Irish Farm Business - Vol 4 Issue 1 Spring 2017

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Farm Business CALF MANAGEMENT NEW METHODS FOR BETTER CALVES

ANIMAL HEALTH BOVINE RESPIRATORY DISEASE IN DAIRY HEIFERS

FINANCE ON FARM CAPITAL INVESTMENTS TAMS 11 GRANTS

>> SEE PAGE 32

>> SEE PAGE 40

>> SEE PAGE 44

IRISH

Volume 4 Issue 1 Spring 2017 Edition Price €3.95 £2.95 (Stg)

UNDER ONE ROOF – AIRPORT DAIRY FARMER FLIES 1st CLASS

DAIRYING

GRASS ROTATION PLANNING FOR YOUR HERD SIZE

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Farm Business IRISH

DAIRYING

Volume 4 Issue 1 Spring 2017 Price €3.95 £2.95 (Stg)

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Foreword

Until the next time………

The Publishers, Irish Farm Business

Features 18 SUBURBAN FARMING NEAR THE RUNWAY The Ahernes are the last farming family from the parish of Ballyphehane farming between Cork city and the 4* Cork International Airport Hotel. Milking 100 cows under one roof in a stress free environment.

20 MAKE GOOD DECISIONS EARLY TO INCREASE FUTURE PROFITABILITY It has been shown that 22 to 24 months is the most cost effective age for first calving, writes Cargill’s calf and heifer specialist, Bianca Theeruth.

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s we approach spring and longer days we can look back at a winter that was kind to most farmers in terms of weather.

The milk price is going in the right direction and nobody seems to know what Brexit really means. Until we hear something really negative we can only stay positive and watch the milk price.

For this edition we visited the Aherne farm near Cork airport. Pat Aherne designed and built a shed layout which encompasses everything under one roof. The immediate positive is the ease of working and the ability to control all aspects of the operation from calving to computer systems in an accurate and stress free environment.

Grass Rotation: Having better grass earlier in the spring might seem an obvious way to increase overall yield per cow. Michael Egan and Michael O Donovan set out the best way to manage grass rotation to achieve optimum yield at minimum cost.

Spring nitrogen:We all know that the price of fertilizer has increased dramatically over the last six months. In this situation it is very important to use the correct type of fertilizer at the correct rate of application without wastage to get the best return.

Calf management:As the average herd size increases and the calving window narrows, it is really critical to have a plan for calving and rearing of calves. More and more research is confirming that a good start is half the battle…this means high quality colostrum.

Emer Kennedy gives us chapter and verse.

Feeding Higher Yielding Cows:Valerie Hobson, the animal nutritionist with Quinns of Baltinglass, sets out a feeding plan for high yielding cows if say grass is poor or paddocks are wet. She explains that high energy levels need to be maintained or it may be difficult to recover if they drop too low.

On Farm Investments: On some occasions it is difficult to establish if a farmer will get a positive return on a capital investment even if it is grant aided. Philip O’ Connor of IFAC gives a means of testing the investment plan for cash flow effects and overall return.

Pathways: Tom Ryan gives the spec and the benefits.We hope it makes for interesting reading..

Foreword/Contents/Credits

22 SPRING NITROGEN: A KEY INGREDIENT FOR GRASS IN SPRING One of the most important factors affecting spring grass growth on Irish dairy farms is the date and quantity of spring N fertiliser application, write Michael O’Donovan and Michael Egan of Teagasc, Moorepark.

24 WINNING THE SPRING GRAZING AND ROTATION CHALLENGE

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Increased focus must be placed on utilising grass early in lactation to increase overall milk and herbage production. Michael Egan & Michael O’Donovan,Teagasc, Moorepark report.

32 GOOD CALF MANAGEMENT IN A CROWDED CALVING PERIOD Getting enough immunoglobulins from colostrum immediately after birth is the single most important factor in ensuring the health & productivity of the calf, writes Emer Kennedy,Teagasc, Moorepark.

36 OPTIMUM ON–FARM MILK STORAGE TEMPERATURE AND TIME PERIOD The initial quality standard of milk entering a bulk tank will directly influence the quality of that milk when collected by the milk processor. But the interim storage conditions of temperature and time period of storage also have a major impact on the quality, writes Dr. David Gleeson,Teagasc, Moorepark.

40 BOVINE RESPIRATORY DISEASE IN DAIRY HEIFERS

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A recent Teagasc study estimated the cost of rearing replacement heifers in Ireland at approximately €1500. Inadequacies in management of calf health on many farms are adding to the already significant cost of heifer rearing as well as reducing the lifetime potential of those heifers, according to Joanne Cregg, MSD Animal Health,Technical advisor.

44 ON FARM CAPITAL INVESTMENTS – PRESSURE TEST RETURNS Poorly planned capital investments tie up valuable cash in the business which can reduce profitability, writes Philip O’ Connor, Agriculture Support Manager with IFAC.

46 FEEDING THE SPRING CALVING DAIRY COW A major drop in protein % and/or low milk protein can be an early warning that cows are underfed, writes Valerie Hobson, Animal Nutritionist, Quinns of Baltinglass Ltd.

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52 THE IMPORTANCE OF WELL–DESIGNED FARM ROADWAYS The milking process really starts when the cows leave the paddock.The benefits of a well-built and properly maintained farm roadway system are numerous, by Tom Ryan,Teagasc.

66 WHAT COST EXPANSION? Senior Inspector for Agriculture, Pat Griffin has asked all farmers, farming organisations and all involved in any way to give real time and priority to improving farm safety to reduce the heartache and suffering from accidents and indeed ill-health in agriculture.

Profiles 27 NITROFERT 30 KUBOTA 48 CLAAS MACHINERY 55 GH AGRI 65 CARBON GROUP

Contributors: Distribution: Publishers: Denis Lane and Robert Heuston Bianca Theeruth (Cargill), Dr. David Gleeson (Teagasc), Easons, Emer Kennedy (Teagasc), Michael Egan (Teagasc), Newspread,WNS Michael O’ Donovan (Teagasc), Valerie Hobson (Quinns Enquiries: of Baltinglass Ltd.), Joanne Cregg (MSD Animal Health), Published by: Select Media Ltd, Philip O’ Connor (IFAC), Pat Griffin (Health and Safety 4-5 Burton Hall Road Editorial: Denis Lane Authority),Tom Ryan (Teagasc), Paul Lyons (Bo Steel) Sandyford, Dublin 18 Advertising: James Small Tel. + 353 1 6622266 Design: John Barrett Production: Emma Meade Email. info@selectmedialtd.com

All material contained in this edition is copyright of Irish Farm Business 2017 and may not be reproduced or electronically stored without the permission of the publisher. However items may be freely reproduced provided the source is acknowledged. Content and views expressed in the publication do not necessarily represent those of the publishers.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS GRASS QUALITY – THE MOST VALUABLE TRAIT As Teagasc highlight that each 1% increase in grass quality is worth 0.33 litres of milk per cow per day, this is a trait that is increasingly being recognised as critical when selecting grass varieties.

Perennial ryegrass is an extremely digestible, high quality feed and will result in much greater animal performance in terms of milk production and liveweight gains when compared to old permanent pasture. So it is worth ensuring your swards contain a high proportion of perennial ryegrass. Other factors which will influence sward quality are soil pH and fertility status, grazing management, pre and post-grazing residuals, and good soil structure.

It is important to note that there are large differences between varieties of perennial ryegrass with regard to digestibility.

The Teagasc Pasture Profit Index (PPI), has highlighted these differences in economic values (€ per ha/year). The PPI quantifies the economic merit of individual perennial ryegrass varieties by determining the performance of varieties across a number of key traits; spring, summer and autumn DM yield, Silage, Persistency, and Quality.

In the quality sub-indices of the PPI, the difference between the varieties with the highest quality value (AberGain) and the lowest quality value (Boyne) is €103 per ha/year for quality alone. This is highly significant in highlighting how each variety can contribute to animal performance; whether milk production or liveweight gains. AberGain is the highest ranked variety on the PPI for quality (+€64 per ha/year), and also the highest ranked late

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heading tetraploid overall, with the total PPI value at €169 per ha/year. AberChoice is the top ranked late diploid on the PPI list for both quality (+€63 per ha/year) and total PPI value (€175 per ha/year).

Ensuring your grass seed mixture contains varieties which excel in quality will result in a more palatable, higher quality sward which will increase animal performance compared to a low quality sward.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS EVENTS College Open Days Taking Place March 2017 Ballyhaise - March 9th at 10.00am – 1.00pm (Tours on-going) Venue: Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Teagasc, Agricultural College, Ballyhaise, Co Cavan. H12 E392 Clonakilty - March 10th at 11.00am – 2.00pm (Tours on-going) Venue: Clonakilty Agricultural College, Teagasc, Agricultural College, Darrara, Clonakilty, Co Cork. P85 AX52 Gurteen - March 15th at 10.30am – 12.30pm (Tours on-going) Venue: Gurteen Agricultural College, Ballingarry, Roscrea, Co Tipperary. E53TP93 Pallaskenry - March 23rd at 10.00am – 2.00pm (Tours on-going) Venue: Pallaskenry Agricultural College, Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry, Co Limerick. V94 EP80 Workshop Meeting May 4th and 5th Importance of prenatal nutrition and environment on birth weight, muscle growth, health and survival of the neonate Event Time: TBC Venue: Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork Expand Your Horizon events taking place in March 2017 Teagasc and the National Rural Network (NRN) are jointly organising an innovative series of evening seminars, Expand Your Horizons 2017, running from the end of January to March. The purpose of the seminars is to provide information on the range of agencies, services and funding and training opportunities available in rural Ireland.

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Timetable of ‘Expand Your Horizons” Events taking place in March: Evening seminar Tipperary, 6th March at 8PM - 10PM Venue: Anner Hotel, Thurles Evening seminar Offaly, 7th March at 8PM - 10PM Venue: Tullamore Court Hotel Evening seminar Cavan, 8th March at 8PM - 10PM Venue: Kilmore Hotel, Cavan Evening seminar Monaghan, 9th March at 8PM - 10PM Venue: Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan Evening seminar Donegal, 9th March at 8PM - 10PM Venue: Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana Evening seminar Wexford, 13th March at 8PM - 10PM Venue: Riverside Hotel, Enniscorthy Evening seminar Wicklow, 14th March at 8PM - 10PM Venue: Lawless Hotel, Aughrim Evening seminar Carlow, 15th March at 8PM - 10PM Venue: Dolmin Hotel, Carlow Evening seminar Kilkenny, 22nd March at 8PM - 10PM Venue: Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny You can find out more about these and other national events on the Teagasc website at the following address https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS and welfare protected while carrying out their duties. Thankfully we saw a reduction in fatal accidents last year, with 44 reported the second lowest number on record. Now it is important to Minister Breen welcomes focus on workers most at risk build on any success achieved and focus on areas of concern, such The Health and Safety Authority published its ‘Programme of as the continued high rate of injury on farms. I also find it alarming Work for 2017’ in February providing details of planned actions, that so many serious and fatal injuries, regardless of sector, priorities and inspection targets for the year. The reduction of involve the self-employed. They along with new and returning workplace fatalities in all sectors remains a priority and the workers are what I would call ‘vulnerable groups’ and there is a Authority will carry out a wide range of enforcement, prevention strong focus in the Authority’s work programme on those that are and support activity during 2017.

This year there are a total of 11,220 workplace inspections and most at risk.”

Copies of the ‘HSA Programme of Work for 2017’ are investigations planned. There will be 4,000 construction site available to download from www.hsa.ie inspections with a focus on preventing accidents involving selfemployed workers and small sized contractors.

The agriculture sector will also receive significant attention with 2,000 farm inspections planned. There will be a continued THESE COWS WILL TEXT YOU WHEN emphasis on promoting safety on farms through participation in THEY’RE IN HEAT (NEW UK PRODUCT) knowledge-sharing and discussion groups.

Dairy farmers are using sensors in cows’ stomachs to An updated Farm Safety Code of Practice will also be published. track the health of the herd.

A key theme of the Authority’s safety and health programme will Every morning, Austin Knowles pulls on his rubber boots, dodges be new and returning workers. the manure in his farmyard, and opens the creaky wooden door This group has been identified by an ESRI study as being four of his 200-year-old barn on a hilltop in Worcestershire, 130 miles times more likely to experience a workplace injury than those northwest of London. Inside, his dairy cows are busy uploading with a tenure of over five years. During the course of inspections data to the cloud. Each animal has a half-pound sensor in her issues such as training, induction and supervision will be stomach, which is linked via Wi-Fi to a service that helps Knowles addressed. analyze the health and well-being of his herd. If an animal falls ill, Minister for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen TD, whose the system e-mails the vet days before the cow is visibly sick. brief includes workplace safety and health welcomed the Authority’s When one is about to go into heat, Knowles and his staff get a approach: “All workers have the right to have their safety, health text message. “Cows are a lot of work,” the third-generation

HSA PUBLISHES WORK PROGRAMME AND INSPECTION TARGETS FOR 2017

eNEWS

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eNEWS program Knowles is considering would look at data from scales farmer says over tea at the rough-hewn wooden table in his at the water troughs to determine how quickly his 450 cows are kitchen. “The technology takes the edge off a bit.”

Knowles’s Hollings Hill is one of 350 farms in almost two dozen growing. Another taps sensors placed in the field to measure how much they’re eating. And one that’s being tested uses temperature countries using technology from Austrian startup SmaXtec to and humidity gauges to monitor the health of chickens. Farmers monitor their livestock. It works like this: A weighted sensor about the size of a hot dog is inserted into a cow’s throat with a can share the data with retailers to give corporate customers a window into the quality of the product they’re buying, says Keith metal rod and lodges in the rumen, the first of a cow’s four stomachs.

The device—equipped with a battery that lasts four years, about Evans, who oversees the sensor technology at Molecare. “The idea is to give automated data in real time to everybody in the the length of a dairy cow’s productive life—transmits up-to-thesupply chain,” Evans says. SmaXtec says that with 90 million cattle minute data such as the pH of her stomach, her temperature, how much she moves, and the amount of water she’s consumed. on dairy farms around the world, the market for the sensors is A base station in the barn picks up the signals, adds readings on huge. It’s targeting industrial operations in China, the Middle East, ambient temperature and humidity, and then uploads all the information and the U.S., where herds of 25,000 aren’t unusual. The company or its distributors typically pay the upfront costs of deploying the to the cloud. gear and building the network—about $600, plus $75 to $400 per Since SmaXtec started offering the service six years ago, its devices have been implanted in 15,000 cows. Devices like SmaXtec’s cow—and charge around $10 a month per cow for the service.

Knowles says the SmaXtec gear saves him the trouble of pulling sensors offer farmers and vets an early warning system that can his cows out of the herd and placing them in a gigantic metal reduce infectious diseases in their livestock, according to an vice called a cattle crush, where a vet checks their vitals. The independent study by the University of Cambridge. “It’s easier, after all, to look at the situation from inside the cow than in the sensors can also predict with 95 percent accuracy when a cow will give birth, allowing farmers to maximize milk production by lab,” says SmaXtec co-founder Stefan Rosenkranz. Although the spacing pregnancies as close together as possible. “The crux of company’s gear can’t yet tell farmers exactly what maladies any dairy farm is fertility,” Knowles says as he peruses graphs and might be afflicting their livestock, its temperature alarms “make you go and check earlier than you otherwise would,” says Helen charts on a laptop giving him details of his cows’ health and milk output. “We are trying to have a calf per cow every year. Everything Hollingsworth, a veterinary nurse employed by Molecare Veterinary Services, SmaXtec’s distributor in the U.K. “If you can detect illness we do on the farm comes back to that.”

The bottom line: An Austrian startup’s sensors are in the stomachs early, you can start antibiotics earlier and ultimately use less.” of 15,000 cows in Britain to help farmers better monitor their herds.

Molecare also markets its own cloud-based technology to British farmers to allow them to track animals across an entire farm. One Article published on www.bloomberg.com

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

eNEWS TRUMP WORRIES US FARMERS After keeping the rural voters who put him in office on edge until the last moment, President Trump nominated Sonny Perdue, a former Georgia governor now heading a global agribusiness trading company – Perdue Partners LLC – to be his agricultural secretary. The night following Trump’s announcement, Perdue took the stage at the Bipartisan Inaugural Gala Celebrating American Agriculture and promised to “make American agriculture great again”.

The good news is that Perdue clears a bar far too few Trump cabinet nominees seem to meet – he has experience in government and management, as well as knowledge about the department he’s been selected to lead. This is a relief, given the breadth of authority of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), an agency of nearly 100,000 employees with an annual budget over $140m.

The bad news is, Perdue also has a great deal in common with other cabinet nominees: a whole lot of money, close ties to big industry and a track record that bodes poorly for the interests of the broader constituency of the USDA: the American people.

