Irish Farm Business - Vol 3 Issue 2 Summer 2016

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MINIMIZING CHLORATE LEVELS IN THE DAIRY CHAIN

SWARD RESEEDING HUGE CAPACITY TO GROW MORE GRASS

WEED MANAGEMENT GRASSLAND ADVICE FOR 2016

>> SEE PAGE 20

>> SEE PAGE 30

>> SEE PAGE 48

IRISH

Farm Business Volume 3 Issue 2 Summer 2016 Edition Price €3.95 £2.95 (Stg)

DAIRYING

DAIRY CALF TO BEEF PROFIT FROM DUAL SYSTEMS

FARM DESIGN: UNDER ONE ROOF DEMAND FOR LARGER SHEDS

QUALITY SILAGE 3 KEY ELEMENTS

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Foreword/Contents/Credits IRISH

Farm Business DAIRYING

Volume 3 Issue 2 Summer 2016 Price €3.95 £2.95 (Stg)

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Foreword

Farmers should purchase Chlorine Based Detergents close to manufacture date and not store for long periods,

by David Gleeson and Bernadette O’Brien.

24 FROM CALF-TO-BEEF: PROTOCOLS FOR PURCHASING CAN AID IN OVERALL DISEASE REDUCTION

IA

s we are now approaching the end of May temperature and grass growth are finally picking up although still behind. In this issue we look at the positives associated with reseeding of grass sward in a regular and systematic way. It means more grass early spring and late autumn, responds better to nitrogen and will be a better quality for feeding.

These points alone make this feature worthy of a good solid read from Michael O’Donovan who is a specialist on this topic.

When the quota abolition was being discussed and the inevitable increase in dairy cow numbers not much was being said about the resultant increase in calf numbers many of whom would (previously) be deemed unsuitable for beef. Teagasc have done a huge amount of detailed research trials in this area and the different systems employed have a huge impact on the profit or loss at the end.The old adage “the day you buy is the day you sell” was never more true.

Before you buy you have to plan the sale date & weight for the animals and then stick rigidly to the management plan that will achieve that outcome. Robert Prendiville and his team are doing great work in this area and their analysis and recommendations are well worth consideration.

The issue of Chlorate Residue from detergents used in cleaning milking parlour equipment is raising its head.

David Gleeson and Bernadette O’Brien explain that the use of detergents containing chlorine needs to be monitored more closely and the need to follow the instructions to the letter.

Tom Byrne takes notice of the trend towards larger sheds and the desire of farmers to get animals under one roof.

Features 20 MINIMIZING CHLORATE LEVELS IN THE DAIRY CHAIN

Control and reduction of disease risk is essential to the success of any calf–to–beef enterprise.Sharon Magnier, Veterinary Adviser, MSD Animal Health reports.

30 SWARD RESEEDING:THE BENEFITS Research shows there is a huge capacity on Irish farms to grow more grass,writes Dr Michael O’Donovan,Teagasc.

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38 BLUEPRINTS FOR DAIRY CALF TO BEEF SYSTEMS For efficient use of grazed grass, silage, housing and particularly cash flow, beef producers normally adopt more than one production system. Robert Prendiville, Brian Murphy, Brendan Swan and Paul Crosson report.

44 HOW TO ACHIEVE QUALITY GRASS SILAGE Grass DM yield is the single most important factor in silage cost per tonne, but quality also needs to be considered when setting target cutting date, by Joe Patton,Teagasc.

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48 WEED MANAGEMENT IN GRASSLAND When weeds reach density levels of 10% to 20% of the total sward, they will impact on either quality or productivity; for every 1kg of dock in a field you lose 1kg of grass, writes Tim O’Donovan,Teagasc, Kildalton College.

54 FARM SHEDS ARE GETTING BIGGER EVERY DAY With the recent expansion in the dairy industry, experience has showed that every shed we design for farmers is bigger than the last, writes Tom Byrne of Kilpark Planning & Design.

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Until the next time………

66 FARM SAFETY FORTNIGHT – THE GOOD,THE BAD & THE FRIGHTENING! Farm Safety is not rocket science, but the two week farm safety campaign in April raised some issues of real concern, but thankfully some cause for optimism also, writes Pat Griffin of the Health and Safety Authority.

Profiles 35 Germinal 36 Drummonds

The Publishers, Irish Farm Business

43 Nutribio (C.A.H.L) 53 Calor Gas

Publishers: Denis Lane and Robert Heuston Enquiries: Editorial: Denis Lane Advertising: James Small Design: John Barrett Production: Emma Meade

Contributors: Joe Patton (Teagasc), Michael O’ Donovan (Teagasc), Sharon Magnier (Veterinary Adviser, MSD Animal Health), Tom Byrne (Kilpark Planning & Design),Tim O’Donovan (Teagasc), Robert Prendiville (Teagasc), Brian Murphy (Teagasc), Brendan Swan (Teagasc), Paul Crosson (Teagasc), David Gleeson (Teagasc), Bernadette O Brien (Teagasc) Pat Griffin (Health and Safety Authority) Inset Image 2 (Under One Roof): Photo provided courtesy of Duggan Steel Group Main Photo, Page 54 courtesy of Glen South Farm Photography: Hugh Lane

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 2016 and may not be reproduced or electronically stored without the permission of the publisher. However items may be freely reproduced provided the source is acknowledged. Content and views expressed in the publication do not necessarily represent those of the publishers.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS TIMING OF SPRAY IS KEY TO GOOD WEED CONTROL Timing is everything in getting a good, long–term weed kill in both silage swards and grazing pastures, said weed control specialist Chris Maughan.“The two golden rules of effective weed control are choosing the right product and applying it when weeds are at the right growth stage,” said Chris, who is technical manager with Whelehan Crop Protection.

He said weeds should be actively growing and be at the ‘rosette’ stage in order to ensure the most effective kill with translocated weed-killers such as DoxstarPro, PastorPro and Forefront T. “Docks should be eight to 10 inches high or across and before a seed head begins to show. If they have gone beyond this stage, it is best to top them and wait for two to three weeks regrowth when they should be at the correct stage for spraying. In silage swards, it is preferable to harvest the silage and wait to spray the aftergrass,” advised Chris.

Silage The ideal time to spray is about three to four weeks before you plan to cut your silage when the weeds are at the right stage.“Waiting for a minimum of three weeks after the weed–killer is applied before harvesting the silage ensures that the chemical gets fully translocated down to the roots, a vital factor in achieving longterm control.

“Remember the dock taproot can be up to a metre deep. This emphasises the importance of using powerful chemicals and giving them enough time to get right into the root system. DoxstarPro would be the product of choice here”

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Grazing The same rules about the correct growth stage of the weeds apply for grazing as for silage.

“Forefront T, the specialist weed–killer for grazing paddocks has become the product of choice for a growing number of farmers.

It contains the most advanced chemistry in weed control technology and is a highly effective all–purpose weed killer. As well as controlling docks, nettles and thistles, it also kills other weeds such as buttercups, dandelions and ragwort.”

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS

MIZEN ROVERS GAA CLUB NAMED FBD’S 2016 COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE Mizen Rovers GAA Club have been the named as FBD’s Community Champions for Change following a nationwide search as part of the FBD Champions for Change programme – a major national farm safety and awareness initiative.

The group which is focused on highlighting safety in their community is calling for the establishment of a dedicated farm safety organisation and believes that the GAA has a key role to play in increasing the awareness of farm safety.

Connie O’Driscoll, Mizen Rovers GAA said,“We are absolutely delighted to be named FBD’s Champions for Change 2016 as we have worked long and hard to promote farm safety awareness in our community for the past number of years.

“The GAA has such a strong influence in many parts of rural Ireland and the clubs are well positioned to help encourage this message of farm safety. We need to combine our resources to raise awareness and prevent the needless deaths that occur on Irish farms be that through existing channels or through a new, dedicated farm safety organisation, similar to the Road Safety Authority.”Training almost 100 children in the Mizen peninsula area, the group began in 2010 as a way to maintain club spirit and stay connected through the off season. They first launched a ‘Care for our Players’ campaign that focused on the areas of health, wellbeing, jobs and enterprise and road safety before taking on the issue of farm safety in 2014.

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Mizen Rovers GAA Club named FBD’s 2016 Community Champions for Change

They arranged a number of awareness activities for the local community including special tractor driving courses for young people and a ‘Farm Safety Pack’ for local primary schools which included high-vis vests and dedicated educational materials to teach children about farm safety.

Connie O’Driscoll continued,“Farming, like GAA, plays a big role in the local community. In fact, we found that about nine out of ten of our club members were either living on farms or had family with farms locally.The GAA are community champions with an extensive network and we should be working together in order to reduce the risk.”

Fiona Muldoon, CEO of FBD, said,“The aim of the awards was to recognise those people making a real (Turn to Page 10)

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS contribution in the area of farm safety and to highlight the importance residual soil sources rather than recently spread livestock slurry. of the need to look out for one another in the community. What This shows the potential for nutrients that were spread in earlier the Mizen Rovers GAA Club has done is to come up with a template years, or even decades, to be lost to water now, and into the future. for promoting the message, one that can be replicated at a national Farmers can reduce nutrient losses during this wetter period by level and we are delighted to lend them our support.” using a management approach that combines the closed period As winners of FDB’s Community Champions for Change award, with good nutrient management planning to maintain efficient Mizen Rovers GAA Club will receive €1,000 which will go toward nutrient use for production. Good management of livestock manures expanding their outreach beyond the local community and will in the growing season is also part of this approach and will decrease be used for educational tools for schools such as farm safety books the risk to water quality if applied well before the start of the and games etc. closed period.To help farmers, the Teagasc scientific paper suggests more specific weather and soil condition forecasting, especially NEW RESEARCH ON MANAGING ORGANIC during the open period for fertilizer applications.

FERTILIZERS Dr Mairead Shore, Hydrochemist with the Teagasc Agricultural Recent research from the Teagasc Agricultural Catchments Catchments Programme said:“This research finding is based on (Turn to Page 12) Programme found that there was little evidence of livestock slurry in streams following the end of the ‘closed period’ for slurry spreading.This means that farmers either weren’t spreading slurry at this time, or were spreading it on the parts of their farms where it was less likely to be washed off.

There were, however, some signals of livestock slurry in runoff at the start of the closed period, in some of the studied catchments.

This occurred when early autumn storms quickly followed the last few days of the ‘open period’.These signals were also found during the particularly wet summer of 2012 when soils were wet and storms coincided with normal summer slurry spreading.

There was also evidence of other nutrient losses during the closed period and the analysis suggested these were from

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NEWS

over four years of detailed data collected in the Agricultural Catchments during storms when surface runoff is expected, and shows, very precisely, the nutrient concentrations of water flowing out of the catchments. Less detailed sampling would likely be insufficient to pick up these patterns as surface runoff tends to be short–lived.The analysis specifically used the relationship between phosphorus and sediment in river outflows and also different forms of nitrogen.”

The closed periods for spreading both artificial and organic fertilizers were introduced across the Republic of Ireland in 2006 under the EU Nitrates Directive.The duration of these periods vary across three zones and are longer further north.The closed period for slurry application begins on 15th October and ends between the 12th and 31st of January, depending on these zones.

For more detail on the Teagasc Agricultural Catchments Programme see www.teagasc.ie/agcatchments

Representatives from a number of major Irish dairy companies attended the event.These included Arrabawn Dairies,Aurivo Co–Op, Dairygold, Glanbia, Lakeland Dairies, Auriol Co–op and Nestle’s Wyeth Nutritionals,as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The unprecedented rise in Irish milk production since the abolition of quotas, combined with cripplingly–low dairy prices, has called for increased efficiencies and sustainability within the Irish dairy processing industry, the workshop was told.

In 2013, when we were expecting the increase in milk production for 2015, they put together this project proposal to increase the efficiency and sustainability in dairy processing plants,” said Dr William Finnegan from NUI Galway, DairyWater Project Manager and post–doctorate researcher on the project.

“Because we were hosting the workshop, a big thing for us was to show the industry what we’ve achieved to date,” said Finnegan.

“From our point of view, I’ve found we’ve got increased engagement from the industry.”

TURNING DAIRY WASTE WATER COST INTO INDUSTRY ASSET

STAYING AHEAD OF THE WASTE WATER GAME

Experts from the Irish dairy processing industry and national and international research institutes joined forces at a recent DairyWater workshop looking at how water is dealt with in the industry. DairyWater is a multi–stakeholder research project led

by NUI Galway.

It is attempting to develop innovative solutions for the efficient management of water consumption, waste water treatment and the resulting energy use within the country’s dairy processing industry.

“If Ireland is to remain one of the largest exporters of dairy products in the world, strategic measures to reduce the industry’s environmental impacts need to be adopted now,” said a statement from NUI Galway about the DairyWater workshop.

“This will be even more essential as the emission limits of plants, currently imposed by the EPA, are predicted to become increasingly more stringent over the coming years.

Additionally, dairy companies will need to increase their influence on farm–based activities so as to reduce their environmental impacts.”

DairyWater is led by Professor Xinmin Zhan in Civil Engineering at the College of Engineering and Informatics and the Ryan Institute at NUI Galway.

The project also involves leading research groups at University College Cork,Trinity College Dublin, Athlone IT and Teagasc.

Issues The main issues identified by various speakers at the workshop related to water footprint, energy and chemical inputs to waste water treatment, the lack of water reuse within plants and sludge management options.

One of the greatest challenges of the industry when treating the large volumes of waste water generated is the removal of phosphorus. Dr Kees Roest from the KWR Watercycle Research Institute in the Netherlands, presented his experiences in the removal and recovery of the nutrient.

Willie Murphy from Auriol Co–Op told the workshop about how it introduced a biomass boiler to the plant at Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon. He stressed the benefits, both environmentally and financially, that they have seen since the commencement of its operation.

“A lot of processors have their own waste water treatments plants.

Whose capacity would depend on the size of the plant,” said Finnegan.

