Irish Farm Business - Vol 2 Issue 1 Spring 2015

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FINANCE: MANAGING MILK PRICE VOLATILITY

MASTITIS MANAGEMENT: A NEW ZEALAND VIEWPOINT

FARM DESIGN: PERMANENT & TEMPORARY CALF HOUSING SOLUTIONS

>> SEE PAGE 36

>> SEE PAGE 48

>> SEE PAGE 62

IRISH

Farm Business Volume 2 Issue 1 Spring 2015 Price €3.95 £2.95 (Stg)

DAIRYING

A NEW DAWN MILK QUOTAS ABOLISHED

DAIRY LIFE

PROFILE: CORRIB FARM, GALWAY

CALF & HEIFER MANAGEMENT

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Foreword/Contents/Credits IRISH

Farm Business DAIRYING

Volume 2 Issue 1 Spring/Summer 2015 Price €3.95 £2.95 (Stg)

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Features

Foreword

22 FARM LIFE – A CASE STUDY IN CALF & HEIFER MANAGEMENT

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Irish Farm Business visits Keith Walshe of Corrib Farm in North Galway.

t is interesting to note that the recent investment by Glanbia in their new plant at Belview is one of the biggest by an indigenous Irish organization since the foundation of the state. It proves once again that Farmers are to the forefront for investing in Ireland.

There is a lot of concern about milk prices at present and it will surely be worthwhile for the powers that be to both provide support for the milk price in the short term while farmers are expanding and also to spread the cost of the super–levy over a number of years.

It has also been suggested that the levy itself could be used for this purpose.

In this edition, we discuss the impact of price volatility on a farming enterprise and the various ways of smoothing it’s effect on net farm income. Also in our International feature, we have a detailed discussion of Mastitis Management by one of the foremost experts in New Zealand, and it worth noting the subtle differences in viewpoint between here and there.

There is much to digest in this issue on calf rearing.We always knew that giving colostrum/beestings to calves was very important but perhaps the detail is even more important for the calf to thrive.

Also check out our calf house design feature from the point of view of new sheds and temporary shelters. If a lot of calves come together we provide a solution with small movable shelters that allows you to get calves out to the field a little earlier.

In our Farm Focus article, Irish Farm Business visited the Corrib Farm near Tuam in North Galway, where Keith Walshe is keeping a very tight reins on a large herd of cows and rearing all heifer replacements. In this section we follow the lifecycle of the heifer from conception right through calving to rearing the calves. It is a very interesting journey…

Irish Farm Business is published in both Print and Electronic format with the latter available for download to Computer, iPad and Smartphone.

We trust you enjoy reading this edition as we embark on exciting times for dairy farming in Ireland.

28 SPRING GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT Grazed grass continues to be the lowest cost feed available for milk production in Ireland writes, Deirdre Hennessy, B.Agr.Sc., Ph.D.,Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork.

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How are your calves performing? Unless we measure how animals are performing and compare the results to industry accepted standards then we are not in a position to accurately answer this question. Mairead O’Grady Veterinary Advisor MSD Animal Health reports.

48 MASTITIS MANAGEMENT: A NEW ZEALAND VIEWPOINT

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Editorial: Denis Lane Advertising: James Small Design: John Barrett Production: Emma Meade

Dairy cow mastitis remains a significant cost to dairy farmers around the world. Ian Hodge BVSc.,MACVSc. Veterinarian and PureMilk Mastitis Consultant, Ashburton, New Zealand reports.

54 CALF REARING & MANAGEMENT Making 2015 a successful calving season is all about being prepared, writes Emer Kennedy, Muireann Conneely and Christine Cummins Teagasc,Animal and Grassland, Research & Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co.Cork.

62 FARM DESIGN– CALF HOUSING Rearing replacements for a dairy herd is a costly business, especially if you are expanding.Pat Clarke, Teagasc, Athenry and Tom Ryan,Teagasc, Kildalton report.

Profiles

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The Publishers, Irish Farm Business

Enquiries:

Tadhg Buckley, AIB Agri Advisor discusses managing volatility in dairy farming.

42 KEEPING THE HIGH RISK CALF ALIVE

Until the next time………

Publishers: Denis Lane and Robert Heuston

36 MANAGING MILK PRICE VOLATILITY

Contributors: Emer Kennedy (Teagasc).Muireann Conneely (Teagasc), Ian Hodge (BVSc.,MACVSc Veterinarian and PureMilk Mastitis Consultant). Deirdre Hennessy (Teagasc). Keith Walshe.

Christine Cummins (Teagasc).Tadhg Buckley (AIB Agri Advisor).

Mairead O' Grady (Veterinary Advisor MSD Animal Health).Pat Clarke (Teagasc).Tom Ryan (Teagasc).Charles Gallagher (IHFA)

Photography: Hugh Lane

18 26 31 33 34 39 40 46 53 60 66

Health & Safety Authority Claas Cropcare Calor Gas Drummonds Agri Health ICE Comfort Slat Mats Merial Carbon Group Kubota Irish Holstein Friesian Association

Distribution: Easons, Newspread,WNS Published by: Select Media Ltd, 26 Clare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel. + 353 1 6622266 Fax. + 353 1 6624981 Email. info@selectmedialtd.com

All material contained in this edition is copyright of Irish Farm Business 2015 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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NEWS

IMPORT COMPETITION FORCING OUT “Demand for dairy products slowed in the second–half of 2014, where domestic output slowed and imports declined on the previous CHINESE DAIRY FARMERS

Since 2009, as they struggle to compete with imported milk prices, over 100,000 Chinese farmers have been leaving dairy every year, according to a Bord Bia report.

James O’Donnell, from Bord Bia’s Shanghai office, said that China’s national herd dropped below 14m head in 2014. Driven by strong growth in liquid milk, cheese and butter, Chinese dairy imports reached record levels in 2014, while imports of whey powders slipped slightly.

In Bord Bia’s Food Alert trade publication, O Donnell said: “With a higher cost base and a fragmented structure, Chinese farmers are having difficulty competing with imported milk prices. Despite some slowdown in economic growth, where GDP growth is expected to be around 7% (very respectable; its lowest level since the ’90s), China’s dairy demand is expected to increase.”

Figures issued by China’s Ministry of Agriculture show that local producer prices dropped by 10% last year, from RMB4.19/kg (€0.59) in January, 2014 to RMB3.75kg (€0.52) in December, putting the Chinese farmers at a competitive disadvantage (with prices ranging from 30–40c per kg being paid to European producers) and at a greater disadvantage with the leading New Zealand and Dutch co–ops.

According to O’Donnell, increased dairy consumption is closely tied to city growth with 90% of dairy consumption in urban centres.

These strong urbanisation trends are expected to continue. By the year 2050, China’s cities will represent 77% of the population compared to today’s 54%. Chinese demand for imported milk may continue.

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year,” said O’ Donnell. China’s total annual output showed little change while imports of liquid milk and powders are expected to have increased for the full year. Higher stock levels reduced imports in the second half of the year.

O Donnell stated:“The environment resulted in a difficult year for Chinese infant–formula manufacturers, where 21% of Chinese dairy enterprises suffered losses, as stocks were high and, as a result, they were not in a position to benefit from reduced world prices.

Infant–formula sales value increased by 4% in the first half of 2014, according to AC Nielsen, while the sales volume decreased by 7%, showing a continued shift by consumers towards premium and super–premium brands, which are mainly imported.

Alan O’Brien, from Bord Bia’s Shanghai office, also proposed that Australia’s free–trade agreement with China represents a big win for Australian dairy and meat sectors.

Over the next ten years, China will phase out import tariffs, and within four years for dairy.This relaxation of import restrictions is in line with China’s agreement with New Zealand.

O’Brien said that volume growth represents a core marketing tool in China, in building strategic relationships. However,Australia’s overall dairy production has decreased in recent years.

O’ Brien stated:“This free–trade agreement will increase Australia’s competitive position in China, especially with regard to New Zealand, its core competitor in powders and commodity products.

Tariffs on Australian dairy products are expected to be brought in line with New Zealand; all being phased out by 2019.

This deal will also impact Europe’s competitive position across key commodities, including infant formula.”

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NEWS

MINISTER COVENEY ANNOUNCES A €35M DAIRY INDUSTRY INVESTMENT

that value is added to high quality raw materials in Ireland and maximises the contribution of the dairy sector to employment creation and the Irish economy generally. It also contributes to Two investments of €25m and €10m in two dairy facilities in improved competitiveness, and helps to mitigate the impact of Moorepark and in University of Limerick have recently been commodity price volatility on operators along the supply chain, announced by the Department of Agriculture. including farmers. Ultimately, this kind of investment can build A €25m Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC) will be supported by the Department of Jobs through Enterprise Ireland the kind reputation for excellence in all things dairy that creates a platform not only for export growth, but also for inward investment and the dairy industry partners which will be hosted by University by major global players in the food industry.This exactly the kind of Limerick, and a €10m investment by Teagasc and the dairy industry shareholders in the expansion of the Moorepark Technology of initiative envisaged in Food Harvest 2020 and I am delighted to be associated with it.”

Ltd (MTL) pilot plant facility in Fermoy, Co. Cork.

Minister Bruton believes the food sector is a key area that we There are 10 major dairy companies involved, seven of which have targeted as part of our Action Plan for Jobs.“This is a sector are investing in both initiatives;Arrabawn Co–op,Aurivo, Carbery, which offers massive potential for regional employment, which is Dairygold, Glanbia, Kerry, and Tipperary Co–Op. Lakeland Dairies a major focus of our 2015 plan, and clearly the removal of milk is part of the DPTC consortium only.The Irish Dairy Board and quotas offers huge opportunities that we must exploit in a planned North Cork Co–op are investing in MTL. and strategic way in order to support jobs growth.”

University of Limerick will lead nine other Research Performing Gerry Boyle, Director of Teagasc, said MTL now lists among its Organisations (RPO’s) in the DPTC, delivering the research and customers the most progressive companies in the food, food technology required which will create 52 new jobs for highly– ingredients and nutritional sectors and it is obliged to meet the skilled researchers over the five–year term of the centre.

With the announcement of the investment of €10m by Teagasc high expectation of these companies in all aspects of its services.

“The €10m investment by its shareholders will future proof MTL and industry shareholders to expand and modernise the MTL pilot plant facility, Minister Coveney believes this is a perfect example and ensure its relevance to all its customers, national and international in the years ahead but most importantly will provide a platform of what can be achieved when clear and common policy objectives to support the ambitions of the Irish dairy Industry to produce are supported by coherent action by Government agencies in value added foods and ingredients for international markets.” partnership with industry. He said:“Investing in product and process innovation makes sense for a host of reasons. It ensures

GLANBIA CO-OP TO PAY €32M TO FARMERS

A support fund of more than €32 million will be shared between more than 6,200 farmers after a vote by members of Glanbia Co–op.

The majority of the fund will go to the co–op’s dairy farmer members who are preparing themselves for a big drop in income this year because of falling milk prices.

Based on last year’s milk and grain supplies and farmers’ feed and fertiliser sales, a payment of €11.4 million will be paid first while tillage farmers will receive €800,000 following this year’s harvest. (Continued on Page 8).

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NEWS

The board of the co–op will decide on the timing of the payment to dairy farmers of the biggest sum, €20million, but will be paid in 2015.

Liam Herlihy, chairman of Glanbia Co–op, said the co–op had assets of €1.7 billion so it was happy to support farmer members at a time when market conditions were expected to be challenging.

BORD BIA QUALITY SCHEME The dairy industry and Bord Bia defended the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme (SDAS), despite three of the country's leading dairies refusing to confirm that imported milk was processed

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separately from home–produced supplies. Glanbia, Aurivo and Lakeland were recently asked whether imported supplies, either from Northern Ireland or Britain, were processed separately from Southern milk.The three co–ops declined to comment or else did not answer the question.

Glanbia said it was "fully compliant with regulations relating to traceability and quality standards." It also emphasised, "no products with origin claims" were produced from milk or milk products sourced from outside the Republic of Ireland.

Glanbia did not comment when asked if milk supplies from Northern Ireland and the South were segregated and processed separately.

A spokesperson confirmed that the company was "actively rolling out the SDAS programme to its suppliers."

Lakeland Dairies said that it was a "cross–Border processor" and would not comment on what it described as its "commercial arrangements". Aurivo provided no response to the Farming Independent questions.

A Town of Monaghan source said the co–op, which has a large Northern milk pool, processed milk destined for liquid consumption separately but did not do so where supplies were processed into cheese and powders.

Recent reports say that milk imports into the South had increased dramatically in 2014. From April to September last year, milk imports grew by 77pc to 354m litres compared to the same period in 2013 when imports totalled 199m litres.

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NEWS

Serious questions have been raised, due to the level of milk imports, around the credibility of the SDAS. Bord Bia claim the scheme provides proof to buyers of dairy produce that milk is produced under both "sustainability and quality assurance criteria." But this does not take account of imported milk or of product manufactured using imported supplies.

The Irish Dairy Industries Association (IDIA) insisted the SDAS and milk imports were not incompatible. "Traceability is an integral part of our food processing facilities, both in terms of where product has come from and where it is going. It also allows milk to be segregated in accordance with customer, market and labelling requirements," the IDIA said.

Despite Bord Bia saying that there could be "no ambiguity" on how product manufactured with imported milk could be labelled, Bord Bia admitted that the SDAS was a producer scheme and there was no "provision to audit processors."

Bord Bia said: "Processors are subject to normal legislative requirements in regard to labelling of product and any claims that might be made in relation to the scheme or the provenance of milk. Bord Bia possesses no regulatory authority in regard to such matters."

Bord Bia and the IDIA insisted the dairy assurance scheme would be central to securing new markets for additional milk output from the Irish dairy herd post 2015.

IDIA said: "The SDAS is a farm–based scheme that will be central to demonstrating that our current and expanded milk output is produced in a sustainable manner."

NEW NAME FOR THE IRISH DAIRY BOARD CO–OPERATIVE The Irish Dairy Board Co–operative (IDB) voted to change its name to Ornua Co–operative Limited. It will also adopt a new corporate identity,‘Ornua’.The official unveiling will take place on March 31.

According to a spokesperson for the Irish Dairy Board, as part of its business transformation strategy to prepare for the opportunities the post quota environment will bring, the Irish Dairy Board has completed a review of its corporate identity and, subject to member shareholder approval, plans to change its company name to Ornua.

Ornua will be formally unveiled later this month on March 31, the eve of the removal of European Union (EU) milk quotas.The change relates solely to the corporate identity, IDB said.

IDB stated its corporate structure and portfolio of consumer brands including Kerrygold, Dubliner, Pilgrims Choice, Beo and MU will remain unaffected. It also said it submitted its new company name, Ornua Co–operative Limited, to the Register of Friendly Societies for formal approval.

The biggest success to date of The Irish Dairy Board, which was formed in 1961, is the Kerrygold brand, which was launched in 1962.

The dairy co–operative is owned by Irish dairy processing co–operatives and dairy companies and, through them, by Irish dairy farmers.The IDB exports to over 90 countries worldwide.

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NEWS

KERRY FAMILY FIRST WITH DELAVAL VOLUNTARY MILKING SYSTEM (VMS) & ABC GRAZING SYSTEM IN IRELAND

www.delaval.ie

Ger, Johnny and Ann O Hanlon, Ballyduff,Tralee, Co. Kerry

The advancement in technology has opened up the opportunity to integrate robotic (voluntary) milking systems into a grazing system, with the use of auto–drafting (Smart Selection) gates.

