CowManagement January/February 2019

JA N UARY/FE B RUARY 2019

Two more

Gold Cup finalists take the spotlight

Do you have

key-staff cover in place?

Maize seed-supply

update and contract growing

GET THE LATEST NEWS AT WWW.C OWMA NAGEMENT.CO.UK

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CONTENT FEATURE S

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From the editor Cow talk Value added: cheese and dairy processing Roger Evans ForFarmers Nutritional News/ Thompsons Nutritional News CRV Avoncroft Breeding Information NMR Dairy Management News Boehringer Ingelheim Health News Events and contacts

main article key-staff cover

MAIN A RT IC L E

8 Key-staff cover: in case of emergency REPORTS

12 On-farm processing provides additional income for one Wiltshire-based herd 40 Two more finalists have gold in their sights HEA LTH

30 Blueprint set to help reach 2020 targets DA IRY-T E C H

16 Preview

8 special maize

FEEDIN G

Gold Cup finalists

20 Securing milk quality bonus payments/ Protecting constituents 34 Don’t underestimate mycotoxin risk SPECIAL

23 Maize seed-supply and contract growing BREEDI N G

14 Genetic-ranking reports aid breeding decisions 44 Greater focus for feed conversion 48 December bull proofs: has PLI ‘obsession’ gone too far?

JANU ARY /FEB

Do you have

Two more

Gold Cup finalists ht take the spotlig

GET THE LATE

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key-staff cover in place?

.COW MAN ST NEWS AT WWW

AGE MEN T.CO

RUA RY 2019

Maize seed-supply

update and g contract growin

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Ceri Cryer:

Stephen Montgomery:

‘It was time to do something different and we decided to make cheese’

‘To keep one step ahead, you have to learn new ways to do things’

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ON THE COVER

Next generation: a heifer makes her debut on the front of our new-look magazine Picture: Mark Pasveer

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FROM THE EDITOR

New year, new look Welcome to the first new-look issue of CowManagement, which we’re sure you’ll agree kicks off 2019 with a little added style as well as plenty of the usual substance.

We hope our fresh face marks the start of a productive and positive year for all our readers.

We’ll also be celebrating our makeover at DairyTech 2019, on February 6. We’re giving away CowManagement cool bags in a competition on our stand (B97) at the event, and some top prizes including a CalfOTel hutch and pen, six Cosy Calf calf jackets, and three Dairy Spares milk feeders.

So come along, say ‘hello’ and see if your snowball-throwing skills could win you a prize.

Wednesday February 6 is also the day that the 2018 NMR/RABDF Gold Cup winner will be announced. Which of the six herds, vying for the coveted award, do you think will lift the trophy?

The winning herd will be featured in our March issue. As for this issue, although we’re a politicsfree journal, we have touched on the possible

impact that Brexit could have on maize seed availability this spring.

Our maize special also looks at growing the crop on contract. This is becoming more popular as producers look for ways to build more resilience into their forage production systems – and to increase stocks in their clamps.

We also take a closer look at genetic reports, which can help producers to make better breeding decisions. And we also hear from a nutritionist who is urging producers to consider the potential mycotoxin risk in winter rations.

Resilience, across all areas of the dairy business, will be a popular theme in 2019 with the ongoing political uncertainty – and the market volatility that comes with that.

As Roger Evans says in his column, if you are to endure then you have to look on the bright side.

Continued careful planning and improving efficiency will all help herds to cope with 2019’s challenges – wherever they come from.

RACHAEL PORTER

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COWTALK

Take a closer look at rumen-bypass protein source Rumen-bypass protein is essential in nearly every modern dairy ration, but few producers fully appreciate the impact that different sources can have on feed costs, cow performance and nitrogen excretion.

So says KW nutritionist Charlotte Ward, adding that balancing this year’s high protein grass silages is a typical example.

“What’s needed are feeds that are high in rumen-bypass protein – otherwise known as digestible undegraded protein – but low in rumen-degradable protein, which is already in plentiful supply.

“With traditional DUP sources, such as soyabean meal, it’s difficult to avoid oversupplying protein to the rumen, which can’t be used by the cow and requires energy to both process and then excrete as nitrogen in faeces or urine.”

bovens bovens regel o

Ms Ward explains that feeds with a higher ratio of DUP:RDP are a better choice.

“The heat-treated soyabean meal SoyPass, for example, supplies 4.5 times the DUP per unit of RDP than soyabean meal.

“The type of feed also has an impact, with oilseed rape-based supplements supplying a protein quality – in terms of amino acid profile – that’s more closely matched to cow requirements,” she adds.

In a recent Nottingham University trial, average daily yield increased 1.7 litres per cow when NovaPro rumen-protected rapeseed expeller replaced soyabean meal in the ration. It’s also around 12% less expensive for the same DUP supply.

Silage testing method offers greater insight A method of testing silage is now available to producers that the developers claim will open up possibilities for greater insight into ruminant nutrition.

Using the new analytical method, silage samples are dried and ground before being scanned using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) equipment. And this means more accurate results compared to those from traditional wet methods, according to

Eurofins Agro, which has launched the test in the UK. This latest development in silage analysis, which is used elsewhere in the world, has not previously been widely available to UK producers.

NIRS works by irradiating a sample with a near-infrared light. The resulting reflection provides information on the nutritional composition of samples, when compared

against a database of reference values.

“Drying a sample first removes the moisture, which can act like a ‘fog’, distorting the reflection and compromising accuracy,” says the company’s Isobel Daley.

“The grinding process then converts samples into a powder-like state, giving a more homogenous sample, which in turn gives more accurate, reliable and repeatable results.”

Latest maize varieties offer improved yields and quality Selecting newer maize varieties can result in significant yield and quality benefits, improving the feed value per hectare and increasing the return on investment in the crop.

So says Limagrain’s Richard Camplin who adds that, despite this, many producers are still sticking with what they know and growing varieties that have been available for more than a decade.

“Producers appreciate – and invest in – improving dairy cow genetics and benefit from the gains to be made in terms of milk yield, milk quality and management traits such as fertility and longevity.

“But each year we still see a proportion of producers growing long-established maize varieties, many of which have been around for more than 15 years, despite the clear benefits of the newer options on the BSPB/

NIAB List.” Mr Camplin adds that rigorous plant breeding objectives have resulted in significant advances in maize variety performance, with increases in dry matter production and starch content from varieties proven at trial sites across the UK. Compared to 2004, today’s average maize variety will produce an additional 2.7t DM/ha and 1.1t/ha more starch.

“At 11.5MJ/kg DM, the extra dry matter would produce enough energy to produce an additional 5,600 litres of milk per hectare,” he explains. “For top varieties – such as Prospect, Pinnacle, Glory and Gatsby – the difference is more pronounced, often producing 1,000 litres per hectare more than the average maize variety.

“So selecting new varieties should be a key component of any strategy to increase forage production,” he adds.

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MAIN ARTICLE KEY-STAFF COVER

In case of emerge n

What would you do if you – or a key member of staff – had to take time off work? Have you got it covered? Read on to see if you could be doing more to make your team and management system more resilient.

TEXT RACHAEL PORTER

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ll too often, particularly on smaller units, one person is the lynchpin when it comes to the day-to-day and, indeed, more in-depth management of the dairy herd.

So, what happens if they’re sick or injured? Do you have socalled ‘key man’ cover?

That’s the question that Farm Consultancy Group’s Harry Edwards has been asking his clients, after a few cases of ‘panic’ brought this potential pitfall to his attention. “Not least of these was my own forced absence from work, a little over a year ago, due to a spell of ill health. Fortunately I’m now fully recovered, but this served to highlight an area that we regularly discuss with clients but had not actually got around to preparing for in our office. Definitely a case of do as I say, not as I do – although not any more.

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“Our own experience really drove the message home about just how little we may actually know about other people’s roles and how quickly things can unravel if the person that knows – and does – everything suddenly isn’t there.”

So do you have plans in place – in case of emergency? That’s a question he urges his clients to think about and then act on.

“Most producers who do have a plan in place have one because they’ve been caught out before and have learned the hard way. Yet it’s something that can be planned for with relatively little additional effort.”

The key, according to Mr Edwards, is communication.

Whether that’s a one-man-band producer making sure that their relief milker knows the routines just in case they should be called in for emergency cover. Or staff working in a bigger

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Harry Edwards, farm business consultant: “It’s about taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture”

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team and managing a larger herd where they need to talk to each other and understanding each other’s roles and responsibilities should they need to cover someone’s absence.”

Communication ‘test’ He says that an ideal opportunity to test if communication and understanding are sufficient to enable effective cover is staff holidays. “Perhaps when one particular team member is away things tend to go a bit awry, so find out why and take additional steps if necessary. More discussion about their role with other team members, and about what went wrong and why, can help here. It’s typically poor communication and a lack of understanding of the role and tasks that need to be performed – nothing that can’t be ironed out relatively easily.

“And remember, things don’t necessarily have to be done in the same way. They just need to be done correctly if the outcome is to be the same. Filling big shoes can be daunting enough, without the expectation that things be done exactly as someone else would do them.”

Increase awareness Mr Edwards says that there’s no need to make a meal of it either and have every task, job and role written in stone.

“Just an increased awareness of what’s going on across the unit and why, whether that be for a team or a member of relief staff. Just keep people in the loop.

“Tasks on farm not only change with the seasons – they can also change every week. TMR ration formulations, for example, may alter. A block of calving or serving may be about to start. Keeping everyone up to date goes a long way to ensure that the smooth running of a herd or business isn’t all, literally, down to one person.

“Even when producers are aware that they will have to take time off – perhaps they need treatment for an illness or an operation – they can sometimes stick their head in the sand.

“This creates a stressful situation for them and any other members of staff. Why muddle through when you can talk and plan? Recovery times can be faster if you plan ahead and minimise stress.”

He says that one person may be the strength of a herd’s success – the key man. But, if they’re suddenly not there, then they can suddenly become the business’ biggest weakness.

“It’s about assessing risk – particularly on family run units with very little spare capacity, should someone become ill or injured. On larger units, where members of staff often have different roles and responsibilities, it’s a case of ensuring that at least one other person on the team can deputise, effectively, in their absence.”

Written protocols – possibly posted up on the office wall – can help. But such a formal approach isn’t always necessary. “More typically an open discussion about what would happen if a key member of staff was away will suffice. And this should be combined with regular weekly ‘catch up’ meetings, so everyone in the team – or the family-run business – knows what’s going on and are able to take on key responsibilities, if required.”

Side effects Mr Edwards adds that a happy side effect of such meetings is that everyone is more clued up about the running of the herd.

“It’s a great way to ensure that people feel valued and recognised as vital to the success of the business. Part-time relief staff are more likely to drop everything and step and help in an emergency if you take them along with you and get them on board with and involved in any contingency plans.

For a start, they won’t feel out of their depth because they’ll know what needs to be done. And they’ll also feel valued and that they’re an important part of your business. It goes a long way to developing loyalty.”

“And good communication is often all it takes. Even paying for extra labour to cover an absence is well worth the investment if herd and business management continues to run smoothly and others avoid excessive workloads and stress.”

