NBA Magazine Autumn 2017 issue 5

AUTUMN 2017 ISSUE 05

MANAGING PNEUMONIA BULL VERSUS STEER AND DEALING WITH HEAVY WEIGHT CARCASSES

CATTLE HOUSING GETTING IT RIGHT FORAGE PRE-TREATMENT MORE GAIN POSSIBLE FROM THE SAME FEED

PARASITE CONTROL

IN BEEF CATTLE AT HOUSING REGIONAL ROUND-UPS

GUEST WRITER ALAN CLARKE

NEWS & INDUSTRY UPDATES

FOR EVERYONE WITH AN INTEREST IN THE BEEF INDUSTRY T H E O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E F R O M T H E N AT I O N A L B E E F A S S O C I AT I O N

HEALTH ISSUES

BREED SOCIETIES NEWS UPDATES

Challenge us

to help you improve your gross margin We are committed to optimising the lifetime value of your herd with qualified nutritionists ready to offer technical advice and competitive pricing.

• Compounds • Blends • Minerals • Fats • Straights • Moist feeds • Processed grain • Grain treatment • Buckets & blocks

Feed Lines South T: 01278 444829 North T: 01260 279542 Scotland T: 0800 783 3633

Supporting UK Agriculture

molevalleyfarmers.com

CONTENTS

contents

EDITOR Chris Mallon National Beef Association Mart Green Tyne Green Hexham Northumberland NE46 3SG 01434 601005 chris@nationalbeefassociation.com DEPUTY EDITOR Tom Kinroy tom@nationalbeefassociation.com

AUTUMN 2017 34 14

36

CHAIRMAN David Thomlinson ADVERTISING ENQUIRES 01434 601005 07738 229752 nbamagazine@ nationalbeefassociation.com DESIGN, PRINT & PUBLISHING Kinroy Design, Yorkshire 01430 266068 hello@kinroydesign.co.uk www.kinroydesign.co.uk A National Beef Association Publication A specialist organisation open to everyone with an interest in the UK beef industry.

Company No. 3678612

NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017: Issue 5 NEXT ISSUE: WINTER 2017 NBA/Kinroy Design give notice that no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent of the publishers. Every care is taken when compiling editorial and advertisements and the publishers can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions arising from publication. Views expressed and information contained in The National Beef Association Magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the National Beef Association who cannot therefore be held responsible for any reason arising therefrom.

Neither the Association, the Publisher nor the Editors endorses any services or products advertised in this Magazine.

Design/Images © 2017 Kinroy Design Printed on Sustainable FSC Paper Mix ISSN 2399-553X (Print) ISSN 2399-553X (Online)

16 REGULARS CHAIRMAN'S REPORT CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT AND NBA QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS GUEST WRITER: ALAN CLARKE, QMS NBA REGIONAL ROUND-UPS BREED SOCIETIES NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS Q&A WITH A BEEF FARMER GUEST VET: MATTHEW PUGH FOOD: HEREFORD BEEF WEBSITE NBA NEWS UPDATE GIFT OF THE GAVEL: DAVID THOMLINSON

05 06 09 12 14 30 31 32 33 34 54

FEATURES FORAGE PRE-TREATMENT BY AB VISTA ANIMAL HEALTH: THE UNSEEN PROTECTOR CATTLE HOUSING - GETTING IT RIGHT ANIMAL HEALTH: IDENTIFYING PI ANIMAL HEALTH: PARASITE CONTROL ANIMAL HEALTH: THE ROLE OF SELENIUM AND IODINE MIDLAND'S MACHINERY SHOW 2017 THE COW CULL MARKET BY MEADOW QUALITY BULL VERSUS STEER ANIMAL HEALTH: MANAGING PNEUMONIA SYNCHRONISING PROTOCOLS ON SUCKLER HERDS FAREWELL TO DAVID PROTHERO

10 16 18 23 24 26 28 29 36 40 42 47

Essential cattle management software 4 Manage cattle health easily with built in Vet & Med Book 4 Enhance pedigree records with Breedplan links and pedigree trees 4 Make your herd more productive manage feeding and costings, slaughter details and more…

Book a demo

Find out more at farmplan.co.uk

01594 545 000 | sales@farmplan.co.uk

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

03

CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME

GREAT PR

order your ICES winter sugar beet feed today for a li m period ited only.

ADVERT TRIDENT FEEDS

Trident Sugar Beet is a palatable and highly digestible molassed sugar beet feed that drives feed intake, leading to higher milk and fat yields.

Call your local merchant today! delivering you growth

04

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017 www.tridentfeeds.co.uk

WELCOME

CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME

CHAIRMAN'S

NEW LOWER PRICES

BY DAVID THOMLINSON CHAIR OF THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION DAVID THOMLI

NSON

Welcome everyone to the NBA Magazine, Autumn issue. What a Summer it has been, with unpredictable weather making for a trying harvest. Hopefully by now you have all got everything gathered in safely and input prices do not soar too high this Winter.

The way to improve our cattle herds is through the use of the best genetics available and I am disappointed that recent TB consultations have been around the capping of the

Alpha Button

Alpha Medium

Alpha Large

Secondary Diameter 28mm Was £0.99 Now £0.79

Primary or Secondary W 57mm x L 58mm Was £0.99 Now £0.89

Primary or Secondary W 57mm x L 77mm £0.99

values of those pedigree cattle. To produce the best of beef, competing on a global market we need to be able to produce world class cattle and that depends on using the best bulls on our suckler herds. Those herds already suffering from TB are being further penalised if a cap on valuation payments means that even buying a quality bull risks financial loss.

Trade is the life blood of the beef industry and the traditional movement of cattle

FREE Beanie

from breeding areas to where they are finished is as old as the roads they travel on. Defra need to understand these movements and their necessity when they consider restrictions on trade between different areas of the country defined by

Quote ROXP12

perceived TB risk. The majority of stores are bred in the West and these areas lack the ability to finish and house the stores and their mothers. I hope that common

With any New Run Cattle Tag order

sense prevails.

This Autumn we say goodbye to a familiar face. Stephen Heenan, Northern

While stocks last, 1 per order

Ireland Trustee Director and Vice Chairman of the Association, stands down after six years’ service on the Board. We thank him for his efforts over the years and welcome Ernie Ritchie who will be stepping up to fill his boots on the Board.

APPLICATOR OFFER

PROMO PRICE £29.95 RRP

£39.95

ADVERTISE IN OUR WINTER ISSUE #NBAMAGAZINE TO ADVERTISE PLEASE CONTACT TOM KINROY ON 01434 601005 / 07738 229752 OR EMAIL nbamagazine@nationalbeefassociation.com

Quote SBA17 When ordered with 100 brass tags While stocks last

01750 724 110 www.roxan.co.uk

DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: FRIDAY 1ST DECEMBER THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

05

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S

CHRIS MALLO

N

REPORT

BY CHRIS MALLON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION

The future success of British Agriculture depends on how we manage the Brexit process and the trade deals we are given afterwards. industry such as UK Agriculture.

We are not falling into some void, there are deals we

The world of WTO rules is not for the fainthearted,

will inherit from our present EU relationship, some

recent news around Bombardier and Boeing plane

beneficial and some worrying, such as, how much of

makers shows how special the “Special Relationship”

I urge members to get involved in our events and

the New Zealand lamb quota will be attributed to us.

with the USA really is. The fact that plane makers,

regional committees, to ensure that their opinions

Post Brexit not all will change but our Government

Bombardier, are given financial support from the

are portrayed. It was fantastic to see over 250

will have greater responsibility and accountability,

UK and Canadian Governments, means that Boeing

attendees at our recent farm walks, and enthusiastic,

no longer having the bogie man of the EU to blame

are pressing that under WTO Rules, punitive tariffs

passionate farmers voicing their opinions in the

for their failures. I feel it is disappointing, that over

should be placed on Bombardier products entering

Midlands Discussion on ‘The future of the midlands

a year on, instead of concrete proposals for British

the USA, this in turn threatens the future viability of

beef industry’. With Brexit discussions increasing,

agriculture, we are still caught up in the petty

Bombardier and the jobs of the 4000 employees.

our work as the only organisation solely dedicated

rivalries of school yard antics. Proper policies are

This is an example of how direct support is treated by

to protecting the interests of the UK Beef Industry

needed and grown up discussions are a necessity.

the WTO and a cautionary tale for a highly supported

becomes ever more important.

RESULTS FROM THE NBA BREXIT QUESTIONNAIRE PRICING

TRADE & SUPPORT

ANIMAL HEALTH

• 53% of farmers feel that they are getting a fair • 67% of farmers would support legislation for

• 43% of farmers felt Irish Beef was the biggest

price for their cattle.

threat, followed by South American (31%),

the compulsory testing and culling of PIs

• 46% of farmers feel that the EUROP grid is not without compensation, 27% said they

North American (15%), Australian (7%)

fit for purpose.

would if there was compensation and only 6% and 3% said ‘None – consumers will always buy

• When asked what should be considered in

said they would not support this legislation.

British.’

pricing of cattle, Tenderness was voted most

• 40% of farmers said they used most antibiotics

• 94% of farmers said that they would not

important followed by marbling,

on young calves, followed by lameness (25%)

welcome back hormones into beef production

meat yield then conformation of animal and

and mastitis (12.5%).

in the UK.

production system.

• 71% of farmers said they would not support

• 78% of farmers felt that agriculture would be

the move of TB compensation payments

used as a bargaining chip in trade deals.

WELFARE

from the government to an industry

• Capital grants were voted the best way to

• 66% of farmers think that we are 1st in the

insurance product.

receive support by farmers, followed by

world for welfare.

• When asked the priorities for a new database

research and development, welfare payments,

• When asked how they would like to see welfare 100% provenance and traceability, change post Brexit 62% said they would like

simplification of registration, more point of sale

welfare standards to stay the same

information and removal of the 6 day standstill,

and 33% said increase.

were deemed the most important priorities.

and provision of services.

• 75% of farmers said they would like to see a calf welfare scheme introduced in the UK

TRADE & SUPPORT

rewarding farmers for high calf welfare

• 71% of farmers saw Brexit as an opportunity

standards e.g. weaning management,

to the beef industry, 18% as a threat and 11%

vaccination and colostrum management.

said it would make no difference.

AUTUMN 2017 ISSUE 05

MANAGING PNEUMONIA

SALERS CATTLE SOCIETY

BULL VERSUS STEER

AND DEALING WITH

Easy calving with quick to suckle calves. Very fertile males and females. Long living hardy animals. Low vet bills.

Excellent foragers. Milky females producing fast growing calves. Readily crossed to a ‘terminal sire’ breed.

HEAVY WEIGHT CARC

ASSES

CATTLE HOUSING GETTING IT RIGHT

FORAGE PRE-TREAT

MORE GAIN POSSIBLE

MENT

FROM THE SAME FEED

PARASITE CONTROL

Salers Catlte Society, Smith Hill Farm, Bower Slack Road, Triangle, Halifax HX6 3EZ

IN BEEF CATTLE AT HOU

T: 07903 626249 or 01422 820220 E: secretary@salers-cattle-society.co.uk

ROUND-UPS

www.salers-cattle-society.co.uk

REGIONAL

FOR EVERYONE WITH

AN INTEREST IN THE

THE OFFI CIAL

06

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SING

GUEST WRITER

ALAN CLARKE MAGAZIN

NEWS & INDUSTRY

UPDATES

L BEEF AS S O C I AT

HEALTH

ISSUES

BEEF INDUSTRY

E FROM T H E N AT I O NA

BREED SOCIETIES

NEWS UPDATES

ION

AUTUMN 2017

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER SPRING 2017

07

Better breathing for a healthy future Better breathing Farm-O-San Pulmosure for a healthy future Farm-O-San Pulmosure

Act at the first Act at cough the first cough

farmosan.co.uk/ruminants THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE 08

Good respiratory health is highly important to Good respiratory ensure your calveshealth reach is highly important to their full potential. ensure your calves reach Visit bit.ly/pulmosure their full potential. and claim your FREE Visit bit.ly/pulmosure Breathe-Easy Pack. and claim your FREE Breathe-Easy Pack.

AUTUMN 2017

ALAN CLARKE

GUEST WRITER

GUEST WRITER

ALAN CLARKE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE QUALITY MEAT SCOTLAND

SCOTTISH BEEF INDUSTRY HAS INGREDIENTS FOR POST-BREXIT SUCCESS The beef industry in Scotland has a great deal to feel proud and positive about, according to Quality Meat Scotland’s new Chief Executive Alan Clarke.

Mr Clarke, who was previously Chief Executive of

quality assurance to our commitment to animal

more and more interested in the provenance and

Scottish Bakers, has spent the initial weeks of his

welfare and strong sustainability credentials.

“story” behind the meat they purchase.

move from “cake to steak” getting out and about

These are strengths which will prevail no matter

to meet those working in every part of the Scottish

what unfolds in the months ahead in terms of the

Likewise, he said QMS remains committed to

red meat industry production chain – from farmers

deals negotiated on the back of Brexit,” observed

continually looking at ways it can improve what

to processors, butchers and retailers.

Mr Clarke.

it delivers for the industry.

“I have made a point of being very much in

One area where he believes there is real

“Since joining QMS I have been very impressed

‘listening mode’ and getting a solid understanding

potential to further develop is the way in which

with the knowledge, dedication and commitment

of the red meat industry in Scotland,” Alan said.

different parts of the red meat chain engage and

of the small QMS team, both the board and staff.

communicate with each other.

“I am also very aware that in the post-Brexit

“What has quickly become very clear to me is that those working in this industry have a huge amount

“Improved communication would be a win-

era the role of QMS will be more vital than ever.

of passion and pride and work incredibly hard

win for everyone – from farmer to processor

Our strategy is ‘to shape a sustainable and

to produce Scotch Beef PGI which has earned its

to retailer,” he said. “If we are to prosper and

prospering Scottish red meat industry’ and we

place at the top of the global menu,” he said.

flourish as an industry going forward we need

will continue to look at how we can promote our

to increase the levels of trust and ensure each

high quality brands, providing a strong return for

Despite the uncertainty created by Brexit, on areas

link of the chain understands the needs of the

levypayers and the industry as a whole.

such as international trade regulation, migrant

others,” he said.

“The activities we deliver for the industry are

labour and agricultural support, those working in the beef industry in Scotland has many reasons to

There is, he said, also huge scope for those

wide-ranging – from health and education to

feel confident about the longer-term.

working in our industry to be valuable

economics, marketing and industry development

ambassadors for the Scotch Beef PGI (and the

– and we will continue to ensure value for money

“We have all the right ingredients to guarantee us

Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork

for every pound we spend.”

a strong future – from world-leading whole of life

brands too), especially as consumers become

I have made a point of being very much in ‘listening mode’ and getting a solid understanding of the red meat industry in Scotland.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FEATURE AS OUR GUEST WRITER PLEASE CONTACT THE NBA MAGAZINE THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

09

SPONSORED FEATURE

BY DR NICOLA WALKER, AB VISTA, RUMINANT PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

MORE GAIN POSSIBLE FROM THE SAME FEED WITH FORAGE PRE-TREATMENT For beef units feeding silage - or moist feed-based rations, extracting as much growth as possible from the fibre in the diet is the key to both minimising feed costs and maximising margins, claims Dr Nicola Walker, AB Vista’s Ruminant Product Development Manager.

“Recent research carried out at Agri-Research Center

level of expensive high energy concentrates

in Texas has shown that improving fibre digestion in

needed to hit growth targets.”

beef rations can increase average daily gain (ADG) by up to 13.4% in the initial phase (see Figure 1) without any increase in dry matter intake (DMI),” she states.

“As a result, cattle finished 11kg heavier at slaughter without consuming any additional feed.” The results were achieved by using the pre-treatment VistaPre-T (a fungal extract-based liquid added to the ration prior to feeding) to improve the rate and extent of fibre digestion in the rumen. This not only increases energy supply, but also provides a better balance of energy release that

Figure 1 – Improvement in beef daily gain following addition of VistaPre-T

helps reduce the risk of acidosis. “Fibre is an extremely

RUMEN FIBRE DIGESTIBILITY

important energy source in ruminant diets, as well

Low rumen pH (acidosis) caused by acidic silages or too

as being vital for correct rumen function,” Dr Walker

much unbalanced starch in the ration will reduce the

explains. “Feeds high in fibre like silage and moist feeds

populations of fibre digesting microbes and slow the

are also some of the most cost-effective sources of

rate of fibre breakdown. This reduces the amount of fibre

energy available, so it makes sense to utilise them as

that can be digested before it leaves the rumen. Similar

efficiently as possible.”

effects can be seen when excess oil in the diet coats the

Figure 2 – VistaPre-T increases digestibility to release even more energy from fibre

fibre, delaying microbial attachment and colonisation, or

IMPROVED ENERGY RELEASE

MISSING GROWTH OPPORTUNITY

when increased rumen outflow rates following addition of

Simply applied as a liquid prior to feeding, VistaPre-T

In silage-based beef systems, for example, preserved

sodium bicarbonate limits the time available for digestion.

roughens and creates pits in the surface of the fibre in

forages can routinely account for 60-70% of the ration.

“Any of these factors can undermine overall feed efficiency

the diet. This increases the surface area for attachment

The result is a total fibre content that’s typically 40-

and increase the amount of feed required to achieve

and colonisation by fibre-digesting microbes once in the

50% of the dry matter (DM) consumed, and potentially

a given growth target,” continues Dr Walker. “And that

rumen (see Figure 3).

even greater this winter due to the higher fibre grass

means higher feed costs and lower margins.”

silages filling many clamps. “If the digestibility of this fibre isn’t maximised, then a good proportion of the

VISTA PRE-T DIGESTION ADVANTAGE

best value energy in the diet can easily be lost, with

Until recently, the only practical way to increase fibre

knock-on effects for growth rates, feed costs and overall

digestibility was to improve rumen function. This typically

profitability,” Dr Walker adds. Improving fibre digestion

involved better ration formulation to balance energy

in the rumen should therefore be a top priority for all

supply in the rumen and minimise acidosis, plus the

beef producers. The rumen digestibility of plant cell

addition of a slow-release rumen conditioner like Acid Buf

walls – the main source of fibre in the diet – can be as

or Vistacell live yeast to help optimise rumen conditions

high as 65% under ideal conditions, but it can quickly

for fibre-digesting microbes. But the introduction of

drop to as low as 35% if the rumen environment isn’t

VistaPre-T offers an additional opportunity, thanks to its

optimised. “The amount of fibre that’s actually broken

ability to unlock and release even more of the energy

down and converted into energy by rumen microbes is

potential in fibre (see Figure 2). “By reducing the lag

determined by two key factors: the potential maximum

time before fibre digestion starts in the rumen, VistaPre-T

“This pre-digestion allows faster digestion of feed,” adds

digestibility of the fibre and how well the rumen is

increases both the rate and extent of fibre digestion in a

Dr Walker. “And with trials showing improvements in

functioning,” Dr Walker explains. “So anything that

way that’s not been possible before,” Dr Walker outlines.

growth rate of up to 13.4% in the initial phase without

compromises fermentation efficiency in the rumen is

“The result is even more energy extracted from the fibre

any additional feed, it highlights just how much extra

going to limit fibre digestibility and the resulting energy

in the diet, and an overall increase in feed efficiency of up

potential energy is available within the ration fibre if we

supply, regardless of how much available energy the fibre

to 10% or more. “This enables either faster growth and

can improve its digestion. “VistaPre-T really does offer

might potentially contain.”

quicker finishing on existing rations, or a reduction in the

the opportunity to get more growth from the same feed,

Acidic silages or too much unbalanced starch in the ration will reduce the populations of fibre digesting microbes and slow the rate of fibre breakdown.

10

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

a) Maize silage

b) Grass silage Figure 3 – Effect of fibre pre-treatment (left = control; right = VistaPre-T) on the surface structure of maize silage (a) and grass silage (b)

and the benefits in terms of improved energy supply to the cattle, increased margins and better overall profitability can be substantial. “

AUTUMN 2017

BREED SOCIETY NEWS

A new gold standard

in fibre transformation

Vistapre-T is the liquid pre-treatment that creates a unique window of opportunity to unlock the energy potential in fibre, creating new value from home grown forage and other fibrous feed.

To find out how Vistapre-T can support your business, contact AB Vista on +44 (0)28 94473478

Unlock the potential THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

www.abvista.com AUTUMN 2017

11

NBA REGIONAL ROUND-UPS

REGIONAL round-ups IMAGE CREDIT: CHAROLAIS CATTLE SOCIETY

REGIONAL COUNCILS CONTACTS NORTHERN DAVID THOMLINSON - CHAIRMAN Carlisle CA1 2RS Tel: 07802 675799 Email: david@thomlinson.co.uk

After a frantic period in June with the excitement of the

momentum in the last few weeks. I have attended

SBA Beef Event and the Highland Show things went

meetings with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural

quieter for a while.

Affairs, Fergus Ewing, and will be in Aberdeen later this week to meet with the Secretary of State

The industry was, and still is, struggling with what must

Michael Gove. The SBA position at this time, along

be the wettest summer on record. Second cut silage

with other industry stakeholder groups, is to secure

and autumn harvesting is dragging on in a continued

as favourable a budget as possible for Scotland and

stop start mode and may well be contributing to a

not be split on that direction. Once that is achieved

slight fall in store prices. A continued shortage of

then the SBA will passionately pursue our aim

MIDLANDS JOHN BELL - CHAIRMAN Northamptonshire NN11 5NP Tel: 07188 890320 Email: john@berryfieldsfarm.co.uk

numbers led to buoyant trade throughout the summer

of getting as much support as possible directed

but the feel-good factor round the ringside will be in

towards active, producing farms.

