Irish Farm Business - Vol 6 Issue 4 Winter 2019 by dawn_media

Farm Business IRISH

DAIRYING

V Vo lume m 6 Issue me EEdition ition Volume Issue14 Spring Winter 2019 Ed Price 3.95 9 95 £2.95 9 95 (Stg) g g) Price €3.95 £2.95 (Stg)

CALF REARING Calf rearing on NZ Research Farm

Planning for increased calf numbers PG 10

FERTILITY

FAMILY FARM

CASE STUDY USING

ACHIEVING A PLEASANT WORK ENVIRONMENT PG 36

HOMEOPATHY PG 26

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GETTING CALF SHEDS RIGHT PG 22

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Foreword/Contents/Credits

Farm Business IRISH

Features

DAIRYING

V m 6 Issue E Edition Vo lume me Ed ition Volume Issue14 Spring Autumn2019 2019 9 £2.95 9 (Stg) g Price 3.95 95 £2.95 95 (Stg) g) Price €3.95

10 Early Preparation for Healthy Calves Writes Aidan Kelly of Agri Design & Planning Services (ADPS).

22 Coping with a deficit of Calf Housing or a need to retain calves on farm for an extended period

By Tom Fallon (Teagasc Farm Buildings & Infastructure Specialist).

26 Fertility on farm a homeopathic approach By Tom Farrington MVB MRCVS VetMFHom and Pat Aherne HAWL coordinator Ireland.

In this edition we have a few good tips from various experts that should make your farm better: 1. Planning for calf arrivals 2. Dealing with Succession and labour issues 3. Homeopathics…Case study indicates It works. 4. Calf Rearing Research from New Zealand. And Much More We also feel strongly that farmer demonising Publisher: Denis Lane Editorial: Denis Lane Advertising: Denis Lane Design: Clear Designs Production: Hugh Lane, Shauna Quinn Front Cover Main Photo Credit: Andreas Riemenschneider

Email: dlane@dawnmedia.ie Contributors: David Gleeson, Joe Patton, Donal Patton, Philip O Connor, Aidan Kelly, Richard Walsh, Tom Houlihan, Cara Sheridan, Dave Merrins, Stephen Kelly, Rebecca Dawson,

is gaining ground and that a proper balance of research into the place of veganism needs to be undertaken. If you know of a herd with an interesting back story please let us know.

36 The Personal Dynamic on a Family Dairy Farm By Bernadette O’Brien and Marion Beecher.

Hope you enjoy and gain from this edition… Until the next time……… The Publisher Irish Farm Business Henry Walsh, Donal Carey, Amanda Dunn, Christine Cummins, Bernadette O’Brien, Marion Beecher, Pat Aherne, Tom Farrington, Tom Fallon, Martina Gormley, Pat Griffin. Distribution: EM News

Newspread Published by: Dawn Media Ltd, 2 Barrack St Clarinbridge Co Galway Tel. + 353 91 777 222 Email. dlane@dawnmedia.ie

All material contained in this edition is copyright of Irish Farm Business 2019 and may not be reproduced or electronically stored without the permission of the publisher. However items may be freely reproduced provided the source is acknowledged. Content and views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the publishers.

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32 Understanding how parasites infect herds in typical conditions is crucial

44 If your fields could talk!… Would they ask for help? 55 Tokanui Dairy Research Farm…. Notes from a visit by Christine Cummins & Amanda Dunn of Bonanza Calf Nutrition.

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FREE FARM VISIT

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News

IFA visit Cherbourg to build relationships and develop capacity

peaking from Cherbourg as part of a visit to two lairages in the area, IFA National Dairy Committee Chairman Tom Phelan said IFA had developed a good relationship and kept in touch with the two operators since he and IFA President Joe Healy visited Cherbourg on two occasions last spring. He said his aim was to see where the two owners are at in their businesses, and to assure them that increasing the capacity of their top-class facilities would be a viable business opportunity and a valuable service to the Irish dairy calf exporting sector in the coming spring. “We got to know Mr Pignet and the owners of Qualivia, the Drique family, when we visited last February, and have been in regular contact with them to keep them abreast of developments in the Irish dairy sector, which helped persuade the Driques to seek approval for a 400-calf capacity increase earlier this year,” Mr Phelan said. “We have also encouraged the operators to consider a further increase in capacity, without compromising best standards, in time for spring 2020. For a relatively small outlay, we believe an additional 800 calf spaces could be provided which would up weekly capacity by 18%,” he added. “At home, dairy farmers will continue to focus on best practice calf care from birth to produce fit and healthy calves whatever their outlet. We will also do our utmost to optimise the beef value of our animals. However, we will continue to need solid capacity, in top welfare conditions, to cater for the calves we will be exporting,” he concluded. IFA is in Cherbourg with representatives of ICOS and ICMSA today and tomorrow.

E I y A p

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E i E A

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It’s formula one for cows

Eprinex® Multi can help your herd perform at its best. It’s been shown to help improve fertility and increase milk yield by killing damaging gutworms.1,2,3 And with zero milk withhold, you can use it at any stage of production without the worry of lost milk sales.

With this performance, it’s no wonder Eprinex® Multi has been trusted by farmers for years.

A formula for success

1. McPherson et al. Proceedings of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. 44th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, Abstr. 28, 1999. 2. Verschave et al. BMC Veterinary Research (2014) 10:264. 3. Studies carried out using Eprinex Pour-on for Beef and Dairy Cattle (Eprinomectin), which has the same formulation as Eprinex Multi 5mg/ml, see HPRA - (2018) IPAR Eprinex Multi 5 mg/ ml pour-on for beef and dairy cattle, sheep and goats [online] Available at: https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/Public_AR_VPA10454-034-001_07122018154613.pdf [Accessed 18 Feb 2019]

EPRINEX Multi a 5mg/ml Pour-on for Beef, Dairy Cattle, Sheep and Goats contains eprinomectin. Legal Category: LM. Further information available in the SPC or from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd., RG12 8YS, UK. IE Tel: 01 291 3985. Email: vetenquiries@boehringer-ingelheim.com. EPRINEX Multi and the steerhead are registered trademarks of the Boehringer Ingelheim Group. ©2019 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd. All rights reserved. Date of preparation: March 2019. AHD112019. Use Medicines Responsibly.

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News

New EU Commission must back agriculture

peaking as the new EU Commission took up office, IFA President Joe Healy said this Commission will preside over some of the most important decisions in the history of the EU. “Deciding the next EU budget (MFF) and the portion allocated to farming will be a watershed moment for farming in the EU. In the 80s, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was allocated 55% of the EU budget. The proposed CAP budget this time around is less than 30%. The new Commission must revisit this and ensure farming gets a bigger allocation,” he said. “Understandably, there is a huge focus on environmental issues as part of new ‘Green Deal’, but farmers must get credit for the measures they have taken to date. If they are willing to do more they must be fairly rewarded for those measures,” he said. “The Free Trade Agreement to be negotiated with the UK will have far reaching consequences for European and Irish farming,” he said. “Having an Irish Commissioner as the new EU Trade Commissioner during these negotiations could be important. I want to wish Phil Hogan well in the role,” he said. “The new EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski has a big challenge ahead of him, with farmer unrest growing all around Europe,” he said.

> 8

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Trim tails for clean and healthy cows, milk and staff > Tailwell removes all long hair in seconds, even when thick with dirt and manure > Attach to almost any battery drill (14 volt, 1,250rpm) > Very little maintenance required. Just regular lubrication and occasional sharpening of cutters > Supplied as a kit complete with maintenance tools, lubricant and sharpening paste > Tailwell lubricant and sharpening paste available separately Available from your Local Co-Op, Distributed in UK Merchant, and Ireland by:and Vet Shop. For more information call Agrihealth on 047 71800 or email info@agrihealth.ie SHOOF INTERNATIONAL LTD Distributed in Ireland by Agrihealth. PO Box 522, Cambridge 3450, NEW ZEALAND Phone +64/7827-3902 Fax: +64/7823-0651 Email: export@shoof.co.nz Website: www.shoof.co.nz

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Calf Preparation

Early Preparation For Healthy Calves Writes Aidan Kelly of Agri Design & Planning Services (ADPS). Preparing for calving

Make sure all the calving area has been power washed and disinfected. This should be carried out at least two months before you plan to use these areas. I advise clients to also spread lime over these areas the day before they first bed them with straw. To comply with department regulations all winter accommodation requires a concrete floor that slopes to a slatted tank or needs channels that lead to concrete eﬄuent tanks. A hardcore floor is not allowed in today’s regulations. The fall should be at least 1 in 30 to a drainage channel discharging into the underground tank and it is recommended that the fall on straw floor should be 1 in 20. This is taken from Minimum specification for bovine livestock units and reinforced tanks s.123. When considering building a new calving shed consider the location wisely as cows will be brought here to calf and then brought back to the cubicle shed or to the milking parlour. It needs to be easily accessible with a machine to clean it out regulatory. If possible, it is best to incorporate it into the cubicle shed as it is feasible to move cows in and out of this area by one person.

Ventilation

This is the key to keeping stock healthy. It controls temperature, humidity and draughts within the building. This is a major issue in many existing farm buildings where poor ventilation leads to sick animals. The key point is to get air into a building to freshen it up but not to cause a draught. This can be achieved in existing building by lifting one sheet in each bay to allow air out the roof. This can be done on round roof and pitched roofs. The second thing is to get air into the building by using vented sheet on side wall or wind breakers as this can allow extra air into the building if required . Doors should not be used to provide extra inlet or outlet area. Doors may be opened in mild/warm weather to supplement ventilation as long as they don’t cause draughts. Doors used to supplement inadequate ventilation will lead to draughts.

Calf House requirements

Natural ventilation & light Natural ventilated air is moved within the house and to the outside, by wind or by the heat from calves which causes the ‘stack’ effect. Adequate fresh air Fresh air without draughts is the objective. In a house, fresh air is provided by ventilation which may be natural or mechanically generated.

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Calf Preparation Essentials for good calf health • Suitable fresh air (minimum 5-6 air changes per hour) • Clean feed and water • Cleaning feeding equipment after each feed • Adequate space (2.5 m²/calf floor area) (7m³ air cubic capacity). • Dry lying environments (straw, shavings, peat, mats) • The bed must be dry at all times and replaced frequently • Micro environment for calf to stay extra warm • Limit outside people entering the calving area and calf shed Disinfectant I find on our own farm that straw is the best disinfectant for calves. You need to be able to lie down in a calf pen at any time and not get wet. If calves get sick on a dairy farm you will lose 10 to 20-man hours a week just trying to get them healthy again. We have a disinfectant area outside the calving shed, calf shed and milking parlour this time of year. I step into them as I move from shed to shed.

Planning a new calf shed

Things to consider • Roof pitch of minimum 17 ° to 22° • Spaced sheeting in the roof are not recommended for calf housing as any rain that gets in will wet the calf bed and affect performance. • Concrete floor with a slope of 1:20 • Calf sheds need to have ample lighting. Ideally provide 15pc of the roof/side sheeting as translucent sheeting to provide natural light. • Calves spend about 80% of their time lying down therefore a warm dry bed is essential. Deep straw bedding is the preferred bedding material as it allows calves to nestle down into it • The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine specification S124 Nov. 2009 describes the minimum specification for calf housing.

Contact Details:

Agri Design & Planning Services (ADPS) Molough, Newcastle, Clonmel, Co Tipperary. 0857466211, Aidan@ADPS.ie www.adps.ie

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Farmer Support

Meat is critical for the physical and mental health of children Says leading scientist professor Geoff Simm (University of Edinburgh) in panel discussion

Child Development

Meat is crucial for feeding the planet, leading scientists have said, as they warned it is not more environmentally-friendly to go vegan. Experts from the University of Edinburgh and Scotland’s Rural College said farmers were increasingly feeling demonised by the unsupported ‘meat is evil’ claims being promoted by environmental lobbyists. Speaking at a panel discussion in central London, they argued that meat was critical for the physical and mental health of children, particularly in developing countries, and said that moving away from livestock farming would not improve land use. Prof. Geoff Simm, Director of Global Academy Agriculture and Food Security at the University of Edinburgh, said: “I think (livestock farmers) do feel they are being demonised. “Often the argument is made that going vegan would minimise land use, and the modelling studies that have been done demonstrate that that’s not the case. “We feel that while livestock production has a range of economic, social and environmental costs and benefits, the costs have perhaps been receiving far more attention recently than some of the benefits. “Meat has massive social benefits. It’s an important source of dietary protein, energy, highly bioavailable micronutrients, even small amounts of animal-sourced food have a really important effect on the development of children, in the developing world on their cognitive and physical development and they are really important.” Prof Mike Coffey, from Scotland’s Rural College, added: “It’s completely unnecessary to go vegan.