As Georgia governor from 2003-2011 (and 2009 Biotech Governor of the Year), he supported factory farm expansion, cracked down on immigration and opposed air quality regulation. He famously thought the best tactic for a state suffering from drought was a prayer vigil. And at a time when food systems contribute as much as 25% of global greenhouse gasses, Perdue joins the growing ranks of cabinet nominees who deny climate change science, calling it “a running joke” and a reason “liberals have lost all credibility”. A telling signal of what to expect from Perdue is the reaction to his

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appointment from commodity associations, traders and brokers.

The National Chicken Council called him “a welcomed choice from the ‘Broiler Belt,’” while The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association praised his “unique and expert understanding of both the business and scientific sides of agriculture”. The American Farm Bureau Federation celebrated the “outstanding nominee … a businessman who recognizes the impact immigration reform, trade agreements and regulation have on a farmer’s bottom line”.

Missing here is a key clarification and something purposefully obscured by these voices: not all farmers have the same bottom line, so whose will Perdue prioritize? To be clear, we are not splitting hairs – agribusiness and its boosters intentionally portray their interests as the interests of “American agriculture”, as if that represented a homogenous block, implying that all farmers and ranchers benefit equally from policies that benefit Big Ag. There are indeed farmers who share interests with large scale corporate agribusiness – according to the USDA, over 80,000 farmers post sales over $1m annually. Yet these farmers make up less than 4% of the farming population, and there are over 2 million farmers with sales below this figure. Important to recognize are the roughly 700,000 growers – a third of American farmers – who earn between $10,000 and $250,000 annually, comprising arguably the agricultural equivalent of the middle class. It is these farmers, the rank and file of American agriculture, who are unlikely to be served by Perdue’s agenda.

Full article originally published on www.theguardian.com

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS WELL–KNOWN FARM PARTNERSHIP IS AHEAD OF THE CURVE FOR HOT WATER SOLUTIONS

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he switch from electricity to LPG in 2014 for its dairy on, the water heater is designed to heat up to 80°C, effectively operations has proven very successful for Andrew Purcell killing any bacteria. As one heater produces 140 litres of hot water of Kiltallaght farm and Alf McGlew of Rinkinstown farm at in 10 minutes, using two would mean 280 litres of hot water in the same time period.

Termonfeckin in Co. Louth.

Furthermore, the Flogas LPG tank is fitted with a state of the art Prior to this, the farm used electricity to heat water for the milklines which was proving costly so they approached Flogas to see if the telemetry system to monitor usage. It alerts Flogas as to when the company could offer a more tailored solution for their business. tank needs to be refilled and a timely delivery is scheduled.

The installation was a short, one-day, process and no day–to–day Tom Wall, Flogas sales executive, then visited the farm with a activities were interrupted while it was taking place, another bonus for local approved LPG installer to undertake a free site survey and the busy farm. Both men say they cannot believe how well it’s been present a proposal.

The solution was simple – two working for them.

Andrew said, “The new Flogas system is working brilliantly for 56kw Andrews FASTflo water heaters would be installed onto our business and we are delighted with the sheer efficiency of it.

The instantaneous hot water is incredible; we now never have to either an internal or external worry about running out, whereas previously we would have had wall (no additional weather to conserve our hot water carefully to ensure we had enough for protection required) and then the day. It’s made our daily activities a lot easier and ensures that piped to a Flogas LPG tank we constantly have spotlessly clean milk lines, tanks and premises.” placed on-site.

Tom Wall, Flogas sales executive, said, “Basically, the system is The new heating system now provides on-demand hot water at tailormade for the needs of a dairy farm and the excellent feedback we’ve been getting from those who’ve made the switch is bearing whatever temperature that is Andrew Purcell of Kiltallaght required, determined by an easy this out. The primary benefit is, of course, the instant hot water farm, Termonfeckin and Tom Wall, Flogas sales executive, with to use temperature controller on demand but now all the farm’s needs are being met for the the two Andrews FASTflo water equivalent of the night rate electricity rather than the more expensive which allows the water to be heaters wallmounted in the daily rate.” background, part of the farm’s heated from anywhere between For further information visit www.flogas.ie 37°C to 80°C. When it is switched new dairy hot water system

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FARM FOCUS

SUBURBAN FARMING NEAR THE RUNWAY The Ahernes are the last farming family from the parish of Ballyphehane farming between Cork city and the 4* Cork International Airport Hotel. Milking 100 cows under one roof in a stress free environment.

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3 generations of farmers: Pat, Pádraig and Patrick Aherne

at Aherne’s father, Patrick Snr. had a milk and vegetable round Herd: The Anna Maria herd consists of Holstein/Friesian cows. from Five Mile Bridge in the early 1940’s. He was well used Calving starts about 20th January and is all complete by mid April. to travelling into the Coal Quay in Cork on a horse and cart He has moved to 100% AI done by an outside person. Breeding starts (a two hour trip) to sell his father’s, John Aherne's, farm produce. about the 10/20 April and bulls will be chosen for their ranking in The arrival of tractors and milking parlours then caused a rate of change fertility and solids. He has a long grazing season from start of February similar to computerisation and the internet. He decided to buy a farm to about 20th November. of 77 acres in 1958. The farm is literally attached to Cork Airport; you Silage: In 2012 he changed over to all baled silage as he found a can walk from the steps of the plane to the milking parlour in less than lot of waste and work in pit silage. He believes the quality is better 10 mins! He started milking with tie-up stalls and 30 cows and gradually and you have more control in times of poor weather. built the herd to 60 cows on cubicles over a number of years.

Maize: Pat also Contract grows twelve acres of maize and believes it is Pat Aherne went to Rockwell Agricultural College in 1993 and in a wonderful feed. (37%DM + 36% starch). It is brought to the yard in bulk 1994 went to Reaseheath College in Cheshire to take their Dairy and stored in a bulk tube with zero waste and then fed by loader bucket.

Management Course.When Pat came home from college the economy Animal Health: In 2010 the farm had a particularly bad run on was going strong so he worked predominantly off-farm for a number animal health including mastitis and Pat was discussing various options of years. In 2003 he began to work at home in earnest and got a chance to resolve this. Having met a sales representative at a mart he was to put his own imprint on the farm. This started with roadways and introduced to homeopathy. He was completely sceptical at first, but a paddock system. The farm also moved from liquid milk supplying was eventually persuaded to look at it. He is now a convert and has CMP Dairies to a spring calving herd. stabilised his cell count below 100k. He says,“it is a small cog in the wheel By 2006 Pat had a few big decisions to make; the pressure was on of animal health re–introducing immunity of the herd’s own strain to increase herd size. He needed to modernise his shed layout. Do back into the herd”. He is not at all concerned about AMR in his herd you buy land? Go for zero grazing? OR make the best of what you as he only had to use antibiotics in 2 /7 cases of mastitis last year. own already? He decided on the latter.Work with the block of owned Computerisation: The farm has been using the Kingswood System land at home with 40 acres two miles away for silage and young since 1996. In the early days it was used for accounts, cash flow, yearly stock. Both blocks are dry North-East facing. comparisons etc. Now it has become much more than that because However after seeking financial advice, Pat put together a 5 year the grassland program in particular allows Pat to share information plan. He started on a Greenfield site and built a very large shed which with his discussion group. Also the fact that it is linked to the has allowed him to put everything under one roof in a very well–organised, parlour allows easy monitoring of heat detection, building up efficient, easy to manage operation. Last year he had 44 cows calved individual profiles of cows, and Bord Bia inspections are stress free. in ten days and the facilities were able to cope with this.

Water Management / Harvesting: He uses his plate cooler water The shed allows three elements of living conditions for the animals (3,000ltr average) with a low volume mid pressure wash down hose that are considered very important for animal health Daylight/Fresh- for the dairy, parlour and collecting yard. This is very evident by the air/ Shelter. high level of cleanness in this area. He has two large 10,000ltr water tanks outside the shed collecting the roof water. Being situated on top of a hill has its advantages as he feeds approximately 250,000 ltr of rain water back to the cows during the grazing season.

SUMMARY

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In the post antibiotic era Pat has one piece of advice for farmers, “to think outside the box” and not to be afraid to look at alternatives like homeopathy and herbal. With a comfortable office on the upper deck, CCTV, a good computer system, calving/ holding pens etc, he believes that he made the correct decision. It was tempting to go for a larger farm with 150/200 plus cows but he is comfortable with what he has. Pat believes that in future the focus will be on milk quality over milk quantity. Who knows?

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CALF NUTRITION. COMMERCIAL FEATURE

MAKE GOOD DECISIONS EARLY TO INCREASE FUTURE PROFITABILITY

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It has been shown that 22 to 24 months is the most cost effective age for first calving, writes Cargill’s calf and heifer specialist, Bianca Theeruth. roducers are advised not to be tempted to cut corners in calf nutrition and management to save costs. “The consequences of this can be long lasting,” says Bianca Theeruth. “Maintaining target growth rates in calves and youngstock is like achieving high interest rates – it’s an investment for the future,” says Ms Theeruth.

“Less expensive and lower-spec diets can look appealing for producers contemplating their cash flow, but it’s often a false economy. Lower growth rates can affect age at calving, and this can affect yields – both of which impact on lifetime productivity.

“It’s been shown that 22 to 24 months is the most cost-effective age at first calving,” she said. “Research indicates that 55 % of Irish born dairy heifers calve between 22 to 26 months and 25 % fail to make it to calving”. There’s lost potential here. Calving older heifers increases rearing costs and reduces first lactation yields. Lifetime productivity is lower.

As a word of warning Ms Theeruth warns farmers not to let colostrum get contaminated.“This can happen so easily especially if it is collected and then left standing out in the open.The bacteria reproduce rapidly and the total count can double in 20 minutes in warm colostrum. It needs to be stored in sanitised containers, cooled quickly and stored in the fridge.”

Simple improvements can often pay off. Ms Theeruth advises,“farmers should remember to feed extra milk replacer in low temperatures.

Otherwise growth rates will drop as calves use more energy for maintenance – to keep warm – rather than for growth.

“And I often see farmers getting confused with concentration rates.

Milk replacer is usually made up to a litre and not added to a litre so for a concentration of 12.5 %, 125g of milk powder plus 875 ml of water is needed rather than 125g of milk powder plus 1000ml of water which would give 1.125litres and a concentration of 11.1 %.

“Maintaining target growth rates in calves and youngstock is like achieving high interest rates – it’s an investment for the future” According to Ms Theeruth, “cutting corners in dairy cow feeding “If the management isn’t right the milk replacer won’t do its job. and management manifest themselves fairly immediately, but slips “Even a top quality product won’t mask poor management or provide and getting into bad habits in calf rearing may not be seen for a while. an excuse for inadequate health, hygiene or housing.

The key rules to keeping calves on target are plenty of quality colostrum “Creep feed plays an important part in maintaining growth rates – starting soon after birth, providing a high quality milk replacer through often earlier than many producers realise. Conditioning the rumen a reliable feeding system and providing solid feed and water immediately can start early with creep feed offered in small quantities and ad lib after colostrum feeding. from day three. Palatability and digestibility are important.

“Start thinking about the calves early,” advises Ms Theeruth.“Colostrum “And just as important for rumen development is chopped straw, synthesis starts three weeks pre calving so its quality, to some extent, muzzle width and fed in racks – don’t expect the calf to eat its bedding,” will rely on the near dry cow nutrition with a diet that makes sure she adds. the rumen is adapted to a higher energy diet post calving and the “Calves need fresh clean water from day one. Milk is a feed and dietary tools are in place to avoid fatty liver and ketosis problems. not a drink and water is needed for basic metabolic functions and Bear in mind that other factors like season, lactation number, length for rumen bacteria survival. Dry feed intake is stimulated by water of the dry period and disease status of the dam will also have an intake so availability of both early in life will help intakes. effect on colostrum quality.”

“Money well spent on youngstock is vital and an important A newborn calf needs six litres of quality colostrum in the first 24 financial investment – not a luxury,” she concludes. “Often, just a hours with the first three litres within a couple of hours of birth. little bit more attention in this period can manifest itself in long “Producers can’t just assume this is happening. They should also term gains.” check the quality of the colostrum.”

For further information visit www.nurturewithprovimi.com

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FERTILISER APPLICATION

SPRING NITROGEN A KEY INGREDIENT FOR GRASS IN SPRING One of the most important factors affecting spring grass growth on Irish dairy farms is the date and quantity of spring N fertiliser application, write Michael O’Donovan and Michael Egan of Teagasc, Moorepark.

T

he application of N in early spring increases grass growth to allow the majority of the nutrient requirements of cows to be met from grazed grass. A number of experiments in Ireland have shown responses ≥10 kg DM/kg N applied in spring.

McCarthy (1984) reported that the date in spring at which a given grass yield is obtained could be brought forward by three weeks when N fertiliser was applied at the correct time. Precise prediction of the appropriate N application date is difficult because of variation in soil and air temperatures from year to year. Date of N application will also depend on when grass is required and if it can be utilised as grazed grass. Murphy (1977) and O’Donovan et al., (2004) showed that there is considerable variation in the optimum time for applying N but concluded that the optimum date for the southern half of Ireland was usually in mid- to late-January while Stevens et al., (1989) found that earlyto mid-February was the optimum time for the midlands and north of Ireland. Van Burg (1968) reported that first N applications in late February result in lower DM production, especially when combined with an early harvest date.

A three year study investigating the influence of N rate and timing of application on spring DM production at Moorepark.

The results suggest that for the March 18th harvest N response were 15.7 kg DM/kg N from a January 12th application, 7.3 kg DM/kg N from a February 3rd application and 5.6 kg DM/kg N from a February 23rd application. For the April 8th harvest date the DM responses were 17.6 kg DM/kg N from a 12th January application; 11.4 kg DM/kg N from a February 3rd application

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and 15.1 kg DM/kg N from a February 23rd application. It was shown that highest DM production was achieved from the January application of nitrogen fertiliser.

The effects of “early Spring” application of fertiliser N are summarised in Table 1. This data shows that sizeable responses (>10 kg DM/kg N) to the application fertiliser N can be obtained in early spring from a series of experiments including Grange and Northern Ireland.

Clearly, the application of N should be carried out as early as circumstances permit.

Table 1. The application levels, timing, harvest date and DM yield response from early nitrogen fertilizer application from a large number of studies.

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The optimum level of N used for early grass will depend on grass demand (stocking rate). For most intensive dairy farms in Ireland the optimum level of N to apply is 30 kg N/ha (23 units/ acre) in mid–January to early-February and 56 kg N/ha (46 units/ acre) in March, a total of 85 kg N/ha (70 units/acre) by April 1st for early spring grass (Table 2). In 2016, Pasturebase Ireland (PBI) data found that the majority of farms were applying early spring N fertiliser, with 33 kg/ha (27 units/acre) applied by midFebruary, however there is still quite a large variation in quantity with a range of 0 to 65 kg/ha (0 to 52 units/acre). By April 1st PBI farms had on average 110 kg N/ha (88 units/acre) applied, however there was still a large variation between farms, with a range of 64 to 167 kg N/ha (51 to 134 units/acre). This variation can have a large impact on grass DM production in the spring period, farms who applied less than 100 kg N/ha (80 units/acre) grew 24% (275 kg DM/ha) less DM by April 10th, than farms who had applied 100 kg N/ha or more (80 units/acre).

Table 2: Nitrogen fertilizer application plan for the spring period

FERTILISER APPLICATION Figure 1. Comparsion of a sward fertilised

(a) and unfertiliser

(b) in the first rotation

whereas urea takes 2/4 days to convert to ammonia, provided moisture is present. Losses of N as volatilised ammonia from urea can occur in dry and warm weather conditions. Rainfall will ensure the urea will be washed into the soil, where nitrifying bacteria convert it to ammonium-N and the ammonium-N to nitrate, which is then available for uptake by the plant. At higher temperatures and at low levels of rainfall, large amounts of ammonia gas will be lost to the atmosphere. As a result, grass growth response to urea will be below that of CAN. In optimum conditions, the response to urea can significantly outperform CAN (+33%; see Table 3).

Table 3: Relative response (%) of grass growth to application of urea N compared to CAN depending on rainfall and air temperature conditions (values above 100% indicates a grass growth advantage to urea N; values below 100% indicate a disadvantage to urea N) (Source; Grassland soils and fertiliser; digging out the answer, 2011)

Practically, February is a better month for N application at Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan as it is usually associated with lower rainfall and reduced nitrogen losses compared to March. For the past 10 years, rainfall at Moorepark from January to April was 106 mm in January, 53 mm in February, 80 mm in March and 56 mm in April, and for Ballyhaise the comparative figures were 109 mm in January, 80 mm in February, 85 mm in March and 66 mm in April. Annual rainfall for the last 10 years was 1018 mm at Ballyhaise and 1022 Best results from urea fertiliser will be obtained when application mm at Moorepark. is followed by approximately 10 mm of rainfall within three days.

