National Beef Association Magazine

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BVD

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WELCOME TO THIS THE FIRST EDITION OF THE NEW NBA QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE BEEF INDUSTRY, ITS FUTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY. THIS IS THE ONLY PUBLICATION ATTACHED TO THE NBA AND WE THANK ALL THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO ITS PUBLICATION. I HOPE YOU ENJOY OUR FIRST MAGAZINE. on Chris Mall NBA DIRECTOR

NBAMAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016 EDITOR Chris Mallon National Beef Association Mart Green Tyne Green Hexham Northumberland NE46 3SG 01434 601005 chris@nationalbeefassociation.com SUB EDITOR Barbara Huddart

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

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CONTENTS

contents

WELCOME

DAVID THOMLIN

SON

CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME

REPORT BY DAVID THOMLINSON, CHAIR OF THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION

As we enter the back end of the year we are seeing finished cattle prices at their highest level during 2016. It has been a hard year for finishers due to a combination of low bid prices and punitive payment grids. The NBA have made representations to Government on the need for regulation within the cattle industry, the balance of power is too much with the processor and we believe strongly in the need for an industry ombudsman to ensure fairness in the relationship between farmer and processor. I will continue to lobby government to rid our production chain of unfair trading practices and create a sustainable future for our industry.

Following the Brexit vote, the importance of Britain's future agriculture policy is heightened for both consumers and farmers. Without the influence of European farmers on policy we need to work hard to ensure that the UK Government has to maintain its commitment to the future of our industry.

The failure to secure strong trade opportunities for agricultural products would put UK food security and the environment at risk and further hit farm incomes. The trading relationship with Europe is vitally important for agricultural products and the EU market will need to remain a major trading partner for farms to be sustainable.

In the past, agriculture has been treated either

as a low priority or excluded from international trade negotiations altogether. Leaving the EU needs to be turned into an opportunity for agriculture. If we get this right farming will thrive. To get the necessary trade agreements there will be a need for planning and tough negotiations. It has been a long time since the UK has negotiated trade on its own, it will be a steep learning curve. It is difficult to establish open trade deals for farming products and it is vital that a Government Minister is given specific responsibility to deliver them. The NBA seeks reassurance that the Government will deliver for our members and we expect the Department for International Trade to start working together with us. We need to secure this country’s future food supply and protect our environment.

The future of rural support after CAP is vital, and the proposal put forward by the National Trust raises concerns as it sets solely environmental objectives. We believe that only a profitable farming sector will ensure the future of the environment. Britain’s exit from the EU – and our likely exit from the Common Agricultural Policy – requires us to build a new policy that supports our farming and rural economy in a different way.

The policy that replaces the CAP must ensure our farming sector is resilient. It must be a policy that keeps farmers in business in tough periods like the one we are experiencing now. This has to be a fundamental part of the policy, not just for a transitional period but for the long term.

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THE BEGINNING OF THE END

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5000 COPIES PRINTED QUARTERLY WITH MAGNAEZWINE 3000 DISTRIBUTED DIRECTLY TO BRITISH FROM THE BEEF FARMERS. REGULAR FEATURES NBA INCLUDING GUEST EDITORS, Q&A SESSIONS, ANIMAL HEALTH, CASE STUDIES, GUEST VETS, INDUSTRY UPDATES AND COMPETITIONS. To advertise please contact the NBA on 01434 601005 or email nbamagazine@nationalbeefassociation.com DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: FRIDAY 9th DECEMBER

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

GUEST EDITOR

GUEST EDITOR ROBERT ROBINSON

Welcome to the first in-house issue of The National Beef Association Magazine which also happens to be the first post-referendum NBA publication.

So how can the guest editor, when asked for an opinion piece, do other than consider the effects of Brexit on the domestic beef industry?

First of all let me declare my hand. I was and am an outer. My position is little informed by economic considerations, nor by the issues surrounding immigration, nor, perhaps recklessly from a personal point of view, by the prospects for agriculture in post-Brexit Britain. I believe that the principles of democracy and self-governance override all else. I do find a certain irony in the fact that the majority of MPs were so aghast at being told by their electorate that we would rather be governed by them than a selfperpetuating supranational bureaucracy in Brussels.

The short term effects of Brexit all look positive so far as the beef industry is concerned. A weaker pound makes our beef more competitive and this is already being reflected in the marketplace. It has also relieved some of the pressure on the dairy industry, which will reduce the widely forecast risk of wholesale dumping of dairy cows this autumn. Another unexpected boost is to tourism, which may help to sustain demand through the traditionally slow summer-holiday period.

Basic Payment Scheme payments, while they last,

will also be enhanced by a weaker pound. These will continue until Britain formally leaves the EU. Beyond that point, the future becomes much more interesting. Successive UK Governments have been anti-CAP. Cheap food policies are ingrained in post-war politics and it is only recently that food security issues have been given even passing recognition. It is difficult to imagine future trade deals with non-EU nations which exclude beef. In the case of the MERCOSUR nations especially this looks, from a distance, quite scary as they produce at far lower cost than we do and are large scale exporters of largely quality beef.

However, the timing of such deals is in some doubt. It has already been pointed out that nothing will be able to be agreed, except in principle, until the negotiated settlement with the EU is resolved. Meanwhile, the world market will not stand still. Who would have thought five years ago for example that the wholesale price of beef in China would be higher than that in Europe? Or that until recently the US price would

exceed our own? If and when we are exposed to the world market it will almost certainly look very different to how it does now. As the world’s population grows bigger and richer, demand for beef will grow.

Certainly the possibility of less support at farm level and the eventual likelihood of more direct exposure to world markets add urgency to the drive for efficiency that has been one of the themes of this magazine since its inception: improved animal health at both farm and national levels, more appropriate genetics, more intelligent use of data, a clearer understanding of key performance indicators, better use of grass, innovation at farm, processor and retail levels. All of these will be crucial.

The industry may well be in for a shake up. There will be a degree of restructuring, some of it probably long overdue. There will be winners and losers. Beef production will still have to compete with other land uses as it always has. But there will be opportunities.

There always are.

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BEEF SHORTHORN SOCIETY This issue's cover image is sponsored by Beef Shorthorn Society. The Beef Shorthorn has had the highest

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THE BEGINNINGD OF THE END

percentage increase in pedigree breeding females between 2002 and 2015 with an increase of 1400%.

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society, 4th Street, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2LG Tel: 02476 696549 Email: shorthorn@shorthorn.co.uk www.shorthorn.co.uk

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WEANING STRA

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HEALTH

ISSUES

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AUTUMN 2016

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REGIONAL ROUND-UPS

REGIONAL round-ups IMAGE CREDIT: BRITISH WHITE CATTLE SOCIETY

SCOTLAND

make beef production very difficult to justify. One

Scotland is facing a period of uncertainty following

of the strengths of our industry has always been its

the EU Referendum, with a question mark over

diversity and while our actions were not popular

our position as a country that voted remain within

in some areas, the South West was keen to point

a country that voted to leave. It is difficult to say

out to Red Tractor that it had much more important

the impact that this will have on the beef sector,

issues to address, such as consumer recognition and

but with volatile markets not showing signs of

retailer support, and the case for WLA was not yet

settling, Scottish farmers face a future that is almost

proven.

impossible to predict. Since the referendum the sterling/euro rate has gone from 75p to 85p which

Our second key area of work is in TB; our council

is good news for our CAP support and should lift

members have been at the very forefront of the

beef prices, but for how long? Things will change

practical work needed to start to get on top of this

but it would seem that it will not be speedy and

most persistent problem afflicting the whole cattle

thank goodness for that. We will continue to receive

industry. We have provided five key people involved

CAP payments till perhaps 2020, so we should

in getting farmers to work together in a way that has

notice little difference in the life of the present

never been done before. The work is challenging

parliament. Longer term, if we want to continue

and not for the faint hearted, but good progress

to trade with the EU, we will still be bound by EU

has been made and more areas are looking to get

regulations but with no say in how they evolve and

involved. Our third area of action is concerned with

most likely with a UK Government that would like

unfair trading practices that we are seeing from

to reduce agricultural support. If Scotland was to

our processors. We have highlighted concerns from

remain in the EU what would the implications be for

producers that grading standards have changed,

us. Presently, only 6.5% of Scotch Beef is exported

price fixing takes place on a regular basis and our

to the EU, 23% is consumed in Scotland and the

products are misleadingly sold – as is the case with

remainder 70.5% is sold to the rest of the UK. Can

Boswells Farm branding. Our other main area of

we afford to turn our back on the market that is

activity is in producing and managing the annual

consuming over 2/3 of our output?

Beef South West event, under the chairmanship of Robert Venner and organised by Vicki Smith. This

SOUTH WEST

November show has established itself as a highlight

The South West Beef Council meets quarterly and

of the agricultural calendar, with support from the

has strong representation from across the region

primestock showers and the unique yearling bull

and across all types of beef farmers and associated

of the year competition. The event attracts great

industries.

trade support and allows the NBA SW to financially support key work to promote our end product. We

During the last year we have campaigned hard

are now in the process of producing a promotional

across three key areas. Firstly, we mounted a

DVD for our processors to use when looking to sell

strong defence against the imposition of Whole

beef from the South West.

Life Assurance (WLA) by Red Tractor. We have been proven right; that the beef industry with its

The South West Beef Council also has input into

vast array of different types of producers was not

pedigree, health and commercial issues. It is

ready, nor was the database ready to move to WLA.

grateful for the continued support from AHDB staff

We are conscious that there are older, smaller,

and looks forward to engaging with more members

younger and newer farmers to whom WLA would

in the future.

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

REGIONAL COUNCILS CONTACTS NORTHERN DAVID THOMLINSON - CHAIRMAN Carlisle CA1 2RS Tel: 07802 675799 Email: david@thomlinson.co.uk HELEN DOBSON - SECRETARY/TREASURER Hexham NE46 3SG Tel: 01434 601005 Email: helen@nationalbeefassociation.com MIDLANDS JOHN BELL - CHAIRMAN Northamptonshire NN11 5NP Tel: 07188 890320 Email: jjmeatgod@btconnect.com SOUTH WEST BILL HARPER - CHAIRMAN Devon EX22 6RZ Tel: 01409271376 Email: harpersholdings@btinternet.com VICKY SMITH - SECRETARY Exeter EX5 4LZ Tel: 07773 340008 Email: natbeefsw@gmail.com WALES CONTACT HEAD OFFICE Tel: 01434 601005 NORTHERN IRELAND OISIN MURNION - CHAIRMAN Co Down BT24 4SR Tel: 02841 765082 Email: oisinmurnion@yahoo.co.uk CHARLES CURRAN - SECRETARY Co Down BT34 4RH Tel: 07732 470762 Email: homesteadblondes@btineternet.com SCOTLAND NEIL MCCORKINDALE - CHAIRMAN Argyll PA34 4UU Tel: 01852 316282 Email: scammadale@hotmail.com DUNCAN TODD - SECRETARY Kilmarnock KA3 2TN Tel: 07734 812704 Email: duncan@agment.co.uk AUTUMN 2016

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

07

BREED SOCIETY NEWS

BREED SOCIETIES NEWS

HEREFORD CATTLE SOCIETY

Haven Montana from EL Lewis & Son, Dilwyn,

Championship, with another Haven Koala progeny,

Three Animals with PRJ & LR Vincent taking the

this time, Church Preen Lindy Loo N064. Eleven

blue rosette.

month old “Lindy Loo N064” is out of Chruch Preen Lindy Loo J033.