“It’s about taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture, recognising any potential weak areas and taking steps to ensure that you can plugs any holes in labour requirements, as and when they appear.” l

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VALUE ADDED ON-FARM PROCESSING

Name Clare Lambert Herd size 130 cows Adding value on-farm cheese and dairy processing

Wickford

Micro dairy making big waves The threat of milk price volatility was the catalyst that saw the Lambert family make the decision to diversify into on-farm cheese making. And since then they’ve branched out into a myriad of other dairy products, including milk, from a vending machine on their Essex-based unit.

Based at Bradfields Farm, near Wickford, the 130-cow Holstein Friesian herd is run by Nick and Guelda Lambert and their daughter Sarah. Their daughter Clare also returned to work on the family unit in 2016, after leaving a job in the public sector, and, with her husband John helps her to run the ‘micro dairy’ business.

It all began with cheese – Clare started making it in her kitchen on a trial and error basis before consulting cheese maker Paul Thomas to help her fine tune her recipes. Today the business processes milk into cheese (Essex Bure’s and Chalvedon), cream, yoghurt and creme fraiche. Pasteurised milk – whole, semi skimmed and skimmed – is also sold at weekend London-based farmers’ markets and directly from the farm gate. “Customers travel here from as far as 50 miles to stock up. And we’re regulars at Blackheath Farmers’ Market in London and are about to begin running a stall at a market in Pimlico on a Saturday,” says Clare.

Two thirds of sales are from the farm gate and through local shops. “We have a loyal customer base. But we’ve both been

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surprised by the success of the weekend markets where we make significant sales – around a third. The weekends, and the run up to them, are busy times for us. But the returns and customer relationships mean that it’s well worth the effort.”

Clare says that they also have regulars who come to market and that demand for their produce is growing. “That said, we’re keen to stress that part of this venture was to reconnect with consumers.

We only every wanted to set up a micro dairy and make cheese and other dairy products for the local market. We’re not looking to take over the world and we’ll always want to have a milk contract with a major buyer.”

Arla takes the majority of the herd’s milk – cows are currently averaging around 10,000 litres, at 4.22% butterfat and 3.2% protein. “And we’ve capped the amount of milk that we process on farm at 10%,” adds Clare. It’s definitely about quality – not quantity – and about putting the farm and Essex dairy produce firmly on the map. After just 18 months of processing, the business was crowned ‘best newcomer’ in the Essex Life Food & Drink Awards.

“We are thinking about extending our range. We make four different cheeses now – we introduced two new hard ones in the run up to Xmas – and customers are asking for buttermilk and kefir. So that may be a project for 2019.”

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HERD REPORT COLLINGBORN FAMILY

Living the

cheese-making dream On-farm processing has provided an additional income stream for one Wiltshire-based unit and allowed a career dream and lifestyle change to become a reality for one enterprising couple.

TEXT RACHAEL PORTER

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he herd at Hill End Farm is steeped in tradition.

Not only is the Brinkworth herd of pedigree Holstein Friesians, based near Chippenham, one of the oldest in England – established in 1910 by William Collingborn – but it is also where he once made Wiltshire Loaf cheese by hand.

The herd is still going strong, now under the careful management and watchful eyes of grandson Joe and his wife Ro. Their daughter, Ceri Cryer, and her husband, Chad, have also returned to join the family business and revived the farmhouse cheese making tradition.

Ceri, who won Women In Dairying’s Dairy Industry Woman of the Year regional award in 2018, and Chad began the processing side of the business back in 2005.

“Prior to that we were both teachers, but I wasn’t

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enjoying it – and neither was Chad. We decided it was time to do something different and began looking at possible on-farm diversifications.”

Cheese production, which would add value to the herd’s milk and provide an additional stream of income to support the couple, was the best fit. Making a traditional regional cheese – Wiltshire Loaf – was something that Ceri’s great grandfather used to do. “I thought it would be a good idea to make it the way he would have done – by hand and in small batches. That would make sure it was a special and unique product and, potentially, command a good price.”

Ceri began by taking a course in cheese making and then practicing in her kitchen with a saucepan, at first, and then a bucket. Chad then bought her a 700-litre cheese making vat as an engagement present and additional equipment has been added gradually, to help make the process quicker and easier. “And also to ensure that we meet food hygiene standards and regulations,” adds Ceri.

Growth has been ‘organic’: “I’m conservative when it comes to taking risks. We said, from the start, that we’d begin small and expand gradually.”

Cheddaring process Today the business makes cheese using a cheddaring process in 140-kilogramme batches, three days a week, in the run up to busy sales periods, and just once a week at the quieter times of year.

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COMPANY PROFILE Wiltshire

Name Pictured

Herd size Average yield Cheese production

Collingborn family Ro (centre), her daughter Ceri Cryer, and grandson Eric 120 cows 7,025kg per cow 7,250kg per year

That requires a morning’s milk production, three times a week. The majority of the milk produced by the 120cow herd is sold to First Milk.

The enterprise makes 7,250kg of cheese each year and now also produces yogurt, butter, cream and ice-cream (on a seasonal basis). “And we’re also bottling milk too,” says Ceri. Their produce is sold through weekend farmers’ markets in Stroud and London, and the business also supplies wholesalers across the UK. Ceri and Chad have recently extended their range to include the cultured, fermented milk drink called kefir: “It’s customer driven – people were constantly asking for it at the farmers’ markets, so we knew that the demand was there. And we also know that it’s important to be able to offer as full a range of products for sale as possible.”

Processing efficiency is another area that Ceri is always looking to improve, and she is keen to grow the business.

“Adding some scale would help us here. It would allow us to take on a manager, so I can take a step back and focus on marketing and generating more sales.”

the milk is best suited to processing. We like to have a hand in ration formulation to influence the constituent ratios. The more we do at the ‘cow’ end, the less we have to do in the cheese-making room.” And the extra effort is paying off.

Once processed into one of their many dairy products, Ceri says that they’re realising around £1.20 for every litre of milk. “But a diversification like this is far from easy. It’s hard work,” she adds. “Adding value – be that through making cheese or any of our other dairy products – is key to sustainability for us. It helps to mitigate milk price volatility and it also means that the business is better able to support two more people.

“It has also allowed Chad and I to change our careers and lifestyle. And it’s good to be back on the farm; continuing and reviving a family tradition.” l

Next generation: young stock at Hill End Farm

Tweaking rations Making more from the milk that the enterprise ‘buys’ from the dairy herd is also essential. “That starts with milk analysis and ensuring that the fat and protein is right for cheese production. To optimise cheese yield and quality, we’re looking for a fat-to-protein ration or 0.7:0.8 for Wiltshire Loaf, which is quite firm in texture.

This ratio will vary for different cheeses, depending on whether they’re hard or soft,” says Ceri.

“We work hard, particularly at tweaking the herd’s ration, to reduce variation as possible. It’s all about consistent constituents.”

The dairy herd is managed and run by her parents, with some part-time help. Joe Collingborn takes charge of milking and day-to-day management and her mother, Ro, is a cattle breeding enthusiast and in charge of the herd’s breeding. The milking herd is currently averaging 7,025 litres of milk, at 4.20% butterfat and 3.33% protein. Around 3,822 litres is from forage and the Collingborns would like to see that up around 4,000 litres in 2019.

A traditionally managed herd, the grazing season usually starts in late February even though the land at Hill End Farm is predominantly heavy clay and also prone to flooding. Housed – usually from late October – cows are fed a ration of grass silage and brewers’ grains during the winter. Cows are also topped up to yield through the parlour, with a 16% protein concentrate. And this is one area where Ceri and the herd nutritionist do get involved. “Just to ensure that

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MANAGEMENT BREEDING DATA

Herd progress tracked online

Most producers have plenty of herd and cow data – some would say too much. But putting it to good use can accelerate herd progress, as one Devon-based producer is finding out from his new on-line genetic reports.

TEXT KAREN WRIGHT

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Phil Cooke: “Rankings for key traits allow us to make better progress”

roducer Phil Cooke, from Honiton in Devon, has genomic tests for all cows in his two dairy herds. He started testing his 150-cow Jersey herd just before breeding them, when he established the herd in 2014. While he knows that, overall, their performance has improved and there’s more milk in the tank, he is enlightened by the InGENEious reports that show just how well these cows have progressed in key traits.

Figures 1 and 2 are taken from Phil’s InGENEious reports that he accesses through NMR’s Herd Companion. Figure 1 compares Phil’s third and older lactation cows with the AHDB national average for the same aged cows.

“I stocked the Jersey herd with a group of cows and heifers – half from UK herds and half from Denmark.

I knew they were a mixed bunch and the report shows this. Their average PLI is below average, in the 60th percentile, and key traits are fairly average.”

Figure 2 shows the Jersey heifer rankings at Sutton Barton Farm with Phil’s Jersey heifers now ranking in the 30th percentile nationally and their milk, fat and protein in the top percentile. “The difference in ranking between the old cows and the heifers shows the progress that’s been made, but it also shows me where I can improve the breeding going forward.”

Phil runs his Jersey herd, on the 324-hectare unit at Sutton Barton, alongside his 600-cow Holstein herd.

“It was an unusual route, but we realised that the Holstein cows were too big for our old cubicles and we wanted to expand. We set up new facilities with larger cubicles more suited to Holsteins. Instead of making the old facilities redundant we decided to get some smaller cows. And so the Jerseys arrived.”

Mixed bag Knowing his Jerseys were a mixed bag, Phil decided to genomically test all the animals pre-service and use the results to decide how to breed each cow. Using the genomic results, he selects the top third of cows on the combined production and type index then sets a benchmark for somatic cell count and fertility – two of the key criteria Phil wants to improve within the herd. The herd is autumn calving, from September to November.

The top third of Jersey cows meeting his criteria are bred to Jersey sexed semen, and the bottom two thirds are bred to sexed Holstein semen, with these heifer calves joining the Holstein herd. He breeds these F1 crosses, which he says are great cows and exceed his expectations, to a beef bull.

Keen to keep tabs on progress and improve the Jersey

Figure 1: Third lactation and older cows at Sutton Barton Farm compared to AHDB national average (Jerseys)

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The power of InGENEious InGENEious is a powerful genetic reporting tool for dairy producers and is easily accessible through NMR’s Herd Companion web site.

NMR’s customer account managers are available to help producers to use inGENEious and get the best from the data to use in their herd Richard Miller, NMR’s genomic business manager

management. “It allows you to benchmark and compare your herd’s performance against the AHDB Dairy national average for a range of breeding traits,” says NMR’s genetics manager Richard Miller.

“You can monitor how your breeding traits are changing over time, if you are making progress and if any traits are slipping.”

Animals can be grouped on inGENEious depending on their genetic merit.

“It means that you can select the ‘top’ group for perhaps sexed semen and the ‘bottom’ group for breeding to beef bulls. But the actual choices will depend on the replacements needed and the herd business strategy,” adds Mr Miller.

herd further, Phil is now using InGENEious. “I can see the progress we’re making for each trait and how we rank alongside the national averages for the breed,” he says. “The production indexes can hide weaknesses in other traits, so it’s valuable to see where our cows rank for all traits, particularly those for health and fertility.

