AUTUMN 2017 ISSUE 05
MANAGING PNEUMONIA BULL VERSUS STEER AND DEALING WITH HEAVY WEIGHT CARCASSES
CATTLE HOUSING GETTING IT RIGHT FORAGE PRE-TREATMENT MORE GAIN POSSIBLE FROM THE SAME FEED
PARASITE CONTROL
IN BEEF CATTLE AT HOUSING REGIONAL ROUND-UPS
GUEST WRITER ALAN CLARKE
NEWS & INDUSTRY UPDATES
FOR EVERYONE WITH AN INTEREST IN THE BEEF INDUSTRY T H E O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E F R O M T H E N AT I O N A L B E E F A S S O C I AT I O N
HEALTH ISSUES
BREED SOCIETIES NEWS UPDATES
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CONTENTS
contents
EDITOR Chris Mallon National Beef Association Mart Green Tyne Green Hexham Northumberland NE46 3SG 01434 601005 chris@nationalbeefassociation.com DEPUTY EDITOR Tom Kinroy tom@nationalbeefassociation.com
AUTUMN 2017 34 14
36
CHAIRMAN David Thomlinson ADVERTISING ENQUIRES 01434 601005 07738 229752 nbamagazine@ nationalbeefassociation.com DESIGN, PRINT & PUBLISHING Kinroy Design, Yorkshire 01430 266068 hello@kinroydesign.co.uk www.kinroydesign.co.uk A National Beef Association Publication A specialist organisation open to everyone with an interest in the UK beef industry. Company No. 3678612
NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2017: Issue 5 NEXT ISSUE: WINTER 2017 NBA/Kinroy Design give notice that no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent of the publishers. Every care is taken when compiling editorial and advertisements and the publishers can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions arising from publication. Views expressed and information contained in The National Beef Association Magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the National Beef Association who cannot therefore be held responsible for any reason arising therefrom. Neither the Association, the Publisher nor the Editors endorses any services or products advertised in this Magazine. Design/Images © 2017 Kinroy Design Printed on Sustainable FSC Paper Mix ISSN 2399-553X (Print) ISSN 2399-553X (Online)
16 REGULARS CHAIRMAN'S REPORT CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT AND NBA QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS GUEST WRITER: ALAN CLARKE, QMS NBA REGIONAL ROUND-UPS BREED SOCIETIES NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS Q&A WITH A BEEF FARMER GUEST VET: MATTHEW PUGH FOOD: HEREFORD BEEF WEBSITE NBA NEWS UPDATE GIFT OF THE GAVEL: DAVID THOMLINSON
05 06 09 12 14 30 31 32 33 34 54
FEATURES FORAGE PRE-TREATMENT BY AB VISTA ANIMAL HEALTH: THE UNSEEN PROTECTOR CATTLE HOUSING - GETTING IT RIGHT ANIMAL HEALTH: IDENTIFYING PI ANIMAL HEALTH: PARASITE CONTROL ANIMAL HEALTH: THE ROLE OF SELENIUM AND IODINE MIDLAND'S MACHINERY SHOW 2017 THE COW CULL MARKET BY MEADOW QUALITY BULL VERSUS STEER ANIMAL HEALTH: MANAGING PNEUMONIA SYNCHRONISING PROTOCOLS ON SUCKLER HERDS FAREWELL TO DAVID PROTHERO
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AUTUMN 2017
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CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME
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BY DAVID THOMLINSON CHAIR OF THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION DAVID THOMLI
NSON
Welcome everyone to the NBA Magazine, Autumn issue. What a Summer it has been, with unpredictable weather making for a trying harvest. Hopefully by now you have all got everything gathered in safely and input prices do not soar too high this Winter. The way to improve our cattle herds is through the use of the best genetics available and I am disappointed that recent TB consultations have been around the capping of the
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values of those pedigree cattle. To produce the best of beef, competing on a global market we need to be able to produce world class cattle and that depends on using the best bulls on our suckler herds. Those herds already suffering from TB are being further penalised if a cap on valuation payments means that even buying a quality bull risks financial loss. Trade is the life blood of the beef industry and the traditional movement of cattle
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from breeding areas to where they are finished is as old as the roads they travel on. Defra need to understand these movements and their necessity when they consider restrictions on trade between different areas of the country defined by
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perceived TB risk. The majority of stores are bred in the West and these areas lack the ability to finish and house the stores and their mothers. I hope that common
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sense prevails. This Autumn we say goodbye to a familiar face. Stephen Heenan, Northern
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AUTUMN 2017
05
CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT
CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S
CHRIS MALLO
N
REPORT
BY CHRIS MALLON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION
The future success of British Agriculture depends on how we manage the Brexit process and the trade deals we are given afterwards. industry such as UK Agriculture.
We are not falling into some void, there are deals we
The world of WTO rules is not for the fainthearted,
will inherit from our present EU relationship, some
recent news around Bombardier and Boeing plane
beneficial and some worrying, such as, how much of
makers shows how special the “Special Relationship”
I urge members to get involved in our events and
the New Zealand lamb quota will be attributed to us.
with the USA really is. The fact that plane makers,
regional committees, to ensure that their opinions
Post Brexit not all will change but our Government
Bombardier, are given financial support from the
are portrayed. It was fantastic to see over 250
will have greater responsibility and accountability,
UK and Canadian Governments, means that Boeing
attendees at our recent farm walks, and enthusiastic,
no longer having the bogie man of the EU to blame
are pressing that under WTO Rules, punitive tariffs
passionate farmers voicing their opinions in the
for their failures. I feel it is disappointing, that over
should be placed on Bombardier products entering
Midlands Discussion on ‘The future of the midlands
a year on, instead of concrete proposals for British
the USA, this in turn threatens the future viability of
beef industry’. With Brexit discussions increasing,
agriculture, we are still caught up in the petty
Bombardier and the jobs of the 4000 employees.
our work as the only organisation solely dedicated
rivalries of school yard antics. Proper policies are
This is an example of how direct support is treated by
to protecting the interests of the UK Beef Industry
needed and grown up discussions are a necessity.
the WTO and a cautionary tale for a highly supported
becomes ever more important.