Environment

“If everybody went vegan it would be devastating for the UK environment. Animals bred for food help boost biodiversity.” Researchers are currently attempting to breed more environmentally friendly cattle, which grow faster and eat less, which could further reduce the sector’s carbon footprint by reducing the amount of methane released by cows. This could also lead to shoppers in the next few years being able to check 14

the label of their food to discover the environmental impact it has had, they added. Prof Coffey said that the difference in methane emissions from best and worst cattle was about 30 per cent and that if all UK farmers used the most efficient animals this could reduce carbon emissions by nearly a third. He said by next year farmers will able to select bulls for breeding that will father dairy cows that consume less feed for the amount of milk they produce. But Prof Coffey said the next stage will be trying to measure the methane given off by different breeds of cattle to find which are the lowest emitters. He added: “By next year farmers will be able to select bulls whose daughters consume less feed for the amount of milk they produce. “Where we go next is can we actually measure methane emissions from groups of animals.” Prof Coffey said that soon shoppers could be able to check meat labels to find out how much environmental impact their food has had.

Carbon Impact

He added: “My expectation is that at some point in the near future there will be product labels that relates to the efficiency or carbon impact of the food.” Professor Andrea Wilson, also of Edinburgh University, said more research was needed into the impact of veganism. She added: “We know a lot about the livestock sector because people have looked at it. We actually know very little about the vegan sector. “The danger is we demonise one and jump too quickly to the other.”

Conclusion

It is clear that more research is needed before monumental decisions are taken. Fact based research is needed. It is wrong to demonise one sector of society ie farmers.

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News

No farmer can be left behind on payments

FA Deputy President Richard Kennedy has called on the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to insist that the Department of Agriculture delivers the final instalment of the Basic Payment Scheme and ANC payments to all farmers next week. “No farmer can be left behind on payments at this stage in the year,” he said. The final BPS payment of 30% is due to farmers from December 1st. The final 15% of ANC payments is also due. Combined, these amount to almost €400m. The IFA Deputy President said payments under the BEAM scheme to livestock farmers are due to commence on Mon, Dec 9th. Richard Kennedy said, “It is essential that the Department of Agriculture have all outstanding queries and payment delays fully resolved before this final payment run commences next week. Delays cannot be tolerated at this late stage in the year”. “Farmers have had a horrendous year in terms of farm income and cannot afford to be waiting on direct payments.” He said despite Department of Agriculture assurances that there wouldn’t be delays in relation to satellite inspections and the LIPIS review in Co. Louth, some payments are outstanding. Richard Kennedy said farmers across the country are very worried that the Department will repeat these payment difficulties when the LIPIS review is extended to other counties over the next two years. “IFA has made it abundantly clear to Minister Creed and the Department that delays of this type cannot be tolerated.” Concluding, Richard Kennedy said the Department of Agriculture needs to ensure that payments across all schemes are paid out to the maximum extent by year-end, in line with the Charter of Rights.

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Healthy Hooves® Solutions for Footbaths

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IFB0818

ESB Networks

Farm Safely with electricity Arthur Byrne, Public Safety Manager, ESB Networks, outlines the important safety precautions farmers should take when carrying out work anywhere there are overhead electricity wires or cables.

lectricity is all around us and we very much take it for granted and assume it is always safe but we must always treat electricity with the respect it deserves; there are no second chances with electricity. Only a fraction of the current that it takes to light a bulb is enough to cause electric shock and may even result in a fatality. This year already there have been 20 serious incidents involving electricity; some have involved felling trees, some stacking bales, others occurred where poles and stays were damaged. In another recent incident cattle were killed when the electricity wires came to the ground. ESB Networks staff will always respond to these emergencies, but it is each person’s responsibility to recognise the potential for danger and act safely where there are overhead electricity wires or underground cables nearby.

Please remember that electricity wires are always live and are never safe to approach or touch. Also at this time of year, check that your RCD/trip-switch is working by pushing the ‘test’ button, and re-setting afterwards. In an emergency or where you have a safety concern involving the electricity network, contact ESB Networks immediately on 1850 372 999. There is more information on our website: https://www.esbnetworks.ie/staying-safe/safety-at-home/safety-at-home

Here are some of the incidents that happened in 2019: 1. A third party cut tree down near overhead wires resulting in the line breaking and five cattle were killed. 2. We came across a situation where a farmer had strung an electric fence for cattle quite up high on an electricity pole so that the fence wire could cross over the road. This is extremely dangerous. In a similar incident, last year, a farmer was lucky not to be electrocuted when he touched the fence wire. Unknown to the farmer, the electric fence wire was touching live electricity wires. 3. A farmer had attached a floodlight to a live 20,000 volt pole. This was so dangerous that ESB Networks could not safely remove the light until the line had been disconnected and earthed. 4. We noticed large square bales of straw stacked under 20,000 volt line. Always keep clear 6 metres either side. 5. We came across a tractor that had caught a stay wire and broken a pole with 20,000 volt wires overhead and a transformer. The wires were lying across the cab of the tractor. There is a video called ‘Farm Accident - A lucky Escape’ which describes a similar accident and the precautions you must take, including keeping everyone else away from the cab and not touching the cab as you exit. Contact ESB Networks first and always have the 1850 372 999 number in your phone. 6. We noticed an irregular sag on a 110kV line. It transpired that one of the wires had been cut down by criminals involved in metal theft. If you come across low wires or wires on the ground, never approach and contact ESB Networks immediately on 1850 372 999. Always be aware of where there are wires on your land and be prepared for potential danger. This is very important, especially at this time of year when it is dark. Be aware of the risks. At this time of year, it is important to be aware of the risk of fallen wires and when hedge-cutting to watch out for concealed parts of the pole and the stay wire. Always clear away from near the pole by hand. If there are trees near wires, Contact ESB Networks because it may be necessary to switch out the power line before any trees or hedge can be cut safely.

Never cut timber that is close to overhead electricity wires.

There have been too many incidents with tree felling where people have received serious electric shocks when the wires fell on them; so don’t take the chance. Instead contact ESB Networks in good time so that we can organise to call out and remember if the line has to be switched out, we need to be told in good time because we must notify customers 10 days in advance of switching off the power. There has been an increase in metal theft so be aware of the possibility of low lying or fallen wires on your land. You may not see them in time. 18

Never approach fallen electricity wires.

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IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 13

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Animal Hygiene

Power tail trimmer takes away the difﬁcult work

he TailWell® Power Tail Trimmer attachment has been developed to make the arduous work involved with cutting hair on the tails of dairy cows easier. The removal of cow tail hair soiled with dung and urine is important for ensuring maximum hygiene of the herd, the milk and the milker. The cow tail hair should be clipped twice a year to ensure the best milk quality. TailWell® Power Tail Trimmer fits on to any battery-powered screwdriver (at last 14 Volt) that rotates at a speed of around 1,250 rpm. The TailWell2® Power Tail Trimmer is quiet , light and produces a smooth cut. It takes no more than 4 seconds per tail and can easily be carried out during the milking process. It works on the principle of an outer blade rotating around an inner one, therefore there is no risk of injury to the animal or the operator.

charge but this can depend on the level of soiling. Blade sharpening may be necessary depending on the level of soiling (after 1000 to 2000 shears) and can be done easily and problem-free even by inexperienced users with the supplied abrasive paste.

Regular lubrication is important, as with any trimming device, and should be done at from every 30 trims up to a maximum of every 50 trims. Pre-cutting the hair is not necessary even in the case of heavy soiling or crusting. 100 to 200 tails can be clipped per battery

The TailWell® Power Tail Trimmer attachment is distributed in Ireland by Agrihealth and available from Co-Op’s, Retail Merchant and Vet Shop. For more information contact Agrihealth on 047 71800 or by email to enquiries@agrihealth.ie.

TailWell® Power Tail Trimmer • Fits virtually any battery-powered drill operating at 14 Volt, 1,250 rpm. • Removes tail hair in seconds, even hair completely matted with dung and dirt • Now even easier to sharpen with a specially developed sharpening paste • Supplied in a handy plastic case for safe storage

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Farm Design

Coping with a deﬁcit of Calf Housing or a need to retain calves on farm for an extended period by Tom Fallon ( Teagasc Farm Buildings & Infrastructure Specialist) Introduction Farmers need to plan for the possible retention of calves longer on the farm than they would anticipate for whatever reason. Various options are outlined below. Prepare now for next spring. This will entail having all available space clean, disinfected, an area prepared for sick calves (infra-red light etc.) and having all equipment clean and ready to use.

1. 2.

Design Provide the minimum space of 1.5m2 per calf in a group housing facility (the standard recommendation is 2 to 2.3m2 per calf). Plan to have adequate straw. One standard 4X4 round bale of barley straw is adequate to rear one calf to 8-10 weeks of age (150 kg of straw or 12 small square bales). Consider ordering plastic calf slats if straw supply is inadequate. Draughts or excessive air movement at calf level must be prevented – open fronted housing/shelters should face away from the prevailing wind and use straw bales or a suitable wind break to deflect any swirling wind that could still come in the front. Temporary calf accommodation or shelters can be modelled on calf hutches and igloos that provide complete protection on three sides. The provision of an adjustable air inlet at the back is recommended.

3. 4.

Purchase calf hutches Erect penning in ‘haysheds’ or partially emptied straw or hay storage sheds. These sheds would need a concrete floor and suitable eﬄuent collection facilities. In an emergency type situation straw could be moved out and wrapped (with two layers of plastic) and stored in a dry location to provide roofed accommodation for calves. As cows are put to grass in February and March it may be feasible to use part of the calving area or the cubicle accommodation for calf rearing. Place calf hutches or install shelters in an empty silage pit where suitable eﬄuent collection is already in place. Normally silage pits fall to the front and to one corner so care will be needed to stop outside water from contaminating the bedding and to stop liquid moving from pen to pen. Consider using woodchip under the straw to conserve bedding. It may be possible to clean out and make available outhouses for calves with a run out to an enclosed yard or enclosure or field. These sheds may not be suitable accommodation for confining calves indoors but could be useful as calves adjust to living outdoors. The collection and storage of waste/runoff from open yards needs to be considered. This type of housing will have its limitations but

Calf Shelter – suitable for up to 20 calves 22

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Farm Design giving calves a run out will help to mitigate problems. A variation of this, successfully practised by some farmers is to let calves of a suitable age out by day and house them by night. Bear in mind that calves let out early will also pick up worms early. Supplement housing with partial outdoor rearing. Please note that the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme (SDAS) requires that ‘well ventilated, draught free housing’ be provided for calves. It is still appropriate to let older calves out to sheltered paddocks. Exposure to rain is particularly damaging to calves, so providing a shelter so they can stand in from the rain is essential. Consider any opportunities to rent additional housing (unused buildings on outfarms etc.)

Mad Cows: Safety at calving time Livestock are involved in 42% of all farm accidents. Cows can become aggressive at calving time. This is especially true of suckler cows but dairy cows have also attacked farmers at calving time. A well designed calving facility will contribute to a safe and comfortable working environment. Talk to your agricultural adviser or consultant to plan the provision of good facilities. A good work routine or a well thought out plan around safety is also critical. Possible measures to reduce the risk of personal injury at calving time: 1. Many dairy cows* will calve in a group calving area and it may not be feasible to move every cow that need’s assistance to an individual pen. When assisting a cow in this area pen or lock the other cows away. 2. Routinely use a self-locking barrier to restrain a cow post calving and then give her plenty of warm water and/or a proprietary tonic or some ration while the calf is attended to. 3. Ideally two persons to attend to calving cows 4. All dogs to be securely housed while attending to calving cows 5. Always use a mechanical hoist to lift a newborn calf to remove fluid from it’s lungs. A pulley block on a Henderson rail would be good. Electric hoists are also relatively inexpensive. 6. Use a wheeled trolley or a tractor mounted crate to move calves to the calf shed.