InGENEious reports are tracking improvements in breeding

Trait rankings “But, better still, I can use InGENEious data to select breeding groups. The herd is ranked on a national scale for each trait and it includes the most recent genetic evaluations, so I know I am using accurate and current information as I plan how to breed the cows.”

Phil can also see the ranking of his Holstein herd on InGENEious. But at the moment he isn’t using genomic results to select breeding groups for these cows. “We’re in a TB affected area so we need all the heifers we can breed.”

He breeds all maiden Holstein heifers and first and second calvers within their first 100 days post calving to sexed Holstein semen. “I am breeding from the best and from the most fertile,” he adds. “The rest of the herd is bred to a beef bull.”

Average production for the Holstein herd is 11,500kg of milk at 3.8% fat and 3.3% protein, with a SCC of 98,000cells/ml. This herd is housed and fed a TMR. The Jersey herd, which grazes during summer, is averaging 6,016kg of milk at 5.35% fat and 3.98%

protein, with a SCC of 72,000cells/ml. The calving interval for the Jersey herd is 377 days, and 366 days for the Holsteins.

Milk is sold to Pattermores Dairy and the milk price reflects milk-constituent values. “We want to focus on health and fertility without compromising yield and milk quality,” adds Phil.

“The Holsteins are in the top percentile on the inGENEious report for our key traits and I will keep an eye on these and make sure we maintain this. But there is still scope for improvements in the Jersey herd and genomic test data and the breeding report will hopefully allow us to make good progress.” l

Figure 2: Heifers at Sutton Barton Farm compared to AHDB national average (Jerseys)

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DAIRY-TECH PREVIEW

Dairy-Tech set to showcase

latest innovations We highlight just a few of the key attractions awaiting visitors to Dairy-Tech 2019. With some regular features, and a wealth of new products and services on show for the first time, it should be an interesting and invaluable day out.

TEXT RACHAEL PORTER

E The Dairy Innovation Hub was a popular and busy area at the 2018 event

ver wondered whether milk pasteurised and packed directly at your farm could help avoid the dependency on volatile milk prices currently faced by many farms? Many dairy companies and specialists will be on hand at this year’s Dairy-Tech to answer this and a myriad of other questions and queries.

If it’s on-farm processing that you are interested in, The Direct Dairy, a Dutch start-up focusing on agritech and food-tech, is showcasing its breakthrough concept at the event. Technicians will explain how producers could process their own milk on farm and make a premium product that they could sell

directly from their farm gate to businesses and consumers.

The one-day show will also host a number of more familiar on-farm innovations such as genomics, rapid diagnostics, what the future of forage looks like and how to improve feed efficiency, it also has some fantastic ground-breaking concepts from virtual reality to revolutionary labelling and robots.

“We have developed the event model to stimulate thinking and ensure that the dairy industry is open to a whole host of technological ideas, which will eventually shape the future of all businesses in the sector,” says RABDF’s Matt Knight.

“While, for example, virtual reality is not currently a concept that is widely used in the sector, we hope to be able to demonstrate its potential role on-farm and get businesses thinking about the benefits it could bring. Virtual reality could be an efficient way to provide training and it would also be the answer to hands-free machinery servicing. And, for example, it may also have the potential to link with drones when it comes to field mapping.”

Innovation-focused company Mimica will explain how its labelling system is set to contribute to combating some of Britain’s food-waste problem. The company’s labels detect the freshness of perishable food products, such as milk. The labels are designed to ‘degrade’ at the same rate as the food and to take account of environmental conditions. This will also help to improve food safety.

New products As well as a busy innovation area and more than 50 new products, the dairy hub will focus on a range of topics from risk mitigation, to keeping milk relevant to consumers, applied genomics, and whether we can deliver the Clean Air Strategy. Further sessions include how to attract young people into the sector and staff retention, future regulation of dairy contracts, and Brexit outlooks.

To ensure no practical elements are missed, hoof trimming demonstrations will once again take place.

Steve Hookway will share his knife and grinder trimming techniques. And, for the first time, thermal imaging and its role in detecting lameness will also be demonstrated.

Full speaker timetables can be found online, as well as information about products and services that are being launched at the event.

Tickets cost £17, when booked in advance at www.dairy-tech.uk. Entry is free for RABDF members.

Those wishing to join can sign up at www.rabdf.co.uk

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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 © 2019 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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A FEW WORDS FROM ROGER EVANS

Award-winning columnist and Shropshirebased producer Roger Evans updates us on his recent organic conversion.

The best laid plans...

We went fully organic in July, which meant that we had been farming organically for 20 months. This was no great hardship because our business had been pretty much ‘organic’ for some time. Taking the final step, formally, would allow us to take advantage of better milk prices.

Our scraper tractor has been organic for years. Organic farming used to be called ‘muck and mystery’. This label fits our scraper tractor admirably. It’s covered with muck and how it keeps going is a mystery.

The hardest part, financially, of going organic is the final six months.

You have to buy more expensive organic feed, but you are not yet being paid organic milk prices. We’ve not used organic milk powder for the calves – we feed them whole milk. I did enquire as to how much organic milk powder cost, but was told ‘you wouldn’t want to know’. This response implied that it would turn up on the yard with an armed guard.

So July 1, 2018, was the first day of a new era for us and we needed a good first year in order to keep the wolf from the door and the bank manager at bay. To make our plan work we need about 155 cows each producing more than 6,000 litres. We need them all to be good cows, we don’t need any passengers. We had let numbers decline during the past six months – fewer cows means less expensive feed to buy. We were planning to buy 20 head as soon as we went organic in order to achieve this good year we were planning.

We went through our cows and selected five that weren’t performing and sent them off. Big mistake. They found TB in one cow, we were ‘closed down’, and our cow purchasing plan was put on hold. Our herd TB test was brought forward to the first week in October and I was quite confident of passing. But they found six more, so with the five culls and the TB six we are about 30 cows short of the numbers we need for our grand plan. Our next test is the first week of January and we hope to start buying after that.

Our cattle don’t have contact with neighbours’ cattle and we haven’t bought any in for years. My friends who shoot tell me that there are badgers everywhere. Badgers have started digging a new sett just 50 yards from where I sit now. Apart from that fact that this is taking the p***, what chance do we have when that is happening? If you are to endure as a farmer then you have to look on the bright side. I’ve had a couple of good horoscopes lately, for the New Year. There are just as likely to have a bearing on our future as the ongoing struggle with the TB lottery.

“This response implied that it would turn up on the yard with an armed guard”

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visit us at Dairy-Tech (B97)

Celebrate the new-look

COWMANAGEMENT Test your snowball throwing skills to win a CowManagement coolbag ...

... plus the chance to win a top prize Fill in this card and hand it in during Dairy-Tech 2019

Complete and hand in this card at Dairy-Tech 2019 for a chance to win a top prize!

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FEEDING PROTECTING CONSTITUENTS

Protecting constituents during a change of system One herd manager’s dedication to developing an efficient grazing-based system has earned him the title of Regional Finalist in the ForFarmers Excellence in Farming Awards. We spoke to him to find out more.

TEXT EMILY BALL

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eter McGill moved to Tyers Hall, near Barnsley, just 12 months ago in January 2018, and with his partner, Rachel Richardson, he has already made significant changes in a drive to make the herd more efficient. The herd has switched to a two-block calving system and costs have been cut in a drive towards greater efficiency and profitability.

The unit, based in South Yorkshire, is home to 170 pedigree Jersey cows that are run on an 80-hectare grazing platform.

Average yield previously stood at 5,736 litres per cow, at 5.5% fat and 3.9% protein. The farm is owned by J&E Dickinson and milk is sold to Dickinson’s Longley Farm Dairy. The dairy herd is part of a wider estate, which includes including 323 hectares

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of arable and a pig unit that utilises waste whey from the dairy.

Peter and Rachel aim to increase milk production, while at the same time maintaining milk constituent levels, from a highquality forage diet and with the majority of feed coming from grazed grass. In a bold move, the all-year-round calving and predominantly TMR-fed herd, has been split into a spring-andautumn-block-calving system in just 12 months.

“The plan is to improve cow health, sustainability and efficiency – as well as profitability – by making the best use of high-quality grazed grass in the diet,” explains Peter.

“Our milk buyer needs a level supply, so we’ve opted for the two-block system – and we’ve made the change in just one

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year. “This has meant a significant hit on cash flow for the business, which I’m aware we’ve only been able to do with the support of the estate and Longley Farm Dairy,” he adds.

Calving pattern To make this change in just 12 months, the team stopped serving all cows at the end of January 2018 and didn’t begin again until May, in order to develop the spring block. They then stopped inseminating these cows after six weeks and sent in a sweeper bull for three weeks. In this group more than 57% of cows were in calf to first service. Cows that calved during and after the May/June service period were served in November to make up what will be the autumn block. This block is, again, inseminated for six weeks, before the sweeper bull goes in for three weeks. The herd is now split 50:50, with future plans to have more spring calving cows to further level the milk production profile.

This February will see the spring block calve down for the first time, in a 10-week window. They have been outwintered on forage brassicas and during the close-to period the cows will move to strip grazing with bales. The plan, depending on weather conditions, is to calve outside. They will then move to a paddock-based grazing system, with buffer fed silage as grass availability dictates. “The aim is to feed individuals in the spring block less than a tonne of concentrates a year, while maintaining constituent levels and aiming for yields of between 4,500 and 5,000 litres,” explains Peter.

Both blocks will be run as one herd during the summer and fed to yield in the parlour. The autumn block will then move to deferred grazing for the dry period. They are due to calve in time to take advantage of the autumn spike in grass growth, before being brought inside in mid-October for a month before serving begins. Concentrate use for the autumn block will be around 1.2 tonnes per cow per year. “Our cows are an American-type Jersey, but they are now all in-calf to a more functional Danish-type Jersey with superior health traits,” explains Rachel. “We’ve been surprised at how well the higher type Jerseys grazed during the summer, but we know a more robust type of cow will perform even better on this system.”

This is the first time Peter has managed with a herd that produces milk for a constituent-based contract and is working hard to provide a consistent, high-quality diet that will support yield, as well as butterfat and protein. “The dry, sandy conditions here are ideal for grazing during the shoulders of the season, but they also mean that grass growth can slow down during the summer. The farm has access to an irrigation system, across about 50 hectares, which means buffer feeding will be minimal during the summer. I’m looking to use the irrigator to maintain both grass quantity and quality during the summer. The dry summer in 2018 demonstrated the nutritional hit that grass can take when it dries out and how long it can take to recover from drought.”

Peter has worked with ForFarmers’ Hannah Shirt to develop a whole nutrient management plan, which takes into account what is being grown, what fertiliser resources are available on farm, if and how these need to be supplemented, and how to do this in the most efficient and effective way.

Dry matter yields in 2018 averaged nine tonnes per hectare and with careful management and the minimal use of boughtin fertiliser, Peter and Hannah will aim to increase this in 2019.

