Hereford Management Guide

The Hereford Management Guide

G U I D E T O M A N A G E M EN T AN D F E E D I N G It is a well-known fact that Herefords will live under almost any condition and will thrive where many other breeds fail. Internationally, Herefords survive under varying climatic conditions, i.e. from the Arctic Circle to equatorial regions, but prospective breeders of Hereford cattle would do well to follow certain basic principles if they wish to make the most of their cattle.

The everyday management of a herd is most important and includes the breeding programme, record keeping, grassland management and selection of future breeding stock. It is essential that someone oversees the general management practice so that calving periods, grassland utilization, etc. are used to their best advantage.

Hereford cattle have always been bred and reared under natural conditions, a fact which probably accounts for the breed's almost complete freedom from many of the well-known diseases that affect livestock kept under intensive systems. It is quite normal to find that cows run out in the pastures all the year round with only hay, treated straw or silage through the Winter period. It is, however, advisable that young bulls and weaned calves are given some preferential treatment, possibly housed and receive supplementary feeding.

In a small herd, where only one bull is used, it is normal practice for the bull to run with the cows - a method which will probably ensure a maximum calf crop but is not necessarily calculated to keep a record of the actual service date. Therefore, it is essential to look at cows at least twice a day and note which the bull is with in an attempt to keep a record.

When cows and heifers are heavy in calf, avoid mixing them with fresh cattle as there is always a natural instinct for in-herd fighting for leadership, and should this occur with females in-calf, it may result in difficult calving or even a dead calf. Similar problems can occur if in-calf cows or heifers are allowed to ride one on heat. Cows usually calve un-aided but it is advised to have them located where they can easily be monitored and caught, if necessary, when calving assistance is needed. It is always advisable that first calvers be carefully watched. New born calves must be suckled within the first 6 hours from birth.

Calves up to the stage of weaning must be kept healthy, thrifty and growing and dependant upon the choice of management system, may be helped along with supplementary feeding if so required.

Normally calves are allowed to run with their dams until weaning but may be provided with a supplementary creep feeding system, either by means of a portable creep feed unit or a building into which only the calves can gain access.

Most dams will have adequate milk to rear the calf. Autumn calving females, particularly heifers, may need supplementary high energy, feed for adequate milk production. Spring calvers, however, should milk adequately from pasture alone if the grass growth is adequate, but minerals, especially magnesium, must always be available. Cows may be calved at any time of year, to suit overall management of the farm, but if spring calving is adopted, it is sound practice to calve early in the year so that the calf is strong enough to take the peak milk yield off spring grass.

It is essential that whereby any outdoor management system is adopted, that adequate shade and shelter is available, whether natural or man-made, and close to such shelter a good supply of water.

Young bulls, after weaning, may be group reared under cover or in yarding but should never be completely shut in so that they are unable to see any other animals. They should be housed away from females. Regular exercise is important as is regular handling and grooming. It would be advisable that any bulls selected for either showing or sale be given some preferential treatment in feeding and handling. Stock bulls can be managed in the same way as the females when running with the herd but should be given a little dry feed during the Winter period. The Hereford is the most docile of all breeds of cattle so the management of bulls creates very few problems. However, for convenience it is advised that bulls should be fitted with a copper ring at around a year old.

Feeding plays a very important part in the successful management of a herd, especially amongst the young stock.

It is impossible to set a standard method of feeding as very often so much depends upon the choice of the individual in charge of the herd. However, the base of all feeding is grazing pastureland, hay, straw, silage and cereals, plus certain minerals which may be introduced to the diet through processed stock feeding, mineral licks, etc. A guide to the daily rations is as hereunder:STOCK BULLS Hay or silage to appetite.

1 to 3 kilos 13% protein mineralized coarse cereal mixture or nuts.

YOUNG BULLS Some hay or silage plus a balanced mineralised coarse cereal 14°/o protein mixture or nuts. A rough guide is 1 kg. per 100 kgs. liveweight.

Heifers for breeding should be in an unforced, natural condition and will maintain and increase bodyweight satisfactorily without the use of concentrate feeding. For Show and Sale heifers the inclusion of a small quantity of concentrates will add to their condition.

Calves on a creep system may be fed ad lib a 16°/o protein coarse cereal mixture or nuts to a maximum of 2 kilos a day allowing for the fact some of the stronger calves will generally get more than their younger herd mates.

From weaning the young bulls concentrate can be gradually increased whilst the heifers can be reduced to zero.

Cows should not be over-fed during the 2 months prior to calving (Fat cows - Big calves); improve feeding after calving - females should be improving in condition in order to hold to the bull or A.I. Silage + Barley Straw and Minerals should be adequate for cows and heifers during the Winter. Bulls over 2 years old can live with the cows on the same diet - it is important that they should not be allowed to become over conditioned.

It would be wise in all instances to seek professional advice, to have your forage analysed and also all fields soil tested. Such action can save money in the long term and improve herd health.

In respect of animal health, it is also important to employ the services of a reputable “large animal” Veterinary Practice.

Young weaned bulls should be kept in matching sized groups.

A G U ID E T O S E L E C T I N G F E M A L E S PRIMARY OBJECTIVES

* * * * * * *

To calve without undue assistance.

To yield optimal milk production.

To have good mothering instinct.

To settle again soon after calving.

To wean a good calf.

To have optimal foraging ability.

To have good conformation and structural soundness.

THE ROLE OF THE BREEDING COW IN HERD DEVELOPMENT Many breeders have said that the herd sire is the most important animal in the herd since he makes a contribution to the bloodline of all of the calves.

However, it is important to realise that it is the cow herd and the care in selection of replacement females which is the basis for the success of outstanding herds. A bull may be used for two or three years in a small herd in contrast to some productive cows which may contribute to the productivity of the herd for possibly 15 years. Maternal characteristics are difficult to identify without study of the dam's side of an animal's pedigree.