To complete the female section and keep a fine run of Show Champions going, Mrs Lesley Jackson from

Herefordshire took the Supreme, Grand & Intermediate Championships at the National Show

However, it wasn’t all second best for AR Owen

Tring, Hertfordshire won the Senior Female Trophy

under the judgement of Mr Michael Molloy, Co. Offaly,

as Church Preen Herefords won the Breedplan

with 2 year old Sparkwood Diadem 7th. She’s out of

Ireland. Continuing the Irish connection “Montana”,

Class, judged by James Ludgate, to take the

Sparwood Diadem 3rd and by 2012 Horned Bull of

who boasts a Retail Beef Yield in the top 1% for the

Westaway Cup with Church Preen Muldoon.

the Year Free Town Hannibal. In Reserve was five year

Breed, is sired by Knockmountagh Marshal, bred by

“Muldoon” is out of Church Preen Prunella

old Auckvale Lively 1058H from W & R Kemp & Sons.

E McKiernan and is out of home-bred dam Haven

H024 and by Dieulacresse Foremost. AR Owen

Bishop Auckland, Durham. “Lively 1058H” is out of

Louisa 48th. As show commentator, Mr Clive Davies

were also awarded the Geoff Thomas trophy for

Auckvale Lively Lucinda and by Auckvale Broadside.

remarked this “stylish 16 month old bull” was a

the Best Pair of Calves (any sex combination)

Mr John O’Connor, Clouncagh Herefords from Ireland

worthy winner, one much admired by on lookers.

with RA Bradstock & Partners in Reserve. The

adjudicated over two highly competitive Young

Standing Reserve to Haven Montana in both the Grand

Intermediate Championship went to 23 month

Handler Classes. In the Senior Class (19-26 Years of

& Intermediate Male Championships was Free Town

old OldWest Carol Singer 1st from a relatively

Age) it was Richard Whitlow who was awarded the

Martyr from RA Bradstock & Partners, Tarrington,

newcomer to the Breed Mrs Karen Froud, Ely

first prize ticket. His younger brother Andrew was

Herefordshire. Fifteen month old “Martyr” is out of

Cambridgeshire. “Carol Singer 1st”, exhibited by

in second place with Flora Amery in third. In the

Free Town Peace 5th and by Mara Humorous.

Karen’s father and show organiser Mr Michael

Junior Class (Under 14) it was Harriet Froud who took

Church, is out of Hermitage Carol Singer J2 and

honours with her brother Robert in second position

In the Senior section Dieulacresse Goodenough, jointly

sired by Haven Wizard. Standing in Reserve was

and Isobelle Cumming in third place. Young Harriet

owned by Messrs Spooner, Leek, Staffordshire & R & R

Free Town Gloss from Bradstock & Partners. She is

was then judged the Best Overall Young Handler by

Westaway, Northampton took the Championship. Six

out of Free Town Glowing and by the well-known

Mr O’Connor to take the Thornhill Plate presented by

year old “Goodenough” is out Dieulacresse Dowager

former Royal Show Champion Free Town Maximus.

Caroline Davies and the Dendor Show Stick presented

17th and by former National Show Supreme Champion

To complete a marvellous day for the famous Free

by Andrew Owen – much to the delight of proud

Westwood Advancer. In Reserve was another bull

Town herd, they were also judged Best Group of

mother Karen Froud and grandfather Michael Church.

jointly owned, Haven Hotspur, from EL Lewis & Son and PRJ & LR Vincent, Diss, Norfolk. Five year old “Hotspur” who has a tremendous set of performance figures across the board, is out of Haven Curly 72nd and by successful sire Mawarra Vice Admiral.

There was more success for PRJ & LR Vincent when they took the Junior Male Championship with promising 10 month old bull Pulham Northern Lights.

“Northern Lights” is another animal by an Irish bred bull, Trillick Knockout, and out 2016 Horned Female of the Year Clipston Tiara R16. AR Owen from Church Stretton, Shropshire with 10 month old Church Preen Nanook took the Reserve Junior Male Championship.

“Nanook” is out of Church Preen Prunella K043 by successful show bull Haven Koala. In the Female classes it was Junior Female Champion, 10 month old Free Town Bryony from RA Bradstock & Partners who came out on top. She took the Grand Female and then later the Reserve Supreme Championships.

YEE-HAW, YIPPIE-YI-YO, MONTANA, HERE WE COME!

She is another super animal by Mara Humorous

Haven Montana from EL Lewis & Son, Dilwyn, Herefordshire took the Supreme, Grand & Intermediate

and out of home-bred Free Town Benign. AR Owen

Championships at the National Show under the judgement of Mr Michael Molloy, Co. Offaly, Ireland.

once again finished in Reserve position in the Junior

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

BREED SOCIETY NEWS

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

WELSH BLACK CATTLE SOCIETY CHAMPION FEMALE AT ROYAL WELSH SHOW 2016

LUING CATTLE SOCIETY STRONG SUPPORT FOR LUING CATTLE SOCIETY 50TH ANNIVERSARY On Friday the 19th August the Luing Cattle Society held their 50th Anniversary Open Day back on the Island of Luing where it all started, courtesy of Shane and Tooti Cadzow.

Chairman Ted Fox welcomed Despite the west coast drizzle an impressive 550

everyone to this historic event and introduced

people attended, with people travelling from as far

Shane Cadzow our host who was delighted

Anniversary of the society. Tooti Cadzow

afield as Dartmoor to Orkney and Northern Ireland

to have John Cameron C.B.E, Balbuthie, Fife

drew the winning ticket which went to Andrew Lyth,

and Eire. The Cuan Sound was a busy strait as

opening the event. John went on to give a

Sheephouse, Higher Greens, Stacksteads, Backup.

the ferry operated at full speed all afternoon and

fascinating speech on the breed with lots of facts

Andrew kindly asked the heifer be auctioned to help

evening accommodating the Island’s visitors.

and memories which were both nostalgic and

raise the total for MND. Andrew too had personal

educatial to those newer to the breed.

experience of this disease as he sadly lost his mother-in-law to MND. The heifer was purchased

Tractor and trailers awaiting, visitors where taken on tour around the Island to see the Luing Cattle

Finlay McGowan (Former Fieldsman), Incheoch

by Neil McGowan, Inchoech, Blairgowrie for £2,100

in their homeland. At five stopping off points,

Farms, Alyth then recollected his time with the

which resulted in a total of £10,000 being raised for

background information was given about the cattle

Society, the breed and Cadzow family.

MND Scotland. A huge thank you to everyone that purchased a ticket and helped this charity.

and the breeding and feeding systems carried out within this wonderful natural environment. On

Before the draw for the lucky ticket for the prize

returning to the Ardlarach Farm, most where pleased

of a Luing heifer. Juliet Cadzow (Shane’s sister)

Tooti Cadzow and Judy McGowan (former secretary)

to have a cosy cuppa and cake before having a look

introduced Iain Mc Whirter from Motor Neurone

cut the cake to celebrate the day. Ronnie McLauchlan,

at the stock around the home farm. There were

Disease (MND) Scotland to explain a bit about

Tulliemet, Ballachulish (First Fieldsman) Gave a

eight stock judging classes and a Guess the Weight

this cruel disease and how important funding is

vote of thanks and reminded us all of what we had

of the Tup and Bull competition. Neil Anderson

to find a cure. Juliet, who sadly lost her husband

achieved with the Luing breed. At this point everyone

of Harehead Farm, Duns kindly judged the stock

David MacLennan two years ago to MND, went on

relaxed and enjoyed the craic with Argyll Ceilidh Trail

judging, while North Argyll Young Farmers scored.

to read a poem David had written for the 40th

entertaining us late into the night.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

09

FEATURE

ADAM QUINNE Y

FUTURE OUTLOOK FOR THE BEEF SECTOR

BY ADAM QUINNEY AHDB BEEF & LAMB SECTOR

Adam Quinney, AHDB Beef & Lamb sector Chair, looks at the current climate in the beef sector and sets out his priorities for the future of the industry. Rarely in this industry do things stay the same for long and often what is happening is out of our control. With the result in the European Union referendum and the resulting hurricane through British politics, on top of the usual variations in price, erratic weather and day-to-day challenges of running a farming enterprise, it’s fair to say that 2016, so far, has been unpredictable.

Against the background of a challenging economic climate, potential changes in agricultural support and increasing concerns about the environment, the beef sector needs to achieve a competitive value for product that can sustain profitable production in the UK to maintain both the production base and the supply chain.

For most of the last 10 years, the breeding herd in the UK had been steadily declining, reflecting on-going concerns over profitability. However, with this issue still a real concern in the suckler and beef finishing sectors, there is a more optimistic dairy sector, despite current challenges. Surprisingly, Defra reported that the suckler herd grew in December for the first time since 2010. While this is welcome news, with lack of profitability still a concern, it is far too speculative to suggest this marks a change in fortunes.

Any significant turnaround in production is unlikely for a number of years because of the length of the beef production cycle. In addition, any such move to increase production depends, inevitably, on the belief that farmgate margins will rise to profitable levels, which could well be tempered by the reality of support in a post-Brexit environment.

We are working on a range of initiatives to fundamentally help profitability in the sector though.

Among them is the Beef Feed Efficiency Programme.

This is a £1.75 million Defra and AHDB Beef & Lamb-funded initiative, aiming to demonstrate the ability to measure for feed efficiency traits in beef cattle on specially equipped commercial farms.

Initially focused on Limousin-bred cattle, one of the outputs will be genetic parameters required for the development of breeding values for traits associated with feed efficiency. The ambition is to develop a sustainable system for recording feed efficiency that can be extended to other cattle breeds in the future.

Provenance and eating quality remains a concern to the consumer, but it has to be matched by affordability, appearance and price. People want to make informed choices about what they buy. This is why assurance schemes like the Quality Standard Mark (QSM) and Red Tractor remain vital to sales and why AHDB Beef & Lamb continues to put levy money behind them. They bring reassurance that the meat has been produced domestically to specific environmental, food safety and animal welfare guidelines, among others. The QSM also has a consistent eating quality guarantee, ensuring consumers repeatedly buy our beef products is vital

to the future health of the sector which is why, this autumn, we will be aiming for this with our successful mini roast campaign. The idea behind this long-term strategy was to create demand for a new type of cut which adapts a traditional favourite to fit with modern lifestyles.

Supermarkets introduced 22 new mini roast lines last year to meet growing demand, while the advertising campaign in November directly delivered £526,000 worth of mini roast sales, with the “halo effect” – namely people seeing the adverts and purchasing other beef or lamb joints – adding £12.7 million for the whole red meat roasting category. We hope to push this even further this year. Post-EU, we are likely to see an impact on imports as countries which had found trade with the EU restricted, seek new trade agreements with the UK. Selling the virtues of our own products will need to be stronger than ever.

There are many factors we cannot affect in this industry, but it is more important than ever that we take care of things we can, to continue to find new ways of driving costs down, to reduce carbon footprint while boosting efficiency and to make us more competitive than ever.

Any significant turnaround in production is unlikely for a number of years because of the length of the beef production cycle

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

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NBA MAGAZINE

CATTLE BO MAXX WORTH OVOSTER £1000! ER *

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The manufacturing process dehydrates the molasses very rapidly. This results in less destruction of sugar energy, so that more digestible energy is available to stock for a better performance and produces hard licks that give excellent control of free-access intakes. New MAXX licks contain a blend of cane molasses, vegetable oil, proteins, minerals and vitamins. They are formulated to provide nutritional supplementation of pasture and forage for cattle, sheep and lambs.

For your chance to WIN A TONNE OF MAXX CATTLE BOOSTER WITH XPC WORTH OVER £1000* simply email us with the email subject 'Competition Rumenco', your full name, farm/enterprise name, address and telephone number. The winner will be picked at random and you will be notified by email and featured in our next issue. DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: FRIDAY 11th DECEMBER 2016 Email address to enter: nbamagazine@nationalbeefassociation.com GOOD LUCK!