W The above shelters need to be on a concrete ﬂoor- an empty silo may suit (the pens on the left are approximately 4.3 metres deep).

*The risks are higher with suckler cows so a calving facility based on individual pens is recommended for them.

Tom Fallon Kildalton College Piltown County Kilkenny 051 644400

T An example of penning and drainage 24

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Teagasc | Animal Health Ireland

CALFCARE FARM EVENTS

ARE YOU READY

Supported By Volac

FOR THE 2020 CALVING SEASON? WED

THU

FRI

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

MON

TUE

WED

THU

JAN

ALAN REID

Kilalee, Castlegeoghegan, Co. Westmeath. N91 F584 SUPPORTED BY LAKELAND DAIRIES/GLANBIA

RICHARD MAHONY

JAN

Shangan, Shinganagh, Butlerstown, Co. Waterford. X91 V4DW

JAN

Tinnashrule, Ferns, Co. Wexford. Y21 FY56

JAN

The Glen, The Islands, Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny. E41 TR68

MARTIN & KEVIN KENNELLY

SUPPORTED BY GLANBIA

MICHAEL & JOSEPH BREEN SUPPORTED BY GLANBIA

BRENDAN JOYCE

SUPPORTED BY GLANBIA

JAN

Kilbaha, Moyvane, Listowel, Co Kerry. V31 KD91

JAN

Knockane, Donoughmore, Co. Cork. P32 FX90

MICHAEL O’REGAN

SUPPORTED BY NORTH CORK CO-OP/KERRY AGRI BUSINESS

DONAL COTT

SUPPORTED BY DAIRYGOLD

JAN

Glounicomane, Freemount, Co. Cork. P56 K729

JAN

Croughmore Lower, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork. P67 FP93

JAN

Casheltourly, Aghamore, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo. F35 ND92

JAN

Knockgorman, Donohill, Co. Tipperary. E34 X462

JAN

Crannagh, Castleiney, Templemore, Co Tipperary. E41 VN30

Caherwilder, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway. H91 TP84

JAN

SUPPORTED BY KERRY AGRI BUSINESS/NORTH CORK CO-OP

SEAN MOHER

Good calf health helps to reduce the spring workload and makes calf management easier. These annual calf events will bring you up to date information as well as acting as a refresher for best practice calf management to help you through the 2020 calf rearing season

Do you have enough space to house 75% of the calves due to arrive on your farm next spring? Have you considered temporary housing, if required? Healthy calves are happy calves. High standards of calf welfare are essential. Following best practice advice will ensure that high standards are maintained.

SUPPORTED BY DAIRYGOLD

TOMAS MURPHY & GARY SHAW

SUPPORTED BY AURIVO

GARRETT & JIMMY O’BRIEN

Healthy, well reared calves are saleable calves. So how do you ensure your calves will attract a buyer?

SUPPORTED BY TIPPERARY COOP

GERARD & PHILIP GEEHAN

SUPPORTED BY CENTENARY THURLES

GERARD ARMSTRONG

To always achieve their full growth, calves must be fed correctly from the start. Learn about the options available to feed young calves efficiently.

SUPPORTED BY ARRABAWN

This series of CalfCare events is being run with the help and support of the local Co-op in each region.

MASTER IFB Winter 19.indd 25

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Cow Fertility

Fertility on farm a homeopathic approach By Tom Farrington MVB MRCVS VetMFHom and Pat Aherne HAWL coordinator Ireland

Introduction

This article is a brief introduction to the use of homeopathy for fertility on the farm. The first section deals with the very basic tenets of homeopathy and good veterinary practice should it be it for fertility, mastitis or any other health issue on the farm. Firstly, remove all obstructions to cure be it environmental, diet, hygiene, clinical or subclinical infections such as Campylobacter fetus (previously Vibriosis) or Tritrichomonas foetus where homeopathy can also be of benefit.

Background

One of the major background causes of infertility especially at herd level as well as at an individual level is a mineral deficiency and studies in Ireland have shown that much of the pastures in Ireland are deficient in minerals associated with optimal reproductive fertility. The main one of which is a copper deficiency, which is seen not only as an infertility issue but also in the wide-ranging physical symptoms from brown rings around the eyes classically to a dry discoloured poor coat. While deficiencies need to be rectified with trace mineral supplements, boluses, mineral licks or injections this is not always where the problem stops. Essential trace or micronutrients affecting fertility are most commonly copper, cobalt, iodine, selenium, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin E and manganese. Each deficiency has a symptom picture associated 26

with them cobalt being associated with pine (ill thrift), iodine Vitamin A and E commonly the symptom picture of ringworm and warts which can be present alongside fertility issues. The wonderful thing today is being able to test nutrition e.g. forage, silage, and fodder for these deficiencies and equally with blood and urine tests done by a vet to identify nutritional and mineral deficiencies in animals on your farm. Such deficiencies affect not just fertility, but can also, unfortunately, lead to poor thrive and in the case of calves can lead to seriously poor developmental results. Iron and Molybdenum can also be involved and there is also the problem of excess of one nutrient affecting the absorption of another which is particularly the case with Iron and Molybdenum on Copper. Just because nothing is in a low category on the results page does not mean you don’t have a problem and oversupplementation can equally lead to this sort of issue. Thus, expert help is useful when trying to understand what to do based on test results.

Case Experience

Over the years Farrington along with other vets have successfully employed the use of micronutrients based on homeopathic principles, very often in high potency (highly dilute remedies have been succussed many times over which is much like thumping a can of soft drink, which then gathers more energy which powers out when you open the can ), but low potencies can be equally beneficial. Using the appropriate mineral remedy homeopathy can have a marked effect on

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Cow Fertility herd fertility both during and after these deficiencies are present. For illustration the remedies Iodium (Homeopathic of Iodine) or Fucus vesiculosus (Homeopathic of bladder-wrack) can help in the case of Iodine deficiency or excess depending on the potency used (High potency 30c (1in 100 dilution +100 succussions for each c potency) and above is used in excess and low potency in deficiency 6x and below (1 in 10 dilutions with 20 succussions) Sepia is a remedy used in the treatment of symptoms associated with infertility among other things, like other similarly used remedies is made from sources which are very high in micronutrients associated with infertility. The sepia homeopathic picture is classical. The female of the species while being a good mother is exhausted by the task of milk production which leads to loss of coat and browning of a black coat or fairness of the deep red coat or even hair loss on the sides and infertility. It is frequently used in the 200c potency with a dose being given once weekly for three weeks in the cow that returns to service without going into calf but does go out of heat. Sepia is often combined with the remedy folliculinum in low potency to regulate hormones and these days with so much hormonal intervention it is commonly required. Folliculinum is given twice daily for up to three weeks where the symptoms fit. For those interested in learning more The National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS email info@nots.ie) run a HAWL (Homeopathy at Wellie Boot Level) Certified Course in Ireland, which is notable for making a seemingly complex subject matter easy by dividing it into small steps where farmers and vets can learn to use homeopathy appropriately, understanding the proper basics and appropriate use of homeopathy, a subject about which there is much misunderstanding even by those who use it in my experience. Like all medicines, a proper diagnosis is necessary to use it appropriately. Aherne as with other farmers has had great results in using it along with improved hygiene, removing obstacles to cure to reduce dependence on antibiotics in preparation for the limitation of antibiotic use in 2022. The source material for Sepia, the cuttlefish, is very high in copper (The respiratory pigment of its blood, haemocyanin, contains, as its central

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Cow Fertility

atom, copper unlike other species where iron is oxygen-carrying part of the blood, as well as in the Chromphores required to change colour). What is particularly interesting is that the animals Sepia works for need not necessarily be copper deficient, but just to have a similar symptom picture.

the animal(s) rather than a disease type! Thus the same disease may be treated with different remedies because each animal being treated differs in the reaction to the deficiency or problem so one animal with infertility will have a brown discharge another a creamy discharge and the remedy use is tailored to that.

In the truly copper-deficient herd where supplementing with copper and reducing agonists (the minerals that interfere with Copper e.g. Iron and Manganese) has been done I have still come across farms where despite successful supplementation, stopped the supplementation be that bolus, injection, lick or mineral additives, to save some precious cash, supplementation is stopped only for the problem to rear its head again and suddenly a large part of the herd is repeating again. At this juncture, with the underlying deficiency known, supplementation is restarted and for some reason, the results are not as previously despite supplementing the correct trace mineral. In these cases, I and my colleagues who practice homeopathy have noted that giving a course of homeopathic the specific mineral seems to restore the balance. I pointed this out at a lecture some time ago only to be told by a colleague sometime later that he had had “fantastic” results in a couple of problem herds doing this after hearing about it at a talk I gave.

Remedies such as Caulophyllum 30c potency can help not just with calving by its action on the uterus, but also to some degree with infections already mentioned at the start of the article thus improving fertility by its use. The full spectrum of remedies used for fertility is beyond the scope of this article.

While herd treatment with homeopathics of micronutrients can be very useful for problems affecting the whole herd and I have used many over the years Cobaltum 1M for “pine ill thrift” and accompanying infertility. On the farm of a friend of Aherne’s, who had also attended a HAWL course, there were many mineral deficiency-related issues present at the one time and he and Aherne will testify to the results achieved across the herd, but this use of multiple minerals together is not the norm in homeopathy. Normally one remedy is used at a time where possible for best results. It is also worth noting that homeopathy is a transspecies medicine with the same set of rules across each species be that cattle, goats, sheep, horses pigs where the same remedy will help the same symptom picture in

Thanks to the current trend for improved record computerisation for on-farm statistics aimed at improving fertility, Somatic Cell Count (SCC) and many other conditions via bulk tank analysis such as Neospora, Lepto, Salmonella IBR the list of which will no doubt to be added to in the future. As a result of this improved record-keeping, it is much easier to see the results where homeopathy is used even just as part of an on-farm program by just looking at the change in recorded results from its introduction. Charts 1-3 are results from Pat Aherne’s farm showing an exciting improvement of fertility since the addition of the homeopathic approach into an otherwise unchanged treatment protocol each year. One can see there has been a steady improvement since the addition of homeopathics into the treatment mix. The improvement has also been added to by reducing stress in handling situations by using homeopathics such as Aconite whenever such stressful situations are anticipated! Pat Aherne - Mob: 0868377385, Email: hawl.ireland@gmail.com, www.hawl.co.uk Tom Farrington - Mob: 0872494059 Email: farrington.vet@gmail.com

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End of Season Fertility Report Spring 2017

Phone 023-8820452

Report Date: Herd Owner: Herd Number:

Cow Fertility

12/11/2017 PAT AHERNE D2230268

Report is based on dairy cows that calved from 19/01/2017

(a) Calving & Fertility Data

Current & Predicted Spring Calving Pattern

Cows

Maiden Heifers

Herd

Mating Start Date

20/04/2017

21/04/2017

20/04/2017

Last Serve Date

10/07/2017

28/04/2017

10/07/2017

2017

2018 Pred

Total Serves

188

Animals Served

Phone 023-8820452

Serves/Conception

1 wks + 0 days

11 wks + 4 days

201

% Calved

Breeding Season 11 wks + 4 days

30 20

12 of Season 108 Fertility Report End 10 Spring 2018

1.1 Report Date:

Herd Owner:

(b) Current Herd Submission Rate Herd Number:

1.9 19/11/2018 PAT AHERNE D2230268

Jan

Feb

(a) Calving & Fertility Data 100

Week 2

Animals Served

Herd

24/04/2018

14/04/2018

18/06/2018

29/06/2018

Week 3

Phone 023-8820452

Serves/Conception Days since

1.9 207 Mating Start Date (MSD): Cows

2018

2019 Pred

10 wks + 6 days

180 Week 4 Week 5 Cows Submitted During 103

30 20

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8 (and over)

End 17 of Season Fertility Report 10 Spring 2019 Your Nat.

