Cowmanagement December 2018

V O LU M E 16 N O 8 DE CE MBE R 2018

IN THIS ISSUE

NM R / R A B D F G O L D C U P

C O W H EA LTH

IM PRO V ING FERTI LI TY

Meet two more finalists vying for this year’s trophy

Updates on Johne’s disease and BVD control

Nutrition has a key role to play in reducing losses

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CO NTENT

FEATURES

4 Cow Talk 9 Value added: turkey rearing 17 CRV Avoncroft Breeding Information 20 Roger Evans 35 ForFarmers Nutritional News/ Thompsons Nutritional News 43 NMR Dairy Management News 50 Events and contacts REPORT

10 One pedigree herd is making an impression in terms of performance and cattle classifications FEEDING

14 Metabolic disease can divert vital glucose away from milk production/ New focus on dry-cow nutrition BREEDING

20 Tool helps producer to navigate best cross-breeding course H E A LT H

38 Live data puts producers’ fingers on the pulse

Michael George “We prioritised the next generation of cattle” 10

Editor Rachael Porter Out with the old

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elcome to the December issue – the final one of 2018. January 2019 will see the launch of a new look CowManagement. We’ll have the same mix of interesting and informative articles, but in a fresher, brighter format.

So look out for it in the new year and do let us know what you think!

Three lucky winners will also have a parcel through the post come January, containing a signed copy of Roger Evans’ new book – ‘Pull the other one’. We’ve three signed editions to give away and to be in with a chance of getting your hands on one of them, simply visit the CowManagement Facebook page and ‘like’ the competition post. It really is as simple as that. The competition closes at midnight on December 31, 2018, so make sure you get on line before then.

And, in the meantime, we think we have enough reading material to keep you going throughout December.

This issue puts some topical cow health issues under the spotlight, including Johne’s disease and BVD. We’ve a

myth-busting article on the former on page 26, which highlights some common misconceptions and ‘blockers’ when it comes to tackling this insidious disease.

And we also take a look at the BVD scheme that was launched this autumn, which aims to stamp out the disease in the English herd. Find out how you can access funding for disease testing and vet visits on page 28.

We also feature two more NMR/RABDF Gold Cup finalists in this issue. See page 22 to meet two more herds who are hoping to lift this year’s coveted trophy.

And we also shine a light on the true cost of fertility on page six. Careful nutritional management can protect and improve reproductive performance on many units.

Roger Evans has never been a fan of Christmas and, to be fair, he’s never denied that fact. Find out what’s making him grumpy this month on page 20.

And let me take this opportunity to wish all our readers a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year.

Main article Cost of fertility

Gold Cup preview Race for gold

Labour Cow health

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Better feeding can halt the true cost of poor reproductive performance

Meet two more finalists, vying for the top spot in this year’s competition

We focus on Johne’s disease, BVD, and improving rumen health

COW MAN AG E ME N T

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TA L K

Bright Brexit outlook for the dairy sector

The future, post-Brexit, looks bright for the dairy sector when compared to its beef and sheep counterparts. That was the consensus of speakers at the second

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RABDF business and policy conference, held in mid-November.

Producers with fewer than 100 cows could be in the most volatile position post Brexit, according to Dodd & Co’s Rob Hitch. “These units are the most reliant on subsidies and have greater reliance on beef markets, which could suffer due to increased non-EU competition,” he said.

“But the withdrawal of area-based subsidies, as a result of the departure of unprofitable red meat producers, will push land rental prices down and this will create more opportunities for dairy producers to expand.”

Waitrose’s Duncan Sinclair urged producers to focus on the issues behind the farmgate and leave the politics to trade associations and politicians. He added that the next 12 months should

be used to raise awareness of the scale of the upcoming challenges and identify activity that builds on existing programmes, encouraging a change in behaviour.

“While challenges such as the new Agricultural Bill, low-cost competitors and changes in British animal welfare are on the horizon, our commitment to drive sustainable farming and continuity won’t change.

“As a retailer, we have already proved willing to embrace change and work together which will help to mitigate any challenges posed by Brexit.”

Quoting the chair of Waitrose Dairy Farmers’ Brian Barnett, he concluded: “Change is coming – so the best preparation for Brexit is to be the best we can.”

Focus on soils now to reap spring benefits

Put a spring in your step

Producers should focus on soils this autumn, to help maximise grassland potential next spring.

So says Wynnstay’s Sarah Evans, adding that producers should be looking to improve grassland quality now because it will have a direct impact on productivity, profitability and feeding regimes in the spring.

“And the initial starting point should always be the soil. Ensuring your soil is the correct pH makes a huge difference to the productive potential of grassland,” says Miss Evans.

“Yet, during the past 30 years, there has been a 50% reduction in the number of producers who lime soils.

Dairy Spares has extended its Border range of Wellingtons with the launch of the Warrior boot. Available both as a softtoe and a safety boot, the boots are made of lightweight durable polyurethane, are comfortable to wear, have an anti-slip tread, and will keep feet warm in winter and cool during the summer.

Because they are made from polyurethane, the boots are lighter than those made from PVC and rubber and, according to the manufacturer, are up to three times more durable. They can also be worn in temperatures are low as –30°C without cracking or splitting.

Available in sizes from five to 14, the S5 safety boot with steel toe-caps and midsole protection retails at £43.90 +VAT, and the soft-toe version retails at £41.75 +VAT.

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“This has led to soils becoming acidic, which significantly impacts nutrient availability, reducing both grass yield and quality, as well as the efficiency of any fertiliser applications.”

She says regular assessment is key to establish when lime needs to be applied.

“It’s important to carry out regular pH testing alongside soil sampling, on a field-by-field basis, to establish where any pH imbalances and nutrient deficiencies may be.”

The target grassland soil pH is between 6.3 and 6.5 and regular applications of lime are usually needed to redress lime losses and acid build-up.

In addition to ensuring optimum nutrient availability, Miss Evans adds that other benefits of achieving target soil pH include increased organic matter and earthworm activity, which helps to improve soil structure. She also suggests aerating soils that have become dry and compacted during the summer.

“This will encourage rapid grass growth in spring, because it helps soils to warm up quicker, as well as allowing space for oxygen and water to permeate deeper and reach grass roots.

“It will also improve drainage and reduce slurry and fertiliser run off,” she adds.

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Producers say they ‘could do better’ Take your regarding calf health chance to win!

A significant number of UK beef and dairy calf rearers feel that they could give their young stock more attention, according to a recent survey conducted

by MSD Animal Health.

A total of 749 UK producers responding to the national young stock survey and 45% of dairy producers in the group said that they had concerns about young stock health, adding that they thought that they ‘could do better’, despite scoring themselves between seven and eight out of ten for their current calf rearing practices.

“Heifers are the future of any herd and the way their health is managed in early life has far reaching consequences for the profitability of any dairy enterprise,” says MSD Animal Health’s Kat BaxterSmith.

“The number-one concern highlighted by the survey, which was expressed by more than one in five producers, was inadequate housing or rearing facilities,” she says. “Number two on the list was an inability to monitor and achieve an appropriate liveweight gain, closely followed by inadequate biosecurity measures and disease prevention.

Other issues included implementing correct colostrum feeding and weaning management protocols.”

Dr Baxter-Smith adds that the survey feedback indicates that producers are looking for support in this important area.

“Calf rearing is a complex process and difficult to get absolutely right, but it is definitely rewarding if a number of simple husbandry guidelines and proven health protocols are implemented to suit any particular young stock production system.”

Dairy producers concerned about calf health can now ask their vet to use an MSD Animal Health checklist tool to score their young stock rearing system.

More than 100 young stock audits have now been completed this year.

We’ve three signed copies of Roger Evans’ latest book – ‘Pull the other one’ – to give away this December. Enter by visiting the CowManagement Facebook page and liking our competition post.

It really is as simple as that – so what are you waiting for?

The entry deadline, to post your ‘like’, is midnight on December 31, 2018. We’ll then select and contact the three lucky winners and pop their prizes in the post.

Good luck!

Grant funding for computerised calf feeders Beef and dairy producers interested in a move to computerised calf feeding, or indeed replacing ageing machines, will soon be able to apply for a further round of grant funding under the Countryside Productivity Small Grants scheme (CPSGS). Following the £15 million made available in spring 2018, the Government has earmarked an additional £30 million to help producers to purchase agri-tech equipment that will make their businesses more productive and environmentally efficient.

“When the Government launched its first round of CPSGS funding in February 2018, we experienced a surge of interest in our Förster Technik and

Urban computerised calf milk feeding machines,” says Volac’s Stacey Best.

“Now there’s a further opportunity during 2019 for calf rearers to seek government financial support to improve the efficiency of their young stock rearing operation.

“Producers who have made the move to computerised feeding report a host of benefits, not least is that these machines take the variables out of the young calf rearing process.

This leads to better calf health and growth.”

The application window for the additional CPSGS funding will open early in 2019. So make a date in your diary.

COW MAN AG E ME N T

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Better feeding can halt the rise

The true cost o Poor fertility is one of the biggest factors undermining herd profitability in the UK, yet rarely is the full impact calculated, or the issue given high enough priority. text Roly Marks

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s milk yields have steadily risen and the pressure on cows, staff and infrastructure has increased, there’s little doubt that herd fertility has suffered. Yet few businesses calculate the full financial implications, which according to KW nutritionist Samuel Wellock could total more than 3.5ppl, adding up to a potential loss of £70,000 per year for a typical 200-cow herd.

“Most UK herds need to improve their profitability, but as yields have been pushed higher, particularly in combination with the drive to cut feed costs, fertility has declined,” he says. “It’s a false economy if that extra milk or lower cost comes at the expense of fertility. The financial loss is just too great and will often outweigh any gains made elsewhere.”

Unplanned culling One of the biggest contributors to that cost is unplanned culling. A replacement heifer typically costs around £500 more than a cull cow is worth. And higher replacement rates reduce income from calf sales (fewer cows served to beef breeds), lower milk output (more heifers in milk), and reduce herd feed efficiency, because more nutrients are diverted into growth.

Insemination and vet costs will also be higher and, over time, either larger rearing facilities or more land will be needed to rear additional replacements.

“Less obvious expenses include disruption to the pattern of milk production – with potential implications for milk price and farm infrastructure – and more staff hours needed to handle the extra workload,” Mr Wellock adds.

“On top of that, genetic gain is usually slower, with otherwise good cows culled early and lower yielders with good fertility remaining in the herd. More heifers entering the herd counter this to some extent, but a proportion of these will be lost within the first few lactations for the same reason.”

Economic cost Such costs can easily total £1,200 or more for each extra cow culled, according to Mr Wellock. For a 200cow herd culling 20% due to poor fertility, rather than a more ideal 6%, those extra 28 culls could be costing more than £30,000 per year, or 1.5ppl. Costings are based on an annual yield average of 10,000 litres per

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cow, 30ppl milk price. Further losses stem from a higher calving index (CI), and increased numbers of stale cows still milking.

Costing around £2.50 per cow per day, a CI that’s 40 days higher than target (405 versus 365 days) adds another 1.0ppl, while a 500-litre per cow drop in annual yield (compared to lactation yield) due to the extended CI equates to around 1.5ppl.

“And that’s not accounting for the loss in feed efficiency

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the rise in reproductive costs

st of poor fertility energy supply and minimising the peaks and troughs in body condition through the year. Except for early lactation, a body condition score (BCS) of between 2.75 and 3.00 can be achieved year-round with the right approach to feeding, according to Mr Wellock.

“A lot of focus is often put on the transition period. But failing to minimise the early-lactation BCS dip or fully support cows regaining condition in mid-lactation, as well as controlling fat levels in lower yielders in late lactation, can be just as damaging.”

And it’s in early lactation, when energy demands are highest and cows need to get back in calf, that the greatest impact can be achieved. Investment here, along with continued support until target body condition is regained, will improve fertility.

Energy intake

as stale milkers push more nutrients into body fat, or the additional health problems in early lactation that can result from overfat cows at calving,” he adds.

“Together, total costs could easily be between 3.5ppl and 4.0ppl – at least. Although poor fertility is a concern on most dairy units, it’s not given the focus it deserves given this potential loss.”