RESULTS FROM THE NBA BREXIT QUESTIONNAIRE PRICING
TRADE & SUPPORT
ANIMAL HEALTH
• 53% of farmers feel that they are getting a fair • 67% of farmers would support legislation for
• 43% of farmers felt Irish Beef was the biggest
price for their cattle.
threat, followed by South American (31%),
the compulsory testing and culling of PIs
• 46% of farmers feel that the EUROP grid is not without compensation, 27% said they
North American (15%), Australian (7%)
fit for purpose.
would if there was compensation and only 6% and 3% said ‘None – consumers will always buy
• When asked what should be considered in
said they would not support this legislation.
British.’
pricing of cattle, Tenderness was voted most
• 40% of farmers said they used most antibiotics
• 94% of farmers said that they would not
important followed by marbling,
on young calves, followed by lameness (25%)
welcome back hormones into beef production
meat yield then conformation of animal and
and mastitis (12.5%).
in the UK.
production system.
• 71% of farmers said they would not support
• 78% of farmers felt that agriculture would be
the move of TB compensation payments
used as a bargaining chip in trade deals.
WELFARE
from the government to an industry
• Capital grants were voted the best way to
• 66% of farmers think that we are 1st in the
insurance product.
receive support by farmers, followed by
world for welfare.
• When asked the priorities for a new database
research and development, welfare payments,
• When asked how they would like to see welfare 100% provenance and traceability, change post Brexit 62% said they would like
simplification of registration, more point of sale
welfare standards to stay the same
information and removal of the 6 day standstill,
and 33% said increase.
were deemed the most important priorities.
and provision of services.
• 75% of farmers said they would like to see a calf welfare scheme introduced in the UK
TRADE & SUPPORT
rewarding farmers for high calf welfare
• 71% of farmers saw Brexit as an opportunity
standards e.g. weaning management,
to the beef industry, 18% as a threat and 11%
vaccination and colostrum management.
said it would make no difference.
AUTUMN 2017 ISSUE 05
MANAGING PNEUMONIA
SALERS CATTLE SOCIETY
BULL VERSUS STEER
AND DEALING WITH
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HEAVY WEIGHT CARC
ASSES
CATTLE HOUSING GETTING IT RIGHT
FORAGE PRE-TREAT
MORE GAIN POSSIBLE
MENT
FROM THE SAME FEED
PARASITE CONTROL
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ROUND-UPS
www.salers-cattle-society.co.uk
REGIONAL
FOR EVERYONE WITH
AN INTEREST IN THE
THE OFFI CIAL
06
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
SING
GUEST WRITER
ALAN CLARKE MAGAZIN
NEWS & INDUSTRY
UPDATES
L BEEF AS S O C I AT
HEALTH
ISSUES
BEEF INDUSTRY
E FROM T H E N AT I O NA
BREED SOCIETIES
NEWS UPDATES
ION
AUTUMN 2017
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
SUMMER SPRING 2017
07
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GUEST WRITER
ALAN CLARKE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE QUALITY MEAT SCOTLAND
SCOTTISH BEEF INDUSTRY HAS INGREDIENTS FOR POST-BREXIT SUCCESS The beef industry in Scotland has a great deal to feel proud and positive about, according to Quality Meat Scotland’s new Chief Executive Alan Clarke. Mr Clarke, who was previously Chief Executive of
quality assurance to our commitment to animal
more and more interested in the provenance and
Scottish Bakers, has spent the initial weeks of his
welfare and strong sustainability credentials.
“story” behind the meat they purchase.
move from “cake to steak” getting out and about
These are strengths which will prevail no matter
to meet those working in every part of the Scottish
what unfolds in the months ahead in terms of the
Likewise, he said QMS remains committed to
red meat industry production chain – from farmers
deals negotiated on the back of Brexit,” observed
continually looking at ways it can improve what
to processors, butchers and retailers.
Mr Clarke.
it delivers for the industry.
“I have made a point of being very much in
One area where he believes there is real
“Since joining QMS I have been very impressed
‘listening mode’ and getting a solid understanding
potential to further develop is the way in which
with the knowledge, dedication and commitment
of the red meat industry in Scotland,” Alan said.
different parts of the red meat chain engage and
of the small QMS team, both the board and staff.
communicate with each other. “I am also very aware that in the post-Brexit
“What has quickly become very clear to me is that those working in this industry have a huge amount
“Improved communication would be a win-
era the role of QMS will be more vital than ever.
of passion and pride and work incredibly hard
win for everyone – from farmer to processor
Our strategy is ‘to shape a sustainable and
to produce Scotch Beef PGI which has earned its
to retailer,” he said. “If we are to prosper and
prospering Scottish red meat industry’ and we
place at the top of the global menu,” he said.
flourish as an industry going forward we need
will continue to look at how we can promote our
to increase the levels of trust and ensure each
high quality brands, providing a strong return for
Despite the uncertainty created by Brexit, on areas
link of the chain understands the needs of the
levypayers and the industry as a whole.
such as international trade regulation, migrant
others,” he said. “The activities we deliver for the industry are
labour and agricultural support, those working in the beef industry in Scotland has many reasons to
There is, he said, also huge scope for those
wide-ranging – from health and education to
feel confident about the longer-term.
