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World
UK to start bTB Cow-only approach to
cattle vaccine trials
TRIALS of a Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) cattle vaccine are set to get underway as the UK Government seeks to drive down herd incident rates and phase out badger culling in England.
Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) said the breakthrough by Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) scientists could see the vaccine being rolled out by 2025.
Cattle vaccination was highlighted as a key element of Defra’s 25-year bTB strategy, alongside badger culling, badger vaccination and improved testing and cattle movement controls.
However, last year the Government signalled its intention to phase out badger culling in England in favour of vaccination, a move criticised by farmers and the unions.
Defra Secretary George Eustice said: “As wider preventative measures such as cattle vaccines are introduced, we will accelerate other elements of our strategy and start to phase out badger culling, as noone wants to continue the cull of a protected species indefinitely.”
National Farmers’ Union (NFU) president Minette Batters welcomed the news, but reinforced the need to use a range of measures to get on top of the disease.
“We eagerly await the outcome of these trials to further understand the potential role of cattle vaccination as part of a complete bTB eradication strategy,” she said.
Sir Charles Godfray, who reviewed the Government’s 25-year strategy, concluded a ‘combined approach’, including badger and cattle vaccination, was needed to eradicate the disease by 2038.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss agreed a multi-pronged approach was key and praised the work of Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) vets, who were also working on new diagnostic tests which could be exported around the world.
The field trials will be conducted over the next four years on behalf of Defra, the Welsh Government and the Scottish Government, following 20 years of research into bovine TB vaccines and diagnostic tests.
UK Farmers Guardian
bTB ‘doomed to failure’
A VETERINARY expert has warned Defra that a “blinkered, cow-only approach” to eradicating Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) , without bearing down on the disease in wildlife, is doomed to failure.
Defra announced a “major breakthrough” in its 20-year pursuit of a cattle vaccine when it revealed that world-leading field trials would soon get under way in England and Wales.
But Cheshire-based TB veterinary expert Den Leonard said Defra’s approach would ultimately fail if it stopped controlling the population density of the wildlife reservoir, in this case badgers.
“TB is a multi-mammal issue and the worldwide evidence is plain that a blinkered, cow-only approach, in the presence of an infected wildlife reservoir, is doomed to failure,” he said.
Scientists from the Animal and Plant Health Agency and others have now developed a test which they say can differentiate between vaccinated and unvaccinated animals, known as a Diva test.
Researchers will trial the Diva test alongside the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine in the field over the next four to five years. They aim to find a viable cattle vaccine and associated SCIENTISTS have got closer to understanding the optimal level at which a methanereducing feed additive could be included in commercial dairy cattle diets.
The substance 3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) cuts methane emissions by 36% when included in diets at 100-200mg/kg, with 150mg/ kg being optimal and milk fats being higher.
Methane emissions were 16-36% lower across a range of 3-NOP inclusion levels during the Penn State University trial.
No dry matter intake or yield change was reported.
Researchers hope the will make the compound affordable, but stress that its Diva test by 2025, which can be licensed and available for deployment in beef and dairy herds across the UK – and even around the world.
Defra said it hoped the introduction of a cattle vaccine would eventually lead to the phasing out of badger culling.
Leonard said moving towards a cattle vaccine-only approach represented a “dereliction of our duty” to reduce the density of this bacterial pathogen in the wider animal population.
“This vaccine pathway only exists because of politics in that we refuse to take seriously the need to reduce the badger population to a level where all mammals (badgers, cows, pets and humans) have a reduced risk of TB,” he said.
“Even if we vaccinate our cows, this high population density of infected carrier animals (badgers) that excrete large numbers of bacteria into and around our landscape will continue to put at risk pets, pigs, llamas, zoo animals and ultimately humans,” Leonard said.
Adding cattle TB vaccines did not fully prevent infection and therefore any new vaccine and test
FLAWED PLAN: TB veterinary expert Den Leonard said Defra’s approach would ultimately fail if it stopped controlling the population density of the wildlife reservoir.
combination would not eradicate the bacteria in herds.
“The vaccine only reduces the pathology in the animal. This means there’s a risk that bacteria will be spread further in undetected vaccinated carrier cows, which defeats the object.”
Headway in methane-cutting feed additive for dairy cows
relatively low dosage rate
UK Farmers Weekly
manufacturer – Dutch feed giant DSM – is yet to set a price.