Some of the greatest gains in fertility come from improved feeding, and particularly through managing

Mr Wellock’s advice is to focus on maximising energy intakes. Target a ration energy density of between 11.7 and 12.0 MJ ME/kg DM, using protected fats when needed to ensure cow energy requirements are met without overloading the rumen. “High quality mixed forages, along with moist and liquid feeds, will add palatability and encourage high intakes, another key factor in lifting energy supply.

“Feeds like wheat-gluten moist feed or draff will also help to create a good ration structure with plenty of openness. And liquid feeds minimise sorting by binding ration ingredients together. The results are a more consistent nutrient intake, better rumen function – improving energy supply to the cow – and a reduced risk of acidosis.”

Keeping fibre (NDF) levels up to between 32% and 35% is critical to support both rumen function and butterfat production, with soya hulls perhaps the best value nonmoist feed option at present. “And aim for total starchplus-sugars of between 18% and 24% of dry matter, using starch sources, like sodawheat, or a confectionery blend to keep the acidosis risk low.”

Feed should ideally be pushed up at least five times a day, and preferably split between two feeds, to ensure fresh feed is always available.

“In fact, anything that can be done to encourage the highest possible intakes is worth investigating, including reducing cow numbers to ease stocking density, tackling stress, cutting the time waiting to be milked, and improving access to the best quality forages.

“For some, reducing herd size to enable better support for the remaining cows has allowed feeding, fertility and overall profitability to be improved,” says Mr Wellock. “Individually, the various changes made might not seem significant, but added together they can have a substantial impact.” l

COW MAN AG E ME N T

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VA L U E

Name: Location: Herd size: Adding value:

A D D E D

Mair & Glyn Vaughan Boncath, Wales 120 cows Turkey rearing

Boncathx

Mair Vaughan: “We started small and grew with customer demand”

Seasonal money spinner text Rachael Porter

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hat started as a small-scale enterprise 30 years ago, with just six turkeys, has grown to a 550-bird annual operation for Mair and Glyn Vaughan. “We just dabbled in rearing Christmas turkeys back in the late 1980s and then decided to step things up a little, as demand for locally reared turkeys grew,” explains Mair.

She says that the seasonal enterprise sits well alongside managing the family’s 120-cow Holstein herd. “It’s full-on come mid-December, but we’re only rushed off our feet for a few days and the returns are well worth the extra work,” she says, adding that she also enjoys the festive feel that it brings to the farm. “Most customers – between 250 and 300 people – come to the farm to pick up their birds. I enjoy the social side of it and it’s always good to know that people have been pleased with their turkey and come back the following year.”

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And that’s what’s been happening for many years now. August sees the arrival of 550 day-old turkey chicks, from a hatchery in Shropshire. “We sell some at a month old – predominantly to smallholders who want to rear and fatten their own bird for Christmas. The rest, typically around 400 birds, are reared on and sold in December.”

The birds are reared in a sheep shed, bedded with deep litter. Twenty years ago the family invested in a plucking machine to help speed up the dressing process.

“As the number of birds we reared grew, it became increasingly difficult to prepare them all completely by hand – even with the help of extra staff. This machine does most of the work at this stage, but it’s still extremely labour intensive from December 18, when we start preparing the birds,” says Mair.

The premises are inspected each year by the local council, who visit while the birds are being plucked and dressed, and Glyn has a slaughter licence.

Some birds are sold at farmers’ markets at Brecon and Lampeter.

“We get plenty of regular customers,” adds Mair. “And we have a good feel for what sizes sell the best – typically 12lb and 16lb birds.

“I always like to have between 10 and 20 spares, just in case anyone wants to swap a bird for a larger or smaller one.

“I also like to have a few turkeys for the freezer. We’re usually pretty spot on with number.

Financially it pays: “It’s not a huge money spinner, but it makes a tidy profit that’s enough to compensate for the 2.00am start on dressing day.

There are a few days in the run up to Christmas that are long and tiring.

But it’s worth it.”

And it certainly doesn’t dampen the family’s enthusiasm for a turkey dinner on Christmas day: “We’re not sick of the sight of it by any means.

But, that said, we do have duck at new year.”

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There’s more to the success of recording-breaking herds than top quality cows

Plenty of style – and substance One pedigree Pembrokeshire-based herd is making an impression in terms of its size, performance and cattle classifications. We spoke to one of the business’ family members, who has a passion for dairy breeding, to find out more. text Rachael Porter

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stablished more than six decades ago, the Brynhyfryd Holstein herd now holds the world record for the highest number of EX cows. But it’s not an accolade that founders, the George family, set out to achieve.

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“It’s a happy accident really – just the result of careful and prolonged selective breeding,” says Michael George. “We’re proud to have the highest number of cows that have been classified EX in our herd, but we’re just as proud of the

standards achieved across our entire herd. There are a lot of generations of good cow families and sires that have stacked up and led us to where we are today.”

The family owned and run pedigree Holstein Brynhyfryd herd, based near Wolfcastle in Haverfordwest, comprises 1,700 cows run in two groups across two units that are, literally, next door to each other and only half a mile apart.

One unit, with 900 milkers, is run by Michael George, his wife Jill and his son Charles. His other son James runs the neighbouring unit (Sealyham Farm), comprising 800 cows, with Michael’s brother Rowland and his wife Sharon.

A further 1,500 head of young stock are housed on another unit, rearing replacement heifers for both groups.

James and Charles are now in charge when it comes to the day-to-day running of the herd, as well as sire selection and staff management. The business employs 20 staff to help manage the herd, which has expanded gradually, mostly using home-bred replacements, from just 300 head back in 2000. “We’ve added around 100 milkers to the herd each year for the past 18 years,” says Michael.

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Back in 1993, there were just 100 milkers on each unit. By 2019, the family expect to be milking 1,800 cows, split across the two farms. The two units comprise 810 hectares, of which 525 hectares are owned. This is used for making grass and maize silage.

Cows calve all year round and are milked three times a day through two 40:40 herringbone parlours. “We’re milking, solidly, for about 16 hours a day. The GEA parlours milk between 160 and 180 cows an hour, depending on stage of lactation, which isn’t bad going,” says Michael.

Increased yields Cows are housed all year round: “We just don’t have the land or infrastructure to graze. So they’re inside and fed a full TMR, 365 days of the year. The ration, comprising both maize and grass silages, as well as concentrates and minerals, provides maintenance plus 40 litres.”

Milk recorded by NMR, the herd average yield stands at 11,900kg, at 3.80% butterfat and 3.25% protein, on three-times-a-day milking. That’s an improvement of 3,400kg compared to the 8,500kg average in 1993.

Both management groups are performing well, helped by a little healthy competition between the family members. “And being situated so close together means that we keep overheads to a minimum, despite running two large groups,” adds Michael. “We have just one mixer wagon, one young stock shed, one large storage shed. This gives us some economy of scale,” says Michael.

Breeding is a passion that Michael and his family share with his late father Calf rearing: automatic feeders are in use

Colin, who Michael describes as being a cow fanatic. “And my mother, Enid, is just as passionate about cows. Until recently, she still played an active role in calf rearing.”

The next generation are certainly continuing the family’s cattle breeding legacy and building on the foundations laid by Colin, back in 1958, when he first registered the pedigree herd. “It was predominantly Friesian back then and we began using Holstein bloodlines in the 1980s and 1990s,” explains Michael.

“But four of the Friesian foundation cow families – Angela, Aroma, Lavender and Ladybird – are still going strong in the herd and easily compete with the Holsteins.”

Breeding replacements Sexed semen is used on the most promising cattle. “Those that are not so good are run with an Aberdeen Angus sire. We also use sexed semen on the topend cows in the milking herd. That way, we know we’re breeding replacements from our best animals and that we not only ensure that we maintain good genetic progress, but we also speed things up a little.”

Young stock are turned out to grazing once confirmed in calf. “We start serving at 13 months old, to ensure that they calve down at 24 months. We’re actually averaging an age at first calving of 23.5 months old,” says Michael.

“Two weeks prior to calving, these heifers join the close-up calving cow group, so they can get used to their new ration. And they calve and join the milking herd on the unit where they were born. If they have a blue tag, they

George family This large Holstein herd, which is split into two groups and run across two neighbouring units, has broken a world pedigree record.

Herd size: Average yield: Unit size: Number of EX cows:

1,700 cows 11,900 litres 810 hectares 233

come back to Brynhyfryd Farm and if they have a yellow tag they go back to James’ group. That way, if there’s a particularly special heifer, there’s no fighting over her. Everyone gets to enjoy the fruits of their labour – it’s only fair.”

If classifications are anything to go by most, if not all, of the heifers born and reared as herd replacements are special.

In March this year, 233 cows in the herd were classified EX – the highest number of any herd in the world. “It’s a day that we won’t forget in a hurry,” he says.

“And it’s the culmination of several decades of breeding – it didn’t happen overnight. And we didn’t set out to do that either – the aim of my father,

Milking parlour: the herd, which is managed as two groups, is milked three times a day

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Feed management: cows have access to mineral blocks and plenty of fresh water

and our aim, is simply to breed wellbalanced, easy to manage, productive cows.”

Commercial herd The herd also has more VG cows than Michael can count. “The herd is consistent throughout and there’s a depth of breeding there that you won’t see in many other herds – several generations of VG and EX back the cows and heifers in our herd.”

He says that the commercial approach has played a part too. “We’ve always been a commercial herd. A cow has to earn her place here. There’s no special treatment. So what we have are robust and resilient cattle. They must get back in calf easily and be trouble free, as well as give plenty of milk – just as they would in any commercial herd.”

And he says they the family has always prioritised breeding the next generation

of cows. “Heifers are the milkers of the future, so they have to be good cattle – they’re vital if you want your herd to progress and move forward.”

Being closed with TB since 2002 meant no cattle showing. Instead, it has focused their minds on the unit. Michael also thinks that’s why their pedigree status has gone unnoticed for the past few years. “We’re almost a ‘forgotten herd’.

It’s been so long since we’ve been able to show cattle – something that my father loved to do.”

Michael did make a tentative foray back into the showring this year, after the herd finally had a clear TB test in the spring. “We just did a couple of local shows – North Pembrokeshire and Pembrokeshire County. We did really well, and I still have the showing bug,” he says.

He won both class and show championship at North Pembrokeshire

The George family (from left to right): James, Michael and Charles

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with fourth calver Brynhyfryd Shottle Gala 94 and also won the same titles at the county show with third-calver Brynhyfryd Dorcy Andrea 93.

“We’ll show again next year, TB permitting. But we will probably stick to the local shows again. Nationals are a lot more work, time and commitment. It’s another level really and cows are often taken out of the milking herd and given special treatment and management prior to the shows. Sadly, with such a large herd to manage, we just don’t have time for that at the moment.”

Michael and his family do value the twice-yearly classifier visits; they help to gauge if they’re on the right track.

“Those days are highlights on the calendar. There are always surprises and few disappointments. But it’s always a good day. If nothing else, we get to have a proper look at our cows – something that we’re often too busy to do.” l

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Tackling post-calving problems by targeting dry-cow nutrition has improved performance

New focus on dry-cow nutrition Attending a technical meeting inspired one producer to revise his dry-cow management, resulting in a drop of 20% in post-calving health issues. We spoke to him to find out more. text James Marshall

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n increased frequency of retained cleansings, and a growing number of cows struggling to get back in calf, prompted Carmarthen-based producer

Euros Davies to reassess his approach to dry-cow nutrition. This has not only led to a reduction in post-calving problems, but also resulted in more consistent

milk yields and lower vet bills. Euros runs the 140-cow herd at Tirwaun Farm, in Croesyceiliog, in partnership with his mother, Gwyneth.

Despite heavy ground conditions, Euros aims to graze the all-year-round calving herd as much as possible, with milkers turned out to grass in April and then rehoused in October.

Dry-cow nutrition The herd’s average yields stand at 7,800 litres, with 2,500 litres produced from forage. The business owns 69 hectares, a further 40 hectares are rented, and all ground is used for grazing or silage.

“During the grazing season we supplement the cows with compound feed in the parlour and the herd is fed a TMR of grass silage plus a blend during the winter. Concentrate is fed to yield through the parlour,” explains Euros.

Three years ago he was prompted to reassess his approach to dry-cow nutrition in response to an increasing number of post-calving issues.