Remember, the role of the

Hereford cow is to cycle regularly, conceive, carry a normal foetus to term, calve without trouble and wean a good calf in a 12 month period. Weaning weights are a combination of the genetic potential contributed by both the dam and the sire which are greatly influenced by the mothering and milking abilities of the dam.

The Hereford cows one purpose in life is to efficiently produce quality beef.

She has proven capable of performing this function under a wide variety of climatic and environmental conditions. The Hereford breed has evolved over the years in size, conformation and type which is capable of efficient conversion of roughage into high quality meat. Conformation has to be structurally sound, be associated with a rugged constitution, reflect a stretch and strength of top line, thickness of hindquarters and well placed structurally sound legs and feet. Hereford females should show succinct femininity, and udder development which is capable of producing an optimal milk supply and normally have an extremely quiet disposition. The characteristics which you may want to consider in the selection of females include: HEAD CHARACTERISTICS Females should have feminine, refined and alert heads with a distinct muzzle.

Dehorning is recommended for safety and ease of handling.

REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE There are several parameters involved in ascertaining the reproductive performance of a heifer. The body of a highly fertile Hereford cow is in proportional balance, looks feminine, not coarse, has a tidy brisket with a fold in the dewlap, has a good spring of rib and shows good vulva and udder development. In evaluation of a heifer you should consider birth weight as an indication of calving ease, and examine the reproductive efficiency of her dam. Has she had a calf every year on a regular basis and if not why not? How does this animal compare to full sisters or half-sisters?

In trying to visually establish the reproductive efficiency of an animal a lack of coarseness of hair and body is a fairly good indicator of fertility. Heifers that shed their hair early in the spring are frequently more fertile than heifers that have dull sterile coats and coarse hair.

REPRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL The aim with respect to fertility and longevity is to have a Hereford cow who produces a top calf year after year. When such a cow calves regularly and calf mortality is kept to a minimum, replacement costs fall within your herd. In this situation one can easily increase the selection pressure on your replacement females. Infertility is the single most important reason for culling cows and unfortunately fertility and longevity are difficult traits to measure and to incorporate into a selection programme. Management conditions play an important role in determining productivity and fertility of cows in a herd.

Hereford production superiority is to a large extent due to reproductive efficiency of the white face cow. The main purpose in selecting females is to take advantage of the potential reproductive efficiency of the heifer.

DETECTION OF HEAT IS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF ANY BREEDING PROGRAMME In detecting heat one must watch for signs such as the attempted mounting of other cows, a moist swollen and reddened vulva along with a clear mucus discharge from the vagina. Very often cows just coming into heat show a nervousness and reduced appetite. In an artificial insemination programme cows should be inseminated between 12 and 24 hours after first observation of standing heat. Artificial insemination conception rates are only as good as the AI management programme.

HINDQUARTER ABILITY

CONFORMATION

IS RELATED

TO CALVING

Heifers with pinbones lower than hookbones calve easier. Pelvic dimensions should have a narrowing from the anterior to the posterior of the pelvis. A high genetic correlation exists between a dam and offspring's pelvic shape and dimensions. In a normal single foetal presentation, the head of the calf rests between the extended forelegs. As the calf proceeds through the pelvic gap during parturition it undergoes considerable compression which is essential in initiation of the first breath after birth.

There is no sure way of predicting the mothering potential of a heifer but a number of factors should be studied. Firstly, is the heifer cycling regularly by one year of age. Examine the external genitalia looking for normal vulva development. Look at the potential udder development including pigmentation of the teats. Heifers which are wrinkled between the hind legs may show better milking potential than heifers with smooth early fat deposition in the udder.

Lastly, one should examine the dam's udder attachment, teat condition and soundness since these are highly heritable. Any dam who has a pendulous udder with large teats will have daughters with a predisposition for this type of udder. Pendulous udders with large teats are subject to sunburn, mastitis and are very difficult for the new born calf to suckle.

CONFORMATION The aspects of conformation to consider in the selection of heifers or cows include femininity, udder, scale, length, and soundness. The relative ranking of weight per day of age of an animal compared to others in the herd is an indicator of growth potential. The management of heifers is important to future growth and milking ability. Scale in a heifer is more important than simply weight for age and extremes in size should be avoided since they are often associated with reproductive inefficiency.

THE EVALUATION OF BODY TYPE Body type and muscling are economically important traits that are correlated with rate of growth, cutability of the carcase of an animal as well as reproductive efficiency. Body type, scale or frame can be assessed in young heifers with more accuracy than can muscling. The growth rate or scale of frame is a good indicator of body type in yearling heifers. Skeletal growth occurs first, followed by muscle development and then fat deposition. It is important not to emphasise excessive muscling in replacement heifers as it is usually associated with an absence of femininity and poor reproductive potential.

CONDITION The amount of condition on a particular heifer is one indication of her doing ability.

Remember, fat can hide many undesirable conformational characteristics which may reduce the productive potential of a heifer. Fat in front of the udder and a longitudinal lump below the vulva are typical characteristics of overfed heifers which have high probability of future reproductive problems. Heifers allowed to become too fat will have reduced milk yield due to increased fatty tissue in the udder. Low reproductive efficiency is often associated with heavy forequarters with a full protruding brisket which completely fills the skin fold of the dewlap.

The muscularity of a heifer is often associated with a lack of femininity. Very often subfertile heifers are very large in size, look masculine, have a masculine steery head, an underdeveloped vulva and udder and extended briskets. Nervous animals are difficult to handle and very often do not have the same productive performance.

LEG AND FOOT CONFORMATION Breeders should look upon a cows legs and feet as important reproductive traits.

Joint defects and infections can occur in inner tissues of joints which impair an animal's ability to travel. There is little hard evidence that feet defects are highly heritable but a great deal of circumstantial evidence. Offspring from cows with unsound leg and foot structure have a tendency to show similar structural characteristics.

Structural soundness is a good indicator of productive longevity. The cow with her legs set squarely can travel freely with style and femininity. An animal's travelling characteristics can be evaluated by eye appraisal. Cows can be sickle hocked, stand normally or be postlegged.

