Irish Farm Business - Vol 2 Issue 2 Summer 2015

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FARM DESIGN: OPTIONS FOR SLURRY STORAGE

GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT: THE USE OF WHITE CLOVER

LAND DRAINAGE: ANALYSING THE COSTS & BENEFITS

>> SEE PAGE 30

>> SEE PAGE 22

>> SEE PAGE 52

IRISH

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

DAIRYING

MILK

SOLIDS

PROFIT FROM INCREASED %

SAYS CATHAL LOWRY LEADING GALWAY FARMER

THE FITZGERALD FARM,EAST CORK TESTING AND MEASURING FOR BLACK AND WHITE DECISIONS

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Foreword/Contents/Credits IRISH

Farm Business DAIRYING

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

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Foreword

18 BLACK AND WHITE DECISIONS David Fitzgerald is a strong believer in testing and measuring which form the basis of good decision making.

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22 GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT – THE USE OF WHITE CLOVER Clover incorporation can increase production from intensive pasture–based production systems,writes Brian McCarthy and Deirdre Hennessy (Teagasc, Moorepark).

28 DRY COW THERAPY REVIEW Going Long this Autumn but The Future is Shorter?!

Charles Chavasse (Zoetis) Reports.

30 FARM DESIGN – OPTIONS FOR SLURRY STORAGE Slurry storage is very important especially in recent years given the increased level of environmental monitoring, writes Tom Byrne of Kilpark Planning & Design.

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40 SALMONELLA COSTS FARMERS MONEY –BETTER TO VACCINATE Salmonella carriers in a herd of 100 cows can cost over €10,000 making it very important to control, writes Riona Sayers (Teagasc,Moorepark),Eugene O’Doherty (Teagasc, Mountbellew) and Laurence Shalloo (Teagasc, Moorepark).

46 MEASURING PROFIT AND CASH FLOW –FOR BETTER DECISIONS AND IMPROVED PROFITS

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The Publishers, Irish Farm Business Contributors: Publishers: Denis Lane and Robert Heuston Brian McCarthy (Teagasc), Deirdre Hennessy (Teagasc),

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

Prevalence can be assessed through strategic blood sampling.Then build a control plan with your vet, writes Sharon Magnier,Vet Advisor MSD Animal Health.

Award–winning farmer says top results come from breeding and individual cow management.

Until the next time………

Enquiries:

8 DO YOU HAVE IBR IN YOUR HERD?

12 HIGH MILK SOLIDS%: DO THE SIMPLE THINGS RIGHT

S

ummer is here again and thoughts turn to paddock management silage cutting, perhaps re–seeding.We have an interesting article on a study done by Teagasc into the use of white clover as part of your seed mix.

The price of land is going through the roof at the moment so we need to examine the option of improving the land you have by land drainage if this is something that applies to your farm.

Farm visits: For this edition we visited two farms: the Lowry Farm in Galway and The Fitzgerald Farm in East Cork.

They are both considered to be very good Farms and farmers having won awards and being among the top EBI scores in the country.

I suppose we were looking for differences between the farms other than breed (one is a follower of Jersey cross whilst the other goes down the more traditional Black and White road).

In truth we could not find any major differences.What we did find in common was attention to detail, good breeding and making sure that grass, silage, meal, minerals and anything else that impacted on the cows wellbeing was of the highest order and done at the right time.

Slurry Storage:As herd sizes increase and environmental controls and their monitoring become stricter Tom Byrne of Kilpark Planning and Design outlines the various options and includes a number of drawings so that we can see what is involved.

In Animal Health this issue the focus is on infectious diseases and production diseases which need to be controlled or vaccinated against in some cases, with emphasis here on Salmonella and Leptospirosis.Buying in stock or moving cattle to outside farms can be a factor in the spread of these diseases.Where the risk factor is increased it pays to vaccinate.

In Finance this issue the area covered is measurement of profit and cashflow and the improvements generated by using the software tools available such as eProfit Monitor or other software tools available.

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

Features

James O’Loughlin (Teagasc), Pat Tuohy (Teagasc), Owen Fenton (Teagasc), Riona Sayers (AGRIC,Teagasc), Eugene O’Doherty (Teagasc), Laurence Shalloo (AGRIC,Teagasc), Tom Byrne (Kilpark Planning & Design), Dr.Tom O’Dwyer (Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer Teagasc), Charles Chavasse (Zoetis),Sharon Magnier (Vet Advisor MSD Animal Health). Joe Murphy.

Photography: Hugh Lane

Dairy farmers need to use the available financial management tools to ensure that they manage their farm business for maximum profit and cash flow, writes Dr.Tom O’Dwyer, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer Teagasc.

52 LAND DRAINAGE – COSTS & BENEFITS Site investigation is crucial to diagnosing drainage problems.

Drainage is an expensive business,so make sure you have the right solution and that it makes business sense to invest in drainage,writes James O’Loughlin and Pat Tuohy (Teagasc, Moorepark) and Owen Fenton (Teagasc,Johnstown)

66 KNOW IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY WITH CATTLE We need to remind ourselves regularly of the correct way to manage cattle as (like driving) bad habits can be fatal,writes Joe Murphy.

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

All material contained in this edition is copyright of Irish Farm Business 2015 and may not be reproduced or electronically stored without the permission of the publisher. However items may be freely reproduced provided the source is acknowledged. Content and views expressed in the publication do not necessarily represent those of the publishers.

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NEWS

MILK OUTPUT INCREASES DRAMATICALLY SINCE THE REMOVAL OF MILK QUOTAS

The report also pointed out factors that could restrict milk production growth in the near future within Europe, saying,“If Since the removal of EU milk quotas in April, production of milk good Irish dairy farmers cannot make a profit who else in Europe on Irish dairy farms has risen dramatically. Recent statistics from can?”Adopting Irish or New Zealand style grazing systems may be in the best interest of European farmers, according to the report. the Central Statistics Office reveal that milk output increased by 14% in April compared with the same month the previous year.

With the abolition of milk quotas and subsequent increase in milk PADDY O’KEEFFE INNOVATION CENTRE AT production, it is expected that we’ll see a boost in the rural economy. MOOREPARK OPEN FOR BUSINESS According to the government, up to 10,000 jobs (direct and indirect) The 4.5 million Paddy O’Keeffe Innovation Centre at Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, opened in April and was named after the could be created as a result of the expansion in milk output. former Irish Farmers Journal editor who passed away in 2013. O’ Keeffe IRISH DAIRY INDUSTRY THE ONE TO EMULATE was also the founding chairman of FBD (the insurance company), and A recent report by Promar International (the UK’s largest Agricultural the company along with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the and Agri–food consultancy) underlined how the Irish dairy industry Marine co–funded the centre in his name. 200 staff are employed is ahead of the game in terms of cost efficiency when compared there, working in animal, farming systems and grassland research. with other European countries.

One of the projects at the centre is led by Dr. Bernadette O’ Brien The report looked at the government’s Food Harvest 2020 strategy and involves robotic milking machines.The Autograssmilk project which calls for a 50% increase in milk production, as well as increases has partners in France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and in exports and value added processing by 2020. It stated,“The Food Belgium. Ireland is currently the exception when it comes to Harvest 2020 strategy has brought the industry together and allowed automatic milking.Almost half of new milking parlours installed farmers, processors, researchers, consultants etc. to see how their in the partner countries are already automatic systems.The cows role contributes to the wider goal.” line up to be milked, the gates open automatically for them to The government plays a key role in supporting the dairy industry enter, and the milking clusters are put on.This is all done without and driving it to reach clear targets. assistance from the farmer.

According to the report, the Irish system is somewhat of a role The project at Moorepark involves training the animals to leave model when it comes to forming a united approach to make the the paddock, knowing that after milking, they will be rewarded most of the opportunities presented by the removal of milk quotas. with fresh grass in a new paddock. O’ Brien states,“The cows know “There is no doubt that even if the Irish industry’s targets are only that there is a new paddock of grass in the next section and in half met, the strategy has been successful in creating a focus and order to do that, they come out the gate and the roadway shunts building a common purpose across the industry.” them towards the parlour for milking.When they come back out,

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the intelligent gate system will know that the cow came from A GLANBIA AND TEAGASC TO COLLABORATE section and must now go to B section. Obviously the first time that Glanbia Ingredients Ireland (GII) and Teagasc announced a new such a machine is put in, it takes a while for the farmer to get used to collaboration in the areas of dairy ingredients and processing. it, and the cows. But after the first month or six weeks, it works away.”

Teagasc Director Professor Gerry Boyle said,“With the abolition Another project, led by Dr. Cathriona Foley and with partners in of milk quotas and an increasing milk pool, there is a need for France and Switzerland and TrueNorth Technologies in Shannon, rapid transfer of scientific know–how for development of dairy focuses on grassland research. More specifically the aim of the ingredients with new end uses in export markets. project is to help farmers measure grass quantity more accurately. This collaboration combines Teagasc’s extensive capability in Two major elements affecting milk yield are the ability to precisely dairy chemistry and processing with GII’s knowledge and expertise estimate the quantity of grass in a field and following that, allocating in dairy and nutritional ingredients with the goal of bringing new the correct area for grazing.The project has developed a device innovative products to export markets.” called the “GrassHopper”.An ultra–sonic sensor with recorded Research and technology staff from Glanbia and Teagasc will GPS coordinates to precisely measure compressed grass height. work together to aid the development of scientific capability The information can then be automatically transferred to a smart to support the generation of value–add in the cheese and dairy device and after that to the internet cloud. ingredients space.

Dr. Donagh Berry’s research focuses on genes, pointing out that Both parties have agreed on a scientific programme that will bulls used to be chosen based on their looks and pedigree. He support the delivery of the most up–to–date developments in says,“Now we’re looking directly at the DNA instead of trying to dairy science and technology at GII. Research staff from Glanbia guess what kind of DNA they had.And because your DNA is the will be working on–site at Moorepark, collaborating closely with same throughout your life, we can do this in young calves.

So instead of waiting five or six years to get this information, it their Teagasc colleagues. Moorepark offers state–of–the–art scientific instrumentation and facilities. now takes just a few weeks.” He stated,“Just looking at the dairy Jim Bergin, CEO of GII believes,“This collaboration has the potential industry alone, it has been worth €16 million in profit since we to deliver the next generation of dairy ingredients for a range of started this in 2009. Now we’re moving to beef cattle and we’re applications globally. starting it in sheep too.”

As part of the collaboration, Glanbia have located research staff The new centre honours the lifework of Paddy O’ Keeffe. Dr. Pat on–site at Moorepark and they will carry out the day to day activities Dillon,Teagasc’s head of animal and grassland research, says the building,“Serves as a reminder to all of us of our responsibility to on the programme working closely with key Teagasc staff.This endeavour will be one of the core contributors to GII’s extensive deliver new and better methods to further advance productivity innovation platform over the next five years.” in the future.”

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DO YOU HAVE IBR IN YOUR HERD? Prevalence can be assessed through strategic blood sampling.Then build a control plan with your vet, writes Sharon Magnier,Vet Advisor MSD Animal Health.

THE FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT CATTLE CAN SHED AN IBR CONTROL STRATEGY FOR YOUR HERD THE VIRUS AND INFECT OTHER CATTLE BUT NOT SHOW ANY OUTWARD SIGNS OF INFECTION? ith recent talk of the possibility of a national IBR

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eradication programme, stimulated in part by Belgium opting for Article 9 status which potentially could threaten live exports from countries, including Ireland, that don’t have control strategies in place, is there anything you can do to futureproof your herd against IBR? Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) is common in Ireland. Up to three quarters of herds, in both the beef and dairy sector have been exposed to the virus1.

Once an animal becomes infected, which is usually by close nose–to–nose contact with another animal, they can recover from the virus but continue to carry or hide it within their nerves.

This animal then becomes what is known as a “latent carrier” of the virus. If a latent carrier animal becomes stressed, their immune system weakens, the virus reactivates and cohort animals, previously uninfected are suddenly at risk of becoming infected with the virus.

WHAT SIGNS COULD INDICATE THAT AN ANIMAL IN YOUR HERD HAS IBR?

WHEN WILL A LATENT CARRIER START SHEDDING AGAIN?

Signs can often be vague and could be attributable to many different diseases. However, IBR should be suspected in cattle if they show any of the following2:

Stress is a trigger factor for the IBR virus so the main risk periods for an outbreak in a herd usually coincide with times when the cattle are under pressure. Cattle previously infected with IBR that have now become carriers of the virus, will start to shed it again in the following circumstances: G At housing.

G During transport/mixing.

G During calving.

G At the onset or peak of lactation.

G During bad weather.

G If the sheds are too tightly stocked and there is overcrowding.

Older carrier cattle can pass the virus to the young heifers joining the herd.A reactivated latent carrier cow will shed the virus for around 10 to 20 days2. However it is usually only the in–contact previously uninfected cattle that get sick.

These animals that become sick for the first time will shed even more virus than the initial reactivated latent carrier cow that sparked the outbreak and so the cycle of infection continues on in the herd. It is estimated that one infected, previously naïve, animal can infect up to seven other animals! 3 This is why the protection of these naïve animals in the herd through vaccination is so important in limiting the impact of the disease.