A population of 49 cows were fed a total-mixed ration in which 3-NOP was included at 40mg, 60mg, 80mg, 100mg, 150mg and 200mg/kg on a dry matter basis.
Methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen were measured after a 14-day adaptation period.
Milk fat concentration increased due to higher concentrations of de novo
ADDITION: The substance 3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) cuts methane emissions by 36% when included in dairy cattle diets.
synthesized short-chain fatty acids in the milk.
Previous work found milk fat percentage hit 4.35% in milk from cows fed 3-NOPtreated diets compared to 4.05% from conventional diets.
Professor of dairy nutrition Alex Hristov said the issue of cows belching had been derided in the US, but was taken much more seriously in other countries.
“I think it’s a fine line with the politics surrounding this subject,” he said.
“Do we want to look at this? I definitely think that we should, and if there is a way to reduce emissions without affecting profitability on the farm, we should pursue it.”
He stressed that the public would need to accept the feed additive, adding that 3-NOP was a very small synthetic molecule that is metabolised quickly and falls apart into compounds that are naturally present in the rumen.
UK Farmers Weekly What is 3-NOP?
• 3-Nitrooxypropanol is an organic compound • The compound inhibits the enzyme methyl coenzyme
M reductase, which is critical in the final step of methanogenesis – the production of methane • It is known to reduce methane production in ruminants • It looks like a fine, white, grainy powder
agrievents
Monday 10/08/2020
Dargaville Blood Drive
Do your bit – give a bit of blood or plasma Venue: Dargaville Town Hall, 37 Hokianga Road, Dargaville Time: 1.00pm to 6.00pm Please remember to bring your Donor Card or suitable photo ID. To donate contact us to book your appointment 0800 448 325 - www.nzblood.co.nz
Muster 2020
Share a meal on us! The Pride in Our Land campaign acknowledges farmers, rural families and those in the primary sector for their determination. We know it’s tough out there. Muster 2020 is just for you and your better halves. • Tuesday August 4 - Palmerston North Golf Club • Thursday August 6 - Murrayfi eld Museum & Cafe,
Levin • Friday August 7 - Rangatira Golf Club, Hunterville • Thursday August 13 - Halcombe Tavern, Halcombe • Friday August 14 - Taihape Golf Club, Taihape • Saturday August 15 - Makoura Lodge, Apiti You can register via: Email: prideinourland@gmail.com For more info 027 372 2645
Wednesday 12/08/2020 & 19/08/2020
Beef + Lamb New Zealand & Agri-Women’s Development Trust Know your Mindset. Grow your Infl uence.
A practical personal development workshop created for farmers to respond to pressures with meaningful action. Presented by Clinical Psychologist Dr Nigel George and AWDT Founder Lindy Nelson More info and to register: www.beefl ambnz.com/events
AWDT Future Focus
Programme designed for red meat farming partnerships to plan their business together. 2 full-day workshop delivered over two months. Locations and dates (2 modules): • Gore: 28th Jul & 25th Aug Website: To register visit www.awdt.org.nz/programmes Contact: keri@awdt.org.nz or 06 375 8180 for more info
On Farm Story Tackling farming boots and all
A former international rugby player who once played for the All Blacks decided to end his stellar career and hang his boots to return to his farming roots. Gerard Hutching reports.
FOR George Whitelock a Canterbury lifted the Ranfurly decade-long professional Shield from Wellington in 2009. rugby career had a In the professional rugby era myriad benefits: a it is commonplace for players to secure income, world play for franchises of their home travel, paths to leadership and provinces, but for the Whitelock friendships forged with a crossbrothers, there were valid section of Kiwi society. reasons for the brothers moving
But in terms of dairy farming, south to either the Crusaders or the pay-off has related to the Highlanders (Luke). way in which performance was Not only was their mother measured on and off the sports Caroline born and bred in North field, and how that has translated Canterbury, George started at into his new business. Telford in Otago but finished with
“What drives you when you’re a an agricultural diploma from sportsman is that when you play Lincoln. every week, with technology you In 2010 during a trip home for get all the improvements from Christmas, George met Black watching video clips and varying Sticks member and former captain your performance,” George said. Kayla. They married in 2013 and
“With farming I get great now have two children, Addison, 5 satisfaction every day knowing and Maxwell, 2. what’s going out the gate and I can By 2015 George felt the time judge myself and ask ‘what did I was right for a change – he do well today or not so well’ – it’s had played 86 matches for the so measurable. That challenge Crusaders, followed by a season drives me, and it’s why I’m so with the Panasonic Wild Knights passionate about dairying.” in Japan.
