Cowmanagement november 2015

V O LU M E 13 N O 7 N O VE MBE R 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

M E A S URIN G E M IS S IO N S

C A LF REA RIN G

LO N G - LIFE COWS

Carbon-footprint link to herd efficiency

Maximise growth and keep costs in check

Tips on breeding for improved longevity

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CO NTENT

FEATURES

Cow Talk Overalls off: first responder Roger Evans CRV Avoncroft Breeding Information ForFarmers Nutritional News/ Thompsons Nutritional News 45 Business basics: investment 47 NMR Dairy Management News 50 Events and contacts 5 12 20 37 41

REPORT

14 Managing a large herd on a new unit is a dream come true FEEDING

16 Falling average birth weight demands lower feed rates/Extra litres, but at what cost?

HEALTH

34 Cow collars are about more than simply monitoring activity

Nick Sercombe “We’ve finally realised our dairying dream” 14

Editor Rachael Porter Next generation

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his issue contains our annual calf rearing special, which always proves popular in our independent surveys.

And readers should be pleased with this year’s offering, which comprises features on how to increase heifer rearing efficiency and maximise the return on the considerable investment made in growing replacement stock.

Starting on page 23, we’ve information about new tools and innovations that can help monitor and improve calf growth rates, as well as an article on liver fluke and the impact that the parasite can have on achieving that allimportant 24-month target for age at first calving.

A recent study has also shown that calf birth weights may be lower than they were just a few years ago on some units – particularly those that are cross breeding. So it may be prudent to check your calf weights and ensure that you’re not overfeeding your young calves.

Sticking with the next generation – this time of the dairy producer variety –

we have an inspiring story, on page 14, about a young couple who finally have a firm footing on the dairying ladder. And they’re managing and milking some of their own cows, as part of a larger herd, on an impressive new unit.

Investing in new facilities may seem extravagant in this tough and volatile economic climate, but one business consultant says that it could make sound business sense on some units.

Not only could targeted investment help to reduce costs, but now may also be an ideal time to get a good deal from local suppliers and tradesmen. See page 45 to find out more.

Roger Evans offers some sobering food for thought on dairy unit security, as well as his views on ‘extreme vegans’, on page 20.

And we’ve an inspiring ‘Overalls off’ star – a Cumbria-based first responder – on page 12. Find out more about his invaluable life-saving role and see if it motivates you to try to set aside some time to volunteer.

Main article Carbon footprints

Special Calf rearing

Breeding Longevity

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Assessing herd emissions identifies where cost savings can be made

Measuring growth and controlling parasites are key to efficient heifer rearing

Breeding long-life cows is essential to dairy business sustainability

COW MAN AG E ME N T

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C O W

TA L K

Take action now to get ahead Face the reality of global markets – and the price volatility that goes with them. That was the message to delegates from independent agricultural economist Sean Rickard, speaking at the Organic Milk Suppliers Co-operative conference in October.

The ‘Positive Dairying: winning in a global marketplace’ event saw producers, industry leaders and stakeholders pack the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham to listen to a range of speakers delivering their opinions on the future of UK dairying.

Mr Rickard focused on the future options for those in this sector. “UK dairy farming is now part of a global industry and is, therefore, subject to the vicissitudes of short-term shocks to global markets, and longer-term global trends,” he said.

“Even relatively small mismatches between supply and demand lead to

Sean Rickard

large fluctuations in price. Surviving producers must learn to cope with greater volatility.

“The dairy industry needs a new mindset and not only to deal with shortterm volatility, but also to rise to the longer-term global opportunities and sustainability challenges,” he explained.

He added that individual producers have four options: “The first is to leave the

industry. The second is to adjust by increasing productivity and/or increasing returns, which is obviously only an option where the farm has the scope and ability to improve.

“Thirdly, they can adopt a ‘buffer capability’ strategy whereby they are able to weather an input or output price shock without substantial change. Or, a fourth option is to make a radical change by investing in horizontal or vertical diversification, but this is high risk and, in truth, only a few will succeed here.

“Worldwide, the underlying trend in demand for dairy products is expected to rise at a rate of 2% per year and the removal of EU quotas gives the UK dairy industry an opportunity.

“Remember, we have some of the best dairy dairies in the world,” he concluded.

“This gives us enormous opportunities.

Let’s take action now to get ahead.”

Added sugars will be essential this winter Producers looking to maximise milk from forage this winter are being warned to ensure that rations include a minimum of 5% added sugars and that they don’t exceed a 3:1 ratio of starch-to-sugar.

“Cereals may be cheap this year, but over relying on starch to supply fermentable energy risks triggering sub-acute ruminal acidosis,” said KW nutritionist Mark Scott. “Sugars reduce that risk, and are essential to drive microbial breakdown of forage fibre in the rumen and capture the rapidly available protein in grass silages.

“But the residual sugars in preserved

forages aren’t particularly accessible, so extra sugars are needed or the rate and extent of fibre digestion won’t be as great, and milk-from-forage will be reduced.”

Trouw Nutrition data shows that firstcut silages averaged 68% digestibility this year, yet it only takes a reduction of between 4% and 5% in forage digestibility, from imbalanced energy supply in the rumen, to cut that to 65%.

“Make the most of forage by keeping available sugar levels above that 5% threshold,” Mr Scott adds. “That typically means adding around 2.5kg per cow per

day of a high sugar molasses-based liquid feed, such as cane molasses, or around 6kg of a highly cost-effective whey permeate-based feed, like LactoBoost.”

Still time to spray grassland weeds There is still time to spray weeds like docks and dandelions and buttercups in grass fields – but only just. Treating them now will save a job early next year, when there are plenty of other tasks to do and opportunities can be limited if spring comes late.

“This is quite a good time to spray translocated products on grassland – as long as temperatures hold up and weeds are leafy and actively growing,” says Dow AgroSciences’ Brent Gibbon.

“It is also important to have at least

seven days of relatively mild weather after application, to allow the herbicide to work fully. Take note of the weather forecast before getting the sprayer out or phoning the contractor.

“The odd frosty night during a fine week should not be a problem – but once there is a run of two or three consecutive frosts, weeds will stop growing and it will be too late to spray,” he adds. “It is essential that the leaves are dry when treated, so do not spray after or just before rain.”

Docks in fields that had final cuts of silage taken a few weeks ago are now at the perfect rosette stage for spraying, as are any thistles that were topped in late summer. “But it is not worth spraying old and tatty weeds, like docks with leaves made threadbare from disease or insect attack.

“And be aware that some products, such as Thistlex and PastorPro, must not be used after 31 October, although others like DoxstarPro and Forefront T can be used after this date.”

COW MAN AG E ME N T

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A RT I C L E

Channel Island Jersey producers be nefit

Footprint focus im pr As the squeeze on milk price continues, producers could be forgiven for placing their herd’s carbon footprint low on their list of priorities. But assessing herd emissions can also identify where financial savings can be made. text David Butler

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he Jersey cow’s ability to turn grass into high quality milk – up to 20% higher in protein and calcium than that produced by other breeds – certainly contributes to its status as the second most popular dairy breed in the world, after the Holstein.

But for the focused group of Jersey dairy producers on the Channel Island, which gave the cow its name more than 400 years ago, the challenge of producing milk as efficiently as possible is exactly the same as for any other producer.

“The island herd is able to maintain an outstandingly high health status – Jersey is officially free from bovine TB, brucellosis and EBL, BVD, IBR and leptospirosis,” says Andrew le Gallais, one of the island’s producers and chairman of Jersey Dairy, the farmer-owned processor co-operative.

“But our costs of production is high relative to herds on the mainland and to be able to continue to milk Jerseys profitably and sustainably we must manage our units as efficiently as possible,” Jersey Dairy processes more than 250,000 litres of milk every week and produces a range of luxury dairy products, including long-life milk, cream, butter, cheese, ice cream and yoghurt. These are supplied both locally and exported to high-value developing world markets, such as China.

“All our products have a unique and very clear provenance and a strong brand image, but like any other producers we must continually strive to keep our production costs as low as possible,” adds Andrew.

Carbon-footprint assessments To help its producers identify opportunities to improve efficiency, Jersey Dairy recently commissioned Alltech E-CO2 to undertake carbon footprint assessments for each of its 21 producer suppliers. Industry research shows that the most efficient dairy herds are those with the lowest carbon footprint.

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s be nefit from carbon emission analysis

m proves efficiency Channel-Island breed: Jersey Dairy commissioned carbon-footprint assessments for each of its producer suppliers

“The Swift-EA environmental assessments consistently highlight areas where producers can often make significant financial savings,” says Alltech E-CO2’s Victoria Roberts.

“With 80% of the carbon emissions associated with the production of a litre of milk coming from the dairy unit, there’s plenty to work with. However, many producers assume that any move to reduce their carbon footprint is bound to add cost. But, actually, the opposite is true.”

Ms Roberts explains that a unit’s carbon footprint is the total volume of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused directly or indirectly by that farm divided by the output generated in the same period.

“The dairy unit’s carbon footprint quantifies the emissions of the three major GHGs relating to the unit’s output before it leaves the farm gate.”

The gasses produced are carbon dioxide (CO2), from fossil fuel combustion for example; nitrous oxide (N20), from the degradation of crop residue and nutrients in the soil; and methane (CH4), from rumen fermentation and waste and manure management.

The 21 unit assessments revealed a significant variation in the carbon emissions of the Jersey dairy herds on the island. The carbon footprints ranged from 2.32kg CO2 emitted per litre of milk produced to 1.105kg CO2 emitted per litre, with the weighted average carbon footprint for the whole group equating to 1.183kg CO2 emitted per litre (FPCM).

“And, interestingly, the herd with the largest carbon footprint had a very low milk yield, which means the farm inputs and cow enteric emissions – which represent around 40% of total dairy farm GHG emissions – are being offset against much fewer litres of milk than the average farm, which was producing 5,432 litres per cow.”

Financial benefits Once in possession of the basic carbon footprint analysis, using Alltech E-CO2’s Dairy ‘What If ?’