Winter ration: milkers are fed a TMR of grass silage, plus a blend, at Tirwaun Farm

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“In winter 2015, we reached the point where around 30% of all calvings were resulting in some kind of problem,” says Euros. “This was a mix of retained cleansings, milk fever, and failure to get back in-calf easily. I wasn’t happy with the situation rumbling along like this, so we started to examine our approach to dry-cow nutrition in order to get things back under control.”

Flying herd He has been gradually expanding the Tirwaun herd during the past few years, taking numbers from 110 head to the today’s herd size of 140.

With limited housing available on the unit and labour in short supply, Euros has been buying in replacements, rather than rearing his own young stock.

“We buy in a mixture of heifers, in-calf heifers, and young cows,” says Euros.

“The goal is to source animals that are good quality, offer value for money, and will maintain herd productivity.”

Two Limousin bulls are run on the unit and Euros is pleased with the calves they produce. “They’re high value calves,” he says.

“Calves stay with their dam for the first few hours of life and during this time we aim to feed the calf 10% of its bodyweight in colostrum, to give them the best start in life. We then move the calves to the calf shed and feed them milk powder.

“We sell all our beef-cross calves off the farm, at five weeks of age. We don’t rear our own dairy heifers because the economics don’t stack up.

“I simply don’t have the space to house them past this five-week stage or the time that is required to rear a highquality heifer.”

With increasing post-calving problems, Euros knew that he needed to adapt his approach to dry-cow management and set about learning more about the technical side of dry-cow nutrition.

Euros Davies: “We changed our approach to dry-cow nutrition to take back control”

Close-up period: dry cows are housed three-weeks prior to calving

“Post-calving issues were reducing milk production and resulting in some sizeable vet bills,” he says.

“I was drying off cows and then letting them get on with things, with minimal intervention up until their next round of calving. Clearly this approach wasn’t working.”

As luck would have it, there were several ‘transition cow’ producer group meetings that Euros was able attend, including one that was run by ForFarmers.

“ForFarmers’ Edwards Jones knew that I was having some post-calving problems and suggested that I attend the meeting, despite not being a customer at the time.

The meeting was a real eye-opener and I realised that I needed to be much more switched on when it came to managing dry-cow nutrition in the run up to calving.”

front of them during the spring and summer, I supplement them with hay.

During the housed period, far-off dry cows are fed big-bale silage.”

Euros was also aware that in the close-up period his dry cows needed a nutritional boost to help prepare them for the demands of calving.

“Following Edward’s recommendation, I decided to try supplementing my dry cows with TRANSLAC Advance, adding this at a rate of 2kg per head per day, as soon as dry cows are moved inside, three weeks prior to calving.”

This supplement is a high protein, concentrate feed that has been formulated to encourage tissue repair and maximise colostrum production. It also controls excess calcium, via a binding action, to help reduce the risk of milk fever.

New approach

Promising results

Euros identified the likely source of his cows post-calving problems and made the appropriate management changes to his system to tackle them.

“I realised that because my cows are out at grass for so long that, at certain times of the year, dry cows had access to too much good grass and were putting on too much condition and ‘locking up’ too much calcium at the wrong time. “My dry cows were looking after themselves a little bit too much, rather than their growing calf.

“So I decided to keep the dry cows a little tighter on the grass. With less grazing in

Euros has been feeding TRANSLAC to his dry cows for the past two years and is pleased with the results.

“We are now only experiencing postcalving problems around 10% of the time, which is a marked improvement from the 30% we had in 2015.

“This feed and our renewed focus on dry-cow nutrition have helped to stabilise milk yields, cows seem to get back in calf more easily, and vet bills have fallen.

“All in all, we’ve seen good results and I hope they will continue to improve in the future.” l

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BREEDING INFORMATION

Make more from grass with CRV grazing genetics CRV Avoncroft’s grazing portfolio has been strengthened by the addition of some of the highest 2019 graduates and new InSire bulls. The continued investment in genomics is resulting in higher reliabilities for these InSire bulls and this also allows for better sire selection.

Friesian team Producer favourites – such as Phonic, Gurkha and Kingpin – are again part of the team. All three bulls offer calving ease and their use on maiden heifers has driven their demand.

New to the Friesian team is Blitz son Timeline. He ranks high on every index and, with moderate milk flow and high components, he meets the increased demand for solids. His fertile daughters are medium sized with outstanding capacity. He’s also a good bull to use at the end of mating periods, scoring –7 for gestation length.

Guarantee son Glowing offers an outcross pedigree, as well as high scores for health and efficiency.

High milk flow and fertility, as well as good longevity, make him an attractive Meander SB Quantico

Triplestar daughter 257

sire. He is also a sure thing for use on maiden heifers.

New graduate Rematch is further proof that CRV’s investment in genomics is paying off. He has been used in the UK as an InSire and is now back in the portfolio. This high indexing sire breeds efficient daughters who have high production, with smaller frames and good udders.

New InSire bulls Delsanto and Quantico are top of the crop in New Zealand.

Both offer superior production from medium-sized cows, with good health traits.

Cross-breeding team The cross-breeding team has been strengthened by the addition of JackFrost and Pelorus. Both InSires are Friesian and can be used to add robustness in a cross-bred herd and bring size back in a Friesian herd.

They have good milk flow with excellent udders. Their daughters will be problem free and easy to manage.

New graduate Viking has been popular as an InSire for several years and his milking daughters are now conforming this confidence. Viking can be used in cross-bred herds or as a maiden-heifer option in Friesian herds. Any Jersey herd trying to add size and production would also benefit from this all-round sire. With a score of +1.15 for udder overall, his daughters will look good.

Previous InSires Connacht and Diesel have been heavily used, particularly in Ireland, and both return as proven sires. With extreme scores for both health and efficiency, they fit with most herd’s breeding goal.

New Zealand grazing experts visit the UK From January 7 until January 18, New Zealand grazing experts Mark and Sue Duffy are, once again, visiting the UK to help producers with their breeding decisions. Mark and Sue will be sharing information on how grass-based farming operates in New Zealand and they will share the breeding philosophy behind CRV Ambreed sires.

Mark has been working for CRV since 2008. He has a thorough understanding of the farming systems used in New Zealand. “I am looking forward to sharing this knowledge with UK producers, so they can benefit from using New Zealand genetics.”

Sue has been involved in the dairy industry for most of her life. “Dairy genetics has always been my passion. I enjoy helping producers to selecting sires that best suit their breeding objectives and management system.”

New Jersey additions Omnibus and Walker are extreme production bulls, and both add size and strength. These high indexing sires have good efficiency scores and will generate more income from high solid milks.

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Award-winning columnist and Shropshire-based producer Roger Evans is preparing to lose the view from his window for the next month and shares his thoughts on ill-informed vegans.

Oh, the irony...

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t’s the middle of November and the year is rapidly drawing to a close.

Already I have heard the dreaded words ‘Christmas tree’. Ours goes up on the first day in December. It always stands in the window, which means I won’t be able to look outside until the middle of January.

This year has been a memorable one, for lots of reasons. It reminded us that those of us who far are dependent on the weather. First we had the snow, followed by the late spring, and then the drought. As a consequence, forage supplies are tight. Just how tight depends on what sort of spring we have next year.

We probably needed that weather reminder, but 2018 was also the year that vegans raised their assault on livestock farming. That’s not something we needed.

I’ve got no problem with those that want to be vegan, I respect their freedom to choose their own lifestyle, but they don’t respect my choices. And because they are so sure of the merits of their own particular path, and recent claims that farm animals contribute to global warming has given them reason to redouble their efforts, they are comfortable taking the high moral ground.

They are so busy in their pursuit of their vision of a livestock-free future that they have no regard for the damage that they do along the way. Vegans like all things soya, but it seems inevitable that the more soya is grown the more trees are cut down.

They also like quinoa, but quinoa is a staple food in the countries where it is grown. Extra demand has led to higher prices – so high that native populations can’t afford to buy it anymore. Chicken is now cheaper than quinoa, so native populations eat that instead. Just how bizarre is that?

I also bet that a vegan’s ideal vegetable is organically grown. Yet the best organic crops are those grown with plenty of livestock manure.

They haven’t thought that through, have they?

I wonder just how vegan a diet is if the food is grown with a liberal application of cow manure under it. And how will any of their vegan food grow in their livestock-free future?

These pressure groups chip away at our very existence. We have the badger lobbyists on one hand, who are quite content to prolong the bovine TB issue, never mind how many cattle are slaughtered in the meantime. Then there are those that would cut sheep and cattle numbers by half and plant trees instead. And then we have the vegans who would do away with all livestock, come what may.

There are two maxims that I have used in my life, thus far, that have served me really well. One is the story of the young bull and the old bull. These two bulls are taking their ease at the top of a field, there is a herd of cows grazing down below them.

The young bull says: “Let’s run down and make love to one of those cows.” The old bull says: “Let’s walk down and make love to them all.”

And the other maxim is: ‘don’t let the buggers beat you down’. Seems we will need a bit of luck in the future.

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Cow welfare and staff training are high on the agenda for two top herds

Two more herds race for gold The second in our series of three articles puts two more finalists in the 2018 NMR/RABDF Gold Cup under the spotlight. Both dairy businesses are familiar with show-casing their approach to dairying, and keen to achieve high standards of cow and staff management while pursuing efficient milk production. text Karen Wright

Tom and Karen Halton, Congleton, Cheshire A move from Holsteins to a three-way cross-bred Holstein, Montbeliarde and Swedish Red herd, as well as maintaining a closed herd, has resulted in health, production and fertility benefits, according to Tom and Karen Halton.

Tom’s interest in cross breeding took the herd’s breeding programme down this route in 2010 and since then the herd has expanded – entirely with home-bred heifers – to 560 cows plus 300 followers.

Heifers are reared on a dedicated young stock unit.

Their 222 hectares of tenanted land supports the dairy business. It comprises 48.5 hectares of maize plus permanent and temporary grassland, along with 12 hectares of maize and 20 hectares of wholecrop, which are bought in to provide the diet for summer grazing and a TMR. The herd is housed during winter and cows are fed in the parlour and milked three times a day through a Dairymaster Rapid Exit 20:40 swing over. This is soon to be extended to a 28:56 system.

“Our cows are averaging 35 litres a day, a pregnancy rate of 33% with 69% of cows in calf by 100 days,” says Karen.

“The average age at first calving is 23.8 months. The aim is to breed strong, healthy cows with longevity and health benefits resulting in low maintenance cows that look after themselves. “Good quality, easy rearing calves are a bonus from our cross-breeding strategy.”

Cross breeding also contributes to herd health and welfare – factors that are priorities on the unit. “We follow a vaccination programme for IBR, BVD

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and Lepto, and adhere to tight controls for TB and Johne’s. These are our main disease risks.

“For Johne’s, we quarterly screen each cow and follow our control plan religiously. Any female that is a potential threat, or any of her daughters, are not used for breeding replacements. Instead they are put to the Aberdeen Angus bull as heifers and the British Blue bull as cows,” adds Karen.

Best practice winner The Johne’s protocols followed in this herd earned the team the national HerdWise Best Practice award in 2016.

And the team – 12 full- and part-time staff including Karen, Tom, son Jack, herd manager Simon Broomhall and his assistant, son Brooke – are all conversant with the herd health plans.

Lameness monitoring is another example of this. Tom monitors lameness each morning, and herd staff will check the cows in the yard. Any affected cow will be recorded on the team’s WhatsApp group.

“We provide full training for our staff and we go on regular courses – from cow signals and medicine use, through to software training workshops and team management courses. We’re also members of discussion groups, as well as grassland and grazing workshops.

“I am sure our staff training and their willingness to follow protocols gives us the attention to detail that is needed to maintain high productivity alongside high herd health and welfare. This, and advice from our vet and adviser, has

Cow welfare is second nature to Karen and Tom Halton

meant that antibiotic use has been substantially reduced, with only 4% of cows being treated with antibiotics at drying off,” says Tom. While animal welfare is second nature to the Haltons, Karen says the connection with the public through the on-farm events that they host provides a great opportunity for them to showcase good practice in an area that is attracting increasing consumer and media attention.