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YOUR HERD IS AT RISK OF IBR IF……..

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF IN ORDER TO

The IBR virus is very contagious and can travel in the air up to GET THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT FROM YOUR three to five metres so contact with neighbouring stock increases VACCINATION REGIMEN…..

Has the vaccine been stored correctly? Most vaccines need the risk of exposure to the virus. As over three quarters of herds in Ireland have been exposed to IBR most herds will have a mixture to be kept in a well maintained fridge at between +2 o C to +8 o C. Most also need to be protected from light and extremes of of naïve and latently infected carrier cattle which means that there is always the threat of an outbreak in the herd, particularly temperature such as freezing or overheating.There is no point in administering a vaccine that has not been kept in the appropriate during the risk periods already mentioned. Bought–in stock are also a common way for the IBR virus to spread between herds and it conditions as you cannot guarantee that it will work.

Always check the datasheet accompanying the product for the can also be spread via people or farm equipment contaminated 2 appropriate storage conditions as well as the shelf life. Never use with infected fluid such as nasal discharge .The virus can also be a product that has gone beyond either its shelf life or expiry date! shed in semen and semen from bulls that have been infected or When to administer the vaccine? Vaccines need to be given vaccinated is not permitted for use in AI centres. Calves born to latent carrier cows are a particular risk group2.That is why it is important at the optimal time. Ideally you want maximum protection from the vaccine to coincide with the to immunise these calves as early as possible to try and prevent greatest period of risk to the those calves becoming carriers of the virus themselves for life. animal. As vaccines take CONTROL – WHAT SHOULD YOU THINK time to work (this known ABOUT WHEN SELECTING AN IBR VACCINE? as an onset of immunity) Control of IBR involves careful planning. First you will need to this will often mean planning establish the prevalence of IBR in your herd – is it low, medium to administer the vaccine or high? This can be assessed through strategic blood sampling.Then prior to the risk period. This build a control plan with your veterinary practitioner based around a is why in a predominately combination of bioexclusion, culling/isolation and vaccination. spring calving herd it is Luckily in Ireland, only marker vaccines for IBR are licenced for recommended to administer use.This foresight means that we are poised and ready to tackle eradication of the disease.The use of marker vaccines means that Bovilis IBR Marker Live a blood test can distinguish cattle that have been vaccinated from approximately one month prior to calving. Always cattle that have been exposed to the IBR virus. Both live and check that any product you inactivated vaccines are available and deciding on the right strategy for your herd should involve close consultation with your administer is licensed to be given to pregnant cattle. veterinary practitioner.

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Has it been administered correctly? It is important to administer the correct amount of the vaccine and to give it by the correct route. For example, does it need to be given intranasally (often the case in young calves as the passive immunity they have received from the dam can interfere with the efficacy of the vaccine) or is the calf old enough for the vaccine to be given into the muscle?

Make sure that you do not administer another product at the same time that is not licenced for use with the vaccine.

What does the primary course involve? Do you need to give one or two vaccinations? Bovilis IBR Marker Live is licenced as a single dose primary vaccination. However, other vaccines may require a double vaccination, depending on the disease that you are vaccinating against.

How long will immunity to the vaccine last? It is important to adhere strictly to the dosing interval between booster shots as otherwise there will be a gap in the immunity where the herd will be susceptible to disease. Bovilis IBR Marker Live can be administered to cows one month prior to calving. A booster vaccination should then be given every 6 months.

How fast will the vaccine work? This is the onset of immunity of the vaccine. Some vaccines have a very fast onset of immunity, for example, immunity develops in just 4 days when Bovilis IBR Marker Live is given intranasally to calves from 2 weeks of age.

This makes it particularly suitable for use in the face of an outbreak or where fast protection is required.

Protection against clinical signs? It has been estimated that an animal infected with the IBR virus can have a milk production loss of 9.52 kg over the course of a 14 day infection period4.

In any outbreak it is important that the naïve animals in particular in the herd are protected as they will be the ones that will shed the most virus and show the greatest clinical signs.

How do I decide whether to use a live IBR vaccine or an inactivated IBR vaccine?

It is important to discuss this with your veterinary practitioner as he/she will be best placed to advise you based on your own herd’s individual risk profile. Where naïve cattle are concerned live vaccines have been shown to be better than inactivated (dead) vaccines at limiting the impact of an outbreak of IBR.This

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is because cattle that have been vaccinated with a live IBR vaccine will have a greater reduction in temperature, a greater reduction in the clinical signs of IBR and will shed less IBR virus than cattle that have been vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine5. Whatever the control strategy it must be remembered that IBR virus infection is endemic in Ireland which means that eradication of the disease will be challenging.

Significant investment and co–operation between industry stakeholders will be needed if we are to remain competitive and achieve the IBR – free status already achieved by other European countries.

REFERENCES 1

Cowley, D.J.B. et al. (2011) Aspects of bovine herpesvirus–1 infection in dairy and beef herds in the Republic of Ireland.Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 53:40 2 Animal Health Ireland. (2013) Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis Technical Working Group. Chair: Michael Gunn. IBR in cattle. FAQs. IBR leaflet Series Vol. 3,Ver.1 July 2013 3 Nardelli, S. et al. (2008) Dynamics of infection and immunity in a dairy cattle population undergoing an eradication programme for Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) Prev Vet Med 85 68–80 4 Hage, J.J. et al. (1998) Milk production and reproduction during a subclinical bovine herpesvirus 1 infection on a dairy farm. Prev Vet Med 34, 97–106 5 Bosch,J.C.,et al.(1996) An attenuated bovine herpesvirus 1 marker vaccine induces a better protection than two inactivated marker vaccines.Veterinary Microbiology 52, 223–234

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HIGH MILK SOLIDS %: DO THE SIMPLE THINGS RIGHT

Award–winning farmer says top results come from breeding and individual cow management.

Name of Farmer: Farming Method: Place: Land Farmed: Milking Platform: Cow Numbers:

Cathal Lowry Spring Calving 100% Gortymadden, near Loughrea, Co Galway 230 acres 170 acres 170

For this issue, we visited Cathal Lowry who has been highly commended for excellence in protein and percentage milk solids, to get an overview of his farming methods.

GRASS Cows are put out on grass from the time they calve which means the 1st February onwards. Fertilising of grass is also started at this time. Cows are grazed in paddock rotation.

Two cuts of silage are taken and Cathal is now using a contractor with a precision cut machine more to reduce workload than anything else as he says he likes baled silage.

Forty to fifty acres were reseeded last year in order to increase grass yields as the herd is in a growth phase.When settled he expects to reseed approx. 10% of the farm each year.

BREEDING The first cows are serviced from 1st May onwards, and a tail paint system is used to monitor what is going on progress wise.

AI is used and all semen is sourced from LIC New Zealand genetics.

The bulls are chosen on the basis of “breeding worth”.

Cows are serviced with AI for six weeks and then Aberdeen Angus stock bulls are used to mop-up. Cathal sold some heifer calves this year but the majority are kept on farm.

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ANIMAL HEALTH

MILK

Cows are vaccinated for IBR, Lepto, BVD and Salmonella. Mastitis is treated and a teat sealant is used when drying off, which is for an eight week period. Any cow with an SCC score above 500,000 is culled at the back end of September.

Footbaths are used but lameness is not an issue.

Water Minerals: Cathal installed a Terra Services water mineral system which he believes has been very successful. It means for example that he doesn’t have to feed meal for Grass Tetany as this can be managed through the water intake of cows. He also believes that it has improved fertility rates and general herd health.

The parlour installed is a 16 Unit De Laval with automatic washing. Milk recording is done and also samples are sent to a lab for testing.

LOOKING FORWARD Cathal is happy with his progress to date and works hard to maintain this quality, and he is looking forward to achieving even better results. Because of his milk solids achieved he can get 7 cent above the national average milk price.

His herd size is still increasing and he believes that he can increase his milk solids more when the herd size is optimal.The aim is to achieve 500kgs of milk solids per cow with 500 kgs of meal fed. If possible he will increase the amount of grass fed and decrease the amount of meal.

SECTION 2: MEASURING MILK OUTPUT (How to calculate kgs of milk solids) More farmers and Co-ops are now measuring output per cow in kgs of milk solids (MS).To calculate this figure you need the following information: • Average litres produced per cow for year • Annual fat and protein % for year Litres are first converted to kgs by multiplying by 1.03, because one litre of milk weighs 1.03kg.

This figure is then multiplied by the % fat and protein to get kgs MS per cow. (See example on Page 14).

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING Example Average yield in litres Average yield in kgs (6,000 multiplied by 1.03)

= =

6,000 litres 6,180kgs

Average MS % for year (3.95% fat, 3.4% protein)

=

7.35%

Milk solids per cow (target 500) (6,180 multiplied by 0.0735)

=

454 kgs/cow

If the cost to produce 6000 litres was 14 cent per litre then total costs were €840/cow.

Cost per kg = €1.85 (target €2.00 or less) (840 divided by 454) Rumen function has a major impact on the fatty acids supplied to the mammary gland and therefore on milk fat content.

The introduction of a payment system based on milk solids for Low rumen pH will alter rumen function and reduce fibre digestion. liquid milk suppliers has brought some unease that feeding The optimum fibre content in the diet of a cow is 28% NDF (neutral patterns will need to change significantly to maximise milk solids detergent fibre) AND 21% ADF (acid detergent fibre). Once these production and that this will bring increased costs.This is not the levels are reached there is no benefit in supplying extra fibre. case.

SECTION 3: MILK SOLIDS INFORMATION

WHAT IS MILK FAT?

FORAGE FIBRE

Diets need to be formulated so that they will stimulate chewing Milk fat is made up of fatty acids which are manufactured in the activity; this means fibre from forage. mammary gland and other fatty acids that arise from diet. Acetic A minimum of 21% of the fibre (NDF) should come from forage. acid results from fibre digestion and is an important element of It should be noted that there is no benefit from feeding excessive milk fat make–up. forage fibre.

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BLACK AND WHITE DECISIONS David Fitzgerald is a strong believer in testing and measuring which form the basis of good decision making.

Name of Farm: Name of Farmer: Place: Farming Method: Land Farmed: Milking platform: Cow numbers:

Fitzgeralds David Fitzgerald Curraglass, Near Conna, East Cork Spring calving 100% 89 hectares 64 hectares 160

David Fitzgerald is married to Clodagh, they have two young sons and he farms with his father in East Cork.

GRASS The cows are out on grass from the 1st February and first fertiliser is spread around that date as well.

Two cuts of silage are taken, 75 acres at start of June and another 70 acres around the 20th July.

Grass growth/supply is taken weekly on a walk of the farm and strong paddocks are baled if excess grass is available. The farm 1 grows about 14 /2 tonnes of dry matter per hectare. A paddock rotation of 12/24 hours is used depending on the size of paddock.

Approx. 10% of the farm is reseeded each year so as to deliver more grass of high quality.

SOIL FERTILITY David says that soil fertility is now very good. He was concerned in the past and took the job seriously so had his own corer made for soil sampling. He discovered that the soil was low in Selenium so he spread a fertiliser from Gouldings to help with the deficiency.

It is his intention to soil sample the farm in a two year cycle.

BREEDING David has a herd of Friesan/Holstein cows and with a herd average of €187 EBI the herd is ranked in the top 200 EBI herds in Ireland.The date of first servicing is about 20th April each year and cows are serviced by an AI technician for a period of six weeks. Bulls are chosen with high EBI from the top of the ICBF

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list. Cows are monitored very closely during this period so that as (The six week in calf rate is close to 70%). At the other end of many as possible are put in calf. A tail painting system is used to the cycle it means cows calving close together and therefore help with this exercise. After 6 weeks an Aberdeen Angus stock having a long season on grass leading to efficient production of bull is introduced to clear up the balance. During this period the the maximum amount of milk. A single labour unit is employed

“Mastitis is not really an issue as the herd is in the top 500 for SCC and the three times out rule is used to keep it in that position. Lameness is not an issue because of general herd health and foothbaths are not in use” monitoring continues and Beef AI straws are used to help with the work of the stock bull.This gives a breeding period of 12 weeks which really fits the definition of a compact spring herd.

during the calving period mainly to look after the calves. Bull calves are sold at three weeks and 50 heifers out of the 60/65 born are kept on.

ANIMAL HEALTH All cows are vaccinated for Lepto, Salmonella, IBR and BVD.The cows are fed about 500kgs of meal through the year. Cal mag is fed through the nuts during the grass tetany period.

Mastitis is not really an issue as the herd is in the top 500 for SCC and the three times out rule is used to keep it in that position.

Lameness is not an issue because of general herd health and foothbaths are not in use.

On drying off teat–sealers are used and dry cow minerals are fed. Silage is sent for testing and the results are sent to Inform Nutrition so that a specific suite of dry cow minerals can be supplied to suit the specific requirements of the herd. Straw is also fed through the silage for Dry Cows.

PARLOUR The Fitzgeralds built a Gascoigne 24 Unit Herringbone parlour in 2009. It has automatic cluster removers, automatic wash and also sequential baling. David says the sequential baling hold the animals safely and securely while being milked which is a great benefit with some heifers in the springtime.