Tool allows the Jersey Dairy suppliers to examine the effects and potential financial benefits of different management decisions. Following the input of basic data including herd size and average cow liveweight and milk price received, the tool then asks for yield, culling, fertility, calving interval, feed regime and crop/resource use information.

It incorporates a dashboard-style presentation of current carbon emissions per litre of milk produced and the potential ‘what if’ implications – and the financial impact – of different management changes.

COW MAN AG E ME N T

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Land spread and island-production challenges For Rob Perchard, who runs 260 cows plus followers at La Ferme in St Martin and supplies milk to Jersey Dairy, it’s absolutely crucial that he manages his fragmented land block as efficiently and sustainably as possible.

“We own around 40 hectares with only 25 hectares based around the unit, but because of a beneficial historical association with the Jersey Royal potato company we do have access to additional ground after their crop has been lifted in May,” he explains. “This allows us to sow maize on this ground and even the occasional crop of grass. But it does mean that our fields are spread around the island and that there are always going to be restrictions on our ability of be efficient.”

Fortunately, producers on Jersey have been able to import international pure Jersey bull semen since 2008 and this means the Perchards have been able to

“For example, we know that by improving the health of the rumen and the cow, more milk will be produced while at the same time lowering methane emissions. And healthy cows live longer, lowering culling and replacement rates,” says Ms Roberts.

“Emissions spread across a short milking life are very inefficient, whereas if they can be spread across more lactations you help to offset the emissions produced during the unproductive rearing period.

Cost savings All these factors boost your on-farm efficiency and potential profitability, while at the same time reducing your environmental impact.”

The tool shows that increasing the average milk yield to that achieved by the top 20% of units on the island would

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produce more milk from fewer cows.

“During the past few years we have been able to increase output thanks to the use of better genetics. Previously we had been hitting a 5,000-litre annual herd average ceiling, but now the herd is yielding 6,300 litres and production is still rising. So as long as we have the quota available we are more efficient than we were.”

With both government and consumer support that values the Jersey cow heritage on the island – and therefore relative acceptance of a premium price for the high value milk he produces – Mr Perchard recognises he is in a stronger position than many mainland UK producers. However, in common with other producers on Jersey, his cost of production is high.

“It’s more than 40ppl and this is largely due to our fragmented land base, as well as competition from the potato

save £440 per cow per year. In addition, more significant savings could be achieved by reducing average cow culling and feed rates.

“For example, cutting the average culling rate of 19% to 17% would save a herd £3,393. And by reducing the average herd feeding rate of 0.33kg per litre to a target of 0.3kg per litre – well within reach of this group of suppliers – an extra £7,402 per million litres of milk could be found,” says Ms Roberts.

She adds that if the herd with the highest calving interval (455 days) could reduce it to that of the farm with the lowest interval (365 days), this unit could save £15,477.

Alltech E-CO2 is also able to advise the group on a raft of additional savings, identifying more efficient fuel, electricity and fertiliser use as key targets.

“Diesel fuel use for the group is actually

Rob Perchard: “Production costs are high”

and horticultural sectors that drives up rents. Most inputs have to be brought onto the island, which is also costly.

“Our fields are also small and, invariably, a few miles apart and we have to cart water and slurry to pastures that are a significant distance away. So any initiative that helps us to identify opportunities to be more efficient has to be welcomed,” Mr Perchard adds.

good at 75 litres per herd, but a 10-litre reduction could unlock another £1,000 per cow. More regular maintenance of farm machinery, changing oil frequently, removing unnecessary weight and keeping types well inflated and balanced will help kit to last longer and reduce fuel consumption.”

On the other hand, the average electricity use within the group was high at 0.106kWh per litre. Cleaning light fittings, bulbs and fans so that they perform at optimum levels, can make a significant difference and further reduce a unit’s carbon footprint.

And the average nitrogen applied for the group was 120kg/ha. “The top 20% carbon performing units are around half that meaning that another £3,000 could be saved here through precision fertiliser application or the use of natural alternatives,” adds Ms Roberts. l

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O V E R A L L S

Name: Location: Herd size: Voluntary role:

O F F

James Robinson Cumbria 125 cows First responder

James Robinson: “If someone is having a cardiac arrest, every minute counts”

Vital minutes text Rachael Porter

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flyer brought home from school by his children five years ago was the start of Kendal-based producer James Robinson’s journey to becoming a fully trained first responder. “It was asking for volunteers to join the local Endmoor and District First Responders and I thought it was a good idea, particularly in an area that’s large but sparsely populated. Knowing that such a group existed made me a feel a little bit safer, but I also saw it as an opportunity to learn some new – and life saving – skills and to give something back to the community.”

So began the application process, followed by two months of training – just a few hours each week that he fitted in around his duties on his family’s 125-cow pedigree Dairy Shorthorn organic unit.

“Basically it was an intensive first-aid course, plus a bit more.

Our role is to respond to life-threatening medical emergencies that require an immediate response. In some more remote areas of Cumbria it can take paramedics a while to get to a patient. So our role is to be able to respond first and offer medical assistance while the paramedics are on their way. It’s very much about speed and saving lives.”

James says that if someone has a cardiac arrest, every minute counts. “For each minute they go without help, their chance of survival falls by 10%. So those first few minutes really are crucial.”

All first responders are equipped with a pager, which alerts them instantly to an emergency and its nature. “For example, it may say that there’s a 50-year-old female with left-side chest pain – signs of a possible heart attack. And we only need to press one button to say we’re on our way.”

Equipped with oxygen and a defibrillator, James will drop everything and jump into his vehicle – particularly if it’s just minutes away. “If it’s at the other side of the area we cover and I’m in the middle of milking or calving a cow, I may press the ‘cannot attend’ button. There will be other first responders who are much closer to the casualty. If it’s close by, I’ll just go – the cows can wait if it’s a matter of life or death,” he says.

James ‘responded’ more than 100 times in 2014 and has been on 50 ‘shouts’ so far this year. “It’s all voluntary and part of our role is also to fund raise for the service, which is part of the North West Ambulance Service,” he explains.

Training is also on-going. It’s vital to stay up to date and there are also annual re-assessments too. That said, he said that anyone can use a defibrillator. “Don’t be afraid to use one if you think someone is having a cardiac arrest. They deliver verbal instructions and talk you through what you need to do. If someone is having a cardiac arrest and you do nothing then they will die. So don’t be afraid to have a go!”

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H E R D

R E P O RT

Managing a large herd on a new unit realises couple’s dairy dream

The very best of both worlds

Nick Sercombe Nick and his wife Louisa are finally realising their decade-long dream of milking their own cows – with the added bonus of doing it on a state-ofthe-art dairy unit.

Herd size: Average yield: Unit size: Planned expansion:

Lutterworth

A 10-year wait to get a firm foothold on the dairying ladder has finally paid off for one Leicestershire-based couple, who are now

300 9,000 litres 445 hectares Up to 600+ cows

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eing named runner up in Promar’s Milkminder Manager of the year competition – and also being highly commended at this year’s Cream Awards – are the icing on the cake for producer Nick Sercombe.

He’s farm manager at Knaptoft Hall Farm, near Lutterworth in Leicestershire, and is charged with looking after the Hall

managing a unit that’s bigger and better equipped than they every dreamed. We spoke to them to find out more. text Rachael Porter

family’s recently expanded herd. Nick’s wife, Louisa, has recently given up her job as a Promar farm business secretary to join him at the unit and will take on responsibility for calf rearing.

“And I can’t wait – we’ve been waiting a long time for this. We’re finally realising our dream of managing a dairy business together,” she says.

The couple’s dream was to run their own herd, possibly on a county council holding. They’ve had a few cows of their own since 2005, mainly Jerseys and Holstein Friesians that they liked to show, which were run at Nick’s brother’s dairy unit near Melton Mowbray. Numbers had expanded to 60 by 2010 and by 2012 they had started to lose hope of finding a

Cow house: sand-bedded cubicles offer improved cow comfort

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Feed-fence design: self-locking yokes also help when managing a large herd

New rotary: 50-point parlour

tenancy. They’d decided to wait for just 12 more months and, if unable to secure one, to sell the herd.

But then their luck turned in 2013. Louisa was contracted to carry out some farm secretarial work for Knaptoft Hall Farm and was told that the business was looking for a new manager. “So I mentioned it to Nick,” she says. “And he decided to apply.

He beat 50 other applicants and got the job. It felt right – like it was meant to be.”

That was in October 2013 and the good fortune continued – the couple were also able to take their cows with them. Neville Hall bought some of the Sercombe’s herd – they contributed to the herd’s expansion from 240 cows to today’s 300 head.

“But we also kept ownership of some cows. It’s great to be able to continue with our pedigree prefix, particularly because we enjoy showing and taking part in herd competitions.

“And we also have the opportunity to manage them on one of the newest and best equipped unit’s in the UK,” explains Nick.

Improved cow comfort has certainly made a difference, according to Louisa.

“The old cubicles were built in the 1960s and they were so short that even I couldn’t lie down in them,” she says.

The herd is calved all year round and managed – and split – into four groups: high and low yielders, freshly calved cows and heifers. “Come the spring, I think we’ll turn out the low yielding group and the far-off dry cows to grass, but the other groups will remain inside and fed a TMR. It gives us more control over their ration,” says Nick.

New facilities The dairy unit is, indeed, brand new. A 50-point Dairymaster rotary parlour and sand-bedded cubicle housing for up to 500 cows was built on green land in 2014/2015.

It replaces the 445-hectare farm’s existing and somewhat dilapidated facilities.

The herd was moved to the new set up on

September 21, 2015. “It’s been extremely exciting and the cows were very quick to adapt to the new parlour,” says Nick.

“I haven’t milked cows for eight years and I never really liked it,” adds Louise. “But milking in the rotary is a pleasure. There’s no stress – for the cows or the milkers – and it’s quiet and easy to operate.”