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

11

COLLEGE REPORT

SIMON MARSH

HARPER ADAMS UNIVERSITY

REPORT BY SIMON MARSH PRINCIPAL LECTURER – BEEF CATTLE SPECIALIST & NBA BOARD MEMBER

Harper Adams' attractive rural location in the heart of England provides the best of town and country. With a reputation for excellence and innovation, the Shropshire campus offers state-of-the-art facilities and rewarding courses for undergraduate, postgraduate and lifelong learners in agriculture, agribusiness, animal, engineering, food, rural and land-based studies. Harper is the leading provider of Higher Education of agriculture and related courses in the UK with over 3,000 students enrolled and growing.

Since its foundation in 1901, Harper Adams has

This includes a 390 cow dairy unit, 235 breeding

through to slaughter at 13.7 months old weighing

had a long and proud tradition of working closely

sows with all progeny reared through to slaughter,

561kg (284kg carcase wt).

with the rural sector and will continue to do so,

80,000 laying birds, 250 February lambing Suffolk

to add relevance to its teaching and research and

x Mules put to Texel rams together with 600

to act as a focal point for transferring research

Lleyns and last but not least a 130 head intensive

into practice. Harper have been undertaking an

beef unit together with a network of suckler beef

ambitious investment programme to provide the

focus farms. There are also four horses, used by

In previous years bulls have also been finished

best possible facilities for its learning, teaching

the veterinary nursing students.

on silage (whole crop and maize) based systems.

and research activities, and continues to make

THE BEEF UNIT

Holstein bulls recently finished on good quality

its academic community remains at the forefront

The beef unit on the campus is based on finishing

day were slaughtered at 15.3 months old weighing

of its specialist subject base. Recent investments

Continental cross Holstein and Holstein bulls from

589kg (295kg carcase wt).

include a ‘state of the art’ library, a regional food

the university’s dairy herd. Weaned suckled calves

academy, a new student union, sports facilities

are also occasionally purchased for ‘yard finishing’.

The beef unit provides opportunities for trial work

and halls of residence and a national centre for

The cattle are reared on either cereal or silage

to be carried out with calves and finishing cattle on

precision engineering and farming. Currently,

beef systems. This allows for very good integration

projects for commercial organizations and offers a

building work is taking place to extend the

with the university farm with the beef unit rearing

resource for education and demonstration activities.

laboratory. Over £20million has been invested on

calves from the dairy herd and using home grown

Within the unit is a range of stock types so students

the campus in the last decade.

forage and cereals for feed, straw for bedding with

can for example see at first hand the difference in

the beef cattle supplying valuable manure and

performance and conformation between Holstein

organic matter for the arable ground.

and Continental bred cattle. All of the cattle,

strategic investments in new staff to ensure that

The university farm, located on the campus,

maize silage diets with 2.5kg of concentrates/head/

including calves, are assigned to Honours Research

involves managing over 1,500 acres. Whilst farming in the locality is predominantly arable,

RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND ‘BEST PRACTICE’

The last batch of British Blue x Holstein bulls reared

Projects for up to twelve final year degree students

vegetables and dairying, the farm has all the major

on a barley beef

with a keen interest in beef production. The student

livestock species.

system recorded

takes responsibility under the guidance of university

overall daily live

technicians for recording data such as live weight,

weight gains of

wither height, last rib girth measurement and feed

1.35kg from birth

intakes. Trials involving finishing cattle will involve

to slaughter

collation of data from the abattoir (ABP Shrewsbury)

(1.48kg from

on carcass grade, killing out percent and liver

12 weeks old to

scores. The cattle are weighed every 30 days and

slaughter) at

are used for beef production tutorial practicals. The

13.5 months

facility is also available for short course teaching

old weighing

with ‘in-class’ theory being demonstrated with

599kg killing

‘hands-on’ experience in the beef unit.

AMS BEEF HARPER AD

UNIT

out at 55.1% to produce a 328kg carcass

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

TRIAL WORK

grading R3.

Some of the recently completed calf and beef trials

The latest

are as follows:

batch of

• Oats for intensively finished bulls

Holstein

(funded by AHDB).

bulls were

• Evaluation of rations with different protein

reared

levels for 300kg Continental x Holstein bulls

AUTUMN 2016

breeding programme; use of top 1-10% index

Index Angus bulls (funded by AHDB and Genus).

herd sires with focus on calving ease EBVs;

• Effect of a yeast culture (Diamond V XPLS) on

selection of herd replacements using maternal

the performance of intensively fed bulls

EBVs; calving homebred replacements at 2 years

(funded by Rumenco Ltd).

old; maximising use of home grown feeds and

• Evaluation of Rosé and Cereal Beef

fodder with appropriate body condition score

Production for Holstein bulls (funded by ASDA).

management; creep feeding; focus on grassland

COLLEGE REPORT

• Evaluation of Top 10% and Top 70% Terminal

• Evaluation of early weaning concentrate quality management with clover rich pastures. These producers operate ‘easy care’ suckler systems on the performance and health of artificially reared beef calves to 12 weeks

within a low fixed cost structure. The beef industry

(funded by Bonanza Calf Nutrition).

needs to hear and see how farms recording top 1%

• Evaluation of calf coats on the performance and performance is achieved and maintained and two of the farms (Simon Frost at Bakewell and Ian Willison health of artificially reared beef calves to 12 weeks (funded by Wynnstay).

in Nottingham) have recently been featured in a series of technical articles in the Farmers Weekly.

Trials currently in progress at Harper Adams are as follows:

Back in 1901, Harper was simply an Agricultural

• Bulls versus steers (funded by AHDB)

College. In 2012 Harper was awarded a full

• Evaluation of the partial replacement of barley

University title. Over the years, Harper has won

with maize meal on the performance of

numerous awards or been listed within the top

intensively finished bulls.

10 out of the 160 universities across the UK. The

• Partial replacement of barley and soya hulls

most recent being in April when Harper Adams was

with wheat and nutritionally improved straw

crowned ‘University of the Year’ in the ‘Whatuni’

(NIS) on the performance of intensively finished student choice awards following a nationwide student vote. bulls (funded by Sundown Products Ltd).

• Evaluation of feeding elevated levels of milk replacer (750 v 900g) on the performance of

There is a demand for Harper students once they

artificially reared beef calves to 12 weeks

graduate. Last year 99.4% of graduates gained

(funded by Wynnstay and Trouw Nutrition GB).

employment (or continued with further studies)

• Evaluation of NIS in calf concentrates on the

within 6 months after graduating. Most employers

performance of artificially reared beef calves

appreciate the fact that the majority of students

to 12 weeks (funded by Wynnstay & Sundown

take a placement year either on a farm or in the

Products Ltd).

agricultural supply industry which significantly

HARPER ADAMS BEEF FOCUS FARMS In addition to the beef unit at the university

improves their vocational skills. The Harper student motto is ‘work hard – play hard’ which is definitely achieved by our students!

campus, Harper Adams has a network of Beef Focus farms. These are top 1% performing

A study is also due to commence shortly funded

commercial suckler herds whose physical and

by AHDB, The Hereford Cattle Society and Dunbia

financial data are independently monitored by

to evaluate a ‘low cost calf to carcase system’ with

HAU Beef Cattle Specialist Simon Marsh. These

70 October born Hereford x Friesian and Holstein-

farms are located both in the lowlands and

Friesian steers reared on a forage based system

uplands with a range of production systems and

with paddock grazing to maximise performance

breeds within a maximum of 1½ hours from

at grass and out-wintering on fodderbeet with

Shropshire which students can visit on organised

the aim to slaughter the cattle off grass at 20-21

trips.

months old weighing over 625kg having been fed minimal quantities of concentrates. Harper Adams

These farms operate ‘text book’ herd management.

are fully supportive of the NBA and most of the

Their systems include factors such as; compact

beef unit trial reports are available on the NBA

calving, utilisation of hybrid vigour within the

website.

A Harper Adams Beef Unit Management Summary booklet is produced each year and available to students and farmers.

A copy is available on the NBA website, go to: Resources>Technical information.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

13

FUTURE BEEF FARMERS

SIBLING FARMERS OF BOND HOUSE FARM Joint winners of the National Beef Association Future Beef Farmer Challenge at this year’s NBA Beef Expo were 26 year old Peter and 24 year old Katie James, who farm at Bond House Farm, Horton in Staffordshire.

The brother and sister duo have both graduated

from a liquid to solid diet at weaning. The

from Harper Adams University with a BSc (Hons)

majority of the cattle are finished extensively,

in Agriculture and have returned home to work

grazing through the summer months, and housed

on their family farm in Staffordshire, alongside

during the winter on grass silage, wholecrop

parents, Karl and Mary, and the rest of the family.

wheat and rolled barley diet. Some are finished

The farm is a mixed farm, currently managing 70

intensively on a barley mix diet.

suckler cows, 170 store and finishing cattle, 40 ewes, 80 lambs, 100ha grassland and 10ha arable,

With no positive solution in the near future, TB

as well as 400 seasonal poultry including turkeys,

remains one of their main concerns. Alongside

chickens, geese and ducks.

this, the pair deal with many of the challenges

Joint winners of the National Beef Association Future Beef Farmer Challenge at this year’s NBA Beef Expo

facing the beef industry. The cost of production in Alongside the farming enterprise, the family

a volatile market, with power stations demanding

also manage an abattoir, where all of their beef

straw, fluctuating fuel prices and a lack of

and lamb is slaughtered, as well as a butcher's

productive arable land available to feed a growing

shop. Both Peter and Katie are heavily involved

population poses a threat to the industry. The duo

with this aspect of the business, and the family

also expressed concerns at the financial issues

firmly believe that farm to fork is very much a

facing young people entering the industry.

unique part of their identity, providing an entirely transparent supply chain.

Both Peter and Katie are responsible for all aspects of the day to day running of the farm,

The Bond House herd of British Blue x Friesian

including animal health records and stockmanship,

and Limousin x Friesian cows is completely spring

grassland management and farm business records.

calving. Cows are put to Limousin and Charolais

Working together with their family, Peter and

bulls, and after calving all cows are turned out

Katie aim to continue to develop the suckler herd

with their calves. They return to the sheds for

numbers, as well as tightening the calving block to

the winter where they are creep fed whilst still

expand their family business further in the future.

suckling the cows to encourage high growth rates, and to ensure a smoother transition period

PETER JAMES

MES KATIE JA

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

FUTURE BEEF FARMERS THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

15

CASE STUDY

JOHN SHERIDAN

JOHN SHERIDAN

OF LEGNABROCKY FARMS In the civil Parish of Killesher, Florencecourt, Enniskillen in Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, is Legnabrocky Farms, home to the Sheridan family. Fourth generation farmer, John Sheridan farms 480 hectares alongside his wife, Sylvia, and sons, John and Christopher aged 26 and 21 respectively. The Sheridan family have farmed Legnabrocky for a lifetime and their main enterprise is beef and sheep production.

John currently manages a suckler herd with 85

As mentioned previously, the Sheridans now run a

and also immunised for Black Leg over and above

head of mainly Aberdeen Angus cross Shorthorn

closed herd and purchase Aberdeen Angus bulls from

routine worm and parasite control. Sheep are

cattle, with followers and over 40 homebred

a neighbouring breeder. Their main stock bull was

treated for fluke every 10-12 weeks and recently

maiden heifers destined to increase the enterprise.

an embryo transplant (Curragh Mark), a grandson

the ewes are getting mineral boluses between

Running alongside this is a flock of around 350

of Netheron Missey. When purchasing bulls, they

weaning and before mating. Whilst disease risk

ewes ranging from around 90 metres to 600 metres

are looking for length, shoulder, deep hind quarters,

is the main factor for running a closed herd, the

above sea level, Legnabrocky comprises three farms

daylight underneath, good legs and a nice rounded

Sheridan’s also believe the homebred stock is

approximately three miles apart, spanning 480

conformation in general. John says: “All the usual

much more aware of the dangers on rougher

hectares. Sheep are grazed on the higher land and

qualities but ending in a package that, as the bull

terrain. “There are some areas with 60 foot

Blanket Bog, with cattle roaming the drier heath,

matures, it still stays fairly light and nimble. We don’t

sinkhole drops. The homebred stock is familiar

limestone scrub, and species rich grassland. One

want a bull ending up a ton weight!”

with the ground and usual access passes.