Animals which are extremely post legged stress the hock joint leading to arthritic conditions. Animals which are sickle hocked travel less well with undue joint and ligament stress.

Examination of an animal's feet includes the placement and uniformity of toes, the flatness of sole, the absence of cracks, corns, excessive claw growth. There should be no sign of wetness, abrasion, corns or infection between the toes, on the heels or near the coronet. A standing inspection on a hard surface very often will not reveal the worst foot defects. Hence where possible the feet should be lifted for examination of flatness of sole, soundness of heel and absence of damaged toe borders, excessive claw growth, corn development, cracks and uneven toe development.

A heifer should have her four legs placed squarely at the corners of her body to balance fore and hindquarter, show an absence of arthritis and corns and move easily. Corns are an indication of a metabolic imbalance which can affect the normal functioning of a cow.

SCALE The size of the heifer relative to her sisters should be considered since long established herds have achieved management conditions which allow proper skeletal development of young stock. Performance data and herd ranking will affect differences in growth rate. Selecting replacements from the faster growing animals, providing all other things are equal, is a sound method of selection if the conformation characteristics you desire and femininity are considered on an equal basis. The most feminine, highly productive females are long, clean lined and smooth muscled with teats placed squarely on a soundly attached udder. The skeletal framework or scale of the female is something you can definitely evaluate visually. Its heritability is high and it is well documented that larger framed cattle grow faster, are leaner and produce more pounds of edible beef per day of age than smaller framed cattle. However, it may require better management to achieve this goal. The overall skeletal frame of a cow is related to pelvic size. Cattle which are too straight in the shoulders or postlegged behind, slightly over on the knees are predisposed to arthritic condition and will be culled early in life.

A structurally sound skeleton is best indicated by the animal's ability to travel easily. Low heritabilties of overall scores for hind legs, feet and front quarter leave little hope that we can significantly improve these traits, once they are established in a herd, by our present methods of evaluation.

BREEDING HEIFERS It is recommended that a heifer should be a minimum of two years old at calving and an optimum of two and a half years. Over this age a heifer could be too heavy and too fit therefore there might be added calving problems.

In the selection of pedigree heifers for breeding various points should be considered. Primarily they should be big enough to be served (400 kgs. +), and of good conformation. Milking ability and Scrotal Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) of the heifer’s sire and other traits should be checked out with the use of EBVs. Also if possible the sire and dam should be seen.

Heifers should be in good condition when put to the bull and after service should be kept on a controlled diet or if at pasture not too much grass so that they do not carry too much condition for calving. After calving heifers would need some extra concentrates or good grass to encourage milk production.

SUMMARY 1) Study Herefords at exhibitions, sales and in successful herds, establish in your own mind the type of cattle which best represent the breeding goal for your herd.

2) Select animals from a herd where the judgement of the well informed owner is of assistance.

3) Select animals which have every indication of femininity, potential fertility and productiveness. Avoid females that show masculinity or excessive muscling.

4) Utilise performance records - EBVs or similar evaluations as a basis for selection. Analyse all data available on the animal itself, its ancestors or siblings. Information on EBV's can be obtained from breeders recording and is available on the Society Website www.herefordcattle.org 5) Select females who are more than a year of age which have desirable conformation, structural soundness and lack of undesirable characteristics and are in calf.

6) Select correctness of legs, soundness of hocks and feet; animals which travel well.

7) Since Herefords must meet the demands of the marketplace select cattle that are capable of efficient production of quality red meat. Your responsibility is to ensure the continuation of the reputation of Herefords.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT HINTS AND INFORMATION 1. Recommended age and weight of a Heifer to be put to the bull for the first

time Minimum age - 15 months

Approximate weight - 400 kgs.

2. Recommended period between calving and returning to the bull for service

Approximately 60 days

3. When selecting females for breeding, emphasis should be placed upon their milking ability, breed type, colour and femininity. Also try to select cattle which are above breed average for conformation, grade 0+/U. 4. Only bulls with a minimum grade of "U" on the MLC "EUROP" Scale (see Beef cattle appraisal) should be selected for breeding, in an attempt to improve the standard of our breeding cattle.

5. Recommended age and weight of a bull for active use Minimum age - 15 months

Minimum weight - 600 kgs.

6. Average period of gestation Approximately 283 days 7. Recommended weaning age of a calf 7 - 8 months. In the case of "first calve heifers", especially those bred to calve at 2 years, may need weaning earlier than mature cows.

8. Recommended period between weaning and the expected calving date of the next calf A minimum of 8 weeks 9. Recommended minimum 400 day weights of bulls and heifers selected for breeding Bulls - 550 kgs.

Heifers - 400 kgs.

10. Under natural service conditions, young bulls should ideally run with not more than 15 - 20 females. As the bull matures, this number can be increased to around 30 females.

CATTLE IDENTIFICATION All calves must be Identification System.

double

tagged

in accordance

with

the

U.K. Cattle

P O I N T S O F A HEREFO R D HEAD AND NECK Forehead broad, face in proportion with look of alertness, muzzle broad, neck of good length, throat clean and not too full, jaw must be well set neither over or under shot.

Teeth to meet the pad correctly. Top of the head should be higher than the crest or neck and the back.

FOREQUARTERS

Shoulders should be smooth and well covered with flesh, should not be too prominent for the sake of ease of calving, brisket neat and trim with no waste, legs should be straight, even and set well apart.

BODY

Back should be long and broad with a level topline, ribs should be well sprung, loins should be wide and deep for good expression of eye muscle, firm to touch, flank, brisket and belly should carry no waste.

COLOUR

Face, crest, underside, socks and brush to tail should be white, the body should be a deep rich red.

LEGS AND LOCOMOTION

Legs should be set squarely, feet should be even and straight, walking action should be free and smooth, not rolling hips, twisting or crossing legs and straddling.

HINDQUARTERS

Rump should have good width and be well muscled, tail head should be set flush with the topline, thighs should be wide and well-muscled, legs should be set wide apart without being either too crooked or straight, testicles should be of adequate and even size.