The collecting yard has a backing gate with a scraper on it – Louisa says that this is a UK first. And the cows are happy to come in to be milked: “They seem to enjoy a little trip on the roundabout!”

It’s also quick. It was taking four hours to milk the herd through the old 24:12 herringbone parlour, but now it takes just 80 minutes.

Nick had hand in the new site’s design and says that he’s always preferred rotary parlours, particularly for larger herds.

“We have plans to increase cow numbers to 650 cows and the new parlour can easily handle a herd of that size. It is capable of milking 230 cows per hour.

And the housing has also been designed and positioned so that it can be easily expanded when cow numbers increase.

Yields increased when Nick took over the management of the herd – from around 7,000 litres to 9,000 litres, at 4.05% butterfat and 3.50% protein.

“Individual cows are averaging 34 litres a day at the moment and we’ve certainly seen a few extra litres since moving to the new set up.”

Free rein The TMR comprises maize, wholecrop and grass silages plus a blend and provides the high yielding group with maintenance plus 30 litres. Individuals are topped up to yield with concentrates fed at a rate of 0.4kg/litre.

With the free rein that Nick has to run the herd his way, and multimillion-pound facilities to do it with, it’s little wonder that he and Louisa no longer have a hankering to run their own unit.

“In many ways we already are,” says Nick.

“It’s just like having our own unit. I have daily meetings with Neville, but he trusts me to make key decisions. We also have a regular salary and fewer financial worries than we would if this were our own business. We’re doing what we love – what more is there to say?” l

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F E E D I N G

Falling average birth weight of Holstein heifer calves demands lower feed rates

Are you overfeeding your new borns?

A study showing a decline in the average weight of heifer calves at birth could result in producers inadvertently restricting calf growth by failing to adjust feed rates. We spoke to a calf nutritionist and a producer to find out more. text Lauren Chambers

T

he average birth weight of a Holstein heifer calf has fallen by 15kg during the past three years, according to a study carried out by feed manufacturer ForFarmers. Figures show a drop in average birth weight from 51kg in 2012, to 36kg in 2015. There are several reasons behind the decline, which is due to changes in herd genetics. There is an

Birth weights of Holstein calves have declined in recent years

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increased use of easy-calving sires and cross breeding, as well as rise in the use of sexed semen, which is leading to more heifers giving birth to heifers. All these factors are contributing to lower birth weights.

And, in response to these findings, producers need to ensure they are reducing initial calf milk feeding rates accordingly. “The rule of thumb is to feed the equivalent of 5% of the calf’s body weight for the first 10 days of life, as this matches the capacity of the calf’s abomasum,” explains ForFarmers’ young stock specialist Rachael Kennerley, who led the study.

“Failing to reduce the amount of milk fed per feed, based on lower birth weights, can result in overfeeding and this negatively impacts calf health due to excess milk spilling over from the abomasum into the rumen and can also compromise the calf’s longer term growth.

“Once in the rumen, excess milk ferments and produces VFAs and lactic acid. These significantly reduce the calf’s rumen pH,” she explains.

“This, in turn, can result in rumen acidosis, with scouring, bloat and reduced feed intake being just some of the shortterm consequences. In the longer term, this over feeding can also result in calves suffering from impaired growth, inflammation of the stomach lining and increased susceptibility to illness.”

Feeding requirements The figures suggest that the average 36-kilogramme calf should be restricted to 1.8litre feeds from birth, compared to the 51-kilogramme calf that could safely consume 2.5-litre feeds just three years ago. These changes mean that extra care must be taken when feeding protocols are put in place.

Ensuring that feed rates are right early on can also help avoid problems later with weaning. At weaning calves are traditionally grouped according to age, but if smaller and lighter calves have not been identified and fed appropriately early on, by weaning time they will be significantly behind their target weight and at increased risk of bullying from bigger calves. This will also result in low feed intakes and slower growth rates.

For producers looking to maximise early growth rates and secure the long-term performance of their calves, it is vital to recognise this changing calf-weight trend and respond accordingly. “Even within individual units there can be a

Adam Challoner: “Calves are weighed at birth and fed accordingly”

Rachael Kennerley: “Overfeeding can compromise calf health”

large variation in calf birth weights, with the study showing a range of between 26kg and 47kg on a single unit,” says Miss Kennerley. “Producers are, therefore, encouraged to treat calves as individuals and alter feed levels appropriately, rather than sticking to more general feeding plans.”

The company’s study showed results for Holstein Heifer calves, but with more units looking at reducing cow size through genetics and cross breeding, one Cheshire-based unit is putting the information into practice with their Holstein Friesian cross-bred herd.

Father-and-son partnership, David and Adam Challoner, run their 200-cow herd at New Pale Farm in Manley, Cheshire.

The unit follows a twin block-calving system, with one group calving early, between January and April, and the second between August and October.

The calving system was initially set up because it gave heifers a ‘second chance’ if they weren’t big enough to serve for 24-month-old calving. But the focus on heifer rearing during the past few years has helped to ensure that heifers are big enough to serve from 13.5 months of age, so they remain within their block, and avoid unnecessary costs by running into the next block and calving at 30 months old or older.

The family has been working with Miss Kennerley on all aspects of heifer rearing since August 2013 and is seeing great progress following changes to the unit’s calf weighing and feeding regimes.

within the herd. By knowing the average birth weight, which is around 35kg, Miss Kennerley and Adam have been able to work together to tailor the calf diet to make sure the correct amount of milk is being fed. The aim of early feeding is to double birth weight by eight weeks of age and this equates to a daily live weight gain (DLWG) of 0.63kg.

One of the most significant changes to the unit’s young stock management has been the introduction of milk replacer.

Accurate records Adam now weighs calves at birth to get an accurate record of weights. This is particularly important because the cross-bred calves on the unit are smaller at birth than a typical Holstein calf. There is also a large variation in birth weights due to the variety of different crosses

Individual feeding Calves were previously bucket fed with waste milk, but Adam now uses ForFarmers’ VitaMilk calf milk replacer, fed using a group teat feeder. “We split the calves into pens of six, according to their age and weight, and invested in teat feeders and a tub mixer,” he explains.

“The powder is easy to handle and the teat feeders are a much simpler way to feed the calves. The group feeders also have individual compartments for each calf to ensure that the slower drinkers get all their milk, and the faster drinkers don’t get too much.”

With the calves being smaller than a more typical black-and-white calf, they start on four litres per day of milk replacer based on their birth weight.

“As the feed rate is quite low, it is fed at a higher concentration – 16% – to get as much energy into the calves as possible,” explains Miss Kennerley.

The unit’s latest spring-born heifers are doing well and achieved an average DLWG of 0.78kg, which is slightly above target. And more than 90% of them achieved their target weight. “Our aim is for heifers to calve and enter the milking herd by 24 months old and to ensure that they are big enough to perform well,” explains Adam. “We feel we are achieving this with well-fed heifers, but are also doing so in the most cost effective way.” l

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Shropshire-based dairy producer and award-winning columnist Roger Evans tells a shocking story of vandalism that will drive even the most trusting producers out to buy a few new padlocks.

Vegan vandals D

o you lock the door of your dairy every night? Of course you do.

What about your medicine cabinet? Oh, that too? Well done. Or is it only done when your farm assurance visit is due?

When your farm assurance visit is due, do you have to dash off to your local supplier to buy two new padlocks because you use the two that you have so rarely that you can’t remember where they are?

Although farm theft is apparently on the rise, most of us come from a background where we trusted that everything was fairly safe. But times change and we have had to move into a world that has to lock things up – and remove keys! That is because of straightforward theft.

But have you ever thought about sabotage?

I’ve heard about a couple of dairy herds that have been deliberately let out onto roads, but of most concern was the story I heard of a farm that had its dairy seriously trashed.

As far as I know nothing was taken, but the damage was extensive.

All the management records were destroyed beyond recognition, including all the service records.

Who would do such a thing? Well you don’t have to look far to work that out, because the people responsible for the vandalism couldn’t resist leaving their calling card daubed on the dairy walls. ‘Milking cows is cruel’, or words to that effect, is the unmistakable calling card of vegans.

Vegans intrigue me. If someone wants to adopt a vegan lifestyle I would not presume to have any problems with that. But for most vegans that does not suffice. They want everyone else to be vegan as well.

There are countless letters published in both national and local newspapers about animal welfare, or the lack of it. And, if you read between the lines, they have a ‘vegan agenda’ behind them.

The vegan concept is embraced with the sort of evangelical zeal that years and years ago, sent knights to the crusades and now, apparently, sends people to trash dairies on farms. There is a sort of adage that says that people support these causes because they haven’t got a proper life of their own. And you have to wonder if there is not an element of truth in that.

But it seems that writing letters is just not enough for some and they have to stray into irresponsible and illegal activity. The implications for dairy producers are serious. What if they did break into your dairy and medicine cabinet? What if your afternoon milk was in the tank and they put some antibiotic in it? How would you know? You wouldn’t, would you? Well, not until the dairy gave you a ring the next day.

Dairy producers have a tough life – it’s diffiuclt enough without crap milk prices – but I’ve never tried to come over as a victim. But it would be quite easy to think that life keeps chipping away at us. Whether it’s a reduced single farm payment or the coursers who are after my beloved hares, we mustn’t let the buggers beat us.

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Feeding strategies: measuring growth is key to efficient heifer rearing. Page 24 Liver fluke: protecting and treating young stock can pay dividends. Page 26 What’s new? We highlight some of the latest products and innovations. Page 28

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Make measuring your mantra and improve replacement rearing efficiency

‘Model’ heifer rearing can improve performance How precise is your calf and heifer rearing management? And could your bottom line benefit from a more measured approach to young stock feeding? We spoke to a leading calf rearing expert and a producer to find out more. text Karen Wright

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‘M

anage what you can measure’ is Jim Quigley’s mantra when it comes to calf and heifer rearing.

Cargill’s technical research manager says that it is impossible for producers to make a good job of heifer rearing with limited information.