working in our industry to be valuable
economics, marketing and industry development
ambassadors for the Scotch Beef PGI (and the
– and we will continue to ensure value for money
“We have all the right ingredients to guarantee us
Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork
for every pound we spend.”
a strong future – from world-leading whole of life
brands too), especially as consumers become
I have made a point of being very much in ‘listening mode’ and getting a solid understanding of the red meat industry in Scotland.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FEATURE AS OUR GUEST WRITER PLEASE CONTACT THE NBA MAGAZINE THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
09
SPONSORED FEATURE
BY DR NICOLA WALKER, AB VISTA, RUMINANT PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
MORE GAIN POSSIBLE FROM THE SAME FEED WITH FORAGE PRE-TREATMENT For beef units feeding silage - or moist feed-based rations, extracting as much growth as possible from the fibre in the diet is the key to both minimising feed costs and maximising margins, claims Dr Nicola Walker, AB Vista’s Ruminant Product Development Manager. “Recent research carried out at Agri-Research Center
level of expensive high energy concentrates
in Texas has shown that improving fibre digestion in
needed to hit growth targets.”
beef rations can increase average daily gain (ADG) by up to 13.4% in the initial phase (see Figure 1) without any increase in dry matter intake (DMI),” she states. “As a result, cattle finished 11kg heavier at slaughter without consuming any additional feed.” The results were achieved by using the pre-treatment VistaPre-T (a fungal extract-based liquid added to the ration prior to feeding) to improve the rate and extent of fibre digestion in the rumen. This not only increases energy supply, but also provides a better balance of energy release that
Figure 1 – Improvement in beef daily gain following addition of VistaPre-T
helps reduce the risk of acidosis. “Fibre is an extremely
RUMEN FIBRE DIGESTIBILITY
important energy source in ruminant diets, as well
Low rumen pH (acidosis) caused by acidic silages or too
as being vital for correct rumen function,” Dr Walker
much unbalanced starch in the ration will reduce the
explains. “Feeds high in fibre like silage and moist feeds
populations of fibre digesting microbes and slow the
are also some of the most cost-effective sources of
rate of fibre breakdown. This reduces the amount of fibre
energy available, so it makes sense to utilise them as
that can be digested before it leaves the rumen. Similar
efficiently as possible.”
effects can be seen when excess oil in the diet coats the
Figure 2 – VistaPre-T increases digestibility to release even more energy from fibre
fibre, delaying microbial attachment and colonisation, or
IMPROVED ENERGY RELEASE
MISSING GROWTH OPPORTUNITY
when increased rumen outflow rates following addition of
Simply applied as a liquid prior to feeding, VistaPre-T
In silage-based beef systems, for example, preserved
sodium bicarbonate limits the time available for digestion.
roughens and creates pits in the surface of the fibre in
forages can routinely account for 60-70% of the ration.
“Any of these factors can undermine overall feed efficiency
the diet. This increases the surface area for attachment
The result is a total fibre content that’s typically 40-
and increase the amount of feed required to achieve
and colonisation by fibre-digesting microbes once in the
50% of the dry matter (DM) consumed, and potentially
a given growth target,” continues Dr Walker. “And that
rumen (see Figure 3).
even greater this winter due to the higher fibre grass
means higher feed costs and lower margins.”
silages filling many clamps. “If the digestibility of this fibre isn’t maximised, then a good proportion of the
VISTA PRE-T DIGESTION ADVANTAGE
best value energy in the diet can easily be lost, with
Until recently, the only practical way to increase fibre
knock-on effects for growth rates, feed costs and overall
digestibility was to improve rumen function. This typically
profitability,” Dr Walker adds. Improving fibre digestion
involved better ration formulation to balance energy
in the rumen should therefore be a top priority for all
supply in the rumen and minimise acidosis, plus the
beef producers. The rumen digestibility of plant cell
addition of a slow-release rumen conditioner like Acid Buf
walls – the main source of fibre in the diet – can be as
or Vistacell live yeast to help optimise rumen conditions
high as 65% under ideal conditions, but it can quickly
for fibre-digesting microbes. But the introduction of
drop to as low as 35% if the rumen environment isn’t
VistaPre-T offers an additional opportunity, thanks to its
optimised. “The amount of fibre that’s actually broken
ability to unlock and release even more of the energy
down and converted into energy by rumen microbes is
potential in fibre (see Figure 2). “By reducing the lag
determined by two key factors: the potential maximum
time before fibre digestion starts in the rumen, VistaPre-T
“This pre-digestion allows faster digestion of feed,” adds
digestibility of the fibre and how well the rumen is
increases both the rate and extent of fibre digestion in a
Dr Walker. “And with trials showing improvements in
functioning,” Dr Walker explains. “So anything that
way that’s not been possible before,” Dr Walker outlines.
growth rate of up to 13.4% in the initial phase without
compromises fermentation efficiency in the rumen is
“The result is even more energy extracted from the fibre
any additional feed, it highlights just how much extra
going to limit fibre digestibility and the resulting energy
in the diet, and an overall increase in feed efficiency of up
potential energy is available within the ration fibre if we
supply, regardless of how much available energy the fibre
to 10% or more. “This enables either faster growth and
can improve its digestion. “VistaPre-T really does offer
might potentially contain.”