He added that Auriol’s Ballaghaderreen plant, for example, is probably bigger than the water treatment plant of an average–sized town.“So they are pretty large, as well as the strength of the waste water they have to treat,” Finnegan said.

He added that the processing industry will seek to examine the indirect emissions caused by processing plants.

Indirectly, if you’ve got a fuel that is very energy intensive to get to the door, such as oil, it needs to be accounted for as well, rather than just the direct emissions on–site.”

He concluded by saying that NUI Galway planned to host a similar workshop in 12–18 months’ time.

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NEWS

GREAT MAP SHOWS EU MILK PRODUCTION IS CALF BIRTHS JUMP 2% SO FAR THIS YEAR – DAIRY REGISTRATIONS UP 58,568 HEAD POWERING AHEAD

EU milk deliveries have powered ahead a year on from the abolishment of quotas, with the latest Milk Market Observatory (MMO) milk deliveries map showing that Irish production is well ahead of other EU Member States.

For the period, January to February 2016, overall milk deliveries in EU Member States increased by 7.4% on the corresponding period in 2015.

However, the stand out country on the map below is Ireland, where milk deliveries for January to February this year were up 35.6% on the corresponding period in last year.

The MMO data shows that Luxembourg has posted the next highest increase in production (+23.2%) followed by Belgium (+20.6%) and the Netherlands (+18.5%).

In the UK, milk deliveries have increased by 3.6% in January to February this year compared to the same period last year.

In 2016, the European Commission forecasts that EU deliveries could grow by around 2m tonnes.While limited growth is expected in France, where cooperatives and dairy companies limit incentives for farmers to expand production, significant increases are expected in Ireland, the Netherlands and Denmark.

Higher deliveries could also take place in the UK, while only a limited expansion is expected in Germany.

Contrary to this trend, the Commission says that the eastern part of the EU could experience a stabilisation of deliveries, especially in view of herd developments in Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Baltic countries.

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

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

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

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There has been an increase in the number of calf births so far this year compared to the same time last year, figures from the ICBF show. According to the figures, calf births are 2% higher to the week ending April 22, on the corresponding period last year.

There have been 26,845 more calf births in Ireland over this period when compared to the corresponding time in 2015.The majority of this increase follows a jump in dairy calf registrations, which are up 58,568 head or 6% so far this year.

Calf birth changes: Total calf births: +26,845 head (+2%) Dairy calf births: +58,568 head (+6%) Beef calf births: –31,723 head (–7%) The increase in dairy births coincides with the much–heralded expansion on Irish dairy farms after the abolition of milk quotas last year. Further growth in Irish national milk production is forecast in 2016. Teagasc says following the estimated 10% increase in production in 2015, further growth of 7% is forecast in 2016.

The increase in dairy calf births also follows a 10% increase in dairy cow numbers last year. According to official figures, the Irish dairy herd stood at almost 1.23m head in December 2015, which is more than 100,000 head higher than the year before. Figures from the CSO also show that the beef herd also increased in 2015, but the increase was only 1.1% which is much smaller than the growth witnessed in the dairy herd. However, despite the increase in beef cow numbers, births from the suckler herd have declined this year.

Figures from the ICBF show that the number of beef calves registered has dropped by nearly 32,000 head on last year’s levels.

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NEWS

GRAZING CONDITIONS IMPROVE AND GRASS GROWTH JUMPS – TEAGASC Grazing conditions have improved and grass growth is on the rise, according to Teagasc Dairy Advisor George Ramsbottom.

The Teagasc Dairy Advisor said that growth rates have increased over the past few weeks and this has allowed dairy farmers to get their cows out to grass full–time.

“We are getting growth rates of 40–50kg DM/day,” he said.

He also said that grass growth levels are only slightly behind the same time in 2015.

He also said that most farmers have taken silage out of the cows diet and as a result, farmers have seen an increase in milk solids

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produced by their herds. Milk solids are on the rise and they have risen substantially over the past few weeks.

The rise in both grass growth and milk solids follows a difficult spring for dairy farmers, with March, which forced some farmers to house their cows and feed them silage.

However, Ramsbottom said that things have improved on farms, as grass growth has exceeded demand on farms that have yet to close up silage ground.

But, he said that some farmers have only started to close silage ground this week and this is likely to have an impact on the quality or the quantity of the silage made.

Ramsbottom said that the quality of the silage will deteriorate if the farmer aims for a heavy crop of silage by delaying cutting.

In a non–quota environment, farmers should aim to make better quality silage and feed their cows less of it during the winter.

Grass Tetany Ramsbottom also said that Grass Tetany is going to be an issue on most dairy farms over the next couple of weeks, as grass growth is expected to increase.Teagasc research shows that both spring and autumn calving cows are prone to grass tetany, especially if they are forced to clean out paddocks when the weather is changeable.

It shows that the condition is due to an acute lack of Magnesium (Mg) in the cows blood stream, as cows are unable to used stored Mg effectively. However, Ramsbottom said that farmers can reduce the risk of Grass Tetany by giving their cows 60g of Cal–mag each day in the meal at milking.

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NEWS

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

T

he switch from electricity to LPG in 2014 for its dairy operations has proven very successful for Andrew Purcell of Kiltallaght farm and Alf McGlew of Rinkinstown farm at Termonfeckin in Co. Louth.

Prior to this, the farm used electricity to heat water for the milklines which was proving costly so they approached Flogas to see if the company could offer a more tailored solution for their business.

Tom Wall, Flogas sales executive, then visited the farm with a local approved LPG installer to undertake a free site survey and present a proposal.

The solution was simple – two 56kw Andrews FASTflo water heaters would be installed onto either an internal or external wall (no additional weather protection required) and then piped to a Flogas LPG tank placed on-site.

The new heating system now provides on-demand hot water at whatever temperature that is Andrew Purcell of Kiltallaght farm, Termonfeckin and Tom required, determined by an easy Wall, Flogas sales executive, with to use temperature controller the two Andrews FASTflo water which allows the water to be heaters wallmounted in the background, part of the farm’s heated from anywhere between new dairy hot water system 37°C to 80°C. When it is switched

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on, the water heater is designed to heat up to 80°C, effectively killing any bacteria.As one heater produces 140 litres of hot water in 10 minutes, using two would mean 280 litres of hot water in the same time period.

Furthermore, the Flogas LPG tank is fitted with a state of the art telemetry system to monitor usage. It alerts Flogas as to when the tank needs to be refilled and a timely delivery is scheduled.

The installation was a short, one-day, process and no day–to–day activities were interrupted while it was taking place, another bonus for the busy farm. Both men say they cannot believe how well it’s been working for them.

Andrew said,“The new Flogas system is working brilliantly for our business and we are delighted with the sheer efficiency of it.

The instantaneous hot water is incredible; we now never have to worry about running out, whereas previously we would have had to conserve our hot water carefully to ensure we had enough for the day. It’s made our daily activities a lot easier and ensures that we constantly have spotlessly clean milk lines, tanks and premises.”

Tom Wall, Flogas sales executive, said,“Basically, the system is tailormade for the needs of a dairy farm and the excellent feedback we’ve been getting from those who’ve made the switch is bearing this out. The primary benefit is, of course, the instant hot water on demand but now all the farm’s needs are being met for the equivalent of the night rate electricity rather than the more expensive daily rate.”

For further information visit www.flogas.ie

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MINIMISING CHLORATE LEVELS IN DAIRY PROCESS

MINIMIZING CHLORATE LEVELS IN THE DAIRY CHAIN

Farmers should purchase Chlorine Based Detergents close to manufacture date and not store for long periods, by David Gleeson and Bernadette O’Brien.

hlorate residue in milk products is a new emerging food safety concern for the international dairy industry, including that of Ireland. Chlorate is formed as a by–product when chlorine, chlorine dioxide or hypochlorite is used for the disinfection of drinking water and cleaning of surfaces coming into contact with food. Chlorate levels in foods are a concern since chlorate is a competitive inhibitor of iodine uptake in the thyroid. Due to potential health significance to vulnerable groups such as those with mild to moderate iodine deficiency, fetuses, neonates, individuals with low iodine intake, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain was asked (by the EU Commission) to investigate and deliver a scientific opinion on the risks for public health related to the presence of chlorate in foods. Based on the available information (CONTAM report, June 2015), the panel considered that chlorate residues in food result mainly from the use of chlorinated water for food processing and from the disinfection of surfaces and food processing equipment coming into contact with food.They also recommended that more information on the impact of food processing on chlorate residues in food be collected.

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No maximum levels for chlorate in drinking water have been set in the EU, but the contribution of municipal water supplies and its influence on chlorate levels in foods for consumption requires further investigation.

So this article will focus on actions and research (relating to milk production and processing) that are currently being undertaken and planned to ensure continued freedom from any speculations on chlorate content of Irish milk or dairy products manufactured from that milk.

ENSURE MINIMAL CHLORATE CONTAMINATION OF MILK DURING THE MILK PRODUCTION PROCESS ON THE FARM – WHAT CAN FARMERS DO TO MINIMIZE THIS RISK?

A significant option could involve removing all chlorine based cleaning products from the milking plant cleaning protocol and replacing them with sodium hydroxide (caustic) and acid based products. However, it must be noted that ‘non–chlorine’ based cleaning products can contain a low level of chlorate which is dependent on the grade of caustic used. Pharmaceutical grade caustic generally has low chlorate levels of <500 ppb while commercial grade caustic has much greater levels. However, the pharmaceutical grade is not widely used as it is 5–10 times more SPECIFICALLY REGARDING MILK PRODUCTION expensive.A ‘non–chlorine’ cleaning protocol has been researched AND DAIRY PRODUCT MANUFACTURE IN and has been shown to give effective cleaning when carried out IRELAND as recommended, and it should result in minimal (if any) chlorate To date, there is no official data indicating any issue with regard to residues.This cleaning system (a) does require a sufficient amount the chlorate content of Irish milk products manufactured from of hot water to be used at least once daily, (b) it is more suited that milk. But it is absolutely imperative that this status is maintained. to automatic cleaning systems due to safety issues associated At the macro level, there are two potential stages between milk with using acid in an on–farm situation and (c) it may incur production and consumption of dairy products where chlorate could higher costs to the farmer. As with all cleaning protocols, failure accumulate, that is (i) the milk production process on the farm; to follow the recommended steps of this cleaning routine will result (ii) the manufacturing process at plant level. in higher bacterial counts in milk.

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MINIMISING CHLORATE LEVELS IN DAIRY PROCESS Alternatively, when using chlorine based products in the cleaning The cleaning protocol involving sodium hydroxide and acid routine of milking equipment and bulk milk tanks, it is critical to based products (as outlined above) may be particularly suited to follow best practise to ensure minimal chlorate/chlorine residues. the bulk tank. A majority of farms have hot water available for Such hypochlorite and detergent/steriliser products can contain bulk tank washing currently and acid cleaning of the bulk tank relatively high levels of chlorate (~36,000 ppb and 12,000 ppb is already being conducted at every third tank wash as a standard have been measured in random samples of aged products).Thus, routine procedure.This change in the bulk tank cleaning protocol precautionary practises relate to the levels of sodium hypochlorite has been partially adapted in some EU countries as one step to (chlorine %) in the cleaning product, volume of product used, minimize chlorate/chlorine residues in milk and it is currently volume of rinse water used, age and storage conditions of the being tested on a small number of Irish farms to ensure its product. While the importance of chlorine % in product and effectiveness in relation to minimal residues and maximum volumes of product and rinse water used have been widely microbial quality of milk. discussed previously in relation to minimizing trichloromethane Guidelines on best practise for use of cleaning products and (TCM) residues in milk, age of product and storage conditions protocols on–farm are available on the Teagasc website are also critical to chlorate residue levels. Chlorate formation http://www.agresearch.teagasc.ie/moorepark/milkquality/ can occur in the cleaning product as a consequence of chlorine index.asp degradation during storage of that product, thus chlorate development is exacerbated by extended storage time and sunlight exposure.

A maximum chlorine concentration of 3.5% is recommended for SUMMARY OF KEY PRACTISES TO MINIMIZE detergent/steriliser cleaning products and these levels are considered CHLORATE CONTAMINATION OF MILK AT satisfactory for cleaning milking plant equipment. However some FARM LEVEL G Only use cleaning products within best before date and products used on farms contain levels of up to 10%. So storage minimize storage period on the farm, that is, do not stock–pile duration of cleaning products containing chlorine should be minimized and it is recommended to purchase such products as chemicals close to their manufacture date as possible. Farmers should not G Store chemicals correctly out of direct sunlight and protect purchase products that they will not be using for a long period from frost and should insist on regular delivery of the products.

G Choose products with the recommended level of chlorine Potentially, high chlorine based cleaning products, usage of higher G Consider using alternate cleaning products to chlorine such as volumes than required and inadequate rinsing could also make peracetic acid to sterilise a milking plant or bulk milk tank or to the bulk tank a potential source of chlorate/chlorine contamination. disinfect clusters between individual cow milkings

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MINIMISING CHLORATE LEVELS IN DAIRY PROCESS ensuring sufficient rinsing after washing. Presently hypochlorite concentrations of up to 15% are used for cleaning at some processing plants and this concentration could be potentially reduced to 10%. Products with higher chlorine levels experience greater degradation resulting in earlier and increased development of chlorates. Processing plant personnel are currently ensuring such optimum conditions within the plants to ensure that chlorate development is absolutely minimized.There are also more long–term studies investigating possibilities such as the total removal of hypochlorite as a cleaning agent within the processing plants.

CHLORATE ANALYSIS

G Use adequate volumes of water to rinse cleaning chemicals from milking and cooling plant surfaces G Avoid teat disinfectants that contain chlorine dioxide/chloride (recently found to contain chlorate)

It has been shown that when the above precautions and recommendations are followed at the milk production stage, milk with sufficiently low levels of chlorate can be produced, such as would not be an issue in a subsequent product (assuming no further added chlorate during the process).Thus the process of conversion from milk to dairy product must also be examined.