Bought in stock needs time and management

28 hectare farm is primarily kept for forage with the lowest lying farm of 35 hectares being utilised for

Operating on a spring and autumn calving system,

effort to gain that familiarity with the

finishing beef breeds or older cows and male sheep

the Sheridans now boast a 95% calving percentage

ground,” explains John.

from the flock.

since the switch to traditional breeds. First calving heifers are mostly put to a Shorthorn bull as they are

The Sheridan’s have no policy on selling stock,

Three years ago, the decision was made to make the

that bit easier to calve, resulting in more live births,

however, each year some are sold as stores and cull

switch from continentals to the traditional Angus and

reduced vet bills and a less stress for the animal. As

cows fattened for sale to factory. In the future, they

Shorthorn breeds, for a number of reasons; to make

well as more docile temperaments, they have also

will be looking to sell off a percentage as breeding

better use of the land profile and habitats, chase the

found the traditional breeds to have a longer breeding

heifers. The remainder of the stock will either be

niche beef markets and ease of management, such as

life and are easier to get them back in calf. Cattle are

kept as breeding replacements or finished on farm.

calving, longevity, lower vet bills, easier to get back

housed according to the weather, anywhere from

Stores from Legnabrocky are sold at eight to fourteen

in calf, lighter on land and hardier to withstand more

late September to the end of November, St. Patrick’s

months weighing in the region of 380 and 440

adverse weather and terrain, resulting in a longer

Day targeted as the beginning of turn-out. Strong,

kilograms. Beef goes through the Tesco Aberdeen

grazing season and less wintering costs. The same

six month, weaned calves are often left out all year

Angus Scheme and also the ABP Angus Schemes,

decision was made for the sheep flock, cutting out all

and may be given supplementary feeding such as

receiving around 40 pence per kilo above usual

crossbreds this year, running a self-contained pure hill

concentrate during the winter months.

quotes. Although the premium payments are set to change in Northern Ireland this year, they are still

flock of Blackfaced ewes and retaining the majority of Forage is predominantly produced on farm where

anticipating securing something similar to previous

they make round bales but this year will see a return

years. A family run farm, the Sheridans only employ

Commenting on the switch, John said: “The variation

to clamp silage to cut down costs. Typically, the

some part time seasonal support when necessary,

in land along with the weather can be challenging.

Irish weather has a significant impact on forage

with the daily management being shared between

Our lower-land farms are heavy clay and all drained

production, and in the last couple of years forage has

the family and responsibility for all aspects of

over the years. Nowadays we seem to have incessant

been purchased locally. With round bales making

management etc having been passed over to the next

rain and can have to deal with up to 70 inches of rain

anywhere from £8 - £15 they feel they could not

generation to ensure early succession and long term

per year. The continentals were not as adaptable to

produce fodder at that cost and are happy to shop

benefit of the company.

foraging, nor as hardy, were heavier on our ground

around. Depending on forage quality, stock will be

and caused too much damage in these wet years. Now

supplemented with concentrates as appropriate

Driving their enterprises forward into the future, the

we are able to make better use of our land and are

and the Sheridans work with Smith Feeds to analyse

Sheridan family aims to increase herd size in the

also finding that because of the docility coming from a

forage and dietary needs. One of the main disease

region of 120 in 2017. This will be achieved through

closed herd and the familiarity to terrain gained from

threats on the rougher ground at Legnabrocky comes

breeding their own replacement females, however, it

home breeding, we are making management much

from ticks. All homebred animals are accustomed to

is dependent on availability of forage, weather and

easier, particularly on grazing routines and at calving.

ticks, so anything purchased must have been exposed

cash flow as to whether they opt for the store or the

In fact we are seeing calves born outside and up and

to the Red Tick. Annually all cattle and sheep are

beef route. Currently the boys are keeping all last

sucking in minutes

dosed with Levafas Diamond to combat stomach fluke, year’s heifer calves.

ewe lambs to increase the flock.

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

CASE STUDY

Operating on a spring and autumn calving system, the Sheridans now boasts a 95% calving percentage since the switch to traditional breeds.

Farming in a special area of conservation (SAC) and

and Southern Ireland. He also noted that the UK is

which also entertain cheaper imports, we’re not

beside the Marble Arch Caves, most of the farm is in

responsible for almost 50% of sheep production in

going to be in a good place. Add to that a policy

an International Geo-park which now extends into an

Europe, commenting: “We live on an Island, on the

which has to find the balance between production

area covering 18000 hectares, mostly in Fermanagh,

very western periphery of Europe. Sheep are a large

(for production’s sake with no regards to profit)

but with some adjoining areas in County Cavan on

part of the business and we are left wondering where

and production, (for sustainability and deliverance

the Southern side of the border. John Snr would be

the market is going to be. Are we going to see a two

of public good) then we have an eclectic mess of

keen to encourage other farmers of similar mind in

tier system of production; one for the home market,

at least two main markets and two production

the area to market their beef and lamb through a local

and a different standard for exports to EU, with the

systems which will benefit no one behind the farm

brand. “Part of this would be because the Show Caves

adherence to the same EU directives, plus more

gate. Furthermore, the Geo-Park itself employing a

themselves attract around 60 thousand visitors a year,

paperwork on top to cover whatever small print come

lot of local full and part-time employment is highly

and increasing infrastructure for the public to walk

out of whatever bilateral agreements emerge from

dependent upon EU aid. Its expansion over the years

through the lands, thereby giving it a very transparent

talks between Westminster and Brussels? If we trade

has now put a significant stamp upon the role it plays

experience of farming throughout the year. While this

with other blocks such as Africa, India, South America

economically in the surrounding communities and

can bring difficulties with actually managing livestock

etc. what will be the disease safeguards adopted in

its role in promotion of Tourism and Environmental

and ground, we would be trying to capitalise on the

Britain, how will they apply in the north of Ireland and

Protection. “So at the moment, for all the reasons

tourism to market a local meat brand. At the moment

will they be accepted by Brussels?” My thoughts are

above and many more we find ourselves in absolutely

all aspects of production and management are clearly

with a cheap food policy and trade deals giving access

unchartered waters”

visible to the public 24/7,” says John. “A plethora of

to inferior product, lower

different stocking densities from various bodies and for

standards of production

various reasons also leave us with a very low carbon

and environmental and

footprint while still providing a highly valuable carbon

public protection; sucking

sink and high value, biodiverse environmental habitats

in exotic diseases, (Foot

and ultimately an aesthetically pleasing landscape,

& Mouth and BSE for

shared by all and actively delivering the much hailed

example) and the debacles

‘public goods’.” For all the reasons outlined above, we

they caused here with

believe we are underselling a high value, high quality

huge long term suffering

finished product of provenance and transparency.

and consequences to agriculture. There are

In light of the recent Brexit decision, John is worried

no other higher markets

that Northern Ireland could find itself in a potentially

to sell into and if we are

devastating vacuum between mainland Britain

locked into home markets,

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

17

GUEST VET

GUEST VET

KEITH CUTLER

KEITH CUTLER The Endell Veterinary Group can trace its origins back over two-hundred years from when the second son of a Salisbury coaching family began practising as a quack to help his father and brother look after the horses required to pull the coaches to London and back. Since then it has evolved into the multidisciplinary, independent practice it is today employing almost thirty veterinary surgeons and fifty support staff in three species specific (equine, farm animal and pets) sectors.

Our farm animal department, which provides

increase the risk to both calf and cow and even

use of the superior genetics this makes available,

services to clients spread over the central south

when all appears well may compromise fertility

particularly perhaps when aiming to breed heifers

of England and consultancy services even further

and therefore productivity in the future. Regular

as herd replacements. We also offer on-farm semen

afield, currently comprises fourteen veterinary

monitoring of cow body condition score and how it

collection to allow the use of your own superior

surgeons, two R-SQPs, two veterinary technicians,

is changing, metabolic profiling coupled with, when

genetic merit animals to be maximised.)

two laboratory technicians and other associated

necessary, an assessment of the mineral status of

staff all of whom are vital in the provision of the

the herd, and the provision of nutrition advice all

Although there are many infectious diseases

high level of care and attention we believe our

help to reduce the prevalence of problems.

and parasites which can affect both suckler herd performance and subsequently the performance of

clients and their animals deserve and allowing us to tailor the services we provide to individual

After calving, or towards the end of the calving

fattening animals within the adult herd, we focus

requirements.

period, we become busy each year with preparing

attention particularly on those diseases which

for the next serving period. Our aim for our

can have the greatest impact on the number of

Central to our business, of course, is the provision

seasonally calving suckler clients is for them to

calves produced with BVD, Johne’s disease and

of a comprehensive service to our clients, including

calve as many of their cows as possible as early as

Campylobacter (vibrionic abortion) perhaps being

those in the beef sector, covering routine veterinary

possible within their desired calving period with

top of the list. We would expect all of our suckler

and management tasks, including herd health

our target being at least 60% of the cows put to

clients to know the BVD status of their herd, and

planning, and capacity for an experienced farm

the bull calving within the first three weeks. As well

either be free of infection or working towards it,

animal veterinary surgeon to respond to any

as attention to cow condition and nutrition this

and have an active Johne’s disease monitoring and

emergency situation, with back-up available if

requires proactive management both of bull fertility

management programme in place. Our vet techs

necessary, at any time of the day or night.

and the infectious disease status of the herd.

are invaluable here in providing a cost-effective

Perhaps our busiest time of year with our beef

As a practice we carry out well in excess of one-

suckler clients, particularly from an emergency

hundred and fifty bull pre-breeding examinations

point of view, is attending difficult calvings; most

each year and find, exactly as is reported in the

Into the autumn we are busy PDing our spring

of the herds that we work with are very traditional

published literature, approximately one in ten

calving suckler herds. Knowing which cows are

extensively grazed, spring calving herds although

incapable of successfully impregnating cows with

pregnant and which are empty allows informed

an increasing number of them also now calve a

a further two in ten being subfertile at the time

management decisions to be made; which should

proportion of their herd in the autumn for many

of examination. The consequences of running

be kept and which should be sold before winter

reasons, often influenced by the challenges and

a sterile bull will, of course, be obvious and a

housing and the increased maintenance and feed

constraints of farming within part of the country

disaster. The consequences, however, of running

costs that this involves. And so the cycle continues.

endemically infected with bovine TB but also to

subfertile bulls, which take longer to get fewer

The success of our business, as we aim to continue

optimise resource management, particularly of both

cows pregnant than a fully fertile bull would are

to grow into the future, depends totally on the

manpower and bull-power.

often, in our experience, not appreciated. (We can

success of our clients’ businesses. We firmly believe

also advise on synchronisation protocols and the

that this depends, at least in part, on proactive

Our aim, however, is to minimise the number

use of AI in the beef suckler herd, using our own

veterinary advice and input to ensure efficiency and

of emergency calls we receive; difficult calvings

breeding advisor and AI technician, to maximise the

that this should not be limited to dairy enterprises!

sampling service and can also help handle and vaccinate animals as required.

As a practice we carry out well in excess of 150 bull pre-breeding examinations each year K L Cutler BSc BVSc DipECBHM MRCVS Endell Veterinary Group, 49 Endless Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 3UH. T: 01722 333291 E: mail@endellveterinary group.co.uk www.endellfarmvets.co.uk

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

BREAK FREE FROM BVD Achieve BVD Free status for your herd.