Obviously, farmers need to be vigilant to avoid heavy rainfall COMPARISON OF UREA VERSUS CAN events when targeting N fertiliser application based on weather It is still a good time to look at the differences between calcium forecasts, as removals through run-off and leaching must be ammonium nitrate (CAN 27% N) and urea (46% N), and evaluate avoided. which is the most cost-effective to use and when. Urea has the Watson et al. (1990) reviewed twenty experiments involving comparison highest N content of all solid nitrogenous fertilisers in common between CAN and urea applied in spring, and concluded that urea

“Precise prediction of the appropriate N application date is difficult because of variation in soil and air temperatures from year to year. Date of N application will also depend on when grass is required and if it can be utilised as grazed grass.” use. More than 90% of world industrial production of urea is destined for use as a nitrogen-release fertiliser; urea is made up of 46% nitrogen, the form of N is Ammonium (NH4+). Urea is positively charged, while clay particles are negatively charged, and therefore urea is held by clay particles provided moisture is present.

It is readily absorbed by plants, and is the dominant source of N for plant growth. Calcium ammonium nitrate is made up of 27% N, the form of N is 50% nitrate (NO3) and 50% ammonium.

Once fertiliser N is applied, it is not all taken up at once; it is taken up over a period of 4 to 8 weeks after application. Calcium ammonium nitrate is available immediately for plant growth,

produced at least 95% of the response of CAN, and more recently (Harty et al., 2016) reported no differences in herbage production responses between CAN and urea.

Currently, urea is 20% cheaper per kg N than CAN. Therefore, because urea is cheaper than CAN in terms of €/kg N applied, and response rates are similar urea is the more cost-effective fertiliser to apply during the spring or as long as weather conditions allow.

Article by Michael O’Donovan and Michael Egan, Animal and Grassland Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork

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SPRING GRASS ROTATION

WINNING THE SPRING GRAZING AND ROTATION CHALLENGE Increased focus must be placed on utilising grass early in lactation to increase overall milk and herbage production. Michael Egan and Michael O’Donovan,Teagasc, Moorepark report.

INTRODUCTION Milk production in Ireland is seasonal and grass based, with calving date targeted to coincide with the start of grass growth.

Feed supply in the form of grazed grass matches or exceeds the demand for spring calving dairy cows from approximately midApril to mid-October. A significant quantity of milk is produced in the shoulder periods (spring and autumn) of the year and so it is important to exploit the potential of grazed-grass available during this period (Roche et al., 1996), because it is a low cost and high quality feed (Finneran et al., 2012). The availability of sufficient herbage for grazing in early spring is possible through appropriate autumn grazing management and through grass budgeting in spring (Murphy, 1977; O’Donovan et al., 2002; Kennedy et al., 2006). Increasing stocking rates (an additional 100,000 cows calved in spring 2016; ICBF, 2016) and compactness of calving (a reduction in mean calving date of five days and an improvement in six week calving rate of 6% - 2011-2015; ICBF, 2016) (Figure 1) has increased spring feed demand on dairy farms. Extra grass must be grown and utilised in this period to avoid increases in supplementary feed use. PastureBase Ireland (PBI) (Hanrahan et al., 2015) data shows that insufficient grass quantities on dairy farms at calving commencement and a large variation is spring grass growth (Figure 2), resulting in high supplementation levels. Figure 1: Trends for mean calving date and 6 week calving rate for cows In spring 2016 daily grass growth rates reduced by 40% from in the tops 10% (Broken red line) and national average (Solid blue line) EBI mid-March to early–April; this had a significant effect on grass Reference (ICBF 2016) availability in the second rotation and subsequently grass allocation per cow. This period of poor spring grass growth in 2016 resulted The main objectives of spring grazing management are (1) to in 13% less grass grown by April 10th compared to the previous 2 increase the proportion of grazed grass in the diet of the dairy year average (Table 1), following key principles is important, cow and (2) to condition swards for subsequent grazing rotations. spring grassland management must involve regular measuring and The first rotation should start in February and continue until budgeting to optimise farm performance.

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SPRING GRASS ROTATION early to mid-April. This varies from farm to farm and year to year but the most important aspect of grazing management is to make good use of spring grass.

The period from calving to breeding is a critical time for both herd and grassland management. Cows should be turned out to grass as soon as possible post-calving (1 – 2 days).

Profitability will increase as higher cost feeds such as grass silage and concentrate are reduced or eliminated from the diet.

This paper will discuss spring grazing management, PBI findings, and will outline developments in spring grazing management on farm in six key areas, 1) spring rotation planner, 2) farm cover management, and 3) wet weather management.

Table 1: Three year (2014, 2015 and 2016) mean spring DM production (January 1st to April 10th) from PastureBase Ireland farms (n = 200)

40% reduction in

spring growth from 2015 to 2016

Figure 2: Mean daily growth rates (kg DM/ha/day) for PastureBase Ireland farms for 2014 to 2016.

SPRING GRAZING MANAGEMENT 1. SPRING ROTATION PLANNER Grazing management in the first two months after calving largely determines spring grass growth and how well fed the herd are at the onset of breeding.

The spring rotation planner (SRP) is a tool to guide farmers in tracking the area of the farm grazed off at different time points in the spring. It divides the area of the farm into weekly portions and takes the guesswork out of grazing management over this critical period.

The best way of managing grass in spring is to set out the area to graze weekly and implement the plan during the spring period.

The SPR works off simple parameters; turnout date, grazing area and the targeted first rotation finish date.

The SRP shows the proportion of the farm to be grazed by three key points in the early grazing season March 1st, March 17th and the desired end of the first grazing rotation (approximately April 1st –- 10th).

The SRP, will not inform the farmer the quantity of grass available in the paddock at grazing, so farmers will have to monitor the quantity of grass in each paddock.

Supplementation and what levels to be offered should be managed according to post-grazing residuals; post-grazing residual height should be maintained at 3.5 cm during the 1st rotation. If postgrazing height exceeds 3.5 cm based on the daily area allocation, demand per day must be increased by reducing/eliminating supplementation. If post-grazing residual height falls below 3.0 cm, supplementation must be increased.

PastureBase Ireland data for 2016 (n= 65 farms) shows on a range of soil types that the average turnout date was February 8th with a range from January 16th to March 6th. Soil type has an impact on initial turnout date; a typical SRP can be seen in Table 2a.

In general the dates by which a certain proportion of the farm should be grazed are 10 days later on heavy or slow-growing farms compared to dry farms (Table 2b).

The targeted end date of the first rotation may need to be adjusted, given some of the weather challenges encountered during the spring period, so it is important to monitor spring farm cover during this period.

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SPRING GRASS ROTATION Table 2a: Spring grazing area allocations when grazing commencing in early February (Source; Grazing guide two)

Table 2b: Spring grazing area allocations on heavy soils when grazing commencing in midFebruary

• To have 66% of the farm area grazed by March 17th, and to stretch the remaining 40% until early April (and later if growth rates are below normal).

The effect of spring DM production on annual DM production has previously been shown (O’Donovan et al., 2015), with spring DM production accounting for 43% of the variation in annual grazing DM production. It’s clear Irish farms are not achieving the required targets set by the SRP and are finishing the first rotation too late.

Spring rotation planner: Every 1% of the grazing platform grazed in February resulted in an additional 14 kg DM/ha grown The impact of early spring grazing has been advocated on many by April 10th. occasions for grass production, as growth rates are usually greater 2. AVERAGE FARM COVER AND FEED BUDGET on grazed swards compared to ungrazed swards at this time of A grazing management plan in place for spring is crucial, in year. Kennedy et al. (2006), in a comparison of early spring grazing many ways grazing during early spring means managing a feed versus late turnout, found that February grazed swards subsequently grew more grass in the second rotation than later grazed swards. deficit, as demand for grass is higher than grass growth. This results By grazing a certain area per week, a wedge shape grass supply is at first in a decline in average farm cover, a plan is required to control the rate of farm cover decline, otherwise farm covers will created. The importance of creating a wedge-shape grass supply is crucial to ensure enough grass is available in the second rotation. be run down too far.

Higher stocking rate will place added pressure on available feed Data from PBI shows that in 2016 on average 21% (range 0 to 52%) of the grazing platform was grazed in February, which may resources on farms. The development of disciplined feed budgeting during spring will be among the greatest opportunities for Irish dairy have been accounted for by unfavorable weather conditions in spring 2016. In spring 2015, however, had similar results, with, on farmers to expand their businesses profitably while continuing to harness the benefits of a predominantly grass-based diet. Farm average, 22% (range 0 to 46%) of the grazing platform grazed in February. These figures are below the target of a minimum of 30% stocking rate and how you manage your pasture through autumn and spring will dictate how much purchased supplements you grazed by March 1st. The target is set to grow 1200 kg DM/ha from the 1st January to 10th April. PastureBase Ireland data (2015 will need during the 1st rotation. Opening spring farm cover has a large impact on impending spring herbage allocation to the & 2016) shows that for every 1% area grazed in February an additional 14 kg DM/ha is grown by April 10th, which equates to herd. Opening with a low average farm cover means there is less

“The development of disciplined feed budgeting during spring will be among the greatest opportunities for Irish dairy farmers to expand their businesses profitably while continuing to harness the benefits of a predominantly grass–based diet” an additional 125 kg DM/ha grown on farms when 30% of the grazing platform grazed in February compared to 21% grazed in February. In 2015 and 2016 farms who grazed ≥ 30%, grew, 133 kg DM/ha more than farms that grazed < 30% (1086 and 1220 kg DM/ha, respectively), an 11% increase in spring grass. On a 40 ha farm this means that there is an additional 5320 kg DM available to the grazing animals, which can substantially reduce the requirement for additional supplementation. If it is proving difficult to meet the target proportions grazed, low pre-grazing covers should be grazed first as this will increase area allocated per day, and allow the SRP planner targets be achieved.

The 2015 & 2016 PBI data shows mean spring grass production from January 1st to April 10th was 1239 kg DM/ha on farms grazed

by April 10th compared to 994 kg DM/ha for farms grazed after April 10th, 20% difference. The farms that had finished the first rotation by April 10th had 29% of the area grazed by March 1st.

The February grazed area had an adequate regrowth interval to ensure availability of grass for the start of the second rotation.

The main points of the SRP are: • To get freshly calved cows out grazing as soon as possible post-calving. Feed allowance increases steadily from calving until the breeding season • To graze a minimum of 30% of the farm area during February to stimulate regrowth for the second rotation, which will commence between April 1st and 10th depending on grass growth rates.

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available grass available for grazing. In 2015, the autumn closing cover on 65 PBI farms was 782 kg DM/ha, (range 312 to 1153 kg DM/ha), the corresponding opening farm cover in 2016 was 998 kg DM/ha, (range 417 to 1307 kg DM/ha) which equated to an overwinter growth rate of approximately 3.5 kg DM/ha/day.

Most farms at high stocking rates (>3 LU/ha) require a farm cover of approximately 900 – 1,000 kg DM/ha at the start of calving. The ideal average farm cover of >800 kg DM/ha on February 1st allows a farm operating at a SR of 2.5 to 2.9 LU/ha to turn freshly calved cows out full time to a predominantly grass diet and extend the 1st rotation to April 5th, and require less than 300 kg concentrate/cow. Figure 3 shows the target average farm cover during spring to allow a farm carry a stocking rate of 2.5 to 2.9 LU/ha to achieve a high proportion of grazed grass in the diet while reducing supplementation. A large variation in opening farm cover, such as that seen in spring 2016 has huge implications at farm level. McCarthy et al (2015) showed that a 260 kg DM/ha reduction in opening farm cover (Clonakility research farm) resulted in an additional 150 kg DM/cow of silage been fed. Previous research shows that higher opening farm covers result in greater early-spring growth rates, and greater cow intakes and milk production. The amount of feed on the farm at calving is strongly linked to the amount of milk produced from pasture before summer without supplements. O’Donovan et al (2015) reported that an additional 100 kg DM/ha opening far cover results in an extra six days grazing, while PBI data shows that every 100 kg DM/ha increase in opening farm cover, pasture

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

ACHIEVE YOUR GRASS GROWTH POTENTIAL I

rish grassland farms have huge advantage in their ability to and its clover content. Its timing of application on a dairy farm cost effectively produce high levels of output throughout the depends on factors such as the farm system, soil type, climate, growing season, with the top performing farms achieving date of turnout etc. As soil nutrient levels are slow to change, growth rates over 18 tonnes per hectare annually. managing your soil fertility requires a long term plan over a Soil type and fertility status is a major determinant of a farm’s number of years. grass yield potential. Understanding your soil type and pH status It is critical to apply the correct fertiliser that will fulfill your and how it will influence nutrient behaviour will allow for better soil and crop requirements. NitroFert offer a full range of high prescription of suitable fertilisers and will maximise the return spec, quality fertilisers specifically for grass nutrition and also from their application. Frequent soil testing will help determine offer customised blends according to customers’ individual the correct amount of lime, fertiliser and trace elements needed needs. The range includes products that improve soil fertility and for your paddocks and will lead to more grass and healthier nutrient supply using uniformly sized particles that give an even livestock. spread and better distribution. All NitroFerts products have been Recent trends show that soil fertility levels are declining due to independently tested in the UK for spreadability where they a reduction in fertiliser use in recent years. Data from Teagasc performed excellently and achieved perfect spread patterns. indicate that only one in ten grassland soils reach the optimum Spreading results and calibration balance of Index 3 for P and K, and pH greater than 6.2. A high sheets for spreaders can be found Index 3 farm will grow 3 tonnes/ha more grass than an Index 1 on NitroFert’s website at the farm. This is worth €510/ha more profit! following address www.nitrofert.ie It is an essential component of any grass production system to or contact 051.425169 for more have an adequate supply of essential plant nutrients, especially N, information.

P, K and S at the right times.

Article by Rosalyn Drew of Nitrogen is the driver of good grass establishment and growth NitroFert Ltd, Tel: 086 049 0739, and the quantity required by a grass crop will depend on whether Email: rosalyndrew@nitrofert.ie the crop is for grazing or silage and also on the age of the sward

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SPRING GRASS ROTATION grass with an appetite, they then graze continuously for a fixed period of time, when animals finish grazing and lie down or walk, they are brought back to a stand-off area or shed. On/off grazing takes advantage of the animal’s natural grazing pattern, letting them graze when they choose to graze, i.e. directly after milking. Kennedy et al., (2009) concluded that if access time to pasture is restricted, then the total access time should be 6 hours and that it needs to be split into 2 distinct periods. Kennedy et al., (2009) reported that animals with access to pasture for 6 hours/day divided into 2 × 3 hour intervals after morning and afternoon milking, had similar milk production to animals with full access to pasture. Likewise, animals with 2 × 3 hour access time had 95% of the daily DM intake of animals with full access to pasture. There was no reduction in milk production or loss of body condition score. This minimises soil damage but ensures that grass is being well utilised. Kennedy et al., (2011) reported that when supplementation (access to silage when housed) during on/off grazing is practiced there was no benefit in terms of milk production compared to no access to silage when housed.

Sward utilization, however, was reduced from 82% to 67% by adding silage into the animal’s diet and grass DM intake was reduced from 12.2 to 9.6 kg/cow/day on 2 × 3 hour with no silage and 2 × 3 hour with access to silage, respectively. If there is sufficient grass available, there is no need to supplement cows with silage when they return indoors.

Early spring grazing and grazing during difficult weather conditions is also facilitated by correct infrastructure such as a Figure 3: Recommended average farm cover (Average Farm Cover; kg good network of farm roadways and multiple access points to DM/ha) for a farm stocked at 2.5 to 2.9 LU/ha. paddocks to avoid trampling over the same area multiple times and a good water trough layout to allow the implementation of back fencing/strip grazing. Strip grazing and back fencing are as important during periods of wet weather in autumn as spring.

Wet weather management: On/off grazing should be practiced during wet weather to reduce poaching damage growth rate was increased by 3 kg DM/ha/day in early March (Figure 4).

A spring feed budget is essential to make the best decisions around managing feed requirements at this time of year.

Feed budgets incorporate feed supply and demand, facilitating decision making around feeding cows and maintaining average farm cover.

They assist the farmer to predict forward and forecast the amount of feed available and supplementation requirement.

Regrowth rates on the grazed ground and average farm cover, must to be monitored particularly from early March, and average farm cover should not be allowed to drop below 450 kg DM/ha at the beginning of April prior to the start of the second rotation (Figure 3).

CONCLUSION The importance of spring grass in the diet of early lactation animals and its impact on subsequent sward production has previously been shown, and management rules have been developed to assist farmers manage spring grass.There needs to be a renewed focus by farmers on early spring grazing. Spring rotation plan targets are not being met by many farmers, and as a result spring DM production on those farms is below that of farms that Figure 4: March grass growth increased by 3kg DM/day for every are reaching the SRP targets.