GENERAL

Overall appearance of alertness combined with docility, should parade well and appear healthy; smooth frame and fleshing free from coarseness, coat fine and silky.

Bulls should be rung at 12 to 14 months.

A BREEDER’S PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE SELECTION OF BREEDING CATTLE Overview When selecting cattle for breeding you should have in mind the type of animal that firstly suits your system of farming and secondly produces the right type for market requirements. The main points to look for are correct structure, well balanced with good muscling and adequate growth and size, the animals should move well with the right colour and markings that conform to true breed characteristics and very importantly have a good sound temperament. Certain animals will always stand out, those with true quality and class. Remember class is permanent form is temporary.

Type /Reproductive Traits The type of animal should conform to Breed requirements, commercial demands and carry good basic reproduction traits. Bulls should have a good masculine appearance with good testicle size and above all be sound. Females should be feminine and show character, good milking qualities and the potential to become a good maternal cow which will stand the test of time.

Growth and Size Examples that are a good size for their age that have gown well, with a growth rate of approximately 1.2-1.5kgs per day for males and 1.0-1.25kgs per day for females is about right with mature males at 1.0 to 1.5 tons and females an average of 800 kgs. being of a good size.

Young animals should have the potential for good growth, market requirements should have an influence on the size of cattle in the herd.

Structure Good structure is most important with a level top line and an even bottom line, carrying width and depth in the hindquarter with a clean front end and showing no sign of coarseness. Legs should be positioned in each corner, hind legs should be cranked correctly not too straight ‘post legged, or bent ‘sickle hocked’ , front legs straight and all legs facing forward with hooves of a good depth and size with no signs of widening and capable of long term wear and tear.

Muscling The animal should be well muscled without being excessive, with a strong top line being very important. A good guide is grading U for males and R for females and carry easy fleshing traits and the correct amount of finish.

Condition Condition should be fit but not fat. Males should be fit for work, females need a little more cover around fat class 4L. It is usually a good policy not to have females too fit at calving time so as to aid easy birth.

Balance and Mobility The animals need to be well balanced if they are not it will be detrimental to their movement which should be smooth and free flowing. The hind feet should land in the footprint left by the front feet, if this does not happen it suggests the structure is incorrect.

Colour and Markings Colour of a medium to dark brown with white head, socks, underbelly and blaze, dark eye pigmentation is an advantage. The coat should be soft to the touch (easy fleshing) and not coarse haired (hard fleshing). If the colour and markings are similar the herd will look far more uniform.

Breed Character All animals should show good Breed character, temperament and be fit for purpose.

A balanced head, not too wide with a long broad muzzle and a ‘kind eye’ is preferable.

The animals should exhibit a relaxed appearance which indicates a good character and temperament.

The stock bull represents half the herd and has the greatest influence on it.

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO CATTLE JUDGING Firstly, refer to the Schedule and check the Classification of each Class.

Walk the ring and decide where best to view the animals and to stand them.

Check with your Steward that the animals enter the ring in age order oldest to youngest.

View the profile of the animals from a distance as they parade around the ring, checking their motion and size (compare against an object in the background) about two laps of the ring.

Stand in a corner of the ring and watch the animals coming towards you, preferably uphill, then away on the level, looking for fore and hind legs in line and that foot placement is correct i.e. the rear hoof should land in the mark left by the front one. Movement should be smooth and free flowing.

Ask your Steward to stand the cattle in a line, ideally facing up the slope if there is one and with the sun (if sunny) on your back. Then walk along behind checking and comparing, likewise along the front. Then proceed to handle the animals from front to back checking on condition and muscling and any reproduction issues, i.e. udder development in females and testicles on bulls.

By this time you should have a pretty good idea of your placings, then ask the competitors to walk around the ring again and pull individual animals into the line in the order you want them.

When you have completed the line-up, just check that you are happy with your placings before handing out the prize-cards and remember when doing so to thank the competitors for coming and make positive comments about their cattle.

If making comments on the microphone, remember to thank the organisers for asking you to judge.

Points to look for: Balance, correct structure, muscling, locomotion, well grown and good size for age, waste free (type the market is looking for), coat fine and smooth (“hard coat, hard feeder”), colour and markings that conform to Breed type.

DO:

● Dress suitably for the occasion, where applicable suit or jacket and always a tie. ● Have a good rapport with your Steward.

DON’T:

● Enter into long dialogue with the competitors in the ring. ● Wear wellington boots unless absolutely necessary. ● Forget to thank your Steward.

HERD HEALTH The Society’s policy relating to Herd Health is to encourage all members to join one of the CHeCS (Cattle Health Certification Standards) Licensed Cattle Health Schemes.

The following are some of the Schemes that have been accredited by CHeCS:-

●AFBI, Belfast – www.afbini.gov.uk ●HiHealth Herdcare, Penicuik – www.hihealthherdcare.co.uk ●Premium Cattle Health Scheme, St. Boswells – www.sruc.ac.uk

The diseases currently available for control in the Cattle Health Schemes are:IBR IBR is an acute viral disease. In young animals it mainly affects the upper respiratory tract and can lead to a fatal pneumonia. In mature animals it can also cause abortions and reduced fertility. Once infected an animal remains infected (becomes a carrier) for life and may release infected virus throughout its life when stressed. It is spread via airborne secretions and bulls' semen. For pedigree breeders IBR is important in that animals and herds that have had contact with IBR are barred from export to certain countries. Some European countries are free of IBR ( Austria , Denmark , Finland , Italy ( Bolzano province), Norway , Sweden , Switzerland ), others are in the process of eradicating the disease ( Germany is undergoing compulsory eradication based on use of marker vaccines) others have voluntary eradication schemes in place ( Netherlands , Belgium , France ). The Republic of Ireland has banned the use of conventional IBR vaccines from January 1st 2005 (allowing only use of IBR marker vaccines for disease protection) although no formal eradication scheme is in place. IBR may be controlled through use of vaccines but take veterinary advice especially where animals, embryos Glossary of Cattle Health Terms and semen from the herd may be suitable for export, as these will need to be free of antibodies to IBR, including conventional vaccinal antibodies. Marker IBR vaccines are available for those farmers considering IBR eradication programme, but advice should be sought from a veterinary surgeon.