Join the BVDFree Scheme today and help create a BVDFree England.

@BVDFree #BVDFree THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

bvdfree.org.uk

AUTUMN 2016

19

FOR SUCKLED CALVES Abrupt weaning is a source of stress for the cow and calf. Weaning breaks the

BY BY SIMON MARSH & KATE PHILIPS HARPER ADAMS UNIVERSITY

AN, SAM TRUDGI ER STUDENT Y AND TRIAL: HARP LE AN RT WE HA T IE RT QU AN, ROBE EY – STOCKM PETER MASS ENT HARPER STUD RN FE E TI KA

maternal-offspring bond and removes milk from the calf’s diet. In a natural environment the cow would initiate weaning gradually by refusing the calf access to suckle at a later time than that which is generally practised by suckler producers.

TWO STEP WEANING It has been reported that weaning stress can be reduced by implementing pre-weaning treatments including fence line separation from the dam and anti-suckling devices. a. Fence line weaning Fence line weaning involves cows and calves being separated by a fence for over 4 days, before total separation. This allows the cows and calves to still see, hear and smell one another and where possible, have nose-to-nose contact. A study carried out in America investigated the effects of fence line weaning on calf performance and behaviour. The study found that calves subjected to fence line 7 days before weaning displayed less distress behaviours, including vocalisation, than calves that were abruptly weaned. Furthermore fence line weaning minimised losses in weight gain in the post weaning period, with abruptly weaned calves failing to compensate for these early losses in weight gain up to 10 weeks after the weaning period. b. Anti-suckling devices Canada has recently developed an anti-suckling device known as the ‘QuietWean’ nose flap. The device is made out of lightweight plastic and prevents the offspring from suckling their dam but still allows the calves to eat and have full social and physical contact with their mother. After calves have worn the suckling device for between 4-7 days, the nose flaps are removed and cows and calves are separated as normal. A recent study carried out by Harper Adams University and funded by AHDB Beef & Lamb investigated the effects of QuietWean® nose flaps on weaning stress in suckled calves. The trial was carried out on Robert and Peter Hartley’s spring calving suckler herd at Holdgate Hall, Much Wenlock in Shropshire. It involved 86 calves weighing on

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average 313kg at 8 months old that had been offered creep feed from September. Half of the calves had a nose flap inserted when they were housed with the cows. Seven days later all of the calves were weaned and put onto an intensive finishing system based on an ad lib 14% CP barley based home mix.

Harper Adams students Sam Trudgian and Katie Fern observed calf behaviour for 5 days. The nose flaps cost £2.50 each and are reusable.

The results showed that there were no significant differences in behaviour or growth rate between calves weaned using the anti-suckling device and those abruptly weaned.

Despite not being significant, the QuietWean calves showed a reduced liveweight gain in the period when nose flaps were in place compared to controls, this was expected due to the removal of milk from the diet. However, for the 11 days post weaning the QuietWean calves had a greater liveweight gain, compared to the abruptly weaned calves. Despite not being significant, this suggests a reduced growth check at weaning compared to the abrupt weaning method.

The Effect of Treatment on Bull Daily Liveweight Gain

The Effect of Treatment on Heifer Daily Liveweight Gain

2.50

2.50

2.00

2.00 DLWG (kg)

Weaning stress is often compounded by other husbandry practices occurring at the same time e.g. change of environment, change of diet and transport/ selling. This stress often results in reductions in liveweight gain and marked increases in physical activity including pacing, vocalising and a reduction in the time spent feeding during the post-weaning period.

DLWG (kg)

ANIMAL HEALTH

WEANING STRATEGIES

KATE PHILIPS

1.50 1.00 0.50 0.00-10

Mean Control DLWG (kg) 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80 90 100 110 120 130

Number of Days Postweaning

Mean Treatment DLWG (kg)

1.50 1.00 0.50 0.00-10

Mean Control DLWG (kg) 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80 90 100 110 120 130

Mean Treatment DLWG (kg)

Number of Days Postweaning

SUMMARY OF RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. QuietWean® nose flaps are easily inserted but retention was poor in these housed suckled calves. In a previous study with autumn born calves 50% of flaps fell out. In the trial at Holdgate Hall with spring born calves 30% fell out.

TOP TIPS TO REDUCE STRESS AT WEANING 2. Calves did not exhibit any discomfort on having a nose flap.

Do not house calves and wean them 3. Some calves appeared to be able to suckle with nose flaps in. at the same time, minimise the number 4. Growth rate of calves was unaffected by weaning method of stressors that calves are exposed but results indicated that flaps restricted growth in the first to at any one time week (by restricting suckling) but once flaps were removed • growth rate improved, as opposed to the calves without

Introduce creep at least 4 weeks flaps that saw a growth check at weaning and then before housing • subsequently recovered.

Do not de-horn or castrate within a 5. Behaviour of calves was not significantly different between month either before or after weaning calves with or without nose flaps. However QuietWean® • calves appeared to vocalise less immediately after weaning

Graze purchased calves for 2-3 weeks (days +1, +2 and +3) than control calves. Behaviour was prior to housing, ideally in a well fenced significantly altered by the day of observation pre-and sheltered field post-weaning.

• 6. Anecdotal evidence from Canada and the UK suggests that Vaccinate against pneumonia before QuietWean® nose flaps are far more effective for

housing • calves that are kept outside prior to weaning i.e. there is a House in well ventilated sheds with a reduced opportunity for calves to snag (pull out) low stocking density and plenty of straw the nose flap on a creep feeder, fence, feed barrier etc. and minimal dust 7. Please see the article in the winter 2015 edition of Beef • Farmer (pages 14-16) on creep feeding which has a

Avoid mixing groups of calves major influence on reducing stress at weaning.

AUTUMN 2016

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

21

FEATURE

BEEF SOUTH WEST SHOW RURAL FOOD EVENT

The finest, locally produced food and produce will be on offer from the artisan suppliers in the West Countries to taste, purchase and source at a “rural food event” being held at this year’s Beef South West event, West Point, Exeter on Wednesday 9th November, in addition to the now renowned prime stock cattle show classes and numerous agricultural trade stands.

The event leading up to the festive Christmas

on where to source the best the West Country has

produce but also bring them into the show and

period will hopefully offer those attending the

to offer from its many fine, local producers.

hopefully gain a greater understanding of what a great job the West Countries beef farmers and food

show the opportunity to purchase artisan products or find out where they will be able to source the

“Beef South West showcases the best beef cattle

producers are doing” said Rob Venner, chair of this

best West Country food, as we approach the all-

the West Country can produce. We want to widen

year’s event.

important Christmas day celebrations.

that experience for show goers to include the best food the West Country also has to offer. The rural

The stall holders are being handpicked from across

food event will take the show to a new level and

the West Country to ensure only the best producers

hopefully attract the general public, restauranteurs

are present to offer show goers an extra special

and procurement managers, so not only will they

culinary experience and offer guidance and advice

have the opportunity to source some wonderful

A CELEBRATION OF BRITISH FOOD AND FARMING

WEDNESDAY 9TH NOVEMBER NEW FOR 2016S FARMER FOOD FAYRE

WESTPOINT EXETER EX5 1DJ PRIMESTOCK & PEDIGREE CALF SHOW TRADE AND BREED SOCIETY STANDS STEAK & BURGER AWARDS & SEMINARS email: natbeefsw@gmail.com

tel: 01884 861352

find us on facebook @beefsouthwest

WWW.BEEFSOUTHWEST.CO.UK 22

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AUTUMN 2016

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30/08/2016 16:01

AUTUMN 2016

23

FOOD

FOOD HEAVEN STEAK TARTARE

BY FRANCOIS GIRAUD HEAD CHEF AT THE DALHOUSIE HOTEL AND AQUEOUS SPA

Popularised by legendary chef Escoffier, Steak Tartare has graced the menus of the world’s finest restaurants. During the early 1920’s often appearing in elite Paris haunts as “Steak l’Americaine” reflecting the dramatic growth of international travel at the beginning of the last century. Some claim this dish as the “ultimate burger” and is certainly a lovely late summer lunch served with “pome frites” or as a starter for a more formal meal.

INGREDIENTS

225g finely diced fillet of Scottish beef

1tsp Tabasco

2 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp home-made tomato ketchup

1 tsp chopped chives

2tsp extra virgin olive oil

2 fresh egg yolks

3 tsp finely diced red onion

20g Roquefort

2tsp chopped capers

Blue cheese dressing

1 tsp chopped parsley

Thinly sliced shallot rings

1 tsp chopped tarragon

4 slices rye bread toast

PREPERATION 30 MIN COOLING TIME 30-40 MIN SERVES 2

METHOD

1. Dice (best to use knives rather than a mincer as this maintains a superior texture) filet into small pieces of approximately 2-3mm.

2. Place into a bowl and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes.

3. Add all ingredients except egg yolks, Roquefort (keep back a little parsley) and fold together 4. Use medium sized ramekin to mould two patties. Turn out onto chilled plate. Using back of a soup spoon make an indentation in the centre of each pattie. Garnish with parsley and place the egg yolk.

5. Served with crisp baby gem leaves, Roquefort and rye toast and shallot rings.

6. Perfect accompaniments include a young Beaujolais, Champagne or chilled Stout.

CHEF FROM THE ROBERT PARKER COLLECTION OF HOTELS FRANCOIS GIRAUD Francois Giraud is Head Chef at Dalhousie Castle Hotel, one of the Robert Parker Collection of Hotels, and has provided us with two recipes using the very best of British Beef. Head Chef at Dalhousie Castle for 15 years, Francois is a staunch believer in the excellent

DALHOUSIE CA

STLE HOTEL

quality British Beef, and loves the huge diversity of cuts available which can be utilised in every day cooking. Currently, Francois works with the Head Chefs and Executive Chefs of a cross border group of bespoke, and truly British, hotels within the Robert Parker Collection, all of which have 2 AA Restaurant Rosettes.

When asked what he enjoys most about using British Beef he commented: “Flavour. That’s what it all comes down to. There’s not a bit of beef I don’t particularly like, it’s all about the cooking. I love nose-to-tail eating; it’s all fine well just eating the fillet, but then there’s an awful lot of cow that’s gone to waste. Plate, cheek and shin are all very tasty, and I love oxtail. These cuts are also usually much less expensive. The farmer is without a doubt the most important person in the production line. If cattle are treated well the beef will be of much superior quality, no matter how it is cooked. The hanging process is essential and beef should be hung for a minimum of 3 weeks, although the longer the better to get the best from the meat. If these steps are done well then the chef’s job is an easy one!”

The other hotels which feature in the Robert Parker Collection, and where British Beef is also very much part of the menu are; Ednam House, in Kelso in the Scottish Borders; Doxford Hall, near Morpeth in Northumberland; Eshott Hall, also near Morpeth, Northumberland; and The Wordsworth Hotel & Spa, in Grasmere in the Lake District.

Further details about Francois Giraud, as well as all of the hotels in the Robert Parker Collection, can be found at www.robertparkercollection.co.uk

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AUTUMN 2016

BRAISED FEATHER BLADE STEAK

FOOD

TRUE MEAT LOVERS

BY JAID HEAD CHEF AT THE WORDSWORTH HOTEL

This is a true meat lovers cut from the side of the shoulder. If the “quill” is cut from the middle, you will be left with lean meat perfect for flash frying. In this recipe prepared by Jaid, head chef at The Wordsworth Hotel & Spa, the quill is instead rendered down during the slow cooking process. It is from this quill that the cut of beef is named, as its shape resembles a feather. The Beef is served with mashed potatoes, smoked pancetta lardons, chestnut mushrooms, caramelised pearl onions and seasonal kale; making this dish a favourite of hotel guests and casual diners alike, as it makes a perfect autumn dinner after a long day of walking, golf or fishing.