FAMILY AFFAIR Clodagh looks after the books on the farm and both Clodagh and David say that the volume of paperwork is increasing year on year. However all the milk recording and record keeping gives you a good idea of what position you are in financially. Now that the quota is gone the Fitzgeralds will not be going mad increasing cow numbers but looking to increase the output from the existing herd in an efficient manner for the next few years at any rate.

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GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT THE USE OF WHITE CLOVER Clover incorporation can increase production from intensive pasture–based production systems, writes Brian McCarthy and Deirdre Hennessy (Teagasc,Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork).

INTRODUCTION

Tight grazing to 4 cm throughout the grazing season, and in particular spring and autumn, is critical to ensure that light The target of a 50% increase in milk production by the year penetrates to the base of the sward and reaches the clover 2020 set out in the Food Harvest will be achieved by: stolons. Avoiding poaching and damage to the sward during 1. New entrants entering the dairy industry inclement weather is also critical to maintain high levels of clover 2. Increasing production per cow and a productive sward.

3. Increasing stocking rate at farm level (i.e. existing farms Clover stolons are susceptible to damage due to the stolons carrying more cows on the same land area) growing along the top of the ground so poaching can reduce the However, increasing stocking rate must be achieved by maximising level of clover in the sward as well as the overall productivity of the pasture.

Ireland’s comparative advantage in terms of our ability to grow A lot of research has been undertaken, both nationally and and utilise grazed pasture, which is the cheapest source of feed internationally, investigating the impact of clover on pasture– for animal production. based grazing systems.

Findings indicate that the proportion of White clover (hereafter referred to as clover;Trifloium repens L.) clover in pasture needs to be greater than 20% in order to see an is the most important forage legume in temperate grazing systems worldwide and may provide an opportunity to increase the productivity animal production effect. of pasture–based milk production systems.There is renewed interest Two recent experiments have been undertaken in Ireland in forage legumes, particularly clover, as it offers important opportunities investigating the use of white clover in intensive grazing systems: for sustainable pasture–based animal production systems by 1) increasing herbage yield 2) increasing herbage nutritive value and raising the efficiency of conversion of herbage to animal protein 3) substituting inorganic nitrogen (N) fertiliser with symbiotic N fixation 4) mitigating and facilitating adaption to climate change White clover has a stoloniferous growth habit whereby clover stolons grow along the top of the ground producing new branches and leaves as it does so.

The clover content in pasture varies depending on the time of year.There are low levels of clover in pasture during the spring and the level of clover generally increases up to a peak in late summer/early autumn. Clover has a lower growth rate than grass at temperatures below 10° C and this is why the proportion of clover in pasture is lower in spring. However, clover growth continues up to 24° C, whereas grass growth peaks at 15 – 20°. Clover and grass complement each other well in that grass growth peaks in May and June and then starts to decline whereas clover growth peaks in July and August.

The correct grazing management practices are critical to maintain high levels of clover in the sward. Pre–grazing yield should be maintained at approximately 1400 to 1600 kg DM/ha in order to ensure that grass does not start to shade the clover in the sward.

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Moorepark experiment: Influence of nitrogen fertilisation level and white clover incorporation on pasture DM production and animal performance The experiment was established at Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, in January 2013 and was a closed systems experiment with three sward treatments: Grass only sward receiving 250 kg N/ha (Gr250), grass white clover sward receiving 250 kg N/ha (Cl250), grass white clover sward receiving 150 kg N/ha (Cl150). The grass only swards comprise of a 50:50 mix of Aston Energy (tetraploid) and Tyrella (diploid) sown at 27 kg/ha, and the grass clover swards comprise the same grass species and sowing rate plus a 50:50 mixture of Chieftain and Crusader clover cultivars sown at 5 kg/ha. In early February in 2013 and 2014 cows (42 and 57 cows, respectively) were balanced by productive traits and randomly allocated to treatments.There were 14 cows per treatment in 2013 and 19 cows per treatment in 2014. Cows remained in their treatment for the entire year.Treatments were stocked at 2.74 cows/ha and rotationally grazed.

The objective of this experiment was to compare the herbage production and milk production from a grass only sward receiving 250 kg N/ha with grass clover swards receiving 150 or 250 kg N/ha.The results presented are from the first two years of this experiment (2013 and 2014).

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING Table 1. Average daily and cumulative milk production on grass only swards receiving 250 kg N/ha (Gr250) and grass clover swards receiving 150 kg N/ha and 250 kg N/ha (Cl150 and Cl250, respectively).

Cl150

Cl250

Gr250

SE1

Significance2

Milk yield (kg/cow/day)

21.1

22.1

20.6

0.44

***

Milk solids (kg/cow/day)

1.69

1.70

1.58

0.03

***

Milk fat (%)

4.58

4.47

4.43

0.26

NS

Milk protein (%)

3.61

3.58

3.62

0.05

NS

Cumulative milk solids (kg/cow)

485

489

454

2.85

***

SE = Standard Error Significance; *** = P<0.001; NS = not significant

1 2

Average sward clover content for 2013 and 2014 was higher on the Cl150 treatment (average 27.0%) compared with the Cl250 kg N/ha treatment (average 23.6%). Sward clover content was least in the first rotation (average 7% for both treatments) and greatest in the 7th and 8th rotations (42% on the Cl150 treatment and 32.2% on the Cl250 treatment). Herbage production was similar across treatments in 2013 and 2014 (14.2, 14.4 and 14.3 t DM/ha for the Gr250, Cl150 and Cl250, respectively). The average milk and milk solids production per cow/day, milk composition, and cumulative milk and milk solids yield per cow for 2013 and 2014 are shown in Table 1.

Milk and milk solids yield per cow per day were lower (P<0.001) on Gr250 treatment than on the CL150 and Cl250 treatments which were similar to each other.The Gr250 cows (454 kg MS/cow) produced significantly (P<0.05) less milk solids per cow than the Cl150 (485 kg MS/cow) or the CL250 (489 kg MS/cow).

Daily milk solids production was significantly lower (P<0.05) on the Gr250 treatment compared with the Cl150 and Cl250 treatments from June onwards (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Milk solids yield per cow per day (kg/cow/day) from early February to mid-November (2013 and 2014) on the grass only 250 kg N/ha treatment, the grass clover 150 kg N/ha and the grass clover 250 kg N/ha.

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Clonakilty experiment: Effect of tetraploid and diploid swards sown with and without clover on pasture DM production and animal performance The experiment was established in Clonakilty Agricultural College in 2014 and is also a systems experiment with four separate grazing treatments, a tetraploid only sward (TO), a diploid only sward (DO), a tetraploid with clover sward (TC) and a diploid with clover sward (DC).Twenty blocks of paddocks (each block contained four paddocks) were created and to create the treatments, four diploid (Tyrella,Aberchoice, Glenveagh and Drumbo) and four tetraploid (Aston Energy, Kintyre,Twymax and Dunluce) cultivars were sown as monocultures with and without clover in five different blocks around the farm, thus creating a separate farmlet of 20 paddocks for each treatment. In the clover paddocks a 50:50 mix of chieftain and crusader white clover was sown at a rate of 5 kg/ha.There Figure 2 The effect sward type (grass only and grass clover) on were 30 cows in each treatment group and treatments were stocked daily grass growth rates for each month. at 2.75 cows/ha, received 250 kg of nitrogen (N) fertiliser per ha Grass ploidy did not affect any of the milk production variables and target concentrate supplementation was 300 kg/cow for each (Table 2). Clover had a significant effect on all milk production variables treatment.The four treatments (swards) were rotationally grazed from mid–February until mid–November 2014 and results presented with the exception of fat and protein content. Both milk and milk are from the 2014 grazing season.The objective of the experiment solids yield per cow and per ha were greater for cows on grass was to compare milk and herbage production from tetraploid and clover treatments compared with the grass only treatments. Cows on grass clover treatments produced 647 kg and 55 kg more milk diploid swards sown with and without clover.

Clover content in the sward was not measured in February and and milk solids than cows on the grass only treatments which resulted March.The average clover content was 39% and 40% for TC and in an extra 1781 kg and 151 kg milk and milk solids yield per ha.

“As a consequence total herbage DM production was 2.5 t DM/ha greater on the grass clover (17.5 t DM/ha) swards compared with the grass only (15.0 t DM/ha) swards” DC, respectively, for the months measured, which were high clover contents in comparison with previous research, although the clover contents in February and March, if measured, would be lower and would reduce the overall average of both treatments.

The effect of clover inclusion in the sward on daily grass growth is illustrated in Figure 2. Daily grass growth rates for the grass only swards (TO and DO) and grass clover (TC and DC) swards were similar from January to May. However, from June to September the grass clover swards had greater daily grass growth rates compared with grass only swards.The average difference in daily growth rate between GO and GC swards for this period was 20 kg DM/ha per day. In October and November there was no difference in daily grass growth rate between the grass only and grass clover swards.

As a consequence total herbage DM production was 2.5 t DM/ha greater on the grass clover (17.5 t DM/ha) swards compared with the grass only (15.0 t DM/ha) swards. Herbage utilisation (+ 2.2 t DM/ha) and winter feed production (+ 0.44 t DM/cow) was also greater on the grass clover swards in comparison with the grass only swards.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING Table 2. The effect of treatment on milk production variables in 2014.

Milk yield (kg/cow) Fat (g/kg) Protein (g/kg) Lactose (g/kg) Milk solids yield (kg/cow)

TO 4895 47.4 37.3 47.6 414

Treatment1 DO TC 4848 5532 47.0 46.5 36.5 37.5 47.4 47.9 403 464

Milk yield (kg/ha) Milk solids yield (kg/ha)

13,473 1140

13,366 1109

15,284 1279

DC 5506 46.8 37.5 48.2 463 15,118 1273

P NS NS NS NS NS

Significance2 C *** NS + ** ***

P*C NS NS NS NS NS

NS NS

*** ***

NS NS

TO = tetraploid only; DO = diploid only; TC = tetraploid + clover; DC = diploid + clover Significance; *** = P<0.001; ** = P<0.01; * = P<0.05; + = P<0.1; NS = not significant; P = ploidy; C = clover

1 2

SUMMARY Including clover into perennial ryegrass swards increased pasture DM production in the Clonakilty experiment by 2.5 t DM/ha in 2014, regardless of grass ploidy.

Although there was no difference in pasture DM production between the three treatments in the Moorepark experiment over the last two years, it is interesting to note that the grass clover swards receiving 150 kg N/ha produced the same amount of pasture DM as the grass only and grass clover swards receiving 250 kg N/ha.

Daily and cumulative milk and milk solids production were greater for cows grazing grass clover swards compared with grass only swards in both the Moorepark and Clonakilty studies.

The average increase in milk solids for cows grazing grass clover swards was 33 kg/cow and 55 kg/cow in the Moorepark and Clonakilty studies, respectively.

The early results from the experiments presented in this paper involving clover are very promising.

However, these experiments are in their infancy and need to be allowed run for the next 5 to 6 years to allow a comprehensive analysis of the impact clover has on grazing systems in Ireland.

There are a number of questions around grass clover pastures, including persistency of clover, spring DM production and bloat which need to be addressed and answered over the next few years.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

GRASS QUALITY THE MOST VALUABLE TRAIT rass quality is increasingly being recognised as a critical trait to focus on when selecting grass varieties.Teagasc has highlighted that each 1% increase in grass quality is worth 0.33 litres of milk per cow per day.

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

There are large differences between varieties of perennial ryegrass in terms of digestibility. The new Teagasc Pasture Profit Index (PPI), has for the first time, highlighted these differences in economic terms (€ per ha/year).

The PPI quantifies the economic merit of individual perennial ryegrass varieties by determining the performance of varieties across a number of key traits: spring, summer and autumn DM yield, Silage, Persistency, and Quality.

In the quality sub-indices of the PPI, the difference between the varieties with the highest quality value (AberGain) and the lowest quality value (Boyne) is €114 per ha/year in quality terms alone.This is highly significant in terms of how each variety can contribute to animal performance, whether milk production or liveweight gains.

AberGain is the highest ranked variety on the PPI for quality, and also the highest ranked variety overall – in terms of its total PPI value at €208 per ha/year. AberChoice and Drumbo are the top ranked late diploids on the PPI list, in terms of both quality and total PPI value.

The Graph below shows the relationship between Total DM yield and quality on the 2015 Teagasc Pasture Profit Index. It is clear from this that those varieties which perform better in terms of quality within the sub–indices are also the highest performing in terms of Total PPI value. Quality is a key trait driving profit at farm level and it must be considered carefully when choosing varieties for reseeding in 2015 to maximise animal performance and farm profitability.

For further information from Germinal visit the following website www.germinal.com

G

Figure 1. The relationship between Quality and total value on the Pasture Profit Index.

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DRY COW THERAPY REVIEW Going Long this Autumn but The Future is Shorter?! Charles Chavasse (Zoetis) Reports.