Herd facts All-year-round calving 560 Three-way-cross: Holstein Montbeliarde Swedish Red cows, 300 heifers Average yield: 10,300kg at 3.90% fat and 3.3% protein SCC: 125,000 cells/ml Calving interval: 373 days System: Herd size:

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Philip Metcalfe, Metcalfe Farms, Leyburn, North Yorkshire

Philip Metcalfe: “Staff are a vital component in the success of the unit”

A rapid expansion programme during the past two years and the integration of three Holstein herds has taken cow numbers up from 900 to 1,300 at Washfold Farm. But, through attention to detail, the team headed up by Philip Metcalfe has kept cow performance on track.

During the past 12 months the pedigree Holstein herd, which is milked three times a day, has increased average yield by 1,600kg to the current 10,800kg at 4.00% fat and 3.25% protein. Somatic cell count has dropped by 30,000 cells/ ml to 124,000 cells/ml and the calving interval is now 403 days.

Part of Metcalfe Farms, a farming and

haulage business based in Leyburn in the Yorkshire Dales and run by three brothers. The dairy business occupies 525 of the 1,300 farmed hectares. Only 200 hectares is owned, with the rest rented.

Significant investment has been made in the dairy, which has allowed for the herd expansion. This includes adding a rotary parlour and additional cow accommodation. An anaerobic digestor uses manure from the dairy herd and generates electricity for the business.

“We have the capacity to further expand cow numbers,” says Philip. “But, just at the moment, we’re consolidating and fine-tuning, and making sure all our protocols are on track.”

To this end, Philip is investing in new calf accommodation to increase the number of pens for the young dairy heifer calves and dairy bull and beefcross calves. “I am a firm believer in getting calves off to the very best start, both our replacements and the dairy bull and beef-cross calves. We have a good buyer for these calves, so it’s vital that we maintain our reputation as a source of well-grown, healthy stock.

Many of these calves are reared for beef.”

And the same consistency and quality is seen in the dairy stock. A keen Holstein breeder – Philip can never imagine

Cubicles are roomy enough to accommodate the Holstein cows

milking anything but Holsteins – a third of the herd is classified either VG or EX. “We have classified with Holstein UK for more than 20 years. It’s a vital tool for breeding because we get an independent opinion on our stock.”

Philip selects sires that score well for type and avoid extremes. “High locomotion score is vital, and we look for a PLI that’s greater than 600,” he explains. “We also look for a minimum of 700kg of milk, and positive butterfat and protein percentages.” His aim is to breed a uniform herd of cows and he typically uses one sire across the whole herd for 12 months before switching to a different one.

Group management The unit’s system has been designed to accommodate the Holstein cows with correctly sized cubicles and handling equipment. Cows are housed – and calve – all year round, to provide a level supply of milk for milk buyer Paynes Dairies.

They are managed in groups of 120, which allows for closer attention to detail.“ Staff are a vital component on this unit.

“I have line managers in charge of key areas such as milking, calving, calves, hygiene, and cow health. We hold regular staff meetings and keep everyone up to date through Facebook messenger.”

The unit’s workforce is British and comes from the local community and, certainly among the milking team, they are offered a flexible rota to suit their lifestyles and other commitments. The majority have been recruited from outside agriculture.

“We provide a staff induction,” adds Philip. “We explain carefully what’s expected of them. And we offer regular training sessions for specialist areas and encourage communication and feedback that might help fine-tune our system.

We can always improve.” l

Herd facts Housed and calving all year round Herd size: 1,300 Holstein cows, 850 young stock Average yield: 10,800kg, 4.00% fat and 3.25% protein SCC: 124,000 cells/ml Calving interval: 403 days System:

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S P E C I A L

Myth busting: vet tackles some common Johne’s disease misconceptions. Page 26 BVD: the lowdown on a new English scheme to control this insidious disease. Page 28 Rumen health: balancing rations to protect the cow and her ‘engine’. Page 30

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S P E C I A L

Myth busting is vital to drive home Johne’s control message

No more excuses Many producers could still be doing more to control Johne’s disease in their herds. So what’s stopping them? We spoke to a vet, from a leading UK dairy practice, to find out. text Rachael Porter

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t’s an insidious disease and difficult to control. But there are steps that producers should take to check if Johne’s is a problem in their herd – even if they’ve never seen a full-

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blown case. And, if it’s there, following a well-designed plan with strict protocols, means that steady progress can be made towards eliminating this costly disease.

Yet still producers find what one

Shropshire-based vet calls ‘blockers’ to avoid tackling the disease. “A key reason why producers resist putting a control plan in place is because they’ve never seen a full blown Johne’s cow wasting away – they genuinely believe that their herds are free of the disease,” says Whitchurch-based LLM Farm Vets’ Mark Hickinson.

“But, the truth is, to see a clinical cow is relatively uncommon. Many leave the herd, as involuntary culls, for other reasons before they reach that stage of the disease. It’s not uncommon to have a

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herd with a high proportion of Johne’s affected cows without recognising a clinically affected cow.”

Too difficult “Many producers, who have herds with Johne’s, have never seen such a cow. But they’ve certainly felt the consequences of the disease – both in terms of cow health and production.”

“Other producers shy away from tackling Johne’s because they believe it’s just too difficult and complicated to ‘sort it out’ and there is a degree of sticking their heads in the sand”, Mr Hickinson says.

He knows from experience this is simply not the case. Control requires effort, organisation, and long-term commitment. But, with help from their vet, implementation of a control programme can be relatively straight

Separate area: calving ‘red’ and ‘amber’ cows away from the rest of the herd is vital to prevent the spread of Johne’s disease

forward. Consistency is the key and, with regular monitoring and follow-ups, improvements in disease prevalence within the herd should be seen.”

Having helped producers to draw up Johne’s disease control plans – and implementing them – there’s not much that Dr Hickinson hasn’t seen or heard on units, particularly when it comes to myths and misconceptions about the disease.

“TB is a key ‘blocker’. Some producers believe that they are unable to test for Johne’s because they are closed down with TB. But this is false and it’s not a valid excuse. There is a window of opportunity to screen for Johne’s between TB testing, even in herds that are being tested in at 60-day intervals. By delaying the Johne’s screen to at least six weeks after the most recent TB test, the chance of false positive results can be reduced significantly.

“And tackling Johne’s can only help to improve herd immunity. We know that infectious disease, including TB, can flare up, just like Johne’s, during times of stress. So, if anything, herds that are closed down with TB should be looking to set aside a window to identify – and take steps to tackle – a potential Johne’s problem.”

Confusion can also arise when it comes to testing. Many producers, in Dr Hickinson’s experience, often question individual milk test results and want to follow them up with either blood or faecal PCR checks. “But the point to reiterate here is that the milk test is as good as the blood test. If a cow looks well – particularly if she’s a favourite or a top producer – and her result is positive then producers can sometimes be in denial about that,” he says.

He adds that this is sometimes fuelled by a cow testing amber on one test and then testing green in a subsequent check. “So it’s vital that producers understand how the disease behaves. It can lie dormant for several years before flaring up – usually triggered by stress or a challenge to the cow’s immune system. And that’s why routine monitoring through milk testing is important. The results can wax and wane over time.

“A change from amber to green doesn’t mean that the cow is now disease free – she’s just able to cope with the disease challenge at that point in time. And she could, and most likely will, test amber or even red at a subsequent check. There’s nothing wrong with the test. It’s the nature of this disease that can result in

Mark Hickinson: “When it comes to tackling Johne’s disease, there really are no valid excuses”

apparent variation in results over time.”

Understanding the way the disease behaves and spreads will also help to ‘answer’ or bust two other all-toocommonly repeated myths about the disease. “I have a producer who says that they have a few cows that are flagged as ‘red’ through the milk test, but it’s not a problem in their herd. And this is wrong.”

Red-cow risk “Depending on the size of the herd, that might be 10 cows in a herd of 200 cows – that’s 5% – or 10 cows in a 100-cow herd, which is 10%. Either way, these cows are a risk to rest of the herd and you must recognise the scale of the problem. Even one red cow means that there needs to be a control plan in place.

So be honest and ask yourself, and your vet, how bad it really is. Johne’s is a classic ‘iceberg’ disease. You only see a fraction of what’s really going on.

“And the same can be said for the classic comment about red cows that ‘look fine’.

That may well be, but if she looks well and she’s flagged as red in the test then she is, undoubtedly, what has been termed a ‘super shedder’. She’s a disaster on four legs for the herd as these cows are, in theory, the most ‘dangerous’ cows on the unit – certainly as far as her contribution to the population of Johne’s bacteria is concerned.”

And the final ‘blocker’ on Dr Hickinson’s top-five list is the excuse that there’s no space to calve ‘amber’ and ‘red’ cows away from the rest of the herd. “I just don’t buy that. There’s always a way to separate these infectious animals around calving – even on the smallest units. And it’s the only way to protect the rest of the herd from the disease. If producers are stuck for ideas then their vet can always help them to come up with a solution.” l

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BVD campaign aims to ‘stamp out’ disease

Is it time you tackled BVD? With £5.7 million now available to producers in England to help them tackle BVD, what should you be doing to secure your slice of the funding and take a step closer towards becoming BVD free? We spoke to a leading cattle vet to find out more. text Rachael Porter

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pot of money is now available to vets and producers in England to test for – and tackle – BVD. And as it’s a case of ‘when it’s gone it’s gone’, NML vet Karen Bond is urging producers to talk to their vet and make sure they get their slice of funding – before it runs out.

“This is a vet-led initiative, so the start point for interested producers is their vet. Many practices are holding ‘cluster’ meetings to start the ball rolling. So get yourself on the guest list and get your bum on a seat,” she says.

These meetings will outline the disease and its costs, both nationally and at farm level, and what sort of control strategies producers can implement. The meeting will also outline exactly what your vet can offer, including how much testing budget is available.

Initial screening Vet practices will get funding for each producer at the meeting and there is also funding for an initial farm visit and a check test for screening the herd’s young stock.

This screening is the starting point for determining if BVD is present and whether further work – and indeed funding from the scheme – is required.

During the farm visit, the specific BVD risk for your individual business will be discussed and a young stock screening test will be carried out.

“This screening or check test comprises 10 blood tests from 10 heifers. If it’s negative, producers can be safe in the knowledge that BVD isn’t in their herd and their focus should be on continued biosecurity measures and future young stock screening to ensure that they remain BVD free,” says Dr Bond.

The results of this check test will drive the agenda for the second meeting. ] A positive test – one that picks up evidence of exposure to BVD – will push the herd through to the next stage of the project. This involves a second farm visit to discuss the results and to plan and take steps to carry out a ‘PI hunt’ to establish the extent of infection and identify the animals excreting the virus.

Funding to the value of £440 is available for the further testing required to find the PI animals.

This may cover the entire cost on some

Karen Bond: “NML vets are happy to assist and advise on the best course of testing action, when it comes to finding PIs”

units – it varies according to the herd size and set up.

“Again, specialist vet involvement and advice can help to make sure you get good value for money here. Every unit will require a different approach. The vets here at NML are happy to assist and advise on the best course of testing action.

“Not only will this ensure that the PI hunt is successful, but that it’s also least cost – and least hassle – for both vet and producer,” says Dr Bond.

Testing strategy Searching for PIs requires a good understanding of how the disease works and a clear testing strategy – utilising milk, blood and tissue testing – either individually or as a combination.

“It will be different for each herd. But the key is to pick the right strategy and take advantage of the funding.

“It really is a great opportunity to tackle

UK BVD control schemes

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England

Scotland

Wales

The project, which was launched in September 2018, encourages vets to work with dairy and beef clients to investigate BVD at farm level and to propose action plans to control and reduce and eliminate the disease.

This funding aims to engage with 50% of herds during the next 2.5 years.

Producers are also encouraged to sign up to BVD Free.

Scotland’s BVD eradication scheme, which is compulsory, has been running for six years – and with considerable success. Many herds now enjoy BVDfree status.

Since the introduction of the scheme, exposure to BVD has reduce across Scotland and the number of ‘negative’ herds has increased from 60% in 2012 to 90% in 2018.

The Welsh BVD eradication scheme was launched in September 2017 and is linked to TB testing. During routine testing, five blood samples are taken from young stock and screened for BVD. If there is evidence of BVD then £400 is made available for a thorough PI hunt to be carried out.

