of flavoured water on the performance and health of Jersey calves from birth through to weaning.

“Calves on the caramel treatment drank a large amount of water, but this did not correspond to an increase in dry feed intake,” Essexbased Writtle College’s Nicola Blackie, who led the trials, told delegates at the British Society of Animal Science’s annual conference.

“But this increased water intake may be beneficial to producers, particularly hot countries, to encourage calves to drink, which will help them to cool down.”

Water is essential for calf growth and development and is important to promote solid feed intake. Calves which were not given access to water in a study showed reduced weight gains and a 31% reduction in starter intake. Significant correlations between water intake and liveweight gains and calf starter intakes have been shown.

Calf starter intake is related to liveweight gain and has important implications for rumen development.

“So methods to promote water intake in calves have the potential to improve starter intake and therefore reduce setbacks at weaning. This can have a positive impact on overall calf performance,” said Dr Blackie, explaining the rationale behind her work.

Band to monitor calf growth rate A weigh band that allows producers with Holstein Friesian calves to measure and monitor growth rates, and subsequently help to meet the two-year calving target, has been launched by Volac.

Developed by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) based on DARD and AgriSearch funded research, and supported by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), the tape has been calibrated to provide a good estimate of calf weight in kilogrammes. Calves should be weighed at birth and again at six months as a minimum.

“Growth has a direct effect on age at first calving and lifetime production.

Larger calves with faster growth rates are big enough to be served earlier and are therefore younger at first calving,” explains Volac’s Maggie Gould.

“Consequently meeting growth rate targets throughout the rearing period is essential if target age and weight at first calving are to be met. For example to calve at 24 months, a 40kg calf at birth should reach 550kg at calving – that’s an average 0.7kg daily gain throughout her entire rearing period, or 510kg gain in 730 days. The weigh band will enable producers to meet targets and improve overall herd performance.”

The weigh band retails at £10, but the company is offering a weigh brand free to the first 50 producers who contact Volac on 0800 919808.

COW MAN AG E ME N T V O ECETTOE BE EL T R / JNAON VU EAMR BI E 1R/ 22 021020 9

CM07_SpecialWhats new 33

33

12-10-2012 11:13:18

C O N TA C T S

SHOWS AND EVENTS

Warm, dry and well fed: a healthy and contented calf settles down for a nap Picture: Harrie van Leeuwen

October 16: October 17: October 31: November 1: November 2: November 2-11: November 13-16: November 21: November 27-30: December 8: December 13:

Welsh Dairy Show, Nantyci Showground, Carmarthen British Mastitis `, Worcester Rugby Club, Worcester AgriSearch RCF dairy farm walk, Conor Casey, Cloughmills, Co Antrim AgriSearch RCF dairy farm walk, Brian Matthews, Donaghcloney, Co Down AgriSearch RCF dairy farm walk, Adrian Houston, Plumbridge, Co Tyrone Royal Winter Fair, Toronto (Canada) EuroTier, Hannover (Germany) AgriScot, Edinburgh (Scotland) Agromek, Herning (Denmark) Holland Holstein Show, Zwolle (The Netherlands) Royal Ulster Winter Fair, King’s Hall Complex, Belfast (N. Ireland)

2013 January 10-13: July 3-4:

Agriflanders, Gent (Belgium) Livestock Event, Birmingham

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX C O N TA C T S CowManagement is published eight times per year by CRV Holding BV

Editorial team Chief Editor Jaap van der Knaap Editor Rachael Porter Phone 01394 270587 E-mail rachael.porter@virgin.net Editing, design and production Veeteelt Contributing writers Roger Evans, Allison Matthews, David Matthews, Becky Mills, Florus Pellikaan and Karen Wright Publisher Rochus Kingmans

Chief editor’s address P.O. Box 454, 6800 AL Arnhem, The Netherlands Phone 0031 26 38 98 821. Fax 0031 26 38 98 839 E-mail cm.office@crv4all.com internet www.cowmanagement.net

Subscriptions CowManagement is available free of charge to customers of NMR, Avoncroft and Thompsons.

If you think you are eligible, please contact: National Milk Records, Customer Services, Skipton Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 4LG. Phone 0870 1622547 E-mail customerservices@NMR.co.uk www.isubscribe.co.uk

AB Vista......................................................26 ALH Genetics..............................................35 Alltech........................................................36 Ambic.........................................................48 Ancotec......................................................16 Avoncroft/Thompsons................................51 Batchelor Enterprises Ltd.............................28 Bekina........................................................28 Biotal..........................................................15 Birdgard......................................................34 Boehringer-Ingelheim.................................52 Boer Housing Systems Ltd, De..............26, 41 Bonanza.....................................................17 Boumatic....................................................41 Cogent.......................................................27 CosiCalf......................................................21 Crossgates..................................................16 CowAlert....................................................40 CowCare Systems.........................................6 Cow Comfort.............................................48

CowManagement.................................21, 34 Cowsfeet......................................................6 Deosan.......................................................35 DP Agri Ltd...................................................4 Enviro Systems............................................48 Farmplus.....................................................48 Fullwood....................................................44 Lallemand...................................................11 Moore Concrete.........................................16 NMR......................................................2, 24 Platts..........................................................21 Merlin Unwin Books...................................21 Micron Bio-Systems....................................26 Semex........................................................49 Spinder.......................................................48 VDK...........................................................41 Vervaeke....................................................34 Vétoquinol....................................................7 Westpoint...................................................34

Advertisements Julia Hughes, NMR. Phone 01249 467224 Willem Gemmink, Froukje Visser P.O. Box 454, 6800 AL Arnhem, The Netherlands, Fax 0031 26 38 98 824 E-mail willem.gemmink@crv4all.com

Illustrations/pictures Photographs by Veeteelt Photography, Eric Elbers (5), Judy Mainwaring (10), Mike Norton (12), Alex Arkink (39) and Becky Mills (46, 47).

Disclaimer CowManagement does not necessarily share the views expressed by contributors. No responsibility is accepted for the claims made by advertisers. No responsibility can be accepted by CRV Holding BV for the opinions expressed by contributors. While every effort is made to obtain reliable and accurate information, liability cannot be accepted for errors. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system without the express prior written consent of the publisher.

COMING UP

C o w h ealt h sp ecial December (December 4) – In this year’s final issue we’ll feature our annual cow health special.

We’ll also take a look at producing A2 milk and there will be a refresher article on handling and thawing bull semen.

Printer Classic Printing Phone 01452 731539 ISSN 1570-5641

50

c owmanagement

CM07_Contacts 50

OCTO BER/N O VE MB E R

2 0 1 2

12-10-2012 11:17:04