quicker finishing on existing rations, or a reduction in the
the opportunity to get more growth from the same feed,
Acidic silages or too much unbalanced starch in the ration will reduce the populations of fibre digesting microbes and slow the rate of fibre breakdown. 10
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
a) Maize silage
b) Grass silage Figure 3 – Effect of fibre pre-treatment (left = control; right = VistaPre-T) on the surface structure of maize silage (a) and grass silage (b)
and the benefits in terms of improved energy supply to the cattle, increased margins and better overall profitability can be substantial. “
AUTUMN 2017
BREED SOCIETY NEWS
A new gold standard
in fibre transformation
Vistapre-T is the liquid pre-treatment that creates a unique window of opportunity to unlock the energy potential in fibre, creating new value from home grown forage and other fibrous feed. To find out how Vistapre-T can support your business, contact AB Vista on +44 (0)28 94473478
Unlock the potential THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
www.abvista.com AUTUMN 2017
11
NBA REGIONAL ROUND-UPS
REGIONAL round-ups IMAGE CREDIT: CHAROLAIS CATTLE SOCIETY
REGIONAL COUNCILS CONTACTS NORTHERN DAVID THOMLINSON - CHAIRMAN Carlisle CA1 2RS Tel: 07802 675799 Email: david@thomlinson.co.uk
After a frantic period in June with the excitement of the
momentum in the last few weeks. I have attended
SBA Beef Event and the Highland Show things went
meetings with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural
quieter for a while.
Affairs, Fergus Ewing, and will be in Aberdeen later this week to meet with the Secretary of State
The industry was, and still is, struggling with what must
Michael Gove. The SBA position at this time, along
be the wettest summer on record. Second cut silage
with other industry stakeholder groups, is to secure
and autumn harvesting is dragging on in a continued
as favourable a budget as possible for Scotland and
stop start mode and may well be contributing to a
not be split on that direction. Once that is achieved
slight fall in store prices. A continued shortage of
then the SBA will passionately pursue our aim
MIDLANDS JOHN BELL - CHAIRMAN Northamptonshire NN11 5NP Tel: 07188 890320 Email: john@berryfieldsfarm.co.uk
numbers led to buoyant trade throughout the summer
of getting as much support as possible directed
but the feel-good factor round the ringside will be in
towards active, producing farms.
SOUTH WEST BILL HARPER - CHAIRMAN Devon EX22 6RZ Tel: 01409271376 Email: harpersholdings@btinternet.com
The Scottish Government continue to churn out figures
the large shift of money from producing beef farms
of the amount of money and the percentage of farms
to unproductive hill areas under an area based
who now have been paid their BSP and other support
support system. While we recognise the need for
payments. However, this is of little comfort to the
support in the rural areas, they do not contribute
few who, through no fault of their own, other than
to the multiplier effect in the same way that beef
be involved in the transfer of entitlements, are still
farms do. It is an easy argument we have to make,
waiting. The payments are legally bound to be paid by
beef farms employ staff, invest in buildings and
October but there is no indication from the Scottish
machinery, keep feed merchants in business and of
Government that we will not have to go through all this
course produce a premium product for the Scottish
again next year. The computing system is clearly not fit
Food and Drink Industry.
HELEN DOBSON - SECRETARY/TREASURER Hexham NE46 3SG Tel: 01434 601005 Email: helen@nationalbeefassociation.com
VICKY SMITH - SECRETARY Exeter EX5 4LZ Tel: 07773 340008 Email: natbeefsw@gmail.com WALES CONTACT HEAD OFFICE Tel: 01434 601005 NORTHERN IRELAND JOHN SHERIDAN - CHAIRMAN County Fermanagh, BT92 1ED Tel: 07977454959 Email: sheridanjohnr@aol.com CHARLES CURRAN - SECRETARY Co Down BT34 4RH Tel: 07732 470762 Email: homesteadblondes@btinternet.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
12
SCOTLAND
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
short supply until the weather relents and the fields get cleared up.
At an ARD Government meeting last month, a document from the James Hutton Institute showed
for purpose, and as other schemes come on board it is doubtful if it ever will be able to catch up.
The SBA will be at the right tables to make sure the beef industry’s voice is heard. I will be travelling to
SBA Board members Andrew Wright and John Bell
Wedderlee Farms next week to choose an Aberdeen
have been attending industry meetings to agree on a
Angus Yearling Heifer which will be presented to
pilot EID tagging system which we have presented to
Angela McGregor, Aberdeen Angus Society Vice
Scottish Government for their comments. The SBA fully
President, who was the lucky winner of the SBA
supports and welcomes the consultation on phase 5
prize draw at our Beef Event. Our thanks goes to
of the BVD Eradication Scheme which was published
the Tilson family for allowing us a pick from their
last month and which will increase pressure on non-
famous AA Herd. The herd was established in 1913
negative herds to get rid of PI animals.
and since then has grown into an award-winning herd most recently winning the Marks & Spencer AA
The subject of future support payments and
Beef Finishing Competition against pure and cross
convergence money for Scotland has suddenly gained
bred herds.