To date, 6,000 units are participating in the scheme.

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BVD vaccination: immunisation has an important role to play

an insidious, complicated and damaging disease head on.”

The package of funding alone is worth up to £1,000 per herd when testing, vet advice and visits, and the meetings are taken into account. The rewards of detecting, controlling and, ultimately, eradiating this disease are worth considerably more.

“The return on investment can be tenfold, particularly in larger herds with a significant disease problem,” says Dr Bond.

“This scheme gets to the root of the problem. There are some herds that vaccinate for BVD, but the disease is still there and circulating and causing subclinical disease and fertility issues.

“Vaccination has an important place, even in BVD-free herds, because it can protect the cattle from new infection – either from neighbouring cattle or virus carried in on shoes and wheels.

“And the unborn calf is exposed in pregnancy, and then becomes a PI calf, which is why heifers are vaccinated before they are served for the first time.

But no vaccination is 100%, particularly if it is not stored and administered in the correct way. And it’s not effective on PI cows. So these need to be weeded out and sent on their way.

“PI calves, which act like virus factories, will continue to pump out infection. So these also need to go.

“BVD depresses cattle immunity and makes them more susceptible to other diseases, this is particularly evident in calves exposed to a PI. Herds that have PIs will tend to see problems with calf pneumonia and scour.

“These can be severe and response to treatment is usually poor. Often the first benefit that producers see when they remove their PIs is an improvement in calf health.”

Taking control Dr Bond stresses that understanding the disease – particularly how it ‘hides’ and spreads within the herd – is key to taking control. “The initial meetings are an eye opener for many producers. Many don’t realise, for example, that a PI cow will always have a PI calf.

“And the on-farm consultation is invaluable because every herd and unit is different, and a bespoke PI hunt and plan to eradicate the disease are required.” l

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C O W

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S P E C I A L

Reduce the acid load and protect rumen – and cow – health

Plan carefully – and take good nutritional advice Balancing winter rations could prove trickier than usual on some units this year. We offer some tips and pointers for producers who, with forage stocks already low, may find themselves in unchartered territory. text Rachael Porter

T

he summer’s drought will have repercussions for some UK herds throughout this winter – and not just due to the shortage of forage on some units. Many cows were grazed later than they would be in a more typical year, as producers made the most of a mild autumn and a late flush of grass growth.

And that’s great for helping to eke out

Consistent ration: avoid shocking the rumen by making gradual – and planned – dietary changes

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forage supplies. But, on some units, late grazing has impacted on body condition scores and on the usual gradual switch to winter rations.

“I’ve seen cows taken, fairly abruptly, from grazing because producers have seen a sudden drop in milk yield and moved straight onto a high energy/ high starch winter ration,” says vet and Dugdale’s technical development manager Debby Brown. “This, in some instances, hasn’t given time for the rumen microbes to adjust. So not only is feed being wasted, due to poor feed conversion efficiency, but rumen pH has also suffered. This can result in SARA and, in extreme cases, acidosis.

“Producers should be taking careful steps to ensure that any bought-in or additional ingredients – be they forages,

Debby Brown: “Chopped straw is the obvious choice to add dry matter to rations”

Hefin Richards: “Forward plan to avoid knee-jerk reactions”

co-products, blends or straights – complement the forage that’s in the clamp and a balanced ration is fed that will ensure a stable pH. They should also be taking care to introduce this ration in a controlled and gradual way.

“It’s vital to remember that cows – or rather the rumen – requires consistency when it comes to rations. This is even more important when you consider the heat stress and variable rations that herds have had to deal with during the past summer months.

“Early winter is the time to ensure that the cow and her rumen receive some ‘nutritional’ TLC to get her metabolism, rumen function and pH, and body condition score back on an even keel.

More stress is the very last thing that cows need.”

Mrs Brown says that, for producers who don’t typically work with a nutritionist, this could be year to give it a go. “A specialist in cow diets will pay for themselves this year on most units.

There are some good quality silages out there – both grass and maize, and some variable ones. But for many, quantities are an issue and alternative ingredients, that they’ve never fed before, are being used. Without proper advice and nutritional analysis and formulation, this could cause more issues than it solves. Issues that could be costly too.”

forage you’re actually feeding,” says Mrs Brown. “Many silage stocks are only allowing around 9kg of forage dry matter to be fed, but it needs to be between 11kg and 14kg. The next step is to decide how any additional dry matter is going to be added to the ration.”

Straw is the obvious choice. “This should be chopped to the same length as the grass silage in the ration – typically around 19mm for clamped silage – to help prevent sorting. If the silage is dry, then add water or molasses to the ration.

This will also make it more palatable and help to reduce sorting.”

The practice of adding water to TMRs, or ‘compact’ feeding, is something that Mrs Brown is seeing more and more on farm. “And where silages are dry or are being mixed with other dry forages, such as straw, this comes into its own.”

Regular silage analysis is also vital, as it is in any year. “The key word here is regular – not just when you open the clamp. At least once a month, if not more often. It is the only way to really know what your starting point is when it comes to formulating rations.”

Protect investment “And with the additional expense of buying in these feeds, producers need to protect that investment and make sure that they get value for money – not just more problems and any associated costs.”

So what should be the focus when balancing and supplementing available forages and what are the potential pitfalls that producers should be aware of ?

“Work out how much dry matter from

Assess stocks Another key starting point, according to independent nutritionist Hefin Richards, from the Rumenation Nutrition Consultancy, is to carefully assess forage stocks so you can draw up a plan. “Just as in any other year, it’s about forage management and forward planning. The key is to avoid knee-jerk reactions and to do this you need to budget properly.

Then you can take steps to avoid shortages. And review the situation as the winter progresses, so you can stay one step ahead.”

He says that by taking a close look at forage stocks – and analysing them – producers can then decide how best to utilise them. “If, for example, your first cut is a little wet and acidic but your

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S P E C I A L

Equip cows to deal with the challenges and maximise productivity Many producers are feeding different combinations of forages this winter and the challenge will be to keep productivity on target, according to Cargill’s ruminant manager Philip Ingram.

“Wholecrop silage is a key forage on some units this year. It will replace grass silage and provide good ‘structure’ that will enhance rumen health,” he says. “But the diet must be carefully balanced. The higher fibre, lower energy and protein content in wholecrop silage could have a detrimental effect on performance,” he warns. “Other units, where the usual forages are in short supply and alternative forages are not available, may be feeding more concentrates

and co-products. But these may pose a risk of rumen acidosis.”

In both cases, Dr Ingram says that producers should consider using a rumen buffer to control rumen pH. He encourages a regular review of the checklist this winter. “Know what the forage is worth nutritionally and get regular analyses. And be aware of the impact of different forages on the diet and on animal performance.

“Ensure good feed management practices are followed to allow consistent and high intake. These include good mix quality, to prevent sorting. And makes sure that feed is delivered at the same time each day onto a fresh, clean passageway.

“Mark the silo and record use and

second cut is dry, you can mix the two together to balance out what you have.

“It’s always a good idea to sit down and discuss this with someone else, preferably a nutritionist, because there are typically always a few options and it’s a case of working out what’s best for your herd and your unit. Look at all the different scenarios for the forage portion of the ration and then weigh up the options for adding other feeds.”

He says that there’s an unusual market situation this year in that cereals are cheaper than fibrous feeds, like sugar beet pulp. “Wheat is around £175 per tonne, compared to £220 for sugar beet. So that’s

something to be aware of when buying in concentrates, particular for herds that are already feeding wet and acidic silage. Producers should avoid feeding big slugs of readily fermentable starch through the parlour.”

Maize pointers Maize quality is variable but, overall, seems to be good this year. “On some units this year’s maize was the best quality crop ever grown, even if yields were down slightly,” says Mr Richards.

His key message on maize is to leave it in the clamp until January. Feeding it this side of Christmas is, in my opinion, a waste. The starch needs between eight and 10 weeks to break down in the clamp – longer if it’s a particularly dry

Philip Ingram

adjust throughout the season if this goes off target. Avoid having to make sudden drastic changes. And consider unfamiliar co-products. Work with your nutritionist to establish their real feed value,” he adds.

crop. “And maize silage should be added to rations gradually. On many units it is introduced too quickly. Taking it slow gives the rumen bugs time to adjust and avoids waste and digestive upset.

“I prefer to see maize being added to rations from January and fed through to April. Throughout the winter producers should keep a close watch for indicators of poor rumen function.

“It’s about taking things as close to the line as possible, without crossing it.

If you feed ‘blind’, without analysing silage and balancing rations, you’ll find yourself putting out fires. And any cases of acidosis will take five weeks or more to sort out. At the point, much of the damage has been done – not least to your bottom line.” l

Maize silage: this year’s crop is variable but, on the whole, quality is good

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Proven protection, generation after generation *

Rotavec Corona is the only vaccine which contains the most prevalent strain of rotavirus in Europe.1,2

Make sure your calves get the benefit of Rotavec Corona.

* Protection of the calf is gained through single shot dam vaccination during each pregnancy, 12-3 weeks before birth, combined with effective colostrum management. For further information please refer to the Rotavec Corona SPC. References: 1. Kaplon J., Fremy C., Bernard S., Rehby L., Aho S., Pothier P. & Ambert-Balay K. (2013) Impact of rotavirus vaccine on rotavirus genotypes and caliciviruses circulating in French cattle. Vaccine. 31(20): 2433-40. 2. Papp H., László B., Jakab F., Ganesh B., De Grazia S., Matthijnssens J., Ciarlet M., Martella V. & Bányai K. (2013) Review of group A rotavirus strains reported in swine and cattle. Vet Microbiol. 165 (3-4): 190-9.

Use medicines responsibly. For more information please refer to the Responsible Use sections of the NOAH website.

Legal category: POM-VPS Rotavec® Corona is only available from a veterinary advisor, from whom advice should be sought.

Rotavec® Corona contains inactivated rotavirus and coronavirus and E. coli K99 antigens. ® Registered trademark. Rotavec® Corona is the property of Intervet International B.V. or affiliated companies or licensors and is protected by copyrights, trademark and other intellectual property laws. Copyright © 2018 Intervet International B.V. All rights reserved. Further information including side effects, precautions, warnings and contraindications is available on the product SPC or datasheet or from Intervet UK Ltd trading as MSD Animal Health. Registered office Walton Manor, Walton, Milton Keynes MK7 7AJ, UK. Registered in England & Wales no. 946942. Tel: 01908 685 685 • vet-support.uk@merck.com • www.msd-animal-health.co.uk GB/RUM/0918/0294

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FORAGE FOCUS

National award winners announced Some of the nation’s top producers have been recognised with the announcement of the winners of this year’s ForFarmers Excellence in Farming Awards.

The national award winners, announced at a presentation ceremony at The Farmers Club in London on November 22, are: Tim Sinnott, who farms near Nuneaton in Warwickshire; the Bradley family, from Hallworthy, Cornwall; and Richard and Claire Sainsburys, based at Pitton in Wiltshire. The three winners won their awards for Dairy Feed Efficiency, Young Stock Producer, and Forage Manager, respectively.

Tim Sinnott, who scooped the Dairy Feed Efficiency award, impressed judges with his attention to detail and constant drive to improve business performance.

His 227-cow herd’s average yield

stands at 12,700 litres of milk, of which 30% is produced from forage.

The Bradley family won the Young Stock Producer award and demonstrated a dedicated approach to rearing large numbers of healthy, high quality calves. As well as managing a herd of 900 Holstein Friesian cows, the family also oversees the rearing of close to 900 calves a year.

Forage Manager Award winners Richard and Claire Sainsbury run a 215-cow herd, which, from a herd average yield of 6,792 litres, is producing an average of 4,000 litres from forage. The couple’s simple, but highly productive grass-based system impressed the ForFarmers judging team.

As well as receiving their awards at the London presentation lunch, each winner also wins two places on an organised study tour in Europe.

Richard Sainsbury

Tim Sinnott

The Bradley family (from left to right): Ann, Sam, Harry, Kate, and Graham

Reduce silage losses Lessons from this year’s silage can help to improve quality for next year. Look for signs of heating and remember that if silage is dry it is more difficult to consolidate.

The problem areas are often on the clamp shoulders, due to over filling and inadequate rolling.