SOUTH WEST BILL HARPER - CHAIRMAN Devon EX22 6RZ Tel: 01409271376 Email: harpersholdings@btinternet.com

The Scottish Government continue to churn out figures

the large shift of money from producing beef farms

of the amount of money and the percentage of farms

to unproductive hill areas under an area based

who now have been paid their BSP and other support

support system. While we recognise the need for

payments. However, this is of little comfort to the

support in the rural areas, they do not contribute

few who, through no fault of their own, other than

to the multiplier effect in the same way that beef

be involved in the transfer of entitlements, are still

farms do. It is an easy argument we have to make,

waiting. The payments are legally bound to be paid by

beef farms employ staff, invest in buildings and

October but there is no indication from the Scottish

machinery, keep feed merchants in business and of

Government that we will not have to go through all this

course produce a premium product for the Scottish

again next year. The computing system is clearly not fit

Food and Drink Industry.

HELEN DOBSON - SECRETARY/TREASURER Hexham NE46 3SG Tel: 01434 601005 Email: helen@nationalbeefassociation.com

VICKY SMITH - SECRETARY Exeter EX5 4LZ Tel: 07773 340008 Email: natbeefsw@gmail.com WALES CONTACT HEAD OFFICE Tel: 01434 601005 NORTHERN IRELAND JOHN SHERIDAN - CHAIRMAN County Fermanagh, BT92 1ED Tel: 07977454959 Email: sheridanjohnr@aol.com CHARLES CURRAN - SECRETARY Co Down BT34 4RH Tel: 07732 470762 Email: homesteadblondes@btinternet.com SCOTLAND NEIL MCCORKINDALE - CHAIRMAN Argyll PA34 4UU Tel: 01852 316282 Email: scammadale@hotmail.com DUNCAN TODD - SECRETARY Kilmarnock KA3 2TN Tel: 07734 812704 Email: duncan@agment.co.uk

12

SCOTLAND

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

short supply until the weather relents and the fields get cleared up.

At an ARD Government meeting last month, a document from the James Hutton Institute showed

for purpose, and as other schemes come on board it is doubtful if it ever will be able to catch up.

The SBA will be at the right tables to make sure the beef industry’s voice is heard. I will be travelling to

SBA Board members Andrew Wright and John Bell

Wedderlee Farms next week to choose an Aberdeen

have been attending industry meetings to agree on a

Angus Yearling Heifer which will be presented to

pilot EID tagging system which we have presented to

Angela McGregor, Aberdeen Angus Society Vice

Scottish Government for their comments. The SBA fully

President, who was the lucky winner of the SBA

supports and welcomes the consultation on phase 5

prize draw at our Beef Event. Our thanks goes to

of the BVD Eradication Scheme which was published

the Tilson family for allowing us a pick from their

last month and which will increase pressure on non-

famous AA Herd. The herd was established in 1913

negative herds to get rid of PI animals.

and since then has grown into an award-winning herd most recently winning the Marks & Spencer AA

The subject of future support payments and

Beef Finishing Competition against pure and cross

convergence money for Scotland has suddenly gained

bred herds.

NOT ALREADY A MEMBER? JOIN THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION TODAY

SEE PAGE 52 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND A MEMBERSHIP FORM. STUDENT MEMBERSHIP ONLY £40

AUTUMN 2017

SOUTH WEST

NBA’s AGRIFEST SOUTH WEST - IN THE PINK! With the summer shows now at an end Agrifest South West to be held on Wednesday 8th November

A FESTIVAL WEDNESDAY OF BRITISH 8TH NOVEMBER 2017 AGRICULTURE 8.30AM TO 5PM

at Westpoint Exeter will kick start the season’s primestock showing circuit. With classes for both commercial and pedigree cattle entries coming in from from across the country. The primestock cattle will be judged by Frank Page suckled calf producer and experienced showman from Northampton, while the pedigree calves and the young bull of the year will be under the master eye of Jimmy McMillan the legendary manager of Sterling Simmentals. Taking centre ring for the inaugural prime lamb classes is well respected judge and breeder Rob Rattray from Ceredigion. Also being a butcher, Rob is well qualified to judge this new section with The Royal Smithfield Perpetual Challenge cup being awarded to the Supreme Champion pair of lambs. Following the judging of the lamb championship will be an auction of kindly donated “Pink Sheep” with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK. Other donated items and services will be auctioned at the pre-event dinner on Tuesday 7th November. If anyone would like to make donations please contact Vicky Smith 01884 861352 or Lin Pidsley 07974 433186 or send a message through the event Facebook page @agrifestsouthwest Closing date for Breed Society & Trade stand bookings and Primestock entries is 30th September.

Bookings can also be made through and more information found on the event website www.agrifestsouthwest.co.uk or contact Vicky Smith on the number above.

The committee would like to thank all the event sponsors and supporters, without them it would not be

www.agrifestsouthwest.co.uk info@agrifestsouthwest.co.uk

possible to stage such an event, and we hope to see all West Country Beef & Sheep producers at this Festival of British Agriculture.

NORTHERN IRELAND

LONG SERVING DIRECTOR, STEPHEN HEENAN, RETIRES FROM NBA BOARD

At the recent NBA AGM in Hexham, Stephen Heenan stood down from his position as Vice Chair and Trustee Director for Northern Ireland on the NBA Board. He has contributed greatly to the Association over his 6 years of service and his sensible head and calming influence will be sorely missed. Each year with the help of Ernie Ritchie, who has now stepped in to fill Stephen's shoes on the board as Trustee Director of NI, Stephen arranges the prestigious Northern Irish bus trip over to the NBA Beef Expo, herding over 80 Northern Irish farmers for a three-day trip to celebrate British beef production.

Although he has retired from the board, we are pleased that he will continue to serve on the NI NBA committee as well as the NI Beef Expo committee and we are delighted that we will be visiting his farm in Down Patrick this October for a farm walk and regional meeting.

On behalf of the NBA we would like to thank him for his efforts on the board.

COMING SOON... CRYSTALYX FARM WALK - SEE PAGE 35 KINDLY HOSTED BY STEPHEN HEENAN

ORGANISED BY THE NBA SOUTH WEST

WESTPOINT EXETER EX5 1DJ PRIMESTOCK SHOW TO INCLUDE PRIME LAMB CLASSES - NEW FOR 2017 PEDIGREE CALF AND YEARLING BULL SHOW SEMINARS BEEF RIBS & RACK OF LAMB COMPETITION FARMERS OF THE FUTURE TEAM CHALLENGE - NEW FOR 2017 STEAK AND BURGER AWARDS ROYAL SMITHFIELD TROPHIES AWARDED IN THE PRIMESTOCK SHOW BREED SOCIETY & TRADE STAND BOOKINGS NOW AVAILABLE This year the event will be supporting Cancer Research UK, this will include and auction of kindly donated “Pink Pedigree sheep” to take place following the judging of the prime lamb championship. We will also be holding an auction of other donated items and services at the pre event dinner on Tuesday 7th November with all proceeds going to cancer research

SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS ALSO AVAILABLE THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

13

BREED SOCIETY NEWS

BREED SOCIETIES NEWS

HEREFORD CATTLE SOCIETY

other Agri-food businesses. He also successfully

the Board of Directors. Presenting the champions

identified new areas of business and marketed

with their prizes Dr Levack said: “We are hugely

them to customers. Previously James worked

touched at the amount of thought and hard work

James who joined from organic certifiers, The

for Defra where he was part of the Horticultural

which has gone into this weekend. The exhibitors,

Soil Association said “I’m very pleased to have

Marketing Inspectorate. Hereford Society

the spectators and everyone here at Balnabroich

become part of the Hereford Cattle Society to work

Chairman, Richard Mann, said “We are delighted

has been fully on-board and made this a wonderful

with an established team at Hereford House, the

to welcome James to the Society and his excellent

event.” The championship trophy, a bronze of a

Council and the breeders who are the heart of the

background, coupled with his energy to work

Highland bull’s head sculpted by Lady Sally, went to

breed. This is an exciting era within UK and global

with the Council and breeders, will take the breed

Donald MacNaughton, 72 Centre St, Kelty with his

agriculture and I believe there will be a prominent

forward in the new and exciting times that are

four year old cow Skye 4th of Rannoch. A frequent

role for the Hereford to play in post Brexit UK

ahead of us.” James was brought up on a mixed

prize winner as a heifer, this Fergus of Isle of Bute

agriculture. Capitalising on the breed’s many

beef and sheep farm on the Mendip Hills. He also

daughter was the female champion and reserve

wonderful attributes to further develop sustainable

runs a small herd of pedigree pigs with which he

overall at the first National Highland Cattle breed

profitable systems for farmers.” James added, “I

has won a number of interbreed titles and the

show. She was shown on Saturday with her March

would also like to pay tribute to the legacy David

“Pig of the Year” title in 2016. He now lives in

born heifer calf by Beinn Lyell of Earn at foot. The

Prothero leaves myself and all the staff at Hereford

Gloucestershire with his wife and family.

reserve overall championship was collected by

House. The Society has grown exponentially under

David Soutar, Strathellie, Drove Rd, Alyth with

his careful stewardship and has enjoyed a period of

his two year old bull Fionn Mhor of Strathellie.

sustained interest and expansion both in terms of pedigree registrations and membership. It is now up to the Council, members and staff to build on this in the future.”

SALERS CATTLE SOCIETY

Mr Soutar who was Farms Director at Strathmore Estates before he retired, has 16 cows in his new fold and this was the first calf born into it. Fionn

Salers will be holding their Autumn Sales this

Mhor is by Douglas of Roisbhen and out of a cow

year at Welshpool on 14th October, Stirling 23rd

from the Glamis fold.

James has worked within the agricultural and

October and Castle Douglas on 4th November. The

horticultural industries for nearly 20 years and will

Annual General Meeting and Annual Presentation

The judge, Archie McArthur from Ormsary,

move from the Soil Association, where he was a

Dinner takes place Friday 3rd November in Castle

Lochgilphead said: “This has been a good show

Senior Inspector Manager. In this role James was

Douglas. A delegation of breeders and friends

of Highland Cattle. I always think they look their

responsible for a team of UK based office staff and

are attending the French Salers National Show in

best at this time of year. The champion is a well-

remote workers, as well as contractors overseas

Vichy, France during September.

balanced cow with a very good calf at foot. I am sure the bull in reserve place will go on to do a

and has seen him establish new partnerships with

HIGHLAND CATTLE SOCIETY

JAMES SAGE APPOINTED AS THE HEREFORD CATTLE SOCIETY’S FIRST CHIEF EXECUTIVE 14

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

great job for someone in the future.”

Results; (judge; Archie McArthur) Senior bull - Hamish Irvine, Craigluscar,

Highland cattle breeders from across the country

Dunfermline with Angus Dubh of Savalmohr. Junior

have enjoyed a bonus event to round off this year’s

bull – 1. David Soutar, Strathellie, Alyth with Fionn

summer show season. A fundraiser held at

Mhor of Strathellie, 2. Blairlogan Highlanders, Alva

Balnabroich, Strathardle, on Saturday attracted

with Sesh Mohr of Blairlogan. Cow – 1. Donald

entries from many of the top folds in the country

MacNaughton, Kelty with Skye 4th of Rannoch,

to a morning’s showing followed by a farm tour, a

2. Sydney and Maureen O’Hara , Cnoc Lodge,

garden walk and a dinner for 180 people. The whole

Appin with Eilidh of Achnacroish, 3. Stuart McKay,

event was organised by hosts Sir Michael and Lady

Duiletter, Dalmally with Lottie of Mosscairn. Three

Sally Nairn with all proceeds going to PATCH , a new

year old heifer - 1. Donald MacNaughton with

medical charity set up to support 24/7 specialist

Hayley of Rannoch, 2. Glengorm Fold, Tobermory

palliative care for hospital patients. The weekend,

with Furan Maghaidh 7th of Glengorm, 3. Mr and

including a well-supported charity auction, raised

Mrs S Haley, Marland Lodge, Co Durham with Sineag

in excess of £45,000. Tayside GP and consultant

Dubh 3rd of Brunilla. Two year old heifer – 1. Mr

in palliative care, Dr Pamela Levack is Medical

and Mrs S Haley with Margaret 1st of Seam, 2. J

Director of PATCH and Sir Michael is Chairman of

and J Singer, Kintore House, Auchenblae with Aisla

AUTUMN 2017

BREED SOCIETY NEWS

BREED SOCIETIES, DO YOU HAVE ANY NEWS, YOU WOULD LIKE US TO PUBLISH? For your free article to be featured in the next issue please email your copy and any images to nbamagazine@nationalbeefassociation.com

LUING CATTLE SOCIETY

In August the society held its annual farm visit to Berryfell Farm, Hawick.

Following in true society tradition the rain threatened most of the day holding off nicely until everyone arrived back for a BBQ. Over two hundred people attended with persons having travelled from far and wide. All were welcomed with a nice cuppa and cake followed by a brief introduction by Chairman Dave Stanners, then Wilbert Girvan (host) welcomed everyone to Berryfell.

A tour taken all attendee in one tour seen an impressive convoy of

THE RESERVE OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP WAS COLLECTED

BY DAVID SOUTAR, STRATHELLIE, DROVE RD, ALYTH WITH HIS TWO YEAR OLD BULL FIONN MHOR OF STRATHELLIE.

tractors and trailers heading out to various fields on the farm where

Emma Dubh of Kintore Castle, 3. The Burns family, Tippetcraig, High Bonnybridge

Basil Lowman spoke to the entourage about the excellent efficiency

with Eileen 4th of Hunters. Yearling heifer - Bryon MacNaughton, 4 Green Rd,

of the Luing cows at Berryfell along with local vet Andrew Robinson

Kinross with Skye of Little Rannoch, 2. K Hownam, Borland, Blacklunans with Lili

of Hawick Veterinary Practice Ltd. Wilbert and Maggie Magee from

Ann of Borland , 3. Sydney and Maureen O’Hara with Fraoch 1 st of Cnoc. Calf – 1.

Borders Woodland Management Services spoke about the successes and

Stuart McKay with Molly of Achnacroish, 2. Mr Stephen and Mrs Rosemary Hunter,

disappointments of the tree plantings on Berryfell. Once all had arrived

Barnhill, Shotts with Capleadh of Hunters. 3. Donald MacNaughton with un-named

back the BBQ was busy as members and friends relaxed with friends and

calf. Pairs - 1. Hamish Irvine, 2 Mr and Mrs Simon Haley.

new friends before a quick question and answer session started.

BEEF SHORTHORN CATTLE SOCIETY

Thumbs up to Beef Shorthorn. Young members and new society members workshop Northern Ireland weekend. Over 50 young Beef

Wilbert and Scott described their management processes of the autumn and spring calving cows, bulling heifers and steer calves via an impressive pa system which Wilbert had erected upon his Land Rover.

As the day draw to an end Vice Chairman Mark Thomson was able to inform the crowd that £1,125 had been raised for Guide Dogs for the Blind. A charity Mrs. Elizabeth Girvan has support and assisted since 1980s. Mark went on to give a vote of thanks to Wilbert, Elizabeth and their family and friends that has help make the day such a success.

Shorthorn enthusiasts and new society members met in August to participate in the Society’s annual development workshop weekend which for the first time was staged in Northern Ireland. The event featured a series of hands-on workshops, presentations and discussions including embryo transfer, EBVs, stock-judging and showring preparation skills. First stop was the Gill Hall Estate, Dromore where host, James Porter, introduced guests to his family’s Uppermill Beef Shorthorn herd. The following day the workshop moved on to the Glenarm Estate, Ballymena where Farm Manager, Bryan Wilson, led a tour around his 100 cow Beef Shorthorn suckler herd Beef Student of the Year, Orla Kelly who is studying BSc (Hons) Agricultural Technology with Professional Studies, at Queen’s University Belfast, made her award-winning presentation which explored the potential effects Brexit could have on both Northern Ireland and British agriculture. “The weekend was a huge success bringing together youngsters and breed newcomers from as far afield as Perthshire, North Yorkshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, as well as members from throughout Northern Ireland,” commented organiser, Tina Russell. “Apart from both individuals and families enjoying the social camaraderie and passion for the breed, they had two full-on days developing skills, generating new ideas and sharing experiences. Furthermore, they went home inspired to continue their involvement with Beef Shorthorn, the fastest growing native breed.”

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

15

SPONSORED FEATURE

UNSEEN

PROTECTOR

GERALD TURTON

GHT

PETER WRI

A VACCINATION PROGRAMME FOR COW HEALTH HAS HELPED REDUCE THE DISEASE THREAT TO YOUNGSTOCK.

Want to know the secret behind building a successful beef pedigree breeding programme? According to Gerald Turton of Upsall Pedigree Beef Shorthorns, it’s the combination of a healthy herd and the use of data to make genetic selection for predicted trends five years down the road. And while Mr Turton’s lips remain sealed on specifics to his breeding programme, a walk through the 80 head of suckler cow calf pairs in the North Yorkshire Moors foothills near Thirsk reveals success through this multigenerational production model.

“Without a comprehensive health programme, it

cough. “Fortunately, the Upsall herd has well ventilated

doesn’t matter what the calves’ genetics are because

housing for the stock in winter and this factor probably

they need a strong foundation to not only survive,

helped minimise the level of clinical disease in the

but to reach their full genetic potential,” explains

herd.” While RSV tends to be an issue found in

Mr Turton. “Our breeding programme is designed to

youngstock, cows were acting as a pathogen reservoir,

produce easy calving, efficient moderate framed cows

making them more susceptible to infection. “At the

whose calves will be used as breeding stock or go on to

onset of the disease problem, it was only approached

perform well on feed. But in order to do that, they must

and treated on an individual case-by-case basis,” Mr

be healthy.” Upsall’s genetic development traces back

Wright says. “When the problem was investigated at

to 1909, and is no stranger to maintaining a healthy

a whole herd level through blood sampling it became

herd. According to Mr Turton, health management

apparent we had a significant RSV problem.”

relies heavily on a three-way collaborative relationship

WORKING RELATIONSHIP Communication and collaboration are essential in the development of a healthy herd, says Mr Turton, Mr Wright and Mr McCulloch. “As far as a livestock enterprise is concerned, a relationship between the people involved in the day to day care of animals and the local vet is an absolute must,” says Mr McCulloch.

“Whether it be blood test results or care protocols, close discussion must be prioritised to keep everyone in the loop.” Here are their tips to establish a successful working relationship: 1. Communication – if in doubt, always pick up the phone and call the vet no matter what the animal health question or situation may be.

2. Antibiotic stewardship –set up treatment protocols with your vet that include when it is appropriate to use antibiotics to treat illness, identifying what the illness is, route of administration and when the vet needs to step in and assess the situation.

3. Practice prevention – develop sound colostrum feeding protocols, vaccination programmes and assess housing for improvements to help protect youngstock immunity.

4. Don’t take it personally – disease outbreaks can be emotionally tolling on the people involved, so patience and understanding must be practiced from both sides. At the end of the day, both parties are after what is best for the herd.

between himself, his herd manager George McCulloch

REDUCING THE PATHOGEN POOL

and vet Peter Wright of Skeldale Vets in Thirsk.

The decision was made to vaccinate cows and

Through a structured programme, the herd has been

replacement heifers with Bovilis® Bovipast RSP prior

accredited BVD and Johne’s Disease free since 2009

to winter housing. While this vaccine is traditionally

under Scotland’s Rural College Premium Cattle Health

given to calves from two weeks of age to protect them

Scheme, which includes vaccination for not only

from PI3 virus, RSV and the bacterial pneumonia

BVD, but also leptospirosis and infectious bovine

pathogen Mannheimia haemolytica, it is also licensed

rhinotracheitis (IBR). Protocols for colostrum intake,

for use in pregnant and lactating animals. The first 5ml

UNSEEN PROTECTOR

housing conditions and treatments have also been

injection was given to heifers at the end of summer

According to Mr Turton, Upsall Farm has set a

developed and followed.

2016 when they were six months in calf and to cows

benchmark goal of eradicating RSV cases by 2019.

when they were five months in calf, with a 5ml booster

A huge part of achieving this is the continual use of

By the book, Mr Turton says Upsall Farm does

administered two weeks later in each case. “RSV is

Bovilis® Bovipast RSP to maintain the herd’s immunity,

everything right, which made it surprising when a

a particularly aggressive disease and pathogens will

while further reducing the pathogen pool. Prior to

problem in the cows surfaced a couple of years ago.

pass on from the mother to her calf. However, we

winter housing this year, cows will be boosted in

“Some of the adult breeding stock were coughing and

decided to vaccinate cows to help reduce the pathogen

September 2017. “Vaccinations act like the unseen

not surviving quite as well as we would have expected.

pool calves are exposed to,” explains Mr Wright. “Not

protector to herds and it’s important to revaccinate

Some of the young stock were ill and showing clinical

only has this worked, but it cut down dramatically

so immunity doesn’t slip back,” explains Mr Turton.

signs of respiratory disease, but others were just

the number of clinical respiratory disease cases seen

“We can always plan for vaccination costs, but it is

dull and manifestly showed poor weight gain,” Mr

during housing through last winter, reducing coughing

impossible to plan for disease costs.”

Wright says. “Blood samples were taken from cows

and thrift. Ultimately, it was the vaccination that

and heifers, the results of which showed high levels

settled the herd down.”

of antibodies to RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

Pair samples taken from clinically ill animals showed rising antibody levels indicating active infection in these animals. There was only a moderate incidence of disease with the majority of clinical cases of respiratory disease in youngstock. In the breeding stock, the disease manifested itself mainly as a chronic Use Medicines Responsibly. Please see: www.noah.co.uk/responsible for more information.