100kg DM/ha increase in average opening farm cover on Irish dairy Increased focus must be placed on utilising grass early in farms (Pasturebase, 2015). lactation and trying to stimulate high farm grass growth rates earlier (late February/March). Farm growth rates and average Average farm cover: Average opening farm cover for a stocking farm cover must be monitored to ensure that there is sufficient rate of 2.5 to 3 LU/ha should be 800 to 1000 kg DM/ha. Average grass available and farm cover remains above 450 kg DM/ha at farm cover should be 450 kg DM/ha at the beginning of the second the beginning of the second rotation in early April. rotation in early April.

Flexibility in spring grassland management is required, achieving grazing targets is important, and farmers must avoid 3. WET WEATHER GRAZING MANAGEMENT poaching damage, as subsequent growth rates will be reduced.

The fear of wet weather can stop farmers turning animals out Much preparatory work and management must be in place to to grass early in spring. The main criterion for the application of achieve the benefits of early spring grazing. Autumn and spring spring grazing is a flexible attitude. Any increase in the proportion pasture management, spring fertilizer application, land type and of grass in the diet will pay dividends in terms of animal performance farm layout all have major implications for the success of spring (Kennedy et al., 2009) and also spring growth (O’Donovan et al., grazing management.

2015). On/off grazing has been successfully used on dairy farms to retain animals at pasture during periods of wet weather. It is Article by Michael Egan and Michael O’Donovan also used as a strategy for earlier turnout of animals on heavier Animal and Grassland Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, soil types. On/off grazing is where the animals are turned out to Co Cork. Michael.Egan@teagasc.ie

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

KUBOTA EXPANDS AGRICULTURAL RANGE

After launching its flagship M7001 Series a few years ago and entering the mainstream agricultural market for the first time with this range of 130HP to 170HP tractors, the Japanese machinery manufacturer is continuing to sharpen its teeth in this sector following the recent introduction of its new M5001 and MGX–III Series. wide that it offers a vision of almost 360º. This panoramic visibility is increased thanks to the sunroof with a sliding sun visor. This, together M5001 SERIES with a large range of equipment, ensures maximum comfort and high Kubota’s new M5001 Series is a brand new range of 95HP to 113HP levels of productivity throughout the year. tractors, powered by a four cylinder V3800 Kubota engine and including The M5001 tractor can be equipped with the LA1854 shovel specifically a host of leading edge technology to maximise power, performance and designed by Kubota for this tractor that guarantees compatibility and end-user comfort and control. optimises results in the applications.The downward sloping design of The M5001 Series has been introduced to replace and succeed the the bonnet provides optimum visibility and safety.Another key safety company’s previous M8540 and M9960 models.This innovative tractor feature are the anti–owering valves, which allow the shovel to maintain focuses on four fundamental aspects of the tractor that enable it to successfully its position even if the system suffers pressure losses.The loader is equipped carry out any daily job in the field. These are driving convenience, the ease with a quick coupling system for implements and hydraulic hoses, which of use, the versatility of the tractor and its manoeuvrability. makes it easier to change buckets and disassemble the loader.

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EARLY CALF MANAGEMENT

GOOD CALF MANAGEMENT IN A CROWDED CALVING PERIOD Getting enough immunoglobulins from colostrum immediately after birth is the single most important factor in ensuring the health and productivity of the calf, writes Emer Kennedy, Teagasc, Moorepark. are for sale should be healthy upon selling, handled correctly and should be sold to a reputable buyer.

Given the increase in calf numbers over the past number of years, issues such as overcrowding in houses can arise. A few simple steps can help alleviate problems which could potentially occur. Colostrum management is perhaps the most important.

Without adequate immunological protection, the newborn calf is more vulnerable to infection, more likely to develop disease and die in the pre–weaning and post-weaning period, have a slower growth rate and for heifer calves a reduced milk production during the first and second lactation. Getting enough immunoglobulins from colostrum immediately after birth is the single most important factor in ensuring the health and productivity of the calf.

The most recent results available from the regional vet labs reported that almost 2,500 ZST (zinc sulphate turbidity) tests were completed in 2014 to determine if calves were achieving adequate passive transfer (APT), an indicator of colostrum management. 50% of the samples tested showed failure of passive transfer, i.e. when calves do not absorb enough antibodies.

Failure of passive transfer occurs when: i) Colostrum quality is poor (below 50 g/L) ii) Colostrum is fed too late iii) Calves do not receive enough colostrum

T

he 2017 spring calving season is upon us and now is the time to reflect on how last year’s calving season went and what changes need to be made for the coming season. A quick run through the calving/calf shed to make sure you have all the necessary equipment is time well spent. For example, do you need to replace teats on feeders, do you need new ropes for the calving jack, and do you have a rapid test kit for testing the cause of scour outbreaks?

Calf rearing on Irish dairy farms is becoming a lot more concentrated.

In the past 10 years there has been a 35% increase in the number of calves born to a dairy sire. Add to this that almost 50% of the total numbers of dairy sired calves born in the country are born in February.

This results in a lot of calves being born in a short period of time and an increased demand on labour. However, that said dairy farmers have a responsibility to ensure that all calves born on their farms are given the same treatment and the welfare of all animals is considered.

Even if you are selling bull calves or heifers that are surplus to requirements it is very important that all calves receive proper colostrum management and are well fed and healthy. Animals which

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The simplest way to remember how much colostrum to feed and when to feed it is to follow Animal Health Irelands Colostrum 1, 2, 3 rule.

1.

Feed 1st milking only 2.

Feed within the first 2 hours of birth 3.

Feed 3 litres

HOW TO ENSURE HIGH QUALITY COLOSTRUM Colostrum (biestings) is only the first milk the cow produces after calving; milkings 2 – 6 are called transition milk. When it comes to colostrum management there are a lot of things you can control such as the time after birth when you feed the calf and how much colostrum you feed the calf. Once these guidelines are adhered to the only one unknown in terms of achieving APT is colostrum quality.

Colostrum quality is determined by the amount of immunoglobulins, specifically IgG, or antibodies that it contains.The threshold to determine high quality colostrum is 50 mg/ml.

A good investment is a Brix refractometer; this simple device allows the quality of colostrum to be determined. A few drops of colostrum are placed on the refractometer, when the eyepiece is viewed by pointing towards natural light the scale is visible. Colostrum which is of high enough quality (>50 mg/ml) to feed to a calf for its first feed is above 22%. If it is below this value it should not be used for a calf’s first feed, it can be fed as a second feed instead. When excess colostrum from healthy cows is available it should be frozen so that it will be available in cases where a cow’s colostrum quality is poor (below 22%) and cannot be fed to a calf as a first feed.

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EARLY CALF MANAGEMENT Figure 1. How to use a Brix refractometer to test your colostrum quality

FACTORS WHICH CAN AFFECT COLOSTRUM ARE: • Lactation number – Generally colostrum quality increases with lactation number • Time interval from calving – Colostrum quality decreases as the interval between calving and the collection of colostrum increases.

Once collected within 9 hours from calving quality should remain high • Month of calving – Later calving cows can have poorer quality colostrum • Volume of colostrum - As volume increases colostrum quality decreases; this is partly due to a dilution effect.

ENSURING THE CALF GETS ENOUGH COLOSTRUM Calves may not receive enough colostrum for a number of reasons but one of the main contributory factors is leaving the calf with the cow. It is impossible to know how much colostrum the calf has

feeding calves transition milk for at least 2 days after their colostrum feed reduced their odds of being assigned a worse eye/ear and nasal score when they were continually health scored.

FEEDING MILK OR MILK REPLACER Good nutrition is fundamental to animal health, welfare and productivity. Traditional milk feeding systems for dairy calves have been based on daily feeding rates of 8 to 10% of body weight (~4 litres/ day). These ‘restricted’ feeding systems were intended to encourage the calf to eat a greater quantity of concentrate feed from an earlier age; however they seriously limit growth potential as they only allow 20-30% of biologically normal growth and are detrimental to calf health and welfare. A higher plane of nutrition facilitates physiologically appropriate growth rates, better immune function, and lower incidences of disease and mortality. In a recent Moorepark experiment calves were fed 4 litres (~10% of birth bodyweight) or 6 litres (~15% of birth bodyweight) of milk. Calves fed 4 litres of milk were lighter at five weeks of age than those fed 6 litres.At five weeks of age the reticulorumen is still underdeveloped and calves fed a restricted quantity of milk are not capable of increasing intake of starter

“When excess colostrum from healthy cows is available it should be frozen so that it will be available in cases where a cow’s colostrum quality is poor (below 22%) and cannot be fed to a calf as a first feed.” consumed if it is left with the cow. Furthermore, as the calf has no developed immune system it is more susceptible to diseases being shed by the cow.

Feeding the calf 8.5% of its birth bodyweight in good quality colostrum (3 litres for a 35 kg calf) within two hours of birth will enable the calf to achieve APT. After 2 hours the ability of the calf to absorb antibodies from colostrum begins to reduce rapidly and ceases completely after 24 hours.

FEEDING TRANSITION MILK No further transport of IgG into the circulation is possible 24 hours after birth. Nonetheless, transition milk (milkings two to six postcalving) fed subsequent to colostrum may have beneficial effects, as it contains a greater concentration of IgG than whole milk and antibodies remaining in the lumen may provide local immunity against enteric pathogens. A Teagasc Moorepark study found that

concentrate and forage to a degree that they can fully compensate for the lower supply of energy from milk. Feeding calves a greater volume of milk tends to reduce the number of days taken to reach a target weaning weight. Furthermore, there was no difference in incidences of diarrhoea between calves fed 4 litres or 6 litres of milk. Weaning calves earlier is desirable from the farmer’s point of view as this saves labour, time and feed costs.

ONCE–A–DAY MILK FEEDING Once daily feeding before calves are four weeks old can create health concerns by overloading the abomasum. In a recent Moorepark experiment calves fed 15% of their birth weight (6 litres) in milk replacer from 4 weeks of age, either once daily or in two equally divided feeds, did not have an increased likelihood of developing diarrhoea. No differences in calf performance or health were observed between calves fed once or twice a day. This provides valuable

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EARLY CALF MANAGEMENT Low cost roofed shelter – with ventilation holes and a raised wooden floor

information to farmers as it means labour input per calf may be reduced by utilizing a once a day feeding regime in the knowledge that it has no unfavourable repercussions on the growth and health of calves. However, if feeding milk once a day calves still need to be checked thoroughly twice a day.

IS OUTDOOR REARING AN OPTION FOR PRE–WEANED CALVES?

were showing signs of ill-thrift outdoors they were brought back in and treated, they were returned outdoors post recovery.

Daily weight gain from birth to weaning was higher for the group of calves reared outdoors (0.54 kg/calf/day) compared to those reared indoors (0.48 kg/calf/day).

Number of treatments administered was lowest in the shelter treatment (1 treatment) compared with the indoors and straw treatments (11% and 6%, respectively). Interestingly, it was clear from this experiment that pre-weaning treatment affected post-weaning weight gain: weight of the outdoor reared calves tended to be higher (+9 kg) 72 days after mean weaning date.

Expanding dairy herds often overlook the provision of additional infrastructure for calf rearing during the expansion process.The same is true for farmers with more compact calving patterns. Building new calf houses can be expensive, especially as they are limited to use during the months of calf rearing. Consequently alternative options CONCLUSION have been investigated at Teagasc Moorepark.

Giving sufficient attention to detail during the pre-weaning period The experiments completed determined that calves turned out at 4-5 is of paramount importance for all calves. Ensuring the calf receives weeks old could be reared without compromising weight gain and an adequate quantity of high quality colostrum as soon as possible vitality compared to calves reared indoors during the milk feeding after birth followed by 15% of their birth weight in high quality milk period. However, it was deemed necessary to provide overhead or milk replacer, after transition milk feeding can help ensure shelter from wind and rain for all calves outdoors. Three housing healthy calves, which are capable of attaining high growth rates. In systems were compared at Moorepark: i) indoors, ii) outdoors with short, successful calf rearing is about doing the simple things well! low cost roofed shelters (Figure 2a) and iii) outdoors with straw Article by Emer Kennedy, Teagasc, Animal and Grassland, Research & bale shelters in a cross or ‘X’ shape (Figure 2b). Calves went to grass Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork at approximately 3 weeks old – if however, calves became ill or Straw bale shelter – used as a wind breaker for calves

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BULK MILK STORAGE

OPTIMUM ON–FARM MILK STORAGE TEMPERATURE AND TIME PERIOD The initial quality standard of milk entering a bulk tank will directly influence the quality of that milk when collected by the milk processor. But the interim storage conditions of temperature and time period of storage also have a major impact on the quality, writes Dr. David Gleeson, Teagasc, Moorepark.

INTRODUCTION Approximately 85% of milk produced in Ireland is exported as dairy products. The success of this export industry is reliant on the production of high quality milk. Much research work has focused on the quality of milk before it enters the bulk tank, but quality can also be influenced by storage conditions on-farm. The two most relevant parameters are temperature of storage and duration of storage. European Union legislation specifies that milk produced and stored on–farm must be cooled to at least 6°C. In Ireland, milk is usually collected at 48-h intervals, but in spring and winter, the collection interval is often extended to 96 h. Milk processors request that milk be cooled to 2 to 4°C within 2 to 3 h of milking. Milk cooling is responsible for the largest electrical energy consumption on Irish dairy farms. Thus, there may be an economic incentive for farmers to cool and store milk at higher temperatures (e.g., at 6°C compared with 2°C), especially if milk is being stored for an extended duration. However, cooling milk to higher temperatures, in conjunction with longer on–farm storage intervals, may have implications for milk quality, with possible deleterious effects on milk functionality at milk processing facilities. At processor level microbial tests such as the total bacteria count (TBC) and psychrotrophic bacterial count (PBC) are used to characterize raw milk quality, while heat coagulation time (HCT) and rennet coagulation time (RCT) are measurements used to determine milk functionality.

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BULK MILK STORAGE

COOLING TEMPERATURES AND STORAGE TIME COMPARED A study was undertaken to investigate the effects of storage temperature and duration on the microbial quality of bulk tank milk when fresh milk is added to the bulk tank twice daily.

Previous international studies on milk storage time and temperature have been undertaken at laboratory level, this is the first (to our knowledge) such study undertaken at farm level. Milk was harvested from spring-calving dairy cows after a complete pre-milking teat preparation procedure was undertaken (teats washed, pre-milking teat disinfectant applied, followed by drying with paper towels).

Clusters were flushed with water and disinfected with peracetic acid between individual cow milking’s and a recommended equipment cleaning protocol was implemented. The milk from the parlour was diverted three ways through three single-stage plate coolers (milk cooled to 14.5°C before entering the bulk milk tank) and then to three identical bulk milk tanks (Swiftcool, Dairymaster). Each tank had a separate 5.5hp condenser unit.

Tanks were set at each of 3 temperatures (2°C, 4°C, and 6°C) on

“it is suggested that bulk tank milk with frequent additions of fresh milk with minimal bacterial contamination can be stored for up to 96 h at temperatures ≤4°C without considerable increases in TBC or psychrotrophic bacteria” 2 occasions during two 6-wk periods, representing summer and autumn milk production periods. The two sampling periods were selected to establish if there was a season effect on milk quality when storage period was extended and storage temperature was altered. Bulk tank milk was sampled at 24-h intervals during storage periods of 0 to 96 h at each temperature setting. Milk samples were analysed for a range of microbial tests including total bacterial count (TBC), psychrotrophic bacterial count (PBC),

laboratory pasteurization count (LPC), presumptive Bacillus cereus, and sulfite-reducing Clostridia (SRC).

To establish if the functional properties of bulk tank milk were affected by storage conditions a range of milk compositional parameters were measured, including gross composition and quantification of nitrogen compounds, casein fractions, free amino acids, and Ca and P contents. The HCT, titratable acidity, and RCT of bulk tank milk samples were also assessed.

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BULK MILK STORAGE

late lactation; however, the interaction between lactation, storage temperature, and storage duration was significant for only 3 parameters: protein content and concentrations of free cysteic Overall the TBC in bulk tank milk increased with storage time. acid and free glutamic acid.