Check consolidation with a thin probe. If it’s easy to push into the face, air ingress is likely to be a problem. Warm damp air under a loose sheet can encourage yeast and mould growth, while old silage that has fallen from the face can cause contamination with mould spores.

When silage temperatures rise above 35°C, digestibility can fall.

But expect to find the clamp temperature between 9°C and 12°C higher than at ensiling due to the fermentation process. If silage is heating after it’s been removed from the clamp then include a silage stabiliser to inhibit yeast and mould growth.

This can delay heating for up to 48 hours and reduce nutrient losses by up to half.

Untreated silages lose between 6% and 10% dry matter during fermentation and between 6% and 12% of energy after opening the clamp. So choose a silage additive that best suits your type of forage, because effective treatment can reduce losses by up to 50%. Plan how much silage you are going to make and place your order for April delivery to ensure the best price.

To find out more contact ForFarmers on 0330 678 1200 or email info.forage@forfarmers.eu

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H E A LT H

Live data puts producers’ fingers on the pulse

Managing cows ‘in the moment’ Making herd decisions based on real-time data is paving the way towards improved herd management. And, with new links between dairy management software and NMR’s Herd Companion, this data will simultaneously update action lists and management reports allowing all parties involved in the management of the herd to sing from the same hymn sheet. text Karen Wright

N

ew data links, to and from Herd Companion, are adding value to cow and herd data on dairy units. So says NMR’s software training manager Cath Smith. “It’s ‘big data’ in the dairy sector.

Herd Companion acts as a hub. It can collate, update and analyse information and it can pass the latest data on to nominated vets and advisers.

“The great advantage, now, is that the

Event data is entered and simultaneously updates NMR reports and dairy management systems

38

NMR database is synchronised with the producers’, vets’ and advisers’ systems – either Herd Companion, InterHerd+ or Uniform, depending on those being used.” And she adds that links with other dairy management systems will follow.

“This synchronising of data all happens automatically. And when it comes to milk quality data following the NMR recording, the on-farm and third-party Uniform and InterHerd+ systems are updated via Herd Companion – the link works to and from the on-farm system.”

The latest development that enables Herd Companion to link directly with software systems, like Uniform and InterHerd+, means that NMR records and these management systems are updated with new events automatically.

Also, producers can add event information directly on to Herd Companion, as it happens. “So calvings, insemination data, mastitis and lameness data can be added. As the event is added, so the i-reports and action lists are updated simultaneously for use on farm.

“And what is even more significant is that Herd Companion can automatically pass the updated information – either

Events can be entered on to Herd Companion on farm, 24/7.

NMR reports and management systems are automatically updated

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Input of farm data rises

Webinar

NMR introduced on-farm data entry to Herd Companion in September 2017. Since then it has seen a steady increase in participants with entries made for 500 herds on a regular basis; mainly by producers, but also by vets and advisers.

NMR’s Cath Smith will host a Herd Companion Cell Count webinar on Monday December 17, 2018.

She will discuss how best to use the vital cell count information on Herd Companion including the Selective Dry Cow Therapy Tool, cell count trends and cell count key performance indicators.

Register for a place on: www.nmr.co.uk/software/training-dates

Table 1: Growth of on-farm data entry

number of services entered number of calvings entered total no of events entered

Sept 2017

Sept 2018

531 316 1,048

4,003 2,710 4,975

originating from Uniform, InterHerd+ or through direct event entries – to the InterHerd + and Uniform systems being run by vets and advisers. There’s no other system out there that allows all parties to seamlessly access the latest data.”

Herd Companion is a web-based system that collates and analyses NMR records, inGENEious genetic reports and herd events. NML bulk milk quality results are also fed into Herd Companion daily or every other day, depending on farm collection frequency. This information is available to all producers whose bulk milk is tested through NML, which accounts for 98% of UK milk production.

Herd Companion is also updated with bulk milk and individual disease test results such as those from HerdWise Johne’s screenings. These results also pass seamlessly to the dairy management software systems or can be viewed on Herd Companion by all authorised parties.

Dairy management consultant Sam Kelly, who works in the south west, is taking advantage of this real-time information. “Everyone involved in managing the herd can work from a live database,” he says. “We’re not looking at

an InterHerd+ report with event data that could be three or four weeks old, which was the case when our only updates followed the monthly recording.

“This unique link that NMR has developed can improve herd management and it can certainly add value to the advice that I give on farm.”

Monitoring trends and picking up anomalies in fertility and health data are key areas where Mr Kelly sees benefits. “’I can soon see if a cow is out of sync – or if conception rates for a group of cows are falling away,” adds Mr Kelly.

“A sudden dip in bulling activity might suggest issues with diet or management that need to be addressed urgently.

Seeing any issues at such an early stage means that I can hopefully nip a problem in the bud. I can check the herd far more regularly and often I can pick up any issues from the office.”

While you can’t replace seeing cows on the farm, and remote cow management is not something Mr Kelly sees as an option, he does acknowledge that the live data links are a significant step forward in cow management.

“I can keep a far closer eye on the herd and on groups of cows, which is particularly valuable in larger herds,” he adds. “It’s the access to current data

John Allwood: “One point of data entry avoids duplication and improves accuracy”

Sam Kelly: “NMR links improve my data and add value to my advice on farm”

Live database

that allows us to fine tune diets and management immediately. This allows our herds to push forwards.”

Cheshire-based producer John Allwood agrees. He has taken advantage of the single data entry on Uniform since it was introduced in August 2017. His Uniform system links with the Fullwood parlour software that helps to manage his 750-cow Holstein herd. Milk yields, from the three daily milkings, are automatically transferred to Uniform.

Big step forward “We add event information like calvings and services, and any lameness or mastitis cases, onto Uniform on a regular basis,” says Mr Allwood. “The reports are immediately updated with real-time information. I’ve been using Uniform for the past 10 years, but this latest development is a big step forward.”

“It’s particularly valuable with the number of cows we’re now managing.

It’s impossible to know 750 cows individually, but it’s vital that we pick up trends or anomalies in individuals, or in groups of cows, as quickly as possible.”

And he sees the benefits of the real-time data on Uniform synching immediately with the NMR database, updating his NMR records through Herd Companion, and the links that this sets up, such as to third parties like BCMS and to his vet’s own computer appraisal system.

“What I really value, though, is having one point of data entry,” he explains.

“It reduces duplication and the risk of human error. We can now be far more confident that we are working from an accurate and up-to-date set of data.”

Always keen to interrogate the herd data further, Mr Allwood believes that the improved links and use of real time data by all parties will lead to more in-depth reporting and more accurate cow management. l

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Your new look CowManagement

is coming!

CowManagement is having a makeover and on January 25, 2019, the first revamped issue will hit doormats.

• The restyle will see CowManagement take a larger format, with top-quality photography and the use of other visual resources.

• And, because looks aren’t everything, we’ll continue to work hard to inject plenty of dairy passion and professional knowledge into each issue.

NORMAN CHRIS AND RICH HERD REPORT

COMPANY PROFILE

Low cost,

high calibre herd

Gold Cup history, made NMR/RABDF a ‘low Two brothers have that’s managed on prize with a herd to find scooping the top We spoke to them grass-based system. input low output’ win means to them. unit and what the WRIGHT out more about their PORTER & KAREN

xxxx dairy manager herd size

Pembridge

average yield milk from forage calving interval

Chris and Rich Norman on picture) (left and middle Krisztian Takacs (right on picture) 600 5,536 litres 73% 374 days

coveted trophy, the industry’s most were excited about winning early February. “We at Dairy-Tech in of a which was presented at the possibility but when you look be such a surshocked by our win, coming top it shouldn’t on low-cost producblock-calving grass-based a system that focuses the herd on a prise. We’re running volatility. We manage tion to weather market are for the future.” and productivity system that’s fit of their dairy business Cup Increasing the scale NMR/RABDF Gold year’s this wowed by parents just two factors that unit, established successful dairy on this judges. Already a particularly rapid progress has been geneto bid a in Tony and Barbara, years, during the past eight 162-hectare farm three families. rate a return to support

the Gold Cup marks inning the 2017 NMR/RABDF busy year for to be an extremely start of what’s set and Rich Norproducers Chris units Herefordshire-based managing two dairy the brothers busy that they’ve man. Not only are system for a third the management but they’ve also – and setting up Gloucestershire – obligatory Gold just taken on in neighbouring for the annual and planning and preparation June, to do. day, scheduled for and Cup winner’s open Rich, still reeling to have, hey,” says “But what a problem

W

TEXT RACHAEL

and worked off the farm to college and then gradu“We’d also been Rich, a Wye College ambitions,” says before coming had new ideas and a farm business consultant and spent ate who was then Chris had left Seale-Hayne home to farm. Meanwhile New Zealand on dairy herds. in seven months working explains Rich, admitting skills back home,” when Chris returned “We both brought of a Eureka moment paddock that it was something a block calving and and realised that Pemfrom New Zealand unit, based near work well at their grazing system would a calving herd, into bridge. shifting the all-year-round of the farm’s The pair set about the use and maximising numtighter autumn block, be increased. Cow stocking rates could in 2005 a 50-bale grassland, so that from 150 cows and bers increased gradually housing for 400 cows was added. cubicle block rotary parlour and as well as a grazing plenty of rainfall, With light soils and for an autumn calving The Leen is ideal Chris, adds close to the farmstead, shadow,” a rain system. “We’re in paddock grazing autumn.” calve in a block in forward with the “which is why we its next major leap made business 500kW anaerobic In 2013 the broiler unit and a addition of a 200,000-bird us another income stream without gave the digester. “The poultry it also meant that the dairy unit. But digester. This genetaking land out of could be fed in the A muck from the poultry with 80% sold to the National Grid. farm, rates energy for the is a fantastic fertiliser is the digestate that on the grasby-product in effect , using this digestate rate to accommofor grassland.” Unfortunately unit’s projected stocking sland and the dairy Friesian Jersey cows size of 600 cross-bred date the larger herd regulations. producdid not meet organic conventional to heart, we switched from the “So, with a heavy had learned a lot adding that they on antibiotics, partition,” says Rich, become less reliant “We’d mindset system. the organic much in and we were very cularly for dry cows, far better than treatment.” that prevention is

New ideas

Grazing system:

the cows are typically

turned out to grass

in February

MARCH 2018 cowmanagement

through the 50 have been monitored data shows acteria levels in milk 40 for many years. Aggregate use of Bactoscan in bringing bacteria has been successful that the industry 30 average. But there’s below the European milk levels down to well producers as some 20 on the horizon for a new challenge of thermoduric bacteria monitoring levels says vet 10 processors are now Bactoscan levels.So 10,000+ 1,001 assessing overall 501 in milk, as well as 301 Group.