“We are working with older swards, so our plan is to reseed 20% of pasture each year. I want to be looking at average dry

Rachel Richardson and Peter McGill

matter yields higher than 11 tonnes per hectare in 2019,” says Peter. “The farm can utilise slurry from the pig unit and the plan is to only use home-produced fertiliser where possible.”

Improving efficiency “Our silage requirements have shrunk considerably because we don’t have the full herd to feed clamp silage to during the winter. We’ve also been able to outwinter all the dry cows and in-calf heifers on nine hectares of brassicas. This, and the other changes to the system here, mean that we have reduced labour requirement and machinery costs considerably. The efficiency of the dairy business has improved,” he adds.

“Moving to a forage-based diet, with a high proportion of grazed grass and on a unit with dry conditions, means that you have to be flexible in your approach,” says ForFarmers’ Kate Netherwood. “Peter has thought about and planned for all possible scenarios. We work together to manage any variability in forage quality and maintain milk constituents. But Peter’s knowledge and attention to detail, as well as the use of a plate meter, mean that he knows the exact dry matter that cows take from grazing and we can accurately feed to supplement that.” l

Jersey milkers: their ration supports milk-constituent production

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MAIZE 24 Seed supply Brexit and seed-dressing ban mean that early ordering could be key to growing your variety of choice this season.

26 Growing by contract Tips and pointers to ensure that growing a forage crop off farm, to free up land and time, is hassle free.

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MAIZE SPECIAL SEED SUPPLY

Place your

seed order early

Selecting the maize variety best suited to the growing conditions on your unit is key. So don’t delay seed ordering this season. Makes decision early to ensure you can have the variety you want.

TEXT PHIL EADES

M

any producers delay when it comes to ordering their forage maize seed. But this plan could back fire this year, according to Limagrain’s Tim Richmond, and for several reasons. Greater demand for seed, Brexit and potential seed import issues, and a ban on seed treatment.

“The typical pattern of maize seed sales is that only around 50% of seed is ordered by the end of February, with the balance ordered late, often in April,” he explains. “Most years, producers are still able to buy their first-choice variety and all the seed they require, but this season looks like it will be different.”

Peter Johns, producer: “I now ensure that I get seed ordered well in advance”

24

Not only is demand for forage maize seed likely to increase, as producers look to rebuild forage stocks after summer 2018’s dry conditions, but the forecast of tightening milk prices, and likely feed cost inflation fuelled by exchange rates, means milk from forage will be even more important.

“Growing extra hectares of maize is a good way to increase total forage production and there is increased interest in growing maize on contract as a way to increase 2019 output. Increased demand could mean that seed stocks for some varieties may be in short supply later in the season,” he explains.

Producers saw the benefits of early maturing options with good early vigour in 2018, with crops establishing and growing quickly. The earlier harvest also means crops are taken in good conditions and, with silage made sooner, it can be incorporated into ration diets earlier.

“The market has been moving towards earlier varieties for several years. If demand remains high, those looking to buy seed late may find that only later maturing options are available. If, by ordering late, you miss out

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Tim Richmond, maize seed manager: “This season looks like it will be different”

on the better performing varieties, the consequence could be that you have to grow an older variety with a resultant reduction in yield, feed value and milk from forage.”

This year also sees the most widely used maize seed treatment being phased out. Mesurol, which is extensively used to reduce problems with frit fly as well as bird damage, will no longer be available. The supply of treated seed is unlikely to continue into April, particularly for the most popular varieties.

“Seed houses will be running down supplies of Mesuroltreated seed because any stocks left at the end of the season will have to be destroyed. For the same reason, distributors will be reluctant to carry excess stocks as the season progresses. Together, these factors mean that the supply of treated seed will be reduced as the season unwinds.

“And sowing untreated seed will increase the risk of poorer establishment and greater losses as a result of bird damage. So by ordering early you will be able to ensure that you get the variety you want, and that the seed has been treated to help promote good establishment.”

Brexit issue As all maize seed either originates from, or is packaged in, Europe before being shipped across the channel, Mr Richmond also warns that depending on the terms of any Brexit deal there may be an impact on the supply of maize seed into the UK.

“Any increase in border and customs checks will potentially delay seed getting to distributors and on to farms. As yet, it is impossible to predict what may happen, but it may be prudent to act early to reduce the risk of possible disruption.”

He adds that the benefits of ordering maize seed early will far outweigh any potential benefits of a delay.

“The most common justifications for late ordering are the hope of late season deals and avoiding having seed in store for too long. But when set against ensuring that you get the variety you want and that seed being treated, the benefits of delaying are insignificant this year.”

The benefits of maize seed selection were put into sharp focus for Devon-based producer Peter Johns in 2018, when he grew two different varieties.

“Maize is a vital part of our system,” says Peter, who runs a 200-cow Holstein herd near Shebbear in North Devon. “We aim to feed it 365 days a year and it accounts for up to 40% of the forage in the milking ration. The starch is crucial to maintain milk quality, as we are on a constituent-based contract.”

The herd is currently averaging 9,700 litres, at 4.08% butterfat and 3.27% protein, and milk is sold to Dairy Crest.

Variety selection “We ran out of maize for a few weeks in 2018 and when we finally re-introduce it to the ration, yields increased by two litres per cow per day.”

With land a limiting factor, and farming at 165 metres above sea level on heavy soils, variety choice is key for Peter who wants high yields and quality, combined with early maturity. He has had considerable success with Ambition, but in 2018 was encouraged to try another variety as well.

“It is the first time I have grown two varieties and was genuinely surprised with the difference,” he says. “I drilled all the fields with the two varieties, side by side, and throughout the season the Ambition was stronger.

At harvest, it was more than 30cm taller and the fields all had ‘waves’. The cobs were also bigger on the Ambition plants, meaning I had compromised quantity and quantity by not sticking to Ambition.”

Working with Harpers Feeds’ Glen Johns, he calculated that, across the 35 hectares of maize grown, he lost around 100 tonnes of forage due to the shorter crop and smaller cob size. And ME content will also have been lower.

“The lesson I learnt is to identify the variety best suited to the farm and to make sure I get seed ordered well in advance,” says Peter. l

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MAIZE SPECIAL GROWING BY CONTRACT

Contract growing to ‘expand’ forage stocks Growing maize under contract, or any formal agreement, off farm is proving increasingly popular with UK producers, not least because it can help to bolster forage stocks and take some of the stress out of what is a specialist job.

TEXT PHIL EADES & RACHAEL PORTER

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rowing maize under contract can benefit dairy and arable producers alike. Dairy producers can grow more forage than their own units can support and they can have access to specialist kit and knowledge. Their land may also be marginal, whereas a neighbouring arable unit may have land that’s better suited to growing maize.

And this also comes with a myriad of benefits, including potentially higher yielding and better-quality crops. And growing maize as a break crop can also offer arable producers a chance to control blackgrass and other persistent weeds, as well as the opportunity to apply farmyard manure. So little wonder that it’s becoming a popular arrangement between producers across the UK. Derbyshire-based producer Bill Holland, who runs a 400-strong herd at Harehill Farm near Sudbury, has been growing maize under agreements with several neighbouring arable units for several years. He says it’s key to ensuring that he has a sufficient ‘buffer’ of high quality silage. This approach certainly paid off in 2018.

He has more than enough forage to see the herd, which is housed all year round, through this winter. But the late spring and dry summer certainly took their toll on silage production. “Feeding maize 365 days a year means we have to plan for bad years and aiming to grow around 25% more than we need in any one year is a key part of this.”

He has 122 hectares of grassland for silage and grows 20 hectares of cereals to break up the maize and produce wheat for the caustic-treatment. And he grows

Bill Holland, producer: “Growing maize off farm ensures a sufficient ‘buffer’ of high-quality silage” 26

80 hectares of maize each year – around 48.5 hectares are grown on farm and the remaining 31.5 hectares are grown on neighbouring farms either on rented land or under contract. In total, he aims to produce around 2,500 tonnes (fresh weight) of maize silage a year.

Whether maize is grown on the farm or on neighbouring rented or contract land, the production system is by and large the same, he says. “We tend to use Picker as our mainstay. This is an ultra-early variety that, considering we’re at the foot of the Peak District and pretty much on the edge of where maize growing is feasible without plastic, yields really well.

“Most importantly, it is reliable and ‘finishes’ properly.

So the maximum amount of starch is laid down and it even showed a fair degree of drought tolerance in 2018.

The varieties Legolas and Ballade also do well up here and on our neighbouring farms.”

He says that not only does growing maize under contract or on rented land allow him to keep a buffer of between 500 and 600 tonnes of maize silage, but it also allows him to rotate his land properly. “It builds an element of flexibility, as well as security, into my forage production system. And this certainly paid off in 2018. Our forage stocks have been good this winter and, going forward, I know I can replenish stocks in 2019.”

Agreement terms Promar International’s Nigel Davies stresses that, as with any contract, it is essential to have clarity and agreement on the terms. “While having maize grown on contract can be a way to boost forage stocks without compromising cropping and management on the home farm, it is important that all parties are clear on responsibilities and costs,” he says. “At the onset, both parties need to agree the form of the arrangement.

“As the purchaser, what are you asking the grower to do? Are they growing a standing crop that you will harvest or are you going to buy harvested forage? This will affect the cost of the contract.

“In many cases we see arrangements where the grower

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Nigel Davies, national consultancy manager: “It’s essential to have clarity on contract terms” covers all the growing costs and agronomy, with the purchaser arranging harvesting and clamping,” he says.

“This has a big benefit in that it allows the party who will be using the forage to have control of many of the factors affecting feed value, such as chop length, harvesting dry matter, and actual clamp management.”

But Mr Davies stresses that it is important to recognise the different objectives of the parties in the agreement.

“And we would recommend that both parties agree on the variety to be grown. The dairy producer wants quantity and feed quality, but the grower will want a crop that is off early so that any following crop can be established in good time. There is a good selection of early maturing varieties with good feed value, so there should be a variety to suit all arrangement.”

Payment method Mr Davies also says that it is vital to agree the basis for payment. Many arrangements are based on a hectarage payment, with the crop grown with agreed inputs. “This is transparent but bears no relation to the yield and quality of the crop,” he says. “One way around this is to agree a price per hectare based on an anticipated yield, for example 42 tonnes per hectare. If the yield exceeds this then the price per hectare increases by an agreed amount per tonne. If yields are below the threshold then the price per hectare is reduced accordingly.”

Mr Davies says that this approach has the drawback that it is based on fresh weight, which bears no relation to how the crop will feed. One approach that overcomes this, and is commonly used by AD operators who purchase significant quantities of maize on contract, is to agree a payment per tonne of dry matter produced.

“Whatever payment method is used, it is essential that it is clearly agreed in advance of the crop being drilled.

It can also be beneficial to agree to appoint a third party to independently monitor the crop. An agronomist, for example, can make decisions on how the crop is grown and also advise on harvest date.

“Finally, agree the payment terms,” stresses Mr Davies.