Clean dry environment => clean cows less risk of acquiring new infections

ith quotas a thing of the past, cows will be milked on for longer this autumn than previous years, so as a result dry periods are set to be shorter! Since the introduction of quotas, and in particular in the last few years, cows in Ireland have frequently been dried off early due to concerns of exceeding quota. As a result the whole herd was often dried off in a couple of large groups, even though many of the cows may have only been milking for 6 or 7 months, facing into a dry period of up to 5 or even 6 months! This extended dry period created its own challenges with late calvers often being over conditioned when they calved down.

However, from now on, farmers will be able to dry cows off at the best time from a cow management perspective rather than a quota management perspective. As a result most cows will only be dry for a 6 to 8 week period.

The dry period is an important time for the cow to recover and rest from the previous lactation. Nutritionally it is an opportunity for the cow’s body condition to be managed so that she calves down with a body condition score of 3.00 to 3.25.Too thin and she will not milk as well in the next lactation and may be less likely to go back in calf on time.Too fat and the cow is at risk of a number of costly metabolic diseases including milk fever, primary ketosis, abomasal displacements, metritis and retained cleanings, all possibly leading to secondary ketosis and poor fertility later in the lactation.

The dry period is also the best opportunity for treatment and cure of sub clinical udder infections. High dose, long acting antibiotics can be used during the dry period as they are retained in the udder for longer because they are not milked out. Once a cow is dry for a couple of weeks and the udder has involuted (shrunk back), inhibitory substances, like lactoferrins and immunoglobulins are naturally produced in the udder tissue that further help to eliminate underlying infections and prevent new infections colonising the udder.The cow also produces a waxy keratin plug that blocks the teat canal producing a physical barrier against the entry of new infections.

W

By this time the concentration of natural inhibitors such as lactoferrins in the udder has reduced as the cow starts to bag up with colostrum/beastings and frequently the keratin plug drops out around this time.To compound this problem, the antibiotic from the dry cow treatment will have reduced to below therapeutic levels unless the cow has a particularly short dry period.

These risk periods are reflected in when mastitis occurs during the next lactation. Work done in the early 2000s showed, not unexpectedly, that many cases of mastitis that occur in the first month after calving were acquired during the dry period. More surprisingly was that clinical cases that cropped up 8 months into the lactation, also originated from infections acquired during the dry period. Up to 60% of all clinical cases of mastitis during lactation originate from infections acquired during the dry period.

Relative periods of risk of acquiring a new udder infection

KEY POINTS •Dry periods should be at least 6 to 8 weeks long •2 weeks after drying off and a week either side of calving are the main risk periods for acquiring new infections

Monthly cases of mastitis and when the infection was acquired

RISK OF INFECTION The diagram below shows the periods of relative risk of acquiring a new infection while a cow is dry. The first period of risk is when the cow is initially dried off. However after 1 to 2 weeks the risk is much lower as the natural teat plug has formed and the udder contains high levels of lactoferrins and other natural inhibitors.The second significant risk period is just before calving when the cow is springing and also when she is calving down.

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Bradley,A.J.Vet Times 22 Nov 2004

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING The diagram below illustrates how long various dry cow antibiotics persist in the udder. Not all antibiotics used for Dry Cow Therapy persist for as long in the udder.The diagram also illustrates that even the longer acting antibiotics will not protect the udder during the second risk period, close to and at calving down. At this stage the cow is reliant on its natural defences and the keratin teat plug. However it is well recognised that in modern dairy cows, with wider teat canals, the natural teat plug is often not sufficient to keep out infections. Internal teat sealants have been developed to supplement the natural keratin plug and will usually remain present until after the cow has calved down, when they can then be stripped out.

Relative persistence of antibiotic activity of some ADCT

antibiotics in the udder at this time, Bulk Milk Tank (BMT) antibiotic residue failures would occur. Other management factors like maintaining a clean environment for calving down and the use of internal sealers will help to reduce the risk of infection during this significant period.

The ultimate aim of dry cow therapy must be to optimise the chances of a cow calving with a low somatic cell count and also to have a low risk of developing clinical mastitis in her next lactation.This is achieved through a combination of treatment and removal of existing intra mammary infections (IMIs) and prevention of new IMIs, during the period of highest risk – particularly at the beginning and the end of the dry period.

Clean insertion technique

ANTIBIOTIC DRY COW THERAPY Antibiotic dry cow therapy (ADCT) has been one of the cornerstones In the past, blanket dry cow therapy with a long persisting of mastitis control and of the “Five Point Plan” in the developed world antibiotic tube was highly efficacious and safe as cows had for over 50 years. ADCT has typically been applied in a ‘blanket’ longer dry periods. manner to all cows at drying off and there is little doubt that the In the post quota era, where shorter dry periods of 6 to 8 use of ADCT is highly effective and still plays an important role in weeks will become the norm, selection of dry cow tubes will the modern dairy herd. Long persisting antibiotic treatment at drying become more critical. Longer persisting antibiotic tubes will off, that has activity against Gram +ve bacteria in particular, have deliver better cure rates but will also run the risk of antibiotic been very efficacious at reducing the level of sub–clinical mastitis in residues being present when cows calve down. The ideal many herds, particularly caused by Staph aureus (the most commonly treatment will be long enough to result in a cure of subclinical isolated bacteria from mastitis samples) and Strep spp. However, mastitis and reduction in somatic cell count, and short enough in the post quota era, with the likelihood of shorter dry periods not to run the risk of antibiotic residues once the cow has calved. as well as consumer concerns over antibiotic use in food producing This ideal will be a tube with a dry period recommendation of animals, the blanket use of antibiotics is no longer sustainable. about 6 weeks/42 days.

Therefore it is timely to review our approach to dry cow therapy and Milk cannot be supplied to the co–op until 4 days after a cow more specifically, to the use of antibiotics in all cows at drying off. has calved. However once this period is over it would be desirable to supply milk. Unfortunately some dry cow tubes have withhold KEY POINTS periods of greater than 96 hours, so additonal milk has to be • Dry Cow Management includes discarded. o Good nutrition KEY POINT o A clean dry environment • Dry Cow tubes have different o Dry cow therapy which includes o minimum dry period lengths •Antibiotic intra–mammary tubes o milk withholding times after calving • Internal teat sealers • Dry Cow Therapy should IN CONCLUSION o Treat existing sub–clinical infections • Blanket dry cow therapy is highly efficacious at reducing sub clinical mastitis o Prevent new infections entering the udder • Antibiotic dry cow treatments need to persist long enough to allow a cure but not too long to cause antibiotic residue THE AIM OF DRY COW THERAPY problems There are 2 principle objectives; • An internal teat sealant allows cows to be protected against i. To cure subclinical infections acquired during the previous new infections, particularly at the end of the dry period lactation.These are principally gram +ve infections ii. To prevent new infections occurring.

REFERENCES The risk periods are illustrated in the graphs above (green area).

1: Green MJ, Green LE, Medley GF, Schukken YH, Bradley AJ. Influence of dry period Intramammary long acting antibiotic tubes alone cannot cover bacterial intramammary infection on clinical mastitis in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci the entire dry period, since one of the high risk periods is just 2002;85(10): 2589–99. before and around calving. If there were still therapeutic levels of 2:All-island Animal Disease Surveillance Report 2012

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FARM DESIGN: OPTIONS FOR SLURRY STORAGE

Slurry storage is very important especially in recent years given the increased level of environmental monitoring, writes Tom Byrne of Kilpark Planning & Design.

Drawing 3

I

n recent years slurry storage has proven crucial given the slats supported in the middle by a spine wall.The spine wall has increased rainfall especially if your farm is within a zone that two functions; requires 20 weeks or even 22 weeks storage.Those of us who 1. To act as a midpoint support for both rows of slats farm dry land and have a requirement of 16 week storage may 2. For circulation of slurry around the spine wall have even found a shortage of slurry storage a serious problem in A wide opening at each end of the spine wall is necessary so as the last number of years. Slurry storage options can vary depending not to restrict the flow of circulation. on the circumstances on the farm such as amount of stock, projected Drawing 2 shows the farm yard plan with the proposed shed stock figures, farm yard layout, existing buildings available within (shown in drawing 1) outlined in red.All buildings on the farm the farmyard and topography of the farm yard.This article looks at yard plan are labelled on the legend.The farm yard plan can be three different options for slurry storage commonly used on farms. very beneficial in helping farmers to plan for the future. Before Storage required can be a factor in helping to determine which deciding on the location of the proposed shed, all existing buildings option best suits you. For example; 1 dairy cow requires 0.33 cubic within the farmyard should be surveyed to ensure they are being meters per week, an additional 200mm of freeboard must be allowed for used to their maximum potential. on all tanks inside sheds or covered tanks outside where as an additional Drawing 3 shows a 3D image of the proposed shed. 3D visual proposal 300mm of freeboard must be allowed for outside uncovered tanks. on a project can be very beneficial from a design point of view.

1. Slatted tanks All slatted tanks should be designed to the department specification 2. Over ground slurry stores S.123.

3. Slurry lagoons

OVER GROUND SLURRY STORES

SLATTED TANKS

Drawing 4 shows an over ground slurry store.These are an option Drawing 1 shows floor plan layout of a proposed slatted shed which became popular over the last few years for additional slurry which is adjoining existing cubicle sheds.This farmer was expanding storage on farms.They are made from either glass fused steel, galvanised his stock numbers (Originally 40 dairy cows, expanding to 60 – steel or even concrete with either of the steel options probably being 70) and needed to increase his slurry storage as well as number of the most popular in this country.A major advantage of this option cubicles available. It was proposed to join the existing shed to the for storage is that it can be extended via additional rings added to proposed shed via a single span link onto an existing shed with an the top of the slurry store at a later date. Covers are also available existing slatted tank. By building the proposed shed adjoining the which reduces the amount of free board to be allowed for in calculations existing cubicle sheds and linking the two, it means that he will and thus maximizing the storage and use of the slurry store. have access to all his cubicles and milking parlour all under one This particular drawing was for a farmer whose farm yard was roof.The proposed shed contains a double row of cubicles with restricted in area (and is based on 60 – 80 dairy cows). His farmyard access points on both ends. One side of the double row of cubicles is surrounded by a neighbour’s farm lands with all his land being lead directly onto the slatted tank with a 16' 6" slat.The tank is 65' located on the opposite side of the road.This meant that a new 6" (19.93m) long within a four span shed with an agitation point at slatted shed or slatted tank adjacent to existing sheds were not an either end.The tank walls are 225mm with the slat load bearing option as space didn't allow.The slurry store has a diameter of 150mm there on.The shed is open on the south east face which 14.82 meters and a height of 4.5 meters which is made up of 3 x provides ventilation.The Shed also has a 2.4m overhang on the 1.5 meter rings.The store has capacity to hold 173,000 Gallons. south east face over the feeding barrier and feed area.

The tank is constructed on a concrete ring beam on top of 150mm Wider tanks can be used by placing a spine wall in the middle of hardcore.The ring beam surrounds a 150mm concrete floor.The the tank. For example a tank could have two rows of 12' 6" wide tank also comes with a safety platform with aluminium safety rails

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING and toe boards at the top of the ladder. It is fitted with two lockable emptying valves at the bottom of the tank around the circumference.

All over ground slurry stores should be constructed in compliance with the department specification S.122.

All slurry lagoons should be constructed in accordance with the department specification S.126.

CONCLUSION

Additional slurry storage on farms is specific to each farmyard and farm plan.The three options mentioned in this article are three Drawing 5 shows a slurry lagoon (based on 40 to 60 cows).A slurry different methods of storage but yet practical and specific to each lagoon is a third option for slurry storage on farms. In this particular situation. instance this dairy farmer had previously been using an old dung Planning permission is required by all additional slurry storage on stead for storage of slurry from dirty yards including the collecting farms such as the three examples mentioned in this article. yard and feeding areas where cows were standing for long periods. The procedures of work Kilpark Planning & Design carry out on With the risk of pollution from the old dung stead for storage. any given project are as follows: He decided to install a slurry lagoon as it suited his requirements • Initial on site consultation best.The purpose of the lagoon was to collect slurry from dirty • Provision of a fee proposal with all works clearly outlined yards as well as use as an over flow facility from an existing tank • Survey of farm yard / adjoining buildings / existing buildings on already in operation.The slurry lagoon has a capacity of 150,000 site

SLURRY LAGOONS

“Slurry storage options can vary depending on the circumstances on the farm such as amount of stock, projected stock figures, farm yard layout, existing buildings available within the farmyard” gallons and measures 20.6 meters x 20.6 meters at the top of the lagoon and 15.0 meters x 15.0 meters at the bottom.The lagoon is 2.8 meters deep with 0.3 meters allowable for free board included in this. It is surrounded by a 1.8 meter high fence which is located 1.0 meter back from the edge of the lagoon,for health and safety purposes which is crucial when dealing with all aspects of slurry storage.

The lagoon is constructed with 2.5mm thick high density polyethylene which is welded together.The liner is placed in an anchor trench around the top of the lagoon.There is a leak detection network underneath the liner, and in this case it leads to a 1000 litre leak detection tank which can be inspected and sampled when requested.

There is also a 3.6 meter wide pump agitation pad with access gate for agitation of slurry.

• 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 Kilpark Planning & Design, based in Askamore, Gorey, Co.Wexford has been undertaking farm building plans, farm yard layouts and planning applications for farm buildings for 12 years. It is owned and managed by Tom Byrne, a Chartered Architectural Technologist who comes from a farming background of dairy and sheep.