“Using the ‘eyeball’ method – for example just noting that ‘she looks big enough’ – might work sometimes, but it’s pretty hit and miss,” says Dr Quigley.

“So often the extent of data recording on heifer rearing units is nothing more than a mark on the post, noting heifer heights.”

He says that better heifer feeding and rearing protocols are the way forward.

“This is key to improving dairy herd efficiency. There’s too much money left on the table as a result of poor feeding and management decisions from birth until calving.”

Gene expression Justifying his call for improved young stock rearing, Dr Quigley refers to data that shows that pre-weaning gain can alter gene expression. “Heifers will produce more milk in their first lactation and work has shown that every kilogramme of average pre-weaning daily weight gain resulted in an extra 850kg of milk in the heifer’s first lactation.

“Age at first calving, rearing costs and first lactation yield are all good indications of heifer rearing efficiency,” he adds. “For example, trials have shown that heifers should achieve 75% or more of the milk yield of mature cows in the herd. We also know that small heifers eat less, produce less milk and leave the herd earlier.

“And first lactation and lifetime milk production are optimised in heifers calving at between 22 and 24 months old. Heifers calving outside this range are associated with higher rearing costs, health problems, increased culling and lower lifetime profit.”

Dr Quigley acknowledges that achieving the optimum age at first calving is management intensive. “But if producers take advantage of defined targets and monitor progress they can see where they’re going. And using models to simulate the growth of young stock – from birth through to calving – will mean that they can see the impact that changes in management might have on their rearing system” Cargill is already seeing the benefits of its Calf and Heifer Growth Prediction

System (GPS) on farms in the Netherlands, France and the US and more recently on UK units. These units can see the effects of changes on parameters like growth rates, efficiency and the economic costs of the heifer rearing programme.

Estimates – or predictions – are based on the animal, environment and ration details. “It takes account of data such as body weight, condition, age as well as the season, ambient temperature and grazing topography, plus all dietary details from dry matter, energy, protein concentrations to vitamins and minerals and the feeding methods used,” explains Dr Quigley.

“From this, the model can estimate intakes and total feed cost,” he adds. “It will predict growth and, by changing parameters, producers can see the effect on performance and profitability of changes in feeding, management and factors including weaning and age at first calving.”

He says that using a model to predict rearing costs and monitor performance at each growth stage is giving heifer rearers the confidence they need to alter rations and improve diets that will help to achieve their targets.

“It can calculate the value of the heifers and make sure they are worth more than their rearing costs. And, even if it’s not this extreme, it may show that improving the diet and adding a small cost at some stage in the programme actually reduces the overall rearing period and total rearing costs. Most importantly producers can use it to identify gaps in their heifer-rearing programme and improve management.”

Growth rates Devon-based producer Jack Elliot is modifying his calf diets and management in a quest to calve mature, well-grown heifers at 24 months old, or less. As part of this, he’s using Cargill’s GPS to help him achieve higher growth rates, particularly in the pre-weaning phase.

“At the moment we’re calving heifers at 26 months old,” says Jack, who has increased cow numbers during the past five years from 120 to 250 at Hunshaw Farm, Little Torrington.

Output has increased too, with average yield standing at 10,500 litres on threetimes-a-day milking. “Calving at between 22 and 24 months old will reduce rearing costs and free up space,” he adds. “But we need to make sure we’re achieving growth targets cost effectively.”

Jack Elliot: “Growth must be cost effective”

Cargill’s calf and heifer specialist Bianca Theeruth has used Jack’s data and management criteria in the GPS to predict the increase in growth rates that could be achieved by increasing milk replacer from the current 600g/day fed in two feeds from day three to five weeks old, then halving rates and feeding once a day in week six prior to weaning.

“The pre-weaning phase is the most efficient for daily live-weight gain and we want to capitalise and make sure the gain is not lost post-weaning,” she says.

“So we looked at the effect of increasing milk replacer under the same feeding system and maintaining starter feed to appetite and straw. The target on his unit is to double calf birth weights in 60 days and keep to a six-week weaning system. Achieving this, and by maintaining post weaning growth rates, Jack should see bulling heifers reach between 55% and 60% of their mature body weight at between 13 and 15 months old – about 375kg.”

Using the GPS predictions and keeping other feeds the same, Jack has increased milk replacer feeding to 680g of powder for the first five weeks, then 340g in week six. The model predicts an increase in daily live weight gain from 590g a day to 620g.

The model also predicts post weaning growth rates of 820g a day that gives an average rate of 720g a day during the first three months of life. Progress so far has been good and Jack has seen actual growth rates match the predictions.

“We’re not seeing any checks in growth at weaning either,” adds Jack. “After five years of focussing on the milking herd, we’re now improving heifer rearing through more accurate feeding, monitoring – including regular weighing – and management.” l

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Protect heifers from liver fluke to optimise age at first calving

Protect your investment Preventing and controlling liver fluke in young stock will not only safeguard heifer growth and fertility, but can also serve to protect milking herd productivity. We spoke to one of the UK’s leading cattle vets to find out more. text Rachael Porter

M

ore producers should be checking to see if cattle parasites pose a potential threat to the efficiency and profitability of their herd. Liver fluke infestation, in particular, can impact on heifer growth rates, as well as fertility. And mature cows can

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also experience a reduction in milk yield and fertility – both of which can make a serious dent in the business’ bottom line, if they’re infected with liver fluke.

Bulk milk antibody tests (ELISA) performed by NML during the past 12 months have identified that, of the

samples taken, 43% of herds have been exposed to liver fluke. And, with liver fluke reported to cost the agricultural industry £300 million a year and having an economically significant effect on milk yields, managing the infection in young stock could have significant benefits to long-term dairy herd performance.

So, what is ‘best practice’ advice on preventing liver fluke in young stock – and treating any infected cattle – to help reduce the associated costs of the disease and maximise margins?

“The key here is to achieve good levels of fluke control in young stock, so they enter the milking herd free of infection,” says vet Andy Forbes, who is Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow’s

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School of Veterinary Medicine and also a technical representative of the industry stewardship organisation COWS (Control of Cattle Worms). This is an industryled steering group, which promotes sustainable control strategies for managing cattle parasites.

“Not only will controlling liver fluke in heifers help to ensure that the milking herd’s performance is not affected by the disease, it also avoids the issue of managing flukicide milk withdrawal periods,” he explains. There are currently no zero-milk-withdrawal period products licenced for use on dairy cows, so controlling the parasite in lactating animals can be tricky.

A typical sign of liver fluke is a drop in milk yield. It may only be a slight decrease in some instances, but liver fluke costs the UK dairy industry £5.8m each year in lost production alone. And as its name suggests, liver fluke can also cause severe damage to the cow’s liver and this can also have a knock on – and

costly – effect on fertility. And it’s no longer a parasite that’s confined to the wetter parts of the UK. Even the drier eastern regions are seeing cases of the disease. Producers are advised to monitor their herds for liver fluke, by testing bulk milk for antibody levels and then, if levels are of concern, by looking for liver fluke eggs in cow faeces.

Milk withdrawal Dr Forbes says that if treatment is necessary, as is increasingly the case and even in areas that were traditionally too dry to allow the host snails to survive and thrive, then it can be difficult due to the required milk withdrawal following treatment. “One option is to administer flukicide routinely at drying off. But it’s not ideal. Treating the entire herd at the same time is preferable because this can have a substantial effect on the amount of larvae and eggs shed onto pasture and can help to control the parasite more effectively. But the ‘drying off’ dose does offer individual animals some protection.

As does preventing animals from grazing in, and close to, known wet areas where the snail hosts live.”

Monitoring heifers for signs of the parasite and treating accordingly will play a significant role in preventing a liver fluke problem in the milking herd later on. “Young stock are often grazed on ‘rougher’, wetter pasture – grassland that would be readily poached by larger milking cows. And yet it’s here that they could be more likely to come into contact with the snail host and ingest larvae,” says Dr Forbes.

“Think about where heifers are grazed, with a view to preventing infestation.”

Signs of liver fluke in heifers include a decline in expected growth rates and perhaps a reduced conception to first service rate. “Mature fluke migrate to the liver and can cause significant damage. Because the liver regulates the heifers’ hormonal balance, fertility can be compromised.”

If you think your heifers may have a liver fluke problem, he suggested a bulk milk ELISA test on the milking herd first: “If it’s not in the milking herd then it’s unlikely to be in the young stock, so that’s a good starting point.

“If the bulk milk test is positive and antibody levels are significant, a faecal egg count in the milking herd can further gauge the level of infestation and help determine the need for treatment. A faecal egg count test can be also be used to test heifers.

Andy Forbes: “Liver fluke infection in heifers can delay the onset of puberty”

“It’s vital to assess the heifers and treat them periodically – as and when necessary rather than routinely – to minimise the use of flukicides. The good news is that, when treating heifers, there’s no milk to withhold so they can be treated as a group and this offers better control of the parasite.

“Liver fluke infection can increase heifer age at puberty – a recently study showed a typical delay of at least a month. This can lead to later first service and push up the cost of rearing replacements.

“This can be felt particularly keenly in block-calving herds, where a delay in calving can significantly disrupt a tight – and efficient – calving pattern.

“For some herd, tackling the problem at heifer level will be sufficient to achieve good control. For others, routinely using a flukicide at drying off may be the best approach, but it won’t necessarily have an impact on pasture contamination and re-infestation,” says Dr Forbes.

Spring-calving ‘advantage’ “Spring-calving herds have an advantage here. The whole herd can be treated at drying off – typically around Christmas time – and because they’re all treated at once and usually housed then there’s only a small chance of them picking up a new infection. And there will be no eggs being passed out in the dung when they go out to pasture in the spring.”

Due to the complicated lifecycle of liver fluke and the issues surrounding milk withholding periods, Dr Forbes recommends that, if producers think they have a problem, they should talk to their vet for advice on how to best prevent and control it in their herd.