“In most cases, this will involve an agreed fixed amount per hectare early in the season to cover cashflow for inputs, with a balancing payment once the crop is harvested.” l

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FORFARMERS FOCUS

Re-assess calf feeding levels as temperatures fall With temperatures dropping this winter it is important to keep in mind the impact that cold weather can have on young-stock performance. Achieving good calf growth rates during prolonged periods of cold weather can be challenging because calves will divert energy reserves away from growth to help maintain a comfortable body temperature. If extra feed is not supplied to help compensate for this extra drain on energy, calves will experience poor growth rates and their susceptibility to illness or bacterial infection can also increase.

In order to maintain strong calf performance during cold weather it is important to provide calves with extra feed to help their bodies compensate for exposure to a lower critical temperature (LCT). At 10°C and below, calves will suffer from cold stress and using increasing amounts of energy to help maintain a constant body temperature. It’s important to be aware that the LCT for a calf will depend on its age. Calves that are less than three weeks old have a LCT of 20°C, compared to calves that are more than

bovens bovens regel o

three weeks of age, which have a LCT of 10°C. Failing to provide additional feed during cold periods can risk calves straying into negative energy balance. This is where the amount of energy a calf expends to keep warm is greater than the amount of energy that they receive from feed.

Feeding additional calf milk replacer (CMR) is essential to ensure that calves are able to keep themselves warm and have the energy reserves to maintain strong levels of growth.

Failure to do this can negatively impact on weight gain, as well as damage the calf’s immune system, leaving them susceptible to illness. As a rule of thumb, feed an extra 10g of CMR for every degree drop below the LCT. Another important point is to try and increase the feeding rate by changing the concentration, from say 15% to 17%, rather than increasing the number of litres fed per day.

For more information on caring for your calves this winter, please contact ForFarmers and ask to speak to one of our regional young stock specialists by calling 0330 678 0982 or visit www.forfarmers.co.uk

Choosing the correct maize variety Choosing the correct maize variety for your farm and the needs of your cows has a huge impact on the success of the crop. Farmers need to select a variety with the right earliness of maturity for their location, which will be ready for harvest at the required date, but also consider the feeding quality attributes.

Cell wall digestibility (CWD) is becoming an increasingly important factor for feeding high levels of maize silage in a diet. Over 50% of the total energy in maize is in the vegetative parts of the plant. In varieties with high CWD, more of this energy is available to the cow.

Varieties with high CWD provide a slow release of carbohydrate to the rumen, reducing the risk of acidosis from high starch content. This becomes more important as the proportion of maize in the diet rises above 40%.

Pinnacle is a new leading First Choice variety on the 2019 BSPB/NIAB list and combines a very high starch content of 35.9% with improved CWD to produce superb quality silage and a DM yield of 102%. The improved CWD of 58.2% maximises the energy yield and feeding performance.

Pinnacle also has the addition of the biological treatment ‘Starcover’ added which promotes the establishment and root development of the maize crop.

Book early to ensure seed availability for the 2019 growing season by calling 0330 678 1200.

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HEALTH CALF REARING

Blueprint set to help

reach 2020 targets Producers have been working hard to implement guidelines to help reduce the use of certain antimicrobials on their units. In order to review progress and learn from each other, Boehringer Ingelheim organised a roundtable meeting, which was attended by producers, policy-makers, vets and advisers.

TEXT SIONED TIMOTHY

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I

unvaccinated calves intranasal vaccinated

injectable vaccinated

40 number of UK calves (x 100,000)

n late 2017, the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) identified calf rearing as a particular ‘hot spot’ of antimicrobial therapy for respiratory disease. “In order to help the dairy and beef sectors meet the agreed 2020 targets of 20% and 10% reductions in antibiotic use, respectively, all parties must continue to work together, developing clear and practical advice and protocols that are easy and straightforward to implement,” explains Boehringer Ingelheim’s Matt Yarnall.

The major outcome from a roundtable meeting, organised by Boehringer Ingelheim, was the Calf Health and Welfare Blueprint, an at-a-glance guide to factors associated with successful calf rearing. The blueprint will be launched at Dairy-Tech 2019.

35 30 25 20

Figure 1: Number of UK calves vaccinated with intranasal or injectable BRD vaccine or un-vaccinated

15 10 5 0

Survey results The blueprint focuses on many important aspects associated with successful and healthy calf management.

These include: nutrition, calf housing, optimising calf immunity, reducing challenges and stress, accurate record keeping, veterinary input, and setting objectives and measuring performance.

“The roundtable meeting used the findings from 2018’s Calfmatters survey to drive the discussion,” explains Mr Yarnall. “Around 400 producers took part in the survey, with 67% being dairy producers, 30% beef, and the rest either mixed units or calf rearers.

“It was great to see that more than half of producers (56%) said that less than 5% of calves had been treated for pneumonia during the past year. That said, 39% were still struggling and estimated that they treated more than 10% of calves for the disease.

“A wide range of measures were being implemented to prevent calf pneumonia but, overall, it was disappointing to see that 66% of producers still do not vaccinate calves,” he adds.

There is little doubt that an outbreak of pneumonia leads to extra work and stress, as well as some longerterm health issues. The treatment of calf pneumonia is also under scrutiny, as advisers and vets seek to reduce incidence levels and so, antimicrobial use, particularly highest priority critically important antibiotics (HPCIAs).

“The advice to producers who are looking to reduce pneumonia and vet and med spend is to speak to your vet. Spend some time looking at treatment records for

the previous season, plus heifer growth rates if you have them, and then crunch some numbers. This is particularly important if the upfront cost looks like an obstacle. Adding vaccination into the plan could significantly improve calf health, wellbeing, and resistance to disease,” stresses Mr Yarnall.

Vaccination benefits Those stating that they vaccinate for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) were asked what differences were observed, compared to when calves were unvaccinated and, again, some valuable information was revealed.

Responses showed, as well as a reduced incidence of pneumonia, a reduction in antibiotic use, improved calf health and welfare, fewer vet visits, faster weight gain to 12 months old, and faster weight gain to two years old.

Technical trials and studies, including the Calfmatters survey, underline that vaccination can help to reduce the incidence of disease, reduce antimicrobial use and improve calf health and welfare.

“Knowing this, I expect that vaccination, which could include one of the Bovalto range of vaccines, will really see an increase during the next few years,” says Mr Yarnall. l The Calf Health and Welfare Blueprint will be launched at Dairy-Tech 2019, on February 6, and will be available online at www.calfmatters.com. Posters and handouts will also be available via vet practices.

Antimicrobial ‘hot spots’ highlighted during meeting The Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) task force first met in December 2016 with the specific aim of looking at how to best respond to the warnings in the O’Neill report on antibiotic use and resistance.

At the roundtable meeting, BCVA board member and dairy and beef sector representative on the RUMA targets task force Elizabeth Berry said that agreement was quickly reached on a ‘One Health’ approach,

much like the World Health Organisation’s, to deliver results.

One Health is an approach that designs and implements programmes, policies, legislation and research in which multiple sectors communicate and work together to achieve better outcomes.

She added that the dairy sector was often seen as the third most high-profile user and that the beef sector fell ‘under the radar’ due to data gathering limitations. Dr Berry

also touched on the issues concerning a significant amount of routine preventative use, including the use of blanket dry cow therapy as well as foot bathing, and flagged these up as areas to review.

Other obvious ‘hot spots’ for use, particularly in calves, include: respiratory disease and calf scour, navel ill, and mycoplasma.

In older cattle lameness, calving problems and caesareans are all linked to increased antimicrobial use.

cowmanagement JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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Reaching new heights for starch yields 3 Maximum starch yields - 6.5t / ha 3 Improved cell wall digestibility - 58.2% 3 Dry matter content 34.3% Equates to 18.1t dry matter yield / ha 3 Above average early vigour 7.3 for rapid early season growth

Added to the first choice descriptive list for 2019 Pinnacle is producing maximum starch yields and improved cell wall digestibility, maximising energy yield and feeding performance from an early harvest.

ForFarmers

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0330 678 1200

info.forage@forfarmers.eu

www.forfarmers.co.uk

17-01-19 09:40

BREEDING INFORMATION

E-Profit: economics with capital letters A newcomer to the latest bull index run is Magister-son De Leenhorst E-Profit. With Magister, Danno and G-Force in his pedigree, E-Profit descends from an impressive line of reliable, proven bulls. But this young sire of sons transcends the achievements of his ancestors – he pushes boundaries.

E-Profit writes economics with capital letters thanks to his high level of components (+0.18% fat, +0.16% protein), combined with +453kg for milk and, without exception, positive health and fertility characteristics.

The icing on the cake is that he is also an easy calving sire.

“More commercial producers will be attracted to this bull. He is the answer to the current market situation,” says CRV’s breeding specialist Henk Verheij.

He adds that this extra profitability also comes from the maternal line of E-Profit. “His mother gave almost 10,000kg of milk, with more than 4% protein, during her heifer lactation.

E-Profit’s grandmother and great-grandmother also recorded between 3.80% and 3.90% protein for several 305-day lactations. “High components are anchored in this family, as are optimal body measurements and suitability for robotic milking and grazing.”

Delta Magister is the sire of newcomer De Leenhorst E-Profit

Delta Jacobus Another addition to CRV Avoncroft’s portfolio is Delta Jacobus (Topgear x Mobile). He has an average score for stature, transmits a lot of chest width, and his daughters have good condition score (106). Jacobus daughters also have good, healthy udders and he offers scores of 108 for hoof health, 104 for daughter fertility, and 105 for ketosis.

He descends from the Jaantje family.

His grandmother Delta Jara has completed several trouble-free 15,000-litres lactations and got back in calf easily. This Delta Augustus (Gibor x Mascol) daughter has a total lifetime production of more than 68,000kg of milk so far.

Both conventional and sexed semen from Jacobus is available.

Delta Jara, granddam of Jacobus

Haribo: second best newcomer in Fleckvieh ranking 288,000kg of milk. And the daughters of this Hutera son, who is currently one of the most popular Fleckvieh sires in the UK, are also very productive (+1,078kg) with balanced fat (+0.02%) and protein (–0.01%). Haribo sires medium-sized framed cows. Heifers are efficient (+8%) and persistent producers (116).

udders (111). The overall health trait score is +6%.

Hongkong PP (Hoffnung PS x Polarbaer) is an outcross homozygote polled bull. He transmits good milk production (+603kg), high milk components (+0.05% protein) and great efficiency (+8%). His daughters will have healthy udders (112) and good longevity (111).

Mocca Pp and Hongkong PP Haribo

In the December bull-proof run, Haribo turned out to be the second-best newcomer in the Fleckvieh ranking, with 127 TMI. The three dams in his pedigree produced more than

Mocca Pp and Hongkong PP are two promising new Fleckvieh additions to CRV Avoncroft’s portfolio. Mocca Pp (Mahango Pp x Vorum) is a heterozygote polled bull. He is an all-rounder: good milk production (+779kg), positive components (+0.06% protein) and great efficiency (+9%). His daughters also have good feet and legs (117) and strong

For more information about CRV Avoncroft’s sires, products and services, call 0800 7831880 for free or visit www.crvavoncroft.com www.facebook.com/CRVAvoncroft

cowmanagement JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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FEEDING MYCOTOXIN UPDATE

Don’t underestimate potential mycotoxin risk Several factors are combining to raise the risk of mycotoxins and a negative impact on milk yields, fertility and cow health. We spoke to a leading nutritionist to find out more.