Contact Tom at Kilpark Planning & Design, Tel: 085 8194657, Email: tomkilpark@gmail.com or visit the following website: www.kilpark.ie

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FARM DESIGN: OPTIONS FOR SLURRY STORAGE Drawing 1

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FARM DESIGN: OPTIONS FOR SLURRY STORAGE Drawing 2

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FARM DESIGN: OPTIONS FOR SLURRY STORAGE Drawing 4

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FARM DESIGN: OPTIONS FOR SLURRY STORAGE Drawing 5

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SALMONELLA COSTS FARMERS MONEY: BETTER TO VACCINATE

Salmonella carriers in a herd of 100 cows can cost over €10,000 making it very important to control, writes Riona Sayers (AGRIC,Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork), Eugene O’ Doherty (Teagasc, Mountbellew Agricultural College, Co. Galway) and Laurence Shalloo (AGRIC,Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork).

SUMMARY · Infectious diseases result in a variety of clinical signs many of which are detrimental to the profitability of a dairy enterprise. · The presence of Salmonella carriers in a herd can result in losses of over €11,000 in an unvaccinated 100–cow Spring–calving dairy herd, making it an extremely important disease to control at farm level. · A combination of biosecurity, diagnostic testing, and vaccination will assist greatly in reducing the risk of disease introduction and spread, thereby minimising losses due to infectious disease. · If increasing cow numbers by ‘buying–in’, implement a strict purchasing policy being mindful of the potential for disease introduction.

INTRODUCTION The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) estimates that approximately 20% of animal production is lost due to unhealthy animals. While this is important at a global level in terms of ensuring food security for an increasing human population, it also highlights the potential production losses that can be experienced at farm level due to disease. Disease reduces farm profitability, and as importantly, reduces the well–being of domestic livestock.

Ill–health in animals can be caused by infectious agents, such as Salmonella species, BVD virus, Leptospirosis and the like, or by sub–optimal management which can result in disease entities such as mastitis, lameness, and additional production–related diseases. In any herd, farmers and veterinary practitioners must be mindful of both infectious and production diseases, prominent examples of which are outlined in Table 1.Additionally, the highest standards of animal welfare must be maintained at farm level in order to underpin disease control programmes.

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Table 1: Prominent production and infectious diseases on Irish dairy farms.

Production diseases

Infectious diseases

Mastitis

Leptospirosis

Lameness

Johne’s disease

Milk fever

IBR

Displaced abomasum

Parasitic disease

Ketosis

Salmonellosis

Calf scour and pneumonia

Lameness (infectious)

This article will concentrate on Salmonellosis, Leptospirosis, Neosporosis, and associated losses, but many of the preventative tools outlined will also prove useful in preventing the introduction and spread of many ‘so–called’ production diseases, such as mastitis and infectious causes of lameness. It is important to note, however, that ensuring the availability of adequate resources, including infrastructure, labour, and time, is often the most critical element in the control of production diseases.

COSTLY DISEASES Infectious diseases such as those listed in Table 1 result in a variety of clinical signs many of which are detrimental to the profitability of a dairy enterprise. Clinical and sub–clinical manifestations of infection can include reductions in milk yield, increased somatic cell count, increased levels of mortality (both youngstock and adults), poor conception rates, increased calving intervals, higher culling rates, increased rate of abortion, and sub–optimal body condition.Table 2 summarises a selection of the clinical signs that have been associated with various infectious diseases by both national and international researchers.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING Disease

Milk Yield

SCC

Infertility

Abortion

Calf Mortality BCS

BVD

IBR

Johne’s disease

Leptospirosis

Mastitis

Neosporosis Parasitic disease

Salmonellosis

Table 2: Clinical and sub–clinical manifestations of a number of infectious diseases present on Irish dairy herds.

INDIVIDUAL DISEASE LOSSES

Photograph courtesy of Dr. John Mee, AGRIC, Teagasc, Moorepark.

To quantify these losses in greater detail,Teagasc has undertaken a number of epidemiological research projects. More specifically, the prevalence of exposure to Salmonella species, Neospora caninum and Leptospira species, three prominent causes of infectious abortion in Ireland, was determined.These data were subsequently used to quantify losses experienced on dairy farms due to these infectious agents.The study involved investigations of 312 herds which were members of HerdPlus®, a breeding information decision support tool for farmers co–ordinated by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF). Herds were geographically representative of the Irish dairy population and the study population contained a full spectrum of herd sizes ranging from 30 to 500 cows.The production effects associated with exposure to each of the pathogens were defined under three categories; (i) milk production, (ii) reproduction/ fertility (including culling), and (iii) livestock mortality.

The Moorepark Dairy Systems Model was used to quantify production losses. It is important to note that not all individuals infected with

“Urinary shedding is the most efficient method of transmission of Leptospira hardjo between cattle with susceptible cattle becoming infected through ingestion or inhalation of leptospires from the contaminated environment” These bacteria are transmitted by faecal–oral spread i.e. carriers shed Salmonella in dung and other individuals ingest the bacteria and become infected.

Bulk milk analysis has highlighted that approximately half of SALMONELLOSIS Salmonella species are a group of bacteria that cause disease in Irish dairy herds have evidence of exposure to Salmonella. The a number of species including humans, cattle, pigs, sheep and horses. majority of infected herds are located in the dairy dense Munster region.The economic analysis of the impact of Salmonella in dairy herds showed that the presence of Salmonella carriers in a herd can result in losses of over €11,000 in an unvaccinated 100–cow Spring–calving dairy herd.These losses were mainly due to reductions in milk yield and increases in mortality. Vaccination has been shown to have a significant role to play in recouping these losses, highlighting the importance of vaccination with regard to farm profitability. Based on economic studies completed thus far by Teagasc researchers, Salmonellosis is one of the most costly diseases on Irish dairy farms.

these pathogens will show any signs of disease and it is these sub–clinical carriers that can silently damage dairy production.

LEPTOSPIROSIS Leptospirosis is widespread on Irish dairy farms and, similar to Salmonella, vaccination is a key component in its control. Urinary shedding is the most efficient method of transmission of Leptospira hardjo between cattle with susceptible cattle becoming infected through ingestion or inhalation of leptospires from the contaminated environment. Leptospires may also persist in the genital tract of

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cattle thus leading to reproductive failure. Leptospira organisms have been found in the semen of bulls and can be transferred to cows during natural service.

The clinical manifestations of leptospirosis in cattle include a sudden decrease or cessation in milk production known as “milk drop syndrome” and abortion.The economic analysis completed highlighted that exposure of a dairy herd to L. hardjo resulted in a reduction in annual farm profits of €13.83, €13.78, and €13.72 per cow at milk prices of 24.5, 29.5, and 34.5 cents per litre due to compromised reproductive performance. It should be noted, however, that herds vaccinated for L. hardjo generated almost €10 more profit per cow than unvaccinated exposed herds.With 86% of Irish dairy farms recording exposure to Leptospira, a vaccination programme is economically justified.The zoonotic potential of leptospira species provides additional justification for vaccination.

NEOSPOROSIS Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that was first described as recently as 1988. Dogs and related canids such as foxes are definitive hosts of this parasite and cattle become infected as accidental hosts which assist in completion of the parasite’s lifecycle. Transmission of the parasite is most efficient in utero with a dam passing the infection to her off–spring.

Once Neospora enters a herd, therefore, it will continue to cycle through generations unless carriers are identified and culled.

Exposure to N. caninum has been shown to result in a reduction in annual farm profit of approximately €12 per cow, due mainly to poor reproductive performance and an increase in adult cow mortality. Control of N. caninum is difficult, in that dogs and foxes transmit the disease to cattle. As yet, no vaccine is licensed in Europe for N. caninum and control centres on feed and grazing–area hygiene i.e. reducing access of canines to cattle feed and pasture.

Calving hygiene is also critical in terms of removal of calving membranes thereby preventing further infection of farm dogs or foxes.

CONTROL Control of the pathogens listed above is of critical importance to dairy farmers. Biosecurity is the single most important contributor to the prevention of infectious diseases and subsequent losses on a farm. Biosecurity in its simplest form means the implementation of measures to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious diseases. Implementation of a strict closed herd policy is a critical component of disease control.A closed herd policy (i.e. no cattle movement onto the farm, including bulls) combined with on–farm biosecurity measures such as stock and disease–proof boundaries (3 meter gap between neighbouring farms to prevent nose to nose contact), footbaths, restriction of visitors and disinfected veterinary equipment will optimise protection against the introduction of infectious diseases onto a farm. If feasible, a closed herd policy should be the primary biosecurity measure implemented.

It is important to note, however, that not all individuals infected

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with these pathogens will show any symptoms and it is these sub–clinical carriers that can silently damage dairy production.

This highlights the importance of including diagnostic testing into a disease control programme – test results allow informed decisions to be made with regard to effectively controlling disease at farm level and informing strategic vaccination programmes.

Vaccines play a hugely important role in the control of many infectious diseases including Salmonellosis, Leptospirosis and IBR. Their use, however, without the implementation of a biosecurity plan and the supporting knowledge provided by diagnostic testing, could potentially undermine their effectiveness in a disease control programme. In order to give a vaccination programme the maximum chance of success, it should be supported by appropriate biosecurity measures and testing (Figure 1).

Additionally, it is of critical importance to administer vaccines correctly.The most important components of a vaccination programme are correct administration of the particular product according to manufacturer’s instructions.

This must include accurate administration of the correct dose,correct site of administration of the product, and the correct dosing schedule.Teagasc has compiled a vaccination booklet in 2015 for a dairy farmer which is available on request from AGRIC,Teagasc, Moorepark.

Figure 1: Components of an effective on–farm disease control programme to reduce disease–related farm losses.

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EXPANSION IN 2015 Keeping a dairy herd free of disease is challenging at the best of times. During an expansion phase, however, the risk to the health of a herd increases dramatically. It has been shown in numerous international and Irish studies that increasing herd size poses a greater disease risk.This is particularly true where expanding herds purchase new stock, increase farm fragmentation (including contract heifer rearing), and introduce new management systems, including a new labour structure, to the farm. Purchase of livestock has been shown to increase the risk of having Salmonella and Leptospira carriers in particular, on Irish dairy farms.

CONCLUSION The presence of Salmonella, Leptospira, and Neospora on Irish dairy farms reduces overall farm profitability on an annual basis.

Vaccination for both Salmonella and Leptospirosis are both economically justified and should be implemented on all Irish dairy farms from both a human and animal health point of view.

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MEASURING PROFIT AND CASH FLOW FOR BETTER DECISIONS AND IMPROVED PROFITS

Dairy farmers need to use the available financial management tools to ensure that they manage their farm business for maximum profit and cash flow, writes Dr.Tom O’Dwyer, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer Teagasc.

ach farmer must decide what level of income they require to support their desired lifestyle and for re– investment and then set a plan to reach that target. Using the Teagasc tools – eProfit Monitor (ePM) and Cost Control Planner (CCP) – can help you to improve both profit and cash flow for your farm business.

Quotas. But this may not be the right option for currently in–efficient farms. Keep in mind that it should be a case of ‘better before bigger’ If a farmer corrects inefficiencies, for example a poor calving pattern, it can result in increased milk sales without any additional cows or other significant capital investments.

2. Increasing the price received for milk sold:With the majority of Irish milk products exported onto the global market, the scope for farmers to significantly increase this element of the equation is WHAT IS PROFIT? Profit is what is left after paying the operating expenses, interest limited. It is also dependent on milk processors and Ornua marketing and allowing for depreciation for the business. Farm businesses are higher value products.That said, dairy farmers must follow recommended run to generate a profit. Generally the better the business is run, practices to maximise their milk price by avoiding all penalties and the bigger the profit that results, unless something unforeseen availing of quality bonuses offered. happens.The business needs profit to pay the manager (i.e.YOU), 3. Reducing Variable Costs:The farmer has control over the volumes re–invest in new business assets so that the business will grow and used and price paid for most Variable Cost items e.g. meal, fertiliser, generate more profit, (building up cash is also important) and repay AI, veterinary, contractor. Every cost must be examined and justified, principal to lenders. especially in periods of volatile milk prices.

Dairy farm profit can be calculated using the profit equation 4. Reducing Fixed Costs; Fixed Costs can often appear to be more represented in Figure 1. Profit can be increased by increasing difficult to tackle than Variable Costs. But perhaps it is more a case of revenue, reducing costs or a combination of both.All four parts of ‘fixed minds’ rather than fixed costs being the problem. All investment the profit equation offer opportunity to improve profitability.The decisions must be critically evaluated as they can have a big impact on most appropriate route for you to improve farm profitability will the farm's fixed costs through the interest and depreciation figures. depend on your farm circumstances.

Labour costs and machinery costs can be tackled – even in the short term. Regular maintenance can save on expensive repairs.

Finally, remember that your costs are someone else’s income.

Reducing your on–farm costs will allow you to keep more of your receipts for yourself. Every 1 cent per litre reduction in costs for a farm producing 500,000 litres is an extra €5,000 in profit to you.