This technology has now been well adapted by DeLaval for grazing systems, this system optimises grass dry matter intakes and will allow Irish dairy farmers to increase milk production after 2015 milk from our low cost grassland system.

One of the first DeLaval dairy farm customers in Europe already using this system are the O’Hanlon family in North Kerry. Johnny runs a herd of pedigree Holstein Friesian cows along with his parents Gerard and Ann on their Golden Hill farm near Ballyduff.

Previously the cows were milked twice a day, 365 days a year in a typical 16 unit herringbone parlour. Johnny says “the reason we wanted a DeLaval VMS Supra was its unique teat preparation.

The robotic arm is more natural and operates like a human arm with incredible flexibility. There is nothing under the cow during milking which gives excellent tube alignment and efficient milking. You have complete visibility for ease of inspection of the udder.”

Changing to the VMS system with ABC grazing was a logical and practical progression,saving time,labour and improving family lifestyle.

“We can do the work when we want to rather than be tied to milking times”.

For further information: Contact DeLaval on Tel: +353 (0) 59 9146859 or visit the website www.delaval.ie

K.E. LIQUID SOLUTIONS K.E. Liquid Solutions based at Cillin Hill Business Complex, Kilkenny is a one stop shop for all your water and waste water needs. e supply and fit all types of water pumps, from bore holes to booster pump systems, complete parlour and yard wash down systems, MDPE water piping and fittings, concrete troughs and accessories.

We also supply and fit all types of dirty water systems designed to customer requirements, and with our 3 wheel travelling irrigator, dirty water can be spread up to a mile from its source.

We are the Green Crop Agents for Ireland and supply a large range of slurry mixers from open lagoons to over ground storage tanks and also offer the award winning sepcom slurry separator and umbilical slurry systems. We also supply and fit all types of drinking water treatment and sewage treatment systems.

As water is currently a major talking point, we can design and install rain water harvesting systems to suit your needs. We can offer storage tanks in Precast Concrete, Polyproplene and the flexi storage tank, the cheapest and safest way to store your liquid with sizes from 20,000 litres to 500,000 litres.

Call Martin Kells today with your requirements on Tel: 085 1216471 www.keliquidsolutions.com or email: keliquidsolutions@gmail.com

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NEWS

BOVIMIN 365 – YEAR ROUND NUTRITION www.nutribio.ie

uminlix BoviMin 365 is a complementary selenium.This is mainly due to high levels of antagonists such as mineral feed designed for year round molybdenum, iron and aluminium, thus consistent supplementation supplementation to maintain optimal is a key factor in overcoming these imbalances. performance of today’s modern dairy and Appropriate vitamin levels, such as Vitamin A to help prevent suckler cows. infections,Vitamin D3 which improves the absorption of magnesium Featuring generous levels of minerals and and Vitamin E which plays a key role as an anti-oxidant in fighting trace elements, BoviMin 365 is formulated for infections, especially during times of stress such as calving, breeding use pre and post-calving in addition to during tetany risk periods. and weaning / drying off.

A good level of magnesium aids muscular contractions during the BoviMin 365 is formulated to supply safe levels of minerals, calving process, helping cows to calve faster and also promotes trace elements and vitamins in an available form to the animals placental expulsion which has been shown to have an effect on 365 days a year fertility. This same level of magnesium also serves as an aid in the prevention of Grass Tetany during lactation.

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS: Trace element supplementation particularly copper and selenium G Promotes placental expulsion and the immunity development is critical for the performance of the breeding cow and her unborn of both the cow and her unborn calf calf.Typically trace element supplements are offered pre-calving and G Increases disease resistance, feed efficiency and animal during the breeding season however this practice can result in performance deficiencies at other times of the year and indeed the deficit can be G Supports sufficient such that short term supplementation is not enough to - Optimal reproductive function rebalance the animals’ requirement.

- Postpartum health Trace elements such as iodine are not held in reserve in the animal - Udder health for long periods and need to be supplemented regularly. Copper G Contributes to lower SCC plays a crucial part in fertility, with its role in the ovulation process.

G Improves hoof quality Selenium plays a key role in immunity and especially repair and G Aids in the prevention of grass tetany. regeneration of cells and tissues.

For local stockist and further product details contact The vast majority of soils in Ireland, with its geological history, Nutribio on (021) 4507303 or visit www.nutribio.ie have been shown to be deficient in available copper and low in

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

STOP TAKING RISKS. FARM SAFELY A message from the Health and Safety Authority. ragically 20 people (including children) are killed almost every year on Irish farms.Accidents in farming are generally predictable and preventable. Despite the best efforts of all involved the standards of health and safety on many farms make the risk of a serious or fatal accident very real. Standards must improve and no child should be put at risk.Taking risks, rushing and general fatigue are at the core of many fatal and non–fatal accidents.

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G Remember that toxic gasses can remain in the tank even when it’s

empty.

G Fit safety access manhole covers to external agitation points.

G Always replace covers to avoid the risk of drowning accidents.

G Make sure there is proper fencing on outdoor slurry tanks and

lagoons.

Stop & Think!

Please take a few minutes before starting a job on the farm to think about safety and the risk associated with the work that is to be done.

Livestock handling A quarter of Irish farm injuries and over one fifth of farm deaths in older farmers are livestock–related. Good handling facilities are essential.

Routine handling is necessary for dosing, vaccination, condition scoring, herd testing, etc. An efficient, carefully planned handling unit will reduce Tractors and Machinery are the biggest risk labour requirements, improve working conditions, and reduce the Tractors, machinery and farm vehicles continue to feature in risk of injury to both stock and the farmer. almost half of all fatal accidents on the farm. Good maintenance is Attacks by recently calved cows/heifers are the most common cause essential. All Tractors and machinery should be well maintained. of such injuries and deaths. Never turn your back on the cow/heifer Children under 7 years old must not be carried in farm machinery. when handling the newborn calf. As far as possible keep a gate or barrier between you and the cow/heifer when handling the calf and Practice the ‘Safe Stop’ particularly if removing the calf. Good calving facilities, a good Bring the tractor/machine to a stop, disengage all drives/ PTO’s, calving gate, good underfoot non–slip conditions, a good calving jack apply the handbrake, lower implements to the ground and remove can all reduce the stress levels on both farmer and animals during the key before you leave the machine or attempt to clear a blockage. calving.

Never allow inexperienced people to operate machinery. Vehicle use and vehicle movement is very high risk!

Round Bales Recent years has seen an increase in fatal accidents involving round Slurry bales. Stacked bales pose a high risk of falling from a height. In addition Several people have been killed on Irish farms by inhaling the a number of tragic accidents have occurred when removing the plastic toxic gases released during the decomposition of slurry in tanks.

Remember – one lungful can kill.Always evacuate and then ventilate from wrapped bales.The maximum stack height of round bales should the shed before working with slurry. Make sure the PTO assembly is be roughly three times the bale diameter. fully guarded. Leave to agitate for 30 minutes and never agitate slurry in still air conditions. Close agitation points when not in use and never enter a slurry tank, even when empty.

Age profile Irish farm fatalities for those over 55 years of age have on some occasions made up 70 pc of all farm deaths in recent years such as 2007 and 2011.

Do not enter slurry tanks In 2014, ten of the fatalities were farmers over 65 years, involved in If it is necessary to enter a slurry tank for any reason, you must machinery and livestock accidents. Four of the farmers were over 80 always wear suitable breathing apparatus (with an independent air supply) and a harness attached to a lifeline controlled by at least two years and a further two over 78 years.While no one wishes to restrict the working life of the elderly farmer, family members or neighbours other adults. should where possible make themselves available to assist or accompany elderly farmers with high risk tasks on the farm.

Training Training and education programmes have an important role to play in improving the safety culture in agriculture. Farmers are encouraged to use the Agriculture Code of Practice and to attend training on the use of the Code.

This training is available from Teagasc and ACA agricultural consultants. Other relevant courses now available include tractor driving, livestock handling, the safe use of chainsaws and quad bikes/ATV’s training.

Visit www.hsa.ie and www.farmsafely.com for more information & guidance.

Safety on the farm should be a key part of good farm management – not an added burden.

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NEWS

WEATHERBYS IRELAND DNA LABORATORY eatherbys Ireland DNA Laboratory has been involved in animal parentage testing since 1985. Initially the laboratory offered a blood typing service to confirm pedigrees as part of foal registration for Weatherbys Ireland. In 1990 the laboratory extended this service to the Non–thoroughbred sector as part of the registration of foals for Horse Sport Ireland.At the turn of the century the laboratory introduced DNA technology which superseded blood typing and provided further opportunities to extend DNA technology to other animal species such as cattle, sheep, pigs, dogs and cats.The Laboratory has been offering this service to the Irish and British livestock industries for over fourteen years and is recognised as one of the leading laboratories in the world in multi animal species pedigree verification.

In October 2010 the Laboratory introduced genotyping using the Illumina Bovine chips for cattle genomic testing to enhance the prediction of estimated breeding values (EBV) for individual breeding stock in the livestock industry.The laboratory has been successful in producing high quality results achieving call rates in excess of 99% with all three chips.The quality of these results has as a certified service provider (CSPro) in both Golden Gate® and been validated through quality assurance programmes conducted by Infinium platforms. clients gobally.

A core function of the laboratory is to provide a backup to the The laboratory is an institutional member of the scientific body integrity and quality of animal breeding within the Agri–industry. the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG) www.isag.us For further information please contact the laboratory by and is also accredited by The International Committee for Animal Tel : +353(45)875521. Email: dnalab@weatherbys.ie Recording (ICAR) www.icar.org., and holds ISO17025 accreditation Web: www.weatherbys.co.uk in SNP genotyping. It is the only such laboratory in Ireland recognised Mail address: Weatherbys DNA Labortaory by (ISAG) to have achieved the necessary standards in multi–animal C/o The Irish Equine Centre, Johnstown, species parentage testing. Illumina has also accredited the Laboratory Naas, Co. Kildare

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

FARM LIFE – A CASE STUDY

IN CALF & HEIFER MANAGEMENT Irish Farm Business visits Keith Walshe of Corrib Farm in North Galway.

INTRODUCTION

Pre Breeding:

ith the lifting of milk quotas many dairy farmers in Ireland have decided to ‘go for it’ and increase cow numbers and milk output per cow. Unfortunately a lot of farmers in other countries had the same idea and now it is quite possible that we will have over–quota levies and an overall milk surplus to deal with, as a double whammy, in the short term at any rate.

We are constantly told that we are now competing on the world market and as long as we can do so efficiently all will be rosy in the garden.The increase in volume that Ireland can achieve will not upset supply and demand as long as we can produce milk efficiently. ie at a price that is lower than our competitors.

For Ireland this means grass. We have a mild climate which should enable us, with proper management, to grow 15–17 tonnes of grazed grass dry matter per hectare.

For this issue we feature Corrib Farm in North Galway, a large farm by West Coast standards or by Irish Standards for that matter.

They are milking 350 cow’s approx and rearing all heifer replacement calves under the tight management of Keith Walshe.

This feature describes their method of carrying heifers through pre–conception right through the calving cycle and the rearing of the new–born calves onto the next cycle.

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Name of Farm: Farming Method: Land Farmed: Milking Platform: Cow Numbers:

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Corrib Farm Spring Calving 100% 200 Hectares 110 Hectares 350

Vaccinate for BVD and Lepto Maiden heifers are vaccinated twice for BVD

Maiden Heifers and Cows: Served from 24th April onwards. AI is used for the first nine weeks (approx 90%) and then a stock bull is used to clean up the rest. Stock bulls used are Jersey, friesan X, Aberdeen Angus and Whitehead.

The stock bulls are rotated 12 hours on/off for better effectiveness.

Artificial Insemination: The breeds used are Jersey, Friesan, Angus, Hereford and NZ Friesan.The bulls are pre–selected from computer for first two services (Milk Bull).The third service is a

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING beef bull ….after that stock bull is used to mop up the rest.The best bulls are used (A.I.) on the cows in order to breed the best type of cow going forward.

Maiden heifers are served in three weeks to AI. They are tail painted on the day before they start getting served. Tail paint makes it easier to spot heifers in heat. They are fed on a grass diet and once served are put out in set grazing and a bull is sent with them.

The animals are regularly dosed for worms and treated with pour–on for flies as required. It is important to keep moving animals onto fresh grass all the time for condition and quality.

Milking cows are given twelve hour grazing blocks to ensure this is delivered on.

Cows: Once the threat of milk fever and grass tetany is gone meals are no longer fed.This would be about mid–may depending on weather. Grass is the cheapest form of feed and Ireland is a great place to grow plenty of grass all year–round and we have plenty of water over our heads to keep it growing.

Scanning: Cows and heifers are scanned late August early September.

As a result of scan any empty heifers are taken away and fattened.

Empty cows are milked through to end of season or else dried off and fattened.

Scanning cows will tell you where you are going the following spring and it tells you how much grass you will need to carry over the winter for spring grazing.

You can either force cull (ie not in calf) or choose cull (eg high somatic cell count). In this man’s opinion bad feet cows are out the gate.

Drying Off: The first calvers are dried off first so as to get ten weeks off.Then the rest follow as daily yield decreases and also grass cover decreases. Drying off is an important time of year on the farm; hygiene and cleanliness is a MUST factor in drying off.

Ideally you wind down the cows a few days before, less grass in diet, or once a day milking for about a week. When dried off let cows out to a bare paddock for 3–4 days to soak up and then into the shed for the winter.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

Dry Period: a) All cows and heifers are dosed for fluke and worms once indoors for 2/3 weeks. b) Pour–on lice treatment is also used as required c) Dry cow mineral powder is provided by shaking on fed silage. d) Footbaths: All animals are routinely passed through footbath during the dry period with hooves pared on the basis of need.

The dry period is just maintaining the cow. ie feet, condition, dry cow minerals and dosing.

Calved cows are milked am and pm and doesn’t go to tank for three days.This milk is used to feed all the calves on the farm.

Calves are put in pens of four and teat fed twice per day (2 litres am + pm).

After 2/3 days they go to pens of 10 calves. Bull calves are sold from ten days onwards and heifer calves are kept.

At 10 days heifer calves are moved to pens of twenty and are fed once a day. They get 5 litres each with meal and fresh water on straw beds and are watched closely.

“Cows and heifers are scanned late August early September. As a result of scan any empty heifers are taken away and fattened. Empty cows are milked through to end of season or else dried off and fattened” PRE – CALVING The calving commences about 15th January with a hope to complete in 11/12 weeks.

Pre–calving is straightforward, cows and heifers are divided up on scanning dates and by your own eye.

With 14 days to go cows due to calve are moved to a separate shed.

At 5 days to go due cows are moved to large straw bedded shed.

For calving cows are put in pens of 3 or 4 with plenty room, light and straw bedding.

CALVING On calving the calf is immediately taken from pen and stomach tubed with colostrums (2–2.5 litres) within one hour.

The calves are tagged, also BVD, registered and navels dipped with iodine.

24

Day 14: the calves are de–horned and given blackleg vaccine.

Day 16: the calves are put out to field fed milk ad lib (5/6 litres), meal ad lib and fresh grass.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING Having calves out in a field picking grass from 2 weeks of age helps to set the gut working. It also means less chance of scour in the calves.

Week 7: Reduce milk and encourage more meal and grass. Week 7–8 of calves feeding milk level drops to 3.5 litres.