When milk was stored at 6°C, the TBC increased from 2,692 cfu/mL to 74,131 cfu/mL, between 0 and 96 h. When milk was stored at The interaction between storage temperature and storage time was not significant for any parameter measured, and temperature 2°C, there was no significant difference in TBC between 0 had no effect on any parameter except lysine: lysine content was (2,399cfu/mL) and 96 h (3,388 cfu/mL). Likewise, there was no higher at 6°C than at 2°C. During 96 h of storage, the concentrations difference in TBC of milk stored at 4°C between 0 (2,512 cfu/mL) of some free amino acids (glutamic acid, lysine, and arginine) and 96 h (4,786 cfu/mL).Therefore the average TBC of bulk tank increased, which may indicate proteolytic activity during storage. milk was less than 5,000 cfu/mL when milk was stored at either Thus, this study suggests that blended milk can be stored for up 2°C or 4°C for up to 96 h. to 96 h at temperatures between 2°C and 6°C with little effect The European Union imposes a regulatory limit on bulk tank milk of <100,000 TBC cfu/mL (geometric average), whereas some on its composition or functional properties. However, from a microbial point of view cooling to higher temperatures (6°C) Irish milk processors impose a more stringent limit of 30,000 could not be recommended. cfu/mL on bulk tank milk.

BACTERIAL LEVELS IN MILK – WHAT IS ACHIEVABLE

When milk was stored at 6°C, significant bacterial growth was observed in milk for periods greater than 48 h and reached regulatory ROUTINE CHECKS AND MAINTENANCE OF thresholds when stored for 96 h. This deterioration in milk quality BULK MILK TANKS TO ENSURE QUALITY occurred at 6°C even though the initial quality of 75% of samples MILK WITH EFFICIENT COOLING was ≤4,800 cfu/mL. Significant growth of psychrotrophs was observed Routine checks and regular maintenance of all bulk tanks (old and new tanks) is necessary to ensure that cooling efficiency is when milk was stored at 6°C, whereas little or no growth was maximized and correct tank hygiene is achieved resulting in minimum observed in milk stored at 2°C and 4°C. A limited increase in PBC bacterial growth and residues in milk. While annual servicing of at 4°C was probably due to the addition of high-quality fresh milk tanks should be carried out by qualified refrigeration staff, there throughout the sampling period. are also a number of checks that farmers can undertake in conjunction Due to the addition of milk throughout storage, only milk from with the service personnel to ensure continuous maintenance. the first milking was stored for the full 96 h. Although it is accepted Examples of such maintenance include: (I) Rubber tubes used in that milk of poor bacteriological quality will deteriorate faster automated detergent delivery during the wash cycles need to be than milk with minimal contamination, the initial microbial load replaced annually. These tubes can easily become perished or of raw milk cannot be used to accurately predict the bacterial blocked, thereby, reducing the required dosage rate. (ii) Knowing quality of milk after refrigerated storage. the usage rates (depends on product type and tank size) will At any fixed temperature, there are often large differences in the growth rate of the various bacteria in raw milk, related to the allow a farmer to calculate how long a drum of detergent should last. Some farmers transfer detergent for bulk tank cleaning to predominant strains present in individual farm milk supply. clear drums which allows the product usage rate to be visible.

Generation times of psychrotrophs can also vary from 4 h to (iii) Automatic systems need to be recalibrated should there be a more than 12 h. The numbers of proteolytic and lipolytic bacteria, change in the product type used for cleaning. For example, the LPC, or PBC–LPC in bulk tank milk were not affected by temperature or viscosity of products can differ depending on the level of caustic duration of storage. (sodium hydroxide) present. Changing from a high chlorine Presumptive B. cereus were detected in 10% of all bulk tank milk samples taken over the two 6-wk periods, with similar proportions observed in both. In bulk tank milk samples, a greater incidence of SRC was observed in the autumn (20%) compared with the summer (3%), corresponding with cows being partially housed indoors. Thus, it is suggested that bulk tank milk with frequent additions of fresh milk with minimal bacterial contamination can be stored for up to 96 h at temperatures ≤4°C without considerable increases in TBC or psychrotrophic bacteria.

FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF MILK Between 0 and 96 h, minimal deterioration was observed in functional properties (rennet coagulation time, curd firmness, and heat stability), which was most likely due to the dissociation of βcasein from the casein micelle, which can be reversed upon pasteurization. Almost all parameters differed between mid and

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BULK MILK STORAGE based product to a high caustic content product requires recalibration and adjustment of dosage rates. This change in product type used for bulk tank cleaning is a further step to minimize potential residues from chlorine in milk. (iv) Extra rinse cycles are necessary to prevent any residues being left on tank surfaces and many of the older tanks do not have this facility. An additional manual rinse may be necessary in these situations. (v) Particularly, with older tanks water solenoids and drain valves need to be checked regularly as poor functioning during wash cycles can result in insufficient amounts of detergent or water being used, resulting in inadequate cleaning and likelihood of increased bacterial levels.

Descaling of bulk milk tanks (acid wash) is important as descaling the milking equipment. It is recommended that this task be conducted after every third collection (at a minimum). (vii) Maintaining a clean milk outlet is also an important as all milk passes through this point at collection time. (viii) Regular visual inspection of tank surfaces for any biofilm or milk stains should be carried out after cleaning is completed, using a torch.

FUTURE RESEARCH ON MILK COOLING Research trials are on-going investigating the effect of cooling rates on the microbial quality of milk and the energy requirements to achieve top quality milk. Different pre-cooling protocols such as the use of single or double stage cooling and storage temperature setting can also impact on the farm energy consumption and is being investigated.

KEY MESSAGE: It is important to emphasize the importance of maintaining clean milking equipment and good hygiene during milking to minimize bacterial contamination of milk entering the bulk tank milk.

The results of this study indicate that when the initial TBC of milk was low and milk was stored at temperatures ≤4°C, TBC levels less than 5,000 cfu/mL were achievable in milk up to 96 h and the functional properties of milk were maintained.

Article by David Gleeson, Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark.

MAIN STEPS TO ACHIEVE GOOD QUALITY BULK TANK MILK 1. Present clean cows for milking 2. Parlour hygiene must be maintained during the milking process 3. Operate a recommend milking machine and bulk milk tank cleaning protocol 4. Use of a plate cooler at the correct water/milk ratio can halve milk temperature before entering the milk tank thereby minimizing bacterial growth and reduce energy costs 5. A fully serviced efficient bulk milk tank that will allow the cooling of milk to the required temperature within one hour of completion of milking.

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ANIMAL HEALTH

BOVINE RESPIRATORY DISEASE IN DAIRY HEIFERS A recent Teagasc study estimated the cost of rearing replacement heifers in Ireland at approximately €1500. Inadequacies in management of calf health on many farms are adding to the already significant cost of heifer rearing as well as reducing the lifetime potential of those heifers, according to Joanne Cregg, MSD Animal Health, Technical advisor.

A

ccording to data released from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) veterinary laboratories and AFBI in 2014, bovine respiratory disease (BRD) remains the most common cause of ill health and mortality in young calves from 1–6 months of age (1). BRD is a multifactorial disease, resulting from infection with various viruses, bacteria and parasites. Outbreaks of BRD in dairy heifers are typically initiated by an environmental stressor/s resulting in a weakening of immune mechanisms and allowing colonization of the lung by pathogens. Disease caused by primary pathogens, including viruses such as Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV) and Parainfluenza- 3 virus (PI–3) and bacteria Table 1. The relative frequency of detection of pathogens in post such as Mannheimia haemolytica or Mycoplasma bovis are common mortem cases diagnosed as respiratory infections of calves of 1 to 5 findings (see Table 1). months of age during 2012 (1).

Risk factors for BRD include concurrent nutritional, environmental, and group structural changes, as well as increased exposure to BRD NEGATIVELY IMPACTS FUTURE pathogens from mixing with older animals for the first time.

PRODUCTIVITY Severe undetected or untreated BRD may result in death. Prompt The growth rate of heifers from birth to sexual maturity is a therapy can lower the mortality rate. major determining factor of the age at first calving. Heifers that However, losses due to disease can still be extensive. In fact, reach pre–weaning targets will calve earlier. These heifers will respiratory disease was responsible for 38% of deaths in calves in therefore have a higher milk-producing potential than those heifers the 1–5 month age category in the Republic of Ireland in 2013 that have experienced reduced growth rates due to calfhood (2). The commonly recognised costs of this disease include increased disease including pneumonia. For heifers to calve at 24 months labour, veterinary fees and replacement costs. they should reach at least 60 to 65% of their mature body weight However, the long-term costs of BRD are likely underestimated, at breeding and at calving should have attained 90% of the mature including the potential for calfhood BRD to lead to long–term body weight. Age at puberty is associated with physical development. negative outcomes for affected stock. Respiratory disease in early Therefore, any delay in achieving growth can delay the age at first life has been linked to decreased growth rates, decreased survival service and negatively affect the productivity and profitability of to first calving, increased age at first calving, and even an increase affected heifers. in calving difficulty (3). Persistent pneumonia has also been associated A recent study in Northern Ireland, demonstrated that heifers with a significant reduction in milk yield in later life (3, 4). with calfhood pneumonia experienced a reduction in growth

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ANIMAL HEALTH rate that persisted through to first calving. This study also revealed that animals requiring multiple treatments for pneumonia during early life subsequently experienced reductions in milk yield during the first and even the second lactation (a reduction of 5 and 10 % of milk yield in lactation 1 and 2 respectively). Milk fat and protein percentages were also negatively affected in animals with persistent calfhood pneumonia (5). This study illustrates the critical importance of selecting treatments that will minimise the relapse rate for pneumonia in clinically affected calves. Veterinary practitioners should assist farmers in the prompt recognition of clinical signs and educate on the importance of immediate isolation of affected stock in a separate airspace, as well as advising on appropriate treatment protocols for affected stock.

TREATMENT PROTOCOLS Antibiotic therapy is indicated if bacterial infection has been diagnosed or is strongly suspected by the attending veterinary practitioner. Suitable therapeutic classes include cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, phenicols, tetracyclines and macrolides. Restrictions are already in place on many of these antimicrobial classes in other parts of Europe and Scandinavia. Upcoming EU legislation to combat antimicrobial resistance may lead to further restrictions in this region. With this legislation in place, disease prevention programmes including good management practices and vaccination regimes will become even more vital in the control of BRD. Appropriate use of anti-inflammatories is important to protect the welfare of the animal and to maintain lung health during the course of infection. Anti-inflammatories of the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug class (NSAID’s), such as flunixin, ketoprofen and meloxicam are most suitable. Specific problems identified on individual farms such as parasite burdens or mineral deficiencies must also be corrected.

CONTROL OF RESPIRATORY DISEASE Due to the multifactorial nature of BRD, reduction of the incidence of disease and associated economic impact is based on a number of control measures. Some important aspects of control are as follows:

The Importance of Colostrum intake Adequate colostrum intake shortly after birth is one of the major factors influencing calf health, survival and even subsequent milk production when the calf reaches adulthood. Failure of passive transfer in new–born heifers is associated with an increased risk of BRD (3). One study has even demonstrated a link between colostrum feeding volumes and subsequent milk yield; calves that received four litres, rather than two litres, of colostrum in the first hour of birth, had approximately a 10% higher milk yield in the first lactation and a 15% higher milk yield in the second lactation (5). It is also suggested that clinical signs of BRD and the number of treatment days required are increased in animals with inadequate colostral immunoglobulins (3).

Although significant improvements in colostrum management have occurred in recent years, there are still a large number of calves that do not receive adequate colostrum. According to the 2012 All–island Animal Disease Surveillance Report, approximately 70% of calves sampled did not receive adequate colostrum (1).

As the immunity from passive transfer wanes quite quickly for some pathogenic respiratory agents, particularly antibodies against certain bacterial agents like Mannheimia (Pasteurella) spp, it would be prudent to consider vaccination of calves at this

stage to stimulate active immunity.As mixed infections occur frequently, vaccination with a multivalent vaccine, to induce immunity to both common bacterial and viral agents, should be considered on high risk farms.

Housing hygiene and ventilation Adequate ventilation of calf housing can reduce humidity levels and can reduce the build–up of noxious gases, dust and bacterial content in the environment. Control of noxious gases, particularly ammonia, requires the provision of dry bedding and adequate ventilation. If natural ventilation is inadequate then mechanical ventilation should be considered. Assessment of ventilation should be performed in the pens at calf level and not in feed passages where conditions are likely to be different. While air movement is considered vital, excessive air movement or draughts can be detrimental to the health of young stock. Air speeds of greater than 1 m/second should be avoided in calves less than 100kg.

Shelter belts, canopies or hutches are often used successfully to create microenvironments for young calves where draughts are an issue.

Inappropriate stocking density has also been shown to be a significant contributor to the development of respiratory outbreaks.

The minimum recommendations on air space for calves are as follows: 6 m3 up to 6 weeks and 10 m3 up to 12 weeks of age (6).

The housing of adult animals in the same airspace should also be avoided as older animals may act as reservoirs of infection for young stock. In housed, young stock provision of dry bedding and adequate drainage away from the pens is important in order to minimise humidity. High humidity is a facilitator in the spread of infectious respiratory agents as it prolongs their life-span in the environment as well as negatively impacting on the thermal capacity of the young animal.

Vaccination The significant morbidity and mortality in dairy heifer calves, particularly in the first six months of life, illustrates the importance of utilising an appropriate vaccination regime to provide sustained protection over the period of risk. Advice regarding vaccination should be tailored to suit individual herds and regions. However, given the current RVL data, consideration should be given to incorporate vaccination against M. haemolytica. Bovipast® RSP

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ANIMAL HEALTH

can be used in calves from as early as two weeks of age and provides protection against BRSV, PI–3 as well as M. haemolytica serotypes A1 and A6.

There has been an increased interest in the use of vaccination as an aid in the control of IBR on Irish farms. Live BoHV–1 vaccines have been shown to induce early immunity against infection.

Protection in seronegative animals, for example, can be induced as early as 4 days after intranasal administration and 14 days after intramuscular administration of Bovilis® IBR marker live. Intranasal

Many Irish dairy farms have increased animal numbers in recent years. As herd sizes increase, the continuous influx of susceptible or carrier animals promote the on-going circulation of IBR virus.

BoHV–1 vaccination of young-stock should therefore be considered.

In order to make an informed decision on the most suitable control measures and the feasibility of such control measures it is important that producers are made aware of the far reaching effects of this disease complex for dairy heifers. To maintain and improve production and profitability, a greater focus on disease

“Adequate colostrum intake shortly after birth is one of the major factors influencing calf health, survival and even subsequent milk production when the calf reaches adulthood. Failure of passive transfer in new–born heifers is associated with an increased risk of BRD” vaccination with Bovilis® IBR Marker Live can be administered to calves from 2 weeks of age or can be administered on the same day as Bovipast® RSP in calves over 3 weeks of age. Revaccination occurring at 3–4 months can be administered either intranasally or intramuscularly and continued at six monthly intervals as required.

prevention and management in calf rearing enterprises is warranted, particularly if certain classes or modalities of antibiotic use become restricted.

Without doubt, heifer rearing is complex and challenging.

However, efforts to minimise disease and calf losses can be rewarding for both the producer and the veterinary practitioner.

1. Anon (2012) DAFM/AFBI All-island Animal Disease Surveillance Report 2012 http://www.afbini.gov.uk/allisland_animal__disease_surveillance_report_2012.pdf Accessed December 15 2016.

2. Anon (2013) DAFM/AFBI All-island Animal Disease Surveillance Report 2013 http://www.afbini.gov.uk/allisland_animal__disease_surveillance_report_2013.pdf Accessed December 15 2016.

3. Van Der Fels-Klerx J., Martin W., Nielen M., Huirne M., Effects on productivity and risk factors of Bovine Respiratory Disease in dairy heifers: a review for the Netherlands. Netherlands Journal of Agricultural Science 50 (2002) 27-45.

4. Stanton L. , Kelton F., LeBlanc J., Wormuth J., Leslie E.,The effect of respiratory disease and a preventative antibiotic treatment on growth, survival, age at first calving, and milk production of dairy heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 95:4950–4960.

5. Morrison S., Scoley G. and Barley J. (2013) The impact of calf health on future performance. Veterinary Ireland Journal 3, 264-268.

6. Lorenz I., Earley B., Gilmore J., Hogan I., Kennedy E., More S., Calf health from birth to weaning. III. housing and management of calf pneumonia. Irish Veterinary Journal (2011), 64:14.

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QUALITY GENETICS FROM A SOURCE THAT YOU CAN TRUST! Eurogene Aiservices have consistently searched for the best Cow Families throughout Ireland in order to source the best young bulls for our I2 program. We feel these bulls are not only great young Genomic sires but that they also have a great chance of becoming the best Irish bulls when they become daughter proven. Hence this is why we say “we are not only interested in breeding High EBI Calves, but also HIGH EBI COWS”.

Kilteskin ATLAS (FR 2429) is a prime example of what we are after. His Sire Parkduv Magnet (PKX) is now proven but he also comes from an exceptional maternal line;The Dam of Atlas “Kilteskin BWZ Ashling 614” x KEET just recently calved in again for the 9th time while the HUGO G’Dam is also the herd & will shortly calf in again for her 11th lactation. Both of these Cows have “calved in like Clockwork” and are highly profitable, having consistently given High Milk Solids with well over 4.0% Fat & 3.60-3.80% Protein. “They are Low in SCC & are generally trouble free cows” for their owner, Thomas Russell, who farms near Aghada outside Midleton, Co. Cork. Both Dam & G’dam are also classified Excellent which give us the confidence that this bull will sire daughters with good functional type that will last.