1.9 1.9 206 Report Date: Herd Avg. 04/11/2019 Heifers

Herd Owner:

Jun

7 wks + 6 days

May

Current & Predicted Spring Calving Pattern

Maiden Heifers

% Calved

Percentage of Animals

Week 1

Apr

Your Herd Target Submission Rate

Report is based on dairy cows that calved from 18/01/2018

90 Cows 80 70 Mating Start Date 14/04/2018 60 50 29/06/2018 Last Serve Date 40 30 Breeding 20 Season 10 wks + 6 days 10 0 Serves 147 Total

Mar

Btm. 5% Jan

HerdApr FebYour Mar

TopJun 5% May

PAT AHERNE

HerdCows Number: 68% (b) Current Herd Submission Rate D223026866% 1. 21 day Submission rate

19%

Cows/heifers submitted for mating within 21 days of MSD Report is based on dairy cows that calved from 15/01/2019 (67 cows/ 12 heifers) 23% 73% Heifers 86% as a percentage calved up to 21 days after MSD

(a)(99Calving & Fertility Data cows)/(14 dairy heifers > 9mths ) 100

Current & Predicted Spring Calving Pattern 45% 98% 70 34%

99%

2019

2020 Pred

38%

42%

% Calved

Percentage of Animals

90 Cows Maiden Heifers Herd 83% Cows 2. 42 80 day Submission rate 89% Cows/heifers for mating within 42 days of MSD 70Startsubmitted Mating Date 23/04/2019 23/04/2019 29/04/2019 (90 cows/ 12 heifers) 82% Heifers 86% as a 60 percentage calved up to 42 days after MSD (10150 cows)/(14 dairy heifers > 9mths ) 04/07/2019 16/05/2019 04/07/2019 Last Serve Date 40 3. 1st30 Service Conception Rate 40% Cows 61% wks + 2service days 2 wks + 3 days 10 wks + 2 days Breeding Cows/heifers confirmed 10 in-calf to 1st 20 Season (38 cows/ 11 heifers) Heifers 92% 78% as a 10 proportion of cows/heifers submitted (96 cows/ heifers) 0 12Serves 124 14 138 Total

89% Your Herd Target Submission99% Rate

90% 99%

Week 1 prepared Week 3 of information Week 4 5 Weekexpressed 6 Week 7 Week The Report has been by ICBF2in good faith Week on the basis provided to it. NoWeek representation or20 warranty or implied is made or given 8 by(and ICBF over) Submitted During as to the accuracy, reliability,completeness or correctness of the Report. ICBFCows shall not be liable for any losses (whether direct or indirect),damages, costs or expenses Page 1 of ( 3) 88 use of or reliance on this 13 Report or the information 101contained in it by any person. Animals Served whatsoever, incurred or arising from any 10

Serves/Conception Days since

220 Mating Start Date (MSD): Cows 1.6

1.2 210 Heifers

(b) Current Herd Submission Rate Cows 1. 21 day Submission rate Cows/heifers submitted for mating within 21 days of MSD (65 cows/ 15 heifers) as a percentage calved up to 21 days after MSD

Your1.6 Herd

Nat. Avg.

Btm. 5% Jan

74%

69%

26%

HerdApr FebYour Mar

TopJun 5% May

90% Farm Business IRISH

Heifers

88%

73%

24%

Your Herd Target Submission99% Rate

Cows

89%

85%

53%

98%

imals

(88 cows)/(17 dairy heifers > 9mths ) 100

4280 day Submission rate MASTER IFB2. Winter 19.indd 29

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Dairy Farm Case Study

The Dunne Family Farm moves forward with Flogas

Farm History

The Dunne’s Dairy farm was established in the 1950s when Gerald Dunne’s father, Major Terence bought the plot of land upon which it sits. A herd of cows came with the sale and this marked the beginning of the Dunne’s journey into dairy farming. 70 years on, the family run farm has grown from strength to strength under the direction of Gerald Dunne and his son Henry. In the mid-70s Gerald Dunne began to work on the farm and was the force behind its expansion to 120 cows in the mid 90’s. Then in 2008 after finishing a degree in Business Gerald’s son Henry returned to Wexford to help run the farm. The farm expanded and is now up to 160 cows with plans to grow to 200.

Parlour Development

With a growing farm in 2018 the Dunnes began a major transformation of their old dairy parlour into one suitable for housing the state-of-the-art Lely Astronaut robotic milking system. The Lely Astronaut milking system is a flexible robotic milking system giving dairy farms 24/7 access to milking which offers the cow unlimited access to basic needs without

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Dairy Farm Case Study

any restrictions. (lely.com) Gerald and Henry pride themselves in supplying a top-quality dairy product so began a search for a hot water solution that would suit their needs and fulfil the requirements of the Lely Astronaut. As Lely is incompatible with chlorine and has built in hot water alarms a reliable and instant hot water system is vital.

The Flogas Solution

The Dunnes had seen the Flogas Dairy system in action on other farms and were keen to investigate how Flogas could meet their own hot water requirements and reduce electricity costs. They requested a free farm visit. David Conroy the Flogas Farm On-Site demonstrator called into the Wexford farm mid-construction to undertake a free survey, assess the requirements and offer guidance. David Conroy was able to advise the Dunnes on how to achieve maximum usage from the Flogas Dairy system while minimising hot water loss. As part of the Flogas solution a monitoring system called Telemetry was introduced. This system pulses back tank readings to Flogas every day which allows Flogas to automatically schedule gas deliveries to the farm when required.

boiler as close as possible to the tank and set the temperature at 65 degrees this meant a faster hot water flow with no lag in the inlet line. Gerald and Henry are delighted with their results’, said Flogas farm On-Site demonstrator, David Conroy.

Installation

The Dunnes opted for the Flogas Dairy hot water system and Flogas arranged for a smooth changeover as part of the overall parlour upgrades and expansion. A Flogas LPG bulk tank was delivered while the wall- mounted water heaters were installed and connected to the Flogas tank.

Results • •

On demand hot water delivering temperatures from 37 C to 85 C Easy to use controller

• •

No hot water storage costs day or night Reduced carbon footprint and full control of the amount of hot water that is used

Next Move

If your current system is not providing you with the level of service you require and you have excessive energy bills, why not arrange a free on-site survey from Flogas for your farm. Republic of Ireland t: 041 983 1041 e: dairy@flogas.ie www.flogas.ie/dairy Northern Ireland t: 028 9073 2611 e: dairy@flogasni.com www.flogasni.com/dairy

Smart Heat

A second water boiler was positioned beside the Lely robots as the Dunne’s wisely ordered their robots with a ‘Water intake valve’. This Valve allows our boiler to fed the robots directly with 85 degrees hot water. Without this special order part the Robots would require electricity to heat the water which is a very costly alternative.’ ‘I recommended suppling one stainless steel condensing water boiler just to wash the 18,000 litre milk tank. We positioned the

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Animal Health

Understanding how parasites infect herds in typical conditions is crucial

Introduction

Understanding parasites, and the impact they will have on your cattle, is the first essential step to assessing the risk they present and determining how best to manage them on your farm. Understanding when they will infect cattle under typical farming conditions is also important. Cattle are frequently infected by several parasite species simultaneously. The makeup of infections i.e. which species are present, influences the impact on health and productivity and how to best control them. Planning an integrated approach to the parasite threat allows for targeted strategies to be developed, which include appropriate treatments. Well-designed parasite control programs prevent outbreaks and slow the potential development of drug resistance.

Seasonality

Seasonality will inevitably impact plant growth, pasture management, cattle husbandry, farm management, housing, and parasite challenge. Once cattle start to graze, they quickly acquire new infections from pastures with populations of infectious worm larvae. Parasite exposure typically begins when cattle are moved to spring pastures and increases up to mid-summer. Infections with the lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus are more common from July onward. There is, however, significant year-to32

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Animal Health year, farm-to-farm and pasture-to-pasture variation, so work together with your local veterinarian to understand your specific requirements for parasite control. The two most common species associated with parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) are Ostertagia ostertagi and Cooperia oncophora. Ostertagia is the more pathogenic of the two species so is more likely to cause clinical disease. The subclinical losses from species such as Cooperia (and several other minor species that are often implicated in mixed infections) can, however, be highly significant. Cooperia species commonly infect young cattle in their first grazing season. With age and exposure, cattle develop immunity to some species of worms. Once developed, immunity can help protect against clinical disease, but even immune cattle will carry a worm burden. Though they may not show obvious clinical signs, a subclinical infection can cause substantial production loss.

Attention must be paid to the respective product labels regarding efficacy profiles, particularly the effectiveness on specific species, worm stages, and duration of activity. Other worm species that make up the parasitic gastroenteritis complex infecting

cattle include Haemonchus. Unlike Ostertagia and Cooperia it is a blood feeder. The adult worms have a piercing lancet at their head that is used to cut into the mucosal lining in the abomasum, enabling them to suck blood. Blood loss from heavy Haemonchus worm burdens leads to anaemia, weakness, protein loss and sometimes death.

Co-Infection

re a

l mi lk

Co-infection with Ostertagia and Cooperia can potentially cause a larger reduction in growth rates in calves than either species does individually, so it is important to address both in control programmes. Although their lifecycles and epidemiology are broadly similar, their sensitivity to commonly used anthelmintics does vary.

Made w

it h

Shine Once-a-day

the best way to stay in control of your calf rearing

Shine Once-a-day is used to rear over 250,000 calves every year because it gives more time and more control to keep calves healthy.

Freephone 0808 1781017 | www.bonanzacalf.ie Farm Business IRISH

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Animal Health Lungworm

The cattle lungworm Dictyocaulus is as significant cause of respiratory disease in cattle and affected animals have an increased susceptibility to infective pneumonia. It is most commonly seen in calves and heifers on dairy farms, but is increasingly common in older dairy cows and the disease can also be found in beef calves. Lungworm can be controlled by vaccination before turnout, or through strategic use of anthelmintics at, or following turnout. Vigilance is important later in the grazing season after the persistent effects of the product used have ended, or vaccine induced immunity has begun to wane. Alternatively, a targeted approach can be adopted throughout the grazing period with cattle closely monitored and treated if lungworm infection is identified. If calves are not vaccinated or treated with a long-acting de-wormer before turnout they will need to be monitored throughout the grazing season for signs of disease. At the start of each grazing season, youngstock may have very limited immunity to Dictyocaulus and will be vulnerable to infection. Be alert to potential Dictyocaulus exposure and take steps to reduce or prevent it if possible. High stocking rates, warm wet weather, and poor worm control during the summer can lead to outbreaks of disease later in the grazing season.

Quarintine

Quarantine treatment for cattle imported from outside the farm will also help minimise the risk of importing novel and unwanted infectious agents, including parasites that were not previously present on the farm, or resistant strains of parasites. Diagnostics have a role to play in helping the control process and animals need close monitoring throughout the grazing season. Individual or pooled faecal egg counts can provide an indicator of worm burdens early in the grazing season before calves develop immunity to gutworms. As the season progresses they can provide a useful tool for monitoring trends and infection dynamics.

CMJ

the identification of Dictyocaulus larvae. Further details of these tests can be obtained from you veterinarian or animal health advisor.

•

Other diagnostic techniques include the detection of bulk tank milk antibodies using ELISA. This is a rapid and inexpensive test for assessing herd exposure to pathogens in dairy cattle herds, particularly against Ostertagia.

All the major parasites of cattle can be controlled through appropriate parasite management techniques. These work to minimise exposure, particularly of the most susceptible individuals, alongside correct application of appropriate treatments to alleviate the effects of existing burdens and to reduce the risk of subsequent infection.

Weight Loss

Proper Usage

Once the treatment of choice has been made it is important that it is administered correctly; ensuring cattle are weighed prior to treatment and dosed according to the label recommendations; using appropriate dosing equipment and checking to make sure it is calibrated correctly before use. Don’t forget to keep accurate records, including dates, especially for observing the licensed milk and meat withhold periods.

Monitoring weight gain in growing cattle is a powerful assessment tool. Clinical and subclinical infections of Ostertagia and Cooperia can cause weight loss, therefore under-performance may indicate a problem. Faecal egg counts are not useful for lungworm diagnosis, but the Baermann test provides a method of extracting worm larvae from faeces and can be used for 34

In order to ensure you get the best from your parasite control product: • Choose the most appropriate product for the parasites likely to be present. • Target the right parasites at the right time as this will improve results and may mean re-treatment is less likely to be needed. • Administer products at the right dose.

•

Store and handle products safely and correctly. Consult the label and/or datasheet before using a product.

An educational service from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd (“BI”). Further information available from BI, RG12 8YS, UK. ©2019. All rights reserved. Date of preparation: Oct 2019. AHD12012. Use Medicines Responsibly.