Bovilis Bovipast RSP contains inactivated Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (strain EV908), Parainfluenza 3 virus (strain SF-4-Reisinger) and inactivated Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica (serotype A1) for the active immunisation of cattle against BRSV, Pi3 virus and M. haemolytica. Withdrawal period: Zero days. Legal category: POM-V. Available from your veterinary surgeon from whom advice should be sought. Bovilis® and Bovipast® are trademarks of Intervet International B.V. or affiliated companies or licensors and are protected by copyrights, trademark and other intellectual property laws. Copyright © 2017 Intervet International B.V., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA. All rights reserved. Further information is available from MSD Animal Health, Walton Manor, Walton, Milton Keynes MK7 7AJ • Tel: 01908 685 685 Email: vet-support.uk@merck.com • www.msd-animal-health.co.uk

16

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

FEATURE

PROTECT YOUR CALVES

against the main causes of pneumonia

ADVERT MSD ANIMAL HEALTH Bovilis Bovipast RSP offers the most comprehensive protection against Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica and protects against the main viral causes of calf pneumonia 1. H.A. Vahl, H. Bekman and J. van Riel. Report of the Veal Calf Vaccination Study with Bovilis Bovipast. Published by the Dutch Product Board Livestock and Meat (PVV) – Jan 2014

Vaccinate with...

The effective way of reducing the need for antibiotic pneumonia treatment1

Use Medicines Responsibly.

Please see: www.noah.co.uk/responsible for more information.

Bovilis Bovipast RSP contains inactivated Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (strain EV908), Parainfluenza 3 virus (strain SF-4-Reisinger) and inactivated Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica (serotype A1) for the active immunisation of cattle against BRSV, Pi3 virus and M. haemolytica. Withdrawal period: Zero days. Legal category: POM-V . Available from your veterinary surgeon from whom advice should be sought. Bovilis® and Bovipast® are trademarks of Intervet International B.V. or affiliated companies or licensors and are protected by copyrights, trademark and other intellectual property laws. Copyright © 2017 Intervet International B.V., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA. All rights reserved.

Further information is available from MSD Animal Health, Walton Manor, Walton, Milton Keynes MK7 7AJ • Tel: 01908 685 685 Email: vet-support.uk@merck.com • www.msd-animal-health.co.uk GB/RUM/0617/0054 • July 2017

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

17

FEATURE - CATTLE HOUSING

CATTLE HOUSING GETTING IT RIGHT

BY TO JAMIE ROBERTSON, LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS LTD

Strangely enough, beef production has to comply with the laws of physics and biology just as much as any other system. Whatever the price, the cost, the weather, the politics… Some things are undeniable. Beef production is basically a system of energy in and energy out, where the energy in is in the form of the feed, water, labour, power and ancillaries, and the basic energy out is the beef as food, with some wastes on the side. A good system balances the flows in and out, which by default means that a poor system does not.

A system appraisal, in this case involving buildings and livestock, can look for symptoms that point to imbalance at any point in the production process.

The building part of the system should be acting as a mediator of the climate as well as making it easier for the labour and money inputs. Why would we keep cattle in buildings if it made the job harder? Of course,

Table 1. Output of beef cattle, per head per day Body mass

kg

Total heat production

W 251 426 554 673 786

100

200

CO2 production

l/d 982 1667 2167 2633 3075

H2O vapour (winter)

kg/d 2.1

Faeces/urine

l/d 7.5 15 20 26 32

3.8

300

400

500

5.4 6.7 7.9

the reality is that for at least half the year we do keep cattle in buildings, and it does not always work out as

Whilst many beef system buildings are empty in the

Guidance on buildings’ problems and solutions,

an easy operation. A beef building has to cope with

summer and thereby available for cleaning, major

including ventilation, can be found in the recently

the daily production of outputs, as described in table

hygiene problems occur in constantly stocked rearing

updated BRP+ Better Cattle Housing Design from AHDB

1. A group of 50 400kg steers will in one day produce

systems for calves, where hygiene and biosecurity

33KW of energy, 130m3 of CO2, 0.3t of water as

factors are ignored with serous cost implications.

AIR SPEED

moisture and 1.3t of faeces and urine.

All systems should be managed with a requirement

Air speed and fresh air go together. Zero air speed

Getting buildings correct for beef production systems

for a periodic deep clean, with no excuses. Poorly

also means no fresh air, and therefore no ventilation to

requires correct diagnosis of what is already in front

constructed or poorly maintained buildings have large

remove excess moisture, heat, waste gases and bugs. The

of us. What is working well, and what is causing losses

areas of porous or broken surfaces, and increased

target air speed is between 0.2 and 0.5m/s, depending

of time, health, production and money? A practical

areas covered with biofilm or deeply engrained dirt.

on animal age and growth. Higher wind speeds are

appraisal of buildings needs to cover each of the

Such surfaces are very difficult or impossible to clean,

extremely damaging to milk-fed animals, whilst speeds

following factors:

and the solutions lie in deep cleaning with steam and

above 2m/s (5mph) can reduce growth rates even in

• Hygiene: how cleanable; how biosecure by design

detergents, repair with renders and epoxy resins, or

healthy adult or fast-growing stock in cold weather. Air

and location?

replacement.

speeds can be visualized using smoke bombs, available from plumbers’ merchants. Whilst the dangers of low or

• Moisture: is there any build-up of moisture; where, and why?

Cleaning livestock buildings often requires water, on

no air speed are becoming well recognized, the losses

• Air speed: absolutely necessary to drive ventilation,

the floors and in the air. Beware spreading dirt and

from increased air speeds are not. The trend for beef

but extracts energy if too high.

diseases because drainage is poor, drying times are

buildings with outside feed passes is growing, and whilst

• Fresh air: no. 1 factor for moisture control, no. 1

inadequate, or aerosol spread from the cleaning area

there are sound financial and production reasons for this

factor for airborne waste removal.

to other stock.

type of design it is entirely predictable that stock will eat less if their feed barrier becomes a wind tunnel. It is also

• Temperature: impacts on energy flows in/out of the livestock, and made better/worse by links to

MOISTURE

entirely predictable that stock can become cold stressed

moisture and air speed.

Moisture control and the understanding of moisture

in open fronted pens when wind direction, rain and

flows within animal systems is one key to maximizing

temperature all combine to become a negative pressure.

HYGIENE

animal health and performance. The volume flows

Livestock need to be able to find protection from the

Sustainability and profitability are intrinsically linked

of moisture through animal buildings is massive,

wind. Protection can be provided by the cladding around

to animal health, as is competent hygiene. This part

measured in tonnes per day, and therefore a system

a pen or building, or protection within a pen (slide in a

of any appraisal needs to be brutal and honest. Not

that is out of balance by only 5% can be gaining 75-

big bale), or by protecting the building from outside with

only do we need to question the cleaning protocol

100l of moisture per day for 50 youngstock. This is

a natural or constructed windbreak.

(using appropriate methods, detergents, disinfectants,

0.5 to 1.0 tonnes of added moisture to the building per

drying times), but also the simple question of whether

week, depending on the age of the stock. If a building

FRESH AIR

the facilities can be adequately cleaned at all. Typical

only works by reducing stocking density, or using extra

Fresh air is the other major component of the waste

failures include

straw, or by accepting dirty cattle or chronic health

management system. All the products of the system

• Building or pen never empty for long enough period.

issues, moisture is a problem. If moisture is a problem

that do not get soaked up by bedding or go down the

• Building or pen constructed of uncleanable

in a building, the solution lies in the floor (slopes and

drain need to be managed by the ventilation. In the

components.

drainage) and/or in the ventilation. Both subjects are

UK all naturally ventilated buildings are ventilated by

• Result of cleaning spreads more dirt than it contains.

covered in the BRP+ document and elsewhere.

the wind, 90%+ of the time, and from all directions.

18

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

FEATURE - CATTLE HOUSING

AN OPEN RIDGE WILL BE ESSENTIAL ON MOST BUILDINGS

FIG 1. YORKSHIRE

BOARD

This observation leads to one simple conclusion; any

to warm up, and if there is adequate outlet in the roof,

• Ensure access to adequate clean drinking water

building or part of a building that is not accessed

the warm, moist, dirty air will leave the building and

• Manage solar energy gain to buildings by painting out

by the wind will by default not be well ventilated.

be replaced by clean and cooler air from outside. No

roof lights.

Many beef buildings around the UK and Ireland have

outlet in the roof, no stack effect.

• Increase air speed using mechanical ventilation

been constructed so that the wall (often the gable

(fans) to provide a cooling effect.

end) of a building facing into the predominant wind

TEMPERATURE

direction is solid, to protect stock from the negative

Temperature in naturally ventilated buildings is usually

MONEY

consequences of wind and rain. A solid wall means no

within one or two degrees of outside temperature, and

Money is a good tool to aid decision-making. Poor

fresh air access. On narrow buildings this may not be

is therefore relatively predictable. The main target

buildings will cost a system through increased labour,

an issue, but on wider buildings and buildings located

during building assessment is to see if the natural

inefficient use of inputs, reduced growth efficiencies

side by side, this is a problem. The requirement is

temperature might be made worse at animal level by a)

and poor health. A poor building may well require

for perforated wall cladding that lets air through but

damp or b) windy conditions. Both these factors will

investment to correct issues, and this can be judged

breaks the air speed and keeps the rain out. Bring back

make air temperatures ‘feel’ colder, and can impact on

against potential gains. Consider potential gains as a

true Yorkshire Board. (See fig 1). The reason the cattle

growth rates and health. High temperatures need more

5% increase in growth rates, whereby 50 youngstock

industry associates still, damp days with increased risk

consideration than 50 years ago because there are

growing at 0.9kg/d will return a ballpark +£800/yr

of chronic health issues is because ventilation rates, as

more systems that house all year, and because growth

during a 180 day housing period, or +£8,000 over

driven by the wind, stop. At this point a well designed

rates can be considerable. Attention is required to

ten years. For finishing cattle growing at 1.4kg/d, the

building will ventilate by ‘stack effect’, whereby heat

• Ensure adequate ventilation at all times to remove

equivalent figures are +£1,200/yr, or £12,000 over 10

from the animals causes the internal air in a building

excess heat and moisture.

years. Invest in growth, check the buildings.

AVAILABLE THROUGH THE TRADE

STAM PED In

the U K

for FA STER D ELIVERY

E

W

IL

H

Supplied by

O

£45

29.95

£

Fast Healing Ribbed Body Retains Readability

APPLICATOR

SP

Proven Retention for over 100 Years Oval Pin for Greater Animal Comfort

A CI

RRP

ER FF

Riveted Locking Mechanism

O L PR MO

Min Order 100 Tags

ST

STO CKE D&

LA ES TO C K S

An Ideal Secondary Tag THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

19 11

UNLOCK YOUR HERD POTENTIAL WITH

CATTLE BOOSTER Crystalyx Cattle Booster is research proven to increase forage intake and forage digestion, increasing DLWG. Independent university studies have also confirmed that feeding Crystalyx Cattle Booster increases pregnancy and conception rates in cows and heifers.

4 Improves growth rates by up to 29% at grass 4 Increases conception rates in bulling heifers 4 Boosts forage digestibility by 10% and dry matter intake by 15%

Crystalyx have a range of products to help beef farmers maximise the performance and health of their herd.

All supported by independent university research.

Feeding Crystalyx not only makes better use of home-grown forages, by making the rumen bugs work a little harder and more efficiently, it also provides generous levels of all the essential trace elements and vitamins needed to maintain optimum animal health and performance all year round to help you unlock the full potential of your herd.

Crystalyx feed blocks are perfect to feed to both housed cattle and those at grass.

With over 30 years of research and manufacturing experience Crystalyx proves time and again to offer significant financial rewards to farmers.

22

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

PRE-CALVER Crystalyx Pre-Calver is formulated to prepare the cow for the rigours of calving, whilst promoting good health and fertility in the subsequent lactation.

4 Contains a unique combination of magnesium salts to help maintain normal blood magnesium levels.

4 Improves Calf health and vigour (more get up and go)

CATTLE HIGH-MAG Crystalyx Cattle High-Mag is designed to maintain normal blood magnesium levels in cattle during periods of risk. Cattle are in most need of magnesium supplementation during Spring and Autumn months, and are particularly at risk when lactating.

4 Contains multiple magnesium sources 4 High magnesium availability confirmed through Glasgow Veterinary School Research

4 Enhances post calving conception rates 4 Promotes rumen condition for improved lactation Independent research has also shown that Crystalyx Pre-Calver strengthens the immune response and can significantly reduce the incidence of mastitis in early lactation.

4 Sweet and palatable source of magnesium Containing 10.5% magnesium and formulated with dehydrated molasses it proves to be highly palatable, even when cattle have access to lush grass.

Crystalyx Uk

+44 (0)16973 32592 info@crystalyx-global.com www.crystalyx-global.com THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

23 11

FOOD

MAKING BVD HISTORY EXPERIENCE THE LIVE VACCINE DIFFERENCE

COPY FROM TOM

Now that we’re moving from BVD control to eradication, and with BVD estimated to cost £40 per cow per year1,2, you’ll want a vaccine that is proven to deliver a full 12 months’ prevention of foetal infection after a single injection.

Not only protecting against both types of BVD, but also proven to stimulate both antibody and cellular immunity3.

Ask your vet for more information.

Dual protection made simple References: 1. Stott et al (2010) Vet J 185: 138–143 2. Stott et al (2012) IVJ 65:12 3. Roth (2016) WBC Dublin Proceedings Advice on the use of Bovela or other therapies should be sought from your veterinary surgeon. Bovela lyophilisate and solvent for suspension for injection for cattle contains modified live BVDV-1, noncytopathic parent strain KE-9: 104.0 –106.0 TCID50, Modified live BVDV-2, non-cytopathic parent strain NY-93: 104.0 –106.0 TCID50. UK: POM-V. Further information available in the SPC or from Boehringer Ingelheim Limited, Vetmedica, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YS, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1344 746959 (sales) or +44 (0)1344 746957 (technical). Email: vetmedica.uk@boehringer-ingelheim.com. Date of preparation: Jan 2017. AHD9692.

Use Medicines Responsibly (www.noah.co.uk/responsible).

18

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH

BY MATT YARNALL, BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM

IDENTIFYING PI'S IS AT THE HEART OF SUCCESSFUL BVD ERADICATION BVD (bovine viral diarrhoea) has been identified as a major cause of loss of farm income, so identifying infected animals and eradicating it as quickly as possible brings significant financial benefit as well as keeping cattle happier and healthier, writes vet Matt Yarnall from Boehringer Ingelheim.

“But, happily the whole industry is now joined in

FIGURE 1.

the journey to eradicating this nasty disease, and improving cattle performance as a result,” he adds.

Tag and test

All parts of the UK and Ireland are now under some

for BVD virus (antigen)

form of eradication programme, following the recent

Negative result

Calf not a PI

Positive result

Calf likely to be a PI

launch of the Welsh BVD scheme. Some have been

Mother not a PI

Mother might be a PI - check

running for longer than others (Scotland, for example)

for registered herds, the results of BVD testing can

he adds. “Biosecurity, including vaccination, is an

but the fact that each region now has a programme

be viewed by any potential purchasers. It is always

important tool in protecting your herd.”

will doubtless rapidly increase BVD detection and

worth checking with the tag manufacturer on their

control. “Tag and test, which is taking a tissue sample

recommended method of application as this kind of

When vaccinating cattle, they must have been

with an ear tag is a popular method of identifying

tag does differ to conventional ones. See figure 2 for

vaccinated and have time to become immune prior

animals infected with BVD,” Mr Yarnall explains.

instruction on the tagging process.

to service to prevent their calf becoming a PI. “This can be difficult to get right, particularly when some

“And in fact, in the 2017 National BVD survey, 56% of farmers said that they were in favour of tag and

“Samples should be sent to the lab as soon as possible

vaccines require a two shot primary course or

testing .”

to get the results back quickly and it is really essential

boosting after six months. That’s where the live BVD

that the samples are stored away from extremes of

vaccine, Bovela®, can help to simplify things. Bovela

WHAT MAKES TAG AND TEST SO POPULAR?

temperature or sunlight for no longer than two weeks;

provides 12 months’ protection from the birth of PI

“Simplicity,” says Mr Yarnall “It can be carried out by

many people use a fridge,” says Mr Yarnall. For the

calves from just a single injection, given at least three

anyone who has the correct equipment, without the

system to work, all calves must be tagged. This includes weeks before service. The dual protection Bovela

need for a vet to visit the farm. Normally, it is done

stillbirths and abortions as these calves could be PIs

provides not just antibodies against BVD, but also

in calves soon after birth and can be combined with

and, if they are not tested, you would never know. The

the reassurance of BVD-specific white blood cells,

administering identification tags, saving the time and

National BVD Survey showed that less than half of

helping to ensure proven protection for a full 12

hassle of having to test animals for virus at another

farmers are tagging all calves, dead or alive. “Once a

months3,4. “Tagging and testing to identify PI animals

time.” Animals that are positive for BVD virus, and

virus positive animal has been identified using a tissue

plus an effective vaccination program to prevent new

therefore potentially persistently infected (PI), can

sample, it is highly likely to be a PI,” explains Mr Yarnall. PI calves being born are highly effective tools in the

be identified soon after birth and removed quickly to

“However, in order to confirm that it is persistently

reduce the negative impacts of a PI animal on farm.

“An added bonus is that it effectively provides two

infected with the virus, and not just transiently infected, FIGURE 2. THE EAR TAGGING PROCESS an ear tag positive calf can be re-tested and a veterinary • Before using the tag check that all

tests for the price of one; the test not only tells you the

discussion probably ought to take place.” Second

BVD status of the calf but also gives information about

testing is often done by a blood sample or a second ear

its mother,” Mr Yarnall explains. “This is because a PI

notch sample three weeks after the first test; the animal

cow will always give birth to another PI. So if a calf is

should be isolated from the rest of the herd during this

negative, its mother is negative. This is called inferred

retesting period.

1

parts including the tag, needle and sample tube have the same identification number on them.

• Ensure that your tagging pliers or applicator are compatible with the brand of tissue

status.” See figure 1. If a calf tests positive for BVD, it is recommended to test their mother as she could

eradication of BVD,” concludes Mr Yarnall.

sampling tags you are

Approximately 85% of calves that test positive on

using and position the two parts of the tags into the pliers.

be a PI as well. This is not an automatic result for the

initial ear tag test are confirmed as PIs on retest . Once • The tag should be positioned between the two

mother, as she may simply have been exposed to BVD

confirmed as a PI, it should be removed from the herd

in the first third of her pregnancy which resulted in the

as soon as possible; the cost associated with retaining

birth of a PI calf.

a PI (in terms of spreading disease within the herd)

• Each tag brand will have recommendations as to how to

far outweighs the possible return on retaining the

handle this sample which may include putting it into a sample

Tag and test identification tags are only a few ££s

animal to fatten and finish it - the majority of PI calves

tube. See the example button tag and sample tube below.

more than standard ID tags and usually include the

die before 18 months of age. “Identifying PI calves

cost of testing. Some include the cost of uploading

and removing them is only part of the picture of BVD

the result onto the BVDFree England (see bvdfree.

eradication as, without protecting the herd from BVD,

org.uk) or other national databases. This means that

more PI calves will be born in following calf crops,”

2

cartilage

ridges on the ear (see image). Apply the tag in one swift motion by compressing the applicator which will apply the tag and take a tissue sample into the needle.

Refrences: 1. Yarnall (2017) BVDzero Congress. www.bvdzero.co.uk 2. Caldow (2017) SAC testing results. BVDzero Webcongress 2017. www.webcongress.bvdzero.com 3. Platt et al. (2017) Vet Imm. and immunopath. 187: 20–27 4. Summary of Product Characteristics, Bovela

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

23

FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH

PARASITE CONTROL

IN BEEF CATTLE AT HOUSING

BY MARY VICKERS BEEF & SHEEP SENIOR SCIENTIST (BEEF) AHDB BEEF AND LAMB

As cattle transition from grazing to housing, it is time to think about parasite control. Housing offers a good opportunity to control a number of parasites that affect cattle, particularly important in the light of the wet weather this summer has brought.

Parasites can have a severe negative impact on

Table 1. Parasite targets

growth rates. Control is often restricted to the

Parasite name

routine treatment of all cattle at housing, however, using the same product year-on-year in all animals is not recommended. Here, we provide advice for effective and sustainably controlling parasite infections in beef cattle.

Common name

Organ affected

Additional information

Roundworms Ostertagia ostertagi

Brown stomach worm

Abomasum

Cooperia spp.

Watchspring worm

Small intestine

Trichostrongylus spp.

Black scour worm

Abomasum, small intestine

Dictyocaulus viviparus

Lungworm

Lung

Inhibits in host

Inhibits or harboured in host

Fluke

There are important measures that can be taken at

Fasciola hepatica

Liver fluke

Liver

housing to ensure that burdens are reduced over

Calicophoron daubneyi

Rumen fluke

Rumen

the winter. Treatments should be applied on an

Ectoparasites

evidence or risk assessed basis to avoid clinical

Bovicola spp.

Cattle louse

Skin

signs, especially in young stock, and, because some

Chorioptes spp.

Feather mite

Skin around lower legs

parasites persist over winter, to avoid contamination

Psoroptes spp.

Scab in sheep

Skin around neck, back midline

onto grass the following year. The parasitic targets

All ages susceptible

Uncommon. Susceptibility varies among breeds

for housing treatment include roundworms, fluke and

bulls) where lungworm infection risk is significant, or

clorsulon was effective in reducing egg shedding over

ectoparasites (Table 1). Different classes of stock

if stock have been purchased from risk areas.

16-weeks, but there was no significant difference

have varying priorities regarding parasite control at

Vaccination with Bovilis Huskvac® is advised on

in weight gain between treated and control groups.

housing, depending on the contamination status of

farms with a history of lungworm, and supplies will

There was a significant difference in weight gain

pastures that animals have been grazing on. Autumn

need to be planned for during the winter as vaccine

between animals diagnosed with infection at

is a good time to speak to your vet, Suitably Qualified

supply is seasonal. Ideally, cattle should be fully

housing and those that were negative (irrespective

Person (SQP) or other animal health adviser about

vaccinated before turnout. If not vaccinated, cattle

of treatment) suggesting that infection control earlier

parasites that you need to target and the type(s) of

gain immunity only if previously exposed to the

could maximise weight gain.

parasite control product you should use to achieve

worm, so the parasite can be an issue where there

effective management.

has been little prior contact or where high levels of

Rumen Fluke: Recent research from IBERS

dewormers with persistent activity have been used.