TEXT ROLY MARKS

D Mycotoxin risk: drier silages and poorer quality straw mean that some producers should remain vigilant

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rier grass silages, greater reliance on third and fourth cuts and reduced availability of good quality straw are all increasing the threat posed by mycotoxins this winter.

And, according to AB Vista’s Derek McIlmoyle, the scale of the problem continues to be overlooked by many producers despite the substantial negative impact on cow performance, health and fertility.

“Forage and straw shortages mean that most dairy

units are having to feed the milking herd more latecut grass silages than usual and, in some cases, straw that would more typically be used for bedding,” he says. “These lower quality forages are more prone to mould growth and the build-up of mycotoxins.”

Drier silages are also at risk of aerobic moulds. Grass silage samples (2018) analysed so far by Scotland’s Rural College show that average dry matters could be as much as 4% higher than 2017.

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70

35

60 % of samples

30 % of samples

25 20

50 40 30

15

20

10

10 0

5 0

0

1

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mo

Fu

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number of mycotoxins detected

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ol

len

a niv

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on

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T2

xin To

y ox Ze De type of mycotoxins detected

2 HT

xin To

Figure 1: Number of mycotoxins detected in 2017/2018 European maize samples (source: Micron Bio-Systems)

Figure 2: Level of individual mycotoxins detected in 2017/2018 European maize samples (source: Micron Bio-Systems)

Mycotoxin testing of maize samples (grain and silage) from across Europe carried out by Micron Bio-Systems in 2017 confirm the scale of the ongoing challenge posed by in-feed mycotoxins. Of the samples tested, 84% contained one or more mycotoxins, 58% contained at least two and 26% were contaminated with three or more mycotoxins (see Figures 1 and 2).

indicators include rough coats, listless activity, variable manure consistency and the presence of mucus tags – pieces of gut wall – in the manure. “Research has shown that dairy heifer conception rates fell from 87% to 62% where ZON was present in the ration,” he says. “Even chronic lameness, foot lesions that won’t heal, or an increase in somatic cell counts, mastitis and cystic ovaries, can indicate a mycotoxin problem. The risk is also much greater when cows are suffering from subacute ruminal acidosis, which reduces the ability of rumen microbes to deactivate certain mycotoxins. And SARA also causes damage to the rumen wall and this eases the passage of those mycotoxins into the blood.”

Most prevalent The most prevalent mycotoxin was deoxynivalenol (DON), which was present in 62% of the maize samples (see Figure 2) and is highly damaging to ruminants.

“DON is also unaffected by simple clay-based mycotoxin binders, and has to be physically transformed using specific active ingredients before it can be neutralised,” explains Dr McIlmoyle.

There is currently little data available to show the full extent to which UK feedstuffs are contaminated with mycotoxins, but he says that it’s an issue that affects more than just forages. Any feed that is grown outdoors, exposed to humidity or stored for any length of time is at risk, with mould growth likely to be accelerated by insect or mechanical damage, contamination with soil or bird faeces, or poor storage conditions.

Previous testing carried out in 2014, for example, found that 92% of all TMRs tested contained mycotoxins, along with 82% of maize silages, 80% of barley samples and 75% of wheat samples. Many of the most damaging mycotoxins – DON, zearalenone (ZON) and T2 toxin – are produced by the Fusarium moulds that commonly affect growing feed crops. Others, such as aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), are generated by the Aspergillus moulds, which are typically seen in stored feeds.

‘Masked’ mycotoxins “Some of the mycotoxins produced when crops are growing actually get combined with sugars within the plant,” explains Dr McIlmoyle. “Although these ‘masked’ mycotoxins aren’t detected by standard mycotoxin testing, there’s evidence to suggest they can be released during digestion and add to the overall mycotoxin load on the animal.”

Common symptoms of mycotoxin ingestion are a reduction in milk yields, lower butterfat levels, worsening body condition and infertility. Other

Managing risk So it’s important to minimise the incidence of SARA when facing a mycotoxin threat. Avoid overloading the rumen with excess rapidly fermentable starch, consider adding a slow-release rumen conditioner to buffer rumen pH and take steps to reduce stress, such as caused overcrowding, competition for feed and aggression.

Paying close attention to feed storage, silage clamp management and feed hygiene is also critical to limit additional mould growth. Visibly spoiled or mouldy material should always be discarded and feed-out areas should also be cleaned daily to remove refusals.

“If the ration is heating in front of the cows – a sure sign aerobic fungal growth is taking place – consider feeding less, but more often, to reduce the time available for spoilage,” advises Dr McIlmoyle. “Many top herds are also now routinely including a high-quality mycotoxin de-activator to protect cow health and production.”

A clear performance response within two to three weeks of adding a de-activator to the ration is indicative that mycotoxins are present at significant levels. An additional yield of between two and three litres per cow per day is not unusual.

“Just make sure it’s a broad spectrum, multi-component de-activator that’s been developed for use in ruminants, and can act to ‘open up’ important mycotoxins such as DON for de-activation,” says Dr McIlmoyle.

“And avoid the basic clay-based binders. They’re not only ineffective against the likes of DON, but they can also bind with minerals and vitamins in the ration, making them less available.” l

cowmanagement JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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DAIRY MANAGEMENT NEWS

GeneTracker dates The next three dates for submitting tissue samples for genomic testing through NMR’s GeneTracker are: January 31, with results on March 5 February 21, with results on April 2 April 4, with results on May 8.

Move to Interherd+

Clarifide now available through NMR Clarifide, the simple genomic test from Zoetis, will now be available through vets and through NMR. This partnership with NMR will increase the accessibility of Clarifide to producers.

The Clarifide service gives strategic breeding options with the added value of a bespoke consultancy package through trained vets. It allows testing of animals from six breeds; Holstein, British Friesian, Guernsey, Jersey, Ayrshire and Brown Swiss.

NMR will continue to offer its GeneTracker genomics testing service which will be powered by Clarifide. GeneTracker will now also be available to all the main dairy breeds.

Zoetis genomics business manager Phil Cullinan says: “Having easy access to Clarifide will help producers speed up genetic progress and reduce upfront costs by predicting a heifer’s ability earlier, so they can keep the heifers they want.”

NMR’s genomics manager, Richard Miller, adds: “Clarifide and GeneTracker users will benefit from a more integrated and comprehensive service. Both services will have automatic access to AHDB data and offer accurate reporting and results analysis options. This will help producers and their advisers maximise the benefit of genomic data in their herds.”

Follow-up pregnancy test pays off Results from a two-year study by NMR showed that a follow-up milk pregnancy test can be used to identify cows that have lost a pregnancy. The study ran alongside the routine milk recording and vet fertility visits, with more than 10,000 samples tested from 1,052 cows in six herds in GB. The findings, which were presented at the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) conference in October 2018, showed that routinely using the test on milk samples from cows between 70 and 110 days after breeding successfully identified cows that had lost a pregnancy, enabling cows to be re-bred and to remain in the herd.

The milk pregnancy test, which uses the same sample collected at the NMR milk recording, detects pregnancy-associated glycoproteins

(PAGs), which are produced by cells in the placenta. The placenta forms only when there is a pregnancy, so the detection of PAGs in a milk sample is a convenient way to check pregnancy status.

“Our study results showed that used in this way, in a 100-cow herd, the test identified six out of seven cows that had a pregnancy loss,” says NMR vet Eamon Watson. “None of these cows had been identified by normal heat detection methods, so the PAG test was the first indication that these cows had lost a pregnancy.

“In our study, 50% of these cows were successfully re-bred. This would mean three cows being re-bred and remaining in the 100-cow herd, which more than covers the cost of the test for the whole herd.”

InterHerd+ is now available for producers wishing to migrate from InterHerd or even to start using the program from scratch and now contains complete data entry. It comes with comprehensive analysis on milk, constituents and fertility. There is a live link to NMR and Herd Companion plus automatic data download of milk recording results, including Johne’s.

Licence fees are the same as InterHerd and on-line training is provided.

New-look tags Nordic Star has recently changed its blank tag supplier to leading manufacturer Caisley, to take advantage of a tag with even higher retention rates than the tags previously offered through the company.

Conventional tags, as well as replacements, are still printed by Nordic Star. Tissue sampling tags (BVD and DNA) are now also printed in the UK. This reduces the time from receiving the order to delivery to two or three working days. They are also packaged in strips of four, which makes them easier to use on farm and reduces the risk of mis-tagging calves.

Strip of four tags with the BVD tissue vial integral to the tagging process

For more information on NMR products and services contact customer services: 03330 043 043, email: customerservices@nmr.co.uk www.nmr.co.uk

cowmanagement JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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cowmanagement JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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GOLD CUP FINALISTS

Two more finalists have

gold in their sights Stephen & Mark Montgomery, Drumahoe, Co Londonderry HERD FACTS

System Herd size Average yield SCC Calving interval

autumn calving 180 pedigree Holstein cows, 68 in-calf heifers and 60 heifer calves 10,074kg of milk, at 3.93% butterfat and 3.22% protein, on twice-a-day milking 136,000 cells/ml 375 days

In just 10 years, brothers Stephen and Mark Montgomery have built their pedigree dairy enterprise, based in Northern Ireland, from nothing. Their first 100 pedigree Holsteins were bought from a neighbour and they were walked the half mile up the road on September 5, 2008.

Now – following substantial investment in land, buildings and cattle – the brothers are consolidating their business and focusing on fine tuning dairy herd management, including health, fertility and breeding, on 145 hectares of owned and rented land. The herd has been closed for the past eight years and cows are averaging 10,000 litres of milk. Stephen looks after the breeding side of management and selects sires for butterfat and protein, and PLI. “We are producing enough volume of milk. I select sires using PLI, and look for good fertility, SCC and lifespan scores, as well as butterfat and protein. I’m not looking to breed a big cow, but one that is robust and balanced. I choose bulls with good scores for udders, feet and legs, and rumps,” Stephen says, adding that he also uses genomic bulls and plans to genomically test his heifer calves in 2019.

The brothers, who grew up on their family dairy farm, decided to invest in dairying in 2007, building a new unit on a greenfield site that comprises a 126-cow cubicle

40

Stephen and Mark Montgomery: “We strive to improve technical efficiency” house with feed passage, as well as an underground slurry tank to comply with winter NVZ restrictions. A calf house and calving pens were also built and a GEA 50-degree 20:40 swing-over herringbone parlour, with a collecting yard, was installed in an existing shed on the farm.

They also built a silage pit. Further investment was made in 2009 in cubicle housing for heifers and since then they have added another silage pit, extended the calf house and built another cubicle house to accommodate 72 cows.

Block calving

The management system is simple and traditional with cows milked twice a day and grazed during the summer, and fed a TMR during the winter, which is topped up to yield in the parlour. The herd is predominantly autumn calving, with 80% in a block from October to December.