INGREDIENTS 1kg feather blade steak 3 large shallots or one medium sized white onion 2 celery sticks

PREPERATION 30 MIN COOKING TIME 3 - 4 HOURS SERVES 4

2 medium sized carrots

4 sprigs fresh thyme

2 cloves of garlic

1 bay leaf

1 glass (250ml) red wine

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Freshly ground white pepper

500ml beef stock

For mashed potatoes;

4-5 stems of tenderstem broccoli per person

50ml (3 table spoon) rapeseed oil

500g Maris Piper potatoes (peeled and cut into 4)

12 chestnut mushrooms washed and cut into quarters

30ml (2 table spoon) tomato puree

50g salted butter

100g smoked pancetta

15ml (1 table spoon) English mustard

25ml double cream

80g peeled pearl onions

METHOD 1. Trim steak and cut into four pieces of equal size, season with plenty of sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Leave covered at room temperature whilst preparing vegetables. Preheat oven to 160/320/Gas 3 2. Wash and trim carrots and celery cut into 1cm size pieces. Finely chop shallots/onion. Crush cloves of garlic. Strip thyme leaves from stalks 3. Heat 15ml (1 tablespoon) rapeseed oil at medium heat in a pan large enough to accommodate the four pieces of steak. Fry the steak for 2-3 minutes on both sides or until nicely browned. Set aside from pan into casserole dish 4. Reduce heat and add remaining oil and gently fry shallots/onion, carrot and celery until golden brown (6-8 minutes) stir in the garlic frying for a further minute before adding the mixture to the casserole dish.

5. Add wine and deglaze the pan being careful to stir constantly to avoid burning the base of the pan, pour into casserole dish then add beef stock, tomato puree, thyme leaves, bay leaf and mustard and stir in all these ingredients bringing the casserole to the boil before removing from heat.

6. Place greaseproof paper on surface and cover with casserole lid. Place into oven for 3hrs – 4 hrs.

7. 35 minutes before serving bring potatoes to boil in slightly salted water and simmer for 15/20 minutes. Drain water and return saucepan to heat for two minutes to evaporate any excess water. Take off heat cover with lid.

8. The next 15 minutes will be quite busy!

9. Checking beef is tender skim any fat from surface. Transfer meat to a warmed plate before forcing into 3” high X 2” wide cylinder 10. Strain vegetables through a sieve into a large pan pushing them through the sieve with a ladle or large spoon. Pour the cooking liquor through the sieve so as to extract all the puree. Check for taste and add salt and pepper if required 11. Heat thick bottom pan with 10ml rapeseed oil and 15g of butter. When butter starts foaming reduce to medium heat and add pearl onions and pancetta once they begin to caramelise add quartered mushrooms 12. Place tenderstem broccoli into steamer – begin to mash potatoes adding salted butter, pepper and double cream replace lid 13. Simmer sauce for 3-5 minutes until thickened and glossy.

14. Add meat and cook for a further 3 minutes taking care to constantly spoon sauce over meat.

15. Serve onto warmed plate with mashed potato mushrooms, bacon and steamed tenderstem broccoli and a small jug of sauce per person 16. Classic wine to enjoy with this dish is a good Chateauneuf – du – Pape

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

25

PLANS UNDERWAY

18.05.17

The NBA has announced that the 2017 NBA Beef Expo will be at the heart of the Midlands, and agricultural excellence, in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.

This, the UK’s major annual event held on behalf of the British Beef Industry, will take place on Thursday 18th May 2017. The farm tours, always a key element of the event, will take place on Wednesday 17th May. Being Britain’s first major dedicated Beef Event post Brexit, there will of course be a focus on what this means for British Beef Farmers in terms of opportunities going forward.

This is the first time that the Midlands have hosted this event for many years. The 2017 NBA Beef Expo will celebrate the very best that the British Beef industry has to offer, showcasing tremendous stock farms on the farm tours, and covering in depth all aspects of the industry itself.

On announcing the 2017 NBA Beef Expo, Chris Mallon, Chief Executive of the NBA said: “The Midlands is a well renowned agricultural area and is the ideal location for the 2017 Beef Expo.

Following the success of the 2016 event, and with a new focus post Brexit, this is a fantastic opportunity for British Beef producers to culminate and share industry knowledge and developments.”

The NBA Beef Expo is considered a highlight of the Beef industry calendar for both pedigree and commercial breed societies to promote the quality of their cattle and visitors can expect to see some of the finest examples of British breeding anywhere in the UK.

THURSDAY 18TH MAY 2017

NAEC, STONELEIGH PARK, CV8 2LZ

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Bringing together the very best in British commercial and pedigree cattle, equipment, ground-breaking developments, and show classes for everyone involved in the industry, NBA Beef Expo is a celebration and exploration of everything British Beef has to offer.

Keep up-to-date with Beef Expo 2017; follow us on Facebook and Twitter and on the website www.beefexpo.co.uk

WWW.BEEFEXPO.CO.UK

BEEF EXPO UPDATE

BEEF EXPO 2017

AUTUMN 2016

BEEF EXPO UPDATE

an annual festival of british beef THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

27

INDUSTRY NEWS - BVD

BOVINE VIRAL DIARRHOEA THE BEGINNING OF THE END?

BVDFree England, a national Scheme which aims to eliminate Bovine Viral Diarrhoea virus (BVDv) from all cattle herds in England was launched on July 1, 2016 and is supported by the NBA. Compulsory BVDV elimination programmes have been in operation in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland since 2013 and in Northern Ireland since March 1, 2016.

BVD is endemic in cattle in the UK and Ireland and infection results in major economic losses in infected herds. BVD elimination has been identified as an industry priority by the NBA given its significant financial cost to the dairy and beef sectors. These losses are a result of high prevalence in combination with negative effects on reproduction and general health in affected herds.

BVD has remained endemic despite attempts to limit the losses associated with BVD through vaccination in individual herds.

BVD TRANSMISSION BVD has evolved an ingenious strategy to help it spread between animals and to persist in a herd.

When a naïve pregnant cow is infected with BVDV in early pregnancy the infected cow matures and intact immune system responds and clears the virus from her system. However, the virus crosses the placenta and if the foetus is infected between 30 and 140 days of pregnancy, the immature immune system of the foetus is damaged and creates immunotolerance, which causes the offspring to be born persistently infected (PI) with the virus. This PI calf will shed large quantities of virus in all bodily fluids throughout its life. In most bovine populations the prevalence of PIs are estimated to be around 1%.

Acutely infected animals may be a source of horizontal infection but as they shed much lower amounts of virus and only for a few days during acute infection, their importance for viral transmission and persistence of the infection within the herd is limited. Seroconversion will occur resulting in natural immunity, which generally is considered lifelong.

BVD spreads between herds through buying in or contact with infected animals, particularly PIs, or through movement into herds of cows carrying PI foetuses (PI carriers). Infection can also be introduced to a susceptible herd by indirect means through contaminated fomites, or infected embryos or semen.

BVDV ELIMINATION PROGRAMMES The BVDv elimination programmes in the Scandinavian countries, which started in the 1990s, have been very successful, and within

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

BVD Programme Ireland test results

2013

2014

2015

2016

2,095,669

2,131,130

2,260,701

1,990,320

0.77%

0.50%

0.36%

0.18%

0.66%

0.46%

0.33%

0.15%

100%

99.9%

99.6%

84.2%

11.27%

7.62%

5.91%

2.84%

(Week 33)

Calves Tested % (Number) Positive* % (Number) PI** % (Number) PI** recorded dead % (Number) of positive herds

(16,185)

(13,868)

(13,862)

(9,479)

(10,753)

(9,728)

(9,717)

(6,178)

(8,240)

(7,424)

(7,393)

(4,752)

(3,487)

(3,011)

(2,534)

(2,125)

* Based on initial tag test result, prior to any confirmatory testing ** Calves with an initial positive or inconclusive result without a negative retest result

approximately 10 years were either free, or almost free from BVDv. The programmes focused on prevention of foetal infection in early gestation and elimination of PI animals. The core elements of the strategy in Scandinavia were: 1 ) biosecurity, to prevent introduction of infection into free herds; 2) elimination of PI animals in infected herds to reduce virus circulation; and 3) continuous monitoring of free herds for early detection of reinfection.

National BVD Elimination programmes based on compulsory BVDv antigen testing of all calves started in Germany in 2011, Republic of Ireland in 2013, Belgium in 2015 and Northern Ireland in 2016. Significant year-on-year progress can be seen in the results for the Republic of Ireland.

BVDFREE ENGLAND BVDFree England builds on the experience from the national elimination programmes in Europe and a range of existing initiatives to control BVD. BVD control programmes have been offered for almost 20 years by Cattle Health Schemes operating to Cattle Health Certification Standards (CHeCS). The key elements of the programmes are vaccination, biosecurity, monitoring herd status using serological or antigen tests and elimination of PI animals.

BVDFree England is an industry-owned scheme which has been developed by a partnership of the livestock industry, veterinary profession, science

sector and Government. A key aim is to ensure PI cattle are identified and removed to slaughter increasing the number of herds from which the BVD virus has been eliminated, working towards regional and ultimately national elimination. Good biosecurity is an essential prerequisite to protect herds free of BVD from a breakdown.

Farmers who sign the BVDFree Charter make a commitment: 1 . To actively engage in BVD control in order to eliminate the disease from their herd 2. To report all BVD testing results from their herd to the national database 3. To allow herd status and/or individual animal statuses to be openly accessible through the BVDFree database (without any specific details of farm name or keeper being shown).

4. Not to move Persistently Infected (PI) animals other than directly to slaughter (or through a dedicated red slaughter market).

The BVDFree Scheme is based on the same principles as other successful elimination programmes. The core of the Scandinavian strategy is captured in the four step ‘ADAM’ approach to implementing the BVDFree programme on a farm: • Assess the level of biosecurity and disease risk on your farm.

• Define the BVD status of your herd.

• Action plan for control of BVD on farm put in place.

• Monitor progress – annual status check.

AUTUMN 2016

INDUSTRY NEWS - BVD

BVD Elimination using ADAM (courtesy of Joe Brownlie and Richard Booth, RVC)

STEP 1: ASSESS HERD • Biosecurity / vaccination • Disease history / Disease risk

NOT SATISFACTORY

Seek Veterinary advice

SATISFACTORY

STEP 2: DEFINE HERD STATUS • Blood test between 5-10 young stock (9-18 months of age) - screen by Antibody ELISA • Tag and test- Antigen PCR/ELISA • Bulk milk antibody samples (may include Bulk Milk PCR)

STEP 3b: ACTION PLAN FOR BVD SCREEN FOR PLS ON FARM • Test all animals - cull Pls • Tag and test all calves for 1 year after Pls removed - cull Pls • Continue for further 12 months if more Pls - cull Pls (tests to be used are antigen ELISA and pooled samples for PCR)

NO PI ANIMALS

STEP 3b: ACTION PLAN To control risk of introducing BVD onto the farm put in place

ACTIVE BVD

STEP 4: MONITOR PROGRESS - UPDATE • Repeat step 2 to retain BVDFree herd status (at 7-12 month intervals for young stock antibody and/or quarterly Bulk Milk antibody) • Join accreditation / surveillance programme

BVDFree assigns a status to individual animals and to herd, where appropriate. A minimum of two years of testing will be required to assign a BVDFree herd status unless an individual status is available for all animals in the herd or if the herd already has a CHeCS accredited status for BVD. The CHeCS accredited status is recorded and recognition provided in the BVDFree database.

The overall aim of BVDFree England is to deliver the next generation of cattle on farms in England free of BVD virus to the next generation of farmers.

The first target is to have engaged the majority of the cattle industry is taking action to control BVD

by March 28, 2019, 100 days after the launch of BVDFree England on July 1, 2016. BVDFree will then press policymakers to protect the investment of the majority by recommending to Ministers that legislation to ensure everyone takes action should be put in place.