Aberystwyth, Queen’s University Belfast and Moredun

1. WHAT WORMS DO I NEED TO CONSIDER?

highlighted the presence of rumen fluke in the UK.

Roundworms: These can cause substantial negative

Liver fluke: Cattle do not become immune to liver

This may have been introduced from Europe. Rumen

effects on productivity and health. Cattle, especially

fluke. Cattle remain susceptible to infection even

fluke share the same snail intermediate host (dwarf

young stock, can pick up significant burdens from

though they have been exposed previously, meaning

pond snail) as liver fluke. This is widespread in the

grazing, particularly in the second half of the season.

adults are as vulnerable as young stock.

UK and is found in damp ground. Rumen fluke is

The main threat is the stomach worm, Ostertagia

Fluke is generally considered a seasonal disease with

becoming more commonly reported but there is some

ostertagi, the immature larvae which undergo

a peak of infective cysts on pasture in autumn, hence

debate as to its impact on health and growth rates.

dormancy in the stomach wall from late summer

treatment at housing is generally advised.

Evidence suggests that immature parasites can cause

onwards. These worms can ‘re-awaken’ in late winter

Flukicides have no persistent activity (unlike some

gut inflammation, accompanied by diarrhoea. Young

or early spring to cause serious disease in some

other dewormers) and most are not 100% effective

animals may be particularly susceptible with fatalities

animals. It is important to target these at housing.

against immature fluke. Thus, in many situations, it is

reported.

O. ostertagi infections also cause effects on

best to delay treatment for a number of weeks after

productivity, often augmented by other parasites.

housing to allow fluke to develop to a stage where

2.SHOULD I TREAT ALL STOCK?

they are most susceptible to dewormers. Your vet or

When considering which stock to treat, consider

Lungworm: This is not as common or widespread

SQP can advise on the best strategy for your farm.

risk of exposure and likely level of infection. With

as gut worms, but can cause devastating effects

In fluke-positive areas, there can be value in testing

a vet or animal health adviser, devise a plan to

for infected animals, though some cattle can carry

cattle dung in late winter to allow any residual

target treatment where needed. Diagnostic tests

lungworm without showing clinical signs. These

infections to be identified and treated before turnout

can be used to look for evidence of infection. This

‘carrier’ animals can act as a source of infection for

to minimise build-up of fluke eggs on pasture.

information should be assessed alongside visual

the next grazing season, so it is important to consider

A recent UK study showed that beef cattle treatment

signs, grazing or treatment history and evidence of

all animals for treatment at housing (including stock

at housing with triclabendazole, nitroxynil or

dewormer resistance. Adult cattle will not normally

24

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH require treatment for roundworms at housing.

an adviser or prescriber and read the datasheet.

in Ostertagia and

Weaned calves, growing animals and finishers

Fluke: There are a limited number of treatment

Cooperia.

are more likely to have gut worms that require

options for liver fluke in cattle, as listed in the table

targeting with broad-spectrum dewormers. Where

below, and selection should be based on risk.

Regarding liver fluke, resistance to

lungworm has been identified and there is no routine vaccination programme, consideration must be made

4. DIAGNOSTICS

triclabendazole is

for treating cows and younger stock, not forgetting

Roundworms: Faecal egg counting for gut worms

common in parts

the potential risk from older ‘carrier’ animals. Adult

at housing is not valuable because the stages to

of the UK. While

cattle need to be targeted with flukicides where they

be targeted are immature and do not shed eggs.

treatment failure

are considered at risk of infection. No dewormers

Lungworm diagnostics can be applied if concerned:

is less commonly

used to treat liver fluke have residual activity

dung and blood tests can be carried out. These have

reported in

meaning that once treated, cattle may be re-infected

pros and cons and use should be discussed with a vet

cattle, they are

when re-exposed to infection. If cattle are housed, it

or animal health adviser.

infected with the same parasite as sheep, so it

OSTERTAGIA NO DU ABOMASUM (CO LES ON SURFACE OF PYRIGHT MORE DUN RESEARCH IN STITUTE)

is good practice to test for resistance and only use

is unlikely they will be exposed until they next go out to graze. We know little about the fluke cyst survival

Liver fluke: Diagnosis can be achieved by examining

triclabendazole when it is likely to have maximum

in silage, but this is being studied at the University of

dung for eggs. The advantage of diagnosing infection

effect, such as to treat young stock on high risk

Liverpool, supported by BBSRC and AHDB.

this way is that liver and rumen fluke eggs can be

pastures or those showing signs of acute infection in

differentiated. This method can be time-consuming,

the autumn. To address resistance, advisory groups

3. What products should I consider?

expensive and only detects adult worms (shedding

such as COWS have developed the 5R’s to

Roundworms: Macrocyclic lactones (injectables or

starts after ~10-12 weeks), but is particularly useful

encourage best practice. For further information,

pour-ons) are effective against inhibited larvae as

late in the housing period to allow residual infections

visit www.cattleparasites.org.uk and follow us on

are benzimidazoles, (white drenches) but they are

to be identified and targeted before turnout. Research

Twitter @COWSworms

less predictable in their efficacy. Levamisole (yellow

from Moredun and the University of Liverpool showed

drench) is not effective against these stages and

that sampling 10 animals and sending these for a

6. ECTOPARASITES

should not be used. The use of endectocides such

single ‘composite’ count is more cost-effective. Taking

Lice and mites are the most common skin parasites.

as the macrocyclic lactones around housing has

two sets of samples, one in spring and one in autumn,

These impact productivity due to reduced feeding

the added advantage of activity against common

can show with 95% certainty that a herd is free from

times and hide damage. At low levels, lice have

ectoparasites, which can cause problems during the

fluke, if both counts are negative.

minimal impact; however, numbers can build over winter. Infection levels can increase when cattle

housing period.

It is important to also check abattoir returns for

are stressed or in poor body condition. Heavy

For finishers, be aware that meat withdrawal periods

evidence of infection. Other methods include a

infestations affect welfare and performance. There

for white and clear dewormers can vary from 9 to

‘copro-antigen’ test that detects adult infection, and

are two types of lice, sucking and biting, and both

>100 days depending on the product, administration

detection of serum antibody by ELISA. A positive

can be controlled by synthetic pyrethroids or

route and if it is a combination product. Discuss with

antibody result does not mean active infection but is

macrocyclic lactones (Table 2). Levels of control vary

a good indication of exposure to liver fluke.

depending on method of application, so read the label

Active ingredient

Stage of

Formulation

fluke killed

Triclabendazole

2 week +

Oral

Triclabendazole

6 week +

Pour-on

& moxidectin Closantel & ivermectin

7 weeks +

Injectable

Pour-on

and consult a vet or SQP. In the UK, the most common 5. DEWORMER RESISTANCE

form of mange is chorioptic mange. Signs of infection

Resistance in roundworms to the traditional three

include scaly lesions around the tail head and legs,

broad-spectrum dewormers is extensive in UK sheep

which can spread. This is most commonly seen in adult

enterprises. Worm resistance is less commonly

cattle towards the end of housing. Treatment is rarely

reported in cattle, but research suggests problems

required and lesions resolve after turnout.

Nitroxynil

8 weeks +

Injectable

Clorsulon & ivermectin

Adults

Injectable

Albendazole

Adults

Oral

Parasiticide product group

Method of application

Lice

Chorioptic mange mites

Oxyclozanide*

Adults

Oral

Synthetic Pyrethroid (SP)

*Pour-on

Yes

Permethrin is the only SP

*Spot-on

that controls mange mites

Macrocyclic lactone (MLs)

*Pour-on Yes

Yes

Injectable

Incomplete control

*Oxyclozanide can be used to treat rumen fluke, when prescribed by a vet, but is only licensed for treatment of liver fluke.

Note: 1. Always check withdrawal periods of products being used. The latest information about products can be found on the VMD website https://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/ ProductInformationDatabase/ where the summary of product characteristics (SPC) can be found.

2. This information is not applicable to dairy cattle producing milk for human consumption 3. These data were correct at the time of writing, but check each SPC available before administration of a product.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

Table 2. Effectiveness of treatment options for cattle lice and chorioptic mange mites

More effective against

sucking lice than biting lice * Not all products can be applied to wet hides so check the datasheet before application

AUTUMN 2017

25 11

FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH

THE ROLE OF SELENIUM AND IODINE IN RUMINANTS

BY DR ELIZABETH BERRY BVSC, PHD, MRCVS ANIMAX COMPANY VETERINARY DIRECTOR

While selenium and iodine are essential and a deficiency can result in clinical disease, over supplementation can be harmful and can cause disease as well.

Selenium is incorporated into enzymes. The most

may be a subclinical problem. For example a new-

significant reduction in the lambs’ absorption of the

common enzyme which people may have heard of

born animal may fail to show vigour; fertility may

vital immunoglobulins from colostrum. This resulted

is Glutathione Peroxidase, which is involved in

be poor in a beef herd or there may be poor growth

in long lasting effects, throughout the lambs early life.

preventing damage by free radicals. This is the same

in finishing animals. There are even reports of a

enzyme which is measured to indicate a selenium

reduction in milk yield in cattle which are iodine

Guidance levels on the amounts of selenium and

deficiency. Selenium is essential for a wide variety

deficient.

iodine given, should mean that toxicity should not

of immune responses and a deficiency can result in

occur, however sometimes excessive amounts OVER SUPPLEMENTATION AND TOXICITY

might be ingested. For example if animals are fed in

More is not always better. Trace elements are

excess; allowed to eat ad lib or if high yielding cattle

A selenium deficiency can reduce the effectiveness

required in milligrams whereas calcium and

are fed to predicted yields.

of antibodies which are produced and also alter

magnesium (macro minerals) are required in

the functions of various white blood cells, by

grams. Some have a narrow adequate range, and an

There is a move in Ireland to reduce the permitted

reducing their phagocytic activity (the ability to

oversupply can easily occur if care is not taken. This

levels of iodine in cattle feed due to concerns about

engulf bacteria or foreign bodies) to the reduced

wastes money and can sometimes result in

high iodine levels in milk. Similar situations may

recruitment of cells to an infection site.

symptoms which are just as serious as under

occur with ad lib access to mineral licks – some

supplementation.

animals may consume excessive amounts while

reduced overall production.

Selenium deficiency can show itself in a wide

others may not consume any. Another situation to be

variety of symptoms, depending on the age of the

The original work on selenium in the early 20th

careful of, is where anthelmintic’s containing trace

animal and various stress factors. At turnout for

century, focused on its toxicity and not on its

elements are given concurrently with other forms of

example, young calves or lambs may show white

essential role in the diet. Then in the 1950s it

trace elements in a ration, drench or bolus. A reliable

muscle disease of the heart muscle or striated

emerged that selenium was essential in minute

availability in feed or other supplementation (slow

‘motor’ muscles. It is also possible for a newly

quantities, but in some areas deficiency was more

release bolus or other such means) should ensure

calved cow to have retained cleansings or an

of a problem than excess levels. The symptoms

that excess levels are not reached.

increased susceptibility to mastitis.

seen with deficiency included white muscle disease which could lead to poor growth; immune

CHOOSE THE BEST SYSTEM

Iodine is an essential component of the hormone

dysfunction; reproduction problems and heart

Use a reliable system which gives each animal the

thyroxine. Many trace elements have a function in

problems. This led to further research and the

ideal amount. Boluses are recognised as a highly

enzymes involved in reactions in the body, whereas

discovery that selenium was essential in tiny

effective supplementation method, mainly because

iodine is very different. The more active form of this

amounts but toxic when only slightly greater, than

trace elements are delivered directly into an

hormone is triiodothyronine (T3) which is converted

the tiny but optimal amounts.

animals’ rumen and are then absorbed from the

by selenium containing enzymes, from the less

intestines, so there is no risk of feed or water

active form thyroxine (T4). Thyroid hormones

In theory iodine has to be extremely high to be

contamination. However, to be effective a bolus

control cell metabolism and thus indirectly all

toxic. Recent research in sheep however indicated

must be able to provide a regulated release rate of

functions of the body. This means that a selenium

that very high iodine given during critical times,

trace elements that is consistent between animals.

deficiency can influence the severity of an iodine

resulted in a negative effect on thyroid function and

Every animal needs to receive a known, controlled

deficiency. A wider range of symptoms can occur

that the most effect is on the foetus and neonate.

and optimum amount of each trace element,

with an iodine deficiency, with or without the added complication of a selenium deficiency as well.

without the risk of toxicity. If the right bolus is The sheep in this recent research study were fed

chosen, animals will reach the optimum level of

diets which were very high in iodine (ten times the

health, vitality, fertility and growth whilst reducing

Clinical signs of hypothyroidism such as a poorly

maximum recommended range) during pregnancy.

production costs and the need for concentrates.

developed thyroid gland may be seen where iodine

The effects of this were seen in the lambs, rather

Mothers will also pass their trace element status

has been deficient during pregnancy. However, it

than in the sheep themselves. There was a

and the associated benefits to their offspring.

For more details contact Animax, Shepherds Grove West, Stanton, Suffolk IP31 2AR. Phone 01359 252181 or visit www.animax-vet.com Refrences: • Boland, Hayes, Sweeney, Callan, Baird, Keely and Crosby Animal 2008 2 197-206, The effects of cobalt and iodine supplementation of the pregnant ewe diet on immunoglobulin G, vitamin E, T3 and T4 levels in the progeny.

• Finch and Turner, Research in Veterinary Science 60 2;97-106 Effects of selenium and vitamin E on the immune responses of domestic animals.

• Kendal, Homes-Pavord, Bone, Ander and Young Vet Record 2015 177 Liver concentrations in cull cattle in the UK: are cattle being copper loaded.

• Rose, Wolf and Haresign, Br J Nutr 2007 315 20 Effect of iodine in the diet of pregnant ewes on the concentration of immunoglobulin G in the plasma of neonatal lambs following the consumption of colostrum.

• Sinclair and Atkins Journal of Ag Science 153: 743-752 Intake of selected minerals on commercial dairy herds in central and northern England in comparison with requirements.

• Cook, J.G., Green, M.J. 2007 The Veterinary Record 161: 625–626 Reduced Incidence of Retained Fetal Membranes in Dairy Herds Supplemented with Iodine, Selenium and Cobalt.

26

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

EDUCATIONAL THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SPRING 2017

27

SPONSORED FEATURE

MIDLANDS MACHINERY SHOW ON TARGET FOR ANOTHER GREAT SUCCESS With top names like Chafer Sprayers, Sukup Europe, as well as local dealers and agricultural machinery manufacturers such as Claydon Drills, Flach and LeRoy, Woldmarsh, Mecmar Group, PA Bristow, Andrew Guest, Chandlers, Spaldings and RC Setchfield; the Midlands Machinery Show is committed to remain close to its core focus on agricultural machinery.

The friendly atmosphere at the event is

designed off-road course, courtesy of

appreciated by all who visit and the quality of the

Trenton, Stoneacre, Listers, Nunns,

attendees is one of the main reasons why traders

Duckworth and Hatfields dealerships

return. Show Manager, George Taylor, adds:

and sponsored by Woldmarsh, The

“Many exhibitors at MMS comment on a high level

Farmers Buying Group.

of enquiries translating into sales and prospective buyers appreciate the opportunity to talk to a

H L Hutchinsons Ltd are running two of the

www.midlandsmachineryshow.com

variety of dealers on a one-to-one basis and see

technical seminars repeated daily in the Lady

Entry and parking at the Midlands Machinery Show is

products in action which give them the confidence Eastwood Centre; one focussed on actively

free and local accommodation can be booked through

managing soil resources and the other discussing

official travel partner Field Farm Tours; see

how new technology is influencing working

www.fieldfarmtours.co.uk or call 01636 616051.

For anyone looking to upgrade their 4 x 4 in the

practices to increase productivity, efficiency and

The show starts at 8.00 a.m. on Newark Showground.

near future, there is an opportunity to test drive

profitability on the farm. Further details on the

For further details and how to register as a trader visit

a selection of new vehicles on a specifically

seminar topics are available on the website,

www.midlandsmachineryshow.com

to financially commit.”

MIDLANDS

MACHINERY

SHOW 2017

22 & 23 NOVEMBER NEWARK SHOWGROUND FREE ADMISSION www.midlandsmachineryshow.com info@midlandsmachineryshow.com • 01636 705796

@midsmachinery17 - #MMS2017

28

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

FEATURE - THE CULL COW MARKET

MEADOW QUALITY

THE CULL COW MARKET Of all the different commodities within the beef market making predictions about the volumes available or expected price trends in the cull cow market can be one of the most challenging.

This is because cull cows are a by-product of either summer grass maybe short and cows would need

- If the cow is in the best condition you have

dairy or suckler herds and decisions on when to

housing for a while in order to ensure they would

ever seen her, even if plain, then she needs to be

cull and how many to cull are not driven by the

be well fleshed and finished properly.

marketed.

- If it is a cow that will improve in finish, then

beef market but by other factors: Consequently, although there is a well-developed

it will pay to improve her condition. Normally

1. The milk price has a huge influence on how

market specifically for cow beef in Europe and a

there is in excess of £100 in value to be gained

many cows are culled.

developing one in the UK, more often than not we

by moving a cow from finish Class 1 to finish Class 2.

2. The amount of grass and the availability and

seem to either over or under supply it dramatically

• Pay close attention to the physical condition

price of feed will determine if cows are kept and and thus the prices can vary a great deal from fleshed and finished or sold straight out of the

of the animal. Ensure it does not gain and then lose condition due to recurring problems, e.g.

season to season.

lameness.

herd as plain under finished animals.

3. Currency fluctuations will have either a negative To make the most of cows at any one time does

• Do not allow animals to become over fat as this

or a positive effect on the export or import of

mean studying both the individual processor grids

costs you extra and reduces the carcase value due

beef and the financial returns available.

and the home/European and global market trends,

to extra trimming being necessary.

as well as following the process below: To discuss the ins and outs of cull cow marketing

This autumn, cows from the suckler herd that

• Once you have decided a cow is going to be

are not in-calf are likely to be in good condition

culled, then a number of assessments need to be in more detail and take advantage of our expertise,

and can be sent straight off, whereas in another

made:

please give us a call at Meadow Quality at any time.

BEST COWS

STEAKER/FEEDING COWS

PLAIN/FEEDING COWS

Well meated through with a nice even finish

¾ meated rangier cows with a medium, patchy finish

Less than ½ meated, poor level of finish

Equivalent grade: O+, O-, P+ 3/4L

Equivalent grade: O-/P+ 2/3

Equivalent grade: O-/P+/P- 1/2

Supporting British Beef Meadow Quality Five Simple Steps to Add Value to Cull Cows  Ensure you are farm assured for cow beef production  Monitor cows regularly - as soon as it is in as good a condition as you have ever seen it, look to market it  Handle animals regularly to assess levels of finish and fleshing  Monitor the animal’s progress regularly to ensure it is putting on weight efficiently  Make sure the animals go to the outlet which ensure the maximum return to you CONTACT CLIVE MAHONY ON 07703 563 782 TO FIND OUT MORE

01789 734 100

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

www.meadowq.co.uk

AUTUMN 2017

29

INDUSTRY NEWS

MOOCALL BREED MANAGER - FREE HERD MANAGMENT APP Moocall, a global provider of wearable animal IOT technology have released Breedmanager by Moocall, a herd management app which is free for all to use.

Moocall is an innovative ag-tech company established in Ireland in 2014.

This complementary mobile app takes a unique

example, when looking at in-calf cows, a simple

approach to help beef and dairy farmers manage

swipe adds a calving event to that animal. Or when

their breeding and keep track of their herd. Instead

looking at a list of cows or heifers that are due to

of looking at the herd as a whole, it breaks it up into

cycle in the next week, a simple swipe will indicate

‘smart lists’. These smart lists filter the herd by their

that that cow was in heat.

relative position within the breeding cycle, which means at the tap of a finger a farmer can quickly

The app also includes a community element,

identify his cows that are due to calf in the next week,

where farmers can share status updates, images

use, free of charge, whether they are existing Moocall

or cows that were in heat in the last 24 hours and so

of their animals or ask the community a question.

customers or not. Moocall are committed to providing

on. The four main categories for smart lists are in-calf,

All of these features are free for anyone to use,

solutions for the agriculture industry that increase farm

cycling, in-heat and inseminated.

regardless of owning one of the companies other

productivity and profitability. It is our plan to continue

products. Moocall Head of Technology, John Larkin

to innovate and develop all of our products, both

Because a farmer is usually examining a subset of the

said: “Breedmanager is a major product launch for

software and hardware, and in time our calving sensors

herd, who are all in a similar stage of the breeding

Moocall. It gives breeders of all sizes the ability

and our soon to be released heat detection system

cycle, Breedmanager also makes it extremely easy for

to better manage their herd through an intuitive

will also automatically update the herd management

a farmer to add relevant data about an animal. For

mobile interface. Our app is available for anyone to

software platform.’

AVAILABLE THROUGH THE TRADE

SAF ER, E ASIE R TAG GING Zee Tags are soft, flexible and swivel freely to minimise snags. The unique surgical cutting tip reduces the risk of infection and promotes fast healing.

The Zee2Tagger is unrivalled for accuracy and ease of use - all factors in maximizing tag retention and reducing the need for Replacements.