They are eating more grass and meal and are getting ready for weaning. It also makes weaning less of a shock at week 10–12.

Worm Dose: calves are dosed for worms every 5 weeks from week seven onwards.

Week 10–13: When a calf gets to a weight of 100kg+, she is weaned and kept on meal for two weeks. Then it is fresh grass from there on.

This goes through to November when they are strip–grazed on kale or rape + silage until mid February.

They then go out to grass again….

CONCLUSION This is one farm where the goals set are being closely followed.

The cheapest form of feed is grass so you do everything in your power to maximise the use of grass in the lifecycle of the animal.

It is very important to have a disease free herd with as few illnesses as possible therefore you vaccinate on time and keep rigidly to all the dosing cycles etc.

Finally the key to good outcomes is measurement: If you have the best information it helps you to make the best Having done everything to mitigate against lameness if it does decisions….throw in a dollop of hard work and you will get happen don’t hang on to the animal for too long. there.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

GREATER PRODUCTIVITY FROM 2015 JAGUAR 900

With a total of 10 models and a wide number of variants within the two JAGUAR 900 and 800 models, CLAAS offers the widest range of self–propelled forage harvesters in the world and consistently account for half of all foragers sold. or 2015, the JAGUAR 900 range features a number of new features and updates. Under the bonnet, all JAGUAR 930 to JAGUAR 960 models will be powered by straight 6 or V8 Mercedes–Benz engines, using SCR AdBlue technology, while the top–of–the–range JAGUAR 980 and 970 are powered by V12 and V8 MAN engines respectively.

To keep the engine cool, a new optional feature on the CLAAS 900 range is DYNAMIC COOLING, which uses a variator and belt drive that automatically adjusts the fan speed depending on the temperature of the coolant, hydraulic oil and intercooler.This results in more efficient use of the fan, which in turn reduces power requirement by over 20hp, which can be used for chopping power instead.

A unique feature available on JAGUAR 980–940 forage harvesters, which can help to considerably reduce fuel use, is DYNAMIC POWER. As the load on the engine varies, the engine management system will alter the engine power output accordingly over 10 power steps from just 272hp up to 510hp on the JAGUAR 940 or 884hp on the JAGUAR 980.

F

motor are also now mounted on rubber bushes, which reduce vibration and noise.

The V–MAX chopping cylinder also now features a new segmented mounting system for the blades, which makes it quicker and easier to change and set the blades, but also simpler to change blade configuration.

To cope with the higher throughput resulting from the new hydraulic tensioning system, a new MULTI CROP CRACKER M (MCC M) is also now available on JAGUAR 960–930 models and also all the JAGUAR 800 range.This incorporates 200mm diameter rollers, supported on new heavy duty bearings within a new strengthened housing.

On JAGUAR 900 models, this is driven by a new maintenance–free hydraulic belt tensioning system to ensure that maximum power is maintained. The accelerator has also been updated and now features new heavy duty bearings and pulleys.

In the cab, a combination of the quieter feed roller drive system and the use of new noise reducing glass in the front and rear windscreen, in addition to changes to the cab floor, means that the

“The V-MAX chopping cylinder also now features a new segmented mounting system for the blades, which makes it quicker and easier to change and set the blades, but also simpler to change blade configuration” In trials conducted by the DLG, by using DYNAMIC POWER to match engine power to crop load this resulted in fuel savings of 12.3%, but not at the expense of output.Taking this a stage further, new for 2015 on the JAGUAR 980 and 970 will be DYNAMIC POWER PRO which enables the operator to use CEBIS in order to adjust the power steps dependent on the conditions they are working in.

A new feature within the JAGUAR 900’s chopping system for 2015 is a hydraulic tensioning system that acts upon the rear precompression roller, which ensures that a constant pressure is maintained on the material flowing into the forager regardless of crop density.

Changes to the feed roller drive system now mean that using COMFORT CUT, infinite chop length adjustment is possible across the entire chop length range from 5mm up to 26.5mm (with a V–MAX 20 chopping cylinder).The feed roller drive pump and

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cab is far quieter. Central to the setting–up and operation of the JAGUAR 900 range is an updated version of CEBIS and the new HOTKEY. Another new feature on the JAGUAR 900 range is the availability of more adjustment parameters for the knives and shearbar. Using CEBIS, the operator can now set a reminder as to when the knives need sharpening or the shearbar adjusting after a set operating time has elapsed. On foragers fitted with QUANTIMETER throughput monitoring, a reminder can also be set after a set yield quantity has been harvested.

Other updates for the 2015 JAGUAR 900 range include the provision of larger fuel tanks for greater daily output, a new 375 litre capacity additive tank with a higher capacity pump with application rate determined by either throughput, moisture content or dry matter content.

For further information visit www.claas.co.uk or Tel: + 44 (0) 1284 763100

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

SPRING GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT Grazed grass continues to be the lowest cost feed available for milk production in Ireland writes, Deirdre Hennessy, B.Agr.Sc., Ph.D.,Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork.

INTRODUCTION

ignored. Fertiliser application can commence from mid–January,

but soil type, location and weather conditions will also influence Rising costs of production and milk cost volatility mean that low that. A response of 16 kg DM/kg N applied in mid– January has cost systems of milk production are more profitable. Grass based been measured in early March at Moorepark, over three years. In systems have low input costs and therefore are best placed to withstand low milk prices. In the current year, when most farmers will the central part of Ireland the optimum date for initial spring N have a superlevy, maximising grazed grass in the dairy cows diet application is early/mid–February and in the northern region it will minimise the quantity of feed that has to be purchased. If Irish dairy farmers are to maintain their competitive advantage over EU nations while simultaneously competing on a world market the proportion of grazed grass in the lactating dairy cows diet must be maximised. Previous analysis of international data,using total costs of production, suggests that increasing the proportion of grazed grass in the diet of a dairy cow by 10% results in a reduction of 2.5 cent/litre of milk produced.

Maximising the quantity of grazed grass in the dairy cows diet requires a long grazing season combined with grassland measurement and budgeting.The remainder of this article will focus on spring grass management and benefits, and the effect spring grazing management has on subsequent production.

PROVISION OF GRASS FOR EARLY SPRING GRAZING The quantity of grass currently present on farms is largely influenced by autumn closing management and closing farm cover. Many farms closed with higher covers in 2014 than usual due to high autumn grass growth rates.

That combined with over winter growth means that opening covers are likely to be approximately 200 kg DM/ha ahead of target.

This extra grass will make a positive contribution to the spring feed budget. Although covers are high, spring N application should not be

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING is mid–to late February. The initial N fertiliser application should be 30 kg N/ha, followed by a second application of 30 to 50 kg N/ha. Some of the N fertiliser can be replaced by slurry. Consider applying slurry to the area in the last third of the first rotation, and applying slurry to the first third immediately after grazing.Applying 2,500 gal/ac cattle slurry is equivalent of half a bag of urea/ac.

Avoid applying fertiliser to heavy covers before grazing.

EARLY SPRING GRAZING MANAGEMENT The spring rotation planner, available at www.teagasc.ie, is the main grazing management tool to be used in the spring.The spring rotation planner works by allocating an area of the farm to be grazed each day from turnout to magic day. Magic day is the day when grass supply matches herd demand and it occurs around the first week of April. For the spring rotation planner to work, the required area must be grazed each day.The ideal post–grazing sward height in the first rotation is 3.5 cm to ensure quality grass in the next rotation. If post grazing sward height is greater than 3.5 cm feed supply is too high and concentrates should be reduced, and if post grazing sward height is less than 3.5 cm there is a feed deficit, i.e. grass is in short supply, and cows should be supplemented.The spring rotation planner should be used in conjunction with farm cover measurement as this provides information on the quantity of feed available in the paddock and hence the quantity of silage and/or concentrate supplementation required.

The main targets for the first rotation are to have 30% of the farm grazed by the 1st March; 60% grazed by the 17th March and 100% grazed by magic day. Ideally provide 12 hour allocations of grass (i.e. fresh grass after each milking) and use a back fence to minimise damage to the sward.This spring, there are a lot of heavy

“Many farms closed with higher covers in 2014 than usual due to high autumn grass growth rates.That combined with over winter growth means that opening covers are likely to be approximately 200 kg DM/ha ahead of target” covers on farm. If possible consider grazing a lighter cover until there are adequate numbers calved and grazing to graze off these heavy covers fast.

HERBAGE ALLOWANCE IN EARLY LACTATION Early spring grass is extremely digestible and high in crude protein so its provision in the diet of dairy cows is essential if farms are to be profitable businesses. A series of experiments have been undertaken at Moorepark to establish the optimum level of herbage allowance and concentrate feeding level that should be offered during the first and second grazing rotations (early February to mid–May). In the course of these experiments cows were offered varying grass allowances (13 – 19 kg dry matter (DM)/cow/day) in conjunction with differing concentrate levels (0 to 6 kg DM/cow/day). From these investigations it is clear that a grass allowance of 15 kg DM/cow/day should be allocated to spring calving dairy cows during the first grazing rotation. A high response to concentrate (on average 1.1 kg milk/kg concentrate) was also achieved by the cows in early lactation.

The positive effect on milk yield of supplementing cows with concentrate in the early lactation period persisted into mid– lactation and resulted in higher total lactation milk yields. Figure 1 synopsises the experiments undertaken to determine optimum herbage and concentrate allowances in early spring.

From this graph it is clear that if farm cover at turnout is low then cows offered a low grass allowance (13 kg DM/cow/day) and 3 kg DM of concentrate will attain the same level of milk production as those offered 17 kg DM/cow/day and no concentrate.

Figure 1 Effect of grass allowance level (13 or 17 kg DM/cow/day) and concentrate level on the milk production of spring calving dairy cows.

The recommendations for early spring are to turnout cows directly post calving and offer a grass allowance of 15 kg DM/cow/day and 3 kg DM concentrate during the first grazing rotation.

By adhering to these principles the dual objectives of early spring grazing can be achieved, i.e. maximising the proportion of grazed grass in the diet of the dairy cow while simultaneously conditioning swards for subsequent grazing rotations.

This essentially means obtaining a balance where cows are adequately fed yet paddocks are well grazed (to a post grazing height of approximately 4 – 4.5 cm).

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ANIMAL PERFORMANCE BENEFITS FROM OF EARLY TURNOUT

Table 1 The effect of system (Early Spring Grazing; Indoor Feeding) on the milk production characteristics of spring–calving dairy cows from February to April

The benefits of turning cows out to grass immediately after calving have been demonstrated at Moorepark.The production Early spring grazing Indoor Feeding performance of spring calving cows turned out to grass full time from calving in early February was compared with that of a group Milk yield (kg/day) 28.3 27.3 of cows that remained indoors until early April. The ‘outdoor’ cows Milk fat concentration (%) 3.86 4.16 were offered a daily grass allowance of 15 kg DM and 3 kg of Milk protein concentration (%) 3.36 3.07 concentrate, while the ‘indoor’ cows were offered a diet containing SCM yield (kg/day) 26.6 25.9 40% grass silage (8.6 kg DM/cow/day) and 60% concentrate (11.1 Bodyweight (kg) 499 517 kg DM/cow/day). There was no difference in milk yield (27.3 vs.

Bodyweight gain (kg/day) +0.20 +0.03 28.3 kg/day) between the two systems but the cows turned out in Body condition score 2.87 2.92 early spring produced milk of lower fat content (3.86 vs. 4.16 %) Intake (kg DM/cow/day) and higher protein content (3.36 vs. 3.07 %) compared to the indoor Grass 12.9 – cows (Table 1). Cows from both feeding systems achieved similar Silage – 5.7 DM intakes of approximately 15.5 kg DM/cow/day. Significantly, Concentrates 2.8 9.6 the cows on the early spring grazing system continued to maintain a Total intake 15.7 15.3 The results of this study highlight the large benefits (both nutritional higher milk protein concentration and higher grass DM intake than and financial) of including grazed grass in the diet of spring calving their indoor counterparts up to July. dairy cows in early lactation. When modelled on a whole farm basis, early grazing will generate an increased profitability of €2.70/cow/day for each extra day at grass through higher animal performance and lower feed costs.

MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR EARLY SPRING GRAZING To capitalise on the benefits of grazed grass in early spring dairy cows should be turned out to pasture directly post calving, ground conditions permitting.

The main objectives of spring grazing management are: 1. To increase the proportion of grazed grass in the diet of the dairy cow 2. To condition swards for subsequent grazing rotations. This can be achieved by grazing pastures to a low post grazing height during the first grazing rotation.

Similar to autumn grazing management, grassland budgeting is essential if these objectives are to be achieved. (Continued on Page 32).

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

GRASS RESEEDING TO INCREASE PROFITS • Grass reseeding is one of the best paying investments available to livestock farmers • Reseeded swards deliver higher grass dry matter yields and increased grass quality • Each extra tonne of grass dry matter utilised can increase farm profit by €160 • To maximise grass production and utilisation target a reseeding rate of 10% of the farm area each year • Get the basics right when reseeding; herbicides, lime, fertiliser, cultivation, sowing and most importantly choose the best grass mixture for the particular field

CHOOSING THE BEST GRASS MIXTURE • Choose a grass mixture with the best grass varieties available as they are likely to be in the ground for 10 years or more • All perennial ryegrass and clover varieties must be from the Irish Recommended List; tried and tested in Ireland. Give preference to varieties with good performance in animal feed trials at Teagasc.

Grazing Mixture for normal/dry Land • Most important traits: High spring and autumn growth, high digestibility, high palatability, good sward density • Tetraploid content: 40-50% • Clover: Medium leaf clover for cows/cattle and small leaf clovers for sheep • Top Varieties include: Glenveagh, Astonenergy, Majestic, Glenroyal

Grazing Mixture for heavy land and /or high rainfall areas • Most important traits:Very high sward density, high total yield, high digestibility, high palatability • Tetraploid content: 20-30% • Clover: Medium leaf clover for cows/cattle and small leaf clovers for sheep • Top Varieties include: Glenveagh, Majestic, Piccadilly, Aspect, Twymax

Silage Mixture for 2 silage cuts • Most important traits: High silage yield especially for the first cut (data on the recommended list), keep the spread of heading dates at 5 days or less, good sward density • Tetraploid content: 35-40% • Clover: None • Top Varieties include: Solomon, Rosetta, Boyne, Carraig, Magician For more information, contact Goldcrop on Tel. 021 488 2800 or check the company website www.goldcrop.ie

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING The following key points should be remembered when managing early spring grazing: G Farm cover at turnout should be approximately 700 kg DM/ha, depending on mean calving date and stocking rate – an earlier calving date and/or higher stocking equates to higher animal demand and hence the requirement for a higher opening cover

G Aim to offer 0.8 – 1.0 tonne grass DM/cow from turnout until the end of the first rotation – this should be achievable on farms where animals are turned out early

G Grazed grass and concentrate can be the sole feed with such a system, allowing grass silage to be completely removed from the diet post calving

G The available grass supply should be budgeted so that the first grazing rotation finishes around the first week of April (the first rotation should be >50 days)

cows/ha, even though the early grazed swards had already been 1 Post grazing sward height must be maintained at 3 /2–4 cm during grazed once that spring. the first rotation to ensure pasture quality is high during The production benefits of swards grazed in early spring are due subsequent rotations to a higher leaf proportion in the sward resulting in greater

G

Early grazed swards (February/March) have similar grass growth potential compared to later grazed swards (April), but are capable of sustaining higher milk yields and grass intake in subsequent grazing rotations due to higher sward quality G

G

Excessive pasture damage must be avoided

Benefit of early turnout on grass quality in subsequent rotations Swards grazed to low post–grazing residuals (4 – 4.5 cm) in early spring (February and March) produce herbage of higher quality and higher milk production potential in the mid–April to early July period than swards which are initially grazed in mid–April.