NOT ALREADY A MEMBER? JOIN THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION TODAY
SEE PAGE 52 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND A MEMBERSHIP FORM. STUDENT MEMBERSHIP ONLY £40
AUTUMN 2017
SOUTH WEST
NBA’s AGRIFEST SOUTH WEST - IN THE PINK! With the summer shows now at an end Agrifest South West to be held on Wednesday 8th November
A FESTIVAL WEDNESDAY OF BRITISH 8TH NOVEMBER 2017 AGRICULTURE 8.30AM TO 5PM
at Westpoint Exeter will kick start the season’s primestock showing circuit. With classes for both commercial and pedigree cattle entries coming in from from across the country. The primestock cattle will be judged by Frank Page suckled calf producer and experienced showman from Northampton, while the pedigree calves and the young bull of the year will be under the master eye of Jimmy McMillan the legendary manager of Sterling Simmentals. Taking centre ring for the inaugural prime lamb classes is well respected judge and breeder Rob Rattray from Ceredigion. Also being a butcher, Rob is well qualified to judge this new section with The Royal Smithfield Perpetual Challenge cup being awarded to the Supreme Champion pair of lambs. Following the judging of the lamb championship will be an auction of kindly donated “Pink Sheep” with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK. Other donated items and services will be auctioned at the pre-event dinner on Tuesday 7th November. If anyone would like to make donations please contact Vicky Smith 01884 861352 or Lin Pidsley 07974 433186 or send a message through the event Facebook page @agrifestsouthwest Closing date for Breed Society & Trade stand bookings and Primestock entries is 30th September. Bookings can also be made through and more information found on the event website www.agrifestsouthwest.co.uk or contact Vicky Smith on the number above. The committee would like to thank all the event sponsors and supporters, without them it would not be
www.agrifestsouthwest.co.uk info@agrifestsouthwest.co.uk
possible to stage such an event, and we hope to see all West Country Beef & Sheep producers at this Festival of British Agriculture.
NORTHERN IRELAND
LONG SERVING DIRECTOR, STEPHEN HEENAN, RETIRES FROM NBA BOARD
At the recent NBA AGM in Hexham, Stephen Heenan stood down from his position as Vice Chair and Trustee Director for Northern Ireland on the NBA Board. He has contributed greatly to the Association over his 6 years of service and his sensible head and calming influence will be sorely missed. Each year with the help of Ernie Ritchie, who has now stepped in to fill Stephen's shoes on the board as Trustee Director of NI, Stephen arranges the prestigious Northern Irish bus trip over to the NBA Beef Expo, herding over 80 Northern Irish farmers for a three-day trip to celebrate British beef production. Although he has retired from the board, we are pleased that he will continue to serve on the NI NBA committee as well as the NI Beef Expo committee and we are delighted that we will be visiting his farm in Down Patrick this October for a farm walk and regional meeting. On behalf of the NBA we would like to thank him for his efforts on the board.
COMING SOON... CRYSTALYX FARM WALK - SEE PAGE 35 KINDLY HOSTED BY STEPHEN HEENAN
ORGANISED BY THE NBA SOUTH WEST
WESTPOINT EXETER EX5 1DJ PRIMESTOCK SHOW TO INCLUDE PRIME LAMB CLASSES - NEW FOR 2017 PEDIGREE CALF AND YEARLING BULL SHOW SEMINARS BEEF RIBS & RACK OF LAMB COMPETITION FARMERS OF THE FUTURE TEAM CHALLENGE - NEW FOR 2017 STEAK AND BURGER AWARDS ROYAL SMITHFIELD TROPHIES AWARDED IN THE PRIMESTOCK SHOW BREED SOCIETY & TRADE STAND BOOKINGS NOW AVAILABLE This year the event will be supporting Cancer Research UK, this will include and auction of kindly donated “Pink Pedigree sheep” to take place following the judging of the prime lamb championship. We will also be holding an auction of other donated items and services at the pre event dinner on Tuesday 7th November with all proceeds going to cancer research
SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS ALSO AVAILABLE THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
13
BREED SOCIETY NEWS
BREED SOCIETIES NEWS
HEREFORD CATTLE SOCIETY
other Agri-food businesses. He also successfully
the Board of Directors. Presenting the champions
identified new areas of business and marketed
with their prizes Dr Levack said: “We are hugely
them to customers. Previously James worked
touched at the amount of thought and hard work
James who joined from organic certifiers, The
for Defra where he was part of the Horticultural
which has gone into this weekend. The exhibitors,
Soil Association said “I’m very pleased to have
Marketing Inspectorate. Hereford Society
the spectators and everyone here at Balnabroich
become part of the Hereford Cattle Society to work
Chairman, Richard Mann, said “We are delighted
has been fully on-board and made this a wonderful
with an established team at Hereford House, the
to welcome James to the Society and his excellent
event.” The championship trophy, a bronze of a
Council and the breeders who are the heart of the
background, coupled with his energy to work
Highland bull’s head sculpted by Lady Sally, went to
breed. This is an exciting era within UK and global
with the Council and breeders, will take the breed
Donald MacNaughton, 72 Centre St, Kelty with his
agriculture and I believe there will be a prominent
forward in the new and exciting times that are
four year old cow Skye 4th of Rannoch. A frequent
role for the Hereford to play in post Brexit UK
ahead of us.” James was brought up on a mixed
prize winner as a heifer, this Fergus of Isle of Bute
agriculture. Capitalising on the breed’s many
beef and sheep farm on the Mendip Hills. He also
daughter was the female champion and reserve
wonderful attributes to further develop sustainable
runs a small herd of pedigree pigs with which he
overall at the first National Highland Cattle breed
profitable systems for farmers.” James added, “I
has won a number of interbreed titles and the
show. She was shown on Saturday with her March
would also like to pay tribute to the legacy David
“Pig of the Year” title in 2016. He now lives in
born heifer calf by Beinn Lyell of Earn at foot. The
Prothero leaves myself and all the staff at Hereford
Gloucestershire with his wife and family.
reserve overall championship was collected by
House. The Society has grown exponentially under
David Soutar, Strathellie, Drove Rd, Alyth with
his careful stewardship and has enjoyed a period of
his two year old bull Fionn Mhor of Strathellie.
sustained interest and expansion both in terms of pedigree registrations and membership. It is now up to the Council, members and staff to build on this in the future.”