30

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

Supplied by

AUTUMN 2017

on a Molinia dominated moor to allows heather to regenerate naturally. We knew we needed a robust, commercial animal and we knew we had found it when we happened across Salers. Traditionally a dual purpose cow originating in the Auvergne region of France they spend their summers on the mountain ranges and are renowned in the Parisian restaurants for their lean, marbled, quality beef and the high butterfat content of their milk which provides the region with its famous Cantal cheese. When buying our first Salers we were constantly told they were easy calving, as ex-dairy farmers this was music to our ears but perhaps not quite believable, 16 years after our first purchases we can count on one hand how many have needed assistance and why!

What’s the best part of your job? And do you have a favourite memory from work? It has got to be the animals themselves and there is nothing like new life. The Salers are such characters, they refuse to be driven but will follow us anywhere. The vast majority of our farm is across the A58, one of the main access routes across the Pennines and we often walk our cows home across it. It is one of my favourite jobs, it's quite a sight, the rusty red coloured cows calmly coming home for winter. We calve spring and autumn and the majority of our cows summer over the road high on the hill running up to 1,300 feet, the calves are

Q&A

Q&A WITH A BEEF FARMER

Why Salers Cattle? One of the requirements of our Countryside Stewardship scheme was to graze cattle

WITH A BEEF FARMER...

RACHEL HALLOS

Hill farming is not easy and I think we have all realised that financially straight farming is not enough.

BEESTON HALL RIPPONDEN

Environmental agreements do get some bad press but they can work in harmony with a large scale

Rachel Hallos, farmers daughter, youngest

commercial enterprise if you are willing to work at it.

of six, and brought up on a small farm

What has been your best investment on the farm? It has to be our Salers. We only ever envisaged a

not two miles from her life now. A 4th

50 head breeding cow herd but we are growing each year aiming for 100+ breeding head, with the farm

generation farmer who spent her childhood

currently carrying 200+ plus cattle at any one time, it is possible, they are just so easy.

roaming the moors. Married 23 years to

What are the biggest challenges facing beef farmers? We are already receiving more for our beef than

Stephen with two children, Sam 21 and

the majority of the rest of the world yet there will be few suckler farmers making money purely out of their

Anna 17. Rachel took on Stephen's families

beef enterprise, productions costs are the worry, it's the ability to reduce them and maximise output that

tenanted farms, Beeston Hall, and Baitings,

will ensure a thriving beef industry.

Ripponden in 2000. A combination of

What do you think the Brexit vote means for British farming? Crystal ball time for this one! I am an

green land, rough in-bye and moorland

optimist, we have got to make it work, whatever 'deal' is done. As an industry we have got to use this

totalling 2,000acres, Rachel completely

opportunity to bang the drum for British farming and ask the consumer to put their money where their

changed the farm from a traditional

mouth is.

South Pennine producer/retailer dairy to

Where do you see beef farming in the next 5 years? A modern, vibrant industry that is world renowned

a Salers Beef & Scottish Blackface/Lonk

for it's transparent supply chains bringing benefits to the farmer, retailer and consumer ensuring

Sheep enterprise, working alongside her

continued investment and development for the future. Told you, I'm an optimist.

landlord, Yorkshire Water, RSPB and Natural

What advice would you give to new entrant beef farmers? Ask questions, lots of them. Go to meetings,

England, they embarked on a Countryside

go to open days, go to anything you can that is industry related to enable you to understand the full chain

Stewardship Scheme regenerating Heather

of supply. You can have the best genetics in the world but if you cannot market it there is little point. Many

and enhancing traditional hay meadows.

normally running on behind once they've become accustomed to walking on the tarmac.

Since you started farming what has changed the most? Our mindset and that of our neighbours.

organisations are offering New Entrant schemes, get involved, remember they need you just as much as you need them and they are often willing to invest in your future if you show initiative.

@beestonhallsalersÂ

Finally, what's your favourite beef dish? That has got to be home reared rump steak braised slowly with onions served on buttery mash, simple but absolutely delicious.

SALERS WILL MEAT YOUR NEEDS! SLEEP EASY AND LET SALERS DO THE WORK FOR YOU

MORE BEEF LESS GRIEF

AUTUMN SALES 2017 WELSHPOOL 14TH OCTOBER STIRLING 23RD OCTOBER CASTLE DOUGLAS 4TH NOVEMBER

T: 07903 626 249 THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

E: secretary@salers-cattle-society.co.uk

WWW.SALERS-CATTLE-SOCIETY.CO.UK AUTUMN 2017

31

GUEST VET

GUEST VET

MATTHEW PUGH BVETMED MRCVS

MATTHEW PUGH

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR P/DS From late summer, until well into winter, we spend a lot of our time scanning spring calving cows for pregnancy. The outcome of this is to be able work out who is and isn’t in calf in order to avoid unnecessary feeding of empty cows throughout winter. This is very much old news and if this was all I was doing I think I could best describe myself as a rectal tourist going from cow to cow and farm to farm.

We use herd pregnancy diagnosis as a springboard to

score the herd and identify those cows in poor body

Maybe the answer isn’t obvious. So start the detective

improving herd health as a kick start to getting next

condition that need additional feeding to get them to

work whilst the empty cows are still in the crush.

year's calving block tighter with less barren cows

a target body condition score of 3 ahead of calving.

Get your vet to bleed the barren cows as they come

and heavier calves at weaning. The first step is to

The biggest driver when a cow cycles after she calves

through. If at the end of the session in-calf rates are

start P/Ding cows earlier. We can establish if a cow is

is her body condition score at calving. Thin cows take

hitting your targets then they can be thrown away

pregnant from 30 days upwards and encourage clients

more days to ovulate than fit cows post calving so they

if unwanted. If not, you have an instant resource to

to present their herds to us 5-6 weeks after the bull

are at more risk of losing time in the calving block or

start establishing what the challenges to cow fertility

has been pulled out. If you choose to keep your bull

being found empty next year. They will also produce

were. This might include doing an infectious disease

running with your cows, often to housing and beyond,

poorer quality colostrum and are at more risk of a

screen. For instance, maybe you had sorted BVD with

then P/D the herd at ~100 days after he was turned

protracted calving with all of the subsequent negative

PI hunting and vaccination but the new rented grazing

into them. The main benefit is our increased ageing

consequences for calf health. So use this time to check

with the stream running through it ensured your

accuracy of the foetus and twinning. We can be very

condition and more importantly come up with an

cattle got exposed to Leptospirosis over the mating

accurate with foetal aging up to around 2 months in

action plan to sort any problem cows is essential.

period. Perhaps the all singing and dancing mineral

calf and pretty accurate from 3 to 4 months in calf.

supplementation that you were using hasn’t quite

After that point in time accuracy diminishes as we can

What targets have you set for your in-calf rate and

performed. Again use these bloods to check that it has

feel and see less of the uterus and calf. This gives you a

the number of cows P/D to calve in the 1st six weeks?

done what it said on the tin. We will often use them as

more accurate idea of calving dates will allow for better

These are questions that we should be asking as the

a rough snapshot of a herds Johne's status. Empty cows

management around calving for many reasons:

cows go through the crush if they are not known before

potentially are more likely to be Johne's infected and

you start.

it might well trigger further investigation if positives

• Housing cows is expensive . Being able to

are unexpectedly found. Are your cows at risk of liver

prioritise the cows closest to calving for space

Typically we are aiming for a >95% in-calf rate after a

fluke infection? Again, use the bloods to check if cows

and bedding will help reduce infectious

9 week mating block with >75% of cows to calve in the

have had exposure to fluke over the grazing season.

disease pressure i.e. less scours & infected navels.

1st 6 weeks.

Dung sampling can be unrewarding due to the stage of

• Scour vaccines have relatively small windows

• Are the P/D results on track?

liver fluke within infected cattle and they are also not

of use prior to calving. Knowing early and late

• Have any cohorts of cows let you down?

very prolific at egg laying. Infected cattle will become

cows will allow for better use of this product

• Maybe it is heifers?

antibody positive 4-6 weeks post exposure and remain

and ensure you get return on your investment.

• Did many have assisted calvings? If so, what are

the same for several months post exposure allowing

• Target mineral supplementation better. For

the plans for next year to reduce them?

you to determine if treatment is needed before cows

example boluses are often used in our patch to

• AI with an easy calving bull and measure pelvic

lose excessive body condition.

cover Iodine and Selenium deficiency issues

dimensions and pull out heifers that are

around calving and also over the mating window.

inadequate?

Don’t let your vet be a rectal tourist! Grab the

Splitting late calving cows from early calving cows

• Or was it a specific group of cows that ran with a

opportunities to investigate, improve herd health and

and bolusing them at the correct time can ensure

certain bull?

act on what you find out in partnership with your vet.

that a single bolus covers both windows effectively.

• Did your bulls have a breeding soundness

You will be rewarded with more kg of beef to sell and

We also use it as an opportunity to body condition

examination pre – turnout?

less empty cows!

Secure Windbreaks Rapid fit weather protection

Improve ventilation Excellent light transmission Simple clip-on system Full 10 year UV guarantee 32

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

Tel: 0800 7832804 www.securecovers.com AUTUMN 2017

FOOD

BESPOKE HEREFORD BEEF WEBSITE LAUNCH

BY CAROL WILSON FOOD WRITER

They’re the ONLY cattle society with a dedicated beef website, so it’s the leading website for news, information and events relating to top quality, completely natural Hereford grass fed beef. One of the oldest British Native Breeds of cattle, they’re easy to recognize by their white faces and red-brown coats. The cattle are acclaimed for their placid temperament, easy calving and their outstanding quality meat.

David Deakin from the Hereford Cattle Society

meet the needs and expectations

says, “The re-launched website is a key marketing

of British consumers. The

tool for Hereford Beef and enables us to reach

preferred choice of many of the

each of our different core audiences with a fresh

world’s top chefs, Hereford

look at our exceptional beef.” It’s both interesting

Beef is a Premium

and informative for the beef industry, farmers

Brand, widely

and consumers and features lots of details about

available from

the Hereford breed, along with topical and useful

wholesalers, good

information for producers, industry and consumers,

butchers and

including up to date nutritional data, inspiring

supermarkets

recipes for every budget, cooking techniques for

and of course

different beef cuts, food facts, history of beef eating

all Hereford

in England and more besides! Watch our video

Beef is

on how to cook the perfect steak from The Beefy

traceable

Boys. Read the Hereford Beef Blog for frequent

from farm to

news updates on the Hereford Beef Brand, plus the

plate – a

newest and best places you can find Hereford Beef

detail

on the menu, as well as regular cooking tips. You

that

can also follow Hereford Beef on Twitter, Facebook,

is

Instagram and Pinterest.

Almost 10,00000 Herefords now exist in over 120, providing a valuable market for farmers and superb quality marbled beef (free from additives and growth hormones and with superlative flavour) for consumers. Studies conducted prove that when cattle are reared on a forage based diet they produce beef that is significantly more nutritious, with lower levels of saturated fat and more antioxidants than grain fed beef. Tender succulent Hereford Beef, with its characteristic finely marbled fat is the front-runner when it comes to producing

important to

superior quality meat.

customers who increasingly want to know

Consumers clearly value the superb eating quality

where their food comes from. The

delivered by Hereford cattle, but there are other

market for Hereford Beef continues to

significant customer messages relating to the

grow through supermarkets and butchers and

breed, such as heritage, provenance, environmental

its use is increasing in the catering trade both

sustainability, stewardship of the land and

in the UK and overseas. Hereford Beef is also a

animal welfare, which are becoming increasingly

favourite in pubs and restaurants and through

important to customers. The top quality meat, ideal

boxed beef schemes. The website includes a useful

carcase size, lower production costs and strong

list of suppliers of Hereford Beef from major

performance from a natural diet come together to

supermarkets to farm shops and restaurants.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

33

NBA NEWS

NBA NORTHERN IRELAND BEEF EXPO

PLANS MOVING ON FAST Earlier this year the NBA announced the return of the prestigious NI Beef Expo to Dungannon mart this coming Spring.

The event has not been held since 2012 and plans are underway to make it bigger and better than ever. offer, acting as a knowledge transfer for all involved.

The event will be spread over two days, with farm

walks on Friday 23rd of February followed by the Beef Speaking about the event, Trevor Wylie, Chairman of the event and Owner of Dungannon Mart stated,

Expo on Monday 26th of February 2018.

“We are very pleased that the NBA event is returning The event will be a celebration of the best of the

to the mart. The event is always a fantastic day for

Northern Irish Beef Industry with trade stands

everyone with an interest in the Beef Industry and

displaying the latest technologies, breed society

we look forward to hosting it at the mart again this

displays, outdoor and indoor demonstrations and

year.”

Y MONDA

6UARY 2 R B FE

topical seminars.

Chris Mallon, Chief Executive of the NBA said, “The The event will include The Commercial Cattle Club’s

NBA are excited to be holding a Beef Event in NI

highly renowned Calf Show and Sale, showcasing

next Spring. With the recent regional AGM, election

our businesses are efficient and sustainable. We

some of the best of NI commercial cattle. In between

of the new NI Chairman John Sheridan and on farm

hope this event will provide a platform to do this.

the show and sale there will be four topical seminars

meetings we have been encouraged by the regions

covering Brexit, Genetics, Efficiencies and Health.

enthusiasm and feel it is an important time to bring

On behalf of the NBA I would like to thank Trevor

back the NI Beef Event.

Wylie and all at Dugannon Mart for kindly offering to host the event. We have gathered together a great

The Farm walks, which will be announced on the run up to the event, will offer visitors the chance to view

With the current climate, it is more crucial than ever

planning committee who I look forward to working

some of the best beef enterprises the region has to

that farmers are sharing knowledge to ensure that

with to bring together another fantastic event.”

WE MANUFACTURER AND OFFER A RANGE OF TRAILERS. STANDARD MODELS OR BUILT TO YOUR OWN BESPOKE NEEDS FROM 10 TO OF 20of TONNE. We manufacture and offer a range trailers.

Standard models or WE MANUFACTURER ANDTONNE OFFER A RANGE TRAILERS. STANDARD MODELS OR BUILT TO YOUR OWN BESPOKE NEEDS FROM 10 TONNE TO 20 TONNE. • GRAIN TRAILERS • FLAT TRAILERS • SILAGE TRAILERS, AND BOWSERS• built to your •own bespoke needs 10BOWSERS• tonne to 20 tonne.

GRAIN TRAILERS • FLAT TRAILERS • SILAGEfrom TRAILERS, AND WE ALSO REFURBISHMENTS OFFER SERVICING AND REPAIRS,& REFURBISHMENTS WE ALSO SERVICING AND REPAIRS, SPARES & SPARES WE MANUFACTURER ANDOFFER OFFER A RANGE OF TRAILERS. STANDARD MODELS OR

• GRAIN TRAILERS • FLAT TRAILERS • SILAGE TRAILERS AND BOWSERS •

BUILT TO YOUR OWN BESPOKE NEEDS FROM 10 TONNE TO 20 TONNE. • GRAIN TRAILERS • FLAT TRAILERS • SILAGE TRAILERS, AND BOWSERS• WE ALSO OFFER SERVICING AND REPAIRS, REFURBISHMENTS & SPARES

WE ALSO OFFER SERVICING AND REPAIRS, REFURBISHMENTS AND SPARES. MINIMISE HASSLE - MAXIMISE SAFETY MINIMISE HASSLE - MAXIMISE SAFETY

MINIMISE HASSLE - MAXIMISE SAFETY

MAKE HANDLING CATTLE FASTER, EASIER AND SAFER ANYTIME ANYWHERE WITH THE DALESWAY CATTLE HANDLER.

MAKE HANDLING CATTLE FASTER, EASIER AND SAFER ANYTIME ANYWHERE WITH THE DALESWAY CATTLE HANDLER.

USEFUL FOR • CALVING • SUCKLING • TAGGING • • DE-HORNING •

USEFUL FOR • CALVING • SUCKLING • TAGGING • • DE-HORNING • BENEFITS

MAKE HANDLING CATTLE FASTER, EASIER AND SAFER ANYTIME • CATTLE IMPROVEDSAFETY SAFETY FOR YOU • • IMPROVED SAFETY FOR YOU • ANYWHEREHASSLE WITH THE DALESWAY HANDLER. MINIMISE - BENEFITS MAXIMISE •IMPROVED SAFETY FOR YOUR CATTLE•

•IMPROVED SAFETY FOR YOUR CATTLE•

MAKE HANDLING CATTLE FASTER, EASIER USEFUL • CALVING • SUCKLING • TAGGING • TEL: 01759 371601 OR info@drttrailers.co.uk ANDFOR SAFER ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, TEL: 01759 371601 OR • DE-HORNING • WITH THE DALESWAY CATTLE HANDLER. www.drttrailers.co.uk WE MANUFACTURER AND OFFER A RANGE OF TRAILERS. STANDARD MODELS OR

info@drttrailers.co.uk www.drttrailers.co.uk

BUILT TO YOUR OWN BESPOKE NEEDS FROM 10 TONNE TO 20 TONNE. USEFUL FOR • GRAIN TRAILERS • FLAT TRAILERS SILAGE TRAILERS, AND BOWSERS• BENEFITS • •IMPROVED SAFETY FOR YOU • WE ALSO OFFER SERVICING AND REPAIRS, REFURBISHMENTS • CALVING • SUCKLING • TAGGING &• SPARES DE-HORNING

• •IMPROVED SAFETY FOR YOUR CATTLE• BENEFITS • IMPROVED SAFETY FOR YOU MINIMISE • IMPROVED SAFETY FOR YOUR CATTLE • HASSLE - MAXIMISE SAFETY

TEL: 01759 371601 OR info@drttrailers.co call 01759 371601 or email info@drttrailers.co.uk www.drttrailers.co.uk www.drttrailers.co.uk MAKE HANDLING CATTLE FASTER, EASIER AND SAFER ANYTIME ANYWHERE WITH THE DALESWAY CATTLE HANDLER. USEFUL FOR • CALVING • SUCKLING • TAGGING • • DE-HORNING • BENEFITS

34

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

• IMPROVED SAFETY FOR YOU • •IMPROVED SAFETY FOR YOUR CATTLE•

TEL: 01759 371601 OR info@drttrailers.co.uk

AUTUMN 2017

NBA NEWS

AUTUMN FARM WALKS A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS

Over the last two months we have had four fantastic farm walks spanning the length and breadth of the country. The walks have attracted over 250 farmers and industry professionals, giving them the opportunity to see four excellent units each championing in what they do.

Eric Reid showcased the importance of data capture

on meat eating quality through running his beef box

into making these events possible. Their support

and health monitoring to improve efficiencies in

scheme. Finally, Andrew Laughton allowed visitors

for the NBA has given us a chance to share

his modern finishing unit. Willy Woodman showed

to view his large outdoor straw bedded corals of over

knowledge amongst our membership and discuss

visitors around his large upland suckler operation.

2,500 cattle, while still maintaining the highest level

our work with a range of beef farmers. We would

of animal husbandry and welfare on a large scale.

also like to thank AB Vista for kindly sponsoring the evenings. We look forward to hosting our

In opening his farm to visitors, Nigel Parfitt demonstrated the vital need for AFUs with grazing

The NBA would like to thank all of the four hosts

winter series of events with them shortly, these

to exist and the value he found consumers placed

for their hospitality and the effort that they put

will be announced in the next issue.

COMING SOON: CRYSTALYX FARM WALK, KINDLY HOSTED BY STEPHEN HEENAN

CLOUGH, DOWN PATRICK, NORTHERN IRLAND TUESDAY 24th OCTOBER, 18:00PM

This autumn the NBA are giving farmers the chance to visit an exemplarily commercial and pedigree suckler herd. Stephen Heenan, previous Vice Chairman of the NBA Board and 6th generation beef farmer, runs 70 breeding commercial females as well as 12 pedigree Charolais cattle on his farm in Clough, Down Patrick. The farm is on a mainly grass and silage based system growing 14-15acres of arable for supplement feed.

The evening will kick off with a farm walk led by Stephen and his son Andrew, who is currently at Agricultural University and will be followed by a series of short presentations focused around the farm, its health protocol and AI programme. Steven is also an advocate of the weaning nose plates, that allow calves to be weaned when running with the cattle to avoid distress at weaning. A pen of weaned calves will be showcased on the night.

GUEST SPEAKERS: David Morgan, Caltech Crystalyx Regional Manager for Ireland will deliver a short presentation on Improving Output Through Input, by incorporating Crystalyx products into on farm feeding systems. MSD Animal Health will do a short presentation on calf health protocols. Dr Francis Lively, AFBI will speak on the synchronisation AI trail work, which the farm was involved in with the commercial cattle herd.

To book your place on the farm walk please contact Stephen, on 07889 159496 or NBA head office on either sharon@nationalbeefassociation.com or 01434 601005 THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

35

FEATURE - BULL VERSUS STEER

BULL VERSUS STEER

AND DEALING WITH HEAVY WEIGHT CA There have been recent moves by some retailers to move away from bull beef. The NBA attacked this decision resulting in significant press coverage back in April 2016 with much negative publicity for the named supermarket. I have since received a number of comments that the processor involved with the supermarket are now buying bulls!

The bull is a very efficient animal and in most cases

• Faster rates of growth

carried out with some 2016 born calves at Harper

supplies ‘commodity beef’ for supermarkets to

• Improved feed conversion efficiency

Adams University to compare the performance and

compete with our enemy – chicken (at least beef

• Lower methane emissions per kg beef produced

meat quality of dairy bred bulls versus steers. With

has some taste compared to chicken which needs

• Faster throughput rates

regards to meat quality some studies have evaluated

a decent sauce!). Also with over 60% of beef being

• Leaner beef

bull versus steer beef with the bulls intensively reared

currently consumed as mince then the young bull

• Higher profit generation potential

and steers extensively grass finished. The rearing

‘fits this bill’. Some 17% of male calves are reared as

However steers are better suited to making use of

system will influence meat quality with grazing

bulls on intensive systems and they will not compete

home grown forages and are generally easier to

enhancing beef flavour. The bulls and steers in this

with the ‘top shelf supermarket beef’ with cattle that

manage in terms of behaviour. They may also be less

study were therefore both reared on an intensive

have been grass fed, usually native bred, and hung for

susceptible to meat quality issues, with a reduced

cereal beef system. Noted suckler producer Simon

21-28 days.

incidence of dark cutting beef.