An experiment was undertaken at Moorepark looking at the effect of initial grazing date on milk production.Two swards were established, one was grazed once between February and mid April; the other remained ungrazed from the previous October/November.This study commenced in mid–April and continued for four 21–day rotations.

Each of the swards were grazed at two stocking rates (grazing intensities), 5.5 and 4.5 cows/ha on the early grazed swards, and 5.9 and 5.5 cows/ha on the late grazed swards.The cows on the early grazed swards at a stocking rate of 4.5 cows/ha achieved the highest yield of milk, fat and protein; highest protein content and grass dry matter intake (GDMI) (Table 2).

There was no difference in animal performance between the cows grazing the early and late grazed swards stocked at 5.5

digestibility than later grazed swards during the main grazing season.

Leaf proportion is directly related to grass digestibility; a 5.5% change in leaf content is equal to a 1–unit change in digestibility. For each 1–unit increase in organic matter digestibility (OMD) GDMI is increased by 0.20 kg and milk yield is increased by 0.24 kg milk/cow /day.

RESTRICTED ACCESS TO PASTURE DURING PERIODS OF WET WEATHER During the early spring period (and late autumn) weather conditions can be inclement thus restricting grazing opportunities. Management strategies such as on/off grazing can be used to ensure that cows have access to grazed grass without causing detrimental damage to sward surfaces and subsequent sward quality.

On/off grazing can also be used on heavy soils to turn cows out early while minimising poaching damage. Cows can achieve 90% of their intake if they are turned out to graze for 3 hours after both morning and evening milking.

Swards should be strip grazed with a fresh allocation after each milking. Back fencing should be used to minimise poaching, and cows should be removed from the paddock as soon as they finish grazing, again to minimise poaching. It is not necessary to feed concentrate or silage in the shed.Another option is to graze cows during the day and house cows at night with restricted access to silage.

Table 2 Effect of initial grazing date and stocking rate on milk yield and composition from mid–April to early July

Early grazed swards (grazed in February & March)

Late grazed swards (closed since previous October)

Stocking rate (cows/ha)

5.5

4.5

5.9

5.5

Grass intake (kg DM/cow/day)

16.3

17.5

15.2

16.7

Milk yield (kg/day)

22.7

24.5

20.9

22.4

Fat (%)

3.89

3.78

4.00

3.78

Protein (%)

3.29

3.41

3.21

3.27

Milk production

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

EFFICIENT HOT WATER SOLUTIONS s running a farming business is a costly, complex under– taking, with so many variables to deal with, it makes sense to have better control wherever you can, such as with heating, having instant hot water and ensuring the fuel you choose doesn’t compromise your produce. Calor are working closely with Irish farmers to tailor solutions for their specific energy needs, help improve energy efficiency and ultimately, their bottom line.

For the Dairy Farmer, Calor powered instantaneous water heaters can provide an ideal solution as a reliable and ample hot water supply is an essential component in managing hygiene and controlling the Total Bacteria Count (TBC) of milk produced. Hot water storage costs are eliminated with this system as water is heated only when it is required.

The farmer no longer needs to worry about running out of hot water or having insufficient quantities at a the right temperature.

Hot water storage costs are eliminated with this system as an infinite supply is heated only when it is required and the system can be run with automatic or manual dairy washing systems.

A

BENEFITS OF A CALOR GAS POWERED HOT WATER SOLUTION FOR DAIRY FARMS • Infinite hot water on demand • Standby hot water storage losses eliminated • Varying hot water demand profile can be met • Additional bulk tank washing requirement catered for • Lower carbon hot water solution • Can be tailored to suit the individual farm requirements Calor provides a full range of tailored energy solutions for farms and businesses right across the agricultural sector, from highly efficient and safe heating for grain drying to hot water and cooking solutions designed to save money, ensure greater control and produce better results.And with less emissions compared to other fuel types, Calor can help the farmer continue to deliver produce to the highest standards.

To find out more information and learn how Calor Gas can deliver tailor–made energy solutions to improve efficiencies and provide cost savings for your business, visit the website www.calorgas.ie/calor-for-business/ or call us on 1850 812 450 (Republic of Ireland) or 028 9045 5588 (Northern Ireland).

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

IF CONDITIONS THIS SPRING SUIT RESEEDING

‘GRASP THIS OPPORTUNITY’ Grass is the foundation of a profitable system for Irish Livestock Farmers.

fter 1st of April 2015, milk quotas will be gone and the focus will be to increase milk and meat production as efficiently as possible. At the recent Irish Grassland Dairy Conference, Dr. John Roche (New Zealand Dairy Consultant) gave an excellent presentation on the future profitability of Irish dairy farms post–quota.The take home message from the presentation was that grazed grass is Irelands’ competitive advantage as it distinguishes us from our competitors and it is the foundation of profitable systems.

The majority of Irish dairy farmers are likely to be profitable in the long run only if they can maintain a low–cost grass based system with minimal requirements for purchased feed. Analysis of recent Irish Profit Monitor data shows that farm profit increases with an increase in grassland utilisation.

A

When reseeding, the objectives should be to create new swards that will: G Increase the productive capacity of the farm. New grass varieties will produce higher total annual yields. Increased dense leafy swards will also increase the stocking rate capacity of paddocks.

G Persistently produce high quality grass year after year. Improved palatability will increase grass intakes while higher digestibility will lead to higher animal output.The potential to produce between 12 &16 ton DM/ha grass DM over a long growing season is a major competitive advantage for Irish livestock farmers.

G Extend the grazing season through increased spring and autumn growth. Every extra day at grass in early spring and late autumn is worth €2.70 & €2.10/cow/day respectively.

G Be responsive to fertiliser and more nutrient efficient.

G Reduce silage and concentrate requirements.

SELECTION OF GRASS VARIETIES & MOST SUITABLE MIXTURE

When selecting the most suitable mixture to use, it is important to be aware of the varieties contained in the bag. Ideally a mixture should contain those varieties that have been tried and tested under Irish conditions and appear on either the DAFM (Ireland) or DARD (Northern Ireland) Recommended Lists for 2015.These lists are an excellent source of information on how varieties perform over a period of years and are deemed most suitable for Irish farms.

Ideally the most suitable mixture will be the one that contains the varieties that are the highest performers in the characteristics that are most relevant to the purpose of the paddock. For example, FOR EVERY EXTRA TON OF GRASS DM UTILISED PER HECTARE, an intensive early grazing dairy farm will require good spring OPERATING PROFIT INCREASED €268/HECTARE (€108.45/ACRE)! growth, ground cover, palatability and excellent digestibility. If the paddock is to be used mostly for grazing then diploid and It is conservatively estimated that Irish farms are leaving 5 ton tetraploid varieties that score well under the Simulated Grazing DM grass unutilised per hectare! category should be considered.

This year for the first time, the Irish Recommended List (RL) of Successful expansion of Irish dairy farming will occur by Grass Varieties includes the Teagasc Pasture Profit Index (PPI). managing grass in the following ways: This index ranks ryegrass varieties based on their potential to G Improvement of soil fertility influence farm profitability. Used in conjunction with the RL, the G Drainage of wet land PPI is designed to assist grassland farmers in selecting those varieties G Breeding appropriate cows for the grass based system most suitable for their enterprise. Each variety is given a value for G Improving grass species through reseeding the following traits of economic importance for a grass based farm: spring, summer & autumn growth, quality, silage yields & persistency.

THE NEED TO RESEED Grass reseeding is one of the best long–term investments any livestock farmer can make, as it increases the overall productivity GRASP THE OPPORTUNITY! of the farm and helps develop a more sustainable business for the If conditions allow reseeding this spring, then farmers should future.There is huge capacity on Irish farms to grow more grass grasp the opportunity to invest in the future profitability and potential of their farm. Considering that grass is the cheapest but that capacity will be limited if the swards are old and soil is feed source on Irish livestock farms and that it has a higher feed nutrient deficient.Teagasc Moorepark research shows that old swards will drag down profits in the following ways. Old pasture value than concentrates when it is well managed, then reseeding to improve the sward is a highly cost effective investment even swards tend to be dominated with weed grass species that will when milk prices are low. produce 3 ton DM/ha/year less than perennial ryegrass dominated For more information contact Rosalyn Drew, Drummonds paddocks and will be of lower quality and digestibility.They are Ltd. at Tel: 041.9838986 and Email: also nutrient inefficient – up to 25% less responsive to fertiliser rosalyn.drew@drummonds.ie inputs such as nitrogen.

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MANAGING MILK PRICE VOLATILITY

Tadhg Buckley,AIB Agri Advisor discusses managing volatility in dairy farming.The article is based on a Nuffield Scholar Report undertaken by Tadhg.

INTRODUCTION

While price volatility has been much more pronounced over the past 8 years it is not a completely new phenomenon.Volatility Volatility in both output and input prices has been a constant on world markets has been evident for many years. Farmers in feature of Irish Agriculture in recent years. In the past 8 years we the EU, however, were shielded from its worst effects due to have seen major fluctuations in the main output prices of beef, internal market management mechanisms. These mechanisms grain, and in particular, milk (Figure 1). Similarly, there have also been significant variations in input prices with feed, energy and included milk quotas, export refunds and import tariffs.The bulk of these have now been removed leaving EU farmers exposed to fertiliser prices quite volatile also. Price volatility poses challenges for farmers as it makes financial planning and cash flow management the volatility of world market prices. much more difficult. It also poses challenges at an industry level for similar reasons.

WHY ARE FARMERS MORE EXPOSED? Farmers are price takers rather than price makers and are unable Figure 1: to pass on input price increases easily to their purchasers. As a Output Price Volatility result price volatility tends to have a more pronounced effect on primary producers (farmers) than secondary producers (e.g. dairy processors, grain merchants) who can more easily pass on input price increases.

It should be noted though that the increased power of retailers has also made it much more difficult for processors to pass on raw material and other input price increases and generally can do so, in whole or in part, only after a considerable time lag.

In addition, Irish farming is heavily export–dependent and this, together with the seasonal nature of much of our mainly commodity production, makes Irish farmers more exposed to price volatility than their EU counterparts.

Source: FAO

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WHICH FARMERS ARE MOST EXPOSED TO PRICE VOLATILITY? Farmers with a high cost of production are much more exposed to significant price variations than low cost producers. During periods of high prices the vast majority of producers are profitable; however during periods of low output prices those with a high cost of production are much more heavily effected financially than their low–cost counterparts. It generally takes high–cost producers much longer to recover from a depressed price period and in many cases the losses incurred may take years rather than months to overcome.

Cent/kg

Figure 2: Competitiveness comparison – high cost vs low cost producer

price (most likely through improving milk solids) to a level which is sustainable in the medium–term.

Time Figure 2 illustrates the differing effect of price volatility on different types of milk producers.The erratic line above represents a volatile milk price while the broken lines represent the cost of production of three different producers who have been categorised into high cost, medium cost and low cost. So what effect does price volatility have on each of these producers?

High cost producer Managing price risk and volatility is not the main issue with this producer, it is competitiveness. This producer will struggle to operate profitably with the exception of unusually high milk price periods and will eventually be forced to exit dairy farming

Medium cost producer This producer is impacted significantly by milk price volatility and would potentially benefit most from any mechanisms that reduce price volatility such as a fixed milk price contract (detailed below). Fixing of milk price will not improve their average milk price, (if anything it will slightly reduce it), but this producer will manage better financially with periods of very low milk price as in 2009.

This producer is typically farming an efficient high–input system.Therefore, any price risk management strategy needs to incorporate management of input costs such as feed, energy and fertiliser particularly given the recent volatility of input prices.

Low cost producer This producer can cope with periods of very low milk price relatively comfortably and is least affected by volatility. Therefore,

“This producer is typically farming an efficient high–input system.Therefore, any price risk management strategy needs to incorporate management of input costs such as feed, energy and fertiliser particularly given the recent volatility of input prices” unless he/she improves competitiveness. Price adequacy rather than price volatility is the issue in this case – the average milk price is not adequate to sustain the business at its current cost of production.The main objective for this farmer must be to reduce his/her cost of production and/or increase their average output

fixing of milk price will not confer the benefits that it will to a medium–cost producer as milk price volatility does not have any significant long–term financial implications. Potentially, they may gain more from not fixing as a fixed milk price will be slightly lower on average in the medium–term than the unfixed price.

This low–cost producer is most likely in a low input grass–based production system.

HOW TO REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF PRICE VOLATILITY The options available to Irish farmers to manage price risk are currently limited. Some of the options available include: G Improve competitiveness – this is a very effective way of positioning your farm business to deal effectively with price volatility as it reduces the financial impact of low output price periods (e.g. 2009 grain and milk price)

G Build a cash reserve during high margin periods – this reserve can then be used to fund any deficits incurred during times of low output price

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G Use bank finance to fund cash deficit periods – this option is available but its benefit will depend on how efficient the farm business is. For high–cost inefficient producers there may be substantial deficits to finance and it may take a long time to repay the deficit incurred, possibly not before another low– price period occurs

2) Hedging using futures or forward contracts This method is widely used in the US and is available in Ireland through a limited number of milk processors via fixed milk price schemes.They offer the advantage of stability and allow farmers to plan forward; the disadvantage is that you are tied in for the duration of the contract to one supplier.

G Forward purchase inputs and adjusting capital spending (carrying out farm improvements during good times and postponing them during bad times) – these are methods of managing cash flow in order to prepare the business better for a downturn

3) A farm savings accounts This is a designated deposit account designed to encourage farmers to build a cash fund during high margin periods in preparation for low–margin periods.Their use is normally encouraged through the incentive of tax deferral.

Variants of these accounts are used in Canada and Australia among other countries.They are similar to income averaging from a tax point of view but they also encourage farmers to build up a cash reserve by removing the potential negative tax implications associated with building this reserve.

G Income averaging – this can be used in order to reduce variances in annual tax liability which can allow for better cash flow management.

MANAGING PRICE VOLATILITY – OTHER POTENTIAL OPTIONS There are other potential options which are adopted by some other countries to help farmers manage price volatility.

These include: 1) An income stabilisation tool This is a subsidised fund which farmers would contribute to under a specific set of circumstances. An Income Stabilisation Tool proposal was part of the draft Pillar II CAP Reform proposals.

Under the proposal farmers would have been able to access the fund under the following set of circumstances: G

Farm income drops by over 30% of the previous 3–year average

G

Compensation cannot exceed 70% of the income loss

G

Maximum community funding of 65% of total cost of the fund

It is likely that there would have been a high level of administration associated with a fund of this type had it been implemented.

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CONCLUSION Price volatility has become much more pronounced over the past 8 years and is now much more visible to Irish and EU farmers.

Its effects are now more evident due to the reduced level of intervention by the EU in market management. All indications are that this level of volatility is likely to continue into the future.

Improving efficiencies is one of the best methods of positioning your farm business to cope with volatility.

There are also other options currently available including income averaging and the use of forward contracts. Internationally, there are other options which could be adopted in Ireland to give further assistance to farmers, in particular the option of a type of farm savings account.

Whatever options are taken it is vital that Irish farmers position themselves well to cope with continued price volatility into the future.