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Pub Irlande Ground 2014 09.pdf 1 24/09/2014 16:05:07

SOBAC Your Natural Fertilisation Partner

BACTERIOSOL® - BACTERIOLIT® Natural fertilisation process Unlock the potential of your soil Increase micro-organisms’activity Increase your farm gross margin

CMJ

Farmers’testimonies videos on : www.bacteriosol-sobac.com Tom Stapleton 087-2328051 MASTER IFB Winter 19.indd 35

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Work Environment

The Personal Dynamic on a Family Dairy Farm by Bernadette O’Brien and Marion Beecher

John, Charlotte, John Jnr

Succession planning There is no single formula for farm succession planning, and many families find it difficult to even start the conversation. Delaying is a common mistake and often parents are afraid of the difficult conversations, unsure of what to do and believe there will be time to get a plan in place later. The problem is often the concept of being ‘fair’ and there is always the possibility that being equitable in a farm transfer may not be possible. The first question for the parents to answer is whether they want to keep the farm in the family. If the answer is yes, then how can the business be best set-up to make that happen? If it is going to remain a family farm, everyone will have to ‘buy-in’ to that concept. Having family meetings about succession planning is important so everyone hears the same message. Everyone who has an interest should be present, including spouses and grandchildren if they are involved with the outcome. All points need to be heard. Assumptions can be harmful to the family and family business. Generally, it is unwise for a family to try to do succession planning on their own and there are a number of professionals who can make the process easier for everyone involved, including a legal representative. More information regarding farm succession may be found in the ‘Teagasc Farm Succession and Transfer Guide’ which is available from your local Teagasc office. Adjusting to generational gaps when working together Many farms are multigenerational operations and often values differ across the generations; this can be a common reason for conflict, sometimes on a long-term basis. Having multiple generations of 36

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Work Environment owners and employees on the farm can have its benefits but it is a case of organising the business to ensure that it works well. The best way of achieving this is to focus on the business necessities, not on generational preferences. There are a number of points to focus on that may help to minimize or avoid multi-generational difficulties within the labour resources on the farm. Communication: Instead of just telling people what needs to be done, it is important to explain how and why it’s important to do it in such a way. People do better work if they know the significance of the task and value of doing a good job. Using the relevant communication tools depending on preference, such as smartphone messaging apps can be very useful. Meetings should be held regularly, and today there are many options for efficient communication. Respect: Over recent years people have been encouraged from a young age to voice their opinions. Generally, they are not being disrespectful when they make suggestions but this can be misunderstood by the older generation. Likewise the younger people should respect the level of knowledge gained from experience by the older generation. Decision-making: Everybody should be allowed contribute to the decision making process. It is likely that greater ‘buy-in’ to decisions would be achieved if everyone is involved. All opinions should be heard and considered. Even if all of the suggestions are not implemented, having one’s opinion heard and discussed is giving ownership to them. Feedback: Feedback, both positive and negative is a means by which people learn; feedback provided should be short, frequent and of highquality. Fun at work: Research shows that a high proportion of adolescents want to enjoy and be able to have fun while working; this is a significant factor for them in selecting an employer or choosing to stay, exceeding only by work-life balance and good renumeration. It is best if things are kept light and some humour incorporated. Loyalty: Younger generations may consider that they will change their career at some point in the future. The older generation should understand the younger generation’s considerations instead of trying to change the age group and its characteristics. People who enjoy their

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Work Environment work and environment are more likely to work harder and stay longer. Training: People generally want to learn new things, including more experienced people at work on farms; being mindful of this can reduce generational turnover. Interactive online training can be suitable to all ages, but in communicating the farm culture and values, and in soft skills development, live training is more effective than online training. Work ethic: Different age groups have different priorities, e.g. many people now believe that work-life balance is more important than overtime; both young and older people have quite active lives, and they like jobs that allow them flexibility and maybe set their own hours. So where possible, it is good to focus on results, not hours worked. Recruiting the right person Today, and in the future, successful dairy farm businesses must make recruitment a priority, since the family unit often cannot sustain the work demand as the farm gets larger and more family members choose to work off-farm. The selection and recruitment of personnel (parttime, or full-time) can be the difference between business success and failure. It is crucial to recognize that recruitment is marketing to potential applicants; marketing of the farm business and the position that the owner/ manager is seeking to fill. The following suggested checklist for recruitment may be useful. •

Identify three to five competencies, skills, knowledge, attitudes that will be key determinants of success in the position being advertised. Use these competencies to help guide the selection afterwards Develop and use a network to let people know about the positives of the farm and when a position is available Develop a good recruitment statement to include: » A positive statement or job characteristic that will attract attention

• •

» Have a job title and describe the main responsibilities » Portray a positive image of the dairy farm and the position » Explain the competencies required and the essential qualifications » Highlight positive attributes of the remuneration package • Be clear about how to apply for the job, e.g. Cover letter, CV • Develop a 1-page advert/ flyer containing the recruitment statement, a large headline to create attention and pictures of the farm. This must then be distributed to reach as many suitable candidates as possible through the network, online, e.g. Facebook, LinkedIn, etc and print media; discussion group members, Teagasc, neighbours and employment agencies can also be targeted • Email all contacts associated with the farm business and some social contacts as well • Applications submitted by the closing date need to be selected for interview • In preparation for the interview, 5-6 important areas that need to be focused on in the interview must be selected; these should be based on the job description and specification. Areas of importance for the job might be: • Qualifications, • Skills, • Personal attributes , • Competencies and behaviours required for the job • A few questions should be prepared in each area; this will assist in gathering evidence of the suitability of the person for the position • Each person should be allowed a similar amount of time for interview; a practical dimension may be used in the selection process for farm workers, e.g. they may be taken on a farm walk to evaluate their grassland skill, watch them milking, etc. • When the face-to-face interview is completed the assessment of each candidate should be written out; they can then be ranked. Further information on recruiting and selection may be obtained in the Teagasc Farm Labour Manual (https://www.teagasc.ie/ publications/2017/teagasc-farm-labour-manual.php).

Danny and Donal O’Brien 38

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Product News

Biocel Ltd Continue To Lead The Charge In The Reduction Of Chlorine / Chlorate Residues

iocel Ltd the leading Irish supplier of Hygiene & Teat Care products for over 50 years, are continuing to lead the charge in the reduction of chlorine associated residues with a range of new and improved Chlorine free products. These new products, in combination with existing proven products, offer the industry an option to clean dairy equipment Chlorine free. The production of residue free dairy products is key to growing international markets with Biocel Ltd working very closely with the industry both at farm and processing level since the challenge of TCMs & more recently Chlorates arose in the industry enabling the company to have a deep understanding of the challenge from “farm to fork”. Circodine P & Multisan / Aquasan the Biocel Ltd trusted & proven chlorinated products are now available in chlorine free formulations under the brand names Circodine CF & Multisan CF. These products, in conjunction with the Biocel unique Peracetic Acid products Serpent /Hydrox 5 combined with the new detergent / descaler formulation CIRCO – ACID 3 ensures dairy producers can maintain premium quality using a totally Chlorine free system for the cleaning and disinfection of milking plant & bulk tanks. The products & cleaning programs have been tested and proven in a combination of Moorepark and farm trials ensuring they deliver quality results comparable to systems using chlorine based cleaners, while also eliminating and reducing TCM & Chlorates residues. The Biocel Chlorine free system also offers added saving in both water heating and usage costs.

The key to maintaining quality results when using a Chlorine free wash routine are: 1. 2. 3.

Attain an adequate wash temperature in the hot wash with target dump temperature of 55degC. Follow a rigid program as recommended by Teagasc using Serpent as a disinfectant/ scale preventative or a routine Acid wash using CIRCO – ACID 3 as part of a robust wash program. If the wash struggles to reach an adequate temperature or the plant is difficult to clean due to a large number of units combined with the presence of milk meters resulting in a protein build up a routine hot wash with Circodine CF , Multisan CF at an increased concentration or Circo -Power CB is an option to retain equipment in a pristine condition, subject to processor approval.

For more information on the Biocel Ltd, chlorine free products & wash programs visit www.biocel.ie or call 021 4353516 for a free consultation with our Dairy Hygiene Technical team.

HEALTHY UDDER BOLUS

REDUCE SOMATIC CELL COUNT ZERO MILK WITHDRAWAL FAST ACTING COMBATS MASTITIS NON ANTIBIOTIC 0044 7803618754 FREE NATIONWIDE DELIVERY

Maximum Grip

Longer Cow Life

Healthier Hooves

Greater Cow Comfort

High Activity

Confidence in Walking

Wright Quarry Products Swanns Cross, Rockcorry, Co Monaghan www.Wright.ie | 042 974 4811 Farm Business IRISH

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Product News

Effective Foot-bathing

Without Antibiotics The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has issued advice warning against the ‘off label’ use of soluble antibiotic powders such as erythromycin and lincomycin in footbaths to treat lameness in dairy cows. The unauthorised use of antibiotics carries a significant risk to public health, due to potential residues in milk and meat, antimicrobial resistance and environmental contamination. Alternatives to antibiotics must be the first choice for use in footbaths as part of a prevention programme to control lameness.

oot-bathing for lameness control helps to reduce the incidence of new infections and improve the condition of the hoof - effective foot-bathing can reduce lameness by up to 70%! Renowned cattle veterinarian Roger Blowey, FRCVS steadfastly advises fellow farmers to treat hoof issues as you would treat mastitis and footbath all milking cows daily, just like teat dipping. He emphasises that for effective control of lameness, prevention is the best approach. He also asserts that greater economic benefit comes from foot-bathing more frequently than any other animal health change made on farm. Mortellaro, or digital dermatitis (DD), is an infectious condition and one of the major causes of lameness reducing mobility, comfort, feed intake, milk yield and fertility. This infectious condition can spread quickly through the entire herd and can reduce milk yield by at least one litre per cow per day. Foot-bathing throughout the year consistently keeps the number of lame cows to a low number and is an important way to reduce the DD challenge.

Footbath solution

Formaldehyde and copper sulphate are the most commonly used non-antibiotic footbaths and both have issues for sustained use. These chemicals quickly become ineffective when in contact with organic matter so choosing a scientifically proven footbath solution which also has robust on-farm data is important. A clinical trial by the Royal Veterinary College compared Hoofsure Endurance to formalin. 90 cows were involved in a 24 week split footbath study. Results after 12 weeks showed Hoofsure Endurance to be 19% more effective than formalin*. The Journal of Dairy Science published a study comparing Hoofsure Endurance to copper sulphate. After 9 weeks, Hoofsure Endurance was 7% more effective than copper sulphate at reducing the incidence of lesions*.

Topical application

While foot-bathing plays a vital role in preventing many lameness conditions, topical applications to lesions is required where infection rates or pressure are high. Hoofsure Endurance can be used as a 25% topical spray in conjunction with or as an alternative to foot-bathing. Provita Konquest Gel (see image 1) is a unique concentrated blend with potent penetrating action and advanced bio-adhesion properties. Can be used with or without a bandage on those larger lesions. Provita Combat is a unique film-forming spray which provides long-lasting activity, it can be used easily in the parlour.