Frost in Derbyshire, a Harper Adams Beef Focus

Current knowledge would indicate that bulls have a

It has been decades since an in-depth study was

Charolais x Lim/Fr bull calves and the results of

number of advantages over steers in terms of efficient

carried out to compare bulls versus steers reared on

the performance of these calves are outlined in the

beef production; namely:

the same production system so an experiment was

second part of the article.

Farm, also castrated a batch of his spring 2016 born

D HOLSTEIN 11 MONTH OL

36

S RPER ADAM BULLS AT HA

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

FEATURE - BULL VERSUS STEER

ARCASSES

BY SIMON MARSH PRINCIPAL LECTURER - BEEF CATTLE SPECIALIST HARPER ADAMS UNIVERSITY

ANIMALS & TIMING: The Harper Adams study involved 34 Jan-Feb 2016 born Holstein (n = 24), British Blue x Holstein (n = 6) and Hereford x Holstein (n = 4) male calves weighing approximately 220kg at 5½ months old that were randomized into two balanced treatment groups according to live weight and breed. The Blues and

LIZ FORD OF AH DB CARRYING OF THE MARBLING AS SESSMENT.

RESULTS:

The bulls recorded significantly higher

TABLE 1: Animal Performance (kg/head) Start wt Slaughter wt Days to slaughter DLWG Age at slaughter (days)1

Bulls Steers 222 221 580 564 270 278 1.33 1.25 432 (14.2) 438 (14.4)

carcase daily gains (+0.06kg) and carcase weights (+13.4kg) with a superior kill out (51.6 v 50.6%) however the bulls recorded significantly lower fat classifications. Carcasses classified for conformation R- to O- at ABP with a fat classification of 2= or 2- receive further deductions of between 10 to 20p/

Herefords were bred from the same sire. The steers

1. Age in brackets = months

kg compared to carcasses classified at 2+ and above.

were castrated by a veterinary surgeon following

Whilst there was a numerical improvement in

This had a negative effect on carcase value of the

randomization to their treatment group.

performance with the bulls it was not statistically

bulls compared to the steers which had a higher fat

significant.

classification.

MANAGEMENT: The calves were group housed in pens of 8-9 and offered Wynnstay Prime Beef nuts ad libitum from hoppers with straw offered from racks. The nuts contained 14% CP (16% CP/kg DM) and 32% starch (36% in the DM). The cattle were selected for slaughter at a target fat class 3 and slaughtered at ABP, Shrewsbury. The carcasses were classified by VIA.

TABLE 2: Carcase Characteristics

Carcase wt (kg) Kill out (%) Carcase DG (kg) Conformation1 (1-7) Fat class1 (1-7)

Bulls Steers 299.0 285.6 51.6 50.6 0.72 0.66 4.7 (O-/O=) 4.5 (O-) 6.0 (2+) 7.6 (3-/3=)

1 EUROP carcase classification: Conformation: P-=1 and E+=15, Fat class: 1- =1 and 5+=15.

TABLE 3: Feed intakes (kg/head) and feed conversion RATIO (FCR)

Total concentrate intake (kg) Daily concentrate intake (kg) FCR (kg feed fresh wt: kg lwt gain) FCR (kg feed DM: kg carcase gain)

Bulls Steers 2,192 2,188 8.12 7.87 6.12 6.38 9.70 10.26

continued...

MARCH 2016 BORN CHAROLAIS CALVES FROM SIMON FROST SUCKER HERD (PICTURE TAKEN SEPT 2016).

Acknowledgement: The support from AHDB Beef & Lamb for the meat quality assessment is gratefully acknowledged. The author would like to also extend his sincere thanks to the staff at ABP Shrewsbury for their excellent co-operation with providing samples of beef to AHDB.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

37

FEATURE - BULL VERSUS STEER

Bull Versus Steer continued...

The bulls recorded slightly higher daily feed intakes but due to their superior performance recorded improved FCR’s. The FCRs (kg feed: kg liveweight gain) appear relatively high compared to the target of 5.5:1 for cereal fed Holstein bulls but it must be taken into consideration that the experiment did not include the period of growth from 110kg (3 months of age) to 220kg (5½ months of age) for this batch of calves. During this rearing phase the

Simon’s bulls usually achieve a daily carcase gain

TABLE 5: Meat Quality

pH Longissimus Dorsi Area (cm2) Lean colour (MSA)1 Marbling (USDA)2 Peak shear force (kg)3

Bulls Steers 5.53 5.46 81.0 68.8 3.38 1.93 2.32 2.82 3.58 3.03

1. Meat Standards Australia: Lightest = 1 and Darkest = 6.

2. USDA marbling standards: Slight = 1 and Moderately abundant = 7.

3. Warner-Bratzler Shear Force assessment: Very tender = 1. There is no upper limit or score. Current average values for sirloin steaks from an AHDB retail survey is 3.1. As a guide a score of 5-5.5 would be regarded as tough.

of 1.0kg from birth to slaughter (DLWG of 1.56kg) however last autumn following weaning they were affected by bacterial pneumonia which ‘knocked them back’ resulting in an overall DCG of 0.92kg which nevertheless is still very good. As shown in table 6 the bulls recorded superior performance all round with higher DLWGs and DCGs, finishing 20 days earlier with slaughter and carcase weights some 57 and 34kg heavier respectively. The bulls

calves recorded a DLWG of 1.35kg having consumed 346kg of concentrates equating to an FCR of 3.15:1.

The meat analysis results show a trend for a higher

recorded slightly improved conformation scores and

Overall feed intakes from 12 weeks old to slaughter

pH for bulls and one of the bulls was identified as a

were leaner. It could be argued that the bulls average

were therefore 2,538kg (fresh weight) per head for

‘dark cutter’. The Longissimus dorsi (eye muscle) area

carcase weight of 416kg is too heavy with a number

the bulls.

for bulls was significantly larger than that of steers.

of processors penalizing heavy weights so ‘steer beef’

However, meat from steers was significantly lighter in

is an option.

TABLE 4: Financial Performance (£)

Carcase price (£/kg)1 Carcase value (£) Feed cost (£/t) Feed cost (£/head) Margin over Feed (£/head) Feed cost/kg live wt gain (£/kg) Feed cost/kg carcase gain (£/kg)

Bulls Steers 3.05 3.10 913 888 175 175 384 383 529 505 1.07 1.10 1.97 2.09

colour and significantly more tender. Despite a higher toughness score for the bull carcasses they were still

DEALING WITH HEAVY WEIGHT CARCASSES:

very commercially acceptable for the retail trade.

If the issue of penalties for heavy weight carcasses

The range in tenderness scores was lower in the bulls

persist there are a number of short term and long

than in the steers indicating that the bull beef was a

term solutions which are summarised as follows:

more consistent product. There was a trend for the beef from the steers to have more marbling. It was

• Be proactive and try and find a market! There are

not possible to carry out a flavour and juiciness test,

processors who will buy heavy weight and also

however, it could be suggested that with the higher

over 16 month old bulls. They usually offer a lower

Based on the costs prevailing at the time of the

marbling score and reduced toughness there may be

base price but don’t penalize by around 45p/kg for

study the bulls recorded an increase in carcase value

a slightly improved eating experience with the steer

heavy weights and pay on ‘all the carcase’.

of £25 with a higher margin over feed of £24 per

beef.

• Do not have prolonged store periods which results

margin of £302 and £278 per head respectively when

SUCKLER BRED BULLS VERSUS STEERS:

420kg+ at 12-14 months old and NOT 560kg at

calculated from being reared as calves through to

Harper Adams Beef Focus Farm suckler producer

18-20 months old. Heavy weight stores unless

slaughter. The cattle were sold to ABP with a price

Simon Frost in Derbyshire, who achieves outstanding

bought well, will not make a margin.

grid penalty for bulls of 5p/kg. If the base price

performance with his herd, castrated a batch of his

• Intensively finish steers rather than suckler bulls

penalty was 14p/kg the margins would be identical.

spring 2016 born bulls. Simon runs a herd of 150

(see the article on intensively finishing steers in

spring calving Limousin x Friesian cows that are

the summer edition) and ideally feed good quality

Observations on behaviour were carried out by BSc

put to high index ‘curve bender’ Charolais bulls.

(11.0+ME) forage fed 50:50 on a DM basis with

IV student Fraser Parris who used this study for his

Following weaning most of the the calves are sold

concentrates. This will eliminate issue with

final year Honours Research Project. The results

to Alan and John Dore at Chesterfield who finish

acidosis.

showed that the bulls spent more time standing and

over 600 cattle per year. On arrival in late October

• In the long term use positive (or low negative)

interacting (which included aggressive behaviour)

the calves which had been creep fed from August,

Fat Depth EBV bulls. Avoid extreme growth rate

and less time ruminating.

were fed a top quality 16% CP home mix at about

lean bulls to enable you to finish cattle at lighter

1.5kg/h/d and high quality 11.6ME grass silage. The

weights. This should result in using bulls with

MEAT QUALITY:

home mix feed rate was gradually increased to 8kg

easier calving characteristics BUT this can impact

An assessment of meat quality was kindly carried out

by January and kept at this rate through to slaughter.

on the performance of the finishing heifers.

by Liz Ford and colleagues of AHDB Beef & Lamb at

At this stage of the finishing period the calves were

However, use negative Fat Depth/high growth rate

the AHDB New Product Development (NPD) Unit, in

changed to mature 2nd cut silage (9.3ME) to provide

EBV bulls when intensively finishing steers.

Cheshire. Two steaks of 2cm thickness were removed

some long fibre to minimise digestive disorders.

• Consider native breed type and maternal

1. Carcase price standardised to the ABP price grid with a base price of £3.50/kg for steers and £3.45/kg for bulls with deductions for light weight carcasses.

bull. Overall the bulls and steers returned a gross

in cattle growing frame. Market or buy stores at

from the Longissimum lumborum of the left hand side of each animal 48 hours post slaughter at ABP when the pH was also measured. The steaks were then vacuum packed, labelled and boxed and placed in a chill room for a 14 day standard maturation.

Following maturation the steaks were frozen and subsequently taken to AHDB Beef & Lamb’s NPD unit for Warner-Bratzler Shear Force assessment, using the standard shear force testing protocol for steaks.

The samples were also scored for marbling, eye muscle area and muscle colour.

crossbreds for your suckler cow to be put to a TABLE 6: Charolais x Lim/Fr Bulls versus Steers (Simon Frost)

Continental bull, or Native breed bull if there is

Age (days)1 Slaughter wt Carcase wt DLWG birth-slaughter DCG birth-slaughter Conformation2 (1-15) Fat2 (1-15)

breeds in the cow genetics results in a smaller more

Bulls Steers 449 (14.7) 469 (15.4) 693 636 416 382 1.44 1.26 0.93 0.82 10.5 (U-/U+) 10 (U-) 6.8 (3-) 8.8 (3+)

1. Age in brackets = months 2. EUROP carcase classification: Conformation: P-=1 and E+=15, Fat class: 1- =1 and 5+=15.

a market premium. Including milky prolific native efficient cow!

• There are a number of nutritional strategies that can be implemented such as increasing the starch content of creeps as well as finishing diets together with lowering the CP content but be aware of issues with acidosis with diets containing over 43- 45% starch (in the DM).

CONCLUSIONS: This study with cattle with today’s genetics shows that the bull is still more efficient and leaves a higher margin than the steer. However if producers are struggling to find a market and have issues with handling bulls then steer beef is a viable option.

38

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

The product that ticks all the boxes for fluke control!

✓ FLE

X

Licens IBLE ed beef a for dairy*, nd she ep

✓ EFF

EC

TIVE agains t all 3 s tages o Liver F f luke - Adul t - Imm at - Early ure Immat ure

✓ AFF

O

ROVE

MCR270Endofluke

15L Va RDABLE lue Pac k availab le

APP

D

FORIN USEIRY DA WS* CO

*The product is approved for use during pregnancy and lactation.

However, the product is not permitted for use during lactation in animals producing milk for human consumption.

Withdrawal Periods: Meat and offal: Cattle and sheep 56 days. Milk: Cattle milk for human consumption may only be taken from 48 hours after calving. Not intended for use during lactation or within 45 days of calving. Should a cow calve earlier than 45 days after the last treatment, milk for human consumption may only be taken from 45 days + 48 hours (47 days) after the last treatment. Sheep: Not authorised for use in ewes producing milk for human consumption including during the dry period. Do not use within 1 year prior to the first lambing in ewes intended to produce milk for human consumption. Endofluke contains triclabendazole 100mg/ml.

Use Medicines Responsibly. Noah.co.uk/responsible. Legal Category POM-VPS. Date advert prepared: July 2017

For information, speak to your local stockist or contact Bimeda at 01248 725 400

FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH

PNEUMONIA VACCINATION

PROVES HIGHLY COST EFFECTIVE ON A Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) or pneumonia is one of the most significant diseases affecting beef producers, costing the UK cattle industry an estimated £50 million a year. It is the most common reason for deaths and poor performance in young cattle from weaning to ten months of age.

Studies have shown that when 30% of cattle in a

Frequently, respiratory infection results from the

to me that the vaccination policy was working as

group show signs of respiratory disease, a further

calf becoming infected with a primary agent first,

none of the other viruses which had caused such

40% can exhibit lung damage at slaughter. So it

usually a virus. The resulting lung damage allows a

problems the previous year were present.”

is likely that many cases go unnoticed, yet cause

secondary bacterial infection to develop.

significant performance loss.

Since the problems in December 2015, Chris has Ashley said: “The blood tests showed high

seen a massive improvement in the health of his

The effects are known all too well by Chris Baxter,

levels of IBR, which I had suspected, along with

cattle, along with an increase in productivity and

who runs a calf rearer-to-finisher business with

Parainfluenza virus (PI3) and Bovine respiratory

profit. “It is unbelievable how the health of the

his Dad and sister in Garforth, Yorkshire. “I buy in

syncitial virus (RSV). The swabs came back with

cattle has turned around,” says Chris. “Now we

200-225 calves a year, at around seven to 12 weeks

common bacteria you might expect: Pasteurella

have this vaccination policy in place we are seeing

of age, and finish them between 12 and 15 months

multocida, Histophilus somni and Mycoplasma

fewer sick animals. We still inject antibiotics

old,” explains Chris. “In December 2015 many of

bovis, along with IBR and PI3.”

when required but nowhere near the amount we

our animals became very sick. On Christmas Eve

were doing. Money is now spent on vaccination to

we had 75 ill calves. We were treating them but the

Chris added: “It was good to at least find out what

prevent problems rather than drugs to treat them

medicines were having no effect.”

had caused such a huge outbreak of sick animals

after they have occurred. The full cost of vaccination

and use that information to try to prevent the same

is £22 per beast. Some say that sounds expensive

thing happening again.”

but its negligible compared to losing an animal and

On inspection by Ashley Marshall, from Westpoint Farm Vets in York, Bovine herpes virus 1 (IBR)

the impact of reduced growth across the majority of

was suspected. “The calves had a very high fever

Once the results were back, Ashley worked with

and on examination there was a lot of noise in the

Chris to set up a vaccination policy and health

respiratory tract,” recalls Ashley. “I decided to

plan based on the pathogens they now knew were

“Before we implemented the policy we were seeing

treat all the sick calves, plus those that had been

present on the farm and likely to be brought in

liveweights of around 500 to 520kg at 12 months.

in contact with them, intra-nasally with an IBR

with the calves.

Now, we are seeing cattle weighing 600kg at 12

vaccine. I also took deep nasal swabs from six of the calves for further examination.”

the group.

months and we are turning cattle round faster which Ashley explained: “As soon as animals come on to

is also having a big effect on our profits.”

the farm they are vaccinated intra-nasally against IBR vaccine is unusual as it is can work as a

IBR, PI3 and RSV. This lasts for three months and

Ashley adds: “A calf with pneumonia will never

treatment for infected cattle, unlike most vaccines

covers the main stress period of movement, new

grow as well, even after treatment. The cost of

which need to be administered before the cattle

housing and mixing of groups. After this period,

vaccination will not only prevent deaths but

become exposed to disease.

they are vaccinated with a multi-valent vaccine

improve the productivity of calves that would have

which covers multiple pathogens which sees them

otherwise not perform as well due to infection.”

After examining all the sick calves and

through to finishing.

administering the IBR vaccine, the animals were

Chris now stresses the importance of having a

split into three groups depending on the signs

A health plan has also been implemented, which

policy in place and working with your vet. “The

and severity of illness. “Each calf was observed

includes treatment protocols based on a traffic

impact having this policy has had on my business is

and scored red, amber or green according to its

light system, intervention levels and when to

huge. It’s really important to keep in touch with your

temperature and signs of illnes. This meant that as

call a vet. Ashley says: “This helps Chris plan

vet and talk through any problems you are having.

Chris went through them each day he would know

and treat when animals become sick. Pneumonia

We have a great relationship with Ashley and she

if they were getting better or worse,” explains

and respiratory infections are the main problem

has helped our business a lot.”

Ashley. “Calves which were clinically fine but

for him due to the nature of the business which

had been in close contact with sick animals were

involves bringing in calves from different sources.”

considered as highly likely to be infected with IBR

Ashley adds: “It is important to use your vet, don’t battle on. You can work together to solve problems

and incubating respiratory disease and were given

Chris suffered a repeat breakdown a year later in

you are having on farm. Prevention is better than

antibiotics to prevent bacterial damage secondary

December 2016. “This time it was not as severe

cure and Chris’ experience has shown that having

to any viral involvement. All clinically ill animals

as the year before and the swabs that Ashley took

a water-tight vaccination policy can improve the

were given Draxxin, an antibiotic licensed for the

came back with only Mycoplasma bovis, which is

health of your herd, significantly reduce antibiotic

treatment of most bacteria involved in BRD.”

very difficult to treat,” recalls Chris. “This proved

use and increase the productivity of your business.”

40

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH

BEEF FINISHING UNIT

BY MARY VICKERS BEEF & SHEEP SENIOR SCIENTIST (BEEF) AHDB BEEF AND LAMB

Dr Mary Vickers, AHDB Beef & Lamb Senior

Key to implementing effective control strategies is an understanding

Scientist, says: “Cattle succumb when the disease

of the animal-pathogen-environment interactions.

pressure overcomes their immune system. Taking steps to minimise stress on cattle will help promote a strong immune system and enable cattle to resist disease themselves. Good nutrition, housing and minimising concurrent disease will help, as will investing in vaccination as a routine prevention strategy. Vaccination plays a particularly important role in controlling pneumonia in cattle as antibiotics

Managing just one of these issues in isolation will not

do not kill viruses which are the main cause of

prevent or control the disease – they must be tackled together.

respiratory disease.

“As Chris has seen, a large proportion of the costs

Many factors influence this, including non-specific

Exposure to disease

associated with pneumonia are hidden, such as

stressors, such as:

• Mixing/changing groups.

reduced liveweight gain and feed conversion

• High stocking rates.

efficiency, which means many producers are

Nutrition

underestimating the impact of pneumonia on their

• Colostrum intake at birth.

business.”

Environment • Inadequate environment, eg poor air quality,

Nutritional requirements for growth

wet bedding, draughts at animal level.

• Trace element status, especially vitamin E/selenium.

• Temperature variation and extremes.

• High vet costs due to secondary infections,

Stress

Existing disease

usually bacterial.

• At weaning.

• Such as Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD),

• An additional 14 days taken to reach breeding

• During castration/disbudding.

coccidiosis and heavy parasite burdens

weights.

• During transport.

(fluke and worms).

Impacts of BRD on a beef enterprise include: • Failure to reach growth targets.

• Average daily liveweight gains reduced by up to 0.2kg/day.

• Increased days to slaughter and poorer carcase classification.

• Increased mortality and culling.

• Increased replacement costs due to culling of young breeding animals.

• Risk of bringing in disease with purchased cattle.

More information can be found in the BRP+ document Better management of Bovine Respiratory Disease, available to download at beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk/returns.

15 November 2017 Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh Pre-Register NOW at www.agriscot.co.uk THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

41

FEATURE

AFBI RESEARCH

DEMONSTRATES GENETIC IMPROVEMENT IN SUCKLER HERDS CAN BE ACHIEVED THROUGH ‘MINIMAL HANDLING’ SYNCHRONISATION PROGRAMMES A major on farm study, co-ordinated and organised by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) in Northern Ireland, has found that ‘minimal handling’ synchronisation programmes can effectively be applied to cows in small sucker herds, and therefore represent a key tool to drive an increased rate of genetic improvement in the NI beef industry. Further work is required for application to heifers.