Growing up on the family In his late 20s, it was time to farm at Linton just outside begin a new chapter. of Palmerston North, George Despite being young, injury-free is the eldest of four boys. All and receiving offers from overseas have performed in rugby with clubs, he hung up his boots and distinction. They all played junior farewelled the game he had been rugby for Palmerston North High playing since he was a youngster School Old Boys’ Rugby Football and returned to the family farm Club and later, George, Sam and his parents Braeden and Caroline Luke made it into the All Blacks had transformed from many and became the first trio of 100-acre rehab blocks milking 60 siblings to play for the All Blacks. cows when they bought it, to 800 All four brothers played for the hectares milking 2500 cows. Crusaders and Adam also played Like most farm kids, he learnt for the NZ Sevens. to drive tractors and milk from an
Whitelock debuted for Otago in early age. 2007 against Southland playing And while he had always kept in all but two of their matches up an interest in the family that season. The following year farm, George had never worked he transferred to Canterbury and a full season to understand the in his first year was part of the complexities of how it worked. team which won the 2008 NPC. In “In the first three years, I just 2009, he was named captain and worked as a labour unit for Dad led the Canterbury team through just to learn. For me to go home one of its most successful periods and take over a business straight becoming the only player to away was an unknown (risk),” he captain a side to five NPC titles in said. a row. “I learnt every job on the farm
He was also captain when so had a 100% understanding of
FARM LIFE: George and Kayla Whitelock lease the dairy farm at Linton, near Palmerston North, where they milk 1100 cows. Kayla, George, Addison, 5, and Maxwell, 2, at the cowshed.
the day-to-day running of the farm.
His learning has continued and in 2018 he attended the Pasture Summit held in Hamilton and Ashburton.
“Dad was an excellent teacher but the Summit was very good and helped me develop my pasture management skills even more,” he explained.
“I am really interested in fertility
and breeding as I believe these are very important pillars in dairy farming and the industry.”
Once he felt ready to make the move and set up by himself, he and parents worked out an agreement.
With support from Kayla, he leased 346 effective hectares, on which he runs 1100 Friesian cows. His father is still active in his own business, running 1400 cows on 450 hectares and employing staff. George himself has five Filipino staff in his farm team.
“Two of my team have been in New Zealand six years and, like everything, you have to challenge and reward your staff as they grow in responsibility,” George said.
“We try to have a team environment and upskill people. They’re very loyal. I’ve got three guys with family in the Philippines who would usually go back for five weeks’ annual leave but they couldn’t this year because of covid-19.”
Bordering the Manawatu River, the farm can be a challenging prospect.
It consists of heavy silt loam soils, where the river can flood 25% of the property in bad years, and on the other end it sits on the edge of Opiki swamp land.
Because of its moisture-holding profile, a high percentage of the land has tile drains through it.
The 550-600 kilogram Friesians are run at a stocking rate of three per ha. Last year, they produced an average of 450kg/MS per cow, and this season that has risen to 470kg/MS but high production is not the end game.
“I’m more driven by making sure I have a profitable and sustainable business,” he said.
“Performance is boosted by about a tonne a cow of supplements – 700kg per cow of maize and 300kg of palm kernel – although the cost of getting that down them is a little out whack so I put Jersey over my cows this season to go back to a black cow and get a bit of hybrid vigour.
“Considering the cost of feed it’s a good move, I think. We’ll lose a bit of beef but I’m in it for the long game.”
The farm is run on a System 3 and they buy about 1000 tonnes of maize each year as well as about 400tn of palm kernel.
Like many regions this summer and autumn, the farm dried out but having learnt from previous dry spells, they had planted 13ha of turnips and 50ha of chicory which resulted in 3kg of feed per cow. It enabled him to grow out the once-a-day heifers and get good in-calf rates.
He soil tests every year, regrassing 50ha of tetraploid ryegrass which lasts anywhere between five and eight years, depending on management.