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

MISTRAL – IMPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR HERD HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE

lthough known intuitively for years,it is today scientifically proven, that environmental factors have a direct influence on the comfort, welfare, health and performance of animals. Even when a disease is not apparent, an imbalanced environment is responsible for losses in productivity, which is often underestimated, and leads to important economic losses.This is particularly true of dairy farming.

A

CONTROL OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS Mistral is the new management tool, which allows farmers to respect, in a simple and efficient way, the ground rules of animal husbandry and the physiological balance of the animal. Mistral combines, in an innovative formulation, only natural active ingredients. It is a completely organic product which when compared with other desiccant products, including lime, is proven to be much more effective. It is an off–white fragrant powder,non-hazardous and kind both to handlers and animals.As well as having a cleansing and healing effect it is also has fly and insect repelling qualities.Mistral is ideal for management of all aspects of livestock farming as well as many other animal species and is proven to promote a gainful investment to improved economic and technical performance.

SANITISE YOUR FARM There are a number of areas in dairy farming where Mistral can promote a healthier environment:Mistral during Lactation Around 30–50% of mastitis occurs in the calving pen due to the fact that around calving, cow immunity is focused on the foetus and the uterus.The udder therefore has no immune defences from 1 week before to 2 weeks after calving.The keratin plug that protects the teat during the dry–off period is no longer efficient during the days preceding calving.Tests at the National Agronomical Institute, Paris–Grignon, have shown that the application of Mistral in the calving pen makes the environment around the udder healthier thus reduced Somatic Cell Count by up to 63% over a 3 month period.

For mastitis causing bacteria to grow it needs moisture and warmth and animal bedding is the perfect environment for these to grow.The use of Mistral reduces the litter moisture therefore bacterial growth is largely decreased and the risk of contamination is greatly reduced.Moreover Mistral is not irritating on the teat–skin. In straw beds the amount of straw used is reduced as litter temperature is lowered and time is saved.

Mistral in the Calving Pen For calves Mistral allows quick drying of the umbilical cord when applied after birth. Providing a better environment in the pen reduces digestive disorders thus leading to a better colostrum intake. Mistral also helps to keep bedding drier and control ammonia which is responsible for some respiratory troubles in young calves.A number of diarrhoea based infections are spread by the presence of flies but Mistral helps to reduce this problem due to its fly repellent qualities.

Mistral as a Dry Footbath It is a well known fact that a lame cow will reduce its feed intake thus produces less milk.With Mistral used as a dry footbath, the skin between the claws is kept dry.This allows the claws to be more resistant to environmental contaminations such as ammonia from urine. It also helps the healing process in the presence of abbesses or lacerations that would lead to further foot infections.

THE NATURAL SOLUTION Olmix, the makers of Mistral, focus on the development of natural alternatives for animal hygiene and nutrition. It is this concept that has led Mistral to be currently the only product on the market to have been nominated and awarded at the highest international level of profession. Overall Mistral is the natural alternative for improved hygiene and welfare for dairy cattle with the return on investment alone being the best criterion to measure its efficacy.

Mistral is distributed in Rep of Ireland by Agrihealth and is available through most Co–Ops and Independent merchants.

Call Agrihealth on 047 71800 for more information.

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COMFORT SLAT MATS: PREVENTING LAMENESS = MORE €UROS FOR THE FARMER

he Green Floor System by Comfort Slat Mat is designed to prevent lameness in cows as a result of standing on concrete slats.

In addition, the suppleness of the product simulates the normal grassland surface on which animals graze and allows the animal to stand–up or lie–down in a more natural manner.The profiled design of the slat cover encourages urine and faeces to move through the gaps between the slats and into the storage tank below the floor resulting in cleaner floors and so cleaner animals.

T

PREVENTING LAMENESS – ENABLING GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY Throughout the dairy industry there is an issue with lameness and there are many studies linking lameness on concrete slats to animal welfare/productivity/farm profitability. No one should underestimate the impact of lameness on performance, profit and welfare as shown above.The Green Floor System by Comfort Slat Mats have been designed as the solution to prevent lameness issues occurring as a result of the concrete slatted floor Irish dairy cows are subjected to.

The science in designing the Green Floor System for dairy is to prevent lameness caused by the slats by tackling the problems of –1. Wet floors – a causal factor in digital or hoof lameness 2. Lack of grip 3.

Un–hygienic & Un–healthy floors – a causal factor in digital or hoof lameness

are easy to identify – treatments, vet call–outs, farmer’s time, milk discarded and loss of milk sales.The indirect costs are more subtle and often not appreciated as a significant effect that lameness can have on farm profitability.

Lameness reduces the cow’s mobility and causes loss of body condition through reduced feed intake. It affects the cow’s fertility in a number of ways: · Loss of body condition; · Inability to show sign of heat; · Increased likelihood of being hurt during bulling activity The reduction in fertility is related to the severity of the lameness and manifests itself in a number of ways. Cows require more services and typically one in five cows with a mild lameness require an additional service. In severely lame cows, almost three out of four require an additional service.

THE COST TO A TYPICAL 100–COW HERD ARE: No. Cows affected:

20

1.4 episodes of lameness @

€296.61 per cow

20 x €296.61 =

€5932.20

1. Curved – for the speedy removal of urine from the floor creating Cost per cow across herd €60 a dry walking area.

2. Dynamic/Cushioned core – designed to allow the claw to "grip" Losses associated with lameness are a significant drain on the into the floor and profits, with farmers often unaware of the scale of these losses.

3. Snap–Lock – Encapsulates the slat rib preventing the build–up of However, farmers are often of the opinion that large scale lameness faeces under the mat and the speedy removal of faeces off the floor. “goes with the territory” and is something to deal with as it occurs.

“The incidence of lameness on dairy farms varies ranges greatly.In the average Irish dairy herd,20 out of every 100 cows are affected in any given year,while each affected cow will have a lameness occurrence rate of 1.4,meaning in a typical 100 cow herd there will be 28 episodes per year” LAMENESS IN IRISH DAIRY HERDS The incidence of lameness on dairy farms varies ranges greatly. In the average Irish dairy herd, 20 out of every 100 cows are affected in any given year, while each affected cow will have a lameness occurrence rate of 1.4, meaning in a typical 100 cow herd there will be 28 episodes per year. Based on work done by Eoin Ryan MVB and Luke O’Grady BVMS of UCD (Economics of Infectious and Production Diseases in Irish Dairy Herds) estimate the costs of lameness have been calculated at €300 per affected cow. Many of the direct costs

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A study conducted by Dutch Hoof health in The Netherlands into lameness in Dairy Herds on Comfort Slat Mats shows the near elimination of lameness on cows which live in total confinement conditions.

Through near prevention of lameness using Comfort Slat Mats as seen in the above report, this enables farmers achieve increased productivity/efficiency (of the cows and the farmer’s time) and profitability through improved animal health and welfare.

For further information visit www.slatmats.com

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KEEPING THE HIGH RISK CALF ALIVE

How are your calves performing? Unless we measure how animals are performing and compare the results to industry accepted standards then we are not in a position to accurately answer this question. Mairead O’Grady Veterinary Advisor MSD Animal Health reports.

HOW ARE IRISH CALVES PERFORMING? n 2013 according to Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) System data, 60369 calves were reported to have died within the first 6 weeks of life1.This equates to 2.88% of calf births but accounts for 45.6% of the total calf deaths up to 1 year old.The same data indicated that almost 80% of the total deaths in calves up to 1 year old occurred in the first 6 months of life.What is the take home message from these startling figures? The animals most at risk of dying on farm are calves in the first six weeks of their lives. Special attention has to be given to this category of animal in order to prevent such wastage. However, from 6 weeks to six months of age calves also need added protection against disease as they remain a high risk category for this time period.

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WHAT IS KILLING OUR CALVES? The All–island animal disease surveillance report 2013 identified gastro–enteric disease, or scour, as the most common cause of

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death in neonatal calves (<1 month of age) submitted for post mortem exam, accounting for 38% of cases in Northern Ireland and 27.6% in Ireland2.

In the previous year the incidence was similar indicating a consistent incidence of scour in neonatal calves.

The report also indicated that respiratory disease accounts for less than 10% of the neonatal deaths submitted in Ireland and 14% in Northern in 2013.

However a different trend emerges in calves aged 1 to 5 months with respiratory disease responsible for 38% and 29.5% of cases in Northern Ireland and the Republic, respectively.

Utilising these data, the farming community in conjunction with veterinary advice must tailor disease control programmes appropriately to the relevant age group.

Scour control is the key focus for neonatal calves and pneumonia control is essential for at least the first 6 months of life.

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THE CRITICAL FIRST HOURS Calves are born without the ability to fight disease. In order to gain protection against common diseases they must receive colostrum from their dams in a timely manner. Repeated studies have shown that colostrum quality can be very variable between breeds, between farms and between individual animals on farm.

The quality of colostrum decreases gradually after calving with antibody levels declining by almost 4% every hour. Hence a cow that is milked within an hour of calving has optimal colostrum quality versus the quality of her colostrum if milking was delayed by several hours as happens commonly on farm.The calves’ ability to absorb the protective antibodies within colostrum is also maximal within the first hours after birth. In order to receive the maximum benefit it is logical to ensure that each calf receives colostrum from its dam within 1–2 hours after birth.

The timing of feeding and the volume of colostrum fed will influence the calves immunoglobulin levels even if good quality colostrum is fed. Engage your veterinary surgeon to routinely blood sample a number of calves throughout the season at varying time points to assess calf immunoglobulin levels. Calves should be approximately 2 days old, healthy and adequately hydrated. Sick dehydrated calves can give erroneous results. Zinc Sulphate Turbidity test (ZST) or Total Protein (TP) assessment are two common test methods.Aim to have 90% of calves tested achieving results greater than 30 units (ZST) or 5.5 g/l (TP).

COLOSTRUM CHECK LIST Volume of colostrum fed

Timing of colostrum feeding after birth Colostrum contains protective antibodies called immunoglobulins Minimisation of bacterial and other beneficial components including cells. Rather than each contamination of colostrum Colostrum quality: calf requiring a certain volume of colostrum, we know that they Colostrometer require a certain threshold of immunoglobulins.As a result calves fed on better quality colostrum require a lesser volume than calves Brix refractometer

HOW MUCH COLOSTRUM?

fed on poorer quality colostrum to achieve the same level of protection.

As a rule of thumb dairy born calves should receive 8.5–10% of their body weight in colostrum within the first 1–2 hours of life.

For the average Holstein or Friesian calf this equates to 3.5–4 litres of clean colostrum.A large proportion of calves will not suck within this time frame. Be prepared to intervene.Taking control of colostrum feeding provides greatly enhanced peace of mind that calves have been given adequate protection against disease. Calves will actively suck a bottle with a teat attached within the first 1–2 hours after birth.After this time a calf feeding bag can be used. Seek veterinary advice for demonstration on correct tube placement in order to prevent unnecessary injury to the calf.

Bacterial contamination of colostrum should be kept to a minimum.

This is achieved by ensuring the cow’s udder and teats are clean, milkers’ hands are clean and buckets and feeding utensils, including bottles, teats and calf feeding bags, are routinely cleaned after each use.

MONITORING COLOSTRUM ON FARM There are several ways to monitor the success of colostrum management on farm. Colostrum quality can be measured with a colostrometer which gives a traffic light colour coded assessment of colostrum with red indicating poor quality and green indicating good quality.This must be assessed at room temperature for accuracy which can make this task more troublesome.An alternative is to utilise a Brix Refractometer to check colostrum quality which does not require that the analysis be done at room temperature. Seek veterinary advice regarding the most suitable method for your farm.At a minimum, colostrum which is intended to be frozen and stored for a back–up supply should be checked for quality.

8.5 – 10 % of body weight

Within 2 hours of birth

Green > 21%

IMPROVING COLOSTRUM MANAGEMENT If the results obtained from the ZST or TP test are inadequate the quality of colostrum must be checked.The timing and method of feeding and the volume of colostrum fed must also be reassessed.

Calves allowed to suckle their dam are at a higher risk of failing to achieve adequate results. Colostrum quality can be improved via vaccination of the dam against rotavirus, coronavirus and E. coli K99 which commonly cause scour during the first weeks of life.

Vaccination can be carried out between 12 weeks and 3 weeks prior to calving. Feeding colostrum from vaccinated cows increases the level of protection against scour. Feeding colostrum and transition milk from vaccinated cows has been shown to reduce the amount of antibiotics required by these calves. Calves can benefit if fed on milk from vaccinated cows for 2–4 weeks after calving. Calf snatch, whereby calves are removed from the dirty calving environment and the dam as soon as possible after birth, can greatly reduce the disease challenge from the environment.

The stockperson then becomes responsible for ensuring adequate colostrum intake but also has the advantage of knowing the time line in which calves are fed and the exact amount calves receive.

THE RISK OF PNEUMONIA Calves will have varying levels of protection against many of the common causes of pneumonia for the first months of life from the dam via colostral antibodies. In 2013, over 60% of all cases of pneumonia diagnosed at post mortem at the regional laboratories were in calves less than 6 months old.The most frequent cause of pneumonia in all animals submitted to the laboratory for investigation was bacterial pneumonia.

Causes of pneumonia in calves commonly include the bacteria Pasteurella or Mannheimia haemolytica and viruses Bovine Respiratory Syncytial virus (BRSV) and Parainfluenza virus 3 (PI–3).

The source of infection can be other animals on farm which emphasises the importance of segregating calves of different ages to minimise spread of disease. Stressed calves are more susceptible to disease such as pneumonia. Comparing timing of dairy calf births in Ireland with average daily air temperatures recorded it is obvious that the vast majority of calves are born during our coldest weather. Stressors can often be overlooked such as cold

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VACCINATION REGIME Calves from approximately 2 weeks old onwards should be vaccinated to guard against the devastation of respiratory disease.

Deaths are costly but reduced thrive in survivors is a significant and underestimated cost on many farms.A commonly employed regime is to administer Bovipast RSP from 2 weeks of age with a second dose given four weeks later.The broad protection Bovipast RSP provides against 2 common viruses, BRSV and PI–3, and against Pasteurella or M. haemolytica can be further boosted at housing the following Autumn allowing for a seamless pneumonia control plan.Another advantage of this regime is that Bovilis IBR marker live can be given at the same time if IBR control is required on farm.

THE DO’S OF CALF REARING Snatch calves from dam as soon as possible after birth Feed 3.5–4 litres clean colostrum within 1–2 hours of life housing, damp bedding, overstocking and underfeeding.Ventilation G Blood test 2 day old calves to monitor colostrum management plays a key role in preventing pneumonia and is often compromised. G Reduce stressors: maintain warm, dry, clean, well ventilated calf Minimising draughts whilst maximising ventilation can be challenging. housing Assess this with your veterinary surgeon.

G House different age groups separately Smoke bombs can be used in destocked houses as part of a G Avoid over stocking ventilation assessment. As a rule of thumb, if you can smell G Vaccinate all calves from 2 weeks of age against respiratory ammonia in calf housing then ventilation is not adequate.Always disease including Pasteurella/M. haemolytica assess air quality from within the calf pen at calf level.Air quality at G Identify sick calves, treat and isolate promptly the feed passage or above calf level is not representative of that G Monitor the level of disease and deaths – set targets in which calves are inhaling. conjunction with your veterinary surgeon and intervene quickly if problems arise G G

Veterinary medicine and animal husbandry knowledge is such that we now know so much more about the causes and cures of any common calfhood problems. Unless we implement this knowledge routinely on farm calves will continue to be born into a high risk environment where disease is encountered before colostrum is administered.These calves will be needlessly lost.The focus must be to reduce the disease challenge calves are faced with and ensure adequate immunity via colostrum feeding and vaccination.These are only two simple yet effective measures that all farmers should adopt in order to keep the high risk calf alive.