Northern Ireland has 260,300 beef cows spread

be both labour efficient and effective. A study

three handling programme (Cow 3) and a five

across 15,090 herds giving an average herd

was therefore designed and conducted by AFBI

handling programme (Cow 5). Cows on the

size of 17 cows. With this small herd size it is

to evaluate ‘minimal handling synchronisation’

trial had calved at least 55 days before any

not economically viable to replace a bull on a

protocols within suckler herds.

synchronisation programme started. All animals

regular basis and therefore genetic improvement

were checked by a vet to ensure they were

within the beef sector is hampered.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

suitable for breeding on the first day of the

Furthermore, the use of artificial insemination

A total of 338 heifers and 875 cows located

programme prior to inserting the progesterone

(AI) within the beef industry is limited. Typically

across 12 farms throughout Northern Ireland

device. The synchronisation programmes

less than 20% of calves born to beef cows are

were involved in the study during summer

differed with the level of veterinary input

sired by an AI bull. One of the principal reasons

2015 and 2016. A number of synchronisation

and the timing of administrations/AI. Within

for the poor uptake of AI technology is the

programmes were tested for both heifers

the synchronising programmes, animals were

challenge of detecting animals in oestrus. This

and cows (Table 1) within the concept of

artificially inseminated after ‘fixed time’ periods

is due to a combination of factors such as: low

a ‘Fixed Timed AI’ approach. The heifer

of either 72 or 80 hours after prostaglandin

incidence of oestrus-related activity (due to

synchronisation programmes included a

was administered, depending upon the

small herd sizes); land fragmentation; and the

three handling programme (Heifer 3) and a

synchronisation protocol (Table 1). Animals

often part-time nature of suckler enterprises

four handling programme (Heifer 4). Heifers

were then either introduced to a bull seven days

in Northern Ireland. Oestrous synchronisation

were synchronised to calve at 24 months and

after ‘fixed time’ AI (on ten of the twelve farms)

programmes which facilitate the use of fixed

weighed at least 370 kg prior to the start of

or animals were monitored to detect for repeats

timed AI (FTAI) provide an opportunity to

the synchronisation programme. The cow

(two of twelve farms). If animals repeated, they

increase the use of AI on suckler cows but must

synchronisation programmes included a

were then inseminated naturally or artificially as

TABLE 1. SYNCHRONISATION PROGRAMMES EVALUATED ON HEIFERS AND COWS Protocol

Monday (Day 0)

Saturday (Day 5)

Monday (Day 7)

Tuesday (Day 8)

Heifer 3

Progesterone

Progesterone

FTAI

device in + GnRH

device out + PG

(72 hours*) + GnRH

Wednesday (Day 9)

Thursday (Day 10)

Heifer 4

Progesterone

device in

PG

Progesterone

FTAI

device out

(56 hours*)

Cow 3

Progesterone

Progesterone

FTAI

device in + GnRH

device out + PG

(72 hours*) + GnRH

Cow 5

Progesterone

device in + GnRH

PG

Progesterone

GnRH

FTAI

device out

(36 hours*)

(20 hours*)

GnRH – Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone

PG – Prostaglandin

FTAI – Fixed Time AI

* hours since previous handlin

42

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH COMPETITION FEATURE

BY F LIVELY, D ANDERSON, AND D LOWE AGRI-FOOD AND BIOSCIENCE INSTITUTE

TABLE 2. CONCEPTION TO 1ST AND 2ND SERVICE IN HEIFERS AND COWS

HEIFER 3 HEIFER 4 sed Significance

Conception Fixed Time AI

68% 75%

2.8

*

Conception 1st & 2nd service

91% 90%

3.9

NS

COW 3 COW 5

sed Significance

Conception Fixed Time AI

56% 64%

3.1

NS

Conception 1st & 2nd service

75% 79%

4.8

NS

Overall In calf rate

81% 83%

6.7

NS

COMING SOON

SAVE TIME. REDUCE EFFORT. SIMPLIFY READING. Waterproof, rugged design Download/inport data via USB

per farm practice, no more than three times. Approximately 56 days after Fixed time AI, animals were scanned to check for pregnancy. This allowed the pregnancy to Fixed time AI and to the repeat services to be detected accurately. A final scan was carried out 35 days after bulls were removed to get an overall ‘in- calf’ rate.

Long life, rechargeable battery

Memory: Over 1m records LED, vibration and audio

RESULTS Conception to first service was lower for the Heifer 3 programme (68%) compared to the Heifer 4 programme (75%) but there was no significant difference between the cow protocols which averaged a conception rate of 69% (Table 2). There was

All your cattle information read, stored and organized!

no significant difference between the protocols for the combined conception to first and second service for heifers and cows, nor overall in-calf rate for cows. However, there was a large range (35 to 88%) in conception rates to first service across the

Coming Soon

different batches of animals and farms. Probable causes for this observed range included vaccination status, trace element status, animal temperament, cow calving difficulty, cow body condition score and quality of handling facilities.

SUMMARY The minimal 3 handling heifer programme (Heifer 3) was not as successful as the standard four handling heifer programme (Heifer 4). However, the reduced number of handlings within the cow synchronisation programme did not impact on conception rates, suggesting that a three handling programme can be a labour efficient synchronisation programme which could be adopted for suckler cows.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE • Synchronisation programmes and Fixed Time AI offers beef producers opportunity to utilise high genetic merit sires within their herd.

WIN

A DATAMARS AIRSTICK To enter, simply register your details at:

www.roxan.co.uk/airstick

similar conception rates in beef cows but not in beef heifers.

ALL ENTRIES RECEIVE £50 OFF RRP TO REDEEM IN SEPTEMBER!

• Large on-farm variation in results suggest other factors such as disease

Terms on the website.

• Minimal handling synchronisation programmes, with three steps, resulted in

status, body condition score, handling facilities and animal temperament also play an important role in influencing results of fixed time AI. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

01750 724 110 www.roxan.co.uk

The authors acknowledge the support from DAERA Research Challenge Fund, AgriSearch, Zoetis, Ai Services Northern Ireland and Genus ABS for funding this project.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

43

JOIN THE NBA TODAY AND RECEIVE £100 OF CRYSTALYX VOUCHERS

TRACE ELEMENTS AND SALT

Offering a range of products to improve the health and performance of your herd.

since all farm animals have a natural appetite for salt. The self regulating nature of

Livestock need more than just salt for proper health and nutrition. They need trace elements. Required in small amounts hence the term ‘trace elements’ and salt is an ideal carrier to deliver these trace elements, efficiently and economically, in the amounts required. Salt is a natural carrier for trace element salt means that stock will not gorge on the lick as they may do with molasses based products. Minerals form an important part of any balanced diet and livestock need more than just salt for proper health and nutrition. Our range of buckets include Hi

SIGN UP TODAY BY CALLING 01434 601005 OR DOWNLOAD OUR MEMBERSHIP FORM FROM THE NBA WEBSITE

Iodine formulations for suckler and dairy herds to Hi zinc for improved hoof and health in cattle and sheep.

Stockists and agents required for this unique product line across the North of England. Please contact us for further information info@dallaskeith.co.uk

Available in 3 sizes

20kg Buckets

100kg Tubs

HIGH TRACE CATTLE Copper rich high trace element salt lick for housed an grazing cattle all year round.

500kg Blocks UNIQUE

SALTLIX BUCKET

SALTLIX BUCKET

SALTLIX BUCKET

SALT AND IODINE High iodine salt lick for stock prone to iodine deficiency through low iodine supplemental feeding or low iodine crops such as brassicas.

SALTLIX BUCKET

GARLIC Garlic and salt combined to assist with the control of flies and midges during the summer months in all stock.

Special Formulations available. Call us for details Dallas Keith Ltd, Bromag Industrial Estate, Burford Road, Witney, Oxon OX29 0SR

www.nationalbeefassociation.com

SUMMER ISSUE

Telephone: 01993 773061 www.dallaskeith.co.uk

Untitled-3.indd 1

COMPETITION WINNER

19/08/2016 11:00

HENRY MILLER A MILLER & SONS CAITHNESS

Congratulations to the lucky winner of our Summer Issue Competition. NBA Member, Henry Miller of A Miller & Sons from Caithness won the Shearwell Data EID Reader. Henry runs a mixed farm with 450 North Country Cheviot Ewes crossed with Border Leicester Rams to produce Scotch Half Bred Lambs. Plus a small flock of pedigree Border Leicesters to produce rams for their own use, with the remainder sold locally. As well as sheep, Henry has 175 commercial cows which are put to Charolais bulls, purchased at Stirling bull sales. The off spring are sold at 12-14 months old in the Spring and Autumn at the local auction at Quoybrae. 120 acre of Spring Barley are grown to supply the livestock with feeding, and the straw for bedding the cattle throughout the seven month Winter in the north of Scotland.

Henry commented, " we are delighted to have won the NBA Members Competition, as the Shearwell reader will make life much easier for us".

44

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

INDUSTRY NEWS

BVD FREE WELCOMES CH CS ACCREDITED HERDS TO REGISTER FOR ‘FREE’ ON THEIR DATABASE BVDFree England is a voluntary scheme set up to provide a ‘one stop’ platform to display BVD status for herds in England allowing any farmer buying cattle to independently verify if individual animals have been tested for BVD or if the herd has a status for BVD. Scotland has used a BVD database for a number of years and SAC Consulting Veterinary Services welcomes the opportunity to support an English initiative and is an approved lab for the scheme.

BVDFree England aims to eliminate BVD virus from cattle herdsacross the country by 2022 and aims to work in co-operation with cattle industries throughout the UK. How can PCHS members get involved?

Either Give PCHS permission to upload your BVD herd status for ‘free’ BVDFree would like CHeCS accredited herds (from all over the UK) to register and display their BVD herd status for ‘free’ on their database. To do this you do not need to be a member of BVDFree. You will however need to complete an electronic form giving us permission to upload your BVD herd status for free. This form is available at www.cattlehealth.co.uk/bvdfree

Or Join BVDFree England as a full member This means that you can display individual animal results at 50p to add each antibody result and 25p to add each virus result. Historic results (back dated a year) can be uploaded onto BVDFree England database. PCHS will invoice you for this fee although this charge is imposed by BVDFree England. Your BVD herd status will also be updated if appropriate. Further details are available here at www.bvdfree.org.uk including useful FAQs or email them at help@bvdfree.org.uk.

Please contact them direct to join and NOT PCHS. Sourcing Replacement Stock? PCHS Members Database CPD. Access our online BVD CPD Course for vets

Useful to know If you become a BVDFree England Scheme member the Scheme will contact PCHS to let us know you are in the Scheme. If you are already a member of the Premium Cattle Health Scheme this will allow us to upload the previous year’s BVD results.

Please note that results generated from our Diagnostic system CANNOT be

Disease Control & Eradication for • Johne’s • BVD • IBR • Leptospirosis • Neospora • Remove costly disease from your herd • Provide health assurance for your customers • Safeguard the health status of your herd At the forefront of cattle health.

A leading scheme with nationwide coverage and competitive prices.

uploaded to BVDfree England. Also please note that ScotEID is not connected to

You must submit samples on BVDFree England paperwork – THIS IS ESSENTIAL FOR NON PCHS MEMBERS Always use full UK ear numbers – only results with a full UK number can be uploaded

Contact: SAC Veterinary Services Greycrook, St Boswells, Roxburghshire, TD6 0EQ T: 01835 822456 E: vcstboswells@sac.co.uk www.cattlehealth.co.uk

Leading the way in Agriculture and Rural Research, Education and Consulting

SAC Veterinary Services reduces the PCHS membership fee (50% off current price) for client’s who only test for BVD.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

249326 AD 08.04.2015

the BVD Free database.

SAC Consulting is a division of SRUC

SRUC is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SC003712

AUTUMN 2017

45

The Hereford Bull

+ Short gesta on length - 283 days + Excellent temperament & ease of calving + Producing carcase weights that processors require – averaging 350kg

The Hereford Female

+ Great fer lity, longevity & milk ability + Hardy, low maintenance and moderate size + Heifer calves in demand as sucklers

10

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

Hereford sired progeny

+ Qualify for Branded Hereford Beef Schemes + Popular with independent retailers + Strong demand from rearers and finishers R&D proves the Hereford has excep onal feed efficiency Follow UKHerefords

AUTUMN 2017

FAREWELL TO

FEATURE

DAVID PROTHE RO GIVING TH E UK COUNTRY REPO WORLD HEREFO RT AT THE RD CONFEREN CE CALGARY ALBE RTA CANADA

DAVID PROTHERO

David Prothero, at the age of 17, joined the Hereford Cattle Breed Society as Sales Assistant to Phil Wilson who organised society sales. Within three years, following Mr Wilson’s retirement, Mr Prothero was appointed Sales and Editing manager.

Some 10 years later, when Chief Executive Tony

market demands has been through careful selection.

overcoming politics evident in such organisations. It

Morrison retired, Mr Prothero took on the mantle of

“It has taken breeders 25 to 30 years to achieve this.

is so essential to play the role of being all things to all

Breed Secretary. He has been instrumental in restoring

But it is easy to take a step backwards in a far shorter

men,” he said. Mr Prothero is confident he is leaving the

faith and demand in the Hereford ever since. As a result time scale,” he said. “The extent to how successful

Society at a time when both the breed and organisation

he leaves the Society in fine fettle on his retirement

breeders have been at producing modern Herefords is

is on a very sound footing. He is also adamant that,

with the breed’s popularity continuing its resurgence

continually monitored through the number of cross-

following such a long tenure, it’s time for change - a

under the new guidance of his successor James Sage.

bred Hereford calves birth notified with BCMS and

different approach - for him to move away quietly. He

APHIS - as well as pedigree calf registrations with the

is positive for the industry’s future. “There have been

It is testament to Mr Prothero’s quiet, diplomatic and

Society,” said Mr Prothero. “There is no doubt these

so many occasions over the years where agriculture

visionary approach the breed recorded 174,000 birth

increases over the past 10 to 15 years have more than

hasn’t really known what the future holds with pundits

notifications with British Cattle Movement Society

justified the changes breeders have brought about

declaring an end to the industry,” he said. “There is,

(BCMS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection

within the breed.”

however, never an end. There may be some loss of understanding and uncertainty as to the direction we

Service (APHIS) last year – compared with 94,000 in 2009. When he joined the Society in 1971 the

There have been many highlights during Mr Prothero’s

are going – especially over Brexit - but we all know this

breed was at its zenith. Pedigree calf registrations

47-year tenure with the Society. His association with

industry will stick with it and come out the other side as

stood at 30,000 in the UK and Eire; Hereford cattle

the breed goes back to his childhood in the Black

strong as ever.”

were omnipresent in beef and dairy herds across

Mountains near Hay-on-Wye where his father worked

the country – as they had been since the Society’s

a Hereford x suckler herd and a flock of Radnor sheep.

He has tremendous confidence for the future of Hereford

inception in 1878. There were 39 staff and popular

His sister married Powell Jones whose family name

cattle – both in terms of breeding and its end product.

Society sales at Hereford, Edinburgh, Reading, York,

in the 1960s was synonymous with the Llanthomas

“Let’s face it, it’s beef the Hereford is here to produce,”

Lancaster and Salisbury. During the 1970s Mr Prothero

Hereford herd. He enjoyed helping his brother-in-law

he stated. “Hereford beef is a quality product second

organised as many as 32 collective and farm sales in

show these cattle during those years. Unfortunately

to none.” With cattle numbers now at a sustainable

one year. However, by the end of that same decade the

his wish to carry on with the home farm and the first

level, this breed has the ability to secure and maintain

tide had turned: continental breeds were imported to

pedigree Hereford cow given to him by his father was

significant contracts with retailers. At the turn of the

meet fashion and demand for larger leaner cattle. The

not fulfilled due to his father’s ill health. However, a

century the market for branded Hereford beef stood at

Hereford faced a dramatic loss in sales and popularity

career with the Hereford Cattle Society has maintained

11,000 cattle a year. Today in excess of 40,000 cattle

as their smaller and often fatter carcasses were unable

a strong connection with farming and the cattle with

are sold through outlets such as Waitrose, Co-Op and,

to comply with market demand. British Agriculture’s

which he grew up. “Coming from my background,

latterly, Lidl.

love affair with this breed was severely dented. By

I couldn’t have found a job I loved more,” said Mr

the mid 1980s the Hereford’s future was in crisis.

Prothero. “When I started I never imagined the

“As a Society we have entered a new phase. We

During that period, and into the 1990s, registrations of

opportunities that would arise. I have travelled to

experienced a hard learning curve dealing with

pedigree calves fell to little over 3,000 a year. Today

Australia, Uruguay, Canada, America, South Africa and

processors and retailers. This is a sector of our industry,

that figure stands at 9,000 and increasing. “There

most European countries during my time as Breed

as administrators, we were not used to dealing with,”

had to be changes within the breed,” recalled Mr

Secretary. I have also had to take on a role which I have

said Mr Prothero. “But we have worked quietly behind

Prothero. “We needed to change our breeding policies

never found easy and that is speaking at conferences

the scenes nurturing markets and trying to accommodate

so as to produce the type of cattle being sought by

the world over. “And, as breed administrator, I have

the wishes of all those involved wanting to take

the commercial and processing industries. Our cattle

made some tremendous acquaintances: I organised

advantage of all the qualities this breed can provide.”

needed a larger frame and the potential to produce

breed sales for Sir Anthony Eden (prime minister 1955-

leaner carcasses.” With those traits in mind, leading

1957), two Dukes of Grafton (both past breed Patrons)

Today, Mr Prothero would go as far as to describe

breeders sourced genetics from overseas. Canadian

and Sir Freddie Laker (Laker Airways). All were

Herefords as ‘cool’ once again. His hypothesis is backed

counterparts had moved on and were already breeding

extremely memorable with Sir Freddie most probably

up by fact: 150 cattle were shown at Moreton-in-Marsh

Herefords with more height, length and overall scale.

standing out as one of the most colourful characters I

show this year, over 100 were forward at Tenbury

Many of those cattle - whilst providing such traits -

have ever met.”

Show and often in excess of 150 are entered at the breed’s annual calf show. “The scene is vibrant again.

lacked shape and conformation. However, they were successful in moving the breed in the right direction.

There have been just eight Breed Secretaries at the

There is an enthusiastic UK Hereford Youth Group with

In more recent years, again through careful selection,

Hereford Cattle Society since 1878. Mr Prothero is the

many new breeders coming forward. In many cases the

breeders have improved the shape and conformation

second-longest serving. He concedes his longevity

breed has skipped a generation and I am now meeting

on the larger frame. Mr Prothero was at pains to point

was based much upon diplomacy. “I hope I can be

grandchildren of breeders I knew back in the 1970s. I

out the breed’s ability to rally and improve to meet

remembered for quietly driving the breed forward

now know my age!” laughed Mr Prothero.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

47

SPONSORED FEATURE

LESS THAN HALF OF FARMERS TAGGING AND TESTING CALVES FOR BVD, TEST ALL CALVES - DEAD OR ALIVE. BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea) has been identified as a major cause of loss of farm income, around £46.50 per cow per year1, so identifying infected animals and eradicating it as quickly as possible will bring significant financial benefit as well as keeping cattle happier, healthier and more productive. Animals carrying BVD can easily be identified and removed from the herd, thereby preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease.

Tagging and testing is an easy, convenient and

TSTs should be applied to all calves as

inexpensive way to identify carriers of BVD and

soon after birth as possible to ensure that

can be done on farm. Tissue Sampling Tags (TSTs),

any potentially infected calves can be

which are officially approved for identification, take removed from the herd quickly. Stillborn a small biopsy of the ear at the point of tagging

and aborted calves should also be tested as

Identifying PI calves and removing them from the

and, when analysed, can provide information

these calves could be infected and as a result,

herd is only a small part of a total approach to BVD

about the disease status of the animal. This can

dams should be identified and tested too.

eradication – without protecting the rest of the herd

facilitate informed culling and breeding decisions

more PI calves will be produced in following calf

by allowing Persistently Infected (PI) animals –

The recent National BVD Survey found that only

crops; vaccination and biosecurity measures are

those that carry and spread the disease – to be

41% of farmers were tagging all calves born dead

as equally important when it comes to total herd

identified.

or alive2.

protection.

Refrences: 1. 1 Yarnall and Thrusfield (2017) Vet Record doi: 10.1136/vr.104370 2 Yarnall (2017) BVDzero Congress. www.bvdzero.co.uk

“Testing for BVD is easy.

Simply choose a TST tag.”

Philip Jones, Lan Farm, Carmarthenshire

Many farmers still believe that testing for BVD is a difficult, time-consuming and expensive process. It’s not.

Choose the Allflex TST (Tissue Sampling Tag) range, and every time you apply a tag to an animal in your herd, you’ll be testing for BVD. No need to change your tagging methods, your applicator or your processes, just your tag.

And with a TST tag costing little more than our standard tags; it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Contact your local agricultural merchant or

call our customer team on 0845 600 9070

48

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

Feeding for Success Increased DMI Cost effective protein Can improve carcass composition Reduces sorting Improved fibre digestion Minimises waste Improved daily live weight gain

Extra energy and improved fibre digestion the key to improving performance NEW ED&F Man has recently launched the Glyco Range, a high energy range of liquid products designed to improve animal performance.

Getting the most from this year’s silage is key to successful feeding this winter.

ED&F Man’s range of molasses blends supply cost effective readily fermentable energy with the option to include rumen degradable protein if required.

Incorporating molasses blends has been shown to improve: Dry matter intake Improve fibre digestion Rumen function Trial work has highlighted that incorporating a high sugar high energy liquid feed into an existing ration can show significant benefits in terms of energy intake and fibre digestion.

ED&F Man offer a range of products to suit the individual diet requirements, therefore minimising the need for reformulation.

Fibre Digestion

BEFORE using Molassed based Liquid Feeds

AFTER using Molassed based Liquid Feeds

10%

3.2%

18%

7.6%

72%

89.2%

The effect of the addition of a molasses based liquid feed on faecal particle size distribution

For beef units feeding silage or moist feed based rations, extracting as much growth as possible from the fibre in the diet is the key to both minimising feed costs and maximising margins.

Improving fibre digestion in the rumen should be a top priority for all beef producers. Research has shown that increasing the speed at which rumen microbes colonise the fibre in the diet can improve feed conversion efficiency by 10% and average daily gain by up to 60-70 g/day, which is equivalent to an extra 4kg in just two months.

VistaPre-T is a fibre pre-treatment which causes pits to form on the fibre surface, allowing faster attachment and colonisation of fibre degrading microbes, allowing digestion to start earlier, which increases feed digestibility. All of which leads to better livestock performance.

VistaPre-T can be added to any ED&F Man molasses blend for ease of feeding and maximum overall ration performance, combining the rumen fermentation benefits of molasses with the improved pretreatment of forage.