This suits milk buyer Lacpatrick Dairies, who produce milk powder. And it allows the brother to focus on AI and fertility in January and February. “For the first six to eight weeks we AI using Holstein semen. We then follow with a beef triple mix of Hereford, Angus and British Blue. This improves conception rates. At grass they are run with an Aberdeen Angus sweeper bull,” explains Stephen. “Heifers are served using Holstein sexed semen for four weeks and then an Aberdeen Angus bull is introduced.”

“Looking to the future, we will strive to improve technical efficiency by using the latest technology. You have to keep moving forward and learn new ways of doing things to keep one step ahead and stay in business.”

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In the final article in our series on the 2018 NMR/RABDF Gold Cup finalists, we profile two more herds who will be hoping to lift the coveted trophy that will be presented at Dairy-Tech 2019 on February 6.

TEXT KAREN WRIGHT

Gavin Davies & Bryn Moore, Stowell Farms, Marlborough, Wiltshire HERD FACTS System Herd size Average yield SCC Calving interval

Gavin and Bryn Moore: “Success is due to the work of the entire team” Stowell Farms looks after the agricultural enterprises on the family owned 1,100-hectare Stowell Estate, based in the heart of the Pewsey Vale in Wiltshire. The livestock enterprises include a 515- strong Holstein herd, managed on a brand-new unit that was built in 2011. This investment also allowed the herd to expand from 140 milkers.

An AD plant was also built on the site to process arable crops from the estate, as well as the slurry produced by the cows. This plant produces all the electricity required by the farm and 83% of output is fed into the National Grid.

Improvements in herd performance have been recorded across the board and this is something that farm manager Gavin Davies and herd manager Bryn Moore attribute to a team effort. “Success is not down to one individual, but to the entire team, including our vet and nutritionist, who’ve all had a positive impact on our business,” says Bryn. “And through monitoring our key performance indicators and calculating cost of production every month we make sure we work towards our targets.”

Good health is key to the success of this large herd and Gavin and Bryn pay a lot of attention to lameness prevention. “We carry out fortnightly mobility scoring, and aim to address any problems within the first 24 hours following detection. Mobility scores have improved and are around 90%. Our target is 95%.”

They’ve also identified ketosis as a potential threat to herd health and carry out regular fresh-cow checks. “We check the cow’s temperature on day four and seven post calving.

And on day four we also test for ketones using a meter.”

all-year-round calving 515 cows, 436 young stock 10,052kg of milk, at 3.71% butterfat and 3.24% protein 132,000 cells/ml 386 days

The herd is also vaccinated against Leptospirosis, BVD and IBR. It tests and monitors for Johne’s disease too.

“Since we signed up for this scheme, we’ve reduced the proportion of ‘red’ cows to just 4%,” says Bryn.

Fertility progress

Fertility has also been targeted with considerable success.

Calving index has fallen from 415 days to 386 days, due to improved conception rates and a pregnancy rates that has increased from 18% to 23%. The target is 25%. “Taking the AI back in house, using the Pinpoint system to aid the timing of services, has been a good step forward,” says Gavin.

“We have installed the Cow Manager Eartag system recently and it is already showing significant benefits.

Submission rates are rising and pregnancy rates are better due to improved heat detection and AI timing. “And we’ve caught some sick cows early, leading to better outcomes and reduced treatment and antibiotic use.”

The tags measure feeding and rumination, as well as activity, and this information, coupled with the cow’s temperature, acts as an early-warning system for any health issues. “Early intervention will give us better outcomes from speedier treatments and will also reduce overall medicine use and vet intervention. This should improve productivity and reduce costs.” Milk is sold to Watson’s Dairies.

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HEALTH NEWS

NSAID choice discussed in light of VMD product suspension

Chris Hudson: “Producers should speak to their vet for advice”

The recent Veterinary Medicines Directorate suspension of all products for food-producing animals containing the excipient (stabiliser or carrier), diethanolamine (DEA) is a hot topic for vets and dairy producers alike. This group of products contains commonly-used injectable formulations of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), flunixin, and this could create issues for producers seeking to control pain in their herds.

University of Nottingham’s clinical associate professor in dairy health and production, Chris Hudson, says that cattle are naturally stoical animals, which means it can sometimes be

Common conditions that are known to be painful and where NSAID use is routine • Difficult calving • Caesareans and other surgical procedures • Limb fracture • Treatment of sole ulcer

difficult to spot pain and discomfort. The use of painkillers relies on recognising pain, or perceiving that certain conditions, such as mastitis or disbudding, can be painful and would benefit from treatment with an NSAID. “We don’t want producers to suddenly find that treatments that they have previously used are no longer available. This could lead to problems related to lack of pain management so the advice is that they should speak to their vet,” he adds.

Dr Hudson was involved with a recent study, published in late 2017, examining how vet perception of pain and readiness to use NSAIDs had changed recently.

Almost all respondents (99%) said that cattle benefit from receiving analgesic drugs as part of their treatment and 96% said it speeds up recovery. The situations when treatment may be needed ranged from caesarean section to castration and LDA surgery to disbudding.

“Recognition and management of pain is now much better on most units and, in many cases, protocols for specific procedures will include pain relief,” says Dr Hudson.

“There are some conditions and situations that are well recognised as being painful to animals, but where NSAID use is not as widespread as perhaps it should be. These include calf disbudding and castration.”

NSAIDs such as Metacam (meloxicam), which remains licensed for use, can be helpful in cases of pneumonia, where a quicker recovery means less chance of lasting lung damage. Similarly, scouring calves will start to eat, drink and recover more quickly if they are pain free. Studies have also shown that giving an NSAID to cows with mastitis is associated with a greater first-service conception rate, compared with cows whose mastitis treatment did not include pain relief.

“Producers should talk to their vet about the NSAIDs that are still available and not affected by the VMD’s recent decision,” concludes Dr Hudson.

Reason behind VMD’s decision The UK NSAID market has grown by 40% during the past five years. Market leader, Metacam, is unaffected by the suspension of NSAIDs that contain diethanolamine (DEA). The Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (the advisory

committee to the European Medicines Agency) has issued an opinion relating to the human safety of consuming food animals treated with products containing DEA and the VMD’s response has been to suspend all products containing it.

BVD Survey 2019 The eradication of bovine viral diarrhoea should be high on the agenda for all producers. This costly disease affects many areas of herd health and performance and producers who tackle it report better herd performance and improved profitability. Following the success of the third National BVD Survey in 2018, Boehringer Ingelheim wanted to find out more about how producers manage and control BVD. So once again it is inviting producers to take part in the 2019 survey.

This is a nationally important study, and your responses provide key information to the policy makers, government and national organisations who have helped compile this survey.

So please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire.

Respondents will also be automatically entered into a prize draw for a chance to win one of 10 Lenovo tablets.

The closing date for completed surveys is January 31, 2019.

You can access the survey at www.bvdsurvey.co.uk

For more information about Boehringer Ingelheim’s products: www.boehringer-ingelheim.co.uk www.calfmatters.com www.bvdsurvey.co.uk Telephone: 01344 74 69 60 Email address: ukcustomersupport @boehringer-ingelheim.com

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BREEDING FEED EFFICIENCY

Greater focus on

feed conversion When it comes to feed conversion efficiency, differences of up to £1.35 in margin over feed per cow per day were found between sires’ daughter groups. One specialist predicts that selection based on feed efficiency will be the next phase in cattle breeding.

TEXT WICHERT KOOPMAN

B

efore the introduction of genomic selection, many expensive measurements would have been necessary to estimate reliable breeding values for bulls for feeding efficiency. “That picture is now changing very fast,” says CRV breeding specialist Pieter van Goor. He adds that breeding for feed efficiency is set to be the next phase in dairy breeding after production, conformation, longevity and health.

The feed conversion rate of dairy cattle is calculated by dividing milk production in kilogrammes of FPCM (milk with a standard percentage of fat and protein) by the feed intake in kilogrammes of dry matter. Statistics on

44

milk production are widely available, but until recently there were no hard figures for feed intake.

Since 2017, CRV has been monitoring the intake of individual cows on the farm owned by the Alders family, based in Overloon in the Netherlands. The breeding organisation also has data from six test farms in the Netherlands and Flanders and, to date, has feed conversion data from 5,600 cows. “We want to increase this figure to at least 10,000 in the next few years and, to achieve this, we are going to install special feeders on a further nine farms, so we can measure the data of 1,500 cows each year,” explains CRV’s Sander de Roos.

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Until now calculating the feed conversion rate was limited to what happened in the cow house and parlour, says Mr van Goor. “But we realise that many cows get a significant proportion of their ration from grazing,” he says. “So, together with the researchers involved in the Amazing Grazing project, we are investigating how we can also collect data on the intake of meadow grass.”

He also assumes that cows that produce efficiently on an indoor ration will also utilise grazing rations efficiently.

“But it’s vital to verify that assumption in practice.”

Heritable trait In order to breed successfully for a particular trait, variation between animals is important, as is a sufficiently high heritability. The initial results of data measurement on the Alders’ unit offer good prospects in that area too. “The differences between individual cows are greater than I expected,” says Mr van Goor. “For instance, the least efficient cow produces 1.2 FPCM from a kilogramme of feed dry matter. And the most efficient animal produces 1.9 kilogrammes of milk,” he says.

The raw data also reveals clear disparities between bulls.

“Atlantic’s 23 daughters, for example, realise, on average, a feed efficiency of 1.50. Whereas the 11 Snowfever daughters reach 1.63. That adds up to a difference in feed margin of more than £1.35 per cow per day,” Mr Van Goor explains.

In this calculation, the milk price is set at 32ppl and the cost price of compound feed and roughage at 24p and 14p per kilogramme of dry matter.

But, of course, breeding is not all about feed conversion.

In terms of health, the Atlantics beat the Snowfevers, for example. But the results do show what can be accomplished, according to Mr Van Goor.

He emphasises that how feed is utilised is not just determined by the efficiency with which cows convert feed into milk. Feed is also needed during the dry period and to rear young stock. This explains why cow longevity is also a factor. And good health and fertility are important for longevity. The higher the average lifetime production of the cows, the fewer young stock replacements and less feed is needed to produce the same volume of milk. “So, the feed conversion trait will always be balanced against other traits in our breeding programme,” he stresses.

Mr Van Goor is often asked about the correlation between body weight and feed conversion efficiency.

“A heavier cow needs, on average, more feed for maintenance. But that doesn’t mean that breeding on feed conversion will create Holsteins with the build of Jersey cattle. If a cow produces relatively more milk, a higher body weight does not have to compromise the feed conversion rate,” he explains.

As the availability of feed intake data generated in practice improves, so does his enthusiasm about the opportunities of breeding based on feed conversion.