The fast growing cultivar produced 18 tonnes per ha, of which the cows consume 15 tonnes or about 70% utilisation.
“I was pretty happy with those numbers. I do measure my grass so I can feed budget and control surpluses and deficits, but importantly, I’m trying to control the quality. When it’s wet the utilisation is the hardest thing to control,” George explained.
“It is important to get the feeding right, especially the pre and post grazing.
“We’ve had a challenging last two years with drought.
“Traditionally, we winter on grass only with 75% early calvers and the later calvers (25%) going off-farm but we haven’t had that option so had to winter more cows on the platform. We’ve managed just but it feels a little uncomfortable.”
The heifers start calving about July 15 and the main herd on July 22. Late calving stragglers draw the process out to early October. They aim to keep around 250 replacements. “We’ve a reasonably drawn out calving spread but part of the reason is to try to bring a bit of vigour round a crossbred cow. Friesians are reasonably difficult to get in calf when you’ve got big numbers,” he said.
For replacements, 250 yearlings go to the bull. Empty rates have been 13% two years in a row but the biggest challenge is with trying to bring the late calvers forward.
Last spring, there were 40 excess heifer calves which were exported to China.
All of the young stock are grazed off-farm in central Hawke’s Bay to relieve stocking rate pressure.
CURIOUS: George, Addison, Kayla and Maxwell check out the newborn calves.
George Whitelock Former All Black and dairy farmer
Target weaning weight for the heifers is 90-100kg but this is dependent on the season.
He has also reared Friesian bulls for the last two years which have provided a handy cash flow. They are weaned at 100kg and sold onfarm.
Mating starts on October 20 and finishes January, using artificial insemination from the middle of October till November 20.
“We’ve always been bull of the day, this year we’ve gone to the Jersey bull of the day for hybrid vigour and with having the heifers on once a day, we’re having a far better conception rate early with them; they’re growing out and have been in great order,” George said.
Contrasting to George’s farming roots, Kayla is a “town girl” from Palmerston North who has chalked up more than 250 games for the Black Sticks since 2003 and is still playing at the top level. She has been to four Olympic Games, and was looking forward to her fifth in Tokyo until covid-19 interrupted her plans. With the uncertainty surrounding next year, the toughest factor is to maintain motivation.
Though she does not play an active role in the farming business, Kayla has plenty to keep her occupied, from raising Addison and Maxwell to helping to run an F45 gym franchise which she and George own.
Going from a lifestyle of being a professional rugby player to a dairy farmer working 12 days on, two days off was a “massive and tough change”, but he was fully aware of what he was walking into
ROOKIE: George tags a newborn replacement calf.
and recognised he would have strong family support.
“This is a lifetime commitment, we’re developing a model that we want to run smoothly and efficiently, and as simple as possible because 1100 cows is a big farm, so it’s got to be profitable and easy care,” he said.
“We’ve always known that to become independent we have to set the protocols right. The last three years have been hard work with long days with a young family. It’s a challenge but we’ve got to get the balance right of family time and home life too.”
Having grown up on the farm and playing rugby all over the world, farming is in his blood and he always wanted to return to the land.
“I had been keen on sheep and beef when I was younger but I could see more opportunities in dairying and the opportunity to go back to the family farm arose,” he said.
What he learnt in all those years playing at the top level has helped him on-farm.
“Like rugby, farming can be quite disciplined. There are certain things that you cannot control. In rugby it might be the referee and in farming it might be the weather.
“How you respond to those challenges is the one thing that you can control. There is no point stressing about it, you just have to deal with (it) and move on. You have to focus on what is important and what you have to do to get the job done.”
Rugby and farming are also similar in that you are always setting goals he says.
“It is about focussing on the job ahead and setting yourself a target to get X, Y Z done so you can achieve that target.
Away from the farm and the gym, he and Kayla spend as much time as possible with Addison and Maxwell.
When he can, George will head off for a day of fishing or hunting or supporting Kayla at games or practice.
Rugby is still a big part of his life. He is considering taking up coaching and often found himself being an armchair referee and critic.
Looking ahead, he and Kayla eventually want to step up to farm ownership.
“Hopefully we can make that happen for our next step. In the meantime, we are continuing to work towards our goals, raise our family and do the best we can for our cows, team and the farm.”