I believe that is what every dairy farmer is looking for!

Visit www.eurogeneaiservices.com for more information.

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FINANCE

ON FARM CAPITAL INVESTMENTS – PRESSURE TEST RETURNS

Poorly planned capital investments tie up valuable cash in the business which can reduce profitability, writes Philip O’ Connor, Agriculture Support Manager with IFAC.

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n theory, all capital investments on a farm business should Standard practice in other types of business entity’s is for a lead to extra profits on the farm. However past experience capital investment to be made based on it rate of return. Rate of has shown that poorly planned capital investments tie–up return is a simple calculation based on the additional profit (less valuable cash in the business which can adversely affect profitability. interest) an investment will make as a percentage of the cost of With the opening of the TAMS II grant in late 2015 and further that investment. For example; the building of a milking parlour tranches in 2016, on farm capital investment has become very for €100,000 will allow you milk more and increase farm profits attractive for all farmers despite the short term profit outlook by €9,000. This would equate of a Return on Investment of 9% across all sectors. The grants available are 40% of €80,000 and per year.This rate needs to be compared with the cost of borrowing this increase to 60% if an applicant is a Young Trained Farmer. or the cost of using your own funds (don’t forget your own funds Registered farm partnerships also allow for a “double” ceiling of a if left on deposit would have accumulated interest). Therefore the grant claimable on a total spend of up to €160,000. “investment” needs to earn enough additional profits to justify While it is important to make the most of TAMS II grant opportunities the investment in the first place. Investors in other types of business as they arise, it is essential that all farmers plan any farm investment would expect a return on their investment of somewhere between very carefully.

7–10%. In the majority of family farm business due to the short term outlook on profitability there is very limited potential for a capital gain.

Key areas that need to be examined from a financial aspect are: Therefore should any farmer make a capital investment in 2016?

1. Should You Make the Investment?

I believe, however that farmers still need to justify any long term a.

Will the capital expenditure give a Return of Investment? capital expenditure.With the short term outlook for farming looking poor, farmers should look for a Return on Investment of at least 2. Cash flow Pressures 5% per year. After all one of the main objectives of a farmer must a.

Have you adequately financially planned the investment? be to make a profit, and spending valuable funds on an investment b.

If borrowing have you the required borrowing capacity? that does not in the medium / long term increase profits on the farm has to be seriously reviewed as regards is viability.

3. Tax Planning Issues a.

Value Added Tax(VAT) CASH–FLOW PRESSURES b.

Income Tax, Assuming the farmer has analysed the “need” and “return of investment” c.

Capital Repayment Trap of the capital expenditure the next step for the farmer is deciding

SHOULD YOU MAKE THE INVESTMENT – RATE OF RETURN CALCULATOR? I believe that farmers need to justify any and all capital expenditure.

Capital investments tie up valuable working capital (cash) on a farm. Therefore all farmers need to examine the “need” and “return” of any capital investment. With the short term outlook for farming looking poor in 2016 and cash flow with-in most family farm business coming under pressure, all capital expenditure needs to be reviewed on the bases of its return on profitably to the farm.

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how they are going to finance the expenditure / development.

While although the farm might need the development and you have established that the investment will increase profitability, the farmer however must now establish the best way to pay for the investment while at the same time minimise the impact on cash–flow.The most common mistakes farmers make when financially planning an investment are as follows: 1. Under estimating the total time & cost of an investment – Not accounting for a contingency fund.

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FINANCE 2. Funding Investment directly out of cash flow 3. Not Reviewing their borrowing capacity for a bank loan accurately a.

Borrowing short term b.

Not correctly structuring loan

Cleaning teats

TAX PLANNING ISSUES: You require considering the following taxes when planning capital expenditure on buildings: 1. Value Added Tax(VAT) 2. Income Tax, 3. Relevant Contracts Tax 4. Capital Repayment Trap

VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) Vat Registered Farmers If you are a VAT Registered Farmer you can reclaim any VAT payable by you on capital work in the normal way on your VAT return which will either reduce the VAT you owe for that period or entitle you to a refund for the period.

Recommendations Claim the VAT as it is being invoiced to you rather than waiting for the job to be finished. This will help your cash flow and also avoid delays arising from Revenue queries that commonly arise if a relatively large claim is made. Remember, it is the invoice date that determines the VAT taxable period in which a refund can be claimed, not the date you pay the Building Contractor/Supplier.

Example:

Cost of Building VAT @ 13.5% Amount Invoiced By Contractor

€50,000 €6,750 €56,750

DEDUCT: VAT Refund Grant(60%) Total Deduction

€6,750 €30,000 (€36,750)

Capital Allowances Claimable

€20,000

This will be claimed as follows: €3,000 for first 6 years and €2,000 in year 7.The value of these allowances by way of actual tax saved depends on the marginal tax rate of the individual farmer.

VAT Unregistered Farmers (Flat Rate Farmers) Unlike VAT Registered Farmers, VAT Unregistered Farmers are restricted in the items on which they can reclaim the VAT suffered RELEVANT CONTRACTS TAX (RCT) on Building works. VAT Unregistered Farmers are entitled to reclaim This tax will not apply to many farmers but where it does apply VAT incurred on building and land improvements and also on the farmer is obliged to comply with the rules and in most cases deduct certain items of fixed plant such as Bulk Tanks, Milking Facilities, tax from payments to the building contractor. etc, subject to a time limit of 4 years. If the asset is disposed of or The consequences of not complying with the RCT rules are ceases to be used in the farming business within one year the severe. If in doubt, speak with your accountant prior to VAT reclaimed +interest must be repaid to Revenue. commencing your farm building

“While it is important to make the most of TAMS II grant opportunities as they arise, it is essential that all farmers plan any farm investment very carefully” Recommendations THE CAPITAL REPAYMENT TRAP A. You are required to submit invoices in support of the claim. It The profits shown on a farm Profit and Loss Accounts only is important to ensure your Building Contractor/Supplier, when shows bank interest payable but not the capital repayment invoicing you, uses the same name as is on your VAT Registration, element of loan repayments. The capital repayment element has eg. If the VAT Registration is in the name of “Joe Blogs Farm Partnership” to be funded from after tax income. and the contractor makes out the invoice to Joe Blogs only, Revenue will refuse to sanction the refund of the VAT suffered on that invoice.

Example: The annual loan repayments in years 1, 4 and 7 to a B. Moveable plant placed in the building will not qualify for a bank on €50,000 borrowed over seven years at 6% to purchase VAT refund to a VAT Unregistered Farmer. When projecting your land is as follows costs and financial requirements for the project, sit down with your accountant to quantify the amount of VAT reclaimable and Annual Repayment Interest Portion Capital Portion allow adequate time in your cash flow projection for the project Year 1 €8,950 (100%) €3,000 (33%) €5,950 (67%) for receipt of the refund.

Year 4 €8,950 (100%) €1,850 (21%) €7,100 (79%) Year 7 €8,950 (100%) €500 (5%) €8,450 (95%)

TAX WRITE–OFF FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

The tax write–off period for farm buildings and land improvements is From this example you can see that the tax deductible interest 7 years (15% + 10% in year 7). Items of plant and machinery such element of the repayment in Year 1 of €3,000 is 33% of the total as the milking parlour can be written off against tax at 12.5% per amount repayable which drops to €500, being 5% of the total annual payment in Year 7. A farmer taxable at 50% tax rate year i.e. it will take 8 years to get the full tax write-off on plant (including levies, PRSI, USC) would have to earn €16,900 profit and machinery. before tax in Year 7 to repay the €8,450 capital element to the The 3 year tax write-off period for pollution control expenditure ran out on 31st December 2010 and pollution control work carried bank. It is therefore vital to understand the difference between the yearly profit as shown on a Profit and Loss Account and the out after that date attracts the normal 7 year write-off period. actual surplus cash that requires to be generated in order to meet The annual tax allowance is calculated as a % of the gross cost the capital element of loan repayments. minus VAT Refundable and the grant.

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DAIRY COW NUTRITION

FEEDING THE SPRING CALVING DAIRY COW A major drop in protein % and/or low milk protein can be an early warning that cows are underfed, writes Valerie Hobson, Animal Nutritionist, Quinns of Baltinglass Ltd.

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ndoubtedly grazed grass is our most cost effective feed on Irish farms and it should be maximised, however it must be recognized that grazing grass diets will only support approximately 19 – 20 litres of milk.Therefore, in higher yielding herds grazed grass must be supplemented to avoid a negative energy balance in the dairy herd which carries huge herd issues long-term.

The main objective in feeding cows is to meet the energy requirements of the cow as efficiently as possible. If total energy intake is reduced at any stage during lactation milk proteins drops. A major drop in protein % and/or low milk protein can be an early warning that cows are underfed and corrective action should be taken quickly to avoid subsequent fertility issues.

conditions are poor, is necessary and cost effective in the long run.As well as an increase in milk yield it is a guaranteed way of supplying magnesium in the diet and other essential mineral and vitamins that are essential for herd health and fertility.A simple rule of thumb when deciding on concentrate supplementation should be (Milk yield – 20) x 0.50 = Kg concentrate fed Recommended concentrate feeding level for spring calving herds peaking at 28Litres (2Kgs Solids)

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF POTENTIAL REASONS WHY COWS MAY BE UNDERFED IN EARLY LACTATION INCLUDING: • Feeding poor quality silage which has a low DMD value and poor UFL value • Overestimation of Grass intakes in early lactation – poor grass growth or perhaps poor grazing conditions (wet paddocks) contribute to over estimation • Concentrate supplementation can be reduced too quickly in spring due to over-estimation of grass It’s important to maintain concentrate feeding levels to match grass When it comes to feeding high producing dairy cows at grass the growth. Feeding a high starch concentrates will also aid milk protein following is a guide to concentrate levels required to supplement: production. Minimising body condition loss is important between calving Milk Yield Kg/Day and start of breeding – maximum BCS loss should be 0.5. High levels of supplement feeding are required when grass 28 30 32 34 36 38 production is low and milk production is high. In reality 10 8.8 9.8 10.7 11.7 12.6 13.6 many cows don’t receive high levels of concentrate 11 7.7 8.7 9.6 10.6 11.5 12.5 which effects: 12 6.6 7.6 8.5 9.5 10.4 11.4 Grass DMI 13 5.5 6.4 7.4 8.3 9.3 10.2 1) Production is reduced Kg/DM/day 14 4.4 5.3 6.3 7.2 8.2 9.1 2) Fertility issues are increased 15 3.3 4.2 5.2 6.1 7.1 8.0 3) Extended calving interval 16 2.2 3.1 4.1 5.0 6.0 6.9 Even though grazed grass is the most economical way to feed cows, 17 1.1 2.0 3.0 3.9 4.8 5.8 supplementing with concentrates when grass is tight or grazing

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DAIRY COW NUTRITION

EARLY LACTATION NUTRITION ENERGY Underfeeding cows is unfortunately an issue post calving especially spring calved cows and as previously mentioned, cows quickly go in to what’s known as negative energy balance.

What are the main reasons for excessive negative energy balance?

1) Over conditioned cows at calving – these cows tend to have poor feed intakes post calving 2) Under–Feeding compared to energy output a. Heat stress reduces feed intakes b. Management – adequate feed space, grass allocation, fresh water etc. c. Diet Quality d. Climatic conditions 3) Animals Health – general poor health reduces feed intakes, issues can include a. Lameness b. Ruminal acidosis c. Metritis The most important energy value of ruminant feed is the UFL value, 1 UFL is equivalent of 1kg of air dried barley. Energy is required for: • Maintenance • Milk production • Body weight gain • Pregnancy

PROTEIN Energy is the main cornerstone in nutrition; however protein does have a major part to play but it tends not to be underfed as much as energy.When we look at balancing protein in the diet now we look at the PDI system (Protein digested in the Intestine) high quality perennial ryegrass-based swards are likely to contain a high crude protein and PDIN con¬centration, which will increase blood urea nitrogen levels. Furthermore high protein diets would seem to partition nutrients towards milk production at the expense of energy balance. Recent research carried out at Lyons Estate demonstrated that concentrate type had a significant positive impact on metabolic status in early lactation dairy cows at grass. In this study, grazing cows fed 6kg of a 14% pro¬tein compound based on maize grain had significantly reduced blood urea nitrogen and beta hydroxy butyrate in comparison to cows fed 6kg of an 18% protein compound based on barley.

“Energy is the golden ticket to a successful grazing season – so make sure your cows are being fed enough to avoid energy deficits which can lead to a string of problems long term” WITHOUT GETTING INTO TOO MANY CALCULATIONS AND TO INSTEAD DO A SIMPLE SUMMARY:

A 14% Crude protein concentrate should be sufficient when cows are fully out at grass and when working on CP basis it’s ideal to aim for the overall crude protein of the diet to be a maximum of 15% of DM.

• A 600Kg Cow needs 6 UFL for maintenance grazing FIBRE • A 600 Kg cow producing 30Litres of milk per day needs 12.6UFL for Fibre is important in the diet to stimulate rumination and ideally the production only (0.43UFL per Litre milk produced) fibre should have a long or large particle size. Rapidly fermentable • So this cow grazing needs 18.6 UFL’s of energy from her diet to match carbohydrate contributes to an acid build up in the rumen. Early spring her output. grass tends to be low in digestible fibre and dungs can be soft, which is • The loss of 1 Body Condition Score (BCS) = 150 UFL deficit in a sign of low fibre in the diet. Supplementing straw, grass silage or maize monthly diet silage can help slow down the breakdown of feed by increasing rumination and production of saliva.Also, the inclusion of digestible SO WHAT DOES THIS COW NEED TO EAT TO fibre sources in the concentrate such as soya hulls or beet pulp nuts BALANCE HER OUTPUT? will also help.

• Grass contains circa 1.05UFL/Kg of DM SUMMARY • Concentrates contains circa 0.93UFL/Kg of DM 1) Energy is the golden ticket to a successful grazing season – so make • Grass Silage contains between 0.65 – 0.90UFL/Kg of DM (Massive sure your cows are being fed enough to avoid energy deficits which can variation) lead to a string of problems long term.

• Maize Silage contains between 0.75 – 0.85 UFL/Kg of DM 2) Measuring grass is the only sure way you have of knowing that So to return to our 600kg grazing cow consuming an average 15Kg DM your cows are getting the correct amount of grazed grass. of grass daily (obviously grass has to be managed and measured to 3) Monitor your milks solid levels continuously; they will quickly give know exactly what consumption is to avoid over/underestimation) you signs if there is something wrong.

• 15 kg x 1.05UFL = 15.75UFL from Grazing 4) Speak to your nutritionist and get them to run a diet formulation • 18.6UFL Required – 15.75UFL provided for you so you can be assured that you are feeding the correct Therefore the cow is in deficit of 2.85UFL daily concentrate.

Continuing to ignore this deficit over 1 month will lead the loss of over 5) If you are feeding forage in the early spring make sure it’s analysed 0.5 BCS. so you know exactly what quality it is and balance accordingly.

• Feeding 3 Kg of concentrates at 0.93UFL/Kg gives a total of 2.79UFL 6) Feeding concentrates have the added benefits of providing • 2.79 UFL (from Concentrate) + 15.75 UFL (from Grass) = 18.54UFL magnesium and other essential minerals to cows at grass.

We now have a balanced diet and BCS will remain steady. It’s also very important that cows are quickly brought up to these intake levels post Valerie Hobson B.Agr.Sc (Animal Nutritionist) Quinns of Baltinglass Ltd, calving which is often a difficult task as intakes are often suppressed Mainstreet, Baltinglass, Co.Wicklow post calving. Feeding a diet similar to the milking cow diet for the last Quinns of Baltinglass Ltd have a coarse ration mill in Baltinglass and offer a full few weeks of the dry cow period will help this. nutritional service to their customers.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

CLAAS ATOS 300 & 200 RANGE

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CLAAS offer one of the widest ranges of 3- and 4- cylinder tractor ranges below 160hp within its ELIOS, ATOS, ARION 400 and ARION 500 ranges.

n the ATOS range, six models are available; three 3-cylinder 200 models with power outputs of 76, 88 and 97hp and three 4cylinder 300 variants with power outputs of 88, 102 and 109hp.

The ATOS features robust and simple technology, but with a wide range of options, making it very versatile. Its compact design and excellent manoeuvrability make it the ideal option for all kinds of farm work.

Under the bonnet, there’s a Stage IIIb/Tier 4i-compliant Farmotion engine with a cubic capacity of 3.8 litres on 300series models and 2.9 litres on the 200 series. The engines feature a common rail injection system, turbocharger and charge air cooler and are fitted

with three powershifts. All transmission variants are available with either a mechanical or the clutchless REVERSHIFT reverser.