Dairy calf births in Ireland and mean temperature recorded at Fermoy Moorepark Met Eireann weather station for 2014

BOVILIS BOVIPAST RSP

CONTROLLING PNEUMONIA

Licensed from approx. 2 weeks old

Antibiotics are extremely effective at killing many of the bacteria Contains inactivated BRSV, PI-3 and Mannheimia haemolytica which cause pneumonia. However, the resulting lung damage can 5 ml dose reduce the calves’ chances of reaching first calving on target at Subcutaneous injection 22–24 months.Antibiotics have no efficacy against viral causes of pneumonia. It is clear that calves require protection against pneumonia Primary course: 2 doses 4 weeks apart from the first days of life for at least 6 months. Colostrum is the only successful option for early pneumonia prevention.As colostral Booster: 2 weeks prior to next risk period protection wanes calves must develop their own immunity to Current use with Bovilis IBR marker live from 3 weeks of age disease to provide more long term cover.Vaccination is a widely used and proven method of ensuring that calves have sustained References protection.Whilst viral vaccines will provide varying lengths of 1. AIM (Animal Identification and Movement System) (2013). AIM Bovine Statistics Report cover to calves against pneumonia the ideal protocol is to vaccinate 2013. Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dublin, Ireland. http://agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/animalhealthwelfare/animalidentificationandm against both common viral and bacterial pneumonia. It is also ovement/cattlemovementmonitoringsystem/AIMBOVINESTATISTICS2013050614.pdf essential that the vaccine will induce immunity which persists Accessed Jan. 27, 2015. until the next risk period in the calves’ life, usually housing in Autumn, at which time a booster dose can be given. Short lived 2. Anon (2013). DAFM/AFBI All–island Animal Disease Surveillance Report 2013. immunity to viral only vaccines can leave the calf at risk of serious www.afbini.gov.uk/all-island_animal_disease_surveillance_report_2013.pdf?

Accessed Jan. 27, 2015. disease before they reach the 6 month threshold.

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EPRINEX IS CRITICAL FOR GROWING DAIRY FARM

shdale Farm in Dungarvan, County Waterford is well-known for the adoption of modern technology designed to produce the best from its growing herd of Holstein Friesian cows.

Owned by brothers Tomas and Gerard Horgan, the herd is managed

by Emmet Prendergast.

According to Emmet, like many dairy farmers they are looking forward to the end of quotas in 2015, and developing the herd accordingly. At the present time they are milking 280 cows which are calved on a split basis – winter and spring. On average their cows produce some 8000 litres of milk each year including 520

A

the cow and we want cows to reach their full production as soon as possible after calving. Eprinex helps us to achieve this.

“Over the last two years we have also started using Eprinex on all the youngstock which helps us to achieve weight gains and reach our target weights for breeding. It’s very important in a system like this as we need cows to calf at 24 months or as close to as we can get. As well as eliminating parasites, we find that there are benefits in terms of overall condition and it helps the cows to overcome problems with weight loss at calving. Also there is no milk withdrawal period with Eprinex.

“We have been using Eprinex® religiously over the past few years on dairy cows on the day that they are calved.This is a very stressful time for the cow and we want cows to reach their full production as soon as possible after calving.

“We are looking forward to the opportunity provided by 2015 kilos of milk solids with butterfat and protein levels consistently and herd health management is critical. When it comes to rising over the past few years.

All replacements come from within the herd and it has built up managing parasites, Eprinex is a key player for us.”

For further information on Eprinex please call the Merial from 200 cows to the level it is today.The intention is continue Customer Support Centre on Tel: 1850 783 783. growing the herd to around 400.

With this growth in mind the Horgan brothers have made significant investments in the business. In 2012 they built a 50– unit Dairymaster rotary milking parlour on a green field site at the farm. It is fully automated with automatic teat spray, cluster washing, and milk meters.They also use auto ID and feeding, and operate MooMonitors which record the daily activity of each cow and provide a text alert when cows come into heat so that they can be drafted for insemination.

In line with this commitment to investment in the herd, Emmet believes that good herd health is essential. He says:“We have been using Eprinex® religiously over the past few years on dairy cows on the day that they are calved.This is a very stressful time for

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MASTITIS MANAGEMENT: A NEW ZEALAND VIEWPOINT Dairy cow mastitis remains a significant cost to dairy farmers around the world.

Ian Hodge BVSc.,MACVSc. Veterinarian and PureMilk Mastitis Consultant, Ashburton, New Zealand reports.

n New Zealand current estimates of cost are around $NZ40/ around 15% but ranges from less than 6% to over 30% of the herd cow/annum with an estimated $NZ160M to be made nationally affected per lactation. Most mastitis is diagnosed during the calving months (often around 10% of the herd) and cases dramatically if we can reduce our average bulk milk somatic cell count (BMSCC) from its current average level of 180,000 cells/ml to the reduce, in most herds, after calving has finished.

With significant financial gains to be made, good mastitis control national target of 150,000 cells per ml, and reduce our clinical is very worthwhile on almost all dairy farms. From the above comments case rate to 8–10 cases per 100 cows per lactation.

In New Zealand the dairy farming system is largely seasonal and it is clear that our seasonal systems have the potential to create significant levels of environmental mastitis. In NZ approximately pasture based with calving starting late July or early August and lasting for 10 weeks or so. Mating begins late October and cows 90% of all diagnosed mastitis infections during the calving period are dried off in late May.Wintering is usually done off farm in June involve environmental bacteria. and July on brassica crops, beets or grass, and silage is usually supplemented to maintain energy intakes and cow condition.

Heifers are usually mated off farm and return to the dairy farm in July to calve.Whilst there are some wintering barns in New Zealand the majority of dairy farms are still pasture based.

The average herd size in New Zealand is approximately 400 cows with 4% of all herds having more than 1000 cows. 40% of all dairy cows are in the South Island where the majority of the large herds exist.Total cow numbers are 4.6M and average production is around 350kgMS/cow.The average clinical mastitis case rate is

I

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SO HOW DO WE DEAL WITH MASTITIS IN NEW ZEALAND?

2 Culling

In New Zealand there is a tendency to retain cows in the herd that should probably be culled on the basis that they have untreatable mastitis infections. These infections may be sub clinical i.e. the 1 Dry Cow Therapy Dry cow therapy (DCT) is one cornerstone of mastitis control. udder and milk appear normal but there may be high somatic cell The use of antibiotics to treat existing intra–mammary infections count, damaged udder tissue and the presence of contagious mastitis at drying off and to prevent new infections developing over the bacteria.These cows are often over 8 years old and they may be dry period has been successful in NZ for many years and remains high producers (which is why they are retained). Commonly between 1 and 4% of cows are culled annually as a direct result of untreatable an integral part of our mastitis control programme known as mastitis.There is plenty of scope to cull more cows to help reduce Smart SAMM (Seasonal Approach to Minimizing Mastitis).

Cows are carefully selected for DCT as they approach drying off infection pressure and reduce the prevalence of mastitis in those based on their clinical and sub clinical mastitis history for the season, herds. their age, their individual somatic cell counts based on 4 separate herd test sampling points and their mastitis culture results. As a 3 Managing Calving Mastitis general rule cows with somatic cell counts at any one herd test At calving, the incidence of environmental mastitis infections over 150,000 and heifers with somatic cell counts over 120,000 and BMSCC can increase. There is likely to be an interaction are selected for treatment. In some herds antibiotics are tiered so between reduced cow immunity during the peripartum period that more severely infected cows with very high somatic cell counts and a higher infection pressure through increased stocking density receive higher strength longer acting antibiotics, and those with and increased levels of organic matter in the cow’s immediate lower cell counts receive either shorter acting antibiotics or an environment at this time. As cows and heifers return from winter internal teat sealant if they have no evidence of infection during grazing to the dairy farm they are sorted into close up and far off the entire lactation. Clinical cure percentages using DCT are usually relative to calving. Those close to calving are grazed separately. in the 60–70% range, and the effect of reducing the incidence of These springers, as they are known, are put through the cow sheds as mastitis at calving makes this process economically viable. often as is practical to have their teats sprayed with an approved Internal teat sealants have gained ground in NZ in the last 5 years. teat disinfectant. If cows or heifers at the point of calving begin to This is especially true of their use in primiparous heifers on farms leak milk or develop udder oedema they are milked prior to calving with a history of heifer mastitis. In some cases the incidence of and teat sprayed both before and after milking. calving mastitis in heifers has been reduced by as much as 60%.

In the grazing areas, the springers may be fed straw or hay in Teat sealants are sometimes used following DCT in cows.The mangers to reduce the environmental bacterial loading in their effect is to completely prevent new intra mammary infections environment.The stocking rate is reduced and back fences are during the dry period and to reduce the incidence of clinical erected to prevent these animals returning to grazed areas where mastitis at calving. there is reduced grass cover and a high faecal density.

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injectable or intramammary antibiotics as prescribed by the farms After calving, colostrum cows will be milked twice daily and have their milk tested daily using the Rapid (Californian) Mastitis attending veterinarian. Depending on the bacterial culture results, Test (RMT). Cows that return high positive results may be treated cows may be treated for an approved extended period of time to with antibiotics at that stage or RMT tested daily until their colostrum ensure a successful cure. Anti–inflammatory drugs may also be either returns a normal RMT result or becomes clinically infected added to the treatment plan to manage the pain associated with mastitis and to reduce the likelihood that the affected cows will in which case they will be treated as for clinical mastitis. need to be culled. Intramammary antibiotics should be administered By testing in this way only colostrum cows suitable for supply to the dairy factory will be released to the herd. Colostrum cows aseptically using a partial tube insertion technique to reduce the will often be reviewed to see if they had any mastitis events last risk of propelling contaminants in to the teat canal. season or over the dry period, and they may also be subject to milk culture to determine the likelihood of successful treatments, 5 Good Milking Machine Function to select an appropriate antibiotic regime and to see if either New Zealand milking parlours (cow sheds) are either rotary or environmental or contagious mastitis is the primary problem. herringbone in design. Some rotary sheds are known as rotary In some herds, colostrum cows are teat sprayed using approved herringbones because the bails are oriented at an angle. products prior to being milked as well as after milking. Colostrum Herringbone sheds can have between 10 and 50 sets of clusters, cows do not supply milk to the diary factories but rather their and rotary sheds range from 20–100 bails. Automation in these

“New Zealand milking parlours (cow sheds) are either rotary or herringbone in design. Some rotary sheds are known as rotary herringbones because the bails are oriented at an angle. Herringbone sheds can have between 10 and 50 sets of clusters, and rotary sheds range from 20–100 bails” milk is used to feed calves which eliminates any chance of teat spray residues in milk. Pre milking teat disinfection of colostrum cows reduces the bacterial loading in the milking machine and helps reduce the incidence of clinical mastitis in this group of cows.

4 Treating Clinical Mastitis There is little doubt that the earlier a cow with clinical mastitis is treated the greater the clinical cure rate. On this basis those people milking cows are encouraged to be vigilant to new clinical cases by quarter stripping cows daily, by visual observation and by checking the milking plant filter socks daily. Monitoring the BMSCC is also done daily to check for any new missed clinical cases. Following detection, affected cows are either treated with

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parlours is now commonplace and often one person in a rotary shed will comfortably milk over 1000 cows. More than one milker is generally required in herringbone sheds where automatic cluster removers are less common.

The milking machine has the potential to be responsible for increasing mastitis risk. It is essential that an appropriate vacuum setting is found for any given milking parlour.This vacuum will minimize the risk for teat damage, and will maximize cow comfort throughout milking. Comfortable cows at milking time release their milk quickly and milk out more completely than those that are not comfortable. Finding the most suitable vacuum requires a thorough milking time assessment.

The pulsation system should be evaluated and adjusted if necessary to promote good teat health and milk out.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING If an automatic cluster removal system is in use it must be evaluated to ensure there is minimal risk for mastitis from the removal process and it must be set correctly to maximize good milk out.

If clusters are removed manually they must be removed in a safe way so as to minimize the risk of causing new infections.

Post milking teat disinfection must be done to a very high standard at all times.There is good research to show that effective post milking teat disinfection can have a significant effect on reducing clinical mastitis and in controlling the spread of mastitis. In New Zealand teat spraying is either done manually or automatically via a range of equipment. In many cases teat spray concentration and application could be improved significantly.

Overmilking can increase the risk of damaging teats and can increase the risk of mastitis. Overmilking is usually more of a problem in larger herringbone parlours and rotary sheds without automatic cluster removers. In herringbones it is often the milking routine which is contributing to overmilking, and poor cow flow to enforce changes should they be required.The mastitis management in to and out of the shed can also contribute. In rotary cow sheds course comprises a lecture session and the chance for candidates with a slow rotation overmilking can be an issue.The slow platform to assess a workshop farm and then develop a tailored mastitis speed may be necessary to compensate for slow milk out which management plan for their own farm.The information provided is in turn may be due to either a liner, vacuum, pulsation or cluster science based as well as practical and it has resulted in significant alignment problem. improvements in mastitis control on the farms of those who have

6 Staff Education

completed the course.The course is written and delivered under contract by the PureMilk Mastitis Consultancy.

Those people responsible for milking the cows have a key role in mastitis management. In New Zealand there are excellent resources 7 Veterinary Involvement available to maintain a high standard of staff training in mastitis Veterinarians remain trusted advisors to dairy farmers in New control.

Zealand playing a critical role in animal health, reproduction and The Smart SAMM programme mentioned earlier, based on the production, and are likely to be the person involved in the farm Australian Countdown Downunder programme, is a comprehensive with the most knowledge about the incidence and prevalence of guide for farmers and advisors to how best manage mastitis mastitis. Most dairy cattle vets in New Zealand have the ability to throughout the milking season. The information contained in trouble shoot mastitis problems, prescribe suitable clinical treatments Smart SAMM is based on good research which gives advisors a and DCT.The vets will conduct an annual milk quality review where high level of confidence in implementing it on farms. progress can be assessed and plans can be put in place to improve Healthy Udder, compiled by DairyNZ is a practical guide to good where necessary. New Zealand’s largest dairy company Fonterra milking practices.Taking milk samples, teat spray dilution, treating utilizes specially trained veterinarians to trouble shoot problem cows etc. are portrayed in a colourful, pictorial way. Water–proof farms, and they use the PureMilk Mastitis Consultancy service for versions of this document are often seen hanging in cow sheds. more complex problems should the need arise.

The Primary Industry Training Organization (PITO) is a Government funded organization which runs a series of courses 8 Economics in milk quality and mastitis management for milking staff who are Mastitis remains a disease which is prevalent to some degree on at differing stages in their careers.After completing the milk quality every single dairy farm in New Zealand even though some farms stages candidates can progress on to the mastitis management have BMSCC below 100,000 cells/ml and very few clinical mastitis course which is a more comprehensive course primarily designed cases. Despite this it is generally profitable to implement control for senior staff members on the dairy farm who have the ability measures to reduce mastitis. Having a high BMSCC and high case rate in large herds can be expensive. Dairy NZ and other industry leaders have developed mastitis calculators which can predict the net benefits to profitability if good mastitis control is achieved.