“This will not only safeguard heifer growth and milking cow productivity – and overall herd fertility – but it will also make sure that any flukicide treatments are both appropriate and effective.” l

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New kit and initiatives to help producers meet heifer growth targets

Maximise calf potential With such a glut of products and programmes, all designed to improve the efficiency of calf and heifer rearing, realising a 24-month target calving age should be in reach for all producers.

We highlight a few of the latest innovations. text Rachael Porter

Initiative keeps calf growth on track XLVets has launched an initiative designed to help producers check that calf growth rates, during the first eight weeks of life, are on track to ensure that they calve down, as heifers, at the target age of between 22 and 24 months old.

Called Calf Tracker, it is based on measuring and monitoring five key performance indicators: growth rate to weaning, total mortality, pneumonia rate, scour rate, and total protein level in the blood.

“To maximise lifetime production, the optimum age for first calving is between 22 and 24 months.

Calculating back, this means that heifer calves need to average growth rates of between 850g and 1kg per day, so that they can be served at between 13 and 15 months old. At this point they need to have reached 60% of their adult bodyweight,” explains Westmorland Veterinary Group’s Kirsty Ranson, heads up the XLVets steering group on the initiative.

“So a calf’s growth rate in the first eight weeks of life has a massive impact on its future performance.”

She adds that the aim of the initiative is to help producers to accelerate growth rates in young calves: “And to enjoy the benefits of getting heifers in-calf sooner. This not only reduces rearing costs, but also means financial returns will be gained sooner.”

Producers can access the initiative through their local XLVets’ vet practice and they will receive a starter pack to support their monitoring activities. This

includes a weigh band for measuring calves and a guidance sheet on how to calculate weights.

“By monitoring growth rates, producers and their vets can see whether calf performance is on track or whether investigations are needed into aspects of health and management to improve it. Poor growth could be the result of underfeed milk powder, disease, or cold weather,” says Miss Ranson.

“Another aspect to be assessed is how well antibodies are being transferred from the colostrum and conferring immunity to the calf. Vets will be taking blood samples from calves in their first week of life and measuring the total protein level.

They will look at the average as well as the variation, because these figures will flag up whether changes to colostrum management and feeding are needed.

“And with more than 40 XLVets practices offering the scheme, we will be compiling the data so that calf performance can be benchmarked within a practice, and also across our practices nationwide.”

Cold-weather pointers to maintain daily live-weight gain • Make sure every calf receives adequate quality colostrum • Step up energy intake – by increasing the amount of milk offered per day. Increasing the oil content of the milk replacer from 16% to 20% has a negligible effect on daily energy intake • Increase the level of milk solids by 100g per day for every 10°C temperature drop below 20°C to maintain growth rates.

• Reduce cold drafts and maintaining adequate ventilation.

• Install a system to drain moisture, where neccessary • Ensure bedding is kept clean and dry and provide plenty of deep straw bedding – it provides insulation and reduces body heat loss • Use calf jackets • Provide an external heat source close to calves

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Tool kit to maximise heifer potential A programme designed to help producers ‘grow’ more profitable cows has been launched by Volac.

Called Feed For Growth, it features a ‘road map’, accompanying calculator and comprehensive set of technical guides.

Feed For Growth allows producers to really focus on young stock management – from day one – to help ensure that heifer replacements calve between 23 and 25 months of age.

This is the optimum age, according to Royal Veterinary College research findings, that concluded that cattle lived longer, had fewer problems in later life and subsequently produced more milk per day throughout their life compared with heifers that calved at a later age.

The programme enables producers to create their own heifer rearing ‘road map’, which sets individual unit objectives and helps producers to track performance and continually review it. This allows then to check

that each animal is on target to reach puberty by nine months old, first service at between 13 and 14 months old and conception by 15 months of age. An on-line calculator sets growth targets and the level of feed required, while back up technical information offers advice on all three external influencing performance factors – environment, health and nutrition.

“Producers spend 20% of their total

annual farm investment on rearing replacements. But 22.5% of live-born heifers fail to make their first lactation and for the remainder ‘breakeven’ is not achieved until at least the middle of their second lactation,” says Volac’s Jackie Bradley.

“This ‘tool kit’ will enable producers to better understand, plan, manage and review, and ultimately maximise their herd’s untapped potential.”

Heatwave is forecast to increase growth rates Winner of the RABDF Livestock and Machinery Innovation award, at this year’s Livestock Event, the Pyon Products’ Heatwave Milkwarmer can feed up tot 30 calves and, according to the manufacturer, offers many benefits over cold milk feeding.

Not least are higher daily live weight gains and healthier stock, since warm milk is digested more efficienctly.

The company also claims that it’s hygienic, because the milk is stored cold – saves time and also reduces waste.

The system allows just one bulk reservoir of cold milk to be prepared each day. The milk is then heated just before being delivered to the teat, allowing the calf to access warm milk on multiple occasions during the day. This unique ‘once a day’ system makes milk available all day.

Not only will dairy heifers benefit, but bull calves will also develop faster, and can be ready for market a week earlier, according to the manufacturer. The system is available from Wynnstay and costs £385 plus VAT.

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Are you ready for winter?

Volac is reminding producers that falling temperatures mean that calves may require more milk in order to maintain growth rates and immune function.

To achieve targeted performance they will require additional feed and management.

Calves can grow at an average 0.8kg per day in their first few weeks under normal conditions if fed sufficient levels of milk – 900g of milk solids, alongside dry feed and water, that’s when the environmental temperature

ranges between 15°C and 25°C, what’s termed the thermoneutral zone.

During the first three weeks of life and when temperatures plummet to less than 15°C, they’ll start using energy from feed to keep warm. High risk calves – those that experienced a difficult birth and twins – are more vulnerable and will feel cold at higher temperatures. In fact daily energy requirements increase by up to 30% once the temperature drops below freezing.

By their fourth week, they’ll be more robust and won’t feel the cold until

about 0°C. However, high moisture levels and draughts will dramatically increase their susceptibility to cold stress. Draughts of just 5mph will make calves feel between 8°C and 10°C colder.

Cold stress results in energy being diverted from growth to maintaining body temperature. Consequently growth rates will fall and the calf will become more susceptible to disease, such as respiratory infections and scours, because less energy is also available for immune function.

Milk replacer supports health and performance A calf milk replacer, which the manufacturer claims will help to ensure that calves get off to the best possible start, is now available from Wynnstay.

Turbo Start has been formulated to comply with the ‘life start’ concept, which is based on on-going research into how to get calves growing quickly and healthily. Alongside specific management protocols, this milk can help producers to rear profitable animals that are set to calve at between 22 and 24 months old.

The product is a highly digestible whey-based milk powder with added oils to supply energy. This milk powder also has the additional benefits of high levels of vitamin E,

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to support immune function, along with Greenline, which is a synergetic blend of ingredients designed to support optimum health and animal performance.

The milk can be fed via bucket, teat or computerised machine. Typical recommended intakes would be a minimum of 900g/head/day.

Designed to be fed as part of an accelerated growth feeding programme with a delicately balanced amino acid profile, the company says that this milk allows producers to feed at higher rates without digestive upset. It adds that Jersey calves, in particular, will thrive from higher protein levels, making the milk replacer the perfect choice for anybody looking to unleash the genetic potential of their future herd.

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PREVENTING COCCIDIOSIS CAN HELP YOU DRAW HIGHER RETURNS

2014 STUDY in subclinically infected lambs Baycox® treated lambs showed a mean body weight increase of an extra 948g compared to untreated lambs.2

2013 STUDY in coccidiosis affected calves Target weight for service achieved ~ 1 month earlier and a tendency towards improved fertility in treated animals.1

BAYCOX®...

Helps youngstock reach their full potential Kills all intracellular stages of coccidia Reduces oocyst excretion Convenient single dose treatment Enables development of normal or enhanced immune response3,4 For more information please refer to Baycox® 50 mg/ml oral suspension for Piglets, Calves and Lambs data sheet or contact your veterinary surgeon.

Use Medicines Responsibly (www.noah.co.uk/responsible).

Veronesi F. et al., Parasitol Res 2013 Jun;112(6):2137-42. 2Scala A. et al., Small Ruminant Research 120 (2014) 242–246 Jonsson N et al., Parasitol Res (2011) 109: p113-p128 4 Gjerde B. and Helle O. Veterinary Parasitology, 38 (1991) 9710 Baycox® 50 mg/ml oral suspension for Piglets, Calves and Lambs contains 50mg/ml toltrazuril. ® Registered Trademark of Bayer AG. Advice should be sought from the medicine prescriber. Please refer to appropriate data sheet at www.noahcompendium.co.uk. Further information is available from the SPC or on request. Bayer plc, Animal Health Division, Bayer House, Strawberry Hill, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1JA. Tel: 01635 563000. POM-V BXUM02 2015/10039 1

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C O W

H E A LT H

Running a tight ship relies on smart monitoring tools

Caught by the collar Cow collars are about more than simply monitoring activity.

Now the same tool can monitor eating and rumination and flag up health issues. One Cheshire-based herd is taking advantage of this and moving management moving up a gear. text Karen Wright

S

ilent Herdsman has been a significant investment for Richard Blackburn but he is adamant that it’s easily paying for itself. During the past seven years he has doubled cow numbers to 400 Holstein Friesians. He’s also built new cubicle housing and taken on a management system that records cow movement, eating and rumination data through collars and a wireless aerial linked to his PC and mobile phone.

More cows called for accurate monitoring and recording. Working closely with his vet, Den Leonard of Lambert Leonard and May, he identified health and fertility as the key target areas to concentrate on.

Starting with fertility, and recognising

there was progress to be made, Richard swapped his old fertility monitoring system for Silent Herdsman. “We were increasing cow numbers and needed more collars so it was an obvious time to go for a more up-to-date and reliable system,” says Richard.

He also joined the vet practice’s VetSynch fertility management programme, which involves the vet monitoring and synchronising the non-pregnant cows every week from 45 days post calving.

Two years on and Richard is reaping the rewards, not least from Silent Herdsman.

The frequent data updates, thanks to an aerial strategically placed in the yard, means that he and his team are now working with more accurate and reliable

information than they were in the past.