Other countries have shown that BVD elimination is possible but enthusiasm, commitment and a sustained effort from vets, farmers and others will be needed to achieve this objective. Much of the knowledge on the pathogenesis and epidemiology of BVDv has been gifted to us by previous generations of UK researchers, notably Joe Brownlie. It is time for this generation to stand up and make its commitment to deliver BVDv elimination for the next generation, to paraphrase – “we gotta stop wearing our wishbone where our backbone oughtta be”.

bvdfree.org.uk THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

N LEFT) PORARY BVD PI (O CONTEM E NON-PI D SI G N ALO

IT'S NOT ALWA YS

EASY TO SPOT

A PI COW AND

CALF

BVD PI IN EARLY STAGES OF MUCOSAL DISEASE IMAGE CREDITS: KEITH CUTLER ENDELL VETERINARY GROUP

AUTUMN 2016

29

CASE STUDY

BEN HIGGINS

THE HEARST RANCH A GRASS FED BEEF EMPIRE

On a recent visit to the US we were very fortunate to visit what can only be described as one of California’s most renowned attractions - the empire of William Randolph Hearst, whose publishing fame is legendary, and whose wealth became fabulous. Our visit was to the Hearst Ranch, easily overlooked, both literally and actually, by its famous neighbour, Hearst Castle - next to the Pacific Ocean at San Simeon.

The Hearst family began their ranch history with the

from the back of the ranch. One reason for this is the

Hearst holds on to theirs, aiming to finish them on

first purchase of land in 1865. Now, the Castle is a

prevalence of more predators – the famous mountain

ranch at 2 years with a harvest weight of 1100lbs.

California State Monument, and the Ranch is reduced

lions which are still very much in evidence. As Ben

in size, from the quarter million acres at its prime, to

says, dealing with these “needs a more capable cow”.

This means that approximately 1,000 head of cattle are ready for the marketplace during the ranch’s

82,000 acres and a herd of over one thousand cattle.

At its heyday, visitors drove up to the castle past its

The ranch has its share of natural springs and water

selling season, from late March until the end of

private zoo which is long since gone. All that is left

courses, however drought leaves its mark and the

August, when the animals are between 18 and 24

are a herd of 130 zebra, and a few Roosevelt Elk,

workforce is still engaged in ensuring those springs

months old.

which graze freely. The ranch today is 82,000 acres

and wells are maintained, and watering areas filled.

Hearst traditionally sold cast cows at auction.

in total, 128 sq miles, and home to 550 cows with calves at foot. It takes 2 days of driving to appreciate,

Cattle handing is the major focus at key times, and the

Recently, due to high replacement costs, they retain

and features 309 miles of ranch roads. The Hearst

Ranch has three major cattle handling facilities spread

the services of a vet, who checks the reproductive

family maintains the right to use the Castle for special

throughout its area. When stock has to be rounded up

systems of the older cows with ultrasound, and they

occasions, and has a 5,000 feet runway for flying

for branding, calf weaning or movement, the hands

keep those that still have breeding potential. “They

visits. The Hearst Ranch is the largest US single source

(3 cowboys, plus extras) can be away from the centre

stay as long as they are still producing, which is about

producer of ‘free-range, all-natural, grass fed and

of the ranch, with their horses and dogs, for days at

10 years.”

grass-finished beef’.

a time.

Hearst Director of Agricultural Operations Ben

All animals are commercial crossbred stock,

Abortion is a disease specific to California – where

Higgins, is a graduate of Agricultural Business

predominantly Black Aberdeen Angus. As a result of

abortion is likely unless the cow has acquired

from California Polytechnic University - San Luis

the four-year-long drought, current herd numbers are

immunity. This is a tick-based disease which is

Obispo, and former CEO of the California Cattlemen’s

at some of the lowest levels ever – the 550 cows, and

caused if the cattle are not exposed to the tick before

Association. He is also a former State Director of the

calves, and 400 replacements. The aim is to start to

breeding. So of course Hearst cattle are. Respiratory

Diseases are well controlled at Hearst. Foothill

U.S. Department of Agriculture appointed by President further increase stocking levels and a further 215 cows George Bush in the previous administration. Our

and 5 bulls have just been purchased.

diseases in calves are also encountered. “Calves are injected at branding for all the expected conditions.

There is no TB in American cattle,” adds Ben.

tour with Ben took in a circuit of the castle, followed by a drive through the lower parts of the ranch. It

From a genetic point of view, the aim is to produce

was California in springtime, with young grass and

animals which give tender cuts of meat, which are, as

The market for the cattle from this magnificent ranch

woodland, and the cattle were well spread throughout

Ben describes, “virtually organic they are hormone

is focused primarily on a partnership with Whole

its many valleys and hills.

and antibiotic free. Any animal requiring medical

Foods Market, a high end store chain specialising

attention which compromises this doesn’t find its

in the finest quality organic, or ‘naturally produced’

Due to steep terrain and brush, only 40% of the ranch

way onto the shelves of our retailers.” He adds,

foods. Whole Foods stores are pitched between a

is suitable for grazing, which is divided into around

“What we do here is avoid stressing our animals, we

delicatessen and Waitrose, and Hearst supplies the

2 dozen separate grazing areas, used in rotation to

are a considerate and balanced ranch, as far as their

whole of Southern California with 95% of the Ranch’s

maintain the natural grass environment. In addition,

treatment is concerned.”

output. They sell to these stores on a cut specification with each cut being sold out at different prices. They

the ranch has 600 Avocado trees. Ben describes this husbandry principle as ‘Take half and leave half’. He

All of the 1st and 2nd Calves heifers are artificially

take the entire carcass, including the 5th Quarter, and

comments: “We’re here to utilize, not over-graze the

inseminated, resulting in 90% successful calving, as

the meat is sold under the Hearst Ranch Beef brand.

ground. Mother Nature is in charge – we aim to do

opposed to the ranch’s previous calving rate of 75%,

Pricing is fixed and determined before the shipping

very little that has an impact on the land.”

when served naturally.

season, and is based on a rolling contract, reviewed every year. Any cattle that have been treated with

The calves and heifers are kept on the easier terrain.

The ranch is geared up for autumn calving, with the

anti-biotics fall out of the Whole Foods Market

When they have had their second calf, the cows are

young stock weaned between May and June. Most

programme. Hearst is also supplying its own outlet,

turned out onto the mountains, visible in the distance

Californian ranches sell their calves at this point, but

and mid to high end Californian Restaurants.

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

CASE STUDY The two ranches of the Hearst Business are run as one, with 82K acres at Hearst and 73K at the Jack Ranch, over two hours’ drive away. There are 11 full time employees, which includes 3 cowboys, and 4 ranch hands on each ranch. The herd spends its days in the hills and plunging

Ben adds: “There are only a dozen or

valleys of the ranch, and with a largely co-

so abattoirs and meat processors left in the whole

operative climate, is outdoors and grass-fed all

state (California is twice as large as the UK) and we

year. Diet is supplemented by mineral salts and

now have to travel much further afield to purchase

protein supplements as required. All finishing is

replacement stock and bulls.”

done at the Jack Ranch. Ben adds: “Previously, the two were run independently, this made for less

Looking to the all-important marketplace and the

consistent product, so we now have a much more

attitudes of modern consumers, he concludes: “As

cohesive programme.” Monitoring the herd is a

far as the marketplace is concerned, the American

key feature of its management, and although not

consumer is driving the industry. They are the

a legal requirement in the US, they complete EID

reason for changing prices. They are becoming

Tagging to keep track of each animal’s individual

more knowledgeable and are certainly willing to

history.

pay for a special product.”

For 4 years, drought has plagued California, and

As Ben says: “ We have embraced this totally as

this has affected the supply of grass, so the ranch

this is where the opportunities are. Our aims? We

keeps 1,300 acres aside for baleable forage for

want to get the herd back to historic numbers in

its stock. “This is alfalfa, which we use to feed in

about 5 years – that’s roughly 2,500 cows between

the summer season, when there is less growth

both ranches. We’ll achieve this through purchase

due to drought. This natural feed, combined

and retention, wherever possible.”

Virtually organic, our cattle are hormone and antibiotic free.

Any animal requiring medical attention which compromises this doesn’t find its way onto the shelves of our retailers

with permanent pasture, keeps them gaining throughout the year. This is very important here,

Before we leave, we pay a brief visit to the stable

though it’s green now, these hills are brown 9

area, where a ranch pony is saddled up waiting

months of the year.” says Ben. Describing the

for someone. Ben has his own experiences on

challenges facing Hearst, Ben acknowledges

horseback, which led to

the recent drought. “Our first is shortage of

injury years back, but

water, especially ground water – our basins are

he still rides out when

significantly depleted. With water 400 feet below

he can. He describes

the ground, we spend a lot of time ensuring the

the cowboys as ‘true

cattle have a drinking water supply.” Discussing

professionals’. “These

the US Beef industry as a whole he points to

are the guys that know

the decline in ranching. “We are suffering from

everything about

depleted cattle numbers, and the loss of several

ranching. They are at

ranches.” The problem extends into ancillary

the heart of what we

businesses, where smaller local companies are

do. We are, like them,

really struggling. Anything the ranch has to buy in

very professional and

terms of equipment or supplies has to come from

traditional in our ways

further and further afield.

of rearing stock.”

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

31

INDUSTRY UPDATE

NEWS AND UPDATES AUTUMN 2016

LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY UNITES TO HELP DELIVER FUTURE GOVERNMENT POLICY Key stakeholders from the livestock sector across England, Wales and Scotland gathered in Birmingham in August to plan a route forward for farming after Brexit. Agreeing that the industry bodies should work together, the organisations started to look at ways they can positively support the UK and devolved Governments as negotiations start and crucial decisions are made in this long process.

Chris Dodds, Executive Secretary of the Livestock

trade, support and future regulatory issues and

respecting devolution. It was agreed that this

Auctioneers Association, instigated bringing

developments. This is a positive opportunity

is far too important an issue for the industry to

the organisations together, believing that a

for the livestock sector to shape future policy

approach it in a fragmented way. The industry’s

collaborative approach between the livestock

post Brexit, and to help Governments as much

future is at stake, and the next generation must

sector and Governments can only be beneficial

as possible by working in a collaborative way to

be protected. Working together will provide the

at a time when a framework for the future of the

deliver a profitable and dynamic industry”, said

best opportunity to get it right.

industry needs to be formed that is as robust as

Mr Dodds.

The group are all looking forward to a positive

possible to pass on to the next generation.

Attending the meeting were 10 UK livestock

The group agreed to work through the practical

future, whilst appreciating that they have to

industry organisations, the NBA, TFA, IAAS, FUW,

implications of the various policy development

be creative and support the Governments with

NSA, NPA, NFUS, CAAV, LAA and SBA.

aspects ahead so that issues can be discussed

solid recommendations to show that there is one

with Governments in a united way, whilst

overall message from the UK livestock sector.

“We agreed that regular meetings of this nature

maintaining the respective organisations’

There is a need to be clear and articulate and to

will now take place going forward to discuss

individual responsibilities to their members and

talk as one.

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEWS, INDUSTRY UPDATES OR INNOVATIONS WOULD LIKE US TO PUBLISH? BLUETONGUE DISEASE UPDATE

Please contact The NBA Magazine on 01434 601005 or email your article to nbamagazine@nationalbeefassociation.com

Bluetongue disease can infect all ruminants, particularly sheep and cattle. Bluetongue serotype 8 (BTV-8) is currently circulating in France.

Defra has released the analysis of risk to livestock in the UK which shows that primarily the South of the country is at risk of an outbreak, late summer is rated the most likely time for an outbreak to occur. The probability of Bluetongue incursion was 5-10% in May, 33-60% in July and is forecast for 80% in September.