0 101 –10,000 from the Evidence 1 –1,000 bacteria, –500 Andrew Henderson, –300 a specific type of –100 (cfu/ml) thermodurics are thermoduric count He explains that some of these bacteria And . pasteurisation but will also capable of surviving of 880 bulk milk pasteurisation temperatures – typical refria random selection test results from will not only survive lower than 7°C Figure 1: Thermoduric at temperatures that themeans it continue to grow because samples in May 2017 This is worrying geration conditions. on the supermarket count above able to grow in milk 20% had a thermoduric consequences se bacteria may be tested in May 2017, regarding what the spoilage problems farms causing question of the risk a poses shelf. This begs that 15% 500cfu per ml, which thermoduric bacteria. it should be noted in products. Of these are for milk containing in finished product Figure 1). This conin finished dairy levels can manifest and an of below 30,000 (see “High thermoduric of hygieyields, ‘off’ flavours had Bactoscan averages general indicator as reduced cheese to Bactoscan is a good many ways – such with types of cheese due firms that while identify all farms blowing’ in certain be relied upon to issue known as ‘late to affect cream causing thermonic quality, it cannot have been reported farms affected by Further work on gas production. They in the avours. Similar problems thermoduric issues. bacteria lurking cream and ‘off’ fl there are often other sweet curdling, ‘bitty’ durics shows that milk,” says Mr Henderson. can assist in determining of these bacteria are also seen in liquid that has high milk. Identification Table 1 shows a unit the cause of the problem. a low Bactoscan. This indicates good also has Possible sources be an issue in infant milk formula (IMF) suggest thermodurics but of coliforms can also but the presence Thermodurics can has set upper thresholds trigger to practices, Union hygiene is not enough the European IMF. in the milk. This In – so much so that thermodurics) in some faecal matter results are a problem. of the most predominant low but the thermoduric for Bacillus (one generally at very the therhigh Bactoscans, found in IMF, but ina ‘deep clean’ brought rapidly parlour can the Bacillus is commonly levels y pre-dip procedures this instance giving if stored inappropriatel Against control while tighter levels. However, food poisoning.” modurics back under possibility of causing levels in coliform counts. crease, raising the that thermoduric achieved a reduction this it is clearly important this background the farm. Achieving when milk leaves of thermons are as low as possible of the possible sources Series of investigatioof causes of thermodurics on farm. But by a range requires a good understandingbacteria can be found in many “We come across be identified quickly problem can, typically, duric bacteria. “ThermoduricMr Henderson. “But chronic proMr the source of the in the parlour,” says explains within of investigations of areas of the farm,” levels of hygiene carrying out a series caused by inadequate regarding the effectiveness allows properly assumptions blems tend to be parlour awareness Henderson. “Often to be false, while to clean the milking envipumps are found the plant. Failure providing the perfect boilers and water also helps.” He advoup within the plant, As these residues by biofilms in pipework persist. “There are residues to build bacteria to thrive. of the risk posed if thermoduric problems in identifying the ronment for thermoduric the bacteria with increased protection cates seeking help provide are that are able to assist build up they also He says that there there may be a cost plenty of organisations and cleaning agents.” problems. And while level of thermoduric from temperature the tackling thermoduric with of control to cause associated to focus on the peace of mind three main areas levels of cow cleanliness, l associated with this, maintaining high regular worth the investment.” bacteria in milk: preparation, and the problem is well for pre-milking teat following a routine of the milking parlour. effective cleaning maintenance and

B

LEVEL HEALTH BACTERIA

g Spotlight on tacklin ria thermoduric bacte

But of all dairy herds. the financial success and a huge impact on are unpredictable The weather has rs be when the variables to find out more. how flexible can produce t and a producer spoke to a dairy specialis uncontrollable? We TEXT BEN BARTLETT

cs Monitoring thermoduri is a good overall measure of the

Bactoscan numUnfortunately while test measures the of milk, the Bactoscan specify hygienic quality milk and does not dead bacteria in As a ber of both live and thermoduric properties. live bacteria have be done how many of the is needed. This can culture based test Data result, a specific 48 hours to complete. sample and takes on the bulk milk sample of 870 British that from a random from NML shows

milk sample tank analysis of a a quantitative bulk Table 1: Results of level a normal Bactoscan from a herd with target (cfu/ml) result < 5,000 test 14,000 < 20 count (cfu/ml) total viable colony 43 < 150 coliforms (cfu/ml) 2,700 < 500 thermodurics (cfu/ml) 2,700 < 30 psychrotrophs (cfu/ml) 30 Bactoscan (x 1,000)

20

21

percent of herds

20

MARCH 2018 cowmanagement

duric bacteria Testing for thermo routine bulk milk sample in establishing If you’re interested on your farm, thermoduric levels using the routesting can be done collected by tine bulk milk sample sample and full NML. Cost is £9 per interpreting the guidance notes on vels on your results are provided. done using the farm, testing can be collected routine bulk milk sample per sample and

by NML. Cost is £9 on interpreting full guidance notes vels on the results are provided. can be done your farm, testing

using the Cost is £9 per collected by NML. notes on sample and full guidance proviare interpreting the results farm, testing can ded. vels on your routine bulk milk be done using the

by NML. Cost is sample collected full guidance £9 per sample and the results are notes on interpreting provided. on tackling Further information be found on thermodurics can www.nationalmilklabs.co.uk

APRIL/MAY 2018 cowmanagement

21

APRIL/MAY 2018 cowmanagement

Y & EQUIPMENT SPECIAL MACHINER

Push-up exercise is vital several times a day, Pushing up feed, intakes and milk to maximise dry matter also feed waste. But it’s yields, and reduce ment where some an area of dairy manage And could an better. do could producer be the answer? automatic system

busy perialso admit that during overlooked.

Turner. “Some will it’s a job that’s often ods, such as silaging, feed – at all cows can reach the rmance Yet ensuring that piece of the nutrition/perfo times – is the final puzzle.”

Neglected job

sourcing and groeffort is spent on raA lot of time and formulating a balanced wing ration ingredients, mix quality, and consistency and tion, checking its reach it, then the cows can’t actually feeding it out. If that work is compromised. that they producers tell him Yet he says that some “And many admit three times a day: only push feed up busy perigets neglected during that it’s a job that increasingly tight becoming are labour ods.” Time and the additioup feed? that in mind – and day do you push that on many units. With that ow many times a and milk yield potential Two key questions nal dry matter intake – Mr Turner aspushing And is it often enough? be feed regular worth their salt should can be realised with is a ‘no braiany nutritionist if the dry matter a robotic feed pusher clients – particularly says that installing his own admisking their dairy on paper are not customer, who by performance seen ner’. “Our first UK up feed, still intakes and cow the bulk tank. fanatical about pushing feed fence and in sion was already day from his being seen at the don’t push feed up of milk per cow per many producers the possaw an extra litre “The truth is that a feed pusher. Imagine leaves herd after installing job in often enough know that feed pushing They may do a sterling sibilities if you already or at regular intervals. up at 2.00am to on your unit.” not going to get a lot to be desired the day, but they’re Service’s Dave Stamford Agricultural push feed,” says TEXT RACHAEL

PORTER

H Moov it: the Joz robot Neil pushes up feed for a day Evans’ herd 12 times

Dave Turner, xxx xxx job description: “It’s a job that’s often overlooked, particularly during busy periods”

26

APRIL/MAY cowmanagement

more than 200

Job done: says that when been feed waste. “Neil Juno systems have fits, such as reduced cows have units installed the Joz each day that the installed on dairy producer Neil Evans he goes to feed up day’s ration Shropshire-based none of the previous Bronington, in on his unit, near cleaned up – there’s labour.”

Moov feed pusher the results he’s this also saves on He’s pleased with to sweep up. And December 2017. herd. seen in his 180-cow grazed during the litres, the cow are Reduced waste ts to ensuring Averaging 10,000 – where they and fertility benefi and housed at night And there are health they require day in the summer grass and the dry matter intakes early laca TMR that comprises that cows achieve are buffer fed on energy balance in crimped barley. negative and the blend as well to minimise maize silages, a protein body condition score, formulating the effort goes into the tation and to maintain obsessive “Because so much milk yields. the cows, I am really as producing good Turner says that the robot cow ration and feeding on investment, Mr feed. Before we installed he says.

In terms of return but he feels it about pushing up a day,” of two years is quoted, it at least six times a payback period a 200-cow herd feed pusher, I’d do come back to the “That’s based on unit, so I’d often could be shorter. cow per day at “I don’t live on the feed, while the litre of milk per out and push up producing an extra saving on laup feed farm after an evening into account the make a point of pushing in health, 26ppl. It’s not taking taxi waited! I’d also Or any improvements about 10pm.” bour and feed waste. every evening at Bas van fertility and longevity. support manager Lely’s UK farm management should see a quick rea times 12 More milk – producers feed twice as often Santen agrees that window, The Moov now pushes a five-hour charge turn on their investment. day. The robot requires 4:30am and 9:30am. this for between is about and Neil has set model this automated system Third-generation launched the third-generation “For me, installing to eat more. I just will be stimulates the cows The company has an effidriving intakes. It pusher – Juno, which offers feed this and robotic day it’s once a model of easy to install only feed the herd of them at all from August. “It’s keeping feed in front available in the UK and set ups. cient solution to of farm buildings the system in a variety open and and shed, to milking. times.” shed after from up just before and And it can travel of pushing Neil used to push 30 minutes So it’s also capable says that he saves unit,” he close gates and doors.

And his relief milker houses across the feed up. “Cows not having to push frequency feed in several livestock every day through dry matter increasing feed-pushing in and although additional says. He adds that – up to 2.8% more are more settled an extra one they are producing space is stimulates feed consumption where feed-fence intake is marginal, situations “In cow per day.” some herds. stress and aglitre of milk per the farm’s telepushing can reduce also means that reach for limited, frequent for other Installing the system feed is always within elsewhere. “It’s available we are gression by ensuring costs, automatic handler can work when as reducing labour up is not neglected every cow. As well tasks and pushing fuel costs. l things.” feeding also reduces benebusy with other there are other additional Mr Turner says that

Bas van Santen, xxx xxx job description: “The payback period could be just over a year”

APRIL/MAY cowmanagement

2018

27

2018

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DAIRY MANAGEMENT NEWS

Seasonal hygiene challenge NML A3 Therms Poster MK5.qxp_Layout 1

03/03/2018 11:02 Page 1

Guide To Thermoduric Management

Organise parlour hygiene test through NML

Coliform count

Very high (> 1000)

Incubation in plant likely – persistent failure of cleaning see section 1 and 2

High (20 - 999)

Potential inefficient cleaning and unclean cows see section 1 and 2

Low (< 20)

Check thermoduric and psychrotrophic counts

High (> 500)

Issues with parlour Hygiene and / or cooling see section 1 and 3

Low (< 500)

Check coliform and thermoduric counts

Thermodurics still > 500

Thermoduric count > 500

Order follow up test through NML

Psychrotrophic count

SECTION 1

Parlour cleaning 1. Check wash chemical usage and frequency especially acid wash 2. Check water temperature of all wash 3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

phases and water volume Ensure length of wash circulations is adequate Check water quality, (non-mains or bore hole) Is sanitiser/disinfectant used post rinse?

Check cleaning of dump lines and buckets Check pumps, gaskets, rubber pipes and

liners for damage/wear 8. Check airlines and moisture traps 9. Visual inspection of milk transfer lines, receiver vessel, milk pump, plate cooler and cluster 10. Is milk filter refreshed prior to wash cycle?

Step-by-step guide to tackling high thermoduric counts

Cornish line-up

SECTION 2

Check routine parlour cleaning protocols see section 1

Thermodurics < 500

Thermoduric count <500 To contact NML call 01902 749920

Continue to monitor and maintain parlour hygiene

Thermoduric count

High (> 500)

If thermodurics persistently high consider further investigation

Low (< 500)

Further investigation If you have had high results for more than one month then consider the following: 1. Undertake further testing to determine the specific bacteria involved 2. Talk to your veterinary surgeon or milk hygiene specialist regarding the management of thermodurics on your farm 3. Carry out a milking system evaluation with a qualified parlour engineer / technician

While the national somatic cell count average in bulk milk has improved, as we move from summer into autumn, NML has recorded an increase in both bactoscan and thermoduric results.

“A fall in cell counts and an increase in bactoscan results follows a seasonal trend,” says NML’s Ben Bartlett.

Thermoduric bacteria can survive pasteurisation and can, therefore, affect product quality and shelf life.

“The potential impact of thermoduric bacteria is becoming increasingly recognised and so it is important that they are kept under control.

“Ideally, thermoduric counts should be

Cow cleanliness 1. Assess cow cleanliness 2. Keep udders and tails trimmed regularly 3. Is pre-milking teat preparation used and effectively?

4. Check parlour surfaces and metalwork are clean and free of dust.

5. Check clusters are thoroughly cleaned before reattaching 6. Check cleanliness of milk filter/sock 7. Check cubicle and bedding cleanliness 8. Consider other environmental sources e.g. tracks or gateways 9. Incidence of clinical mastitis

correctly

under 500 cfu/ml,” he adds. Managing thermoduric bacteria is all about cleanliness – clean cows and a clean parlour. If a problem does crop up then it is important to establish the nature of the bacteria in the milk, as this can indicate the cause of the problem.

NML offers a parlour hygiene test, using a standard bulk milk sample. Priced at £25, the test helps to verify whether the issue is caused by faecal contamination or a build up of deposits in the parlour.

Download a step-by-step guide to tackling high thermoduric counts, from: www.nationalmilklabs.co.uk/ milk-quality/thermodurics

Competition winner Derbyshire-based producer Peter Berresford will now be using the sophisticated, modular cow health and fertility monitoring system SenseHub, to assist with managing his 130-cow Ayrshire herd.