PTO options include either 540; 540/540 ECO or 540/540 ECO/ 1000/1000 ECO. An automatic power take-off system and a separate groundspeed power take–off for powering trailers are also available optionally.

SMART STOP A new feature that is particularly useful for jobs that require frequent stopping or starting, such as when using a loader or round baling, is SMART STOP. Available on tractors fitted with REVERSHIFT, when

“A new feature that is particularly useful for jobs that require frequent stopping or starting, such as when using a loader or round baling, is SMART STOP” activated using a button on the dashboard, when the brake pedal is with a diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC), while cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system ensures maximum efficiency. pressed SMART STOP will automatically de-clutch the transmission, The catalytic converter is integrated under the bonnet leaving clear so that stopping and starting is carried out just using the brake pedal.

If required, the ATOS can be fitted ex-factory with a fully integrated all-round visibility. High torque values of up to 436 Nm mean that 1.9t capacity front linkage, which is controlled using either with the the ATOS is extremely responsive to drive. mechanical PROPILOT control system or the hydraulic FLEXPILOT To meet the wide range of market needs that the ATOS will need to meet, three different transmission options are available. The basic control system. The rear linkage can also be controlled mechanically manual transmission provides 10 forward/10 reverse speeds, but for or electronically as an option.The ATOS 300 has a maximum lift capacity those wanting more sophistication there is the option of the 20/20 of 4.8 t at the rear, while the ATOS 200 can lift up to 3.6 t.

The standard hydraulic pump has an output of 55 l/min, but ECO TWINSHIFT with two powershift speeds or the 30/30 TRISHIFT models have an increased hydraulic output of 60 l/min at a reduced engine speed of 1600 rpm – thus lowering fuel consumption. A total of four spool valves are available.

The ATOS is available in both two- and four–wheel drive across all models and the maximum tyre size for the ATOS 200 is 34” rising to 38" for ATOS 300 models.

The ATOS is equipped with a comfortable four–pillar cab, which provides excellent all-round visibility of the working area.

Furthermore, all of the functions are clearly arranged within the cab.

The doors open over a wide range, making it easy to enter and exit the cab. Thanks to the glass roof hatch, the driver always has a good view over the front loader, so ensuring they can work safely and accurately at all times.

For more information contact Alastair McCallum, Product Manager, Tractors and Telehandlers on Tel: 01284 763100 or Email: a.mccallum@claas.com

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CALF SHED DESIGN. COMMERCIAL FEATURE

CALF REARING – TIPPING THE BALANCE IN YOUR FAVOUR With the right setup, one farmer can rear 600 calves over a 6 month period, writes Paul Lyons of Bo Steel.

Figure 1 – Central passageway

Figure 2 – Shed layout

Figure 3 – Mobile Trough

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alf rearing is a labour intensive business, a balancing act. well or needing extra nutrition can be grouped together. In addition, calves can be isolated in the passageway when a pen is being Young calves need to be fed twice a day, bedding needs to be checked and added daily, and animal health needs to cleaned or rebedded. Lisa does not allow deep litter to build up; be monitored hour to hour. One way to tip balance in your favour pens are kept clean daily with fresh straw added.

On the gable end of the shed, large sheeted doors have been is with good design of your calf house. With the right setup, one fitted.These hinge outwards and have rubber skirts on the bottom farmer can rear 600 calves over a 6 month period. (figure 5). The skirt serves to eliminate drafts and also as it is One such farmer is Lisa Keatley in Castledermot, Co Kildare.

Recently, Lisa converted an existing hayshed with a lean–too into slightly longer than the gap, the skirt trails on the ground so that a small effort is needed to move the door making the doors safe a new 70 animal, calf rearing unit.The design is based on a previous to move. When a large clean out of soiled straw needs to be calf rearing shed that is working well for Lisa for the last few done, the entire end of the shed can be opened up via the large years. sheeted gates allowing a wheel loader inside to clear out the The shed consists of a central passageway, (figure 1, figure 2) that can be used to access each pen for feeding and calf movement. bedding. Every element of this building has efficiency in mind.

In addition to calf rearing, this shed is also dual purpose. The At the far end of the passageway there is a water heater and a gates have all been made strong enough for bigger animals such mixing area for the preparation of milk replacer. Once the milk as cows or yearlings should Lisa want to change her business is mixed each pen of calves is fed with a 15ft mobile trough slightly and decide to house older stock. In this case the shed can (figure 3) that can be wheeled from pen to pen. Each pen also has a hayrack mounted on the dividing gate to allow the feeding be very easily converted from a 6 pen set-up into 3 long pens with no central passage and feeding can be carried out via feeding of barley straw. Feeding straw helps increase rumen activity for barriers along the side of the building (figure 5) . young calves.

Lisa has all her options covered. I would consider this a model In addition each division gate has a trough mounted on it for for efficient calf housing. A number of bigger operators in the the feeding of calf nuts. Apart from feeding and health monitoring, the central passageway allows the easy movement of calves from area of contract calf rearing trade have been to visit Lisa's setup with a view to applying these principles themselves. pen to pen, each pen has two gates so that when one opens it Paul Lyons is a Design Engineer with Bo Steel who specialise in covers the width of the passageway (figure 4). In this way calves can be moved easily from pen to pen, calves that are progressing cattle, sheep and equine solutions. Email: Paul.lyons@built2last.ie Figure 4 – Feed gates can also be closed across passageway

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Figure 5 – Feed barriers on front of building

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FARM DESIGN

THE IMPORTANCE OF WELL-DESIGNED FARM ROADWAYS The milking process really starts when the cows leave the paddock. The benefits of a well–built and properly maintained farm roadway system are numerous, by Tom Ryan, Teagasc.

Don't place water troughs at gateways as cows will slow up and be distracted.

This is not the shortest distance to water in the paddock, so more soil damage and grass smearing will occur while going to and fro for water. Water troughs should be level. The pipe size here appears inadequate too. The gateway surface is good.

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well–designed, carefully built and properly maintained farm roadway system has many benefits, including, less lameness, less mastitis and better general animal health, faster and easier stock movement, cleaner cows and milk, less roadway maintenance and more efficient paddock access.

COW BEHAVIOR

Cows like to walk with their heads down so they can see where to put their front feet.The hind foot is also placed on ground that the cow has seen.When cows cannot place their feet safely they will slow down.

It could be because the roadway surface is poor or because they are being forced to move on from behind. If forced to move on from behind ASSESSING ROADWAY CONDITION cows become bunched and they lift up their heads and shorten their stride.

Take a quick look at the condition of your farm roadways for Now they cannot see where to put their front feet and they lose control defects that may be causing problems. These defects can include, of where to place their hind feet. Given time a cow that is left to move potholes, a roadway that is level or almost level, wheel track along quietly will seldom misplace a foot, even on a poor surface. depressions, a raised hump of soil under the fence at either side Cows have an average walking speed of 2–3 km per hour (0.6 and cow tracks made between the fence and the roadway or on to 0.8 m per second). On a good farm roadway they can walk at speeds over 4 km per hour (up to 1.2m per second). the roadway.

There is a social hierarchy and dominance within the herd. Cows Problems are caused by; pebbles and loose stones on the surface, a bumpy surface with secure stones, lodged/trapped water on the like to stick to their social groups as they walk along to the parlour. surface, very dirty section near the farmyard, and a roadway level Furthermore cows don’t like too much physical contact with other with or lower than the field. The reasons for these defects are many cows as they walk along. When dominant cows slow or stop, the but may be due to flawed construction methods, unsuitable materials rest of the herd will do likewise. Cows have a slightly different milking order to their walking order, so they need space and time and lack of maintenance. The appearance of the roadway now to reorganise themselves in the collecting yard before milking. bears little resemblance to what it looked like when it was Pushing them in too tight will only lead to stress and lameness. initially constructed.

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FARM DESIGN

ROADWAY WIDTH The width of roadways depends on the number of cows in the herd. Typical widths of 3.7m to 5m are suggested for herds up to 150 cows with wider roadways needed for bigger herds. A rule of thumb is an extra 0.5m wide for each extra 100 cows in the herd.

The fence should be positioned about 0.5m (20 inches) from the edge of the roadway. This will allow cows to utilise the full width of the roadway while at the same time prevent them from walking along the grass margin. A cow track in the grass margin usually means that the fence is too far out and the surface of the roadway is likely to be poor also.

The length of the roadway required will depend on the size and general layout of the farm. On farms with heavy soils a more intensive roadway system makes grazing management easier. The intensity or land area devoted to farm roadways ranges from 1–2% of the grazing area. Most paddock systems aim to have a roadway intensity of between 1.2–1.5% of the grazing area.

LAMENESS The surface of the roadway has a big influence on the level of lameness in the herd. The surface needs to be smooth, fine and strong enough to support animals but with a little give in it also.

Ideally, the footprints from the cows should be visible across the roadway, but not so much to damage the surface when the weather is wet. Rough surfaces with protruding stones, loose gravel or pebbles (either sharp or round) lying on the surface are a major lameness factor.

Moorepark research on 14 commercial dairy farms found that on average between 12 and 16 cows per 100 became lame in a six month period (either Jan–Jun or July–December). On individual farms the figure could be as high as 31 cows per 100 during any six month period. White line disease was the most common cause of lameness followed by sole ulceration. Poor maintenance of roads with little use of top dressing with fine material increased the incidence of lameness. Thus, prevention of lameness at pasture must entail maintaining roads in good condition.

The presence of concrete roadways on farms increased the incidence of lameness. Therefore, if concrete roads are used for cows, care must be taken to ensure; that the junction between the concrete and the roadway is maintained in good condition, that the concrete is kept free of small stones, and run–off from the concrete should be diverted away from the roadway. A kerb or nib wall, close to the end of the concrete where it meets the roadway may be useful. If the kerb is a bit back from the edge of the concrete (about

Evidence of scouring of the surface layer caused by water flowing down along the roadway otherwise a good surface

from the collecting yard. Suitable arrangements must be made for collecting effluent/washings from the soiled yards and the drainage away of rainfall from the roadway. Deepening the fine surface layer and ensuring good drainage in the stretch of roadway near the collecting yard will mean cleaner cows, less lameness and lower cell counts.

ROADWAY CONSTRUCTION New farm roadways must be laid in good weather when soil conditions are dry. This is primarily to ensure that the roadway material does not mix or get pressed into soft soil. Ideally remove a thin layer of topsoil before placing the roadway material.

Topsoil contains pores, organic matter, is generally weak and is likely to deflect and shear under load. Be careful not to remove too much topsoil as the depth of the roadway will have to be

“The width of roadways depends on the number of cows in the herd. Typical widths of 3.7m to 5m are suggested for herds up to 150 cows with wider roadways needed for bigger herds” 0.5m), there will be less wear and tear on the roadway where the two meet. Regular brushing/cleaning of the concrete is required.

Holding cows for long periods on concrete before and after milking should be avoided.

A kerb is also recommended between the roadway and the entrance to the collecting yard. This will force cows to lift their feet dropping off stones before the entrance. The kerb also prevents soiled water from the collecting yard running onto the roadway or rainfall run–off from the roadway flowing onto the collecting yard. The gradients in this area could be in four different directions depending on the lie of the land, the way it was planned or built, etc. The collecting yard could be sloping to or away from the parlour and the farm roadway could be sloping to or away

increased to bring the roadway surface above field level. If too much soil is removed the finished roadway may end up being too low. The finished level of the roadway must be above the level of the field, otherwise drainage will be onto the roadway instead of off it.

A wide variety of locally sourced materials may be used as the main road material. If this material is available on the farm, so much the better. However, the cost of using it should be weighed up against the cost purchased material.

Compact with a vibrating road roller before the surface layer is spread. Compaction interlocks the material to give a stronger roadway and helps prevent loose stones from mixing with the surface layer.

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FARM DESIGN away in the soil or drained along by the side of the roadway and Consider using a geotextile membrane between the road materials piped out under the roadway at the lowest point.

Roadways on steeply sloping ground can be subjected to a stream and the soil. A geotextile is a synthetic porous fabric used to water running the length of a section of roadway during heavy of separate the foundation layer from the ground underneath. It prevents rain.

The 1 in 15–20 crossfall should be enough to divert this water the stones from becoming mixed with the soil and vica versa. away to the sides in many cases.

The geotextile keeps the roadway foundation material clean, where the ground falls considerably along the However, free–draining and therefore dry and strong. roadway crossfalls may be insufficient to prevent this scouring, Farm roadways can suffer considerable deformation in use and so, low ridges, shallow channels or cut–off drains at intervals the role of the geotextile in this situation is to provide physical the roadway will divert water before it builds up volume across support, as well as separation. and momentum.

Do not allow water to flow off in gaps; gaps are A geotextile is highly recommended where soil is heavy or wet. difficult enough to keep right, as it is, without adding to their It won’t solve drainage problems; therefore any necessary problems. drainage should be tackled beforehand. A geotextile also is highly recommended on roadways used for heavy machinery.

A geotextile suitable for farm roadways costs about 75 cent per SURFACE LAYER The roadway should be completed with about 50–75m (2–3 square metre. inches) of a fine material on the surface. If the surface is poor most of the benefits of having a farm roadway are gone. The CROSSFALLS Getting water off the roadway quickly will extend the life of the surface layer needs to be laid evenly and compacted. Spread it surface and reduce the cost of maintenance. Potholes will also be out to the slope formed in the foundation layer.

Many different types of fine material can be used for the less likely to develop. To remove water quickly from roadways surface layer. they should slope to one or both sides.

A roadway that slopes to one side is easier to construct and COSTS machinery runs better on it. However, cows apparently spread A 4.3m wide roadway, with 0.3m depth of material and will out better on a roadway that slopes to both sides. A crossfall of need one 25 tonne load to cover a length of 9–10 metres. This between 1 in 15 and 1 in 20 is about right. A 4.5m (15ft) wide assumes a density of about 2 tonnes per m3 for the material roadway with the fall to one side would have a height difference used. A similar sized load would cover 45 metres with a 63mm of from 225–300mm (9–12 inches), or if the fall is to both sides, the centre would be 112–150mm (4½–6 inches) higher than the (2½ inch) thick surface layer.

The price of road making material, both crushed stone and dust sides. for the surface, is typically €7–8 per tonne plus VAT. As this Water must not be trapped at the edge of the roadway or in construction material amounts to over 80% of the overall cost, wheel tracks; it must be shed completely and allowed to soak

GEOTEXTILE

A good surface layer is central to most farm roadway benefits

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G

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

GH AGRI – WHO WE ARE H AGRI is an award-winning family run business successfully working in partnership with farmers in Ireland and the UK for the past 28 years providing safe effective animal health solutions to maximise productivity and help reduce on-farm disease.

• Safe • Effective • Easy to administer • Organic Established in 1989, GH AGRI is a Homeopathic Veterinary Healthcare Company providing safe and effective Immunisation Programmes for the prevention and treatment of a range of on-farm disease and ailments including Mastitis, BVD, Leptospirosis, IBR, Salmonella,TB and Parasites.

GH AGRI is the only Homeopathic Veterinary Healthcare Company licensed to manufacture, wholesale and retail in Ireland. Fully licensed by the Department of Agriculture since 1989 GH AGRI is GMP compliant, Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) certification and is approved by the Irish Organic Farmers Association (IOFGA).

Our products are easy to administer organic and environmentally safe.

COMPANY PROFILE/HISTORY Managing Director of GH Agri, Kevin McHugh has a long established background in the business of farming and developed an interest in Veterinary Homeopathy while working in the UK in the 1980’s. Kevin experienced first–hand the amazing results of using homeopathic veterinary products to prevent and control common farm diseases.

In 1989 Kevin McHugh and his team researched and developed a range of Homeopathic Veterinary Products in conjunction with The Burren School of Homeopathy based in the NUIG field research station in Carron,

Co Clare. The result of this collaboration resulted in a range of innovative Homeopathic Veterinary Products containing unique combinations of homeopathic remedies.

Each GH AGRI Program combines a unique product combined with an individualised dosage schedule which will target each individual problem.

Program = Product +Schedule Our sales agents, technical and customer support teams provide a comprehensive back-up service which is included with every GH AGRI Programme. We work directly with each and every customer to ensure that our GH AGRI Programmes deliver effective, successful results. Each product is administered as part of a customised programme which is formulated by our trained sales agents after an individualised consultation with each farmer or herd manager. Your specific problems will be discussed and identified and a GH AGRI Programme Plan devised to address each farm’s specific issues.

Over the phone technical support is available for every customer throughout the duration of each Programme and a call back service can be arranged with your sales agent if further problem investigation is required.

All back up service and technical support provided with no extra Receiving Ulster charge. bank business award 2013 Visit us at www.ghagri.com

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FARM DESIGN

strict control over the depth and width of the roadway, in line with needs and good construction practice, is essential.