BVD BVD is a complex of diseases of viral origin. Effects of the disease may be reduced fertility, abortion, foetal abnormalities, enteritis and mucosal disease. It is spread by PIs (Persistently Infected calves) nasal secretions and semen from transiently infected bulls, contaminated needles and equipment. Control is by biosecurity, removing persistently infected (PI) animals and vaccination.

LEPTOSPIROSIS Leptospirosis disease in cattle is caused by two species of Leptospiria characterised in dairy cattle by milk drop, poor fertility and abortions and in beef cattle by poor fertility and abortions in the second half of pregnancy. Infection is via infected urine either from the cow or urine contaminated water or pasture. Risk factors include using natural service, sharing pastures with sheep, allowing access to open watercourses and buying in stock with unknown disease status. Infected animals may be carriers for life. It can affect human beings causing flu like symptoms, and in rare cases fatalities. Effective control in an infected herd may be achieved through a vaccination programme.

JOHNE'S DISEASE Johnes Disease (paratuberculosis) also known as MAP (the infectious organism) is a chronic infectious bacterial enteritis that results in persistent diarrhoea, progressive wasting and eventual death. It has an incubation period of 2-6 years. Animals are usually infected when young. The calf may be infected while in the womb, by drinking infected colostrum and milk, or consuming food and water contaminated by Johnes infected faeces. The organism may last for a year in slurry or on pastures. In the individual animal diagnosis by laboratory means is unreliable until the disease symptoms are well established and hence a whole herd testing procedure is adopted.

The term Monitored Free has been adopted in describing herd freedom from Johnes disease. In herds where no case of Johnes disease has been diagnosed two clear blood tests 12 months apart, of all animals two years and over are required for Monitored Free status. In herds that have had a positive case, three clear tests of all cattle over two years old at yearly intervals are required for Monitored Free status. However due to the long incubation of the disease there may still be an unexpected positive. A vaccine is available but its use can also interfere with the routine TB test and therefore DEFRA and the VLA needs to be informed of its use (usually through the veterinary surgeon). For further information on Johnes disease refer to the Defra booklet titled ‘Johnes Disease in Dairy Herds', issued in September 2004 and is available from the Animal Disease Control Division, 1a Page Street, London SW1P4PQ. An Information booklet titled ‘Johnes Disease in Beef Herds' will be available after June 2005.

NEOSPORA A parasite type organism that has been found world-wide in cattle and many other species.

Infection while pregnant can result in abortion in cattle. Dogs are the definitive host in the lifecycle of the parasite, i.e. one in which the parasite can produce eggs known as oocysts.

Cattle may become infected by the ingestion of oocysts shed by infected dogs (horizontal transmission) or through parasite migration during pregnancy to the foetus from dams infected before their own birth (vertical transmission). Cattle infected with the parasite are 3-7 times more likely to abort than uninfected cattle. Vertical transmission of the parasite is very efficient and infected animals may pass the parasite to their offspring over several generations and in successive pregnancies.

To prevent and control infection keep a closed herd. Dispose of cattle tissue left over from calving. Prevent dogs from having access to areas where calving takes place. Deny dogs access to areas where cattle feed is kept or fields used for grazing.

In the event of public footpaths, erect notices reminding dog owners to pick up their dog faeces to avoid passing on any infection.

Understanding EBVs and obtaining effective results‌...

UNDERSTANDING EBVs AND OBTAINING EFFECTIVE RESULTS The basic mechanism by which Breedplan works is to compare the performance of animals to other animals in the same group. Where there is only one animal in a group there is nothing that it can be compared with and therefore its performance cannot be used. Calves are only analysed in the same contemporary group.

Definition of a Contemporary Group ● ● ● ● ●

Same herd.

Same calving year.

Same management group.

Same weigh date.

Born within 90 days (starting period triggered by first calf born, i.e. calf born say 1 st January triggers the 90 day period to end of March, calf born say 15th April commences next 90 day period to the middle of July. ● Natural born calves versus E.T. calves. ● Twin versus single.

A contemporary group must have a minimum of two animals that meet the above criteria in order to be used in the Breedplan analysis. There are a number of strategies that breeders can use to ensure that the performance of calves will be included in effective analysis groups:● Although our system allows calves born within 90 days of one another to be compared, the shorter the calving period (ideally 6 to 8 weeks) the better. ● Where practical all calves should be managed under the same conditions and weighed on the same day. If calves are to be split into different groups it is beneficial to weigh the whole group before it is split.

For example, it is possible to take 200 day weights anywhere between 80 and 300 days of age, so you can weight all male calves as a group before a portion of them are castrated. ● An important factor to consider is that a herd should use more than one sire.

Breedplan requires progeny in an analysis group to be by at least two sires if the performance of the progeny is going to contribute to the calculations of EBVs for their sire. When one or more is an A.I. sire your mating programme should ensure that the calves by A.I. are born at the same time as calves sired by natural matings. ● Herds operating an Embryo Transfer Programme should identify the Breed and age of the recipient dam and, if possible, such dams should be of the same Breed.

In the event of Breed of recipient dams not being supplied, E.T. calves are automatically split into single animal analysis groups therefore disallowing the E.T. calf’s own performance from being used.

Basic tips to improve the value of the information being collected ● Ensure you measure all your animals at the same time and within the days of age parameters laid down – 200 day weight - Between 80 and 300 days of age (DO NOT submit weights for animals under 80 days other than their birth weight at the time of registration).

In the event of breed of recipient dams not being supplied, E.T. calves are automatically split into single animal analysis groups therefore disallowing the E.T. calf’s own performance from being used.