SALERS CATTLE SOCIETY
Mr Soutar who was Farms Director at Strathmore Estates before he retired, has 16 cows in his new fold and this was the first calf born into it. Fionn
Salers will be holding their Autumn Sales this
Mhor is by Douglas of Roisbhen and out of a cow
year at Welshpool on 14th October, Stirling 23rd
from the Glamis fold.
James has worked within the agricultural and
October and Castle Douglas on 4th November. The
horticultural industries for nearly 20 years and will
Annual General Meeting and Annual Presentation
The judge, Archie McArthur from Ormsary,
move from the Soil Association, where he was a
Dinner takes place Friday 3rd November in Castle
Lochgilphead said: “This has been a good show
Senior Inspector Manager. In this role James was
Douglas. A delegation of breeders and friends
of Highland Cattle. I always think they look their
responsible for a team of UK based office staff and
are attending the French Salers National Show in
best at this time of year. The champion is a well-
remote workers, as well as contractors overseas
Vichy, France during September.
balanced cow with a very good calf at foot. I am sure the bull in reserve place will go on to do a
and has seen him establish new partnerships with
HIGHLAND CATTLE SOCIETY
JAMES SAGE APPOINTED AS THE HEREFORD CATTLE SOCIETY’S FIRST CHIEF EXECUTIVE 14
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
great job for someone in the future.” Results; (judge; Archie McArthur) Senior bull - Hamish Irvine, Craigluscar,
Highland cattle breeders from across the country
Dunfermline with Angus Dubh of Savalmohr. Junior
have enjoyed a bonus event to round off this year’s
bull – 1. David Soutar, Strathellie, Alyth with Fionn
summer show season. A fundraiser held at
Mhor of Strathellie, 2. Blairlogan Highlanders, Alva
Balnabroich, Strathardle, on Saturday attracted
with Sesh Mohr of Blairlogan. Cow – 1. Donald
entries from many of the top folds in the country
MacNaughton, Kelty with Skye 4th of Rannoch,
to a morning’s showing followed by a farm tour, a
2. Sydney and Maureen O’Hara , Cnoc Lodge,
garden walk and a dinner for 180 people. The whole
Appin with Eilidh of Achnacroish, 3. Stuart McKay,
event was organised by hosts Sir Michael and Lady
Duiletter, Dalmally with Lottie of Mosscairn. Three
Sally Nairn with all proceeds going to PATCH , a new
year old heifer - 1. Donald MacNaughton with
medical charity set up to support 24/7 specialist
Hayley of Rannoch, 2. Glengorm Fold, Tobermory
palliative care for hospital patients. The weekend,
with Furan Maghaidh 7th of Glengorm, 3. Mr and
including a well-supported charity auction, raised
Mrs S Haley, Marland Lodge, Co Durham with Sineag
in excess of £45,000. Tayside GP and consultant
Dubh 3rd of Brunilla. Two year old heifer – 1. Mr
in palliative care, Dr Pamela Levack is Medical
and Mrs S Haley with Margaret 1st of Seam, 2. J
Director of PATCH and Sir Michael is Chairman of
and J Singer, Kintore House, Auchenblae with Aisla
AUTUMN 2017
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
LUING CATTLE SOCIETY
In August the society held its annual farm visit to Berryfell Farm, Hawick. Following in true society tradition the rain threatened most of the day holding off nicely until everyone arrived back for a BBQ. Over two hundred people attended with persons having travelled from far and wide. All were welcomed with a nice cuppa and cake followed by a brief introduction by Chairman Dave Stanners, then Wilbert Girvan (host) welcomed everyone to Berryfell. A tour taken all attendee in one tour seen an impressive convoy of
THE RESERVE OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP WAS COLLECTED BY DAVID SOUTAR, STRATHELLIE, DROVE RD, ALYTH WITH HIS TWO YEAR OLD BULL FIONN MHOR OF STRATHELLIE.
tractors and trailers heading out to various fields on the farm where
Emma Dubh of Kintore Castle, 3. The Burns family, Tippetcraig, High Bonnybridge
Basil Lowman spoke to the entourage about the excellent efficiency
with Eileen 4th of Hunters. Yearling heifer - Bryon MacNaughton, 4 Green Rd,
of the Luing cows at Berryfell along with local vet Andrew Robinson
Kinross with Skye of Little Rannoch, 2. K Hownam, Borland, Blacklunans with Lili
of Hawick Veterinary Practice Ltd. Wilbert and Maggie Magee from
Ann of Borland , 3. Sydney and Maureen O’Hara with Fraoch 1 st of Cnoc. Calf – 1.
Borders Woodland Management Services spoke about the successes and
Stuart McKay with Molly of Achnacroish, 2. Mr Stephen and Mrs Rosemary Hunter,
disappointments of the tree plantings on Berryfell. Once all had arrived
Barnhill, Shotts with Capleadh of Hunters. 3. Donald MacNaughton with un-named
back the BBQ was busy as members and friends relaxed with friends and
calf. Pairs - 1. Hamish Irvine, 2 Mr and Mrs Simon Haley.
new friends before a quick question and answer session started.
BEEF SHORTHORN CATTLE SOCIETY
Thumbs up to Beef Shorthorn. Young members and new society members workshop Northern Ireland weekend. Over 50 young Beef
Wilbert and Scott described their management processes of the autumn and spring calving cows, bulling heifers and steer calves via an impressive pa system which Wilbert had erected upon his Land Rover.
As the day draw to an end Vice Chairman Mark Thomson was able to inform the crowd that £1,125 had been raised for Guide Dogs for the Blind. A charity Mrs. Elizabeth Girvan has support and assisted since 1980s. Mark went on to give a vote of thanks to Wilbert, Elizabeth and their family and friends that has help make the day such a success.