Ensure minimal chlorate contamination during the conversion (drying) process of milk to powder-what can processors do to minimize this risk?

The two potentially significant sources of chlorate contamination within the processing plant are associated with (a) the water supply and (b) the use of products containing chlorine for cleaning routines within the plants. Potential exists for chlorinated water from municipal supplies to contribute to product chlorate levels when such water is used in washing the processing plant.

Chlorine is the primary form of water disinfection in Ireland.

Other methods of water disinfection such as treatment with chlorine dioxide are not widely used, as its effectiveness is reduced at the low water temperatures experienced in winter time. Use of chlorine gas while considered to be effective in minimizing chlorates is

The process of monitoring chlorate levels in foods is particularly challenging at the present time, since no specific maximum residue levels (MRLs) have been established for chlorate under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. However, a default MRL of 0.01 mg/kg is applicable to all foods listed in the Annex to the regulation, including milk and dairy products.

However, as with other residues such as TCM, it is likely that the marketing target for chlorate levels will be much less than 0.01 mg/kg (10ppb) of product. Additionally, such a target for milk powder would necessitate a much lower target in milk, as constituents of milk can be concentrated approximately 8-fold during the drying process. Presently samples for research purposes are tested in accredited laboratories such as Labor Friedle in Germany. However, to assist the dairy industry in addressing this new food safety concern considerable investment in both equipment and methods to detect chlorates in milk and dairy product is now being undertaken at Teagasc.

Trials on the manufacture of whole milk powder are being undertaken at Moorepark to establish the potential influence of cleaning products and the manufacturing process on residues in the final product.

Teagasc as the national agricultural research and advisory body is currently engaged in various roles to give guidance to Industry on minimizing chlorate levels in milk and dairy products. Some activities include: G Measurement of chlorate levels on a number of farms that have different cleaning protocols in place to establish critical control points for chlorate development G Progressing the development of chlorate analysis methodology

“Ensure minimal chlorate contamination of milk during the milk production process on the farm” being phased out due to high cost and associated health and safety issues. Potential non–chlorine based treatments include ozone and UV (ultra violet light), but the effectiveness of these technologies is limited as they do not provide any residual activity post treatment. However, processing plant personnel are currently actively investigating alternative options to optimize water quality and lower chlorine levels in water.

Regarding the use of hypochlorite for cleaning routines within the processing plants, the same rules apply as to the use of such products for cleaning the milking machine and bulk tank on–farm.

As outlined previously, the guidelines include the use of low chlorine products, regular purchase of cleaning products, reducing on–site storage time of products (to <50 days), correct conditions of storage, mixing strictly according to recommendations and

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G Establishing a strategic plan to enable dairy industry processors to

access fast and efficient chlorate analysis of milk and dairy products G Continuing research on chlorate development along the milk

production line within the processing plant G Focusing on accumulation of new information and data and

communication with the milk processing industry through workshops and Industry Milk Quality forum G Highlighting the dissemination of information to dairy farmers on minimizing milk chlorate levels through the Knowledge Transfer ‘Discussion group’ model In conclusion, it must be emphasized that any efforts to reduce chlorate residues during the milk production and dairy processing stages should ensure the absence of any negative impact on microbiological food safety.

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PLANNING FOR HEALTHY CALVES

FROM CALF-TO-BEEF: PROTOCOLS FOR PURCHASING CAN AID IN OVERALL DISEASE REDUCTION

Control and reduction of disease risk is essential to the success of any calf–to–beef enterprise. Sharon Magnier, Veterinary Adviser, MSD Animal Health reports.

armers operating these systems have a very narrow window do not generally take priority within a dairy enterprise and are to make their enterprise profitable. When everything falls often a by–product of the industry bought into the calf–to–beef into place it can be a very viable business, but when things sector. go wrong the losses can impact heavily on profitability. Bull calves With heifer calves of prime importance, colostrum management of dairy bull calves or crossed Hereford or Aberdeen Angus heifer Figure 1 calves, can often leave a lot to be desired. Latest data from Irish laboratories show that half of the calves that had samples submitted during 2014 had not received adequate colostrum 1.

Purchasing a calf from the red “Inadequate” section is a risk.

A calf falling into this category has not received at least 8.5 to 10% of its body weight in good quality colostrum in the first 6 hours of life.

This calf’s immune system will not be strong enough to deal with all the infectious challenges it will face when mixed with a bunch of calves purchased from a variety of different farms. Every calf purchased will be coming from a farm where it has been exposed to a unique set of diseases compared to the calves it is mixing with coming from other farms. Animal Health Ireland recommends that calves get at least 3 L of colostrum within the 2 1st 2 hours of birth.

If purchasing calves directly from a dairy farm, ensure the colostrum management, including of the bull calves, is adequate on that farm.

F

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PLANNING FOR HEALTHY CALVES It is possible to blood test calves from approximately 1 to 7 days of age to assess whether or not they received adequate colostrum at birth. If buying regularly from one farm it can be worth including spot checks of the adequacy of colostrum management, such as blood testing of the calves, in the agreement.

This may increase the purchase price of the calf, but from a disease management point of view, can be well worth the effort in the long–term. If possible purchase calves from a farm where vaccination of the cow against scour is part of the herd health programme.

Vaccinating the cow against rotavirus, coronavirus or Escherichia coli (E.coli) K99 increases the level of antibodies to these diseases contained in her colostrum.

In reality, a significant proportion of calves will be bought through dealers or marts. Can anything be done to reduce the “buying–in” of disease?

WHEN PURCHASING STOCK…….

Purchase calves of a similar age group. Do not mix calves of 2 to 3 weeks of age with calves a month or more older.

Older calves may appear outwardly healthy but can shed diseases, such as cryptosporidiosis, resulting in infection of the younger more vulnerable calves in the group.

G

BIOSECURITY: BIOCONTAINMENT (KEEPING DISEASE UNDER CONTROL WITHIN THE FARM) G With a significant and constant change in calf population on calf–to–beef enterprise farms, the risk of disease is high. Ensure that a designated “hospital” facility is available for immediate isolation of any calves showing any signs of clinical disease.

Ideally this facility should be situated in an area where clinically affected calves have a separate airspace to the main group. Calves in this facility should be attended to, only after the main group and not before.This will help disease containment in the event of any outbreak.

G Reduce the infection pressure on the farm by ensuring that calves are not overstocked.

HOUSING G House calves in small, even numbered groups.This will allow calves to “buddy–up” and ensure stability within the group. Stability leads to a less stressful environment, which in turn leads to a reduced incidence of disease.

G Calves spend approximately 80% of their time lying down. In order to keep them healthy a deep, dry straw bed is required. Calves should be able to nestle down on DRY straw. If you kneel on the bedding and your knees quickly become wet, so too does the calf.

G Ensure good ventilation but that the calf is neither in a down draft or ground draft.The optimum housing temperature for calves G Buy from as few herds as possible.The lower the variability of the is 10 to 15ºC. Below this the calf`s energy diverts away from growth initial source of calves, the lower the risk of disease introduction into maintenance of body temperature. into the group.

This is a preventable inefficiency in the production system.

Straw bales, canopies, infra–red or halogen lamps, increasing the G Purchase calves locally if the system permits. Calves will have plane of nutrition or applying calf jackets are all simple methods less distance to travel and therefore, will experience less stress. that can be used to keep calves warm.

It is also more likely that information on the disease history of the local herd will be more readily accessible.

KNOW YOUR TARGETS! G Monitor mortality and treatment rates and, if possible, match these to the source farm.Target mortality rate should be less than 5% and less than 10% of calves should require treatments such as antibiotics.

Buy from source farms that appear to make these targets achievable. If treatment rates are higher than 10% then it is likely that a suitable vaccination programme is going to be an important part of the on–going production plan.

SHOULD YOU VACCINATE IMMEDIATELY ON ARRIVAL OR ALLOW A REST PERIOD? BIOSECURITY: BIOEXCLUSION (KEEPING DISEASE OUT!) G

NUTRITION

Ensure the vehicle used to transport the calves is clean and disinfected before use.This will help prevent the purchased calves picking up disease from the dirt in a trailer.

Calves will come from a variety of feeding systems so getting the nutrition right in the first few days on farm can be difficult as inevitably consistency of feeding is impossible, particularly when calves are multi–sourced. However, getting the nutrition right prior to weaning at 10 to 12 weeks is important for health as well as growth.

Have fresh, clean water available as soon as the calves arrive on farm so that they can drink and rehydrate.

Quarantine or rest bought–in calves on arrival to the farm for 24–48 hours before administering any vaccinations.They will be stressed when they arrive and need time to re–hydrate and adjust to their new surroundings. Only healthy calves should be vaccinated after this time.

G

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Figure 2

Calves should be able to gain 700 to 800 g/day up to 15 weeks.To achieve this, feed 13 to 15% of the calf`s birth weight in high quality milk replacer (or whole milk if available).

Milk replacer should have 25% milk proteins 1 and be fed at a concentration of 12 /2 % to 15%.

Feed higher concentrations when the temperature drops below 10ºC. Clean water is essential as water will encourage concentrate intake which helps develop the rumen.

Avoid hay as calves can gorge on this and become bloated.

Fresh, clean barley straw however, should be available ad lib from racks.

Weaning can occur when the calf consistently eats 1 kg of concentrate daily for 3 days in a row.

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VACCINATION TO REDUCE DISEASE – WHAT NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED Return on investment:Pneumonia is estimated to cost between 55* to €108 per affected calf rising to €135 per affected animal when relapses occur3.Reducing the risk of pneumonia through vaccination is therefore a sensible undertaking,particularly in high–risk enterprises where the cost of an outbreak can devastate margins.The main costs of an outbreak include decreased production, increased mortality and higher labour and treatment

Causes of pneumonia include bacteria, It is possible to vaccinate against Mannheimia haemolytica, BRSV and PI–3 by administering viruses and parasites. In 2014 the most Bovipast RSP from 2 weeks of age, with a frequent cause of pneumonia in 1 to 5 second dose 4 weeks later. month old calves submitted to the Regional Spring–born calves, vaccinated with this Veterinary Laboratories was bacterial pneumonia5. This included bacteria such as regime should be boosted at housing the Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica following Autumn. and Mycoplasma bovis. Some bacteria, such It has been found that vaccinating as Mannheimia haemolytica, are present in against bacterial pneumonia aids in the the animal’s throat and cause disease either reduction of antibiotic usage on farm. primarily or during times of stress such as Depending on the destination market, reducing antibiotic usage can play a transport, mixing, housing or when viruses significant role in achieving positive are circulating.

“Animal Health Ireland recommends that calves get at least 3 L of colostrum within the 1st 2 hours of birth” costs.There are also negative long–term Common viral causes of pneumonia include impacts. Pneumonia can lead to fibrosis Bovine Respiratory Syncytial virus (BRSV) and a reduced lung capacity, even in a and Parainfluenza virus 3 (PI–3). recovered animal.This results in a reduced Viral vaccines are available which act daily live weight gain and a longer finishing quickly against the viruses they contain time for the beef producer. but do not give protection against bacterial Studies have shown that bulls requiring pneumonia. treatment for pneumonia took between 44 Protection from these vaccines may also to 59 extra days to fatten in comparison to not extend over the whole buying–in untreated bulls4. period, particularly if this is protracted.

Figure 3

public opinion and marketing of the final finished product. *Figure based on an exchange rate of £1 = €1.29 Vaccine protocols will vary, depending on the disease profile of the farm and the product being used.

Always check vaccination dose, route and timing with your veterinary practitioner.

An example of a possible 2 year vaccination protocol, based on a calf–to–beef enterprise buying in young calves is shown in Fig. 2 and Fig 3.

The necessity, or not, of the above vaccines will vary depending on disease profile and risks associated with the relevant enterprise.

Always consult with your veterinary practitioner as to the protocols that best suit your farm as he/she is familiar with your system and is best placed to advise you on the programmes that are most likely to be of economic benefit to your particular system.

REFERENCES 1. Anon (2015) DAFM/AFBI All–island Animal

Disease Surveillance Report 2014 2. Animal Health Ireland. CalfCare Technical

Working Group. Chair: Dr Ingrid Lorenz, UCD. Colostrum management. Calf Leaflet Series Vol 2, September 2011 3. Potter,T., (2007). Calf pneumonia. In UK Vet

12, 24–48 4. Bareille et al. 2006. Incidence et impact economique des troubles de sante des jeunes bovins lors de L’engraissement en pays de la loire. Journees Bovines Nantaises B, 30–35.

5. Anon (2014) DAFM/AFBI All–island Animal Disease Surveillance Report 2013.

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GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT

SWARD RESEEDING: THE BENEFITS

Research shows there is a huge capacity on Irish farms to grow more grass, writes Dr Michael O’Donovan,Teagasc.

Many farmers do not recognise the economic loss of under– performing paddocks. Low producing paddocks are grazing paddocks Reseeding levels in Ireland are too low now for the grass demands which are grazed on average 4 – 6 occasions/year. PastureBaseIreland shows that there is large variation in the grass growing capacity being put on dairy systems. Less than 2 per cent of our annual grassland area is reseeded annually. As grass is our main feed during both within and between farms in Ireland. the main grazing season, and the primary source of winter forage in To improve overall farm grass production this variation needs to be reduced. the form of grass silage, these reseeding levels are too low.

Ireland has increased its milk production following the abolition of milk quotas last year. With higher grazing stocking rates and more REASONS FOR RESEEDING: RESEEDED SWARDS condensed calving patterns, dairy farms now have higher and earlier G Provide more grass in the shoulder periods (early spring and late autumn). grass demands.Teagasc have developed a national grassland database (PastureBaseIreland), and the initial results show that there is huge G 25% more responsive to nitrogen compared to old permanent pasture. capacity on Irish farms to grow more grass.

This potential can be met if soil fertility levels are increased, older G Have higher feeding quality. unproductive swards are replaced by newer more productive swards G Faster re–growth.

G Support higher stocking rates. and grazing management levels improve on farms.