400 day weight - Between 301 and 500 days of age 600 day weight - Between 501 and 900 days of age Scanning - Between 300 and 800 days of age Scrotal Size - Between 300 and 700 days of age

Important At the time of scanning it is the responsibility of the breeder to ensure that the Scanning Technician also oversees the weighing of all the animals scanned.

Any scanning data submitted where weights are not recorded at the same time will not be analysed.

It is also suggested that the scrotal measurements be recorded and submitted at the same time.

As can be seen from the days of age parameters above relating to when a trait is measured, scanning data can be recorded between 300 and 800 days of age.

In most instances Recording Members scan in the period set for 400 day weights so that the information submitted by the Scanning Technician can cover the Carcase Traits – 400 Day Weight and Scrotal Size. ● In all instances do not be selective when collecting data – make sure that data from all animals in an analysis group is collected and submitted. ● Do not single out an animal for scanning entered for a Sale – the results of doing so are pointless. ● EBVs are reported in the units in which the measurements are taken, i.e. kilograms for the weight EBVs. Therefore a value of +12 for 400 Day Weight means the animal is genetically superior by 12 kgs at 400 days compared with the genetic base relevant to our Breed.

On average half of the difference will be passed on to the animal’s progeny. ● EBVs can only be compared between animals within our own Breed population.

They cannot be compared with either other Breeds here in the UK or Hereford populations in other countries.

The reason being is that all others will be calculating their EBVs from a different starting point – therefore a different genetic base to ours.

The components of each EBV ● Calving Ease EBVs are calculated from three main sources of information:● Calving Ease/Difficulty score ● Birth Weight ● Gestation Length Data (The most influence coming from the Calving Ease/Difficulty Score) ______________________________________

Calving Ease Scores SCORE

CODE

DESCRIPTION

1

Unassisted

Cow calved unassisted/no difficulty

2

Easy Pull

One person without mechanical assistance

3

Hard Pull

Two people without mechanical assistance or one person with mechanical assistance

4

Vet Assisted

Non-Surgical

5

Vet Assisted

Surgical/Caesarean

6

Mal-presentation

E.g. Breech

To be submitted at the time of calf registrations. ______________________________________

● Birth Weight Calculated based upon weights of calves taken at birth. ● Gestation Length Calculated from the joining date and birth date records for calves conceived by A.I. (This EBV is often not reported due, in the main, to lack of information – therefore low accuracy.

Less than 10% of our calves registered are by A.I.).

● 200 Day Milk An unfortunate heading as this EBV is really expressed in kilogrammes of weight and not an expression of the quantity of milk that an animal may produce.

Calculated by partitioning the difference in the 200 Day Weight of calves into growth and milk components. ● Growth ● 200 Day growth Calculated from the weight of an animal taken between 80 and 300 days. ● 400 Day Growth Calculated from the weight of an animal taken between 301 and 500 days of age. ● 600 Day Growth Calculated from the weight of an animal taken between 501 and 900 days of age. ______________________________________

● Scrotal Size Calculated from scrotal circumference measurements taken on bulls between 200 and 700 days of age. ______________________________________

Carcase ● Eye Muscle Area Calculated in square centimetres. ● Fat Calculated in millimetres. ● Retail Beef Yield Calculated in % and influenced by Eye Muscle Area and Fat measurement. ______________________________________

MAKE YOUR PERFORMANCE DATA MORE EFFECTIVE Since the introduction of “The Completeness of Performance” highlighted on the previous page, a number of breeders have asked how can they improve their “Star Rating”.

It’s simple, record all data available for all animals.

BIRTH RECORDS ●

Record all Birth Weights even dead calves.

Weigh within 24 hours of birth.

Do not guess.

●

Record all Calving Ease Scores and be honest.

WEIGHT RECORDING ●

Record all 200 Day Weights between 80 and 300 days.

(Do not record an animal’s weight before 80 days with the exception of its Birth Weight).

●

Record all 400 Day Weights between 301 and 500 days.

●

Record all 600 Day Weights between 501 and 900 days.

CONTEMPORARY GROUPS ●

Create Effective Contemporary Groups which consist of:

●

Male or Female Calves but not both.

●

Born within 90 days of one another. (the closer together the calves are born the better – ideally a period of 6 to 8 weeks).

●

The 90 day period kicks off with the birth of the first calf, i.e. calf born 1st January – 90 days expires approximately end of march: next calf born 15th March – 90 days expires approximately 15th June and so on.

SCANNING ●

Scanning is best carried out when the animal is 400 Days of Age (301 to 500 days).

●

When scanning, ensure that all eligible cattle are scanned – do not selectively scan.

So often we see breeders select their Sale bulls for scanning and then be disappointed with their results.

A much better picture will be achieved when all contemporaries are scanned.

●

When scanning the Scanning Technician will also record the 400 Day Weight and Scrotal Circumference.

GENERAL ●

Reportability of EBVs, i.e. appearing on the website under the animal’s ancestry details, relies upon their accuracy which is based upon the quantity and quality of data recorded on the subject animal itself and all its relatives.

The more information, the higher the accuracy.

Whilst there are exceptions, the general level of accuracy allowing reportability is 20%.

●

The EBVs reported on the Society’s website are updated monthly on around the 28th of each month.

All data submitted to the Office is processed immediately but will make no difference to the reported EBVs until the update has been carried out.

This normally results in the new EBVs appearing on or around the 1 st of each month.

●

If bulls are being scanned with the intention of the results being available for a particular Sale, the monthly deadline is important: e.g. the Society’s Spring Show & Sale held early April – for the latest results to appear in the Sale Catalogue, the data must be submitted by the 25th February.

If submitted after but before the 25th March, the updated results will only appear on the Breedplan Sale Cards, the results in the Catalogue based upon the February update.

●

For an extended explanation on all matters relating to Breedplan Recording go online via the Society’s website.

Select the option “Breedplan”, then from the drop down select “Breedplan Performance Recording”.

You will then arrive at “Getting Started with Breedplan”.

Whilst not all the information is relevant to the UK, the basics certainly are and are clearly set out.