Despite fluctuating milk income, (there are no subsidies in NZ) most dairy farmers remain focused on maintaining good mastitis control.

9 Summary Good mastitis management is widespread in New Zealand and the national BMSCC is reducing each year.This is largely due to some excellent research based educational programmes, adherence to the Smart SAMM programme, pro–active dairy cattle vets and specialized mastitis consultants. Good milk quality remains a high priority for New Zealand dairy companies.

You can find out more about PureMilk at the following website www.puremilk.co.nz

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

LEADING PRODUCTS FOR THE PROGRESSIVE FARMER DELVOTEST: ON–FARM ANTIBIOTIC RESIDUE TESTING

AVALKSAN AND THERMOKLENSE SANITERS, DETERGENTS & DESCALERS

The importance of testing for antibiotics on–farm, prior to the collection of the bulk tank, is well known.

Detection of antibiotics residues in milk will result in milk being rejected and heavy fines & penalties imposed on the farmer. Prevention of detection is therefore a key concern for all farmers.

Carbon Group manufactures an extensive range of branded caustic, chlorinated and chlorine free dairy–farm detergents under the “AVAL” brand.

The Delvotest® developed by DSM is the ‘Gold Standard’ in milk testing.The Delvotest® is available directly from Carbon Group and through a number of regional agents. It can also be purchased through most Co-op Stores nationwide and online at www.coopsuperstores.ie.

It is used by farmers and dairy processors in Ireland and worldwide, for the detection of inhibitory substances and checking milk for payment purposes. Most of the big milk processors set very high standards to guarantee the antibiotic-free quality of their milk.As such, the majority of creameries in Ireland rely on Delvotest to safeguard this.

Simple to use, with either the standard 3 hour test or the rapid 7 minute test, the tests can be performed at any stage in the milk processing chain from the individual cow to the factory silo.

To get started all you need is 1) starter kit which includes the heater and timer together with some tag markers and 2) a box of test which come in either 25 or 100 tests.

For further instructions on use go to www.carbon.ie/ food-ingredients

Carbon Group has the ‘chosen market leader’ product for non foaming detergent/ sterliser for machine & bulk tank circulation cleaning, called AvalKsan.AvalKsan is IDEAL for; maintaining low TBC counts, ALL temperatures, cold or hot washing, it is approved

by Teagasc, it is formulated for application on milking machines, automatic bulk milk tanks and manual cleaning of bulk tanks and is also phosphate free.

Carbon Group also have a descaler and sanitiser product called ThermoKlense, to be used in the final rinse stage. It is Biodegradable (won’t taint your milk) and is particularly effective in the maintenance of low TBC and thermoduric bacteria.

Products are available in 25 litre and 205 litre drums and you can purchase them from Dairygold & Kerry Co–op Stores or please contact Carbon Group directly on 021 437 8988, email: sales@carbon.ie We are always interested in speaking to possible distributors for our Agricultural products, so please do not hesitate to call if this is something you may be interested in.

For more product information please visit our Carbon Group website www.carbon.ie

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CALF REARING & MANAGEMENT Making 2015 a successful calving season is all about being prepared, writes Emer Kennedy, Muireann Conneely and Christine Cummins Teagasc,Animal and Grassland, Research & Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork.

“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail! ” – Benjamin Franklin

reduced milk production during the first and second lactation. hances are many farmers have not visited the calf shed Acquisition of sufficient antibodies from colostrum immediately after since it was cleaned out after the last crop of calves.

A quick visit to make a list of jobs that need to be completed birth is the single most important factor in ensuring the health and or equipment which needs to be replaced will help focus the mind productivity of the calf. for the coming season.

For example: are the calves feeding bottles clean and ready, do the HIGH QUALITY COLOSTRUM teats need to be replaced? Do you have a new stomach tube ready The concentration of antibodies in colostrum determines its quality; and waiting? One of the most important, perhaps the most important the higher the antibody (IgG) concentration, the better the quality. task which needs to be completed on any dairy farm during calving High quality colostrum has an IgG concentration greater than 50 g/L. is feeding colostrum to each calf as soon as it is born. Although In a recent Teagasc Moorepark study colostrum quality was assessed considered a laborious or sometimes tedious job its importance on more than 700 cows; previous to this the majority of information cannot be over emphasised. In contrast to new–born human babies, came from Holstein Friesian cows in the United States.The Teagasc the structure of the bovine placenta does not allow the transfer of Moorepark study found that the factors which can affect colostrum antibodies (immunoglobulins) from the mother to the calf through quality are: the placenta while the calf is in the womb. Consequently, the calf is born with no circulating antibodies,and depends entirely on colostrum Lactation number – Generally colostrum quality increases with to develop its immune system. Colostrum (or biestings) is defined as lactation number (Figure 1a overleaf). First and second lactation the milk produced at the first milking post–calving and contains cows produced colostrum of a lower quality than cows in their third many vital antibodies and nutritional substances that are crucial to and fifth lactation. It should be noted that the quality of colostrum ensure the health of the new–born calf.The most important of these for heifers in this study was almost twice that considered to be nutrients are the antibodies, cells of the immune system which protect the threshold for good–quality colostrum (50 g/L), and only 10 % of the new–born calf from environmental pathogens (such as bacteria the colostrum samples obtained from heifers were below the threshold and viruses) it will encounter as soon as it is born. If the calf does of 50 g/L.Therefore, on the basis of our findings, we would advise Irish not receive adequate immunological protection it is more vulnerable farmers to disregard any previous recommendations to automatically to infection, more likely to develop disease and die in the pre–weaning discard colostrum from first lactation heifers, as it may be of high and post–weaning period, have a slower growth rate and in heifers, a quality.

C

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“In order to ensure dairy calves are growing well, are strong and healthy and well able to fight any stressor that comes along they should be fed 13 – 15% of their birth weight in whole milk or high quality milk replacer” Time interval from calving – Colostrum quality decreased as the interval between calving and the collection of colostrum increased.

Quality of colostrum collected between 9 and 12 hours after calving decreased to 86% compared to colostrum collected in the first 3 hours after calving (Figure 1b), while quality of colostrum collected between 18 and 21 hours after calving decreased to 77 %.

Month of calving – Cows that calved in April produced colostrum of a lower quality than cows calving in the earlier spring months or in the autumn months (Figure 1c). In general, the cows that calved in April had a longer dry period than cows calved earlier. Cows with long dry periods are predisposed to becoming excessively fat which may have negative consequences on the cow’s immune system and she may produce colostrum with less antibodies (IgG) as a result.

The message is clear and simple: collect colostrum as soon as possible after calving.

Volume of colostrum – As volume increased colostrum quality decreased; this is partly due to a dilution effect.

Figure 1.

Factors associated with colostrum quality of Irish dairy cows

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HOW MUCH COLOSTRUM DOES THE CALF NEED? 1.

Feed first milking only 2.

Feed within the first two hours of birth Almost two thirds of blood samples which were submitted to the 3.

Feed three litres Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Laboratories showed inadequate absorption of antibodies. When calves do not absorb enough antibodies it is called failure of passive transfer or FPT. Failure of passive transfer MILK FEEDING Traditionally, dairy calves have been offered around 4 – 4.5 litres of occurs due to: milk per day which is about 8 – 10% of their bodyweight. This amount of milk will supply just enough energy to meet their maintenance i) Calves not receiving enough colostrum requirements until they start to eat concentrates, consequently ii) Colostrum is fed too late weight gains of only 0.2 kg/day can be expected. iii) Colostrum quality is poor (below 50 g/L) Furthermore, it means that these calves do not have enough energy to fight disease or any other stressful situations that they Calves may not receive enough colostrum for a number of reasons may encounter. If this feeding strategy is compared to a suckler but one of the main contributory factors is leaving the calf with the calf, large differences are evident. Suckler calves have an ad–lib milk cow. It is impossible to know how much colostrum the calf has supply and can drink up to 20% of their bodyweight daily.

This can be up to 8 litres for a 40 kg calf and weight gains of around consumed if it is left with the cow.

1 kg/day can be achieved. Thus, it is clear that in order to ensure dairy calves are growing well, are strong and healthy and well able to fight Furthermore, as the calf has no developed immune system it is any stressor that comes along they should be fed 13 – 15% of their more susceptible diseases potentially being shed by the cow. birth weight in whole milk or high quality milk replacer.

The simplest way to remember how much colostrum to feed and This level of feeding should support weight gains of 0.5 – 0.6 when to feed it is to follow AHIs Colostrum 1, 2, 3 rule. kg/day. Table 1 below outlines appropriate feeding levels for different Table 1. Examples of Feeding Levels for Different Breeds breeds.

Holstein, Friesian, HF/Norwegian Red cross calvesHF

HF/Jersey cross calves

Jersey calves

Average birth weight

37–40 kg

32 kg

28 kg

Volume fed up to day 5

At least 5 litres per day

At least 4.5 litres per day

At least 4 litres per day

Volume fed after day 5

At least 6 litres per day

At least 5 litres per day

At least 4.5 litres per day

Breed

METHOD OF MILK FEEDING A frequent question that arises is one regarding the method of feeding and which is better – a nipple or bucket?

Feeding calves from a nipple is more natural as it mimics the suckling behaviour they would use if they were kept with their mother. Furthermore, the abomasum (the fourth stomach) is the only stomach working in the newborn calf – for milk to enter the abomasum the oesophageal groove has to close by reflex so that milk is not spilling into the rumen. This works best if the calves are suckling from a teat or nipple.

Drinking from the nipple also takes longer and helps the calf satisfy their suckling urge. However, calves can usually be fed successfully from a bucket after they are trained. Feeding method does not have a major impact on weight gain.

Once–a–day milk feeding is a labour reducing method of feeding milk to calves. Studies have shown that similar weight gains are achieved when calves are fed milk once–a–day compared to twice–a–day.

Once–a–day milk feeding should not be introduced before 4 weeks of age as the abomasum of the calf is not yet big enough to handle large volumes of milk.

If calves are being fed their milk once per day they should be thoroughly checked a second time during the day and their concentrate feed offered at this point. Fresh running water should also be supplied.

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WHAT IS WASTE MILK AND CAN IT BE FED TO concentrate is the single most important factor in the development of the rumen.

CALVES? Waste milk is milk that would not normally be sent to the co–op for For this reason calves should be offered fresh concentrate from an early age even though they will only eat small amounts before they are three processing. Essentially it is milk from cows that have been treated with weeks old. antibiotics and whose milk is within the specified withdrawal period, it The development of the rumen is important to ensure a smooth also includes milk from cows with a high somatic cell count. As a transition from milk feeding and minimise reductions in growth rates at general rule waste milk should not be fed to calves. weaning.

Milk from cows that have been treated with antibiotics can contain Calves fed a coarse starter mix eat more concentrate and have higher residues of those antibiotics. If this milk is fed to calves it can i) reduce the amount of milk that the calves drink as the milk can taste a little weight gains than calves fed pelleted starters. The coarseness of the

“Calves fed a coarse starter mix eat more concentrate and have higher weight gains than calves fed pelleted starters. The coarseness of the concentrate improves the growth of the muscle layers in the rumen wall” ‘off’ and ii) more critically it can lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to these antibiotics thus if an outbreak of disease occurs and these antibiotics are used, they may not work effectively.

One strategy to allow use of waste milk is to pasteurise it, by pasteurising the milk is exposed to high temperatures for a period of time which will help reduce the amount of bacterial contamination.

However, this process needs to be completed within a few hours of collection so that the amount of bacteria in the milk does not increase dramatically.

concentrate improves the growth of the muscle layers in the rumen wall. Additionally, if the coarseness of the concentrate is greater than 2mm no additional roughage source will be required by the calves.

WEANING

The recommendation is to wean calves when they are eating at least 1kg of starter concentrate to avoid a check after weaning. Ideally calves should be weaned at a similar weight (e.g. 90 – 100kg for a Holstein Friesian) to ensure uniform groups that are easier to manage during the summer grazing season.

Weaning should be completed gradually by reducing the volume of CONCENTRATE milk fed over a 7 – 10 day period. If calves are being fed twice–a–day The rumen of a new born calf is very small and underdeveloped the milk volume can be reduced by changing to once–a–day feeding, and doesn’t contribute to digestion. To encourage early rumen development the young calf needs to begin eating starter concentrate and this will lead to an increase in starter concentrate intake and avoid a post–weaning weight gain check. have access to fresh clean drinking water. The intake of calf starter

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

AGRICULTURAL LAUNCHES FOR KUBOTA CEMENTS ITS PRESENCE IN EUROPEAN MARKETPLACE

Kubota UK has launched a series of new tractor and groundcare products for 2015 to raise its profile in the agricultural market and provide a wealth of new machinery that features all the necessary components of much more expensive tractors but at a cost effective price.

he company’s newly developed M7001 tractor is an especially significant step for the company as it expands its presence across the European and North American agricultural marketplace.The most powerful and high–tech tractor manufactured to date from Kubota, the tractor is available in three models and incorporates a wealth of updated features to make it suitable for demanding and repetitive jobs, meaning customers will no longer have to make any compromises when it comes to cost and quality.

With the strength and ability to carry out a wide range of tasks from ploughing, cultivating and drilling duties on both mixed and arable farms, the M7001 is available with a choice of a 24x24 powershift or full CVT transmission, making it highly suitable for use across a diverse variety of agricultural applications.

Another addition to the tractor range is the 50 horsepower, four cylinder MK5000 utility tractor, which is ideal for those working in both agricultural and horticultural environments due to its ability to make tight turns comfortably and allow for increased

T

large torque rise helps users working at low speeds and needing to travel swiftly between sites, whilst the added option of hydrostatic power steering allows operators to perform tighter turns and handle front loader work with ease and confidence.

A major competitor in the UK’s utility vehicle sector is Kubota’s new RTV–X900. Boasting the same rugged build quality of its predecessor, the compact vehicle is fitted with a robust and powerful 21.6HP, 3cylinder liquid cooled diesel engine to ensure a dependable performance in challenging off road conditions.

With the ability to carry heavy loads and provide greater control on wet terrain, the RTVX900 raises the bar on ground clearance thanks to an impressive 10.4” travel height, allowing the vehicle to glide over lumps and bumps with ease.

An improved hydraulic transmission and the incorporation of locking rear differential brakes help to reduce wheel spin, providing greater driving control on even the most steep and muddy descents.

A high rigidity frame also helps to isolate passengers from noise

“A five–year extended warranty package called Kubota Care is available upon purchase, providing added assurance to customers looking for reliable and efficient agricultural machines” levels of power without producing high levels of harmful emissions.

Delivering on increased versatility and performance, the new MK5000 model delivers on versatility and reliability when carrying out a multitude of tough tasks for extended periods of time.

Two new models have also been added to the existing MGX range in 2015 – the M100GX–II and M128GX–II, which are powered by advanced turbo charged 4 cylinder Kubota CRS diesel engines for greater efficiency and enhanced power.

The new additions have been specifically developed to give customers more choice when selecting a Kubota tractor from the MGX–II family, with the 100HP and 135HP models allowing users to get tough jobs done without difficulty on any farm or field.

The final launch for the agricultural market is the STW Series, consisting of the STW34, STW37 and STW40 compact tractors and designed to handle everything from light everyday mowing jobs to heavy–duty tasks such as loader work.