INTRODUCTION – THE NEED FOR MORE RESEEDING

WHY RESEED? Productive grassland farms must have perennial ryegrass dominated swards. Recent Moorepark research shows that old permanent pasture produces, on average, 3 t DM/ha/year less than perennial ryegrass dominated swards.

Old permanent pasture is up to 25 per cent less responsive to available nutrients such as nitrogen than perennial ryegrass dominated swards. Reseeding is a cost effective investment. With regular reseeding the grass growth capacity of the farm can be increased substantially; and the annual return on investment is large.

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HOW MUCH MORE GRASS DOES A RESEED PRODUCE? Recent research in Moorepark has shown old permanent pasture produces on average 3 – 5 t DM/ha less grass than newly reseeded pastures.

Figure 1a shows a paddock where grass is at least 20–years old 1 – this paddock produced 8 /2 tonnes DM/ha. Figure 1b shows a newly reseeded pasture produced 13 tonnes DM/ha.

Ten grazing rotations were achieved in the newly reseeded paddock while the paddock with the old grass was only grazed 6 times.

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HOW WILL YOU GAIN?

WHERE WILL YOU SEE THE BENEFITS?

As well as having more grass in early spring and late autumn newly reseeded swards are more responsive to nitrogen.

This means that compared to old permanent pastures, reseeded swards yield more grass per kg of nitrogen applied.

Economically pastures with a low proportion of perennial ryegrass are costing farmers up to €300/ha due to a loss of DM production and reduced nitrogen efficiency during the growing season. If the cost of reseeding is estimated at approximately €700/ha, the increased profitability of the reseeded pasture would cover the cost just over 2 years.This means reseeding is one of the most cost effective on–farm investments.

Perennial ryegrass is a high quality feed. Figure 2 shows the grass production across the grazing season of a sward containing 15% perennial ryegrass compared to a sward containing 100 per cent perennial ryegrass.The swards with 100 per cent perennial ryegrass grew 3.0 t DM/ha more than the 15 per cent perennial ryegrass sward. Most of the difference in grass production between the two swards occurs in the spring period, up to mid–May. Swards that have poor grass production in spring will not support early spring grazing.

It is recommended that pastures with less than 40 per cent perennial ryegrass should be reseeded.

Figure 1a. Old permanent pasture

Figure 1b. Newly reseeded pasture

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GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT stocks. Established weeds can seriously reduce the yield potential and economic lifetime of the reseeded sward. From reseeding survey information it is clear that only 50% of farmers are applying a post emergence spray, resulting in over 90% of surveyed farms having problems with dock infestations.

To ensure that a post emergence spray can be applied, reseeding should be targeted for the spring or early autumn when establishment conditions are much more suitable and the opportunity for weed control is guaranteed.The post emergence spray should be applied approximately 5–6 weeks after establishment just before the first grazing takes place. With weed control it pays to be proactive, spraying when grass is at the two leaf stage works well.

GRAZING MANAGEMENT OF RESEEDED SWARDS Figure 2. The seasonality of grass production of a 15 and 100% perennial ryegrass sward.

TURNAROUND TIME The target turnaround time in which to get a reseed back into production should be 60 days. Generally farmers are slow to reseed pastures because they think that paddocks are out of production for too long.The time that the sward is out of production can be minimised by cultivating 7–10 days after spraying the old grass

Care needs to be taken when grazing newly reseeded swards.

The sward should be grazed as soon as the new grass plants roots are strong enough to withstand grazing (root stays anchored in the ground when pulled).

Early grazing is important to allow light to the base of the plant to encourage tillering. Light grazing by animals such as calves, weanlings or sheep is preferred as ground conditions may still be somewhat fragile depending on the establishment method used.

Grazing new reseeds with larger animals can create high levels of tiller pulling.

Frequent grazing of the reseeds at light covers (<1400kg DM/ha

“Reseeding is a cost effective investment.With regular reseeding the grass growth capacity of the farm can be increased substantially; and the annual return on investment is large” off – a major failing at farm level is to wait too long after spray off. Obviously prevailing weather conditions dictate this, but the objective must be to minimise the non–productive period.Weather conditions in spring are generally more stable and predictable than in autumn.

WEED CONTROL The best time to control docks and all other weeds is after reseeding. By using a post emergence spray seedling weeds can be destroyed before they properly develop and establish root

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or less than 9cm) over the first year post establishment will have a beneficial effect on the sward.The aim is to produce a uniform, well tillered, dense sward. Particular care is needed during periods of wet weather as damage to newly established swards can have long term detrimental consequences as it gives weed grasses an opportunity to invade.

If possible newly reseeded swards should not be closed for silage in their first year of production as the shading effect of heavy covers of grass will inhibit tillering of the grass plant resulting in an open sward which would be liable to weed ingress.

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GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT the performance of each variety and the base value for that trait.

This was then multiplied by the economic value for that trait which was calculated using the Moorepark Dairy Systems Model.

The economic value of an extra kg of grass DM in spring and autumn was higher than mid–season because it supported an extended grazing season.The relative emphasis on each trait was as follows: grass DM yield (31%), grass quality (20%), silage yield (15%) and sward persistency (34%).The performance values included in the PPI are based on data collected from the DAFM grass evaluation trials.

The list is updated every year with new information and the 2016 PPI list is on page 34.Varieties are evaluated over a minimum of two separate sowings, with each sowing harvested over two consecutive years after the sowing year. The two harvested years Table 1. Post emergence management include a 6 cut system involving one spring grazing cut, followed MANAGEMENT OF NEW RESEEDS by two silage cuts and then three grazing cuts; as well as an 8 – Graze the new reseed as soon as the plants do not pull out of 10 cut system corresponding to normal commercial rotational the ground, approximately 1000 – 1200 kg DM/ha. It is especially grazing practice.The PPI index values ranges from €210 to €61/ha important that autumn reseeds are grazed before the first winter. per year for the 30 cultivars where the data was assigned to.The The first grazing does not have to be completed by the main sub–indices present the opportunity to select varieties for specific grazing herd, calves or young stock may be a better option, particularly purposes. For example, if selecting a variety for intensive grazing, during poor grazing conditions. the focus is placed on seasonal DM yield, quality and persistence with less importance placed on the silage performance.

PASTURE PROFIT INDEX 2016 NEW If selecting a variety specifically for silage production, then greater emphasis would be placed on the performance of that EVALUATIONS The PPI launched in 2015 was established to make variety selection variety within the silage sub–index and persistence. It is likely, similar to all indexes, that new traits will be developed and will more transparent for grassland farmers. It comprises of 6–sub– gain further importance in the future. indices: spring, mid–season and autumn grass DM production, grass quality (April to July, inclusive), 1st and 2nd cut silage DM Article by Dr Michael O’Donovan, Grassland Science Research production and persistency. The performance of a variety for Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation each trait was calculated by determining the difference between Centre, Teagasc.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

RESEEDING I ncreasing grassland productivity has never been more important.

In order to maximise animal performance from pasture we must first ensure we are optimising the production of grass at farm level.The average level of grass produced nationally is 9.1 t DM/ha, with the top farms producing over 15 t DM/ha.There is huge scope to increase the total grass grown and hence increase grass in the diet, while reducing feed costs in livestock production systems.

SOIL FERTILITY IS ESSENTIAL TO MAXIMISE SWARD PERFORMANCE Soil fertility is critical to maximise the performance and longevity of swards at farm level. With Teagasc recently highlighting that 90% of all soils are sub–optimal in terms of pH, phosphorus (P) or potassium (K). Without doubt, this is costing farms throughout the country significantly in terms of under–performing grass swards and the necessity to bring in more expensive supplements to overcome grass deficits in the system. Completing regular soil fertility tests on your farm (every 3 to 5 years) and using the results to develop a fertiliser program is critical to ensure you can get the most from your swards.

BENEFITS OF RESEEDING Reseeding is important as a mechanism to increase the perennial ryegrass content in swards.There are several benefits to reseeding and maintain perennial ryegrass dominant pastures: G Increased grass DM yield (+3 t DM/ha compared to older swards) G Provide more grass at the shoulders of the season (early spring

and late autumn) G Greater total production and so can increase the carrying

capacity of the farm G 25% more responsive to fertiliser N compared to old permanent

pasture G Faster re–growths G Increased feeding quality (DMD) G Improve animal performance and output

HUGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VARIETIES – MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE Selecting the right varieties is critical to ensure you maximise the performance of your new reseed.

Varieties will perform differently depending on the management (e.g. grazing or silage). Each year DAFM produce a Recommended List of grass varieties which have been tried and tested in Ireland.

Ensure you use the best varieties form the Recommended List when reseeding – these varieties are proven in Irish conditions.

Teagasc have also produced a Pasture Profit Index, which ranks varieties on the Recommended List in economic terms.

Using the DAFM Grass Recommended List and the Teagasc Pasture Profit Index will help ensure you choose the best varieties for your needs.

The main traits to focus on are: seasonal DM yield (spring and autumn), quality, silage DM yield and persistency.

AberGain (late tetraploid), AberChoice (late diploid), Dunluce (intermediate tetraploid) and AberMagic (intermediate diploid) are the top Varieties in each category on the 2016 Teagasc Pasture Profit Index.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

INCREASING GRASS PRODUCTION & GRASS UTILISATION ON FARMS IS POSSIBLE

Good grassland management is ALL important over the next number of weeks in order to deliver good liveweight gain in cattle and to keep cows milking well. It is essential to keep as much leaf as possible in the sward.

WHY CHOOSE GREEN ACRES MIXTURES FROM DRUMMONDS?

Donal O’ Loughin’s dairy herd in Newcastle, Clonmel, Co.Tipperary. 180 spring calving cows milked once-a-day grazing out a paddock of Green Acres Sweet Bite on 16th May.The local distributor of Green Acres Grass Seeds Mixtures is Star Fuels & Farm Supplies in Clonmel.

• Include ONLY proven varieties on the current Irish Recommended List & based on the latest grazing studies & research conducted in Teagasc Moorepark & Teagasc Grange.

• Include varieties which rank very well in the 2016 Pasture Profit Index (PPI).

• Include top varieties from a neighbouring Recommended List (Northern Ireland, England & Wales, Scotland) only where this variety has a proven outstanding characteristic which is needed for a specific purpose within a Mixture.

• In formulating Green Acres Mixtures, which are certified by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, we take into consideration the on–going feedback which we receive from our top grassland farmer customers.

o avoid stem building up in swards a quick rotation is required. For the next few weeks target a rotation length of between 14 and 18 days.

Drummonds’ principal considerations in formulating our Teagasc researchers have clearly identified that there is huge mixtures are: economic loss between farms, but also within farms, due to variation in Grass Dry Matter (DM) production ie. grass yields. Improving grass • Total Yield growth on farms has the potential to significantly lift farm profits – • Nutritive Value/Digestibility provided of course that the extra grass produced is utilised. Significant • Palatability variations exist between paddocks on individual farms. Pasture Base • Growth at the shoulders of the season (early spring & late autumn) • Persistence Ireland (PBI), which was launched in January '13, has shown this variation to be up to almost 7.0 t DM/ha! Even a farmer who is not Drummonds Green Acres Grass Seed Mixtures are formulated in measuring grass can clearly identify paddocks that are under-performing on his/her farm based on the number of grazings achieved during consultation with Teagasc and are marketed nationally by Drummonds the season. All farmers should keep a simple record of the number Seeds and Liffey Mills.

T

“A major benefit of our Green Acres Sweet Bite Mixture which is our specialist grazing mixture is its excellent palatability, and dairy cows graze it out to 4cm or less” of grazings achieved per paddock/field.The top dairy farmers are routinely walking their milking platforms twice per week at present, and are adamant that they cannot manage their grass without this level of effort. A major benefit of our Green Acres Sweet Bite Mixture which is our specialist grazing mixture is its excellent palatability, and dairy cows graze it out to 4cm or less. This level of intensive grazing maintains grass quality in the sward.

Teagasc Moorepark researchers have calculated that increasing grass utilisation is worth €160 per tonne DM/ha utilised.

WHAT ARE THE BETTER FARMERS DOING TO REDUCE THIS VARIATION? • Regular soil testing – N,P, K & Lime. Optimum pH is 6.2 – 6.5.

• Adopting proven grazing management skills (eg. grazing tight).

• Targeted reseeding of poorly performing paddocks with high quality grass seed mixtures.

• Overseeding paddocks to maintain a high level of perennial ryegrass in the sward.

• Reducing poaching damage through practicing on/off grazing; use of a back fence; having more than one point of entry/exit into a paddock.

• Improving drainage where required.

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For further information or to receive our Teagasc/Green Acres Reseeding Pocket Manual please contact Grace at Drummonds Drogheda (Tel: 041 9838986) or James Brady at Liffey Mills, Roscrea (Tel: 0505 21477 / 086 2665564).

Michael Slattery, General Manager with Drummonds Seeds (Mob: 086 2582003). Web: www.drummonds.ie

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FARMING SYSTEMS

BLUEPRINTS FOR DAIRY CALF TO BEEF SYSTEMS

For efficient use of grazed grass, silage, housing and particularly cash flow, beef producers normally adopt more than one production system. Robert Prendiville, Brian Murphy, Brendan Swan and Paul Crosson report.

animal performance.The planned sale date should be established before calves are even purchased.

Growth in the national dairy cow population will result in a Comparisons of a range of production systems have been carried proportional increase in the number of dairy calves available for out at Teagasc Johnstown Castle for male dairy calves and Angus beef production. Currently 61% of calves born are bred from dairy and Hereford dairy crossbred calves over the last number of years sires, 27% from early maturing sires (Angus and Hereford) and the that has clearly demonstrated the strengths and weaknesses of remainder from continental sires and other breeds (Figure 1).The individual dairy calf to beef production systems.The blueprints profile of calves born to dairy sires has increased in recent years and profitability of the systems are outlined below. It is essential due to dairy expansion. However, as dairy cow numbers begin to that attention to detail with regard to calf rearing, animal health plateau together with improvements in dairy cow reproductive and pasture management is carried out to ensure that optimum efficiency, an increase in the proportion of dairy calves born animal performance is achieved. from beef breeds may be on the horizon.