Shorthorn enthusiasts and new society members met in August to participate in the Society’s annual development workshop weekend which for the first time was staged in Northern Ireland. The event featured a series of hands-on workshops, presentations and discussions including embryo transfer, EBVs, stock-judging and showring preparation skills. First stop was the Gill Hall Estate, Dromore where host, James Porter, introduced guests to his family’s Uppermill Beef Shorthorn herd. The following day the workshop moved on to the Glenarm Estate, Ballymena where Farm Manager, Bryan Wilson, led a tour around his 100 cow Beef Shorthorn suckler herd Beef Student of the Year, Orla Kelly who is studying BSc (Hons) Agricultural Technology with Professional Studies, at Queen’s University Belfast, made her award-winning presentation which explored the potential effects Brexit could have on both Northern Ireland and British agriculture. “The weekend was a huge success bringing together youngsters and breed newcomers from as far afield as Perthshire, North Yorkshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, as well as members from throughout Northern Ireland,” commented organiser, Tina Russell. “Apart from both individuals and families enjoying the social camaraderie and passion for the breed, they had two full-on days developing skills, generating new ideas and sharing experiences. Furthermore, they went home inspired to continue their involvement with Beef Shorthorn, the fastest growing native breed.”
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
15
SPONSORED FEATURE
UNSEEN
PROTECTOR
GERALD TURTON
GHT
PETER WRI
A VACCINATION PROGRAMME FOR COW HEALTH HAS HELPED REDUCE THE DISEASE THREAT TO YOUNGSTOCK.
Want to know the secret behind building a successful beef pedigree breeding programme? According to Gerald Turton of Upsall Pedigree Beef Shorthorns, it’s the combination of a healthy herd and the use of data to make genetic selection for predicted trends five years down the road. And while Mr Turton’s lips remain sealed on specifics to his breeding programme, a walk through the 80 head of suckler cow calf pairs in the North Yorkshire Moors foothills near Thirsk reveals success through this multigenerational production model.
“Without a comprehensive health programme, it
cough. “Fortunately, the Upsall herd has well ventilated
doesn’t matter what the calves’ genetics are because
housing for the stock in winter and this factor probably
they need a strong foundation to not only survive,
helped minimise the level of clinical disease in the
but to reach their full genetic potential,” explains
herd.” While RSV tends to be an issue found in
Mr Turton. “Our breeding programme is designed to
youngstock, cows were acting as a pathogen reservoir,
produce easy calving, efficient moderate framed cows
making them more susceptible to infection. “At the
whose calves will be used as breeding stock or go on to
onset of the disease problem, it was only approached
perform well on feed. But in order to do that, they must
and treated on an individual case-by-case basis,” Mr
be healthy.” Upsall’s genetic development traces back
Wright says. “When the problem was investigated at
to 1909, and is no stranger to maintaining a healthy
a whole herd level through blood sampling it became
herd. According to Mr Turton, health management
apparent we had a significant RSV problem.”
relies heavily on a three-way collaborative relationship
WORKING RELATIONSHIP Communication and collaboration are essential in the development of a healthy herd, says Mr Turton, Mr Wright and Mr McCulloch. “As far as a livestock enterprise is concerned, a relationship between the people involved in the day to day care of animals and the local vet is an absolute must,” says Mr McCulloch. “Whether it be blood test results or care protocols, close discussion must be prioritised to keep everyone in the loop.” Here are their tips to establish a successful working relationship: 1. Communication – if in doubt, always pick up the phone and call the vet no matter what the animal health question or situation may be. 2. Antibiotic stewardship –set up treatment protocols with your vet that include when it is appropriate to use antibiotics to treat illness, identifying what the illness is, route of administration and when the vet needs to step in and assess the situation. 3. Practice prevention – develop sound colostrum feeding protocols, vaccination programmes and assess housing for improvements to help protect youngstock immunity. 4. Don’t take it personally – disease outbreaks can be emotionally tolling on the people involved, so patience and understanding must be practiced from both sides. At the end of the day, both parties are after what is best for the herd.
between himself, his herd manager George McCulloch
REDUCING THE PATHOGEN POOL
and vet Peter Wright of Skeldale Vets in Thirsk.
The decision was made to vaccinate cows and
Through a structured programme, the herd has been
replacement heifers with Bovilis® Bovipast RSP prior
accredited BVD and Johne’s Disease free since 2009
to winter housing. While this vaccine is traditionally
under Scotland’s Rural College Premium Cattle Health
given to calves from two weeks of age to protect them
Scheme, which includes vaccination for not only
from PI3 virus, RSV and the bacterial pneumonia
BVD, but also leptospirosis and infectious bovine
pathogen Mannheimia haemolytica, it is also licensed
rhinotracheitis (IBR). Protocols for colostrum intake,
for use in pregnant and lactating animals. The first 5ml
UNSEEN PROTECTOR
housing conditions and treatments have also been
injection was given to heifers at the end of summer
According to Mr Turton, Upsall Farm has set a
developed and followed.
2016 when they were six months in calf and to cows
benchmark goal of eradicating RSV cases by 2019.
when they were five months in calf, with a 5ml booster
A huge part of achieving this is the continual use of
By the book, Mr Turton says Upsall Farm does
administered two weeks later in each case. “RSV is
Bovilis® Bovipast RSP to maintain the herd’s immunity,
everything right, which made it surprising when a
a particularly aggressive disease and pathogens will
while further reducing the pathogen pool. Prior to
problem in the cows surfaced a couple of years ago.
pass on from the mother to her calf. However, we
winter housing this year, cows will be boosted in
“Some of the adult breeding stock were coughing and
decided to vaccinate cows to help reduce the pathogen
September 2017. “Vaccinations act like the unseen
not surviving quite as well as we would have expected.
pool calves are exposed to,” explains Mr Wright. “Not
protector to herds and it’s important to revaccinate
Some of the young stock were ill and showing clinical
only has this worked, but it cut down dramatically
so immunity doesn’t slip back,” explains Mr Turton.
signs of respiratory disease, but others were just
the number of clinical respiratory disease cases seen
“We can always plan for vaccination costs, but it is
dull and manifestly showed poor weight gain,” Mr
during housing through last winter, reducing coughing
impossible to plan for disease costs.”