New Developments

Spraying infected animals with 25% Hoofsure Endurance Solution Hoofsure Endurance can be used as a 25% topical spray using an acid resistant sprayer in conjunction with or as an alternative to footbathing. This involves 4 simple steps: 1. Clean feet if necessary. 2. Do not overfill the sprayer, leave at least 1 litre space at the top. If overfilled and/or over pumped the sprayer will be damaged. 3. Spray feet with Provita Hoofsure Endurance (1 part product to 3 parts water). 4. Apply for three consecutive days. For further information please contact Whelehan Animal health at 01 4688900. *References available on request

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IF IF YOU YOU THINK THINK FORMALDEHYDE FORMALDEHYDE OR COPPER SULPHATE SULPHATE IS IS THE THE ANSWER •• Formaldehyde Formaldehyde is is carcinogenic carcinogenic --EU EU Regulations/IARC Regulations/IARC •• Potential Potential prosecutions prosecutions for for untrained untrained use use -- DEFRA DEFRA •• Copper Copper Sulphate Sulphate cannot cannot legally legally be beused used in in aa footbath footbath -- EU EU Regulations •• May May result result in in lifetime lifetime contamination contamination of soil soil -- Hoards Hoards Dairyman Dairyman

THINK THINK AGAIN! Hoofsure Endurance Endurance

Footbath solution Footbath solution •• Organic Organic acids acids and and tea tree oil -- non-toxic, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic non-carcinogenic and and biodegradable biodegradable •• 7% 7% to to 19% 19% better better results than than Copper Copper Sulphate Sulphate and Formaldehyde Formaldehyde respectively respectively •• The The safer, safer, proven proven alternative *References *References available available on on request

SPECIAL OFFER SPECIAL Purchase 33 xx 20 20 litre litre Hoofsure Hoofsure Endurance Endurance Purchase

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ContactWhelehan WhelehanAnimal Animal Health Health on on Contact

(01) 468 468 8900 8900 (01) PROVITAEUROTECH EUROTECHLtd. Ltd.2121Bankmore BankmoreRoad, Road,Omagh, Omagh,Co. Co.Tyrone, Tyrone,Northern NorthernIreland, Ireland, BT79 BT79 0EU 0EU PROVITA Tel: +44 (0)28 8225 2352 Fax: +44 (0)28 8224 1734 FREEPHONE 0800 3284982 Email: info@provita.co.uk www.provita.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)28 8225 2352 Fax: +44 (0)28 8224 1734 FREEPHONE 0800 3284982 Email: info@provita.co.uk www.provita.co.uk

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Cubicle Peat Bed

Cubicle Peat Bed “PeatBed” is an innovative bedding material for bedding livestock. It has been specially graded for each type of livestock industry. Cubicle bed been a very popular bedding material for the dairy industry. Cubicle Peat bed leaves the conditions for bacteria to grow extremely hard inhibiting bacteria growth. Cubicle Peat bed will make bedding cubicles a lot easier. The product can be sourced in bulk loads or handy 2 cubic meter bags.

Cubicle bedding is a fine dry peat pre-mixed with lime for cubicles. The hydrated lime is mixed through the fine peat altering the Ph to add an extra barrier in preventing bacteria growth. Cows stay extremely dry, clean and comfortable when bedded on the Cubicle Bed. Peat bedding eliminates the need for the farmer to continuously replenish the bedding material as the absorption capacity is 10 times its own weight then standard bedding material. This is very important as cubicle peat will soak up the moisture preventing bacteria growth. Peat bed also promotes growth when spread on land and does not take long to break down. Advantage of using the cubicle peat is that it does not settle in the slurry tank it mixes through the slurry causing no problems when been spread back onto the land. Cubicle bed is better for herd health as it is not hard on the cow teats unlike other bedding materials which are very harsh on the cows and also farmers applying product.

Why use peat bed products • • • • • • • •

Keep the animal dry, clean & comfortable Labour effective Maintain a healthy environment Creature comfort Cost effective Safe to use Easily stored Easily Spread on Land

Please contact us for more information and prices on 047 51557 ext. 2 or email sales@ peatbed.com. Check out our website and social media sites. www.peatbed.com Social Media: Peat bed on Facebook.

LINDERS

AS CY RENT FREE G

www.peatbed.com

sales@peatbed.com | 047 51557 (ext.2)

y; supplier toda t s re a e n r u .uk o Find y obbyweld.co h @ fo in | o.uk hobbyweld.c

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Commercial Feature

Slurry Gold

Plan Your T-Day Now Better results from your slurry

s one of the leading slurry additives on the market, Slurry Gold has enabled thousands of farmers to stop their slurry turning into a costly waste product. By keeping slurry healthy in storage, it means the end product is much easier to handle, more nutritious and better for the environment. “I don’t dread emptying my tanks anymore” is a common response from farmers who are now regularly treating their storage tanks. It works by simply keeping the slurry alive in the tank, meaning it will not form an inhibiting crust, will not separate, and nutrients are allowed to be retained through natural cycling. In particular Nitrogen is retained by minimising losses of ammonia. As a result farmers should expect to see a saving of up to a bag of N per acre. Application is simple. A one off treatment at the start of the housed season is ideal. Simply dilute the powder into buckets of water and pour across the slatted tank. Slurry Gold can also be simply applied to lagoons or overground towers. The aim is to maximise the time it has available to work. So start planning your T-Day (Treatment Day) now, so you won’t forget and miss the opportunity for huge savings. Safety: We always reiterate the importance of safety when working with slurry. Whether you have used Slurry Gold or not, always vacate, secure and ventilate.

Easy to apply

For more information contact Farmcare Products on 01 437 6894 or go to www.slurrygold.com

Farm Business IRISH

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Soil Improvement

If your ﬁelds could talk !..... Would they ask for Help? Introduction

A farmer said to me recently ‘I think I am doing everything right above the ground but I’m not so sure about below the ground’. So much attention is given to all aspects of farming, but if your fields could speak to you what would they say? In recent years more farmers are focusing on the health of their soil, worm population and root depth. The soil is organic matter, rock particles, air, water and microlife. A healthy soil will help the uptake of nutrients into the plant and the animal will have access to better quality forage. One company that specialise in bringing the soil back to life is a company called SOBAC.

French Company

SOBAC is a French company based in the south of France specialising in organic soil amendments. SOBAC came to Ireland back in 2012 in partnership with P&T Stapleton Limited. SOBAC’s products Bacteriolit and Bacteriosol are made up of a complex of micro-organisms which improves the level of micro-life in the soil, allowing the soil to fulfil its full natural cycle. It was developed by Marcel Mezy, a French farmer, in the 1980’s. It also helps to transform organic matter into humus. The illustration on the right shows that any positive charged element is naturally fixed on to the clay humic complex via the law of attraction as the clay humic complex is negatively charged. The more humus you have in your soil, the more minerals you will fix and prevent from leaching. Animals get more from the forage in the field than they do from the bought in bag. It is important to have the field right and working well so the field can have the opportunity to have the nutrition in the plants. The autotrophic micro-organisms trap carbon and nitrogen from the air and carbon is the base of humus. Humus is the natural storage capacity of the soil and the humic micro-organisms transform organic matter into humus. Humus is the evolution of organic matter; organic matter can evolve in two ways – either into humus or rot. Rhizospherical micro-organisms around the roots enable the exchange between the roots and the humus layer, by making all of the elements available to the plants we are offering them the possibility to feed on what they really need instead of overdosing them with one element like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium or calcium, for example.

Sean O Sullivan:

Vet ‘The biggest problem when you deal with stock are probably scouring and pneumonia, and I think Sobac helps. It also helps from a point of view of coccidiosis. We are seeing better sward quality, a bit more clover coming into the sward and also I know that after three inches of rain in the last couple of days, we are not pouching the fields as much as we were in the past, we have a better sod under our cattle’

Kim McCall:

Kim has been farming since 1986 and has produced thoroughbreds until 1994 “I started using Bacteriosol in 2012 and since I started using Bacteriosol I have seen higher biological soil fertility which ultimately improved the quality of my pastures and therefore the health of the animals. As I don’t use chemical weed killers one of the things I was most impressed about after applying Bacteriosol was that I noticed a significant reduction in the number of weeds, such as docks, thistles and nettles. You still have weeds but they don’t flourish and we gained productivity.”

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Soil Improvement

George Coyle:

Commercial Hay Producer “I do keep some stock and because I have paddocks fertilised with either chemicals or Bacteriosol I can compare the difference. The stock always seems to prefer Bacteriosol grass, grazing the paddock out evenly. When it comes to making hay the process is definitely easier. The grass isn’t pumped with nitrogen and excess moisture. I’ve had the hay tested and the results show that protein and dry matter content is higher in the hay cut from a field where I have spread Bacteriosol and my customers want that hay. We have way more worms with Bacteriosol. Worms are so important for soil health”.

Sean McDermot:

Dairy Farmer ‘In April 2015 we did a soil profile. I think there were 50 – 60 people here. We dug the holes with the digger and we could not believe there was such a difference in it. The grass, and the roots of the grass went so far into the ground. We had fierce worm activity as well. It was an eye opener to me to see what was going on under the ground. We are happy enough so far’.

William Downes:

Dairy Farmer ‘I would honestly say that the stock are thriving on the grass. As regards to milk yield would be up. I supply Arrabawn Co-Op with milk, and I won a milk award in 2014, the ‘quality milk’ award. The award was based on test results of fat, protein, cell count and bacteria count. My average fat for 2014 was 4.30, my average protein was 3.50, my cell count was 87 and my bacteria count was 13’. For more information contact SOBAC’s distributor P & T Stapleton Limited bacteriolit@gmail.com CALL Tom on 087-2328051

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Commercial Feature

Expansion, Lameness & Proﬁtability means to manage a large herd with limited land resources.This is not without detrimental effects on the animals and the efficiency of the farm if not managed. In Ireland and The Netherlands, use of concrete slats over slurry tanks is widespread. Studies show cows should lie in cubicles between 12 and 14 hours per day with the balance engaged in feeding, milking, drinking and socialising.That means 10 to 12 hours is standing on hard,wet, dirty and cold concrete slats.This is the primary cause of lameness in modern day dairy farming.

Lameness

Lameness reduces the cow’s mobility and causes loss of body condition through reduced feed intake.This affects the cow’s fertility most notably loss of body condition, inability to show sign of heat and increased likelihood of being hurt during bulling activity.The reduction in fertility is related to the severity of the lameness such as cows requiring more services The losses associated with lameness are a significant drain on the profits, with farmers often unaware of the scale of these losses.However, farmers are often of the opinion that large scale lameness “go with the territory” and is something to deal with as it occurs.

Challenges

The last number of years have been challenging to dairy farmers who have faced considerable hardship due to diminishing returns, poor weather and higher feed costs.The ending of milk quotas in 2015 has led to considerable debate to achieve sustainability and growth particularly with land availability and fragmentation limiting expansion. In this environment, many dairy producers are re– assessing production methods especially with climate change and the necessity for sustainable growth.There is a realisation that increased intensification is required,with a move to some version of confinement systems as inevitable.

Confinement

Much discussion has centred on the use of “confinement” farming as a solution.There are two versions – Total confinement where cows are housed inside year round, milked in parlours and fed mechanically harvested feed and Winter confinement – usually family sized farms with cows milked in parlours but during non–pasture season the cows are housed inside and fed mechanically harvested feed familiar to Irish farms today. The central benefits of confinement systems stem from the high level of cow management which achieves savings in production costs – labour, higher levels of performance by the herd (increased milk/milk solids yield). Also, adverse weather conditions have minimal impact on the day to day working of the farm especially as the herd cannot degrade the land by poaching.

Preventing Lameness – Enabling Growth And Productivity

How can The Netherlands achieve double the milk production to Ireland? The simple answer is they have recognized and invested in advanced animal health and welfare. Identifying lameness and tackling it has led to enormous productivity gains. One of the most cost effective is the use of specialized Plastic Flooring Systems. There have been great advances achieved on flooring systems since the introduction of a simple black rubber fitted onto concrete slats and still used today in Ireland. Animal science and innovative manufacturing have moved beyond the limitations of flat black rubber mats. Manufacturers working with the Animal Science Group of Wageningen University (The Netherlands) have developed the next generation of flooring system to meet the challenges ahead. A study conducted by Dutch Hoof health Centre into lameness in Dairy Herds on such flooring systems show the “percentage of lame cows as low. On average 89% of the cows did not show any clinical signs of lameness”,which contrasts with 95% lameness (mild to severe) in an Northern Ireland (AFBI) study in 2011. Irish dairy farming has the advantage and disadvantage of low–cost grazing, so sustainable growth and profitability will only occur when we embrace more intensive milk production and innovative solutions to persistent dairy lameness. For further information contact Comfort Slat Mats Tel: 01 8643494. Email: sales@comfortslatmat.com or www.slatmats.com

Growth

With current weather patterns restricting grazing, farm fragmentation and limited land availability to facilitate an increase in herd size, it is difficult to see how the dairy industry can achieve the 50% increase in milk production through the traditional grazing practices. There are three possible paths to achieve the significant increases in milk yields envisaged – 1. Increase the herd size, 2. Intensify the farm production through farm consolidation and adopting total confinement practices or 3.A combination of the two.