INTRODUCTION

From a beef farmer’s perspective a decision needs to be made on the type of calf that is purchased; Holstein–Friesian bull calves or beef crossbred calves – Angus, Hereford or continental dairy crossbred bulls or heifer calves. While the breed of calf does generate a lot of discussion, even more consideration needs to be dedicated to the production system that the calves are going to be managed under. A range of production systems are available to Holstein–Friesian bull calves alone that have significant implications on investment rate, stocking rate, housing facilities, labour, concentrate input, grass and silage requirements and farm profit. Very often the projected sale date of the animals for dairy beef producers depends on their performance during the first season at pasture and coincides with the decision to castrate bull calves in autumn.

This has significant implications for the carrying capacity of the Figure 1: Sire breed profile of calves generated from the dairy herd farm as the projected sale date may not be possible due to inadequate (AIM, 2015).

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FARMING SYSTEMS years.The 15 and 19 month bull production systems that are described below are applicable to Holstein–Friesian calves only.

Optimising calf performance during their first season at pasture These systems are broad variations of the following blueprints: is critical to ensure that the targets set out in the blueprints below •15 month bull system: Calves are housed in late October/early are achieved. The management and performance of male dairy November, remain indoors, and are finished on concentrates calves and early maturing dairy crossbred heifer and bull calves ad–libitum with a limited proportion of roughage or excellent are identical. quality silage.

Bulls are slaughtered in May/June. Concentrate Following the calf rearing stage, calves are supplemented with input during the finishing period is approximately 1.8 t. The concentrates until mid–May, remain on a pasture only diet until target carcass weight is this system is 275kg with conformation early September and are again supplemented with concentrates scores of O=/O+ and fat scores 2=/2+. Meeting these targets at until housing.The target average daily gain (ADG) of a calf during less than 16 months of age is necessary for this system to satisfy their first season at grass is 0.80 kg/d with a live weight target at UK market specifications.

Results from Teagasc Johnstown Castle housing of 230 kg. over the last number of years have shown that the target carcass Male dairy calves assigned to the 15 month bull production weight for this system was difficult to achieve and the system is system require an ADG of 0.90 kg/d during this period to ensure highly vulnerable to increases in concentrate input costs. that the target carcass weight is achieved. For the other systems outlined below the animals are carried through their first winter •19 month bull system: Bulls are turned out to pasture for the on a grass silage ad–libitum diet supplemented with 1.5–2 kg of second grazing season for 100 days in early March, housed in concentrates.

CALF PERFORMANCE DURING THEIR FIRST GRAZING SEASON

“While the breed of calf does generate a lot of discussion, even more consideration needs to be dedicated to the production system that the calves are going to be managed under” BLUEPRINTS FOR DAIRY CALF TO BEEF PRODUCTION SYSTEMS Previously, the majority of male dairy cattle were finished during the second winter in a steer production system. In this system cattle are offered good quality grass silage with 5–6 kg of concentrates daily. Holstein–Friesian steers were slaughtered at 24 months of age.The target carcass weight was 320 kg. Early maturing steers were slaughtered at 23 months of age and the target carcass weight was 300 kg. More recently alternative production systems and finishing strategies are being explored by producers.

With the shift from steer to bull beef production by many beef producers, particularly for Holstein–Friesian animals, it is essential that the market requirements are understood from the outset.Age at slaughter, carcass weight, conformation and fat scores are critical issues for beef production.

A wide range of bull, steer and heifer production systems have been evaluated at Teagasc Johnstown Castle and Grange in recent

June and finished on concentrates ad–libitum over a 100 day period with a concentrate input of 1.2 t during the finishing period.Target carcass weight for this system is 320 kg. Given that these animals are greater than 16 months of age at slaughter, the market outlet for these carcasses is more limited.Therefore, very close communication with meat processors is essential for this production system.

•21 month steer system: for spring–born calves (Holstein– Friesian and early maturing dairy crossbred calves) winter finishing can be avoided by slaughtering cattle at a lighter carcass weight at the end of the second grazing season. Steers are finished at the end of the second grazing season having been supplemented with concentrates for the final 60 days. Concentrate input during the finishing period for this system is 350 kg. Calves must have good life time performance and have an early birth date for this system (Jan/Feb born).Target carcass weight is 280 kg.

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FARMING SYSTEMS For Holstein–Friesian steers conformation scores are predominately ‘P+’ and ‘O–’ with fat scores of ‘2=’. Early maturing steers typically have conformation scores of ‘O+’ with fat scores of ‘3–’.

•26–28 month steer systems: in this system animals are at pasture for the second grazing season.They are then housed on a grass silage only diet for the second winter.

During this period animal performance is typically 0.50 kg/d.

Steers are then turned out to pasture in late February/early March and slaughtered in June. In this system Holstein–Friesian steers are slaughtered at 28 months of age and achieve a carcass weight of 350 kg. Conformation scores are predominately ‘O=’ with fat scores of ‘2=/2+’.The target carcass weight for early maturing steers is 320 kg with conformation and fat scores of ‘O+’ and ‘3–’, respectively.This system is well suited to late born calves as a large proportion of live weight gain is achieved from grazed grass.

•Early maturing heifer production systems: after their first winter heifers are turned out to pasture in early March and slaughtered off pasture at end of the second grazing season between September and November (19 to 21 months of age).Target carcass weight for this system is 235 to 250 kg. Carcass conformation for heifer production systems were predominately ‘O=/ O+’ with carcass fat classes of ‘3–/=’. Results from Johnstown Castle have shown that all spring born heifers should be slaughtered before the second eligibility for quality assurance bonus.The breed bonuses were winter. also included for the early maturing production systems and the impact of a 30c/kg discount on the 19 month bull production PROFITABILITY OF DAIRY CALF TO BEEF system was also investigated. Results clearly indicate that huge PRODUCTION SYSTEMS Figure 2 shows the net margin of the production systems described variation in profit exists across production systems.The 15 month above on a 20 ha (50 acre) farm model. Price assumptions were: Holstein–Friesian bull system has a very modest land requirement although it is important to bear in mind the organic nitrogen and male Holstein-Friesian calf purchase price €100, early maturing slurry contribution of these cattle with regard to the stocking heifer calf €240, early maturing bull calf €270, an R3 steer beef rate and slurry capacity limitations of the Nitrates Directive.This price €4.00 and a finishing concentrate price of €255. system was the least profitable on a per head and hectare basis.

Actual beef price payable depends on carcass grading (animal Although the traditional production systems for male dairy calves performance results generated at Johnstown Castle), seasonality and early maturing heifer and steer production systems are profitable, (beef price being highest in May and lowest in September) and

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FARMING SYSTEMS

grass based production systems (21 and 26 month early maturing and the 21 month Holstein-Friesian steer production systems) were the most profitable systems. While the 19 month Holstein– Friesian bull is one of the more profitable systems, the impact of a discount in beef price has the potential to render it one of the least profitable systems. For this system it is essential that close communication with meat processors is established and maintained.

From a farm management (utilisation of grazed grass, silage and availability of housing) and cash flow perspective, beef producers normally operate more than one production system. Even with the most profitable production systems operating a single system can be a challenge. For example, if a beef producer operates steers in a 21 month production system grass demand in the spring is low because the yearlings will be approximately 320 kg at turnout and spring born calves will have a low grass requirement.

In addition, because these steers are slaughtered before the second winter the requirement for grass silage is significantly reduced. In this scenario having a proportion of steers carried

through the second winter and slaughtered during their third season at pasture would complement the 21 month steer system.

Results from this clearly show that systems where high levels of weight gain were achieved from grazed pasture were the most profitable.

The success of these systems is highly dependent on excellent grassland management to optimise animal performance from pasture.

It is also critical to realise that farm profit varies depending on the production system that is carried out not the breed of the animal that is purchased.

Article by: Robert Prendiville1, Brian Murphy1, Brendan Swan2 and Paul Crosson1.

1 Animal and Grassland and Research Innovation Centre,Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath and 2Crops, Environmental and Land Use Programme, Johnstown Castle, Wexford, Co. Wexford.

Figure 2: Net profit of dairy calf to beef production systems based on a 20 hectare farm.

HF= Holstein-Friesian and EM= early maturing (Angus and Hereford dairy crossbred animals).

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

MASTERVET HIGH TRACE BOLUSES Deliver more trace elements for longer. astervet High Trace boluses are formulated to provide a reliable continuous source of trace elements for cattle.

Unlike other boluses Mastervet High Trace boluses release a constant amount of trace elements to the animal for the full duration of cover.

This technology is known as Zero Order Kinetics and provides the longest and highest delivery of trace elements to your cattle.

The complex matrix structure of the Mastervet High Trace bolus ensure that as the bolus size shrinks over the 6 month usage period a constant daily amount of trace elements is delivered.

Other boluses are manufactured using a technology called First Order Kinetics which deliver a constant % of the bolus weight daily however as the bolus gets smaller less trace elements are released, Mastervet High Trace boluses have been trialed extensively including a trial by the INRA an internationally renowned research facility in France.

M

The results of the trials speak for themselves: • After 98 days in the rumen (50.5 % of the release period of the bolus—180 days), the bolus had released 53.3g – that is 49% of its initial weight of 108.6g was released over a 3 month period.

• Leaving a remainder of 51% of the content of the bolus, providing optimal trace element levels for the final 3 months.

MASTERVET HIGH TRACE BOLUS: Can help to prevent health and fertility problems in dairy and suckler cows. Contains copper (to aid with fertility and work in conjunction with zinc for hoof health), cobalt (important for immunity, blood growth and formation of B12), selenium, zinc and iodine (vital for immunity and reproduction)

ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE MASTERVET BOLUS RANGE: Mastervet Dry Top Bolus Provides additional trace minerals for dairy cattle during the dry period.

Mastervet Junior Plus Bolus Provides a steady stream of trace minerals to help optimise growth rates of young stock.

Contains copper, cobalt, selenium, zinc and iodine.

Mastervet Calcitop Bolus Can help to prevent calcium deficiency and reduce the risk of milk fever in dairy and suckler cows.

Contains 20g of calcium and Vitamin D. Mastervet Magnitop Bolus Can help to prevent magnesium deficiency and reduce the risk of grass tetany in dairy and suckler cows.

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FARM MANAGEMENT

HOW TO ACHIEVE

QUALITY GRASS SILAGE Grass DM yield is the single most important factor in silage cost per tonne, but quality also needs to be considered when setting target cutting date, by Joe Patton,Teagasc.

INTRODUCTION

GRASS SILAGE CHALLENGES IN 2016

Grass silage accounts for 20–25% of the annual feed budget on Spring 2016 saw real challenges for grass based dairy and beef well–run dairy farms, and up to 30% of total feed on beef farms systems, due to a combination of slow grass growth and prolonged depending on the production systems in place. As a stand–alone periods of difficult grazing conditions.The consequences have feed, grass silage is expensive to produce. However when costs included fewer days at grass, higher concentrate feeding rates, are considered as part of an integrated grassland management and depletion of silage stocks. Indeed, a common view expressed system, grazed grass plus grass silage are competitive feeds, at 2.5 among producers has been that spring 2016 was ‘worse than times cheaper than concentrate feeds. Over 85% of farms in Ireland 2013, except there was silage in the pit’. make silage each year, and the estimated cost of harvesting over 1 It is an important reminder that although maximising grazed million ha of grass silage exceeds €500 million annually. Clearly this grass in the diet remains the priority, grass silage still must be is a significant cost component of our dairy and beef production systems. well managed to avoid deficits both in bulk and feed value. In At the field level, the single biggest factor contributing to the other words, grass silage should complement grazing in the cost of producing silage is the yield of the crop. The primary overall system, not replace it. challenge for farmers is to maximise silage yield while at the same time achieving target silage quality for the production system THE 3 KEY ELEMENTS TO COST–EFFECTIVE on the farm.

SILAGE PRODUCTION ARE: There is a balancing act in silage production, between maximising • High dry matter yields for first (4.8tDM for mid–May up to 6.2 yield and maintaining feed quality (DMD). During the milk quota tDM per ha for early June) and subsequent cuts with high annual era, many spring calving dairy farms moved to a low DMD/high grass yield (>14.5 tonnes DM per ha). bulk first cut silage system, which suited low stocking rates, early • The appropriate feed quality for the class of stock to be fed. dry–off and long winter dry periods.This strategy may need to be This is best measured as digestibility of the crop dry matter (DMD) adjusted for the post–quota era to account for increased spring/ • A clean, stable, well–preserved feed with high intake autumn feed demand and shorter dry period durations. Based on characteristics.This is achieved through good fermentation and surveys of silage analysis results over recent seasons, it is clear can be assessed through pH (3.9 to 4.2 for unwilted crops), ammonia that silage quality on most beef farms also needs to be addressed. (target less than 9%), and lactic acid (target over 8%) content.

Mean silage quality on beef farms is adequate for dry suckler cows in good body condition but is a low grade feed for growing and Difficult weather and poor growth have resulted in late closing finishing cattle. of some silage ground in many cases. Application of N fertilizer to

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FARM MANAGEMENT silage ground was also delayed for many farms.This has raised the • Given late closing this year, later cutting may also be planned question of delaying first cut to ‘bulk up’ silage tonnes in the pit, for many farms. Grazing a second time should postpone DMD decline to some degree. However, it should be noted that while though this may have consequences for crop quality. delaying the first cut well beyond (>10 days) grass heading date appears to put bulk in the pit, losses in digestibility mean that BALANCING YIELD AND QUALITY TARGETS: Grass DM yield is the single most important factor determining total feed available to the animal is not increasing, or perhaps even silage cost per tonne, but quality also needs to be considered when declining (Figure 2). It also slows grass recovery rate and reduces setting target cutting date.A survey of Teagasc silage quality analyses second cut yield such that total yield of digestible feed per ha is lower. in 2014–2015 showed national average silage DMD at approximately 66% (max range 58–80). There was little average difference in averages between dairy and beef farms, except that winter milk herds tended to have higher DMD as expected.Thus the ‘average’ silage is suitable for maintenance–only diets (e.g. no BCS gain and/or zero growth).