“It’s improved our heifer management too,” he adds. “We have an aerial in the heifer yard and collars are put on when they are 13 months old so we can pick up heats from movement data as well as observation. We don’t intervene and induce heats, but we still want to calve them at 24 months old. Heifers are served with sexed semen and the timing of insemination is highly important. The collars have been a huge help.”

The NMR data provides tangible evidence too, with most of the herd’s results now within the top 25% of NMR herds.

With a fall in calving interval from 430 days to 380 days as shown in Figure 1, the latest data shows that 81% of cows are served within 80 days of calving and 51% of the cows are in calf 100 days post calving. Average calving to conception is 115 days and conception rates have increased from 23% to 42% during the past two years, since Silent Herdsman has been in operation.

Work ‘by the screen’ Some of the credit, though, goes to Richard and his assistant Graham

Graham Routledge (left) and Richard Blackburn (right) pick up fertility and health information on their phones or the office PC

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Latest Health Alert The new mySilent Herdsman Health Alert software service provides early identification of animal illness through 24/7 eating and rumination monitoring. It has been proven to accurately and reliably alert producers to the signs of illness – most typically the early onset of acidosis, ketosis, mastitis and lameness.

Early indications of health problems mean that preventative action can be taken. All Silent Herdsman collars can provide eating and rumination data and alerts can be accessed through an annual licence fee, which costs £1200 for a for a 200-cow herd.

Cost:benefit Catching a potential case of clinical mastitis early by using mySilent Herdsman Health Alert can result in significant savings.

“A ‘typical’ case of mastitis, based on the frequency and severity of the different types of mastitis, costs between £200 to £250,” says dairy vet Den Leonard. “A 10% reduction in mastitis rate in a 100-cow herd is, therefore, worth between £2,000 and £2,500.

For a herd of 400 cows, this is between £8,000 and £10,000.”

Early notification of ‘vulnerable’ cows gives producers the opportunity to intervene with a holistic treatment at a fraction of the cost of treating a mastitis case.

intervention, could develop into a case of mastitis. Often the health alert confirms our suspicions.”

Richard and his team have also noticed a strong correlation between decreased rumination time and bulling activity.

“If she’s meant to be bulling and I see her rumination has fallen I can be pretty sure she’s ready for serving.”

Early warning system

Figure 1: Trend in average calving interval 2010/2015

Routledge. They do all the AI work ‘by the screen’, picking up heats off the PC or their mobile phones and then inseminating cows at the optimum time.

In addition, the whole farm team plays a part in heat detection and herd health by being vigilant and observing cows at every opportunity.

And more benefits are achieved through the latest Silent Herdsman development.

In January 2015 Richard upgraded to mySilent Herdsman Health Alert, so he now monitors eating and rumination patterns and receives alerts on his farm PC and phone.

The combination of rumination and

eating is an indicator of a cow’s wellbeing – a change from the normal pattern can signify the onset of illness.

“We can see her eating and rumination patterns and often there’s no need to panic if one or the other dip a bit, but when they’re both down then that’s the time to pay very close attention,” says Richard.

“Cows are highlighted on the screen with a ‘health alert’ flag and we might then mark her and keep an eye on her for 24 hours,” adds Richard. “But so far we’ve found that it’s a pretty sure sign that she’s going down with an udder infection that, without early

While he knows that good stockmanship is important and Silent Herdsman won’t manage herd fertility and health singlehandedly, he is finding the Health Alert features to be a reliable early warning system.

“As the herd has grown, our pool of skilled labour is stretched more thinly,” adds Richard. “I’m aiming for 9,000 litres of milk on twice-a-day milking and I want to make sure I have a herd of healthy, fertile and long-lasting cows,” he says, adding that he’s already taking control of some key diseases.

All calves are tagged using XLVets’ CheckTag BVD tags and the farm is now BVD free, and NMR’s Herdwise Johne’s testing is used. “There’s always scope to be better and more efficient. So if Health Alerts picks up subtle behavioural changes that might be easily missed in our larger herd and we can take preventative action then our efficiency will improve.” l

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r e f i e H A T I V | t r a t S A T I V | VITAMILK Improving calf and heifer performance optimises health, future cow yield and reduces rearing costs, worth up to ÂŁ150 per cow.

Maintaining growth rates postweaning is essential for heifers to hit key weight for age targets and calve down at 24 months.

VITAMILK and VITA Start products enhance calf health and increase growth pre-and post weaning. This is important for future milk yield and is achieved by action of a unique health package, care+.

VITA Heifer products are formulated to meet the needs of all heifer rearing systems and ensure continued growth.

ForFarmers VITA youngstock nutrition programme is designed to improve calf, heifer and cow lifetime performance.

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22-10-15 15:35

BREEDING INFORMATION

Smart tool for heat detection Ovalert ensures efficient and effective automatic heat detection with 90% accuracy and predicts the optimum timing for insemination to help reduce calving intervals and insemination costs. Integrated health monitoring, with timely alerts to possible problems, will enable better herd management.

The Ovalert’s user-friendly interface has standard features that highlight individual cow’s data.

Five behaviours There are 24/7 activity monitors, which are available as leg pedometers for standing and lying or neck tags for eating.

The leg responder identifies five specific behavioural aspects, which provide a representative picture of a cow’s daily behaviour pattern, including time spent lying down, standing, walking and the number of times she stands up and how many steps she takes.

Grazing monitoring via the neck tag will be the best choice for a grazing herd, where the heat specific behaviour of neck movements is measured.

Accurate data is recorded and transmitted every five minutes and is analysed every 15 minutes – that’s 96 times in 24 hours.

Web-based program This information can be accessed by the producer whenever they log in to the system and, being a web-based program, the data is also accessible through smart phones, tablets and laptops. A unique feature is that the CRV SireMatch mating program is available through Ovalert.

For full details of the Ovalert system contact CRV Avoncroft or your local CRV Avoncroft representative.

Activity monitor measures five behavioural parameters

Young bulls from the US Production, health and longevity in one package. That’s an apt description for Bouw Rocky (Shamrock x Goli), who is a real lifetime production specialist with £560 PLI, +0.5 lifespan and –17 SCC. On a US base he combines +1.38 PTAT, +5.8 PL and a positive DPR of +1.0 with excellent production and high herd health, resulting in a sky high 2,384 gTPI. Descending from the Ralma Juror Family, Rocky has been genomically tested in the US, the UK, Germany and the Netherlands and is a top bull in every country.

Goli Flower, VG86, the dam of Bouw Rocky

He’s available as both conventional and SiryX sexed semen priced at £12 and £28 per straw, respectively.

Superb longevity Global star Vekis Chevrolet (Freddie x Planet) hails from the Larcrest C line in the US. With £462 PLI, +832kg of milk, +0.4 lifespan and +6.7 fertility index, Chevrolet is a bull that suits many breeding programmes.

On a US base Chevrolet boasts 2,342 gTPI, +0.95 PTAT, +4.4 PL and a DPR of +1.4. He’s available as conventional semen priced at £16 straw.

MS Riverboy RC (Aikman x Planet) boasts £553 PLI, –31 SCC, superb longevity and is easy calving.

Also for producers who select their bulls on US-based breeding values.

Riverboy is one of the highest Red Carrier TPI bulls with a gTPI of 2,317, +1.11 PTAT, a PL of 5.6 and a DPR of 0.7.

His semen is available and priced at £17 per straw.

These and other CRV bulls that rank highly on a US base are readily available from CRV Avoncroft.

Call for free on 0800 7831880.

Riverboy RC

COW MAN AG E ME N T

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CRV AVONCROFT Your partner for high fertility bulls

APINA NORMAN (Numero Uno x Ramos)

Longevity + 527 days gPLI £610

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Daughter Fertility 107

PEAK TANGO PAISLEY (Tango x Numero Uno)

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Sandy-Valley Uno Paxton (Dam of Paisley)

Normand and Paisley: the most fertile bulls in class Fertility is vital to the success of any dairy herd. CRV’s Better Life Health is an indicator to verify which bulls are most suitable to improve the health and fertility of your herd. Norman and Paisley are scoring very high on Better Life Health and are combining this with an attractive conformation and high longevity. A superb combination resulting in an impressive lifetime production.

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NUTRITIONAL NEWS

Helping producers plan winter rations With summer over and low milk prices looking set to stay into next year, now is the time for producers to plan their strategy for the winter months, in order to ensure that they maximise herd performance.

To help with this planning process, ForFarmers has launched its Dairy Triple F assessment scheme, which is a simple, paper-based guide that examines basic finances, feed costs, utilisation and forage availability on customer farms.

“It provides an ideal opportunity to review key business areas before producers decide on their objectives for the coming months,” said ForFarmers’ ruminant product manager Nick Berni.

The assessment looks at farm performance in the areas of milk yield and quality, feed rates, feed costs, calving patterns, forage quality and ration composition.

“The information gathered from the Dairy Triple F assessment is used to benchmark performance against other,

Protein dilemmas

Triple F looks at key measures on dairy units

similar herds, by utilising ForFarmers’ large collection of farm data,” explains Mr Berni. “It helps identify any weaknesses that may limit productivity and profitability.”

Conferences focus on improving heifer rearing

Conference speaker Peter van ’t Veld, from Denkavit NL

ForFarmers hosted a series of conferences in September and October to promote efficient young stock rearing in the UK. Three regional events – in Cheshire, Lancashire and Ayrshire – saw more than 200 producers listen to advice on making the right choices when it comes to heifer rearing.

Heading into what will, undoubtedly, be a tough winter for producers, one of the main talking points at the conference was looking at the different choices regarding heifer rearing systems, and the opportunities to save money without impacting future herd

health and performance.

“With heifer rearing representing the second largest cost for dairy enterprises, and 20% of all farm expenses, we wanted to help support our customers so that they can rear young stock in the most effective and efficient manner possible,” explained ForFarmers’ Nick Berni.