●

Should you prefer to receive information in “hard copy” format various booklets and information sheets can be obtained, upon request, from the Office.

MATURE COW WEIGHTS AND CONTEMPORARY GROUPS Your Council are currently reviewing the Breed’s “Self Replacing Index” and the Committee elected to look into the subject recently met with Jack Allen, Technical Director, Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI). In the discussions that took place two specific items arose that Recording Members are asked to note:The Importance of Recording Mature Cow Weights Annually The weight of mature cows has a considerable influence on profitability:– ●

Generally lighter cows tend to eat less so less expensive to maintain.

Value of all cows is determined by their weight so heavier cows may provide higher returns.

Achieving an appropriate balance is therefore important.

To record the mature weight of a cow it is important to note that Breedplan will only analyse the weight if the cow has a calf with a weight recorded within 2 weeks of when the mature weight was taken and further, the calf was between 80-330 days of age when weighed.

It is therefore suggested that the ideal time to record the mature cow weight is at the same time as the 200 day weighing of her calf. ●

Other important information to note:Breedplan will only analyse the mature cow weight if the cow is older than 2.4 years of age (870 days) at weighing. ● Breedplan will only analyse the mature cow weight performance of a cow if her first valid mature weight is taken before she is 6 years of age (2,200 days). If not, then none of her mature weights will be analysed. ● It is essential that correct management groups information is recorded with the mature cow performance.

Recording Members prepared to record “Mature Cow Weights” should contact the Office for a “Mature Cow Weight” pack. ●

Contemporary Groups As highlighted on previous occasions, it is extremely important to create effective “Contemporary Groups” by ensuring that calves are born, ideally, within 6 to 8 weeks of one another and certainly no more than 12 weeks. The basis of a “Contemporary Group” is:● Male or Female but not a combination of both. ●

Born within 90 days of one another.

●

A 90 day period kicks off with the birth of the first calf: e.g. Calf born 1st January – the 90 days expires approximately the 1st April, the next calf born will then trigger the next 90 day period.

By ensuring a close calving system is adopted, the results analysed will be more robust and will achieve greater accuracies.

SCANNING INCENTIVES Just a reminder to Recording Members that the Scanning Incentive of £5.00 per animal scanned is still available.

Claims for the Incentive MUST be lodged with the Society by the end of the Society’s Financial Year during which the scanning has taken place, i.e. 1st July – 30th June.

No payments will be made for scanning that has taken place in a previous year.

So remember, claims for any scanning that takes place between the 1st July, 2015 and 30th June, 2016 MUST be received by the office no later than 30th June, 2016.

It is also important to remember the following salient points:•

It is important that all animals within a contemporary group (whether bulls, heifers or steers) are scanned to maximise the amount of comparable data, with the proviso that, to maintain accuracy, any differences in management are identified.

•

Data will only be accepted from an approved Scanning Technician whose contact details are on the Society’s Website under “Breedplan”.

•

The acceptable scanning age range is 300 to 800 days – however 400 to 600 is preferred.

•

All animals MUST be weighed at the time of scanning and the weights submitted and verified by the Scanning Technician.

Scrotal measurements of all bulls MUST be recorded by the Scanning Technician and results submitted.

Should either of the above not be carried out no incentive will be paid.

•

Information from heifers and steers is of equal importance to that of bulls – IMF data from heifers is of particular relevance because they mature earlier.

SCANNING DEADLINES ●

Reportability of EBVs appearing on the website under the animal’s ancestry details, relies upon their accuracy which is based upon the quantity and quality of data recorded on the subject animal itself and all its relatives.

The more information, the higher the accuracy.

Whilst there are exceptions, the general level of accuracy allowing reportability is 20%.

●

The EBVs reported on the Society’s website are updated monthly on around the 28th of each month.

All data submitted to the Office is processed immediately but will make no difference to the reported EBVs until the update has been carried out.

Normally results of the new EBVs will appear on the Society’s website on the 1st of each month.

●

If bulls are being scanned with the intention of the results being available for a particular Sale, the monthly deadline is important: For example in the case of the Society’s Spring Show & Sale held early April if the latest results are to appear in the Sale Catalogue, the data must be submitted by the 25th February.

If submitted after, but before the 25th March, the updated results will only appear on the Breedplan Sale Cards, the results in the Catalogue being based upon the previous update.

-------------------------------------------------------------

●

For an extended explanation on all matters relating to Breedplan Recording go online via the Society’s website.

Select the option “Breedplan”, then from the drop down select “Breedplan Performance Recording”.

You will then arrive at “Getting Started with Breedplan”.

Whilst not all the information is relevant to the UK, the basics certainly are and are clearly set out.

●

Should you prefer to receive information in “hard copy” format various booklets and information sheets can be obtained, upon request, from the Office.

A Guide to Pre-Sale Checks in respect of animals consigned to the Society’s Official Sales

A GUIDE TO PRE-SALE CHECKS Following arrival at the Sale Premises all cattle are subject to an official inspection conducted by a Veterinary Surgeon appointed by the Society and an official Inspector.

The aim of the inspection is to ensure that all cattle sold at Sales are of a consistently high quality and are free from any Health and/ or Structural defects.

In an endeavour to avoid disappointment of having cattle rejected at the Pre-Sale Inspection members should address the following checks before consigning cattle to the Society’s Official Sales:

Ensure that all entries are correctly Double Tagged in accordance with DEFRA Regulations.



Ensure that all entries are accompanied by their correct Passport and that the Date of Birth is as notified to the Society.



Ensure that Dentition is correct – teeth must make proper contact with the Dental Pad of the Upper Jaw. Those animals found by the Inspectors to have severely undershot or overshot jaws will be rejected. (See last page of this Guide for advice).



Bulls Testicles will be measured and must, at the widest point of the scrotum, attain a minimum measurement of 32 cms. The testicles must also be of equal size, with normal conformation and consistency.



Ensure that all animals are free from Warts (particular attention should be paid to the Sheath and Scrotal area), Ringworm, Mange, Lice and other infections or contagious diseases.