Farms operating at or below ‘national average’ silage quality stand to benefit from improving DMD of first cut silage by 3–4 points.

Potential benefits for spring calving dairy herds include shorter dry periods to replenish BCS, reduced concentrate supplementation for milking cows in late autumn, and improved growth rates in dairy weanling heifers. While suckler beef systems often require maintenance–only diets for their dry cows, higher DMD silage is advantageous to herds with growing or finishing cattle. There are a number of key points to remember when planning a strategy Figure2. Cutting date effects on DM and total digestible DM yield in that balances silage yield and quality: • Target silage DMD varies with type of stock to be fed. Within a grass silage swards given sward, DMD is very much determined by grass growth stage • For spring calving dairy herds, silage for dry cows should be at harvest (Figure1). For higher DMD silage (72+), harvest at or 69–70 DMD; otherwise it will be more expensive to reach BCS just before seed heads emerge. DMD drops by 1 unit for every 2–3 days delay after that, depending on weather and sward conditions. targets.The scope for delaying silage cutting >1 week beyond heading date is therefore quite limited.

If the crop lodges or there is dead material at the base, DMD • Silage fed to finishing cattle, milking cows and youngstock generally drops a further 3–4 units. needs higher DMD and should be harvested at an earlier growth stage (72+ DMD). Budget how much of this material is needed.

• For spring calving dairy herds that have a relatively small requirement for higher DMD silage, taking out a small percentage of first cut as bales 7–10 days early helps meet this budget. A good guideline is to have at least 500kg DM per cow (2.5 bales) of higher quality silage available.

• For areas that were grazed twice, is there merit in delaying first cut to allow these to ‘catch up’? Evidence from research at Teagasc Grange (Figure 3) shows that the gap in yield between areas grazed twice versus once is maintained or even increases through early June. Crop DMD will have declined too far on the main area by the time these sections are ready for cutting. A better option may be to manage this area separately, baling out early at lower yield to provide high DMD material.

Figure 1. Grass growth stage effects on silage DMD

• A common misconception is that improving silage quality comes at a direct cost to DM yield. On the contrary, the principal factors that drive yield– soil P&K status, soil pH, reseeded (ryegrass) swards, N application rate– also drive quality because they facilitate cutting of high DM yields before grass heading date.

Figure3. Silage DM yield for swards grazed once or twice in spring

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• A guideline for fertilizer N is that grass uses up 2 units of N (2.5kg) ‘MY APPROACH TO SILAGE MAKING’– AIDAN per day on average. Fertilizer should be applied approximately 50 LAWLESS, HERD MANAGER JOHNSTOWN CASTLE days before planned cutting date. Sticking rigidly to this interval WINTER MILK RESEARCH HERD, WEXFORD could mean very late first cuts on some farms this year. However, We run a 140–cow Holstein herd plus followers here in Johnstown. the crop may still be harvested sooner depending on nitrate and The herd is 66% autumn calving and last year delivered 7100 litres sugar levels. If weather conditions are otherwise suitable, it is per cow at 4.21% fat and 3.63% protein.About 40% of annual milk is advisable to test the grass crop rather than delaying cutting based produced with silage in the diet so we have to be conscious of solely on the ‘2–unit rule’. Wilting to >28% DM is a very effective crop quality. aid to preservation if nitrate readings are high.

Last year our first cut was close to normal in terms of quality, at • Grass sugars content is more critical to good preservation than 74.4% DMD, 27% dry matter and 14.9% crude protein. It was well nitrate readings, as it fuels the production of lactic acid to preserve preserved at 4.0pH and 7.1% ammonia. We probably would have the crop. Perennial ryegrass (reseeded) swards have a distinct liked 1 to 2 points higher in DMD for the system we’re in, but advantage in sugar content compared to older grass, making them 2–3 days either way in cutting date will decide that. much easier to ensile. Mowing on cool dry evenings after good The silage ground on the milking block is all grazed in spring, sunshine helps to boost sugars. and is usually closed by late March. Outlying areas are grazed to

“Farms operating at or below national average silage quality stand to benefit from improving DMD of first cut silage by 3–4 points” • A frequently asked question is the role of additives in silage making. It is important to understand the mode of action of each additive type to get maximum value from their use. Under good ensiling conditions, there is no clear benefit to using any additives.

Add a sugar source (e.g. molasses) if the opportunity for cutting is there but Brix (sugar) readings are low.Inoculants (bacteria/enzymes) aim to increase the population of favourable (lactic acid) bacteria and/or make carbohydrates more available, however they will not significantly improve feed value if the standing grass crop is of poor quality.

• Where wilting is needed, reaching the target DM of 28–32% is a function of swath type and duration of drying (Table 1). Dry matter will not increase sufficiently in large rows, even if left for 48 hours.

On the other hand, grass tedded out and left for >36 hours in good conditions may become too dry for pit silage (>40%).

Table 1

Wilting Hours DM% of crop

0

24

48

6 metres per row

17

19

23

3 metres per row

17

23

31

Tedded Out

17

30

50

46

the floor with weanlings in November. I try to be flexible in terms of which areas of the grazing block get closed for first cut each year.

This helps with grass management and also soil fertility in that the same areas aren’t being hit hard for P and K reserves all the time.The silage ground will get 125kg N per hectare as slurry and split applications of urea before closing. P & K area applied based on a soil test every 3 years. All area is reseeded ryegrass sward which is a big advantage for early season growth and N uptake.

Cutting date is usually from the 16–20th May, by then the crop should have around 4.5 to 5 tonnes DM per ha (8 tonnes per acre fresh weight).To get over 74 DMD the sward must to be mowed before grass seed heads are visible.We find that with mid– May first cuts, the second cut crop will usually yield very well and have high DMD at an early July cut.

The crop is then wilted for 24 hours if weather permits, and then clamped with no additive if the sugars test is correct. Getting the dry matter up to around 27% makes preservation quite easy and reduces effluent volume.

It’s the same things make good grazing as good silage–soil fertility, reseeded grass and early harvest.

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WEED CONTROL IN GRASSLAND

WEED MANAGEMENT IN GRASSLAND When weeds reach density levels of 10% to 20% of the total sward, they will impact on either quality or productivity; for every 1kg of dock in a field you lose 1kg of grass, writes Tim O’ Donovan,Teagasc, Kildalton College.

Rush field topped in May, sprayed with MCPA/24D mix in June.

Note spray line misses were topped but not sprayed.

that you lose 1 kg of grass. Certain weeds (e.g. thistles) discourage grazing by the nature of their prickly habit and can make hay and Just like the most damaging weeds that grow in grassland, weed silage unpalatable.

Whereas rushes reduce grass utilisation (and control is a perennial topic.The wet summers of 2008, 2009 and animal growth) proportionally more than the area they take up in 2012 may be a few years ago, but farmers in heavier soils are still fields. seeing the ‘legacy’ effects with higher populations of opportunistic weeds like rush, buttercup, dandelion and silverweed reducing grass yields.The cool spring this year has delayed flowering of all WHAT MANAGEMENT PRACTISES CAN I APPLY plants, for example dandelions only started to flower significantly TO REDUCE WEED EFFECTS? Grassland management practices such as drainage, maintaining in late April about two or three weeks behind normal.This may soil fertility, grazing, topping and mowing are very important offer opportunities for control options a little later than normal. when it comes to controlling weeds. All of these reduce seed A word of caution when spraying – be very careful when spraying return while encouraging the grassland to be competitive and weed killers near watercourses or onto wet fields (for rushes or dense which is the key to keeping weed numbers at a level that flaggers especially). In recent years, there has been an increase in will not impact on your grassland productivity. the detection frequency of MCPA in water supplies so the onus is on all farmers to apply them sensibly.The key thing is to read the WHY IS GRASS ITSELF SO GOOD AT ‘WEED label, watch the weather and keep back from drains and rivers.

INTRODUCTION

CONTROL’?

WHAT EFFECT DO GRASSLAND WEEDS HAVE?

Grass (and other plants) absorb sunlight to make their food (specifically the chlorophyll in grass uses the red light part of the High levels of weeds in grass swards not only reduce pasture’s spectrum to make carbohydrate). Critically, this red light must nutritional value, but restrict grazing areas and provide excessive reach weed seeds at or just below the soil surface to tell them to competition for valuable grasses, particularly in newly–sown leys. germinate.

So if you have a dense sward, intercepting sunshine, A number of weeds are listed in the Noxious Weeds Act and are the seeds waiting at the soil surface will not germinate because also part of your Cross–Compliance obligations. they don’t get the correct light signals. Now if you plough and In normal circumstances, low levels of weeds in pasture are of re–seed, you take away the green cover and expose the seeds to no consequence and their removal may not be cost effective. light.

Another aspect of this is that weed seeds can survive up to Certain grassland weeds have high levels of trace elements and 100 years. also have environmental benefits as food sources to birds and Thankfully, most weed seeds are eaten by small animals, birds small mammals. However, when weeds reach density levels of 10 and insects but a small proportion can wait a long time for ‘their to 20 per cent of the total sward, they will impact on either moment in the sun’, so to speak! Perennial plants such as Docks, quality or productivity. It is difficult to accurately assess the Creeping Thistle, Buttercups, Nettles and Rushes are genetically damage that weeds do, except where animal death or severe ‘primed’ to survive via their underground root systems.These sickness is the result of plant poisoning (e.g. ragwort etc). underground root systems make control very difficult and usually Teagasc research has shown that for every 1 kg of dock in a field,

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WEED CONTROL IN GRASSLAND require repeated interventions.You can ‘drain’ some of the reserves from these roots but it means knowing when to cut and when to spray. In summary, weed seeds can lay dormant for long periods of time but competitive grass prevents them from germinating.

Perennial weeds spread by their roots so you need to cut and apply the spray when the root is weakest.

MAIN PROBLEM WEEDS IN GRASSLAND

Small numbers of ragwort can be effectively pulled or dug up and safely removed. For larger numbers, sprays such as MCPA, 2, 4–D, Dicamba and Forefront T provide good control, but measures must be taken to avoid stock eating any dying or dead ragwort present.Timing of sprays are very important – once the flowering stem is extending upwards, control is less effective but remember, next year’s ragworts will be fully controlled as they are small at base of sward.

1. COMMON CHICKWEED This is an annual weed (lives for one year) and only spreads by seed. However it can germinate and set seed throughout the year making it seem a perennial weed (lives for many years).

It is a low ground hugging weed and its fast growth allows it to become established especially after re–seeding. It has been shown to reduce silage yields and quality in trials.The key to its effective management is to get the grass sward established rapidly to smother out the chickweed (and other annuals). Late sown and poorly established re–seeds are likely to have chickweed problems. In old pastures there are many excellent chemical options available but the ‘holes’ left after killing the chickweed are ideal for more seeds to germinate, continuing the problem.

2. RAGWORT Ragwort is a danger to all stock and is also a noxious weed so you are obliged by law and Cross–compliance to take control measures if it is on your land. It is generally unpalatable to stock but will be eaten if other grazing is sparse. It becomes more palatable to animals when cut or sprayed as it releases sugars.

Any control strategy should be based on the fact that Ragwort is a biennial (lives for 2 years) and also that just because you killed it with a spray does not mean it cannot harm livestock.

3. CREEPING THISTLE Creeping thistle is the most widespread and troublesome thistle. It mainly spreads by creeping roots which can be metres in length but also spreads by wind–blown feathery seeds that everyone knows in July & August.

When reseeding, small fragments of creeping thistle roots (1 inch or greater in length) can form new plants thus causing an explosion in numbers.Yield losses of up to 15% have been recorded but they cause most damage by preventing animals grazing around them.

The extensive root system of creeping thistle is its key mechanism of survival in your fields. Frequent topping can reduce the root reserves but will seldom eradicate the problem as root fragments can lay viable and dormant for years.Thistles emerge in the spring at different times so topping is a useful tactic to even up the growth stages before spraying. Chemicals such as 2,4–D, MCPA and dicamba will control top growth but fail to give good control of the root system.

For more persistent control use Thistlex, Pastor Pro or Forefront T but follow–up sprays will be needed.

To get the best transfer of chemical down to the roots apply these products to plants in the rosette form before the seed stalk grows up.

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Creeping thistle in reseed. Left is from seed, right is re-growth from old rootstock

4. SPEAR THISTLE In contrast to Creeping Thistle, Spear Thistle only spreads by seed albeit by a lot of seeds which are designed to fly long distances by wind. Each plant lives for 2 years (like ragwort) producing a flatted rosette of leaves in year one and then the familiar ‘tree–like’ structure in year two. Once controlled in the re–seed it rarely is a problem in grazed fields except after poaching or other sward damage.

distributed non–cultivated plant species in the world and one of the most studied by researchers. Docks have everything going for them in terms of surviving in your fields.They are perennial (live many years), have a large root system, produce many hardy seeds and are very opportunistic in terms of where they germinate. For a dock seed to germinate, the amount of light reaching the soil surface is the main factor as moisture and temperature are usually adequate. Open swards or swards after cutting facilitate this. Also

“Grassland management practices such as drainage, maintaining soil fertility, grazing, topping and mowing are very important when it comes to controlling weeds” in silage fields, the level of potassium may be in over–supply for the needs of the grass thus favouring the higher needs of the dock.Teagasc recommends that soil potassium levels should be maintained at index 3 (101–150 mg/l).

This strategy will also reduce the competitiveness of docks in your grassland sward and facilitate effective chemical control.

Research in Johnstown Castle has shown that dock seeds do not survive being ensiled (due to low ph) but can survive passing 5. DOCKS through the animal’s intestine so the type of fodder and way it is Docks are the most common and troublesome weed in grassland. preserved may be important in their spread.