Farm roadway costs range between €4 and €7.5 per square metre. Calculate costs in advance and monitor progress. This will avoid surprises and cost overruns. VAT is refundable on new farm roadways but not on repairs.

COW TRACKS Cow tracks can be installed as extra roadways, as spur roadways off normal wider roadways or at the end of the main farm roadway.

Water trapped on the roadway lodges at low points. The photograph shows the most vulnerable first 100m of this farm roadway. The cows are following tracks due to a less than perfect surface.

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They are generally only suitable for short runs. They are useful for getting access to out of the way paddocks, to silage ground and making grazing management easier early and late in the season.

A depth of about 150mm of material is laid on the surface of the ground. This should be compacted and topped off with a fine surface layer and the surface layer should be compacted also. The width can range between 1.8m and 2.5m; the wider width is preferable.

Costs range from €8 – €11 per metre run.

SOME KEY POINTS • Put in two gateways to paddocks to reduce gateway wear and tear • Do not site water troughs on farm roadways or near paddock gateways • Carry out regular roadway repairs. Aim to maintain the surface layer • Avoid sharp bends; have swept bends at corners and T junctions • Critically watch the cow movement and remove restrictions and distractions to cow–flow • Consider removing trees that shade the roadway causing dirty wet surfaces • Get cows to enter collecting yards towards the rear. This lines–up the cows for milking makes it easier for them to adjust their social order for milking • Keep pebbles and stones off concrete yards/roadways • If stones on the collecting yard are a problem consider installing a kerb at the roadway yard junction and an extra depth of fine surface material on the lead–in roadway • Allow cows to move along roadways at their own pace to minimise lameness. This also keeps the cows calm • Slow down with farm machinery and keep tractor and heavy machinery use on roadways to a minimum • If cows slow down on a farm roadway they do so for a reason • If the surface is poor cows will take longer to walk along it • Repair potholes in good time and with fine material

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS CALOR REVEALS A NEW LOOK AND A NEW ENERGY IN THEIR 80th YEAR IN BUSINESS

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alor is one of Ireland’s longest established energy providers supplying energy solutions to thousands of agriculture and business customers nationwide. 2017 is a significant landmark for Calor as they celebrate 80 years of supplying gas in Ireland. This milestone is being marked with the roll–out of a new design for the Calor brand and later this year Calor will launch their new renewable energy, Calor BioLPG. Over the last few years Calor has been working with many dairy farmers around Ireland to design systems that reduce costs and work for the farm enterprise.As one of the most important considerations on a dairy farm is hygiene, large quantities of boiling water are required each day to wash milk lines and bulk milk storage tanks, ensuring hygiene and controlling the Total Bacteria Count (TBC) of milk. Calor LPG-powered instant water heaters provide an ideal solution to meet this need for dairy farmers.They produce a reliable, instant and infinite hot water supply on demand, and minimise the need for chemical detergent use on dairy farms.The Calor system in particular is unique in that it can meet a need on some farms for instant hot water at 85°C. Andrew Claxton converted his farm in Stradbally to Calor Gas water heaters a couple of years ago and more recently has installed the same system in a dairy farm in New Ross; “The Calor instant water heaters have been a great benefit to our dairy business. It’s a much more efficient system for us to heat the water we need for plant and bulk tank washing. We have all the hot water we

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need at any time, day or night and importantly it’s at the right temperature to ensure we maintain the hygiene level we need.

We’ve definitely made savings since changing to gas.”

Origin Green and the Sustainable Dairy Scheme are placing ever greater focus on improving the environmental performance of Irish farms. The Calor LPG solution also delivers in terms of environmental sustainability. As water is heated only when required, hot water storage costs are eliminated. Calor’s telemetry system also ensures that you will never run short on gas, as a gauge continuously monitors gas levels. When you need a top-up, a transmitter sends a signal via GSM technology, and your local Calor depot will schedule a fuel delivery at a time convenient for you.

Calor Gas is part of SHV Energy - the largest dedicated global LPG distributor. Further information on Calor is available at www.calorgas.ie.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS INTRA HOOF–FIT: DISCOVER AN ANTIBIOTIC FREE P

APPROACH TO YOUR HERDS HOOF PROBLEMS roblems with hoof health are an important cause of forced INTRA HOOF-FIT LIQUID

removals of cows from dairy farms. Financial damage can range Hoof–fit Liquid is suitable for both the individual and herd application. from €100 up to over €300 per lame cow.The losses can be mainly A low pressure application sprayer is the best way to apply the liquid attributed to the fact that lame cows eat less, which soon reduces their for herd application. milk production levels. The risk of nutritional deficiencies is also great. This makes lame cows more susceptible to other infections and fertility problems. INTRA BATH Cows with a claw problem are always last to go through footbaths.

ANTIBIOTIC FREE APPROACH By this stage the footbath is so contaminated that it no longer offers a In order to help dairy farmers maintain optimum hoof condition solution. Intra Hoof–fit Liquid delivered using the Intra Bath helps Intracare have developed the Intra Hoof–fit range of products. These solve this problem. It is designed to allow up to 60% of manure to fall antibiotic free products were developed in close collaboration with through the middle grill making it more effective than a traditional dairy farmers, veterinary surgeons, farriers and cattle specialists. All the foot bath. The Intra bath also folds away neatly for easy storage. products fully support medical treatment, if required.

These products contain copper and zinc (both have antibacterial REPIDERMA FOR OPTIMUM SKIN CARE properties) in an organic chelate form. This coated form is more stable This convenient skin protection aerosol supplements the Hoof–fit and better soluble than conventional forms of copper and zinc, such as product line. The active ingredients are micronised chelated minerals sulphates and oxides. This allows the active substances to better penetrate which, in contrast to traditional minerals, can be absorbed much more the core of the hoof problems. Zinc in chelate form and other skin care easily by the skin. Because of this, Repiderma is not only active ’on’ the products, such as aloe vera can also stimulate wound healing.The powerful skin, but also ‘under and within’ the skin. It forms a semi-permeable bonding agents within the products allows it to stay active even protective layer thus protecting against negative external influences when cows are walking through manure after treatment. and allowing oxygen to penetrate and repair the skin. Repiderma is a user–friendly variant of Hoof–fit Gel and just like all the Hoof-fit INTRA HOOF–FIT GEL products there is no withholding period.

Intra Hoof–fit Gel contains isopropanol, which enhances the The Intracare range of products is distributed in Ireland by antibacterial action of the agent. Hoof-fit Gel targets tissue around the Agrihealth and is available to the public through most co-ops’s claw reducing the risk of new bacterial infections. This highlyand independent merchants. Call Agrihealth on Tel: 047 71800 concentrated gel contains a strong adhesive which prolongs its for more information. contact with the claw making it ideal for use with severe cases.

J B TYRES www.jbtyres.com

J B Tyres began business in 1989 by the current owner James Barfoot – a one man band operating out of a small two bay garage on the main street of Tobermore in South Derry.

James grew up on a farm in the neighbouring village of Desertmartin and so always had an interest in the agriculture sector. The business evolved into a specialist agriculture dealership with Michelin, Trelleborg and Goodyear being the main brands and offering specialist technical advice to the customer.

In 2005 J B Tyres became the first dealer in the UK and Ireland to sign up for the exclusive Michelin Exelagri programme which promotes excellence and professionalism in tractor tyre fitting and servicing.

J B Tyres are currently one of the largest stockists and suppliers of agri tyres not just in Ireland but the whole of the UK, with a comprehensive range in stock of Michelin, Kleber, Goodyear, Trelleborg and Taurus they can supply tyres to cover all agricultural needs.

For further information visit the website www.jbtyres.com or Tel: +44 (0) 28 7964 4128

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING DIPETANE – REDUCING EMISSIONS HONESTLY

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO DIPETANE (NON-ADDITIVE) FUEL TREATMENT

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ipetane uniquely equalises and stabilises the carbon chains in all standard fuel. This enables all of the incoming 21 Units of Oxygen in the air, to attach and burn the carbon chains, thereby enabling more complete combustion. Dipetane is a unique product. It is the only pre-combustion fuel treatment world-wide that significantly reduces the Green House Gas problems associated with all standard fuels.

Dipetane reduces fuel usage by up to 10%.

Dipetane reduces NOx by up to 30%.

Dipetane reduces CO2 by up to 15%.

Dipetane protects Injectors against Low Sulphur Fuels due to greater lubricity.

Dipetane keeps EGR’s, DPF’s and Catalytic Converters clean due to more complete combustion of Carbon.

Dipetane helps to burn the lower Carbon Bio-Fuels more completely.

Dipetane has a Cold Pour Point of Minus -34c°.

Dipetane is 100% Hydro-Carbon. There is nothing in Dipetane that is not already in your fuel. It cannot change the spec of your fuel which remains within the EN590 Fuel Specification. Therefore all warranties for your vehicle remain intact. Dipetane is not a ‘Fuel Additive’. Fuel Additives poorly address the problem of un-burnt carbon after combustion. Additives do very little to help the initial burning of the expensive Carbon. You will notice the lists of toxic and hazardous ingredients in these fuel additives. Dipetane contains no additives whatsoever. Dipetane is a single product suitable for use in all fuels, engines and boilers.

Dipetane is used at a ratio of 1:200 in all fuels. 1 Litre of Dipetane treats 200 litres of Fuel. Dipetane is available directly from our Company and is sold in 1 Litre, 5 Litre and 25 Litres. We also supply in 200 Litre barrels and 1,000 Litre IBC’S. Dipetane is Researched &Developed in Ireland. Solely manufactured in Ireland and distributed world-wide from Kilcoole in County Wicklow.

Visit www.dipetane.com/how-dipetane.works/

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS TANCO AUTOWRAP LTD. T anco Autowrap Ltd. produces the most comprehensive range of bale wrapping machinery available in the world, with exports to over 39 countries worldwide.Tanco Autowrap’s range of machinery covers all types of round & square bale wrappers, round & square bale handlers and also bale & pit silage feeding implements and a root crop washer/feeder. Tanco Autowrap has the most dependable, diverse and unique specialist range of bale handling farm machinery on the market.

All Tanco products are manufactured to exacting standards in a state of the art 7,000 square meter production facility in Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow, Ireland. The many unrivalled strengths at Tanco Autowrap include our unique focus on the requirements and feedback of wrapping sector. Tanco uses the latest in robotic technology and our customers and markets, our manufacturing expertise and our have adopted the lean principles of manufacturing. We are committed many years of experience in the agricultural and industrial bale to developing an innovative range of bale wrapping machine and bale handling/feeding implements which are distinguishable by high performance, durability, reliability and functionality.

Our list of products is ever expanding with constant efforts to innovate and advance our products and company name. We are continuously building on our already substantial market growth in different ways.

We work with all our customers and each year welcome new customers from all around the world. We thank all for their continued support and we look forward to serving their needs for many decades to come.

For more information visit www.itanco.com or email: info@itanco.com

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

CARBON GROUP CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS

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ver the last five decades, Ireland has experienced both the industry; today, we are now also well-recognised as a supplier to the pharmaceutical industry”. So, with celebrations underway to best and worst of economic fortunes. Businesses that embark mark the fifty year anniversary of the business, what are the likely on new projects inspired by great hopes and ambitions factors that have contributed to the company's success? don't always have the capacity to fulfil their aspirations, so it's According to Food Division Sales Manager, Eddie O’Dwyer, innovation reassuring to encounter Irish business ventures that have the has been a crucial dimension to the business development strategy. strength and durability to withstand some of the tougher years of “While we're frequently presented with headlines that assert the our country's recent economic history. overnight success of the latest IT or bio-pharma business, those of Carbon Group, based in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork is one of those us who have worked for a small business venture (or perhaps have resilient and inspirational businesses. Carbon Group has not just endured the more challenging periods of economic activity, but has even launched our very own enterprise), will know for certain that flourished, expanded and become a key innovator within the Irish success doesn't materialise unless it is coupled with dedication and agri-business sector. Established in 1967 as a no-nonsense supplier innovation, along with a sincere commitment to getting to know of essential farm detergent products to Irish dairy farmers, Carbon the wants and needs of your target market.

“At Carbon Group, we're extremely focused on maintaining excellent Group has grown to become a dynamic business with a global outlook, communication with farmers. Our roots are in the traditional family supplying farming, food and pharmaceutical products to an farm, but we've grown with our customers – research and development international customer and client base. at our on-site laboratory is continuous and our range of products is Managing Director, Brian Walsh, explains how the business evolved designed to meet the specific needs of the modern Irish farmer.” from a small scale dairy farm detergent supplier, to become a global A comprehensive understanding of 'fit for purpose', and a dedication to manufacturer and distributor:“As an Irish company entering into always meeting best practice in food regulations and standards the marketplace in the late 1960s, we were very much growing underline the Carbon Group approach. All Carbon Group products with the Irish dairy farming sector and responding to the requirements are supplied form our manufacturing and distribution base in of a changing marketplace. Irish dairy farming was changing and our business was there to evolve alongside the farming community. Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork.

For more information about Carbon Group’s dairy Part of our business development background is also linked to the co-operative movement – we grew with the co-operative movement. farming detergents, Delvo Testing ranges & Rustoleum Coatings Email sales@carbon.ie or phone 021 4378 988.

Later, we began supplying products to the food manufacturing

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HEALTH AND SAFETY AUTHORITY

WHAT COST EXPANSION? Senior Inspector for Agriculture, Pat Griffin has asked all farmers, farming organisations and all involved in any way to give real time and priority to improving farm safety to reduce the heartache and suffering from accidents and indeed ill-health in agriculture.

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he sector comprising of approximately 169,000 annual labour Expansion in any business involves risk, but expansion in dairy units continues to experience a disproportionate level of farming leads to real increased risk if not managed properly. death, injury and ill–health. Every organisation involved in I attended a recent IGA Dairy Conference where I heard that any way, from the Department of Agriculture and Food to the suppliers there were 100,000 additional first time calving heifers in 2016. of ear tags, must consider if they are contributing either in a positive Now while some may be replacement heifers, many will have been or negative way to what is happening on the ground. part of the planned expansion in the dairy herd. We all know that Health and Safety Authority statistics consistently shows that farming calving and particularly heifers calving is a dangerous business, but has up to 50% of annual workplace deaths in Ireland from a sector were systems put in place to manage this increased risk and indeed made up of approximately 6% of the working population. Farmers the later added risk of increased silage production? should not be 8 times more likely to die at work than other workers Calving is a particularly dangerous period on farms. While the and it will take real focus to change this. risks cannot be eliminated, they can be reduced significantly with In 2017 the Health and Safety Authority will carry out 2,000 farm good handling facilities. Most farms have safe handling facilities for safety visits (inspections) and will assist at 50 or more Knowledge dealing with cows that are in the late stages of labour. However, Transfer Groups. It is hoped that KTG involvement will have a these facilities do not take into account the unpredictable nature multiplier effect and a long-term change in farmer mind–set when of the expectant cow just before and after the birth. The recently discussed in the group dynamic. We see farm safety visits as a means calved cow can be overwhelming and extremely dangerous. Neither of monitoring general standards out on the ground and also as a the farmer nor the vet should come between a freshly calved cow way of identifying what needs most support for improvement.These and her calf. It is in the moments and days immediately after calving safety visits are not designed to catch farmers out, but to try to that a cow is most protective and at her most dangerous. Even

“The HSA will run 3 campaigns this year, in March on Livestock Safety, May on Tractors and Machinery and November on Falls from Height & Falling Objects” identify what the standard is on that particular farm and what advice could be given to reduce the possibility of injury or ill–health to the farm family and anyone who may work on that farm. That said, HSA Inspectors who have sadly investigated 197 fatal farm accidents over the last 10 years will obviously direct action to be taken where risk is identified.

Over the last 10 years 2007 to 2016, the vast majority of these fatal accidents involved Tractor and Machinery use (48%), followed

by Livestock 13% and Falls from Height & Falling Objects both leading to 10% of deaths in agriculture. These figures which all represent dreadful personal tragedies tell us where we must focus our efforts.

The HSA will run 3 campaigns this year, in March on Livestock Safety, May on Tractors and Machinery and November on Falls from Height & Falling Objects.

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normally quiet cows can become aggressive in and around the time of calving. The casual approach by many farmers of entering pens with freshly calved cows without any means of protection or escape must cease.

No chances or shortcuts should be taken with the calving cow, stay alert, have an escape plan and carry a stick.

Calving gates which have an openable inner gate can reduce risks particularly during a delivery by caesarean. The recent farm safety scheme offered by the Department of Agriculture (specification S138) sets out the Minimum Specification for Grant–aided Calving Gates and Mobile Cattle Crushes.

A strong light source, good underfoot conditions and keeping dogs away are also important.

For more information and safety resources click on the following website www.hsa.ie

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