The Netherlands

The average milk yield in Ireland is 4429 litres/year per cow while in The Netherlands is yield is 8101 litres/year.This near double the output is through the application of total confinement methods. In The Netherlands herds are often housed 24 hour a day as the only

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Animal Health Commercial Feature

Cargill Animal Nutrition launch new Rumen Buffer Cargill Animal Nutrition will introduce their new rumen buffer Equaliser® 365 to farmers this December. The powerful rumen buffer Equaliser® is now available in its most flexible format, easy feed pellets. This easy to use and palatable form makes Equaliser® 365 ideal for all year round feeding and all farming systems.

ccording to Dr. Philip Ingram, Ruminant Technical Manager at Cargill Animal Nutrition, ‘In trials where Equaliser® 365 was compared against sodium bicarbonate, cows receiving Equaliser® 365 had an uplift of 1.9kg per day in milk plus an extra 0.12% milk fat. This was as a consequence of greater rumen stability. In addition to its new pelleted form, Equaliser® 365 combines several key components in order to meet the most important challenges of the rumen head on. Rumen pH is kept at its optimal zone for digestion courtesy of Equaliser rumen buffer – proven to have more than 2.5 times the strength of sodium bicarbonate.’ Equaliser® 365 contains ingredients such as Levucell® Titan to help the rumen utilise starch and sugar efficiently and Phenomix to calm rapidly digestible protein for optimum usage. It also contains a rumen specific protected vitamin and mineral pack which aids rumen microbe activity to improve digestion. These features make Equaliser® 365 an ideal solution when acidosis is a threat. It is suitable for cows on lush grazing, animals on wet/acidic silages, or high cereal/concentrate diets.

The flexibility of Equaliser® 365 means that it is ideally suited to feeding cows at grass that are top up fed in parlour, cows fed via robots, and beef or youngstock fed in troughs. Equaliser® 365 will be available through most local co-op stores or agri-merchants in Ireland. About Cargill With 155,000 employees across 70 counties, at Cargill we work relentlessly to achieve our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Every day, we connect farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and people and animals with the food they need to thrive. We combine 153 years of experience with new technologies and insights to serve as a trusted partner for food, agriculture, financial and industrial customers in more than 125 countries. Side-by-side, we are building a stronger, sustainable future for agriculture. For more information, visit www.cargill.com/feed.

Dr. Philip Ingram, Technical Manager Cargill

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Product News Product News

The Role Of Trace Minerals

If there is a deficiency in trace elements supplementation will be required.

bolus. This also ensures effective utilisation by the animal. The water t is widely established and widely accepted that ensuring the absorption by the bolus increases in weight by up to 15% which has the optimum trace element status in your herd is critical to boost bolus. This also ensures effective utilisation by the animal. Th is widely established andfocus widely accepted that ensuring theadded benefi t of preventing regurgitation and ensuring retention fore water herd health and tproductivity. Often the can be on the absorption by the bolus increases in weight by up to 15% which has the tracephosphorus element status in your herd critical the active life of the bolus. major minerals suchoptimum as calcium, magnesium etcisand the to boost added benefit of preventing regurgitation and ensuring retention for herd andin productivity. Often thecan focus canbe be on the trace minerals which arehealth required minute quantities often the active life of the bolus. major such as to calcium, phosphorus magnesium etc and the overlooked. These can minerals be detrimental growth, productivity and trace minerals which are required in minute quantities can oft en be reproduction. These can be detrimental to growth, productivity and In Ireland the overlooked. most common deficiencies are in copper (Cu), iodine reproduction. (I), selenium (se) and cobalt (Co). Other trace elements include zinc In Ireland the most common deficiencies are in copper (Cu), iodine (Zn) while Molybdenum (Mo) and (Fe) are Other powerful (I), selenium (se) andiron cobalt (Co). tracecopper elements include zinc antagonists. (Zn) while Molybdenum (Mo) and iron (Fe) are powerful copper Trace element antagonists. requirements vary with age and production level young, pregnant and lactating animals will have greatest need. Trace element requirements varythe with age and production level Grass and forageyoung, varies pregnant widely inand trace element content soilgreatest need. lactating animals willdue havetothe type, pH, drainage, plant and fertiliser Clay soils content generally Grass andspecies forage varies widely inuse. trace element due to soil have higher tracetype, element levels than sandy soils. testinguse. may pH, drainage, plant species andSoil fertiliser Clay soils generally have higher element levels than soils. Soil testing may reveal gross deficiencies but trace should only be used as sandy a guide when revealelement gross defi ciencies but herd. shouldForage only beanalysis used as acan guide considering the trace status of the be when considering trace element status of the herd. analysis can be misleading and needs carefulthe interpretation. Together they canForage be used misleading needs interpretation. Together they can be used to join the dots and build a and picture ofcareful what defi ciencies may be in the to join the dots andwill buildbea apicture of whatwhich deficiencies herd. The most accurate diagnosis liver biopsy can bemay be in the herd. performed by your vet.The most accurate diagnosis will be a liver biopsy which can be performed If there is a defi ciency in by theyour herdvet. supplementation will be required. If there is a deficiency in the herd supplementation will be required. The choice of supplementation is often a source of debate and variable The choice of supplementation is often a source of debate and variable supply can have negative Some trace elements cannot be cannot be supply canconsequences. have negative consequences. Some trace elements stored in the body, suchinasthecobalt iodine and or a form ofand continuous stored body,or such as cobalt iodine a form of continuous supply must be provided therefore it is necessary supply must be provided therefore ittoisconsider necessarythe to consider the method of supplementation carefully. method of supplementation carefully. The bolus as a means of supplementation is highly efficient and effi gives The bolus as a means of supplementation is highly cient and gives peace of mind topeace the farmer bytoreleasing a controlled of trace of mind the farmer by releasingrelease a controlled release of trace elements over theelements duration of the cover. over duration of cover. Theboasts PharVet bolus boasts Superior Bolus and Patented Bolus Technology. The PharVet bolus Superior and Patented Technology. The unique complex of theitbolus allowsliquid it to absorb liquid The unique complex structure of thestructure bolus allows to absorb rumensponge. like a metallic sponge. The inflinto ow of in the rumen likeinathe metallic The infl ow of water thewater coreinto the core of the bolus triggers and electrolytic slowly of the bolus triggers and electrolytic reaction whichreaction slowly which releases the releases the trace elements freeover ions the andlife saltof over trace elements and vitamins asand freevitamins ions andassalt thethe life of the

Super Grazing 250 - Unique, long acting and highly

Super Grazingconcentrated 250 - Unique, long acting andahighly bolus that provides balanced and

concentrated bolus that provides a balanced and concentrated supply of essential trace elements for the entire concentrated supply of essential trace elements for the grazing season (250 days). It provides zinc,entire copper, iodine, grazing season (250 days).and It provides selenium cobalt. zinc, copper, iodine, selenium and cobalt. Calfmin - Long acting calf bolus that provides zinc, Calfmin - Long manganese, acting calf bolus that provides copper, iodine, cobaltzinc, and selenium. These elements arecobalt essential optimumThese bone and muscle manganese, copper, iodine, andforselenium. growth. is ideally suited calves over 8 weeks of age elements are essential forIt optimum bonefor and muscle andsuited over 100kg. Use at turnout to grass when the calf is growth. It is ideally for calves over 8 weeks of age overat 100kg. and over 100kg. Use turnout to grass when the calf is over 100kg. Elite Dry Cow 90’s - Long acting bolus that provides a balanced and controlled supply of essential trace elements Elite Dry Cow 90’s - Long acting bolus that provides a required during the dry period. It provides cobalt, copper,

balanced and controlled supply of essential trace elements manganese, iodine, zinc, selenium, vitamin E and required during the dry period. It provides cobalt, copper, vitamin A. manganese, iodine, zinc, selenium, vitamin E and vitamin A.

Copper Plus - Long acting bolus that provides a balanced

Copper Plus Long acting bolus that provides balancedUse at and -controlled supply of copper, zinc andaselenium.

and controlled supply copper, and selenium. Use at or at drying off orof during the zinc dry period; at turnout to grass drying off or duringinthe dry period; at turnout to grass or at housing all cattle. housing in all cattle.

High Fertility - Unique long acting bolus that provides a

High Fertility - Unique long acting bolus that provides a balanced and controlled supply of cobalt, selenium,

magnesium, iodine andofvitamin You prepare for balanced and controlled supply cobalt,B12. selenium, fertility during the drying offYou andprepare post-partum magnesium, iodine and vitamin B12. for phases. This the bolus supplies trace elements fertility during drying off the andessential post-partum phases. required during these periods. This bolus supplies the critical essential trace elements required during these critical periods. Sheep - Powerful 6 element bolus which has been

specifically formulated for use in ewes, replacements and Sheep - Powerful 6 element bolus which has been lambs. It contains zinc, manganese, iodine, copper,

specifically formulated for use in ewes, replacements and selenium and cobalt. lambs. It contains zinc, manganese, iodine, copper, selenium and cobalt.

PharVet (Ireland) Ltd., Unit 29, Second Avenue, Cookstown Industrial Estate, Dublin 24 Tel: (01) 451 8959 Website: www.pharvet.com

PharVet (Ireland) Ltd., Unit 29, Second Avenue, Cookstown Industrial Estate, Dublin 24 Tel: (01) 451 8959 Website: www.pharvet.com 50 42

Farm FarmBusiness Business IRISH IRISH

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Forestry Careers Forestry Careers

PharVet (Ireland) Ltd. Unit 29, Cookstown Industrial PharVet (Ireland)Estate, Ltd. Dublin 24 Tel:Cookstown 01 451 8959Industrial www.pharvet.com Unit 29, Estate, Dublin 24

Tel: 01 451 8959

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www.pharvet.com

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Otterstown, Athboy, Co. Meath. C15 XH52

T: 01 485 1323 E: info@aneuco.ie W: www.aneuco.ie

Combi-board Zeta Click & Pour PVC Wall System •

•

Hygienic Wall System is economical & efﬁcient to use, easy to install in any location & suitable for a wide range of projects. Has the same stable chararistics as concrete combined with the advantage of having a plastic smooth outer surface. Fire Rating of Bs2d0 & is UV Stable with a Colourfast Warranty makes it suitable for both External & Internal Wall Projects. Suitable for both large & small projects from complete Building Wall Structures to Single Pods were easy installation & strength is key. Having the advantages of speedy installation along

•

with having a finished wall surface which is anti fungal & moisture resistant. Available in 2 Panel thicknesses, 100mm & 175mm. It is produced to the customers specific project requirements Including associated Corners & U Trims allowing for the concrete core to be installed at the same time to give the complete finish. Environmentally friendly - manufactured from recycled PVC. Saves on water usage due to it’s easily cleaned surface Suitable for a solid concrete core or the beaded concrete mix which results in an insulated wall structure

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Animal Bedding

Tottenham Timber

ottenham Timber, established in 2003 is a family run business providing specialist supply & services within the Forestry, Farming and Animal Bedding sectors. We are one of Irelands leading independent suppliers of Quality Animal Bedding for the agricultural, equine & industrial sectors, providing a nationwide delivery service throughout all of Ireland & the Uk. Various grades of high quality Sawdust, Woodchip, Woodshavings are available to choose from in stock. Tottenham Timber provide a wide range of supply options from single pallet deliveries to bulk walking floors using our in-house fleet of vehicles for our animal bedding supply. We strive to have a product and suitable delivery option for all our clients depending on their various circumstances. Tottenham Timber are also leading in their field of Forestry Consultancy and also specialise in Timber Harvesting and the Marketing of Timber, Biomass supply and all other Forest Products. Visit www.tottenhamtimber.ie or find us on facebook.

ATTENTION FARMERS, IT'LL BE HARD TO BEAT OUR PRICES!

• Sawdust • Woodshavings • Woodchip • Forestry Consultancy • Timber Harvesting & Marketing For further information contact us at 086 8362522 or visit www.tottenhamtimber.ie 54

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Research Trip New Zealand

Tokanui Dairy Research Farm… Notes from a visit by Christine Cummins & Amanda Dunn of Bonanza Calf Nutrition

Introduction

New Zealand are very focussed in their research, understanding that advice given to farmers must be from research relative to their systems of farming. Ag Research is one of their largest bodies of research, employing more than 800 people. They have a number of institutes across New Zealand. Tokanui Research Farm is a prestigious dairy research farm aimed to give results directly applicable to dairy farmers of New Zealand. Being a commercial farm, they are conducting their research on a working farm relatable for seasonal calving, grass-based systems, not dissimilar to facilities in Ireland.