The Broad–leaved dock is considered as one of the five most widely Topping is not effective to control the growth in year one (the thistle hugs the ground below the cutting mechanism) but can be carried out on the second year growth before seed is set.

However, the plant may re–grow the following year once again requiring topping. Chemical control options are the same as for Creeping Thistle – control of top growth is all that is required as roots do not persist.

Dock trials sprayed in 2010, photo taken 2015. No new seedlings established due to grass competition.

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CHEMICAL CONTROL OF DOCKS In the established sward, best control of docks will be achieved in good growing conditions when docks are actively growing and nutrients are actively being transported to new foliage and roots.

If seed stalks are seen on the plant or if the dock has diseased leaves or is under pest attack, it is better to cut/top or graze and allow re–growth of the docks before applying chemical. Do not apply chemicals in a period of drought as the chemical will not be taken up by the plant leaves in sufficient quantities.

Use the highest water rates on the manufacturer’s label for best effects. CMPP/Dicamba mixes offer short term control of docks and are good are rapidly bending the dock so that it is not ensiled with grass silage.

For longer term control, Doxstar Pro and Forefront T are the best options available as their chemicals are moved down to the roots. However, in all cases it is impossible to eradicate docks completely as the ‘hole’ left vacant by the older plant is quickly filled by new seedlings unless there is competition from the surrounding grassland.

Where clover is of consequence, Eagle, Prospect or Asulox may be applied. These products do not harm clover but Prospect or Asulox may have some effect on the constituent grasses in the sward.These are best applied in good growth conditions and will give season long control.

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WEED CONTROL IN GRASSLAND

6. DANDELIONS The key to dandelions is to watch out for them after poaching etc as they are only spread by seed. Once established, dandelions develop a large tap–root but unlike docks, creeping thistles or buttercups, will not propagate from their root system. One thing I have found about control of dandelions is that they catch farmers by surprise each year.The trouble is that dandelions flower once they get one warm week in March and usually before most people think of spraying them. Once flowered, it is very hard to get good control of the root system. Products based on Fluroxypyr and aminopryalid offer the best chance of translocating into the roots. Recent Canadian research has shown very effective control of dandelion by a bio–herbicide based on the fungus Sclerotina.

This product has been recently commercialised for lawn weed control where people might not want to spray pesticides near children, pets or vegetables.

7. SOFT RUSH Soft rush is mainly spread by seed but can also spread by underground stems (rhizomes). Rush control is based on a combination of fixing soil problems and removal of the initial infestation with herbicides.

Soft rush can be controlled with MCPA or 2,4–D, applied in June or July when growth conditions are good. Cutting and removal of the rush about three weeks before spraying will give the best results. Follow–up drainage/management is essential if long–term control is required. It is also helpful to keep stock off fields after controlling for rushes so the grass can establish and reduce the level of rush seeds that may germinate. Be very careful when spraying rush control herbicides that you obey the label and avoid spraying near watercourses or onto waterlogged soils. In recent years, there has been an increase in the detection frequency of MCPA in water supplies so the onus is on all pesticide users to apply them sensibly.

8. BUTTERCUPS Buttercups can establish from the seed bank with new grass, and where gaps occur in the sward. Once established, creeping buttercup, the most common species, spreads by creeping and rooting runners. Meadow buttercup and bulbous buttercup are also perennial, but do not spread by runners. Creeping buttercup has some nutritive value, but also some toxicity to stock when large quantities are eaten fresh, but it is palatable in hay.

The presence of creeping buttercup probably has a direct effect on grass yield and reduces the value of hay. Meadow buttercup is the tallest flowering of the buttercups, and prefers damp meadows of reduced grass vigour. Bulbous buttercup has a swollen stem base and prefers neutral or alkaline drier grassland, again of low grass vigour.

Dock leaf completely defoliated by natural predators (Dock Beetle) but won’t eradicate roots

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WEED CONTROL IN GRASSLAND Dandelion left field untreated, right field treated in late summer previous year

As with the other buttercups, they are not preferentially grazed by stock and have some toxicity when fresh, but are palatable in hay.These species are usually associated with herb–rich hay meadows where fertility and grass vigour are low.

Guideline notes on herbicides used in Established Grassland

SPRAYER RULES REMINDER If you apply sprays onto grassland or use a knapsack around your yard, you are obliged to be trained and register with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) since November 26th 2015 last.

Originally there was a derogation for grassland farmers spraying less than 20 litres of sprays per year but that derogation was removed by the Department of Agriculture.

There is still time to register but you must have done a course as part of your agricultural training or a specific sprayer course.

Sprayer courses are being run around the country – details of who is running courses can be found on the Dept of Ag website.Once you have the course completed, you register online on the DAFM website – Herbicides for Grassland Weeds in established grassland this only takes a couple of minutes and is very easy to follow.

If you don’t see the point in getting trained – remember that anybody can purchase sprays but you must get a registered person to apply them on your behalf.

If your sprayer has booms wider than 3m, it must be tested by November 2016.

Amateur use sprays e.g. Home & Garden products do not come under these rules and can be applied as heretofore by amateurs.

For more information please check out the following website www.teagasc.ie/crops/ sustainable_use_directive/ or www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/sud/

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

CALOR’S SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOLUTION FOR DAIRY FARMS

alor is Ireland’s oldest and most trusted supplier of LPG and has a long relationship with the Irish agriculture community as a sustainable and intuitive source of energy across the farm. With many dairy farms expanding or making improvements, Calor is reminding customers of the range of innovative energy solutions available to them, helping to drive down costs and increase environmental sustainability on farms.

For many years, Calor has worked directly with dairy farmers to design systems that reduce costs and work for the farm enterprise.

As one of the most important considerations on a dairy farm is hygiene, and large quantities of boiling water are required each day to wash milk lines and bulk milk storage tanks, Calor LPG– powered instant water heaters provide an ideal solution. They produce a reliable, instant and infinite hot water supply on demand, which is an essential component in managing hygiene and controlling the Total Bacteria Count (TBC) of milk.The use of Calor instantaneous water heaters also minimises the need for chemical detergent use on dairy farms.

Andrew Claxton, a dairy farmer with farms in Counties Waterford and Wexford converted his farm in Stradbally over to Calor Gas water heaters a couple of years ago and more recently has installed the same system in a new dairy farm in New Ross.

“The Calor instant water heaters have been a great benefit to our dairy business. It’s a much more efficient system for us to heat the water we need for wash down.We have all the hot water we need at any time, day or night and importantly it’s at the right temperature to ensure we maintain the hygiene levels. We’ve definitely made savings since changing to gas.”

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

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

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FARM DESIGN

FARM SHEDS ARE GETTING BIGGER EVERY DAY

With the recent expansion in the dairy industry, experience has showed that every shed we design for farmers is bigger than the last, writes Tom Byrne of Kilpark Planning & Design.

INTRODUCTION Farm sheds in recent years are more industrial in size, the day of the lean–too on to the hayshed seems to be long gone. With many farmers upgrading their facilities to accommodate the planned increase in cow numbers, this article focuses on larger sheds on farms including large sheds incorporating all facilities under the one roof including cubicles, milking parlour and handling facilities.

Most of our dairy farmer clients in recent years are all existing dairy farmers expanding their enterprises and increasing cow numbers. Many of the sheds designed by Kilpark Planning & Design are larger and more industrial size sheds as a preference from the client.The larger shed can accommodate a number of facilities including cubicles, handling area and milking parlours.

Some of these sheds which we have designed have been as big as 80ft wide and 7 to 8 spans long.The most common types of sheds are the portal frame and the steel frame with truss roof.

4.8 meter or 6.4 meter bay width. Cross bracing in portal frames is very important with bracing at each end of the shed being required.

The pillar sizes vary depending on the span. A 24.4 meter span requires IPE 450 for the stanchions and rafters whereas a portal frame spanning up to 9.15 meters requires IPE220 for Stanchions and IPE 200 for rafters (with a 4.8 meter bay width).

STEEL FRAME WITH TRUSS ROOF

The steel frame with truss roof also offers wide spans but not to the same extent as a portal frame. More often than not the truss roof shed is designed to have a line of pillars at a desired location in the shed to accommodate a feed barrier or handling area. However there are also situations where avoiding a line of pillars at a location can become difficult when designing the shed.

The truss roof is often seen as a cheaper method of constructing a shed compared to a portal frame, but stanchion sizes can be very similar with a span of up to 9.15 meters requiring IPE 220 stanchions.There are two different types of trusses including a full truss and a bow truss.The bow truss offers increased head THE PORTAL FRAME The portal frame offers a wide unobstructed span, with options height within the shed itself, as it is designed with a lower depth. to configure and design the internal space in the shed with no DRAWING NUMBER 1 (See page 56) restrictions.This can be a huge advantage when setting out the internal layout of the shed especially cubicles and handling areas, Drawing number 1 shows the floor plan of a Shed designed by however it also has its disadvantages as there are no internal pillars Kilpark Planning & Design.The shed is a large portal frame shed offering support for handling areas and pens. The department of which is 6 x 4.8 meter spans long and 14.94 meters wide at the main part of the portal frame.There is also a 4.74 meter wide x 4 agriculture specification S.101 offers guidance on sizes of steel for Portal frames which can span up 24.4 meters and can have a spans (4.8 meter) lean – too to accommodate the large dairy, plant

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FARM DESIGN room, store, and medicine room. In this case the farmer already had a large shed of similar size 50ft wide and 6 spans long.The new shed was designed to accommodate a 24 unit milking parlour with a large dairy, plant room, store room, and medicine room at one side as well as a large handling area including a number of holding pens at the other.

The shed was located adjacent to an existing storage shed which was proposed to convert it to cubicle sheds containing 110 cubicles; the farmer also has existing cubicle sheds on site adjacent to the converted cubicle sheds as he intends to increase his cow numbers to 200 on year 3 of milking.There is an area of 9.34 meters between the two sheds to accommodate a standing area for the cows as well as feeding passage.The sheds and layout was so designed that in future the farmer has the option to cover in this area between the sheds giving him an all under one roof facility.

DRAWING NUMBER 2 (See page 58) Drawings number 2 shows a section drawing of the same project and shows the extent of the width of proposed portal frame shed ALL FACILITIES UNDER ONE ROOF along with the existing storage shed to be converted for cubicles. Having all facilities including milking parlour, cubicles, handling facilities and feeding passage under one roof seems to be a Should the farmer decide to cover the area between both sheds he has the option of grafting onto existing pillars.The proposed preference for farmers expanding.

My opinion on the all under one roof scenario is that it will assist portal frame shed has an eaves height of 4.5 meters in the main cow flow as well as assist the basic needs of the cows having all section of the portal frame and 3.2 meters eave height in the dairy the facilities together and therefore reduce any possibilities of stress area.This eaves height was decided on as it would be similar to on the animals themselves. Designing an all under one roof system the existing adjacent shed and allow the farmer to link the two

“Having all facilities including milking parlour, cubicles, handling facilities and feeding passage under one roof seems to be a preference for farmers expanding” can be difficult for expanding farmers as the layout of their existing facilities will dictate a lot. In this situation a large portal frame shed offering clear span can be an ideal situation if there is adequate space in the farmyard itself and if it can be placed at DOES THE DEPARTMENT SPECIFICATION the correct location.

INCREASE THE PILLAR SIZES? For anyone planning to expand to large numbers of cows but This is a question I get asked often, but more often than not people assume that the specification from the department increases their farmyard is quite restricted, demolition of some buildings or a the size of pillars on sheds dramatically. However these specifications green field site may be the cheaper option, but every yard is are mapped to the appropriate standards and it is my opinion that different and every farm yard presents different challenges from a all sheds particularly large portal frames should be designed by a design point of view. structural engineer. A structural engineer will design the steel sizes etc. to the same appropriate standards. I think I may have KILPARK PLANNING & DESIGN said it in previous articles but it is very important to stick to the The procedures of work which Kilpark Planning & Design specification. carry out on any given project are as follows;

in the future.This higher eaves height would also assist with ventilation.

• Initial on site consultation • Provision of a fee proposal with all works clearly outlined • Survey of farm yard / adjoining buildings / existing buildings on site • Draft plans of proposed building or structure • Liaise with Teagasc adviser or Agri consultant in relation to the proposal • Preparation and submission of planning application to county council

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Tom at Kilpark Planning & Design Tel: 085 8194657 Email: tomkilpark@gmail.com Web: www.kilpark.ie

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FARM DESIGN DRAWING NUMBER 1

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FARM DESIGN DRAWING NUMBER 2

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS

FEEDTECH CARBOGEL ™

eedtech ™ Carbogel is a complementary feed based on natural oak charcoal that was treated with unique thermostructuring process”, Annelies De Spiegeleer, Veterinarian, Product Specialist Nutrition in Drongen (Belgium) explains.

“This technology provides a particular pore structure which binds enterotoxins and mycotoxins, but not the nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.As an example of enterotoxin –producing bacteria, we can point to the most common cause of diarrhea in young calves: E.coli.”

“When a calf is infected, the toxins damage the gut lining causing malabsorption of water and nutrients.As a consequence the calf gets dehydrated, weakens and will die with no or late treatment.

Even if there are other pathogens involved that do not produce toxins such as rota and coronavirus or cryptosporidium, Feedtech™ Carbogel will limit the damage by means of an intestinal dressing.

It is very important to act quickly when a calf has diarrhea.

Feedtech™ Carbogel ensures a quick recovery by limiting water loss (the manure is rapidly firmer) and the binding of harmful toxins.These toxins will leave the body of the calf together with the manure.Treated calves limit the growth dip that inevitably accompanies diarrhea and are set towards a productive future.”

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“The Carbogel has had an instant effect on my calves and I’ve been using it now for 3 months, it cures them within a few days.

Previously I used several methods, but now I stick to just the Carbogel and it works wonders and ultimately saves the lives of my calves! I’d definitely recommend it to other farmers.” Dairy Farmer Drew McMaster, Blackstaff Farm, Kircubbin, Northern Ireland.