The Joint campaign Against Bluetongue (JAB) has put together all the relevant and useful information for farmers, vets, animal health advisers and wider industry across Great Britain. The situation in France continues to be monitored, vaccine has been made available for the UK market from July onwards, but the decision to vaccinate is with the farmer, in consultation with their vet.

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AUTUMN 2016

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AUTUMN 2016

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MEMBERSHIP

NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION

MEMBERSHIP

FROM £75 PER YEAR

The NBA is a highly committed charitable and is a proactive and important industry body. Our membership programme is integral to the long-term future sustainability of the association and the British beef industry. Since it's inception in 1999 the NBA has gone from strength to strength, and today, it remains the only dedicated voice for British beef farmers. The Beef industry has, and will continue to face many challenges, and through the revenue generated from you as a member the National Beef Association can ensure: That working on your behalf is a strong Management team and a Board who meets regularly to protect the industry and continually drive it forward.

The continued engagement with the Government and Devolved Administrations to defend the interest of beef farmers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The continued representations of Beef Farmer’s views and concerns in Government.

We help to direct the course of future regulation, offer advice, overturn bad regulation and improve existing legislation.

The British Beef industry is continually promoted and supported at all levels.

That there are Regional Committees spread across the UK and Ireland - dedicated forums which hold regular meetings and events for members.

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

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AUTUMN 2016

MEMBERSHIP

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AUTUMN 2016

35

ANIMAL HEALTH

WINTER HOUSING ANIMAL HEALTH

BY K L CUTLER BSc BVSc DipECBHM MRCVS ENDELL VETERINARY

Pneumonia represents one of the greatest threats to the health, welfare and productivity of housed, immature, weaned cattle. It is a multifactorial disease arising as a consequence of a series of complex interactions between infectious agents, of which many may be involved in a single outbreak of disease, the immune status of the animals involved and the environment in which they are being kept. Each of these influencing factors needs to be managed if disease is to be avoided and health, welfare and productivity optimised.

Building design and particularly ventilation are crucial in maintaining a healthy environment for housed cattle. Most cattle sheds in the UK rely on natural ventilation; either the stack effect or the movement of air over the building to draw air out of it, or a combination of the two to remove stale air and the water vapour, dust, noxious gasses and infectious agents that it contains and draw fresh air into the building. Several features of building design are crucial for natural ventilation to be successful, particularly when relying on the stack effect which works because the animals in the shed warm the air within the building, which then rises and exits the shed, frequently through an open ridge, which then draws fresh air into the building through a lower inlet, often space-boarding above a solid wall. Sufficient outlet area is obviously needed for the warm air to exit the building to ensure successful ventilation but even if this is optimal sufficient inlet area is also required, and this is frequently compromised either by poor building design or because of lean-to sheds being added to buildings, straw or silage bales being stacked against buildings or vegetation or tress growing up alongside the building. A sufficient height difference between the outlet and the inlet is also required to create the air movements necessary to ventilate the building. Somewhat bizarrely, given that the stack effect relies on the heat produced by the animals in the shed it is also possible for natural ventilation to fail if stocking density within the building is inadequate. (The risks of over-stocking buildings are obvious!) Now might be a good time to critically evaluate stock buildings, and particularly those in which pneumonia problems seem to arise each year, with the aim of identifying how it might be possible to improve ventilation (which might not need any or perhaps only minor alterations to the building itself). Remember, though, that at this time of year, without animals housed in the shed, to produce a stack effect smoke-bombs will not provide a realistic indication of how the building will ventilate once it is occupied.

Other building tasks which could usefully be carried out now include cleaning the building out, if this was not done immediately after it was vacated following turnout, to allow it to dry out thoroughly (bugs survive best in damp environments) and to give attention to

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

leaking water pipes and troughs, blocked drainage gullies, broken roofing sheets and blocked or broken guttering all of which may cause increased humidity within the building during the housing period.

When cattle are housed within the building it is important that they are bedded regularly with a sufficient quantity of good quality straw to keep the beds dry and that the building is cleaned out as often as necessary; if muck and bedding is allowed to accumulate within the building not only will this result in increased humidity but it will also reduce the volume of the building and so the air space available per animal. (Humidity within buildings can also be reduced by clipping the backs of housed animals.)

be sought from the BVDFree database that none of them are persistently infected with the virus. If this information is not available testing carried out on ear notch samples, which can be obtained for little extra costs if management tags are applied when the animals are purchased, or on blood samples, which can be pooled for the purposes of testing, should be undertaken to ensure that none of the purchased animals are BVD PIs.

It is also, of course, possible to enhance the immune status of animals to be housed by vaccination.

Where this is carried out, however, it is important to recognise that there is no single vaccine, nor any combination of vaccines currently available in this country which will provide protection against every infectious cause of bovine pneumonia. Even The immune status of the animals also depends on carefully considered vaccination strategies based on many factors. It all starts with ensuring an early and adequate intake of good quality colostrum within the knowledge of the farm and sound veterinary advice, where the vaccines chosen are stored and used first hours after birth, so cow condition and nutrition precisely in accordance with data sheet instructions, are important in ensuring calf immunity. (The increased prevalence of pneumonia amongst animals may appear to fail in the face of overwhelming challenge or if an unexpected pathogen is involved. which have scoured as calves is well known and Where vaccines are used it is always beneficial, if documented and is likely to reflect, at least in part, a failure of passive colostral antibody transfer.) Ongoing it is possible (and despite the additional handlings involved) if they can be given to allow immunity to nutritional status is also vital in the maintenance develop prior to the increased pathogen challenge of good health; where animals are energy deficient after housing. (Worming with an appropriate product and struggling to achieve the intakes required to keep warm, let alone grow, it is obvious that immune prior to housing to ensure there is no compromise to respiratory function caused by lungworm will also function will be compromised and specific vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly of vitamin E and help minimise pneumonia problems.) selenium, will also have an adverse effect on immune This leaves us to consider the infectious agents system function. actually responsible for causing pneumonia in cattle.

Frequently the initial challenge is viral with secondary Other infectious agents not directly responsible bacterial invasion of the compromised lung tissue for causing pneumonia can also have an adverse but some bacteria and mycoplasmas can cause effect on immune function and so precipitate more pneumonia in their own right. Although we have some and more severe pneumonia outbreaks than might excellent antibiotic options available to target some otherwise be the case. BVD is the most obvious of these agents, and NSAIDs to help control the pain example of these. If your housed animals are homeand fever caused by pneumonia, once disease is seen bred then the BVD status of your herd should be welfare has already been compromised and losses are known and steps should have been taken to protect occurring which may be ongoing or even total in severe the herd if infection is not present (biosecurity and case where animals are lost. Prevention, therefore, perhaps vaccination). If the animals to be housed needs to be the name of the game with the aim being are to be purchased they should, if at all possible, avoidance of the problem by investing a little time be sourced from herds accredited free of BVD under and effort now to ensure that your buildings and your a CHeCS (Cattle Health Certification Standards) approved cattle health scheme or reassurance should animals are in the best shape possible.

AUTUMN 2016

DIRECTORY

BEEF FARMER

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

37

GIFT OF THE GAVEL

GIFT OF THE GAVEL

CLIVE ROADS

CLIVE ROADS

Like most Auctioneers, I would need a volume the thickness of War and Peace to record an array of comments, remarks, fortune telling and alike to describe how “valued” clients have made reference to my ability or otherwise over the years – hey, and “War and Peace” is not a bad title to describe our profession! The favourite of course is when some “wag” congratulates you on a successful sale and trying to be modest and understated you say “well it was so buoyant today even Mickey Mouse could have sold them” – a dry, witty comment comes back . . . “I thought he did”! ha, ha . . . thanks!

Our profession has a very similar connection to

my Principal took me to one side and said “not a

animals! – many years ago I sold part of a private

professional sportsmen; you are only as good as

bad start but, Gents is where you go to the toilet,

zoo collection including exotic birds, Flamingos,

your last “game”. Performing well and consistently

Gentlemen are who we do business with”. How

Bison etc. The beef trade never looked quite so

is important but results are what count, if you miss

right he was and how it grates on me to this day

challenging after that!

an “open goal” or “drop the ball over the try line”,

when I hear it said.

Any career has its highs and lows, prices achieved

start looking at the subs bench!

Apart from the obvious requirement of an

selling Texel ram lambs to 22,000gns Limousin

Naturally everyone “sat in the stands” can do your

Auctioneer – that of having a sound knowledge of

cows to 25,000gns (plenty of machinery over

job quicker, more successfully and is capable of

what you are selling (or appearing to!) trying to

£50,000 . . . boring) have certainly been

achieving greater heights – listening to what the

make a sale interesting, reasonably light hearted

memorable and exciting but selling any stock

crowd chants is one thing but taking a pragmatic

and entertaining is a huge advantage. People

of whatever breed or price to an enthusiastic

view and backing your own judgment is of

coming to an auction, particularly a big one do not

company of buyers for grateful clients is as, if

paramount importance (ask Alex Ferguson) – you

want to be bored senseless – most people are better

not more rewarding. The lows are many and not

have to live with it.

lead than driven, and a few well chosen comments

for print but disappointment includes young

never go amiss, even if it rebounds on you.

auctioneers not really wanting to sell less numerous breeds because it isn’t “sexy” – boys if

After 43 years in the profession (goodness 3 life sentences), I still on occasions, remember back

Being an Auctioneer involves you in a plethora of

you want to get on sell as much of everything as

to my first sale as a 17 year old, I well remember

requests to sell apart from the weekly markets –

you can!

saying “come on gents, go for it, come on gents

charity auctions, promise auctions, Club, Societies,

have another” etc., etc.. At the end of the day

School, Religious fundraising and so on, even zoo

Time now for more entries in War and Peace.

Trying to make a sale interesting, reasonably light hearted and entertaining is a huge advantage.

Clive C Roads FLAA Auctioneer, Partner and Agricultural Chairmanof McCartneys who run 5 successful livestock markets from the Midlands to West Wales. Official Auctioneer to 9 Cattle and 13 Sheep Breed societies.

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2016

NEXT ISSUE: WINTER 2016 BOOKING DEADLINE: FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER

IMAGE CREDIT:BEEF THE ASSOCIATION BRITISH BLUEMAGAZINE CATTLE SOCIETY THE NATIONAL

AUTUMN 2016

05

MAKE BVD HISTORY AN INNOVATIVE SOLUTION

NOW IN YOUR HANDS

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

We know vaccination doesn’t always happen on time3, but with Bovela you can be guaranteed* to deliver protection with each shot, using the latest in live vaccine technology. With over 400,000 cattle in the UK protected already4, are you on the road to making BVD history?

Ask your vet for more information.

Herd protection made simple

References: 1. Stott et al (2010) Vet J 185: 138–143 2. Stott et al (2012) IVJ 65:12 3. Meadows (2010) Cattle Practice 18(3): 202-215 4. GfK August 2016. *Proven to prevent the birth of PI calves caused by transplacental infection by BVDV for 12 months when Bovela has been used as recommended in the product label (SPC).

Advice on the use of Bovela or other therapies should be sought from your veterinary surgeon. Bovela lyophilisate and solvent for suspension for injection for cattle contains modified live BVDV-1, non-cytopathic parent strain KE-9: 104.0 –106.0 TCID50, Modified live BVDV-2, non-cytopathic parent strain NY-93: 104.0 –106.0 TCID50. UK: POM-V. Further information available from Boehringer Ingelheim Limited, Vetmedica, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YS, UK. Technical enquiries: +44 (0)1344 746957. Email: vetmedica.uk@boehringer-ingelheim.com.

Date of preparation: Aug 2016. AHD9447. Use Medicines Responsibly (www.noah.co.uk/responsible).