Speakers included Denkavit NL’s Peter van ’t Veld and Dairy Consultancy’s Owen Atkinson, as well as Rachael Kennerley and Lindsay Reynolds from ForFarmers UK. The topics covered at each conference included caring for young calves and making choices between calf milk replacer and whole milk, successful heifer rearing based on results from the recent Welsh Dairy Youngstock Project, and how to rear your heifers in the most cost effective way.

For more information about the topics covered at the young stock conference, or any aspect of heifer rearing, email ForFarmers at info.uk@forfarmers.eu

North America’s soya stocks are still high and with the new crop 80% harvested, we should see some harvest pressure through November. As a result, soya forward cover during the coming month should be attractive.

Rapemeal is less attractive than soya, because the oil value is low and the crush margin poor. So spot buying of rapemeal is the best approach, says ForFarmers’ Colin Shepherd.

Distillers’ grains are a different matter, with Ensus shut down and Vivergo about sold out, UK produced ethanol wheat distillers’ grains are in short supply.

“So consider US maize distillers’ now, as they are a cost effective alternative at around £25/tonne less than rapemeal. With the extra energy they look like a good buy. However, sales of US distillers’ have been strong and availability will get tighter, so expect a rise during the next month,” says Mr Shepherd.

Strong candidates to help solve some of the protein puzzle for this winter should come from Promaize (high protein molasses), wheat syrups or brewers’ grains.

After a third consecutive record crop, the world has plenty of wheat.

There’s a bearish outlook, but the market is watching current dry weather in Australia, Black Sea and parts of the US. Plantings in Russia and Ukraine have progressed well, but the lack of water seems to have affected tillering ahead of the winter period and this will limit yield.

“A surprise increase to the US maize yield means that, during the course of November, we should see more maize become available.

“If you’re looking for forward cover on cereals look at maize now. There are some interesting offers worth considering,” says Mr Shepherd.

COW MAN AG E ME N T

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B R E E D I N G

LON GE V Insight

in performance and genetic capacity

HERD

MANAGEMENT Improve by applying solutions

Plan

progress in performance and genetic capacity

HEAL TH

IENCY FIC EF

ION CT DU

Y IT

PR O

BREEDING WITH A PURPOSE

F E RTILIT Y

Every producer sets goals for his farm. These goals may differ, but the herd is always at the heart of the business. In this six-part series we set out to help you to improve your herd. Our fifth article focuses on breeding to improve longevity.

Part 1: Introduction Part 2: Production Part 3: Efficiency Part 4: Fertility Part 5: Longevity Part 6: Health

Breeding cows that last is essential to dairy business sustainability

Taking the long view Longevity is vital for any herd looking for long-term economic success. And breeding has a pivotal role to play in increasing lifespan and the number of lactations completed by individual cows. We spoke to an organic producer to find out more text Rachael Porter and Julie Scanlon

T

he longevity or life span of a dairy cow determines how many productive lactations she completes within a herd – and how happy a producer is to have her in the milking herd. “Many traits will determine a culling policy, such as production, fertility, health and workability,” says CRV Avoncroft’s David Matthews. “Replacement may be based on unsatisfactory production – voluntary culling – or other issues, mastitis, fertility or hoof problems – involuntary culling.

But, in practice, replacement is seldom due to only one of these two.”

A 100-tonne cow study, carried out by CRV, revealed that sires’ breeding values are crucial in achieving high lifetime production, NVI, longevity, udder health and conformation.

42

“All 100-tonne cows show certain traits,” adds Mr Matthews. “They are quick off the blocks and, in fact, they often show a strong increase in production that continues until their fifth lactation.

“Good legs and feet are more important than udders and both udder shape and udder health help to determine the longevity of the cow.”

He says that, with slightly above average volume or capacity, they will quickly reach the 100-tonne goal: “And good functional traits enable them to live a long and healthy life. Their lifetime production and longevity are two components that are inextricably linked, with equal influence. So a high average daily yield and good longevity will result in a higher final life-time production.”

The research clearly demonstrated that bulls’ breeding values for the crucial components are the deciding factor in high lifetime production. “So producers who breed consistently for the main breeding values – such as NVI, longevity, udder health and legs – will establish those traits in their herds.

“Legs, in particular, are noted among the conformation components because these are the most important factor in promoting longevity.”

The Dutch breeding value for longevity is a figure that indicates how satisfactory the daughters of a certain bull perform.

It is a measure to rank bulls for the ability of their daughters to avoid culling.

“By using the highest longevity bulls, cows will remain longer in production,” stresses Mr Matthews.

Sustainable future After 11 years of managing the herd at Manor Farm, near Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, Rob Richmond believes he is on track to maximise the unit’s potential. A major overhaul of the business has seen the farm convert to organic, introduce all year grazing, change calving pattern and adopt a

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specific breeding policy to produce cows that are built for longevity.

When Rob first arrived at the unit, it carried a 100-cow autumn-calving British Friesian herd and relied heavily on contractors for land work. However what you find today is a completely different business. Significant changes to the management system have been made with Rob focussing on efficiency and the sustainability of the business. Today’s herd numbers 210 cows, managed on a spring-calving organic system and most of the land is utilised for grassland. The herd is outside all year and with that move have come some major changes in its breeding policy.

“Each farm is different,” explains Rob. “You need to consider the resources you have available, know where you want to take the business in the future and find a system that complements them both.

“I firmly believe in sustainability, in terms of cows and land,” he explains. “I wanted the farm to have a long-term future and, as a result, I’ve worked hard to improve the soil, the grassland and the cows.”

Robust cows With the aim of improving soils, and the introduction of herbal leys and mob grazing, Rob soon realised that he needed a specific type of cow for this system. “You need a robust cow, with good feet and legs, that is easy to care for and has the capacity to maximise intakes of grass,” he says. “I felt I needed to look to New Zealand for genetics as this is a farming system they excel in.

“Around four years ago, I started to use New Zealand bulls from CRV Avoncroft.

How can you improve herd longevity?

Breeding for longevity and tackling the causes of involuntary culling are key, so steps include: • Lowering the replacement rate and rearing fewer calves (lower costs) • Tackle problems including fertility, lameness and mastitis • Focus on functional conformation – particularly feet and legs, and udders • Use SiryX/beef bulls for best/worst heifers/cows • Increase the average age of cows • Making use of the durability breeding goal in CRV’s SireMatch mating program

life span bulls

life span (UK – lactations)

longevity (The Netherlands – days)

0.7 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4

597 427 527 622 722 492 631 580

Topspeed Kodak Paek Tango Paisley Apina Norman Bouw Rocky MS Riverboy Texel Beauty Debutant Vekis Chevrolet Vero Pianoman Table 1: CRV Avoncroft’s top sires for longevity

I then started using CRV Ambreed bulls from CRV Avoncroft, particularly Pascal and Philosopher.

“The index used for these bulls didn’t focus strongly on production, as so many countries’ indexes do, but considered the management and conformation traits needed for a long-life cow. To me, this is back to basics – common-sense genetics for milk from grass.

“Our system is based on producing milk from grass and our management aims to do this efficiently. That’s why we’ve changed the calving pattern to spring calving, as this maximises the use of the grassland.”

Rob Richmond: “I need robust and long-life cows that suit my organic system”

The herd is averaging 6,000 litres, at 3.8% fat and 3.4% protein, using less than a tonne of concentrate fed through in the parlour.

“We sell milk to Organic Milk Suppliers Co-operative on a liquid contract, so milk constituents are not a big factor in our breeding policy. Our cell count is 150,000cells/ml, which I think reflects that they’re not at all stressed.”

Farm efficiency “This will ultimately increase longevity,” he says. “This is a cost to a dairy business that I feel is often neglected. However, the financial implications of a cow’s life and, therefore productivity, is significant. Replacements are a huge expense to a dairy business. Every extra lactation per cow will increase farm efficiency and, therefore, profitability.

“I really feel the business is in an exciting place,” he adds. “All the changes that have been made are now coming together. The pastures have improved and the capacity of the cows and their ability to convert their intakes to milk has increased.

“Since I’ve been here, I’ve seen yields increase by 10% while the use of concentrates has reduced by a third. I have a milk buyer that is going from strength to strength and fully supports my farming system.

“And young stock are showing great potential for capacity and strength. I am looking forward to a great future with this herd.” l

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*Source: HUK 08/15

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B U S I N E S S C H A R L E S

B A S I C S H O LT

Charles Holt, an independent consultant with the Farm Consultancy Group, says that squeeze on milk prices has curtailed and postponed investment on many dairy farms. But if spending money on your unit could, ultimately, reduce costs and improve efficiency then it will be well spent.

Upgrading facilities can make sense – even in a tough economic climate

Investment opportunities?

T

he squeeze on milk prices has curtailed and postponed investment on many dairy farms. But if spending money on your unit could, ultimately, reduce costs and improve efficiency, then it will be well spent.

Belts remain pulled tight for many dairy businesses but, as in all times of austerity, there are financial gains to be had if you’re looking to invest.

Because few dairy businesses are spending money, the allied industries are feeling the pinch too. They’ll be glad of your business and that puts you – the potential customer – in a strong position to negotiate a good deal if you do want to invest – be that in steel and concrete, such as improving cow housing or milking facilities, or, perhaps drainage.

Business plan But before you even consider dipping into business capital or negotiating borrowings, it’s absolutely vital to have a detailed – and honest – look at your position.

If you’re planning on staying in dairying long term and you’re optimistic about the future, that’s a good basis. But you also have to make sure that you’re investing in a sound business and that you have a strong business plan.

By this he means that you’ve convinced both yourself and an independent adviser – be they a consultant or the bank manager – that the investment will reduce your cost per litre and improve profitability.

Now is not the time for vanity projects or keeping up with the neighbours.

And it’s not about increasing output – it’s about increasing efficiency and profitability, particularly in the current climate. It’s very much about identifying the limiting factors, or ‘bottlenecks’, on your unit.