Storage and feeding options For TMR users:

Trial a storage tank for FREE! Cost effective storage Flexibility 12-40MT Finance scheme/no upfront costs

For non TMR users:

Check out ED&F Man’s range of Cattle Feeders

For more information contact: Richard Dobson 07764 344716 Mel Broughton

07717 341425

Dave Stanford Danielle Goatley

07767 873748 07710 075824

Free phone:

0800 3898450

www.edfmanliquidproductsuk.com

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

41

BEEF BREED DIRECTORY

BEEF BREED

DIRECTORY Breed Secretary: Debbie Dann 3 Eastgate, Stoneleigh Park Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2LH

0845 017 1027

CATTLE SOCIETY

secretary@longhorncattlesociety.com

Easy calving with quick to suckle calves Very fertile males and females Long living hardy animals Low vet bills Excellent foragers Milky females producing fast growing calves Readily crossed to a ‘terminal sire’ breed

CONCORDE HOUSE 24 WARWICK NEW ROAD LEAMINGTON SPA WARWICKSHIRE, CV32 5JG

02476 696500 info@limousin.co.uk

www.limousin.co.uk

THE ULTIMATE SUCKLER BREED

Pedigree Cattle Services, Pedigree House, 6 Kings Place, Perth, Perthshire. PH2 8AD

www.longhorncattlesociety.com

Smith Hill Farm, Bower Slack Road Triangle, Halifax HX6 3EZ 07903 626249 or 01422 820220 secretary@salers-cattle-society.co.uk

www.salers-cattle-society.co.uk

LUING CATTLE SOCIETY Mount Blair 10 Manor Gardens Blairgowrie Perthshire PH10 6JS

BREED SECRETARY UNA MACQUEEN

Tel: 01250 872897

t: 01738 622478 e: info@beefshorthorn.org

secretary@luingcattlesociety.co.uk

www.beefshorthorn.org

SUSSEX C AT T L E S O C I E T Y

Avenue M, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. CV8 2RG Tel: 02476 697222 Email: charolais@charolais.co.uk Get connected www.charolais.co.uk

nba 32 x 68 mm.indd 1

British Bazadaise Cattle Society

Station Road, Robertsbridge East Sussex TN32 5DG

01666 860470 enquiry@bazadaise.co.uk

THE GREAT BRITISH BEEF BREED

GET MORE MEAT MORE MUSCLE AND MORE PROFIT WITH EASY CALVING EASY CARE BAZADAISE CATTLE www.bazadaise.org.uk

30/03/2017 10:03:24

Tel: 01580 880105

The Hereford Cattle Society Hereford House, 3 Offa St Hereford, HR1 2LL

Follow UK Herefords

www.sussexcattlesociety.org.uk

www.beefshorthorn.org www.beefshorthorn.org 01738 622478 01738 622478

01432 272057 www.herefordcattle.org www.herefordbeef.org.uk

Forthcoming Sales: Forthcoming Sales: 23rd September - Worcester Sale, McCartneys 23rd September - Worcester Sale, McCartneys 23rd October - Stirling Sale, United Auctions 23rd October - Stirling Sale, United Auctions 8th November - Skipton Sale, Craven Cattle Mart 8th November - Skipton Sale, Craven Cattle Mart 25p/kg Premium paid by Morrisons for 25p/kg Premium paidsired

by Morrisons Beef Shorthorn animals for Beef Shorthorn sired animals • DOCILE • FERTILE • EASY CALVING • HARDY • EASY CARE • PREMIUM BEEF • • PROFITABLE MILKYCARE • LONG LIVED • BEEF • • DOCILE• •NATURAL FERTILE FORAGERS • EASY CALVING • HARDY •• EASY • PREMIUM • NATURAL FORAGERS • PROFITABLE • MILKY • LONG LIVED •

Beef Shorthorn Advert NBA Autumn 082017.indd 1

50

Beef NBA Autumn 082017.indd 1 THEShorthorn NATIONAL Advert BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

05/09/2017 09:08 05/09/2017 09:08 AUTUMN 2017

FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH BEEF BREED DIRECTORY DIRECTORY SPONSOR

LONGHORN CATTLE SOCIETY

WWW.LONGHORNCATTLESOCIETY.COM Highland Cattle Society Patron: Her Majesty The Queen

Stirling Agricultural Centre Stirling FK9 4RN

THE BRITISH PIEMONTESE CATTLE SOCIETY LTD

LOOKING FOR PIEMONTESE CONTACT CRAIG MATKIN TEL: 07876 613221 TEL: 01773 550346

Devon Cattle Breeders' Society Blacklake Farm East Hill Ottery St Mary Devon EX11 1QA

ALL OTHER ENQUIRIES TO CRAIG CULLEY TEL: 01228 562 946

Part of Farming's Future t: 01404 812800 e: dcbs@redrubydevon.co.uk

www.piemontese.org.uk

www.redrubydevon.co.uk

33 EDEN GRANGE, LITTLE CORBY CARLISLE CA4 8QW

TM

Lincoln Red Cattle Society Lincolnshire Showground Grange de Lings Lincoln Lincolnshire LN2 2NA

Tel: 01786 446866

info@highlandcattlesociety.com www.highlandcattlesociety.com

Tel: 01522 511395

A native breed for modern needs Dual purpose Easy calving Docile Good Mothers Longevity Commercialy viable in all situations

www.lincolnredcattlesociety.co.uk

Go Native for Profit

Secretary: Liz Coates Tel: 01869 349132

secretary@gloucestercattle.org.uk

www.gloucestercattle.org.uk

BEEF BREED DIRECTORY “AF at Y at Y ADVERTISING FO us DA OW us DA OW RD e e C Feeds Fastract APerformanc Se IRY SH Se IRY SH QUIETLY GOING PLACES! Fastract Performance AB L +F VAT Y Y A A FOR £30 C D A IR D A IR A R LE THE BRITISH BELTED SOUTH DEVON HERD BOOK SOCIETY UK DBLUE UK D E” WESTPOINT, CLYST ST MARY, EXETER W CATTLE SSOCIETY SW DIRECTORY “ Fastract produces results which DEVON, EX5 1DJ & & GALLOWAY “since using Jump Start our calves are “since using Jump Start our calves are Holme House 01392 447494 should cost a lot more “ SPONSOR CATTLE brighter and sharper ” brighter andSOCIETY sharper” info@sdhbs.org.uk The Dale, Ainstable, Breed Secretary: Caroline Poultney “I have seen a big difference in a sick cow Carlisle, Cumbria CA4 9RH IMAGE £120 within 6 hours of giving “The calves look after themselves now, we just “The calves look after themselves now, we just Ruminant Paste“ 01896 820148 PERFORMANCE, DOCILITY, MILK, AND BEEF QUALITY

British White Cattle Society

Meadow View, Kelby, Grantham, Lincs NG32 3AJ 01400 230142 brtwhitecs@aol.com

www.britishwhitecattle.co.uk

01768 870522

don’t needinfo@beltedgalloways.co.uk scour treatments any more” YOUR Use at calving, any time ofBOOK digestive disorder,

don’t need scour treatments any more” info@britishbluecattle.org

www.beltedgalloways.co.uk

UseTHE as a routine for new born calves, at any sign SETTING STANDARDof scour or any time appetite is poor. www.britishbluecattle.org

BRITISH WHITE

TD6 9BW

SUPER SUCKLERS

WWW.SDHBS.ORG.UK

A

vail “AF t s a DAY W abCl FOR u O e e D DA A Se IRY SH t LF ire BL o U CAct E DA AIRY K K RE” D U W S “ Fastract produces results which “ Fastract produces results which & “since using Jump Start our calves are

Fastract Performance Feeds Fastract Performance Feeds

” brighter and sharper brighter and sharper ”

are

look after now, we “The “calves The calves look themselves after themselves now,just we just don’t don’t need need scourscour treatments any more” treatments any more”

Use asUse a routine for new at anyatsign as a routine forborn new calves, born calves, any sign of scour or any time appetite is poor. of scour or any time appetite is poor.

Prompt delivery : call 01434 600602 Prompt delivery : call 01434 600602

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE at Y t Y WA W us DAs aO

ADVERT NOW FOR THE WINTER ISSUE

Prompt delivery : call 01434 600602www.eggsport.co.uk

Prompt delivery : call 01434 600602

at Y t Y WA W ushanDuAs aOD e Y SHO Ses tIRSYee lSfIH R Y A s a LUeK D DU/AKIcRDADAIRY 2 W S£ SW & & “since“since usingusing JumpJump StartStart our calves are our calves

stress or travelling Use as a routine for new born calves, at any sign HOUSEBYRES FARM, of scour or any time appetite is poor.

MELROSE, ROXBURGHSHIRE

Fastract Performanc

shouldshould cost acost lot more “ a lot more “ “I have“I seen big difference in a sick have aseen a big difference in acow sick cow within 6 hours of giving Ruminant Paste“Paste“ within 6 hours of giving “The calves look after themselves now, we just Ruminant don’t need scour treatments any Use atUse calving, anymore” time digestive disorder, at calving, anyoftime of digestive disorder, stressstress or travelling or travelling Use as a routine for new born calves, at any sign of scour or any time appetite is poor.

brighter and sharper”

www.eggsport.co.uk

Prompt delivery : call 01434 600602www.eggsport.co.uk

AUTUMN 2017

s

at

AY

W

“AF “ FOAFF

51

NBA MEMBERSHIP

NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION

MEMBERSHIP

FROM £40 PER YEAR

WHAT IS THE NBA? The NBA is a highly committed and proactive, charitable organisation with a single focus on the British Beef Industry. Since its inception in 1999 the NBA has gone from strength to strength and today it remains the only dedicated voice for British Beef Farmers defending their interests and representing their views.

The industry has and will continue to face many challenges and through the revenue generated from our membership the National Beef Association ensures: There is a Strong Management team and Board of Directors working on your behalf who meet regularly to discuss issues affecting the industry and continually act to protect the industry.

That we continue to engage with Government and Devolved Administrations including EC, Defra, Seerad, NAWAD, Dard NI to defend the interest of beef farmers across the UK. That we help to direct future regulation, offering advice and evidence to overturn bad legislation and improve existing legislation.

MEMBERS ALSO BENEFIT FROM NBA Magazine - published quarterly and produced in-house, the magazine covers a range of topics including technical articles, featured case studies, policy reports, health and nutrition articles, regional round-ups and much more.

Weekly Newsletter - sent every Friday, by email, to keep you up to date with all the NBA and Industry news Free Use of the NBA Terms and Conditions of Sale for Pedigree Cattle (non-members pay £20 per animal) Members-only Area of the NBA's website Regional meetings and forums - The NBA run a range of regional meetings, farm walks and road shows, in conjunction with our Industry Sponsors, to provide our members with the latest technical information and knowledge sharing opportunities Discounted entry fees at NBA organised events.

Opportunity to sit on an NBA Regional Committee - NBA committees act as a key knowledge transfer tool from farm practitioners to Board Directors and we welcome member input.

We hope to welcome you as a member of the NBA in the near future, if you have any questions or require more information feel free to contact the NBA Head office on 01434 601005 or email info@nationalbeefassociation.com.

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP

THE NBA IS GRATEFUL TO THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS FOR THEIR SUPPORT

For more information on Corporate Membership packages from NBA, please call 01434 601005 or email info@nationalbeefassociation.com

GOLD MEMBERS SHEARWELL DATA Animal identification systems: excellent cattle and sheep tags, comprehensive on-farm software and full management systems using EID. www.shearwell.co.uk

FOR FARMERS We supply a range of feedstuffs that cater to both traditional and the more technically minded farmers and producers. www.forfarmers.co.uk

MOLE VALLEY All your technical advice and products to maximise the individual beef enterprise profits. www.molevalleyfarmers.com

52

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

FROM £240 PER YEAR

CORPORATE MEMBERS

Frome Livestock Auctioneers Ltd www.fromelivestock.com

AB AGRI Limited www.abagri.com

Harrison & Hetherington www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk

Agrii www.agrii.co.uk

Hexham & Northern Marts www.hexhammart.co.uk

P K Nutrition www.pknutrition.co.uk

Agri-Lloyd International Limited www.agrilloyd.com

Institute of Auctioneers & Appraisers in Scotland - www.iaas.co.uk

Richard Beattie Livestock Sales www.richardbeattielivestocksales.co.uk

Agrimin Limited www.agrimin.co.uk

John Swan Ltd www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk

Rumenco www.rumenco.co.uk

Alnorthumbria Veterinary Group www.alnorthumbriavets.co.uk

Louth Market Auctioneers www.louthmarket.co.uk

Sell My Livestock www.sellmylivestock.co.uk

ANM Group Ltd www.anmgroup.co.uk

McCartneys www.mccartneys.co.uk

Southern Counties Auctioneers www.salisburyauctioncentre.co.uk

Beef Improvement Grouping Ltd www.bigbeef.co.uk

Meadow Quality Ltd www.meadowq.co.uk

Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart Ltd www.thirskmarket.co.uk

Bishopton Veterinary Group www.bishoptonvets.co.uk

Meatgold Ltd www.berrystockfeeds.co.uk

Tithebarn Limited www.tithebarn.co.uk

C & D Auction Marts Limited www.cdauctionmarts.co.uk

Melton Mowbray Market www.meltonmowbraymarket.co.uk

Tudor, Lawson, Dallimore & Parry www.dolgellauvets.co.uk

Capper Trading Ltd www.cappertrading.com

Merial Animal Health Ltd www.merial.com

Welshpool Livestock Sales www.welshpoolsmithfield.co.uk

Craven Cattle Marts Limited www.ccmauctions.com

Natural Stockcare Ltd www.naturalstockcare.co.uk

Wright Marshall Ltd www.wrightmarshall.co.uk

David Ritchie (Implements) Ltd www.ritchie-uk.com

NWF Agriculture www.nwfagriculture.co.uk

York Livestock Centre www.ylc.co.uk

AUTUMN 2017

NBA MEMBERSHIP

JOIN THE NBA TODAY

APPLICATION FORM NAME: COMPANY (if applicable):

ADDRESS:

POSTCODE: PHONE NUMBER: EMAIL ADDRESS:

THREE WAYS TO PAY: 1. CREDIT CARD Please debit the sum of: (circle selected amount)

£40 (Under 26*)

£75

£100

£150

£200

Card Type: Name on Card: Card Number: Security Code: (last 3 digits on reverse of card)

Start Date:

Expiry Date:

Issue No. (Maestro Only)

2. CHEQUE Please send this form and a cheque for annual membership, a minimum sum of £75, made payable to National Beef Association, to The National Beef Association, Mart Offices, Tyne Green, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3SG. 3. STANDING ORDER To Bank plc: Address: Please pay Lloyds Bank plc, Malvern, WR14 4QG.

Sort code: 30-95-41 Account No: 23358760

The sum of: (circle selected amount)

£40

£75

Immediately

On this date

Commencing: (circle applicable)

For the credit of the National Beef Association

£100

£150

£200 And once annually thereafter

Please cancel any previous Standing Order or Direct Debit in favour of the beneficiary named above, under this reference.

Membership No: (For internal use) Name of Account:

Sort Code:

SIGNED:

Account No: DATE:

Please use Gift Aid to make your subscription worth more to NBA. For every pound you give us, we could earn an extra 25p from the Inland Revenue. Gift Aid Declaration: I want the National Beef Association to treat all subscriptions I make from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise as a Gift Aid donation. I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference.

TO GIFT AID PLEASE TICK HERE...

Please return this form to: The National Beef Association, Mart Centre, Tyne Green, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3SG THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

53

GIFT OF THE GAVEL

GIFT OF THE GAVEL

DAVID THOMLINSON THE MART’S THE HEART AWARDS 2017 - AUCTIONEER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

I left Carlisle Grammar School in 1962 and applied for numerous jobs and noted an advert for an office boy at Harrison & Hetherington’s Auction markets in Carlisle. I applied for this post and was successful and went to be a junior clerk. My uncle, a local farmer, spoke to one of the then managers, Mr John Kirkpatrick, and said that his nephew was coming to the market to work as a clerk and if there would be any chance of him ever being an auctioneer to which Mr Kirkpatrick replied, “if he is any good I will see he gets a chance”. I must stress that at this point in time I had no intention of ever being an auctioneer, but following on from that, another one of my great mentors, then Managing Director, Mr Richard Harrison, agreed to give me the chance of progressing in the auctioneering profession provided I took my professional Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors exams, which I did, and after a struggle managed to qualify.

I progressed from clerical, to working in our land

Harrison & Hetherington’s came to prominence

which followed and I would suggest that today if

agency office and it was here that I was allowed

in 1974 when they moved from their town centre

somebody mentioned the word ‘Cruits Feld Yakub’

to start in the auctioneering profession. Young

site to the now famous Borderway Market and

alot of the public would think he was a centre half for

auctioneers were first blooded at farm displenishing

that is where we grew to the prominence we are

a football club. Following the 1996 disaster of BSE

sales when they were allowed to sell the small tools

today. I remember when we opened Borderway

at the turn of the millennium, this beautiful county

and odds and ends and I remember the first item

Market standing after the first sale talking to Dick

of Cumbria was hit with foot and mouth disease

I sold was a child’s cot for 1 shilling, now 5p . I

Harrison and he said to me “do you think will we

and I spent 16 weeks on the road valuing cattle and

progressed to selling at farm sales to then in the

ever fill this market” and all I would say is that the watching them being destroyed, this included many

auction itself where I was given the chance to sell

mart is now double the size it was then. We have

store pigs on a fortnightly basis. I would say that

developed numerous sales there, namely pedigree pleasing aspect is I have now been able to see the

when I first started to sell I was very nervous and

stock, machinery and furniture and I became

majority of those herds re-establish themselves in

the thought of the fortnightly market used to play

heavily involved in the marketing of pedigree

this county.

havoc with my digestive system two or three days

livestock. In my time I have sold pedigree

before a sale. It was about this time that I qualified

Limousin females to 125,000gns, pedigree

I still work in Harrison & Hetherington’s markets and

with my exams and the Managing Director said I

Limousin bulls to 100,000gns and a pedigree

enjoy doing the PR work and being the old sage if

had the choice of either being a land agent or an

Texel yearling ram to 120,000gns.

needed. One of my greatest pleasures is watching

noted Limousin, Charolais and Angus herds but one

the young auctioneers whom I have trained blossom

auctioneer and he agreed with me it was a complete no brainer and I progressed into the auctioneering

Auctioneers have quite often been accused of

profession.

taking bids from the wall or from a sparrow but I

into top line salesmen.

would say that an auctioneers job is to get to the

As well as being an auctioneer, I have a farm and

The whole essence of being an auctioneer is gaining

price a vendor will accept, purchaser will give

run 60 pedigree Limousin cows assisted by my wife

the confidence of both the buyer and the seller and

and how he does it is his skill. It should be noted

Sheila and get great pleasure from this activity; but

for the young person starting out this takes alot of

that standing in the rostrum is only 30% of an

it should be noted that one cattle breeder said to

doing. After progressing from store pigs I went to

auctioneers job and the rest of the time is either

me, “Thomlinson why don’t you stick to the job your

sell store cattle and was the number two to one of

spent canvassing stock, valuations of stock, and

good at, being an auctioneer and stop trying to be a

the best commercial auctioneers in the land, namely

any other activity aligned to agriculture.

farmer”. Those words ring in my ears quite often.

a task. Infact one day when I was heading off to sell

In my time I have been on the British Limousin

Finally, I am a very lucky person to have been

a customer stopped me and said “are you going off

Cattle Society Council for 9 years and also

involved in a profession I have thoroughly enjoyed,

to sell?” I replied with the affirmative and he said

been Chairman of the Livestock Auctioneers

being with farmers and traders and having the

“look, if you haven’t had your dinner here is £2 go

Association.

privilege of being part of the great countryside

Jimmy Heslop, and to follow him in a sale was quite

community. I have a always been an auction

and get your dinner until Jim Heslop has sold my cattle”. I thoroughly enjoyed my selling career and

My career has had many high points, mostly

market man and I am convinced that the only way

graduated to selling prime and store sheep, prime

aligned to selling stock, especially in good trades

to sell stock is through a ring where the prices are

cattle and of course the love of my life, store cattle.

but if the trade was difficult there was an even

transparent, payments guaranteed and trends can

I would also always say that when you are selling

bigger challenge and sometimes more rewarding.

be followed and in the 55 years I have been in this

you must use your brain, work out the value of the

There have been some low points, especially when profession I am still convinced the auction system is

animals and set to get to that target.

BSE struck our industry and the media frenzy

54

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

the way forward.

AUTUMN 2017

New New&&Improved Improved Milk MilkPowders Powders Contains Contains

&& • • Promotes Promotesfibre fibredigestion digestion • • Earlier Earlierweaning weaning • • Improved Improvedweight weightgain gain Improvedhealth health • • Improved

Give Giveyour yourstock stockthe thebest beststart start For Formore moreinformation informationcontact contact

Customer CustomerServices Services 01228 01228518860 518860 carrs-billington.com carrs-billington.com

HOUSING. WE’RE READY, ARE YOU? Parassist; your business is our business.

Delivering tools, services and products to help optimise your parasite control.

Speak to your animal health provider today about our proven, potent winter treatment options zoetis.co.uk/parassist

CYDECTIN 0.5% Pour-On for Cattle contains moxidectin POM-VPS. CYDECTIN TRICLAMOX 5 MG/ML + 200 MG/ ML Pour-On solution for cattle contains moxidectin and triclabendazole POM-VPS. FLY & LICE SPOT ON contains deltamethrin POM-VPS. DYSECT CATTLE POUR-ON SOLUTION 15 G/L contains alphacypermethrin POM-VPS. For further information see the SPC or contact Zoetis UK Ltd, Walton Oaks, Dorking Road, Walton on the Hill, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 7NS. Technical Services and Customer Support 0845 3008034.

Use medicines responsibly www.noah.co.uk/responsible AH505/17

FOR ANIMALS. FOR HEALTH. FOR YOU.