“Breeding is all about patience and it will be while before we can capitalise on its full potential. As we are at the beginning, the advances are rapid. Producers can see the results in their herds after just one generation.” l

Three full sisters: identical weight and feed intake, but considerable differences in production Three full sisters in the Alders’ herd are proof that variations in feed conversion are not necessarily visible from the outside. Linde 1, Linde 2 and Linde 3 (all daughters of Fun P) weigh 596, 605 and 623 kilogrammes respectively. And with a daily intake of 25.4, 25.3 and 25.5 kilogrammes of dry matter, they consume almost identical amounts of feed.

However, they have considerable differences

in production. Linde 1 produced on average 36.5kg of FPCM, Linde 2 produced 33.6kg, and Linde 3 yielded 40.9kg. The most efficient of the trio, therefore, produced 1.60kg of FPCM per kilogramme of dry matter, while the least efficient gave 1.3kg of FPCM from one kilogramme of feed. That results in a difference in margin over feed of £2.26 per cow per day.

body feed weight intake production efficiency Linde 1 Linde 2 Linde 3

596 605 623

25.4 25.3 25.5

36.5 33.6 40.9

1.43 1.32 1.60

Table 1: Differences in body weight, feed intake, production and efficiency for three full sisters

The conformation differences between Linde 1, 2 and 3 are slight, but the differences in feed conversion are significant

cowmanagement JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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BREEDING BULL PROOFS

Has PLI ‘obsession’ gone too far?

Renown pedigree breeder and runner up in the 2017 NMR/RABDF Gold Cup, James Tomlinson is disappointed with the latest bull proof run. We spoke to him to find out why.

TEXT RACHAEL PORTER

I

t’s something he eagerly anticipates three times a year – typically because there are a few exciting sires to pick from an increasingly impressive array of bulls.

“But this time I was disappointed – there were no sires I’d touch at all in the daughter-proven ranking’s top 10 – or even the top 20. And the genomic ranking was only marginally better.”

So what’s the issue? James says that the obsession with PLI has caused problems this time around.“The linears are falling short. There are too many extremes. And this is because breeders are chasing PLIs – they’re becoming ludicrously high. There are far too many negative scores on key traits. As a result, problems with, for example, teat length and rump angle, are creeping back after generations of corrective breeding.”

Number-one sire Occupying the top spot in the daughter-proven ranking is Larcrest Commend, a bull who made his first appearance as a genomic young sire in 2015 and now has a Profitable Lifetime Index (£PLI) of £777. This Balisto son has a high Predicted Transmitting Ability (PTA) for milk quality, with fat and protein at +0.22% and +0.11% respectively. As more daughters have come into milk, he has also inched upwards for milk volume while VH Balisto Brook

48

Cookiecutter Harper

continuing to demonstrate a good Lameness Advantage (+2.7). There’s no doubt that he’s an impressive sire, but James is put off by his negative score for teat length.

“When you dig down into the linears, you can really see the issues that chasing PLI are creating. With the considerable minuses on some of the traits, you can do a lot of damage in just one generation.”

Equally imposing is Weigeline Jacey Tabasco, who has moved up from fifth to second (PLI £734) with high PTAs for milk (+1,054kg) and protein (+34.5 kg). And Mocon, who led the way in the previous index run, now ranks third, with a PLI of £726 and an exceptional daughter Lifespan Index of +0.8.

“But he has a massive minus on chest width, as well as minus scores for feet and legs and rump angle. This is a shame as he’s +2.3 on teat length and I would have considered using him if his linear wasn’t all over the place,” says James.

He adds that teat length is becoming an issue in many herds. “It’s my deal breaker. I have categorically stopped using these sires.”

James adds that other problems, such as sloping rumps, are also creeping back in. “This is a shame as producers have worked hard to breed out a lot of these issues, which were the result of chasing PIN and milk yield in EDG Rubicon

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James Tomlinson: “There’s a trio of genomic sires that really caught my eye”

the past. And this is inevitable when one figure or trait is focused on at the expense of everything else.”

Looking at the genomic-sire list, James says that there are a couple in the top 10 that he’ll enquiring about.

“Taking a broad view of the ranking, somatic cell count and fertility scores are all tremendous and breeders have certainly got that right. But, again, the wider linear for many of these sires is the issue.”

Pine-Tree CW Legacy, who retains his PLI of more than £900 and remains the leading bull among all young, genomic Holstein sires, transmits improvements to his daughters’ mastitis (-4), lifespan (+0.7) and lameness scores (+2.3).

In second place is Denovo 7921 Atrium, who also retains his position from the previous ranking with a PLI of £878.

Paternal brother to Crimson, ABS Outback, is in sixth place and he has a high Lameness Advantage at +3.0 and excellent daughter Fertility Index at +12.5. His PLI is £847. But James is put off by his teat-length score of –1.14. “Our teat length is OK – I wouldn’t want it to get any shorter and a score like this could be a risk.”

James has been most taken by a sire who’s much further down in the ranking, but still has an impressive PLI of £712 – Wilder Bestman. “He has a solid cow family behind him and offers 2.91 for Type Merit and is plus on teat length. He ticks all the boxes for us – he’s got a good linear. He’s not up near the top of the list, but that doesn’t put me off.”

There are lots of sires to choose from further down the list that will tick all the boxes, according to James. “I think that a PLI of £600 is more than enough and still impressive. It will certainly take your herd in the right direction, without compromising other traits.”

He says that he also believes (and certainly hopes) that things may ‘calm down’ a little for the next run. “Just two runs ago there was too much choice and it was difficult to pick between the sires. I could have used them all and it was a case of digging down into the detail and looking at sire stacks and cow families. Hopefully this will be the case come April’s run.” l

New entry The highest new entry, and the first sire to grab James’ attention, is fourth-place bull Peak AltaLeap. A son of De-Su Quantum, AltaLeap’s Lifespan Index of +0.8 gives his daughters a predicted 244 extra days of productive life compared to a bull whose LS is zero. His Calf Survival score is equally impressive at +3.2, and with a PLI of £871, he transmits all the usual production and health traits associated with the £PLI ranking. “I’m going to take a closer look at him and make some enquiries. He comes from a solid cow family.”

The number-five sire ABS Crimson (De-Su Spectre), with a PLI of £853, also caught James’ eye. He is the highest weight of fat transmitter in the top 20 at a massive 47.9kg and, again, he’s from a good cow family and offers a good outcross. “He’s certainly a possibility and warrants a second look.”

Table 1: Top 10 genomic and top 10 daughter-proven sires available in the UK ranked on PLI (source: AHDB Dairy and Holstein UK)

906 –6 878 –12 874 0 871 7 853 7 847 –4 844 1 842 2 839 –5 835 7

–32 –22 –30 –31 –19 –17 –22 –37 –24 –30

0.7 9.0 0.3 0.6 12.5 0.4 0.6 8.6 –0.1 0.8 8.7 –0.9 0.6 9.9 0.6 0.7 12.5 1.4 0.7 9.8 0.0 0.7 8.7 0.6 0.5 5.7 0.8 0.6 5.0 0.0

proven sires Larcrest Commend Weigeline Jacey Tabasco Mocon Hoanster Zanzibar Cookiecutter Harper S-S-I Headway Alltime Co-Op Robust Cabriolet Teemar Shamrock Alphabet EDG Rubicon View-Home Littlerock cd

Balisto Jacey Morgan Armitage Balisto Headway Robust Shamrock Mogul Cashcoin

Robust Bookem Snowman Bowser Epic Supersire Planet Ramos Robust Robust

Genus Bullsemen.com Bullsemen.com Semex Genus WWS UK Sires Direct/AIS Genus Cogent Semex

89 +519 +38.9 +25.7 +0.22 +0.11 777 0 83 +1054 +28.3 +34.5 –0.15 +0.00 734 9 82 +840 +24.8 +29.3 –0.10 +0.02 726 –18 97 +635 +31.4 +23.7 +0.07 +0.04 708 10 89 +686 +31.5 +30.0 +0.05 +0.09 694 4 78 +461 +23.6 +21.6 +0.07 +0.08 694 7 98 +619 +38.3 +23.0 +0.16 +0.03 691 –19 83 +575 +16.8 +18.1 –0.07 –0.01 681 –19 91 +662 +46.5 +23.5 +0.24 +0.02 676 16 89 +798 +20.1 +26.9 –0.13 +0.01 676 –10

–16 –21 –22 –21 –19 –29 –11 –3 –15 –16

0.3 0.3 0.8 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.8 0.5 0.5

1.57 1.88 1.45 2.35 1.57 1.80 2.13 1.31 2.00 1.51

1.73 1.17 1.19 1.91 0.91 1.41 1.20 0.78 1.44 1.24

TM

67 67 67 67 67 67 67 69 67 67

udder

WWS Genus WWS Alta/Global Genetics Genus Genus Genus Viking/AIS Alta/Global Genetics WWS

dCE

Yoder Delta Yoder Alta Spring Rubicon Troy Hotshot Denim Cabriolet Balisto

£PLI

Frazzled Achiever Frazzled Quantum Spectre Spectre Achiever Balisto Topshot Frazzled

fat kg

Pine-Tree Cw Legacy Denovo 7921 Atrium De-Su Frazzled Rome 14192 Peak Alta Leap cd ABS Crimson ABS Outback Wilra ABS Amplify VH Balisto Brook Bomaz Alta Cabot Melarry Frazzled FYI

milk

supplier

name

F&L

fertility ind.

+0.03 +0.04 +0.04 +0.08 +0.02 +0.05 +0.09 +0.10 +0.07 +0.05

lifespa n

protein %

+0.09 +0.19 +0.13 +0.01 +0.14 +0.05 +0.19 +0.25 +0.20 +0.01

mat. grandsire

SCC

fat%

+31.8 +27.0 +31.4 +32.9 +31.5 +29.6 +28.8 +24.8 +28.6 +34.8

sire

maint.

prot. k g

reliabil ity

conformation

functional traits

production

genomic sires +913 +723 +856 +803 +912 +783 +654 +507 +691 +936

+43.4 +45.1 +45.0 32.4 +47.9 +35.1 +41.7 +41.2 +44.2 +37.6

0.51 1.48 0.92 1.21 1.18 1.50 1.37 0.66 1.43 0.79

12.1 0.0 1.73 1.45 0.78 13.9 –0.5 1.36 0.98 0.62 6.8 0.5 0.84 0.93 0.26 16.3 –0.1 0.13 0.19 –0.41 5.6 –0.1 1.32 1.06 1.03 10.9 0.5 1.83 1.86 0.61 3.7 0.7 1.84 1.06 1.35 20.5 2.2 –0.03 –0.39 0.72 4.7 –0.4 3.36 1.81 2.71 11.6 0.7 1.04 1.17 0.81

cowmanagement JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

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COMING UP

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MARCH GRASSLAND March 15 – Our next issue will focus on grassland. We’ll take a closer look at high-sugar grass varieties, weed control in new leys, and building ‘resilience’ into forage and grazing systems.

CONTACTS 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, Phil Eades, Roger Evans, Charlotte Grime, Wichert Koopman, Roly Marks, Allison Matthews, 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

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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.

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Illustrations/pictures Photographs by Veeteelt Photography, Ruth Downing (12-13), Mark Pasveer (29, N-I) and Alger Meekma (45).

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