Irish Visit

On their recent tour to New Zealand, Bonanza Calf Nutrition visited Tokanui Research Farm, close to Te Awamutu. Being passionate about managing a commercial farm that also helps to educate us with new findings, the farm manager, Shane was more than welcoming, taking Christine Cummins and Amanda Dunn on a tour of their facilities. The farm is set on a 340ha block which is long and narrow, not dissimilar to many farms in Ireland. Milking 800 Jersey crossbred cows, the farm holds 170 dairy replacement heifers annually and approximately 100 additional calves for beef and the Chinese market.

Importance of Early Life

Knowing that the first weeks and months of a calf ’s life is key to its future performance, there is an emphasis placed on the importance of calf health and survivability. They are quite strict with practices on the farm and not unlike other highly successful farms, keeping things simple is key to their success. The spring 2019 mortality rate (0.5%) to the day that Bonanza visited is a testament to this. The death that attributed to this figure was due to an unfortunate intestinal twist.

What are the simple things that attribute to this excellent survival rate?

Firstly, all calves are treated the same. There is no known reason the staff at Tokanui Research Farm have to treat beef calves differently to those destined for the dairy industry. All calves need good nutrition, clean environment and dry beds. As is standard practice in New Zealand all calves are left with the

cow initially. At Tokanui they are removed at approximately 10 am daily with all calves remaining with the dam for at least 12 hours after birth. This means they get their first feed from the cow and potentially their second. Most calves are manually fed gold colostrum upon collection. Any gold colostrum they do not use is stored frozen in 2 litre amounts for use at a later date if necessary. Gold colostrum is the first milking which has been collected from the cow and should have sufficient antibodies for a calf ’s first feed. A very quick and easy way to test colostrum is using a Brix Refractometer with a scale 0-32%. On this scale Gold colostrum will read a minimum of 22%.

Importance of Colostrum With awareness increasing in New Zealand about the importance of colostrum feeding to ensure adequate passive transfer of antibodies, Shane decided to test calves via their blood. Discovering that the tested calves had sufficient antibodies in their blood, he decided to continue to allow cows to feed their calves for that initial feed, with monitoring. Calves that are born are typically up and feeding within minutes of birth which is a crucial element to ensuring they acquire adequate antibodies. As it is not possible to monitor the intake of colostrum, or the

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Research Trip New Zealand colostrum quality when the calf is sucking the cow for the first feed, testing the blood for immune status in the calf is a vital element of the systems success. Every calf is fed its own mothers’ colostrum for the first two days and for the next five days they feed pooled transition milk from freshly calves cows.

Vaccination

This is another important aspect of calf rearing at the research farm as they vaccinate to help protect the calf against rotavirus, coronavirus and E.coli. When using this vaccination it is important that the calves receive sufficient levels of milk from freshly calves cows as this is the only method of transferring antibodies to the calf.

Nutrition

This transition milk further benefits the calf due to its higher level of nutrients compared with whole milk. Such nutrients include vitamins, minerals, antibodies, growth hormones and much more. The ingredients such as oligosaccharides help to mature the intestinal wall which is still highly porous for the first days of the calf ’s life. Transition milk helps to safeguard the calf from pathogens taking over their digestive tract. Calves are initially fed up to 2.5 L of transition milk twice daily via teat feeders before moving to once daily feeding with a total milk solids of up to 750g. Transition milk is stored in large chilled vats for up to 24 hours. Calves have access to ad-lib clean fresh water and concentrates within the first days of life. For the first four weeks they have access to 20 % crude protein concentrates and move to a 16 % pellet when at grass. This is due to the high protein content of the grass. Calves can only process a certain amount of protein and it is not beneficial to overload them. Digestible fibre is another crucial element of a calf ’s diet, particularly when at grass. At Tokanui straw is available to the calves to help with rumen development. Calves are turned out to grass at approx. four weeks of age, weather permitting. If daytime temperatures are below 12°C, calves are not let out.

Minimising Stress

In an effort to minimise stress no change is made suddenly. Calves are moved to once daily milk feeding, then put out to grass. This is when the 60-teat trail feeder must be used and so they introduce this to the calves shortly prior to turnout. Prevention is pertinent for thriving calves at Tokanui who previously were struck with cryptosporidia. Initially, when calves are collected after birth they spray their navels with iodine solution, and again in the calf house. They treat calves for the first five days to help prevent cryptosporidia. Although they practice this, it is only a safety net for preventionmanagement in other areas is key.

Hygiene

Hygiene is the key and with a rigorous routine for cleaning feeding equipment the staff at Tokanui are on top of their game. They have access to hot water for cleaning and they use brushes to ensure feeding

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Research Trip New Zealand kg. The pellets are then removed from the diet when calves hit a target of 100 kg and the aim is to have them 300 kg liveweight at mating to calves down at approximately two years of age.

Housing

equipment is thoroughly cleaned. If feeding equipment is not cleaned adequately a biofilm can develop. This is when microorganisms stick together on the surface of the feeding equipment and develop a protective layer which as a slimy feel to our fingers. This build- up of bugs can result in sickness in the calves.

Restricted visits

Hygiene in the house is also crucial, they have restrictions in place to control the number of people allowed into the calf house. One of the primary causes of disease can actually be spread through contamination of people via dirty boots, clothes etc. A high level of hygiene and sanitation of feeding equipment is in place, having hot water available at the cleaning station where feeders are washed down daily to reduce levels of bacteria. Biosecurity is an extension to hygiene and at this research station there is a restriction on visitors to the calf shed. They provide wellingtons for any visitors which is an excellent way to prevent accidental spread of disease underfoot. Having a restriction on visitors to the calf house can be a smart idea, particularly if clothes are dirty as this is a primary cause of the spread of disease to calves, even from workers coming from other areas on the same farm. Furthermore, having a station outside the calf house to wash and disinfect boots and hands can be a potential lifesaver for calves. Until recently all youngstock was moved to a different farm at approximately 100 kg liveweight. However, due to increased awareness of the importance of biosecurity, hereon all stock will be retained on one farm. This is particularly important for long term diseases of which the consequences are not immediately apparent. Such include BVD, Mycoplasma and Johne’s disease to name a few. Furthermore, youngstock are the most vulnerable to contracting infectious diseases. Within the farm, control is to be maintained via testing for some of the major concerns which presently is namely Mycoplasma Bovis and BVD (Bovine viral diarrhoea). A bulk milk sample is sent for testing for mycoplasma four times per year, followed by a blood test. Testing can help to identify a potential problem earlier and as such the consequences of an outbreak can be minimised.

Housing is one of the most difficult challenges when trying to get calf rearing right. The key is to know that there is no one perfect house and often using what you already have can work just as well as starting from scratch. Furthermore, it can take just some ‘tweaks’ to get it right and make it the ideal calf house on an individual farm. For the calves a Tokanui, an existing building was used. It is a long A-roof building with 11 pens on either side of a central passage. The calves start out in small groups of up to 15 calves per group and thereafter they open up the pens creating larger pens and later in the season, calves still indoors can gain access to an adjoining paddock. Other elements of housing which are crucial include keeping the calves dry and aiding the elimination of odours. Underneath the bedding is earth. As the earth can be quite sticky with a proportion of clay soil, the floor was quite wet and subsequently the bedding, hence some time had to be put into drainage. This was in the form of two 15-inch drainage pipes laid at 3-4 ft in depth and filling in the area with a deep layer of quarry stone. Shane commented that they originally had just a layer of quarry stone but until the pipes were laid there was no sufficient run-off. This was revolutionary for the farm to keep the calves dry and save on the usage of bedding.

Bedding

The bedding is woodchip in the form of recycled pallets laid 2 ft deep. When a group of calves are finished in a pen it is cleaned out. If the weather does not permit the calves to be out within five weeks the bedding is sprayed with a multipurpose disinfectant and a layer of chip is added. This ensures that the bedding remains fresh and dry for the calves until the weather is deemed suitable to put calves out.

Conclusions

Best practice will vary from farm to farm depending on the systems in place, however, basic principles are the same the world over.

Consistency in Feeding Practices

Another element in the success of rearing thriving healthy calves for Tokanui is consistency in feeding practices. They have a maximum of two people employed to rear up to 300 calves. The power of having the same routine carried out by the same people daily cannot be underestimated. Calves thrive on consistent management and having a routine with multiple people involved could carry many discrepancies and thus causing stress in the calves. In many instances this stress may not be clinical and may only be noticed in its affect on average daily weight gains. Weighing calves is an invaluable tool as it can help to identify calves that are not thriving as well as we think. For example, on the surface a calf may appear to be healthy and growing but they may be gaining 0.2 kg/day less than their comrade which over the course of eight weeks equates to 11.2 kg liveweight. At Tokanui they weigh calves regularly and use this a tool in choosing to wean calves. Typically, milk is removed for the diet when calves are healthy and hit a target of 80

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IFB081

Health and Safety Authority

Safeguard Life and Health on your Farm Between 2009-2018 35 people died on Irish Farms from falls and collapses. Managing health and safety on your farm greatly reduces the risk of injury and ill health. In the last ten years (2009-2018), 35 people have died on Irish farms from falls and collapses. 57% of these were falls from a height. People have a right to return home from work well and healthy. Good farmers and employers recognise the benefits of reducing incidents and ill health among their workers. Falls mainly occur when farmers climb onto the roofs of farm buildings to repair or clean them, and frequently happen when the victim stepped onto a Perspex skylight that collapsed beneath them. Other falls involve the misuse of vehicles as improvised working platforms, for example falls from raised forks or buckets, as well as falls from ladders and from natural environments such as mountains and cliffs. Falls predominantly affected older people, and farmers often continue to work into old age, either as the main farm holder or as a semiretired family worker. In 2018, approximately 58% of workers in the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing sector were aged 50 years or over, a much greater proportion than the 28% in the general Irish economy. If older people generally have higher risks of experiencing fatal accidents, one reason the Agricultural sector continues to have higher rates of fatal accident than other sectors may be the disproportionate number of older people continuing to participate in it. Also, the proportion of older workers in Agriculture is rising, so the rise in fatal accident rates in Agriculture may be related to the ageing of the agricultural workforce. It is likely older farmers probably have high rates of fatal accident mainly because they do not survive injuries that younger victims might survive, and because their impaired mobility or balance increases the risk of accidents such as falls, vehicle crashes or cattle attacks. Safe farming is an essential requirement of a sustainable farming business and should be regarded as a fundamental part of any farm

business management system. Unwise risk-taking is an underlying problem in the industry and those working on their own are especially vulnerable. The personal costs of injury and ill health can be devastating. Life is never the same again for family members left behind after a workrelated death, or for those looking after someone with a long-term illness or serious injury caused by their work. Between 2009-2018, 21 children died as a result of farm activities. The majority of these (81%) involved machinery and vehicles Children under the age of 15 years can be involved in farming activity as family workers. However, most accidents involving children often happen when children were near to farming activity or riding farm vehicles as passengers, and not when they were working on the farm. Most vehicle-related accidents involve children being struck by vehicles in farmyards or fields. Accidents also involve unsecured children falling from tractor cabs, from bales in a trailer, or from the step of a moving tractor. Periods when children are on school breaks / holidays are particular times for concern. The guidance on the Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Reporting of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences) Regulations 2016 requires the immediate reporting to the HSA of a fatality and the reporting within 10 working days of a non-fatal accident while at work resulting in an employee being unable to carry out their normal work duties for more than three consecutive days, excluding the day of the accident. Also, where an injury occurs to a person outside of the course of employment but arising from a work activity which requires that person to be taken from the location of the accident to receive treatment in respect of that injury in a hospital or medical facility- this is also reportable. Before carrying out work on a farm ask yourself could I do this safer? THINK farm SAFETY. Always manage and control the traﬃc (vehicles, people and livestock) on your farm.

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IFB0818 ISSUE 4.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2018 12:35 Page 15

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Glanbia Co-op Members Don’t forget that all purchases made this year count towards your 2019 Trading Bonus.

GAIN PRE-CALVER GOLD is a unique pre-calver mineral designed speciﬁcally for both the cow and the unborn calf. Key Beneﬁts • Helps prevent Milk Fever after calving • Contains high quality organic minerals, Sel-Plex® and Bioplex® • Reduces the chances of retained placenta

• Stimulates the immune response of the cow and unborn calf • Results in good quality colostrum and calf thrive • Supports quicker and better calving

For more information please contact, your local Glanbia Ireland Representative, Branch or glanbiaconnect.com Lo-call number 1890 321 321 Send us an email info@gainanimalnutrition.com

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