For further information Email:ire.info@delaval.com or Telephone: 02920 775800

INTRA HOOF–FIT: DISCOVER AN ANTIBIOTIC

FREE APPROACH TO YOUR HERDS HOOF PROBLEMS

roblems with hoof health are an important cause of forced removals of cows from dairy farms. Financial damage can range from €100 up to over €300 per lame cow.The losses can be mainly attributed to the fact that lame cows eat less, which soon reduces their milk production levels. The risk of nutritional deficiencies is also great. This makes lame cows more susceptible to other infections and fertility problems.

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concentrated gel contains a strong adhesive which prolongs its contact with the claw making it ideal for use with severe cases.

INTRA HOOF-FIT LIQUID Hoof–fit Liquid is suitable for both the individual and herd application.

A low pressure application sprayer is the best way to apply the liquid for herd application.

INTRA BATH ANTIBIOTIC FREE APPROACH In order to help dairy farmers maintain optimum hoof condition Intracare have developed the Intra Hoof–fit range of products. These antibiotic free products were developed in close collaboration with dairy farmers, veterinary surgeons, farriers and cattle specialists.All the products fully support medical treatment, if required.

These products contain copper and zinc (both have antibacterial properties) in an organic chelate form. This coated form is more stable and better soluble than conventional forms of copper and zinc, such as sulphates and oxides. This allows the active substances to better penetrate the core of the hoof problems. Zinc in chelate form and other skin care products, such as aloe vera can also stimulate wound healing.The powerful bonding agents within the products allows it to stay active even when cows are walking through manure after treatment.

INTRA HOOF–FIT GEL Intra Hoof–fit Gel contains isopropanol, which enhances the antibacterial action of the agent. Hoof-fit Gel targets tissue around the claw reducing the risk of new bacterial infections. This highly-

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Cows with a claw problem are always last to go through footbaths.

By this stage the footbath is so contaminated that it no longer offers a solution. Intra Hoof–fit Liquid delivered using the Intra Bath helps solve this problem. It is designed to allow up to 60% of manure to fall through the middle grill making it more effective than a traditional foot bath. The Intra bath also folds away neatly for easy storage.

REPIDERMA FOR OPTIMUM SKIN CARE This convenient skin protection aerosol supplements the Hoof–fit product line. The active ingredients are micronised chelated minerals which, in contrast to traditional minerals, can be absorbed much more easily by the skin.Because of this,Repiderma is not only active ’on’the skin, but also ‘under and within’ the skin. It forms a semi-permeable protective layer thus protecting against negative external influences and allowing oxygen to penetrate and repair the skin. Repiderma is a user–friendly variant of Hoof–fit Gel and just like all the Hoof-fit products there is no withholding period.

The Intracare range of products is distributed in Ireland by Agrihealth and is available to the public through most co-ops’s and independent merchants. Call Agrihealth on Tel: 047 71800 for more information.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS PLATTS ANIMAL BEDDING: SUPPLYING ANIMAL

BEDDING TO DAIRY FARMERS FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS latts Animal Bedding have been supplying animal bedding to dairy farmers for more than 40 years.With a range of sawdust and wood shaving products to suit all farm systems, they can provide a solution whatever your bedding requirements.

Supplying products in bags and in bulk, the recent installation of a new bulk loading system at their production site in Wrexham, North Wales has meant an increased efficiency for bulk customers,particularly those in Ireland.

Platts’ best selling products are those specifically designed to help farmers cut their costs by using less product, and to keep cattle free of mastitis. For dairy farmers with mats or mattresses, Powder BED® (exclusive to Platts)- is the most economic product available, designed to keep cattle clean, dry and comfortable using just a coffee cupful of product per mat.A bag of Powder BED® covers approximately 50 mats, making it one of the most cost-effective products on the market.

Because of the ultra–soft consistency of Powder BED®, hock rubbing is prevented,and the talcum powder–like sawdust keeps cows comfortable as well as dry. For farmers who prefer a less dusty alternative to Powder BED® yet are looking for the same benefits- FineBed is the ideal option.

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WORKING WITH IRISH CUSTOMERS… Whilst their own diverse fleet of vehicles deliver to farms throughout England,Wales and Scotland, delivery to Ireland is arranged by the customer. Product is ordered via the Platts sales team– and is loaded by staff on site at their production facility,Wrexham – with your haulier of choice coming to collect your order. For bulk deliveries a moving-floor

trailer can be loaded within the hour, using new bulk–loading technology.Alternatively, Platts can recommend external hauliers who are experienced at handing their product.

Co.Tyrone farmer Noel Bingham (Glenier Farms Limited) uses bagged Powder BED® for his herd.Milking 400 Holsteins,cattle comfort and hygiene is of utmost importance to maximise milk yield.“As a user of Platts Animal Bedding for the past two and a half years we have found Powder BED® to be extremely effective as a product for keeping the beds dry and therefore controlling mastitis.We use a trusted haulier to bring our load from Wrexham. Our account manager understands our requirements and we’ll continue to get our supplies from Platts in the future”.

You can find out more about the products Platts produce at www.plattsanimalbedding.co.uk and discover the perfect bedding to work for your farm systems.

DIPETANE – REDUCING EMISSIONS HONESTLY

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO DIPETANE (NON–ADDITIVE) FUEL TREATMENT ipetane uniquely equalises and stabilises the carbon chains in all standard fuel. This enables all of the incoming 21 Units of Oxygen in the air, to attach and burn the carbon chains, thereby enabling more complete combustion. Dipetane is a unique product. It is the only precombustion fuel treatment world–wide that significantly reduces the Green House Gas problems associated with all standard fuels.

Dipetane reduces fuel usage by up to 10%. Dipetane reduces NOx by up to 30%. Dipetane reduces CO2 by up to 15%. Dipetane reduces Particulate Matter (Carcinogenic) – PM’s by up to 24%. Dipetane protects Injectors against Low Sulphur Fuels due to its increase in lubricity. Dipetane keeps EGR’s, DPF’s and Catalytic Converters clean due to more complete combustion of Carbon. Dipetane helps to burn the lower Carbon Bio-Fuels more completely. Dipetane has a Cold Pour Point of Minus -34c° Dipetane is 100% Hydro-Carbon. There is nothing in Dipetane that is not already in your fuel. It cannot change the spec of your fuel which remains within the EN590 Fuel Specification. Therefore all warranties for your vehicle remain intact.Dipetane is not a ‘Fuel Additive’. Fuel Additives poorly address the problem of un-burnt carbon after combustion.Additives do very little to help the initial burning of the expensive Carbon.You will notice the lists of toxic and hazardous ingredients in these fuel additives.

Dipetane contains no additives whatsoever. Dipetane is a single product suitable for use in all fuels, engines and boilers. Dipetane is used at a ratio of 1:200 in all fuels. 1 Litre of Dipetane treats 200 litres of Fuel. Dipetane is available at all good Motor Factors and is sold in 1 Litre, 5 Litre and 25 Litres. We also supply in 200 Litre barrels and 1,000 Litre IBC’S. Dipetane is Researched & Developed in Ireland. Solely manufactured in Ireland and distributed world-wide from Kilcoole in County Wicklow.

Dipetane International Ltd, Unit 5 Kilcoole Industrial Estate, Kilcoole, County Wicklow, A63 HP71. www.dipetane.com. View our animated video at www.dipetane.com/how-dipetane-works/

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FARM DESIGN

FARM SHEDS ARE GETTING BIGGER EVERY DAY

With the recent expansion in the dairy industry, experience has showed that every shed we design for farmers is bigger than the last, writes Tom Byrne of Kilpark Planning & Design.

INTRODUCTION Farm sheds in recent years are more industrial in size, the day of the lean–too on to the hayshed seems to be long gone. With many farmers upgrading their facilities to accommodate the planned increase in cow numbers, this article focuses on larger sheds on farms including large sheds incorporating all facilities under the one roof including cubicles, milking parlour and handling facilities.

Most of our dairy farmer clients in recent years are all existing dairy farmers expanding their enterprises and increasing cow numbers. Many of the sheds designed by Kilpark Planning & Design are larger and more industrial size sheds as a preference from the client.The larger shed can accommodate a number of facilities including cubicles, handling area and milking parlours.

Some of these sheds which we have designed have been as big as 80ft wide and 7 to 8 spans long.The most common types of sheds are the portal frame and the steel frame with truss roof.

4.8 meter or 6.4 meter bay width. Cross bracing in portal frames is very important with bracing at each end of the shed being required.

The pillar sizes vary depending on the span. A 24.4 meter span requires IPE 450 for the stanchions and rafters whereas a portal frame spanning up to 9.15 meters requires IPE220 for Stanchions and IPE 200 for rafters (with a 4.8 meter bay width).

STEEL FRAME WITH TRUSS ROOF

The steel frame with truss roof also offers wide spans but not to the same extent as a portal frame. More often than not the truss roof shed is designed to have a line of pillars at a desired location in the shed to accommodate a feed barrier or handling area. However there are also situations where avoiding a line of pillars at a location can become difficult when designing the shed.

The truss roof is often seen as a cheaper method of constructing a shed compared to a portal frame, but stanchion sizes can be very similar with a span of up to 9.15 meters requiring IPE 220 stanchions.There are two different types of trusses including a full truss and a bow truss.The bow truss offers increased head THE PORTAL FRAME The portal frame offers a wide unobstructed span, with options height within the shed itself, as it is designed with a lower depth. to configure and design the internal space in the shed with no DRAWING NUMBER 1 (See page 56) restrictions.This can be a huge advantage when setting out the internal layout of the shed especially cubicles and handling areas, Drawing number 1 shows the floor plan of a Shed designed by however it also has its disadvantages as there are no internal pillars Kilpark Planning & Design.The shed is a large portal frame shed offering support for handling areas and pens. The department of which is 6 x 4.8 meter spans long and 14.94 meters wide at the main part of the portal frame.There is also a 4.74 meter wide x 4 agriculture specification S.101 offers guidance on sizes of steel for Portal frames which can span up 24.4 meters and can have a spans (4.8 meter) lean – too to accommodate the large dairy, plant

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FARM SAFETY

FARM SAFETY FORTNIGHT –

THE GOOD,THE BAD & THE FRIGHTENING!

Farm Safety is not rocket science, but the two week farm safety campaign in April raised some issues of real concern, but thankfully some cause for optimism also, writes Pat Griffin of the Health and Safety Authority.

ptimism in that HSA Inspectors found that generally Safety Standards continue to improve; farmers are at least trying to ensure they have safer systems for work and their general awareness of safety and what they need to do is now quite high.

During the two week campaign, 304 farm safety visits were carried out. While farmers were busy and often hard to find as they were out and about with the improvement in the weather, most welcomed the visit and showed good engagement with safety.

Of the 304 farm safety visits 152 (50%) attracted some form of enforcement action in the form of either a report of inspection, written advice, an Improvement Notice or Prohibition Notice.

Areas of concern included; leaving cattle in sheds while agitating slurry, poor calving facilities, poor livestock handling facilities at out–farms, old sheds in poor repair, poor lighting in some sheds, damaged buildings & walls from poor driving, damaged & potholed

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and Twitter to publicise the farm safety fortnight.The most recent Farm Safety Advert was rerun on Facebook and three high risk areas of PTO Guarding, Slurry Handling and Farm Electrics were focused on.These three Facebook postings reached in excess of 125,000 between the 19th and 21st April with in excess of 181,000 (incl shares) reached during the campaign.This was a very encouraging outcome and shows that the farming sector is concerned about safety, is engaged with trying to improve and can be reached using social media.

Many other meeting and events happened during the two week campaign. Senior Inspectors met with their counterparts in Northern Ireland and the UK to seek out ways of working together to promote farm safety across the two islands. A farm safety open day was held on the farm of Thomas Maloney in Tipperary who was the Winner of the Irish Indo/Zurich Safe Farmer of the Year Award in 2015.This open day to showcase how safety can be proactively managed attracted a big crowd and allowed farmers to see and hear at first–hand how farming can be done safety.

Farmers really need to get the basics right, ensure that all their tractors and machinery are in good working order, particularly braking systems and that they are fully competent on all the controls. If handling livestock or calving cows they must ensure they have a safe system and use handling facilities that protect them from attack and injury, always having an easy escape route.

We continuously say that farming is the most dangerous occupation in the country, but really when you think of occupations such as mining, quarrying, explosives use, demolition, flying aircraft, etc.,

“The Farm Safety Code of Practice (COP) document which is the cornerstone to the national approach to farmer safety and health was reviewed during farm safety visits” yards following a wet winter, with most of the above combined you could more correctly say that farming is the sector that is the with aging farmers, an identified increased risk factor. worst at managing the risks.The landscape for farm safety is Some other areas of real concern were again around tractors changing rapidly with a new IFA President, upcoming changes in and machinery. Most frightening of all is that farmers continue to ICMSA and Ministers in various Departments.The H.S.A. needs operate deadly PTO’s with damaged or poor guarding, with 24% the continued support and backing from all concerned to focus of PTO’s needing some improvements to be made. Risking the on this real issue for rural Ireland and the need to ensure that loss of limbs, being paralysed or being killed for the want of a farming becomes a safe business to be in.

U–Guard or proper PTO guard must stop on Irish farms. Complaints about the quality of the guard, having to buy the shaft with the guard or difficulty in fitting it will pale into insignificance if you end up in the national rehabilitation centre as many do.

The Farm Safety Code of Practice (COP) document which is the cornerstone to the national approach to farmer safety and health was reviewed during farm safety visits.The COP or a Safety Statement was available at 65% of the visits and 71% of these had adequately recorded the hazards on the farm and 56% had adequately addressed action items. Generally where there was a lack of completion of the COP it was on farms that were not in the Bord Bia Schemes.

Farmers should however use the COP document as a systematic means of checking their farm to identify areas that need improvement and action. If used properly and for the right reasons it will help prevent many of the common recurring injuries and deaths on Irish farms.

While a strong radio ad campaign ran during the campaign, the H.S.A. for the first time used Social Media channels on Facebook

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