All Bulls 12 months and over on the day of sale must be rung and halter led.



Ensure that all Bulls meet the minimum weight for age standard as per the chart opposite.



All entries, Bulls & Females, with the exception of calves sold with their dams, MUST be DNA tested for Sire Verification and 3 Genetic Defects and results lodged with the Society at the close of entries. No animals testing positive for any of the defects will be accepted for sale.



Council Members will be pleased to advise members on selection of animals for Entry into the Society’s Official Sales, but no guarantee will be given or implied that the official Veterinary Surgeon or Inspector will pass the animals concerned.



Ensure that all animals are sound on their legs and feet. Exhibitors who find that any of their entries require their feet to be trimmed, should arrange to do so well in advance of the Sale, otherwise they run the risk of this treatment affecting the mobility of their animal, resulting in rejection from the Sale.



Females MUST be sound in udder.



All Females, including “For Sale Only” entries, MUST have been washed and groomed and also halter tied during the pre-Sale inspection.



All entries for Sales in Hereford, including calves, MUST be T.B. tested within 60 days of the Sale. For Sales held in Carlisle, Dungannon and Stirling, please check with the Auctioneers.



All entries MUST be BVD tested and vaccinated in accordance with the instructions issued by the Society.



Health Declaration Cards preferably supplied by your Herd Health Provider MUST accompany all cattle and displayed at the Sale.



Herd Health Declaration Forms MUST be submitted with entries.



The Sale Animal Health Declaration Form regarding TB & BVD MUST be submitted at least one week before the Sale.

BULLS WEIGHT FOR AGE GUIDELINES

Days

Min. Wt. KGs

Days

Min. Wt. KGs

Days

Min. Wt. KGs

Days

Min. Wt. KGs

365 370 375 380 385 390 395 400 405 410 415 420 425 430 435 440 445 450 455 460 465 470 475 480 485 490 495 500 505 510 515

495 500 505 510 515 520 525 530 535 540 545 550 555 560 565 570 575 580 585 590 595 600 605 610 615 620 625 630 635 640 645

520 525 530 535 540 545 550 555 560 565 570 575 580 585 590 595 600 605 610 615 620 625 630 635 640 645 650 655 660 665 670

650 655 660 665 670 675 680 685 690 695 700 705 710 715 720 725 730 734 739 743 748 752 756 761 765 770 774 779 783 788 792

675 680 685 690 695 700 705 710 715 720 725 730 735 740 745 750 755 760 765 770 775 780 785 790 795 800 805 810 815 820 825

797 801 806 811 814 818 822 826 830 834 838 842 846 851 854 857 861 864 868 871 875 878 882 885 889 892 895 898 901 904 907

830 835 840 845 850 855 860 865 870 875 880 885 890 895 900 905 910 915 920 925 930 935 940 945 950

909 911 913 915 917 919 921 923 925 927 929 931 933 935 937 939 941 943 945 947 949 951 953 955 957

GENERAL HINTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE WITH HEREFORD CATTLE The Hereford’s reputation for efficiency can only be maintained by continual improvement by selection.

There is no market for yesterday’s cattle.

Our customers demand that progeny of our cattle perform well under conditions most available to the commercial producer.

Consult a Nutritionist - Feeding is an exact science planned to balance profitably the requirements of the animal to attain given performance against availability and cost of feed.

The Hereford has proven to be supreme in producing high quality beef profitably from grazing, roughage and by-products. This is the cornerstone of a successful cattle enterprise.

Identify your market and target precisely. Selection and management should be planned to achieve the market aimed for. Be prepared to promote widely to achieve sales.

With the exception of the few cattle targeted at public showing it is detrimental to prepare stock to a degree that is harmful to their working life - our customers demand cattle that have received sound feeding, exercise and control of diseases.

The maternal qualities of the Hereford cow cannot be over emphasised - she should be “Streetwise”, a regular breeder, a good milker, able to withstand hardship and recover quickly in times of plenty.

Calve your females young, feed well and rest adequately. Calve well ahead of a period of plenty - stronger calves make best use of extra milk. Plan for a tight calving pattern the best aid to sound selection.

Cull cattle ruthlessly that need corrective foot treatment. Customers do not want abnormalities.

Housing is only justified when it improves the efficiency of grazing and management, so showing a useful return on the capital investment.

USEFUL PUBLICATIONS Available from AHDB Beef & Lamb Stoneleigh Park Kenilworth Warwickshire CV8 2TL Tel: 02476 478834 Em: brp@ahdb.org.uk Web: www.beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk ● Choosing Bulls to Breed for Better Returns ● Feeding Growing and Finishing Cattle for Better Returns ● Feeding Suckler Cows and Calves for Better Returns ● Bull Health and Fertility – before and after purchase ● Optimising Suckler Herd Fertility for Better Returns ● Improving Cattle Handling for Better Returns ● Beef Diseases Directory

______________________________ ● Bovine Showbiz by T. John Vaughan The Preparation and Presentation of Cattle for the Show & Sale Ring Copies available from Hereford House at a cost of £12.75 + £1.00 p & p

______________________________ ● Cattle Keepers’ Guide to Safeguarding Health Published by “The Wales Animal Health & Welfare Framework Group” for details visit www.checs.co.uk

______________________________

CONTENTS 1.

Guide to Management and Feeding

3.

Guide to Selecting Females

11.

Gestation Table

13.

The Basics of Structural Soundness

18.

A Guide to Visually Assessing Fatness and Muscling of Live Cattle

20.

Points of a Hereford

22.

Beef Cattle Appraisal

23.

A Breeder’s Practical Guide to the Selection of Breeding Cattle

24.

A Practical Guide to Cattle Judging

26.

Herd Health

28.

Understanding EBVs and Obtaining Effective Results

37.

A Guide to Pre-Sale Checks

41.

General Hints for a Successful Future with Hereford Cattle

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For information on the Hereford Breed E: Postroom@herefordcattle.org T: +44(0)1432 272057 W: www.herefordcattle.org