There are plenty of people who will try to convince you otherwise.

Figure 1: The Profit Equation But you must be committed to a ‘low–cost attitude’. New Zealand dairy farmer,Louis Kurriger,speaking at the 2009 Teagasc Dairy Conference IMPROVING FARM PROFIT reminded farmers that ‘bells and whistles cost money’.

1. Increasing the quantity of milk solids sold: Getting bigger is Finally you should never spend money with the sole aim of reducing now an option for all farmers following the removal of EU Milk your tax bill; if you don’t really need it, don’t purchase it.

E

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PROFIT V CASH FLOW?

Step 2: This is the creation of an annual cash flow budget using Teagasc Cost Control Planner (or other suitable cash flow budgeting Teagasc colleague, Kevin Connolly, has previously outlined how while a farm is generating a profit, that profit is also being used to tool).

Step 3: This involves the recording of all cash flows (money in cover a number of expenses including: tax, loan repayments, and money out) and comparing these against the budget. living expenses (drawings) and investment in new assets. It can Finally, at the end of the year, you can once again measure the often be the case that the full amount of profit generated during financial performance of the business; and then the cycle starts again. the year will have been used up during the year meeting these expenses. Consequently you can hear farmers saying that their business appears profitable but that they don’t seem to have the cash to match the profit figure on their farm accounts. Farmers must get a better handle on the cash flow through their business and in particular the timing of that cash flow, not just wait until the end of the year to see the profit figure on the farm accounts.

Even more important is to identify the amount of ‘discretionary cash’ available – this is the cash that you have freedom to distribute having met the required cash costs of principal repayments and taxation. Once this figure is known, the farmer has total control on where it is spent – either as drawings, re–investment, accelerated Figure 2: Farm Business Monitoring debt repayments or savings.

“Knowing your cash flow allows you to control cash flow allocation.

Waiting until you know your profit means that the allocation has already happened.”

Kevin Connolly, Teagasc National Dairy Conference 2013

A THREE STAGE PROCESS Teagasc recommends a three step approach to farm business monitoring (see Figure 2).

Step 1: This involves an analysis of current farm performance using the Teagasc eProfit Monitor analysis tool.

The remainder of this article focuses firstly on the Teagasc eProfit Monitor financial analysis tool and secondly on cash flow monitoring.

TEAGASC EPROFIT MONITOR The Teagasc eProfit Monitor (ePM) is an online financial analysis tool available to all Teagasc clients. Dairy farmers work with their Teagasc Dairy Adviser to gather the data required. Once the data is entered and analysed, the Adviser can produce a range of reports for each enterprise (dairy, replacements, cattle and tillage) or the overall farm. If the farmer has carried out an ePM analysis on a yearly basis, multiple year reports tracking performance over a number of years can be generated. In addition, if the farmer is a

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING member of a discussion group, a group report can be produced The main messages from the results presented in Table 1 are: allowing each individual farmer to benchmark their performance • Compared with the average farm, the highest net profit farms with other group members. had larger herd sizes (+ 9 cows), were more highly stocked (+ 0.49 By using Teagasc ePM to measure your farm’s financial performance, LU/Ha), included more grass in the diet of the cow (+ 2.7 tDM/Ha) you will be able to evaluate where your business is currently, has and produced a greater yield of milk solids per hectare (+ 303 kg been and is going; identify the areas that need changing to improve MS/Ha). financial performance; and check if changes made have had the desired positive effect.The analysis will allow you to examine the • The top 10% of farms had a higher output than the average three key components of your farm’s financial performance: (1) farm of an additional 1.7 cpl or €1,699 per hectare. 61% of the output; (2) costs of production; and (3) costs of asset investment. difference in output was due to higher milk price on the top 10% All three are important to the performance and financial well–being of farms. of the business.

If you want to complete the Teagasc ePM analysis for your business, • The top 10% of farms had lower variable costs on a per litre you should contact your Teagasc Adviser today and request a Profit basis (which was the focus in the quota era) but higher variable Monitor analysis. costs on a per hectare basis (reflecting the higher stocking rate).

Alternatively, email profit.monitor@teagasc.ie requesting the analysis and you will be put in contact with an adviser to get the • Fixed costs per hectare were similar on both groups of farms analysis completed. but were lower on a per litre basis on the top 10% of farms (reflecting increased stocking rate and cow numbers).

• The average spring milk dairy farm in 2014 generated a net profit of €1,806 per ha compared to €3,255 per ha (a difference of €1,449 or an additional 80%) on the top 10% of farms.

Figure 3: What is measured is managed

2014 TEAGASC EPROFIT MONITOR RESULTS Teagasc produces an ePM Report on an annual basis.

The results in Table 1 are a summary of the key results from the 2014 Profit Monitor analysis of 1,363 spring milk dairy.

Further results are available in the Teagasc publication available at http://www.teagasc.ie/publications/PublicationsBy.aspx

There is always variation in farm business performance.This has been the case, and will continue to be the case in the future.The top performing farms are those with a combination of high output and low costs (although not necessarily the highest output and lowest costs).The top performing farms have found that ‘sweet spot’ which allows them to maximise the returns for their labour, management skills and capital.

The 2014 Teagasc ePM Report highlights that there is scope for many farmers to improve their financial performance through a combination of increased output and cost control. How does your farm’s financial performance compare with the figures in Table 1?

If you don’t know, isn’t it time that you completed a Teagasc ePM analysis for your farm? Talk to your Teagasc Adviser now about completing the Teagasc ePM analysis for your farm.

Table 1: Teagasc eProfit Monitor results 2014 (Source: Teagasc eProfit Monitor Analysis: Dairy Farms 2014) Average

Top 10%*

97 45 2.17 8.5

106 40 2.66 11.2

82 5,133 872

84 5567 1,175

Physical Herd Size (No. cows) Dairy Ha Stocking rate (LU/ha) Grass used (t DM/ha) Grass in diet (% total DM consumed) Milk yield (litres/cow) Milk solids (kg/ha) Financial Gross Output Variable Costs Gross Margin Fixed Costs Net Profit excl. premia

€/Ha 4,392 1,437 2,955 1,148 1,806

* Ranked on Net Profit per hectare

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cpl 39.43 12.90 26.53 10.31 16.21

€/Ha 6,091 1,669 4,422 1,167 3,255

cpl 41.13 11.27 29.86 7.88 21.98

Figure 4: Spring milk dairy farms 2014 – Key Performance Indicators

COMPLETING A CASH FLOW BUDGET Having completed the Teagasc ePM analysis, the next step is to complete an annual cash flow budget for your farm business.

Creating a cash flow budget can appear a daunting task.Teagasc advice is to start by completing an annual budget before then allocating receipts and costs on a quarterly or monthly basis. Remember that budgeting isn’t an exact science but that in most cases a ‘best estimate’ is better than ‘no estimate’.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING Having taken the time to prepare a cash flow budget for your The starting point in the cash flow budgeting process is a review of all your receipts and payments for the previous 12–months farm, don’t file it away and forget about it. Use it to guide all your period. For example, the figures gathered for the previous year’s decisions during the year.While the thoughts of monitoring cash ePM analysis should be examined with your Teagasc Adviser.These flow on a regular basis may seem like too much work for many figures can provide a basis for your current year’s budget. farmers, there are tools available.

At the same time, you also need to consider all planned changes One of these is the Teagasc Cost Control Planner which is a MS to production levels for the current year.

Excel tool for recording and monitoring ‘money into’ and ‘money The next step involves estimating your likely cash receipts and out’ of the farm business. cash payments for the current year. Cash receipts will include milk Other cash flow recording options include farm software packages sales, livestock sales, direct payments and other income (farm and (e.g. AgriNet, Kingswood Computing); general accounts software non–farm). For some receipts it may be easier to think of the number packages (e.g. Big Red Book, QuickBooks, Sage); or use of a farm of units (litres, numbers) and the likely price per unit (c/litre, €/head). transaction recording service (e.g. service provided by IFAC accountants While a review of last year’s expenses can help you in arriving at or local book–keeper). likely figures for the coming year, remember that ‘if you do what Whichever option is chosen, the key is to record cash flows on a you always did, you will get what you always got’. So you may need monthly basis and review actual cash flow versus budget quarterly. to take a different approach in the current year.All costs must be That way corrective action can be taken if cash flow is behind questioned and justified for your business. target and decisions can be taken on how best to treat a cash The next step involves estimating all other cash costs likely to be flow surplus. incurred during the year. This can include stock purchases, on–farm investments (if to be financed by a new bank loan, you must include CONCLUSION the new loan as a receipt), loan repayments and personal/ living While Net Profit will always be an important indicator of business expenses (including estimated pension contribution and tax bill). financial performance, monitoring cash flow is equally important.

Having estimated all cash receipts and all cash costs, you can With many farmers now actively growing their dairy businesses, now calculate your annual cash flow surplus or deficit. If you are there will be increased pressure on cash flow. not satisfied, you will need to re–examine your budget figures.

Remember you can plan to generate a cash flow surplus at the end Retaining stock to increase herd size, meeting new loan repayments and investing in improving farm infrastructure will all put pressure of the year. on cash flow.

Once you have completed the annual budget, you can move on Dairy farmers need to use the available financial management to creating a quarterly or monthly budget.This involves allocating tools to ensure that they manage their farm business for maximum the annual receipt or payment amount to either a quarter or a profit and cash flow. specific month.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

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

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

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

T

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

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

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

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

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

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

20

1.4 episodes of lameness @

€296.61 per cow

20 x €296.61 =

€5932.20

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

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

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

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

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

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

For further information visit www.slatmats.com

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LAND DRAINAGE COSTS & BENEFITS

Site investigation is crucial to diagnosing drainage problems. Drainage is an expensive business, so make sure you have the right solution and that it makes business sense to invest in drainage, writes James O’Loughlin and Pat Tuohy (Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre,Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork) and Owen Fenton (Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme,Teagasc, Johnstown Castle,Wexford).

INTRODUCTION

CAUSES OF IMPEDED DRAINAGE

The abolition of milk quotas this year has heralded a renewed interest in land drainage as dairy farmers look to see where extra grass production may be achieved within their own land base.

Beef and sheep farmers also seek to improve their land but enterprise margins are often a restricting factor. From the work of the Teagasc Heavy Soils Programme it is clear that a significant increase in grass production can be achieved with an appropriate drainage programme. It is also clear that on many heavy farms there are deficits in existing drain maintenance, soil fertility and farm infra–structure (farm roadways and paddock access) which should be addressed before any new drainage is undertaken.

The difficulties of drainage problems in Ireland are largely due to our complex geological and glacial history. Glacial processes led to the formation of rolling and undulating landscapes, made up of haphazardly sorted rock and soil materials. Layers of varying texture and composition have the effect of irregularly distributing groundwater flow, with fine textured soils acting as a barrier to movement, impeding drainage, and lenses of gravels and sands promoting water flow, transmitting groundwater over large areas with resulting seepages and springs on lower ground.

The rate at which water moves through a soil, hydraulic conductivity, varies enormously depending on the soil type and management.

Open gravelly soils have a capacity for water flow that is hundreds of thousands of times that of compacted heavy clay. In free draining soils the rate at which water flows downwards through the soil is always greater than that being supplied by rainfall. In poorly drained soils the rate of infiltration at the soil surface is regularly exceeded by the rainfall rate due to:

DRAINAGE Review of existing drainage should be carried out before any new drainage is considered.Are water courses clean? Are there drainage pipes blocked? Have drains broken down? If an old drainage system failed, what was the reason? All these issues should be resolved before any new drainage work is considered.

The next step is then detailed investigations using test pits to identify the drainage problem, a solution must then be selected and an estimate of the cost calculated.A cost/benefit analysis should be carried out.What are the economic returns to the business of this investment? Is there cash flow to fund the investment?