All three models in the STW range feature Kubota diesel engines and offer the fastest maximum travel speed in its class at 34.1KPH. A

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and vibrations, a welcome improvement for operators who are used to carrying heavy loads.

Agricultural workers who purchase one of the Kubota tractors or UTVs can be assured that the vehicles will perform exceptionally well in all conditions and on all types of terrain.A five year extended warranty package called Kubota Care is available upon purchase, providing added assurance to customers looking for reliable and efficient agricultural machines.

Kubota’s latest additions demonstrate the company’s commitment to progressing its presence in the agricultural marketplace, both in the UK and abroad.

The launch of the new tractor and utility vehicles makes Kubota a real contender for farmers and agricultural workers searching for affordable and dependable machinery that can take on a multitude of tasks quickly and efficiently.

For more information on Kubota and its extensive range of solutions for the groundcare and agriculture sectors visit www.kubota.co.uk or call 01844 268000.

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CALF HOUSE DESIGN

Rearing replacements for a dairy herd is a costly business, especially if you are expanding.

Pat Clarke,Teagasc,Athenry and Tom Ryan,Teagasc, Kildalton report.

Picture 1. Temporary calf shelter used at Moorepark for outdoor calf rearing

Picture 2. Individual pens showing location of drains outside feed area

were not upgraded in many instances. As a result many calves are t costs €1,545 to rear a replacement heifer successfully, so a 100 cow herd with a 20% replacement rate will have invested now being reared in inappropriate housing.The consequence is the increased risk of persistent illnesses eg scours, pneumonia €30,900 in replacements before they start producing milk.

The same herd, expanding by 10%, will have invested over €46,000 and poor calf thrive.These diseases increase the overall cost of heifer rearing and add to labour demand at the busiest time of before they start milking. the year.

It is critical that there is no wastage or loss of performance with heifers because these costs will escalate.The target is to have heifers calving at the correct weight at two years of age.To OUTDOOR CALF REARING achieve this heifers must have an average daily gain of 0.7 kg/day Moorepark carried out a number of studies on outdoor calf rearing. Once nutrition was adequate, and shelter was provided from birth to calving. Nutrition is crucial, colostrum, milk, solid food, grass and silage provided in the correct quality and quantity are outdoors, there was no difference in calf performance between indoor and outdoor rearing.This is an option where calf sheds essential. But the environment is also critical, especially in the are getting overstocked in March; the earlier born calves can be calf rearing stage. With calf rearing the target is to get the calf thriving successfully and weaned at 90kg plus, ready for grazing. turned outdoors (at 3 weeks of age) to take the pressure off the shed. It can also reduce the calf rearing workload.

I

REQUIREMENTS OF THE CALF Much of the early life of the calf is spent indoors.This indoor environment must provide the calf with: · · · · · ·

A draught free area Good ventilation A dry and clean lying area Adequate lying area Minimal contact between groups of different ages Adequate feeding space for milk, meal and roughage

In addition the farmer will also have requirements. Inspection of the calves should be easy, as should feeding and cleaning. With increasing numbers of calves reared on farms, this must all be carried out in a labour efficient manner.

EXTRA CALVES BEING REARED Many individual herds have increased in size in recent years.

As these herds expanded so too did slurry storage, winter accommodation and milking premises. But calf rearing facilities

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Picture 3. Feeding area and lying area in Kilworth shed

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING Recommendations for outdoor rearing: · · · · ·

Use a sheltered paddock near farmyard.

Field must be dry.

Turnout calves on dry, preferably sunny days Provide a temporary shelter, ideally portable.

Have a suitable method of feeding calves and transporting feed to the paddock. · Provide a trough for concentrate. · Fresh water must be available at all times. · Try not to use the same field each year to minimise parasite build–up. · Offer fresh grass regularly – preferably grass covers less than 900 kg DM/ha. · Create a second group for younger calves to ensure they will get sufficient milk.

Temporary shelter: This could be pallets with a simple roof, straw bales or a purpose built shelter like what was used in the Moorepark trials. (See picture 1).

The dimensions of the Moorepark shelter were 3.7 metres long by 2.15 metres width. It was 1.52 metres high at the front and 1.45 metres at the back.The timber slatted floor is 0.2 metres above ground level.The shelter should be kept dry and calves may be locked out of it when the weather is fine. Ventilation holes were made at the back of the shelters.

CALF HOUSE DESIGN AND RECOMMENDATIONS The following are the specifications for new calf houses.

But they are also the recommendations for existing calf rearing facilities, so if you are not measuring up to these then it is very likely that calf performance is compromised.

DESIGNING A NEW CALF FACILITY There are more considerations when designing a new calf rearing facility compared to accommodation for cows. Individual considerations include ·

Are you going to continue to use existing facilities and how many calves will it accommodate? · What number of calves will your new facility have to rear?

Allow for potential expansion and unforeseen expansion. · Do you want storage for milk replacer, meal or straw in the facility? · Do you want to incorporate calving facilities?

DESIGN FEATURE Individual calf pen size Group pen – space per calf Shed floor space/calf (incl feed passage) Cubic air capacity Passage width Pen division height Drainage channel – fall Floor pen – fall Natural lighting Eave height Eave inlet heights Ventilation Building orientation

· Have you a suitable location? How far away is the calving area? · How many individual pens do you need? · What size should your group pens be? What will be the feeding system? · Floor drainage – where will seepage go? Is a tank needed? · Cleaning – will all barriers be removable so the shed can be easily cleaned out?

CHOOSING A SITE The building should be separate to other livestock buildings to minimise disease movement from older stock to the newborn calves. It should be close to the calving area to reduce the time spent moving calves. Drainage channels can be directed to an existing tank or a new storage tank may be required. Ideally the length of the building should face south east to facilitate good ventilation.

SHED DESIGN It will depend on the area available. One feed passage with a combination of group and individual pens to one side works well; alternatively a central passage could serve pens on either side.The feeding system you intend to use will determine the pen size. A feed storage area is needed where large numbers of calves are reared. It should have a lockable cabinet for veterinary products, sink and hot water and a paper towel dispenser. Ideally it should have a separate outside door and its own air space.

SIZE OF SHED The minimum floor allowance is 2.3m2 per calf of which 1.7m2 is the lying area.These areas should be increased where calves will be indoors for 10–12 weeks of age. So a 50 calve shed requires a minimum a floor area of 115m2.

Additional floor space is required for a feed store and milk preparation area, an allowance of 0.2m2/calf is recommended (minimum).This increases minimum shed size to 125m2. If straw is being stored, then shed size needs to be larger.

PEN DIVISIONS Divisions should be at least 1.2m high and moveable.Timber is not recommended, tubular steel or box iron embedded in floor or in sleeves work well. Divisions should be moveable or gates that fold neatly against walls to facilitate mechanical cleanout.

With long house use one or more solid partitions to prevent draughts

VENTILATION Adequate air space and air flow through the shed are critical for good ventilation. Sheds should have at least 7m3 of air space RECOMMENDATION 1.0 x 1.5 metres (min) 1.7 m2 (min) 2.3 m2 (min) 7 m3 (min) 1.2 metres (min) 1.2 metres 1:60 1:20 10% of roof area 3.0 metres (min) 1.2 to1.6 metres above floor 0.08 m2/calf Long side facing SW/NE

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Picture 4. Outdoor area at Kilworth calf shed

Picture 5. Split drain in front of pen and duct to bring services to feeders

per calf within the shed. To facilitate natural ventilation, a The depth of the feeding area is about 2.6m by the width of the minimum air inlet area of 0.08m2/calf, is needed. In addition, the pen allowing plenty of room for calves to gain access to the feed length of the building should face south east/north west to allow stations for milk/milk replacer and meal. for air flow through the house on windy days An automatic calf feeder mixes and pumps milk replace to 4 separate nipple drinker units – one for each group pen. Also FLOOR TYPE concentrates are automatically fed via 4 feed stations, one for Floor slope should be 1:20 towards the drainage channel. Calves each pen. Good drainage is essential so a split drain is placed must have a dry lie as they spend 80% of their time lying down. along in front of the group pens.This takes washing from the A wet floor will increase heat loss from the calf and make calf feeder and general area as well. In the passageway outside this more prone to illness. Straw is still the most widely used material. split drain there is another duct to allow the services, etc. be Slats may also be used, either timber, concrete or plastic. Refer brought to the feeders/feed stations.(see picture 5) If you are to Department specifications for accepted list of calf slats.Timber going to build a calf house it is good to install ducts so that you slats are only suitable for calves up to 90kg (8–12 weeks old); slat can switch easily to automatic feeders in future. size should be at least 50 x 22 mm with spacing not greater than Cleaning access to the straw area is through a 4.7m door (see 28mm with support timbers at 600mm centres. picture 6,7).There are no obstacles when cleaning, all the pen divisions (gates) fold away to allow easy cleaning.

DEPARTMENT SPECIFICATIONS

Consult the following specifications for further details on calf housing · S101 Minimum specification for the structure of farm buildings (March 2006) · S124 Minimum specification for calf housing (November 2009)

KILWORTH CALF HOUSE The Kilworth calf house (Moorepark farm) was built in 2013.

The key considerations when designing the shed was to provide four group pens (20 calves/pen), automatic feeding system, plenty of airspace, straw bedded lying area and an outdoor area. It was constructed close to the calving area and drainage is directed to a tank in the calving area.

The house is a 4 bay portal frame clear span shed (see drawing). It has 14 proprietary individual pens, each 1.3m x 0.84m (see Picture 2).

These are lined up by the wall along one side of the building.

The pens are perched above the floor to improve drainage keeping the bedding dry. A split drain in front of the pens intercepts any seepage and conveys it to a storage tank. Willie Hennessy, calf rearer at Kilworth, says calves spend 2–3 days only in these pens and are then transferred to the starter group pen.

There are four group pens each 4.8m wide (one bay) and 9.75m deep (see Picture 3). The lying area is 34 m 2 and the total pen area is 46.5 m 2. Each group pen caters for 20 calves. With 20 calves per pen each calf has a total area of 2.3m2, of which almost 1.7m2 is lying area.

There is an outdoor woodchip area for each pen (see picture 4).This is 30m2 in size. Including the woodchip area increases the overall lying area and last year 25 calves were reared per pen.The big advantage to the outdoor area is the health benefits.

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Picture 6. Kilworth calf shed with outdoor access and fold back gates

Picture 7. Door for access to clean straw bedded area

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THE IRISH HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN ASSOCIATION Questions & Answers with Charles Gallagher of IHFA. 5. THE TREND AT THE MOMENT IS CROSSBREED …. DO YOU HAVE A VIEW ON THIS?

1. CAN YOU GIVE ME A BRIEF HISTORY OF IHFA? The Irish Holstein Friesian Association is the licenced herdbook for Holstein Friesians in Ireland with the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine. Established in 1965 as the IFBA (Irish Friesian Breeders Association) the name was changed to IHFA (Irish Holstein Friesian Association) in 1994 to reflect the increasing uptake of Holstein genetics by Irish dairy farmers. In 2001 the Herdbook became an Independent Irish Association. Prior to then the Herdbook was incorporated as HUKI (Holstein Friesian Association of UK &Ireland) The Association is a member owned organisation, directed by an IHFA Board elected from its membership across 16 club areas.

2. WHAT ARE MAIN BENEFITS OF JOINING IHFA? IHFA offer a wide range of services to members including Pedigree Registration,Whole Herd Grade Up, Classification / Linear Scoring, Genomic Service, Catalogue Service.The member receives an official cert for his pedigree animal.

This validates and locks in value in the lineage of the animal which leads to increase value in stock sales.There is also the element of social capital where members can network and meet like minded farmers from across the country at the various educational and social events.

Through its Genomic testing of all Registered males and access to the breeding values for the AI organisations, IHFA contributes Industry good towards the progression of Irish dairying.

3. I HAVE A DECENT FRIESAN HERD ALREADY… WHY GO THE EXTRA MILE?

Breeding policy for ever farmer is a matter of personal selection and preference, depending on a number of factors land, labour, etc. The usage of Holstein Friesian genetics in AI has remained very resilient over a long number of years.Accounting for almost 94% of sires recorded at birth it remains the dominant breed of choice, by far.The usage of other dairy sires for crossing since the year 2000 is around 6% per annum. Dairy farmers in Ireland have not acted out on the message of crossing the dairy herd despite the vociferous promotion campaign of the concept.

The Holstein Friesian offers a tremendous wide and diverse gene pool to suit every farming system. Farmers can zone in on the traits of most importance to their farming system and identify these traits from within the Holstein Friesian population.

6. DO YOU HELP WITH BREEDING STRATEGY FOR EACH HERD? Classification & Linear Scoring is an information based service offering an unbiased assessment of the physical characteristics of an animal.

The process involves trained scorers using a scale of 16 body traits on the cow and giving the farmers a data report.The information can be used by the farmer to tailor breeding strategy for his herd.

As part of IHFA’s twice–yearly publications to its members and on its website,a panel of Recommended Bulls in AI is published,taking pedigree status, production & conformation criteria into account. Other key data lists are also published including an overview of the top bulls in other countries to help members make informed breeding decisions.

The adoption of Genomic testing coupled with Parentage validation offered by the Association ensures more reliability in breeding values which are key in decision making and breeding strategies

7. EMERALD EXPO …..WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF IT AND WHAT WILL I SEE? The Emerald Expo in conjunction with Alltech, FBD & IHFA is an all– breeds Dairy show, the first National dairy event to take place in the new era of quota abolition. It promises to be a one–stop–shop for the dairy Industry to showcase services and new technologies available for Irish dairy farmers to progress their business. IHFA breeders look forward to this unique show, the 1st major show of the year where their Stockmanship skills and abilities are put to the test under the watchful eye of an Internationally renowned Judge.The event will have a Farm Safety forum in conjunction with IFA and ESB. The new venue, Punchestown, is centrally located with good motorway access and ample facilities for visitors.

(Emerald Expo takes place 10am–5pm. April 11th, 2015)

IHFA’s Whole Herd Grade Up Service (WHGU) adds value to the ancestry & milk records built up by herd owners over many years.

Through a combination of herd management decisions, farmers have carved out an individual stamp for their own herd through breeding policy, culling decisions and so on. Pedigree status can be achieved in 8. WHAT DEVELOPMENTS DO YOU SEE FOR three generations where pedigree sires have been used for the breeding IHFA DURING THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? season. Individual cow families are prominent in every dairy herd, the The dairy industry has continued to adapt and evolve in the past and W.H.G.U. service uniquely identifies these cow families.The process of now none more so in 2015 so as the shackles come off with the Grading Up is very straight–forward where firstly you apply to join the removal of milk quotas.The demand for quality, reliable dairy stock is Association and register a prefix (herd name).An IHFA field officer a common theme. Export market will develop further with improved visits the farm to verify the records and complete the process.There is traceability and health status. IHFA breeders look forward to continuing no extra workload involved for the farmer. the high standard achieved in the past.

Technology has proven to be a catalyst for change, there are interesting developments in potentially offering more specific 4. IS THERE MUCH PAPERWORK INVOLVED information via the web for members to use in herd management decisions.

EVERY MONTH? Genomic & Animal DNA technology is forecast to further evolve into A centralised process is in place whereby herdbook registration is completed at the same time as registration with D.A.F.M. Members the future.

Charles Gallagher B. Agr Sc. is Chief Executive of The Irish report satisfaction with this simplified system, no duplication of Holstein Friesian Association based in Clonakilty, Co. Cork. recording is involved.

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