He won the system, which includes 20 eSense flex tags and a SenseHub collector, in the competition that NMR ran during the 2018 summer show season.

Cow activity data collected through SenseHub at Dale Head Farm, in Tideswell, will be used to detect heats in this all year-round calving herd. It will also monitor rumination and eating patterns and this data will be used to fine tune rationing and for the early detection of any problems in feeding and cow health.

Loretta Hughes

SECTION 3

Refrigeration and wash 1. Check cooling system is working effectively 2. Check milk temperature gauge is working 3. How long does it take for milk to be cooled down to 4oC? 4. Check pre-milking teat preparation 5. Visually check that the tank is washing

Kath Annear

Two NMR staff bring a wealth of experience to their new roles in the NMR Cornish team.

Loretta Hughes is now customer account manager in Cornwall, moving from area field manager.

She joined NMR in 2010.

Kath Annear joins NMR as the area field manager for Cornwall and west Devon. She moves to NMR from Cornwall Farmers and Mole Valley Farmers.

Uniform workshops A series of Uniform Agri workshops is planned from January to March 2019, across Britain. These workshops will focus on the latest Uniform functionality and new reports, which are available in the 5.4 release of Uniform. These include a breakdown of the milk, fertility and health performance indicators that will contribute to improved herd management.

Dates and booking instructions can be found at: https://mailchi.mp/0635f2a363c0/ workshop-invite-963885 or from NMR Customer Services

Diary 2019

Helen Whittaker hands over the first of 20 eSense flex tags to prize winner Peter Berresford

If you are looking for a Christmas gift for a dedicated dairy enthusiast, who likes to keep track of all events, then the 2019 NMR dairy could be the answer.

Copies are available for £29.50 +VAT, including delivery, from NMR Customer Services.

For more information on NMR products and services contact customer services, 03330 043 043, or email: customerservices@nmr.co.uk COW MAN AG E ME N T

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Tool helps producer to navigate best cross-breeding course

Fit for purpose Want to milk trouble-free cows? Cross breeding could be the answer. All breeds have unique characteristics and, by combining several breeds, these qualities can form the bedrock of your herd. CrossFit is the latest tool from CRV Avoncroft that will help producers to make extra profit from the heterosis effect. text Inge van Drie & Rachael Porter

C

ombining the qualities of different breeds allows producers to create an ideal herd that suits their breeding goals and management strategy. Little wonder that it’s become so popular, both in the UK and abroad. And an added benefit of cross breeding is the effect of heterosis: cross-bred animals typically perform better than their parents.

“If your main breeding and management goal is milk – and plenty of it – then it’s better to stick with Holsteins,” says

Mark Birkett: “Our replacement rate has fallen since we swtiched to cross breeding”

CRV’s international genetic specialist Theo Gieling. “Holsteins have the greatest propensity for high milk production. But cross breeding should be given seriously consideration by producer who want to avoid the risk of inbreeding and prefer a herd of cattle that can get back in calf easily and has the ability and capacity to turn forage into milk.”

The latest figures for cross-bred cattle show that breed-specific traits can be

quickly embedded in a herd. “Cross breeding is one of the best examples of what you can achieve through breeding.

Producers who cross breed are looking for durable cows with a longer life. And, for cross-bred herds, a replacement rate below 20% is typical.”

Increased unformity Mr Gieling says that prospects for cross breeding – both now and in the future – look good. “Pre-conceived ideas, such

Cross-bred calves: heterosis will see them perform better than their parents

46

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CrossFit helps to create cross-bred cows to suit individual units To support producers when making cross-breeding decisions, CRV has developed CrossFit. CrossFit is a tool that will ensure that producers make the best cross-breeding choices for their herd and set up.

CrossFit Efficiency and Health The tool has two ‘directions’: CrossFit Efficiency and CrossFit Health.

If efficient conversion of feed into fat and protein is key to your herd, it is best to combine Holstein with Jersey, possibly with a third breed. This cross type results in compact cows, with good longevity and production. These crosses will be efficient at converting feed into fat and protein. And running a highproduction, durable herd will maximise profitability.

For producers wanting to place more emphasis on breeding problem-free cows, CrossFit Health is the best

as cross breeding creates too much diversity in the herd or compromises the development of breeding programmes for other breeds, are only true to a

direction to take. This combines Holstein with MRI, Fleckvieh and Brown Swiss. These cross-bred cattle will have good health and calve easily. They will be fertile, low-maintenance cows with good body condition and can produce plenty of milk in a wide range of management systems.

Cross breeding both adds and enhances specific breed characteristics. Each breed has its own characteristics.

Holstein • High milk production • High fat and protein components • Good udders • Long, economical life • Wide choice of breeding goals

• Requires little maintenance feed • High components

Fleckvieh • Low maintenance • Placid nature • Low somatic cell count • High fertility • Extra turnover and growth

Brown Swiss • Good longevity • Powerful feet legs • Good hoof health • Protein-rich milk • Robust frames

MRI • Extremely high protein percentage • Broad and durable • Good legs • High fertility • Extra turnover and growth

Jersey • Compact and efficient • Strong, clean legs and feet • Durable cows

certain extent. If you apply a concerted cross-breeding effort, uniformity in the herd will increase over time. It also depends on your choice of sires. But if you select the best bulls that fit with your breeding goals then you will definitely make progress.’

One Lancashire-based producer, who has certainly made plenty of progress after 12 years of cross breeding, is CRV Avoncroft customer Mark Birkett.

He runs a 350-cow herd plus 350 followers, near Morecambe, and began using Swedish and Norwegian Red sires on his Holstein herd back in 2006.

Involuntary culls “I was unhappy with the longevity of the cows in my herd,” he says. “Involuntary culls were high due to a myriad of health issues, not least lameness.

“I was inspired to give it a go after reading about some impressive results of a three-way cross trial and decided it was well worth a shot.”

Mark hasn’t looked back since. “Today’s my cross-bred herd is a lot healthier, my replacement rate has definitely fallen, and I’m selecting culls – they’re not selecting themselves.”

Prior to the switch to cross breeding – Mark now uses either Swedish or Norwegian Red, followed by Montbeliarde or Fleckvieh and then crosses back to Holstein to help maintain good milk

yields – he says that all cows were bred using dairy sires to produce enough replacements. “We struggled to keep up at times. But during the past 12 years we’ve increased herd size by 100 cows and we’re also using beef sires across 50% of the herd. So we’re not rearing as many replacements.”

Milk quality Mark has used CRV Avoncroft bulls Delta Fidelity, Topspeed Kodak, and Stellando extensively across his herd, as well as Fleckvieh sires Haribo and Wobbler.

The all-year-round calving herd is currently averaging 8,500 litres, at 4.4% butterfat and 3.5% protein.

“Milk quality has certainly improved too, during the past decade, which is important because we sell to Arla and are paid for constituents,” he adds.

A foot trimmer also used to visit once a month to attend to cows’ feet. “But we don’t need him now. We trim feet just once a year at drying off and are able to cope with the odd cow that needs attention ourselves.

“Feet are much stronger now, thanks to cross breeding.

“I’d say that, on the whole, these cows are easier to manage and trouble free, compared to the Holstein herd. We couldn’t have pushed up cow numbers prior to cross breeding – we didn’t have the replacements or the time.” l

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CV O E EWT M E EA LNT A JGAE NMUE AN RT I A1 U/ G 2 U2 S0T0 92 0 1 8

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• • • • • •

C O W M A

THE CCT CHALLENGE….

What RETURN on INVESTMENT can you get for a £45 investment in CCT COLOSTRUM? u Whole colostrum: high in colostral fat u Tested for safety and efficacy u Use as part of Johne’s control program r management u Simplify your protocols, fine-tune you term performance u Optimise calf’s health, growth and long

d: Create a robust and more productive her

LEAVE NO CALF BEHIND!

FAST FACT: The major PROFIT in the dairy business comes from WEANING weights and the number of CALVES at weaning.

Alta Ltd. u 01292 532353 u yvonne.dunn@altagenetics.co.uk u www.altagenetics.co.uk SCCL u 07976 183120 u evine.vanriemsdijk@sccl.com u www.sccl.com

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C O N TA C T S

SHOWS AND EVENTS

2018 December 13:

Royal Ulster Winter Fair, Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Lisburn (Northern Ireland)

2019

Winter feeding: milkers tucking into a well-balanced TMR Picture: Harrie van Leeuwen

January 2-4: January 21-23: February 6: May 15-18: May 29-June 1 June 6-8: July 9-11: September 11:

The Oxford Farming Conference, Examinations Hall, Oxford British Cattle conference, Telford Hotel and Golf Resort, Telford, Shropshire Dairy-Tech, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, Warwickshire Balmoral Show, Balmoral Park, Lisburn (Northern Ireland) Royal Bath & West Show, Shepton Mallet, Somerset Royal Cornwall Show, Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, Cornwall Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate, North Yorkshire UK Dairy Day, Telford International Centre, Shropshire

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX C O N TA C T S CowManagement is published eight times per year by CRV BV, Publishing Department

Editorial team

Chief Editor Jaap van der Knaap Editor Rachael Porter Phone 01394 270587 E-mail rachael@reporterjournalism.co.uk Editing, design and production CRV Publishing Contributing writers Emily Ball, Roger Evans, Roly Marks, James Marshall, Allison Matthews, Inge van Drie and Karen Wright Publisher Rochus Kingmans

Chief editor’s address

P.O. Box 454, 6800 AL Arnhem, The Netherlands Phone 0031 26 38 98 821 E-mail cm.office@crv4all.com

CowManagement online

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ CowManagementUK/ Twitter: @cowmanagement Website: www.cowmanagement.co.uk

Alta ...........................................................49 Agriprom ...................................................36 Ambic ........................................................18 Berry’s Agriculture .....................................24 Cargill ........................................................21 Cogent Breeding Ltd..................................45 Concept Cowhouse Ltd. ............................41 Cosy Calf ...................................................16 Cowsfeet ...................................................36 CRV Avoncroft Ltd./ CRV ....................13, 37 Dairy Spares ..............................................41 DP Agri......................................................18 Farmplus....................................................48 FiveF..........................................................48 ForFarmers/Thompsons ...............................2

Heuven Livestock ......................................24 Intershape .................................................41 MSD Animal Health ...................................33 Nedap .......................................................52 NMR ...................................................19, 51 Noluma light protection ...............................9 Quill Productions .......................................44 Sand Separation Systems ...........................24 Sellmylivestock ..........................................34 Spinder ......................................................48 Teemore Engineering Ltd. ..........................48 Trouw Nutrition .........................................24 VDK Products ............................................44 Zinpro........................................................42

Subscriptions

CowManagement is available free of charge to customers of NMR, CRV Avoncroft, Thompsons and ForFarmers. If you think you are eligible, or if you wish to no longer receive CowManagement, then please contact: National Milk Records plc, Fox Talbot House, Greenways Business Park, Bellinger Close, Chippenham SN15 1BN Phone 03330 043043 E-mail customerservices@NMR.co.uk www.isubscribe.co.uk

Advertisements

Nicci Chamberlin, NMR. Phone 07970 009136 E-mail niccic@nmr.co.uk Jannet Fokkert, Froukje Visser, Hilda van der Wal P.O. Box 454, 6800 AL Arnhem, The Netherlands, E-mail hilda.van.der.wal@crv4all.com

COMING UP

M a i z e sp ecial an d Dair y-Tech January/February (January 25) – In our first ‘new look’ issue of 2019 will focus on maize and we’ll also have a Dairy-Tech preview. This issue will also feature two more NMR/RABDF Gold Cup finalists.

Illustrations/pictures

Photographs by Veeteelt Photography, Ruth Downing (8, 10-11), Mark Pasveer (25, 29), Eveline van Elk (26) and Lizzie Bland (46-47).

Disclaimer

CowManagement does not necessarily share the views expressed by contributors. No responsibility is accepted for the claims made by advertisers.

No responsibility can be accepted by CRV BV for the opinions expressed by contributors. Whilst every effort is made to obtain reliable and accurate information, liability cannot be accepted for errors. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system without the express prior written consent of the publisher.

Printer Stephens and George Ltd. Phone 01685 352097 ISSN 1570-5641

50

C OWMANAGEMENT

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DECEMBER

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