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· Low hydraulic conductivity in the subsoil (or a layer of the subsoil) · High water table due to low lying position and poor/poorly–maintained outfall · Upward movement of water from seepage and spring

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING Due to the risk of drain collapse, deep drains are normally excavated OBJECTIVES OF LAND DRAINAGE with a tracked digger with a special deep–drain trapezoidal bucket To achieve effective drainage the works will have to solve one or with a bottom width of about 200 mm. For small jobs a 300mm or more of these problems and possibly a combination of all three. similar sized bucket may be used but the side walls must be well The objective of any form of land drainage is to lower the water–table battered (sloped) to avoid cave–ins.While these drains are more providing suitable conditions for grass growth and utilization.A difficult to install, they are very cost effective as so few are required. controlled water table promotes deeper rooting of plants, in this Where groundwater seepage and springs are identified, deep drains, case grass, which improves sward productivity. It also improves 2 to 3 m BGL can be used to intercept flow. Pipe drains are most load–bearing capacity of the soil and lessens the damage caused effective in or on the aquifer (layer transmitting groundwater flow by grazing and machinery.When planning any drainage programme, characterised by high water breakthrough). This issue is very site specific. the potential of the land to be drained needs to be first assessed Clean aggregate stone should be used to surround the land–drain to determine if the costs incurred will result in an economic pipe in conventional and deep drains.The gravel should be filled return through additional yield and utilisation of the grass or to a minimum depth of 300 mm from the bottom of the drain to other crops grown. Some thought is needed in deciding the most cover the pipe.The stone should provide maximum connectivity appropriate part of the farm to drain. From a management point to a layer of high hydraulic conductivity.The purpose of a drain of view it is better to drain that land which is nearer to the pipe is to facilitate a path of least resistance for water flow. In farmyard and work outwards: however, it may be more beneficial long drain lengths (greater than 30m) a drain pipe is vital to allow to decide where to commence works once the drainage potential a high a flow–rate as possible from the drain, stone backfill alone has been established by site investigation.This ensures a better is unlikely to have sufficient flow capacity to cater for the water return on the investment. volume collected. Only short drain lengths (less than 30m, or the upstream 30m of any drain) are capable of operating at full efficiency DRAINAGE INVESTIGATIONS The land drainage problems encountered in Ireland are complex without a pipe. and varied and a full understanding of the issues involved is required before commencing drainage works.The first step is a detailed investigation into the causes of poor drainage. Knowledge of previous drainage schemes in the area, and their effectiveness will often guide the investigations.A number of test pits (at least 2.5 m deep) should be excavated within the area to be drained.The test pits should be dug in areas that are representative of the area as a whole.As the test pits are dug, the faces of the pits are observed, soil type should be established and the rate and depth of water seepage into the test pit (if any) recorded.Visible cracking, areas of looser soil and rooting depth should be noted as these can convey important information regarding the drainage status of the different layers.The depth and type of the drain to be installed will depend on the interpretation of the characteristics revealed by the test pits.

TYPES OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM Two principle types of drainage system are distinguished: · Groundwater drainage system:A network of piped drains establishing a deep drainage base in the soil.

Figure 1a. Test pit excavation

· Shallow drainage system:These are used where soil is clayey (heavy) and infiltration of water is impeded at all depths

Groundwater Drainage System In test pits a strong inflow of water or seepages from the faces of the pit walls indicates that layers of high hydraulic conductivity are present. Under these circumstances the use of a piped drainage system is advised.The installation of a piped drain at the depth of inflow will facilitate the removal of groundwater assuming a suitable outfall is available. Conventional piped drains at depths of 0.8 to 1.5 m below ground level (BGL) have been successful where they encounter layers of high hydraulic conductivity. However, where layers with high hydraulic conductivity are deeper than this, deep drains are required. Deep piped drains are usually installed at a depth of 1.5–2.5 m and at spacings of 15–50 m, depending on the slope of the land and the hydraulic conductivity and thickness of the drainage layer. Piped drains should always be installed across the slope to intercept as much groundwater as possible, with open drains and main piped drains running in the direction of maximum slope.

Figure 1b Drainage trench excavation

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Shallow Drainage Systems Where a test pit shows little ingress of water at any depth a shallow drainage system is required.These soils that have no obvious permeable layer and very low hydraulic conductivity are more difficult to drain. Shallow drainage systems are those that aim to improve the capacity of the soil to transmit water, these include mole drainage and gravel mole drainage.The aim of these drainage techniques is to improve hydraulic conductivity by fracturing and cracking the soil and to form a network of closely spaced channels.

Mole drainage is suited to soils with high clay content which form stable channels. Mole drains are formed with a mole plough comprised of a torpedo–like cylindrical foot attached to a narrow leg, followed by a slightly larger diameter cylindrical expander.

The foot and trailing expander form the mole channel while the leg creates a narrow slot that extends from the soil surface down to the mole channel depth.The success of mole drainage depends on the formation of cracks in the soil that radiate from the tip of the mole plough at shallow depths as the soil is displaced forwards, sideways and upwards. Below a critical depth, dependent on soil mechanical strength and mole plough geometry, the soil flows forwards and sideways, bringing about compaction at the foot of the plough.Thus the action of the mole plough creates both a zone of increased hydraulic conductivity adjacent to the mole leg (shallower depths) and a channel for water conveyance and outflow at moling depth.

The effectiveness of mole drains depends on the extent of suitable cracking during installation.As such the ideal time for carrying out mole drainage is during dry summer conditions, this will cause maximum cracking in the upper soil layers as well as facilitating adequate traction preventing wheel–spin on the surface.

gravel mole plough carries a hopper which has a hydraulically operated shutter to control the flow of gravel; the gravel chute also has an adjustable door which regulates the height of gravel in the mole channel. During the operation the hopper is filled using a loading shovel or alternatively a belt conveyor from an adjacent gravel cart. Gravel moles require a very specific size range of gravel aggregate to ensure that they function properly.Washed aggregate within a 10–20 mm size range should be used.

Figure 3a. Drain Installation

Figure 3b. Operation and filling of gravel mole plough

Figure 2a. Mole plough showing cylindrical foot and expander.

Sub–soiling is used effectively where an iron pan or cemented layer impedes drainage.The effect is to break the layer and crack the soil.A stable outlet channel will not be formed.

Collector drains, which are installed across the slope at 0.75 m BGL, are required for all mole drains. Depending on the topography Figure 2b Cracking and channel formation and slope the collector drains will be at a spacing of 10–40 m.

Gravel filled moles employ the same principles as ordinary mole A larger spacing reduces costs but results in a higher chance of failure.The mole drains themselves are drawn at right angles to drains but are required where an ordinary mole will not remain open for a sufficiently long period to render its application economical. the collectors (up–slope) at spacings of 1.0–1.5 m and a depth of approximately 0.4–0.5 m. Stone backfill for collectors should be This is the case in unstable soils having lower clay content.The filled to within 250 mm of the surface to ensure interconnection mole channel is formed in a similar manner but the channel is with the mole channels. then filled with gravel which supports the channel walls. The

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING Figure 4. Mole ploughing showing intersection with a piped collector drain.

gravel mole drains, Castleisland mix of gravel mole drains and sub–soiling, Lisselton, Ballinagree and Crossmolina all ground water (deep) drainage.

CASE STUDY We were asked to do a site investigation last year on a dairy farm in County Mayo.The field in question was 15 acres on the side of a hill running down to a flat area with a stream running though the valley.

The problems encountered by the farmer were that the upper part of the field was constantly wet, the side of the hill was difficult to graze and the bottom of the field was very wet for much of the year. Site investigation by digging several test pits showed the following: · Upper part of the field was getting large discharges of water from a spring.This was solved by tapping spring at depth of 1.8 metres and carrying this at depth to the stream.

OUTFALLS/MAINTENANCE

Every drainage scheme is only as good as its outfall. Cleaning and · The side of the hill had a very sticky muddy sub–soil which had upgrading of open drains acting as outfalls from land drains is an very poor permeability. Solution here was to install collector important step in any drainage scheme. Before commencing land drains at 20 metre spacings across the hill and pull gravel mole drainage the proposed outfall should be assessed and where necessary drains with the fall. upgraded.

Open drains, running in the direction of maximum slope, should · The bottom part of the field had a layer of peat (60cms) over a blue mud sub–soil which revealed a permeable layer at 1.7 metres. be established to as great a depth as possible.This will maximise the potential for land drainage, with associated benefits. Spoil from This was a ground water problem and the solution was deep such works, where suitable, can be spread over the adjoining land drains at 1.7 metres with an 80mm pipe and 60cm of clean stone filling depressions and should not impede surface runoff to the (10 – 40 mm). watercourse. Unsuitable spoil should be buried and covered with CONCLUSIONS topsoil or removed to waste ground.

There is enormous potential for developing our land resources When a drainage scheme has been completed, the layout should be drawn and noted on a farm map.This map can then be used as through effective land drainage.

The drainage problems are as a result of two major factors; High a guide when maintaining the works, as well as a record of the works. Land drain outlets should be regularly cleaned and maintained, excess rainfall and a complex geological and glacial history.There is a need for a better understanding of the underlying causes of especially if open drains are cleaned/upgraded as this may result

“When a drainage scheme has been completed, the layout should be drawn and noted on a farm map.This map can then be used as a guide when maintaining the works, as well as a record of the works” in blockages at the drain outlet.The use of a concrete or un–perforated plastic pipe over the end of the drain pipe, minimum 1 m in length, will protect the outlet from damage and will make locating and maintaining it easier.

COSTS Table below shows the range of costs per hectare on farms on the Heavy Soils Programme. Doonbeg required mole drains,Athea

drainage problems and of the design and implementation of appropriate drainage systems.

There are many reasons for poor performance on heavy soils: poor soil fertility, low levels of perennial ryegrass and poorly maintained existing drainage.

All these issues should be addressed before major investment in drainage is considered.

Underlying all drainage work must be the economic returns to the farming business.

Drainage is costly, therefore, it is imperative that the correct drainage solution is chosen and it must improve the levels of grass production and utilization.A drainage system once installed must have regular maintenance.

KEY MESSAGE Site investigation is crucial to diagnosing drainage problems.

Drainage is an expensive business, make sure you have the right solution and that it makes business sense to invest in drainage.

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PRODUCT NEWS WELL-KNOWN FARM PARTNERSHIP IS AHEAD OF THE CURVE FOR HOT WATER SOLUTIONS he innovative and successful farm partnership of Andrew controller that allowed the water to be heated from anywhere between Purcell of Kiltallaght farm and Alf McGlew of Rinkinstown farm 37°C to 80°C. When it is switched on, the water heater is designed to at Termonfeckin in Co. Louth is once more ahead of the industry heat up to 80°C, effectively killing any bacteria.As one heater produces curve by switching from electricity to LPG for its dairy operations.

140 litres of hot water in 10 minutes, using two would mean 280 litres The farming partnership has garnered quite a bit of media coverage, of hot water in the same time period. Furthermore, the Flogas LPG including appearances on RTE’s hugely popular Ear to the Ground and tank is fitted with a state of the art telemetry system to monitor usage.

Nationwide programmes.Andrew and Alf’s busy operation comprises It alerts Flogas as to when the tank needs to be refilled and a timely delivery of a 300 strong herd and a wash–down period of 30 minutes. The is scheduled.Andrew and Alf immediately saw the advantages of the new planned increase to 25 milking points from the existing 20 and the system and work commenced in early February 2014.The installation replacement of the existing 10,000 litre storage tank with a 20,000 was a short,one–day,process and no day–to–day activities were interrupted litre version once the milk quotas were abolished would dramatically while it was taking place, another bonus for the busy farm. Both men increase their need for large amounts of hot water on demand. say they cannot believe how well it’s been working for them.

Like many others, the farm’s current system of heating water by Andrew said,“The new Flogas system is working brilliantly for our electricity, then storing and reheating before use, was proving costly as business and we are delighted with the sheer efficiency of it. the majority of it had to be done on the electricity day rate rather The instantaneous hot water is incredible; we now never have to than the cheaper night one and its annual electricity bill would only worry about running out, whereas previously we would have had to increase once the extra milking points were installed. They began conserve our hot water carefully to ensure we had enough for the researching more effective and cost–effective ways to deal with the day. It’s made our daily activities a lot easier and ensures that we issue and approached Flogas to see if the company could offer a more constantly have spotlessly clean milk lines, tanks and premises.” tailored solution for their business.Tom Wall, Flogas sales executive, Tom Wall, Flogas sales executive, said,“Basically, the system is visited the farm with a local approved LPG installer to undertake a tailormade for the needs of a dairy farm and the excellent feedback free site survey and present a proposal to them. The solution was we’ve been getting from those who’ve made the switch is bearing this simple – two 56kw Andrews FASTflo water heaters would be installed out. The primary benefit is, of course, the instant hot water on onto either an internal or external wall (no additional weather protection demand but now all the farm’s needs are being met for the equivalent required) and then piped to a Flogas LPG tank placed on–site. of the night rate electricity rather than the more expensive daily rate.”

The new heating system provides on–demand hot water at whatever Flogas Ireland Ltd, Donore Road, Drogheda, Co Louth. temperature was required, determined by an easy to use temperature Phone: +353 (0) 41 9831041. Web: www.flogas.ie/dairy

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GO FURTHER, FOR LONGER, FOR LESS WITH SHELL DID YOU KNOW? 1. Shell is the largest producer of lubricants in the world* 2. Some of the world’s top manufacturers (OEMs) choose Shell as the first–fill engine oil for new vehicles & machinery in their factories.

They continue to use a range of our products for ongoing servicing.

3. Shell invest nearly €1 billion per annum across their international Research & Development centres.Their world–class scientists work in creating some of the most advanced lubricant products available.

4. Shell have created the first synthetic engine oil designed from natural gas.The revolutionary gas–to–liquids (GTL) process converts natural gas into a crystal–clear base oil with virtually none of the impurities found in crude oil. * Source: Kline & Company, Competitive Intelligence for the Global Lubricants Industry, 2008–2018.

DESIGNED TO INCREASE PROFITABILITY To be profitable in the agricultural industry you rely on modern, sophisticated machinery and this equipment requires high–quality lubricants with outstanding performance.

You need to protect your high–powered equipment in all conditions and while operating at high capacity. Shell appreciates the need for operational reliability–particularly during peak periods. From heavy–duty engine oils to specialist final–drive lubricants, Shell supplies a wide range of innovative products and supporting services backed up by international expertise.