Dilapidated cow housing can reduce herd efficiency, particularly if investing

in new cubicles will reduce mastitis and lameness. New housing may also offer easier access to feed and water troughs and improve cow efficiency.

And it may also save on labour, if it takes less time to scrape out. Bedding costs may also be reduced. All these factors must be costed out.

‘Sense’ check A starting point is to analyse where the business is now – so benchmarking is vital.

Look at your costs and identify what’s costing more than average and what’s about right. And then compile a budget of where you want to get to.

Then do a ‘sense check’ – if your labour cost is 7ppl and you want to get it down to 6ppl, is new cow housing really the answer?

Factor in other labour costs, such as calf rearing and relief milking. Look closely at what that labour cost comprises and see if there are other ways to reduce it – without compromise and perhaps with little or no investment.

It’s vital to mull things over and look at all your options.

Perhaps this spring you were unable to get your cows out to graze early grass – remember grass is the cheapest feed available – because the land was too wet and access was difficult. This may be one of your unit’s ‘bottlenecks’ and perhaps investing in drainage and cow tracks could be easily off set by being able to access grazing earlier in the season, particularly if you typically run short of conserved forage and are forced to buy in feed.

Investing in steel and concrete could be the answer, or it could just be an expensive luxury that will add further strain to your business’ finances.

So ask yourself, is it going to improve my bottom line? And, if not, do we really need it?

COW MAN AG E ME N T

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DAIRY MANAGEMENT NEWS

Health Alert winners North Yorkshire-based dairy producers Andrew and Graham Cumming are the lucky winners of the 2015 mySilent Herdsman Health Alerts prize draw. The competition was open to all producers who ordered a Silent Herdsman system between the Great Yorkshire Show and the UK Dairy Day. Andrew, Graham and their team from Huggate Church Farm, Ferrensby near Knaresborough, receive two years’ free access to the Health Alerts software, worth more than £600 a year.

Left to right: student James Green, Andrew Cumming and herdsman Russell Clegg view Silent Herdsman Health Alerts on their iPad

High performance southern trio August’s three leading 100-tonne cows, ranked on lifetime daily yield (LDY) and recorded with NMR, are all in their seventh lactation and all from herds in the south of England.

The top two are from Nick Cobb’s Dorset-based herd.

First is Chalclyffe Manfred A Tenge,

who gave 109,623kg of milk and has a LDY of 32.83kg/day. Second is Chalclyffe Outside G Rouble, with 102,803kg of milk and a LDY of 30.14kg/day.

In third place is Ironpear Shaker Dora, with 103,485kg of milk and a LDY of 27.91kg/day. She is from E W White and Co’s herd in Devizes, Wiltshire.

South West star student Emma Cotton, from Glastonbury in Somerset, has won the South West Dairy Crest & NFU Scholarship Award 2015 and was awarded £1,500 from sponsors Dairy Crest.

From a dairy farming family, Emma’s impressive knowledge of farming systems and of the industry impressed the judges. She gained a great deal from her year between school and university when she spent six months with NMR as a milk recorder in Somerset and also worked on a 600-calf heifer rearing unit.

“Emma is someone with real positive potential and a quizzical energy to succeed in making her mark on the dairy industry,” said Steve Harris from sponsors Dairy Crest.

Now studying a BSc Hons in Agriculture at the Harper Adams University, Emma was one of four

New sales manager

Andrew Evans

Bullsemen.com, the cattle genetics telesales company owned by NMR, has appointed Andrew Evans as its new sales manager. Based at its Cardiff office, Andrew will manage the Bullsemen.com telesales, admin and delivery team.

Born in south Wales, Andrew’s career has focussed on telesales and on-line marketing. He has wide ranging experience in managing both officeand field-based sales teams in the Home Counties and London with companies including Volvo, Trinity Mirror, Newsquest and Groupon.

Diary 2016 available NMR’s Herd Management Diary 2016 is now available. It includes a herd health plan and management section that is fully compliant with the Red Tractor Assurance Scheme.

Priced at £27.50 plus VAT, copies can be ordered directly by calling NMR Customer Services – see contacts below.

Emma Cotton, a Harper Adams student from Glastonbury in Somerset, receives a cheque for £1,500 from Dairy Crest’s Steve Harris

finalists in this year’s competition, which is open to students studying dairy-related courses from the south west.

For more information on NMR products and services contact customer services, 03330 043 043, NMR web address: www.nmr.co.uk, NMR email address: customerservices@nmr.co.uk COW MAN AG E ME N T

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EXPERTS IN BARN TECHNOLOGY AND DAIRY COW COMFORT

Etscheid Milk Pasteurizer By the pasteurization of the milk over 95% of the pathogenic germs are killed.

Dangerous pathogens such as E coli, staphylococci, enterococci, etc. are reliably killed with this method. The milk protein is denatured only slightly, the vitamins are preserved almost completely.

Pasteurizing the milk is thus an effective method to utilize the milk of cows with udder problems in calf breeding, without causing an increased risk from diarrhoea. This also allows the use of non-marketable milk as a valuable feed for calves. Features: • Agitator permanently mounted on the lid • Thermostatically controlled heater 8,4 kW • Outlet disc valve NW 50 • Control board with electronic thermostat • Controls with pasteurizer program and keeping warm program • Delayed start of the program possible • Sensor sits in the milk • Digital display of the milk temperature • Heating and cooling possible

Cal Drench Plus • Prevents calcium deficiency during calving • Contains vitamin B complex, which stimulates the appetite • Quick and secure application with the drench method • No irritation of the oral cavity or the esophagus Cal Drench Plus contains food grade calcium, propylene glycol, and B-vitamins.

The calcium replenishes blood calcium that is lost at calving, propylene glycol provides an energy boost, and B-vitamins stimulate the appetite.

Vicky Huelin, Freedom Farms, Jersey “It’s literally been a life saver for us. So much quicker and less damaging than an injectable, and has the B12, and other goodies. We use it at any time of stress or illness as a support to the cow as well as peace of mind for us. Our breed society want some to give to cattle who are being exported, as a safeguard for the ferry and road journey.”

Vicky Huelin

Calf-O-Tel Calf Hutches

MooGloo

Made from fibreglass these are tough, easy to use hutches.

Suitable for calves from birth, they can be set up, moved and cleaned quickly and simply.

The latest in glue technology that is colour coded with yellow and blue components which turn green on application, hardens in 15 seconds.

Take advantage of our experience: Call us on 0044(0)1237 425 000 or visit:

www.dpagri.co.uk

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Healthy Hooves速

The Footbath Solution for Cows and Sheep

Solutions for Footbaths

Fast acting & Long lasting Sustained copper/zinc levels, allows more animals per bath Uses up to 80%* less copper than standard footbath Eliminates the need for formalin Better for the environment Helps maintain healthy herds/flocks *Data on file

Healthy Hooves Europe (or your local stockist) Call 02476 452 299 to place your order www.healthyhooves.eu / sales@healthyhooves.eu

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For more information or details of where to buy, call Tel: 01948 667676 Email: sales@dairyspares.co.uk

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C O N TA C T S

SHOWS AND EVENTS November 6-15: November 11: November 18: November 26: December 10:

Royal Winter Fair, Toronto (Canada) British Mastitis Conference, Sixways Stadium, Warriors Way, Worcester Agriscot, Edinburgh, Scotland The National Farm Management Conference, Carlton House Terrace, London Royal Ulster Winter Fair, Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Lisburn (Northern Ireland)

2016 January 5-7: January 18-20: June 1-4: July 6-7:

The Oxford Farming Conference, Examination Halls, Oxford British Cattle Conference, Telford Hotel & Golf Resort,Telford, Shropshire Royal Bath & West Show, Shepton Mallet, Somerset Livestock Event, NEC, Birmingham

Bright eyes: an inquisitive calf takes an interest in the photographer Picture: Ruth Downing

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 David Butler, Lauren Chambers, Roger Evans, Allison Matthews, David Matthews, Julie Scanlon 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, Thompsons and ForFarmers.

If you think you are eligible, please contact: NMR Customer Services, Ground Floor Building 26, Pannal Industrial Estate, Station Road, Harrogate HG3 1JL Phone 08447 255567 E-mail customerservices@NMR.co.uk www.isubscribe.co.uk

Advertisements

Jonathan Davies, NMR. Phone 07970 017243 E-mail jonathand@nmr.co.uk 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, Ruth Downing (14-15), Els Korsten (24), Mark Pasveer (8-10, 50), Wendy Short (12) and James Watkins (42-43) .

Alta ...........................................................40 Ark ............................................................32 Bawyer ......................................................31 Biotal .........................................................33 Boumatic ...................................................32 Cogent ......................................................44 Concept Cowhouse Ltd. ............................21 Cosycalf.....................................................32 CRV Avoncroft Ltd./CRV .....................39, 51 Dairy Master..............................................38 Dairy Spares ..............................................49 De Boer Housing Systems Ltd ......................6 Devenish Nutrition.....................................52 DP Agri......................................................48 Easyfix .......................................................38 Enegis ........................................................38 Enviro Systems...........................................19 Farmplus....................................................49

ForFarmers/Thompsons .............................36 Healty Hooves ...........................................49 Holm&Laue .................................................4 Intershape .................................................21 Joskin ........................................................18 Mayo Cow Comfort ..................................19 Micron bio systems ....................................46 NMR .......................................................2, 7 NWF Agriculture........................................18 Progiene ..............................................18, 19 Roadhead Farm Feeds Ltd. ........................21 Spinder ......................................................49 Teemore Engineering Ltd. ..........................19 Trouw Nutrition ...................................11, 22 VDK Products ..............................................6 Vervaeke ...................................................18 Wynnstay ....................................................6 Zoetis ........................................................13

COMING UP

C o w h ealt h sp ecial December (December 8) – Our final issue of 2015 takes a close look at cow health. We’ll also feature a herd report from Indonesia and Roger Evans will spread a little festive cheer!

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. Whilst 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.

Printer Stephens and George Ltd. Phone 01685 352097 ISSN 1570-5641

50

C OWMAN AGEMENT

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