Our lubricants protect your warranty agreements by meeting equipment manufacturer and industry specifications and they can help you to prolong machinery life, reduce maintenance costs and emissions in addition to increasing equipment reliability.

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Shell harnesses technology to deliver value through the creation of solutions such as energy–efficient and long–life lubricants in response to customers’ needs.All Shell lubricant products are subjected to rigorous development programmes and Shell works closely with many equipment manufacturers to develop products that are approved or suitable for use in your machinery.

FULL PRODUCT PORTFOLIO Triska Energy offers a comprehensive product range that is designed to help you easily select the right lubricants for your needs including: • Heavy–duty diesel engine oils (HDDEs) • Universal tractor transmission oils (UTTOs) • Super tractor oils universal (STOUs) • Gear and axle oils • Hydraulic fluids • Greases

WORLD–LEADING SERVICES The Shell LubeAnalyst oil condition monitoring service is also offered as a health check for your lubricants and machinery.

It is designed to help reduce costs through: • Identifying potential oil or vehicle failures before they become critical • Extending oil–drain intervals, thus reducing change–out downtimes and procurement costs • Lowering risks and contributing to safe and reliable operations For further information please call +353 (0) 1 295 8972 or visit www.triska.ie

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS

NEW ANIMAL HEALTH WEBSITE LAUNCHED airy and beef farmers can get practical advice on the prevention and control of a wide range of cattle diseases in a new website launched in May. The new site www.bovilis.ie contains information on the major diseases in cattle, including BVD, IBR, pneumonia, salmonella, leptospirosis, scour and lungworm.

The common clostridial diseases, including blackleg, bacterial redwater, gas gangrene, tetanus and black disease are also covered.

The website places strong emphasis on disease prevention and on the place of preventative vaccines in maintaining a healthy, profitable herd.

It contains profiles of farmers who have been affected by outbreaks of different diseases and has case studies of farmers who are adopting strong disease–prevention protocols on their farms.

The website has been developed by MSD Animal Health, the largest supplier of preventative vaccines on the Irish market.

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Fergal Morris, director of ruminant medicines with MSD Animal Health, said ‘the new service is focused on cattle diseases which impact on all aspects of cattle production systems in Ireland.’“It strips away all the jargon around veterinary medicine and

delivers the basics on ‘what farmers need to know’ about the major diseases affecting their stock. It will help farmers and their vets to work together in developing the most effective animal health strategies,” said Fergal Morris.

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

www.delaval.ie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – COMMERCIAL FEATURE

IMMUBOOST POST–CALVER FERTILITY RANGE ineral imbalances and deficiencies are quite common in Irish Grazing scenarios, while supplementation at grass can prove difficult,especially where little or no concentrate supplementation is fed.

Mineral imbalances may be noticed in isolation or in combination.

Imbalances of major elements may cause rickets, lameness, milk fever, lambing sickness, tetany, reduced appetite, reduced milk yield and depraved appetite.While deficiency of trace elements may cause ill thrift, abortion/placental retention, perinatal calf death, reduced immunity in calves and cattle. Susceptibility to bacteria and parasites, infertility in cows, reduced fertility in bulls, lowered milk yield, lameness, slow healing of wounds and poor skin/hair quality.

Nutribio’s Immuboost fertility post calver is a highly palatable premium mineral, formulated to bridge the mineral and vitamin gap of lactating dairy and suckler cows during their lactation in addition to supporting fertility, aiding the reduction of lameness – a growing issue on many farms and maintaining a properly functioning immune system.

When these elements are combined the net result is a healthier,more efficient and undoubtedly more profitable cow.

The ImmuBoost fertility post-calver range is designed as the ideal follow on from the ImmuBoost pre-calver range.

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KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS: · · · ·

Supports optimal reproductive function Helps maintain a healthy immune system Supports postpartum health Contributes to lower somatic cell counts · Supports udder health · Improves hoof quality due to the inclusion of Biotin and Zinc (both organic and in-organic forms) · Available in both bag and block form The ImmuBoost range is formulated based on the latest scientific research and forage analysis in line with EU legislation.

For local stockist and product details contact Nutribio on 021 4507303 or visit www.nutribio.ie.

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PRODUCT NEWS

ZERO GRAZER www.zerograzer.ie

K.E. LIQUID SOLUTIONS K.E. Liquid Solutions based at Cillin Hill

ow in their 11th year Zero Grazer continues to provide Business Complex, Kilkenny is a one efficiency throughout the grazing season.With 15 machines to choose from and a range of options the company are at stop shop for all your water and waste the forefront of zero grazing in Ireland. See what some of their water needs. customers had to say: e supply and fit all types of N. Ireland dairy farmer: water pumps, from bore holes “Kg’s of solids / HA on this farm is nearly twice the N. Ireland average. to booster pump systems, complete There is no doubt Zero Grazer® has achieved this by better grassland parlour and yard wash down systems, management and increased intakes of grass to our cows.The ZG100 MDPE water piping and fittings, is a top class machine.” concrete troughs and accessories.

Munster Dairy farmer: We also supply and fit all types of dirty water systems designed to “We are now entering the 10th season using a AB70. It’s the last customer requirements, and with our 3 wheel travelling irrigator, thing that we would let out of the yard. Simply, it has saved us a fortune. dirty water can be spread up to a mile from its source.

Zero Grazer® are at the top of their game.”

We are the Green Crop Agents for Ireland and supply a large Connacht Dairy farmer: range of slurry mixers from open lagoons to over ground “We purchased the AB40 late season but had the chance to make storage tanks and also offer the award winning sepcom slurry our 45 acres of after grass available a mile away.We didn’t waste a separator and umbilical slurry systems. We also supply and fit blade of it and cows still grazed by day until 17th Dec. Unheard of all types of drinking water treatment and sewage treatment in these parts. Had big increase in protein and milk yield. Our aim systems. is to use it early and late in the year, when cows would damage ground.

As water is currently a major talking point, we can design and Zero Grazer® are a class apart, we can’t think highly enough of them.” install rain water harvesting systems to suit your needs. We can Leinster Dairy farmer: offer storage tanks in Precast Concrete, Polyproplene and the “We are a 100% winter calving herd which would mean cows tend to flexi storage tank, the cheapest and safest way to store your eat less grass on this system,but not so.With the ZG100 from Zero Grazer® liquid with sizes from 20,000 litres to 500,000 litres. we are achieving 300 days of grass.All leading to increased profits.

Call Martin Kells today with your requirements on Spring calving herds would struggle to do 300 days grass.”

Tel: 085 1216471 www.keliquidsolutions.com or email: For further information visit www.zerograzer.ie keliquidsolutions@gmail.com

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BOBMAN BEDDING MACHINES

THE IRISH DAIRY FARMERS BEST KEPT SECRET

www.bobman.ie

seasonal business with the bulk of sales happening between August and early February. But this year it hasn't dropped off at all.We are noticing a trend in customers who are choosing to house their cows at night during the summer, taking advantage of tighter control in areas like diet and herd health.”

There is a BOBMAN model suitable for every size dairy farm.

Moreway cater for all budgets and herd size, there are four core models in the range with many different combinations of specification allowing Moreway to “tailor make” your BOBMAN to fit the needs of your herd and your business.

We often carry out on site demonstrations giving us the opportunity to see the facility where the BOBMAN will operate and the customer the advantage of working a machine in his own farm.

With a number of BOBMAN machines in different research herds like TEAGASC and UCD, as well as many of the leading dairy herds in the country the BOBMAN has proven its ability to bring real cost and time benefits to the modern dairy farmer.

The BOBMAN is Irish dairy farmings best kept secret, they operate 014 was the most successful year to date for Irish BOBMAN Agents Moreway Ltd. Based in Boyle Co.Roscommon the family day in day out hidden away in cow sheds all across the country.

Does your neighbouring dairy farmer have happy healthy cows? owned business is confident that 2015 will see more growth again Does he have high quality milk? as we experience increased herd sizes.

Does he have more time in his day?

Alan Graham of Moreway says,“It's all about giving time back to Does he have a BOBMAN?? the modern dairy farmer, the BOBMAN will cut labour costs and For further information visit www.bobman.ie improve herd health and comfort. In years gone by we were a very

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EXPRESS DEHORNING DEHORNING

Dehorning or disbudding is the process of removing or stopping the growth of the horns of livestock. Animals are often dehorned for economic and safety reasons. Horns can pose a risk to humans, to other animals, and to the bearers of the horns themselves. Cattle with horns left on may run the risk of getting caught in fences or prevented from proper feeding. In some breeds and in some individuals,horns may grow towards the head,eventually causing injury.Horns can also become broken from a trauma causing blood–loss,increasing the risk of infection.

WHEN TO DEHORN Many breeds of cattle are naturally polled (hornless) or are bred to be and therefore do not need to be dehorned.Those that do require dehorning should be done within 3 weeks of birth.The procedure is commonly performed early in an animal’s life to minimize discomfort and risk to animal and handler.The Express range of dehorning devices offer a number of options all of which will dehorn humanly a larger age range of calves than any other portable dehorners.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

The handset features a comfortable grip handle useful for extended usage.

· The heavy duty self-contained powerful Express dehorner operates in any position and offers an enclosed flame as well as a quick and easy thumb–controlled igniter. The unit is lightweight yet quality materials make it a durable tool. · The Pistol Grip dehorner has safety handling features built in for fast and efficient dehorning.The gas canister screws into the handle eliminating cords and bulky tanks.The “One Finger Trigger”design provide for easy ignition and shutdown for safe operations. It also heats to its working temperature in about 70 seconds for fast, efficient dehorning.

AFTERCARE

Dehorning should be performed by a trained professional.There are many methods of dehorning and each farmer has their own preference to which method he chooses to use – caustic paste, dehorners either electric or gas or manual shears. Dehorners can not be used on larger animals and these horns may need to be cut off by a veterinary DEHORNING METHOD The Express range works on the process of cauterization using a hot surgeon. Removal of larger horns is usually performed during spring iron. Cauterization is the process of killing the growth ring of the and autumn to avoid fly season. In all cases aftercare of the animal is horn using heat.This process is done when the animal is very young, essential to avoid infection.

Repiderma skin protection spray is an ideal product to use in the that way the horns are not very big and have not had time to grow aftercare of horn removal as not only is it antibiotic free but the attached to the skull.The earlier in the calf's life cauterization is done, chelated, micronized minerals penetrate the wound meaning it heals the less pain and stress is inflicted on the calf. Cauterization is usually more effectively and it also forms a layer which ensures good contact done after the area is numbed with local anaesthesia. thus working for longer to heal the wound.

DEHORNING DEVISES Both the Express range of dehorning devices and Repiderma There are three versions of the Express dehorners to suit Skin Protection Spray are available from your local merchant. every farmer: Call Agrihealth on Tel: 047 71800 for your nearest stockist or · The Calor Type Express Gas Dehorner comes with a 2.4metre hose. more information.

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FORESTRY GRANTS AND PREMIA

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KNOW IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY WITH CATTLE We need to remind ourselves regularly of the correct way to manage cattle as (like driving) bad habits can be fatal, writes Joe Murphy.

INTRODUCTION Farm safety is a much discussed issue at present.We have outlined below some of the facts in relation to farm safety with particular emphasis on the housing and handling of cattle. Please read through and apply the safety precautions as outlined if possible if not already being done.

FARMER SAFETY Bull Shed A well designed bull pen is the key to the proper management of bulls when they are away from the herd. It should be located so that they can see other cattle and activity in the yard.A strong structure designed so that they can be fed and watered from outside.

You must also be able to isolate the bull with a drop gate so that you can carry out work in the pen free from danger.

Bull Breed If you need to go into a field with bulls, consider using a tractor or a jeep as a mobile safety point when the bull is running with cows. If cornered try to move slowly away from’ flight zone’.

Always remember that no bull can be fully trusted and can be unpredictable at some time.

Bull related accidents by breed of bull (2000–2010 has figures) Charolais 43% Limousin 22% Friesan 14% Simmental 7% Hereford 7% Montbeliarde 7% Cows Calving Many farmers suffer serious injuries while attending cows at calving time. Several farmers have been killed by cows immediately

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after calving.Talking a new born calf from a cow, hand milking, navel dipping and stomach tubing pose a risk of injury. Never turn your back on a cow with a newborn calf. She may see you as a threat and attack….heifers may pose an even greater threat.

Safe Vaccinations Vaccination always requires sharp needles and with that comes the risk of injecting yourself or a helper instead of the animal. This risk is greater if the animal is not properly restrained. Cattle should always be injected in the anterior neck area to reduce the risk of carcass damage, should an abcess develop.Afterwards dispose of needles safely.

To vaccinate, first place the hand with the syringe against the neck.To inject under the skin, tent the skin, with the other hand.

Then twist the needle hand and complete the injection making sure there is no air in the needle and that correct dose level is followed.

Concrete Surfaces/Slopes Concrete surfaces can be grooved to reduce the chance of slipping.Areas that are continually damp can be power washed to improve grip and sand or salt used in icy conditions.

We appreciate the assistance of the HSA in compiling this information.

IFBD 2015 ISSUE 2

08/06/2015

11:24

Page 67

IFBD 2015 ISSUE 2

08/06/2015

11:24

Page 68