Wright says. “Blood samples were taken from cows
and thrift. Ultimately, it was the vaccination that
and heifers, the results of which showed high levels
settled the herd down.”
of antibodies to RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Pair samples taken from clinically ill animals showed rising antibody levels indicating active infection in these animals. There was only a moderate incidence of disease with the majority of clinical cases of respiratory disease in youngstock. In the breeding stock, the disease manifested itself mainly as a chronic Use Medicines Responsibly. Please see: www.noah.co.uk/responsible for more information. Bovilis Bovipast RSP contains inactivated Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (strain EV908), Parainfluenza 3 virus (strain SF-4-Reisinger) and inactivated Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica (serotype A1) for the active immunisation of cattle against BRSV, Pi3 virus and M. haemolytica. Withdrawal period: Zero days. Legal category: POM-V. Available from your veterinary surgeon from whom advice should be sought. Bovilis® and Bovipast® are trademarks of Intervet International B.V. or affiliated companies or licensors and are protected by copyrights, trademark and other intellectual property laws. Copyright © 2017 Intervet International B.V., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA. All rights reserved. Further information is available from MSD Animal Health, Walton Manor, Walton, Milton Keynes MK7 7AJ • Tel: 01908 685 685 Email: vet-support.uk@merck.com • www.msd-animal-health.co.uk
16
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
FEATURE
PROTECT YOUR CALVES
against the main causes of pneumonia
ADVERT MSD ANIMAL HEALTH Bovilis Bovipast RSP offers the most comprehensive protection against Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica and protects against the main viral causes of calf pneumonia 1. H.A. Vahl, H. Bekman and J. van Riel. Report of the Veal Calf Vaccination Study with Bovilis Bovipast. Published by the Dutch Product Board Livestock and Meat (PVV) – Jan 2014
Vaccinate with... The effective way of reducing the need for antibiotic pneumonia treatment1
Use Medicines Responsibly.
Please see: www.noah.co.uk/responsible for more information.
Bovilis Bovipast RSP contains inactivated Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (strain EV908), Parainfluenza 3 virus (strain SF-4-Reisinger) and inactivated Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica (serotype A1) for the active immunisation of cattle against BRSV, Pi3 virus and M. haemolytica. Withdrawal period: Zero days. Legal category: POM-V . Available from your veterinary surgeon from whom advice should be sought. Bovilis® and Bovipast® are trademarks of Intervet International B.V. or affiliated companies or licensors and are protected by copyrights, trademark and other intellectual property laws. Copyright © 2017 Intervet International B.V., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA. All rights reserved. Further information is available from MSD Animal Health, Walton Manor, Walton, Milton Keynes MK7 7AJ • Tel: 01908 685 685 Email: vet-support.uk@merck.com • www.msd-animal-health.co.uk GB/RUM/0617/0054 • July 2017
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2017
17
FEATURE - CATTLE HOUSING
CATTLE HOUSING GETTING IT RIGHT
BY TO JAMIE ROBERTSON, LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS LTD
Strangely enough, beef production has to comply with the laws of physics and biology just as much as any other system. Whatever the price, the cost, the weather, the politics… Some things are undeniable. Beef production is basically a system of energy in and energy out, where the energy in is in the form of the feed, water, labour, power and ancillaries, and the basic energy out is the beef as food, with some wastes on the side. A good system balances the flows in and out, which by default means that a poor system does not. A system appraisal, in this case involving buildings and livestock, can look for symptoms that point to imbalance at any point in the production process. The building part of the system should be acting as a mediator of the climate as well as making it easier for the labour and money inputs. Why would we keep cattle in buildings if it made the job harder? Of course,
Table 1. Output of beef cattle, per head per day Body mass
kg
Total heat production
W 251 426 554 673 786
100
200
CO2 production
l/d 982 1667 2167 2633 3075
H2O vapour (winter)
kg/d 2.1
Faeces/urine
l/d 7.5 15 20 26 32
3.8
300
400
500
5.4 6.7 7.9
the reality is that for at least half the year we do keep cattle in buildings, and it does not always work out as
Whilst many beef system buildings are empty in the
Guidance on buildings’ problems and solutions,
an easy operation. A beef building has to cope with
summer and thereby available for cleaning, major
including ventilation, can be found in the recently
the daily production of outputs, as described in table
hygiene problems occur in constantly stocked rearing
updated BRP+ Better Cattle Housing Design from AHDB
1. A group of 50 400kg steers will in one day produce
systems for calves, where hygiene and biosecurity
33KW of energy, 130m3 of CO2, 0.3t of water as
factors are ignored with serous cost implications.
AIR SPEED
moisture and 1.3t of faeces and urine.
All systems should be managed with a requirement
Air speed and fresh air go together. Zero air speed
Getting buildings correct for beef production systems
for a periodic deep clean, with no excuses. Poorly
also means no fresh air, and therefore no ventilation to
requires correct diagnosis of what is already in front
constructed or poorly maintained buildings have large
remove excess moisture, heat, waste gases and bugs. The
of us. What is working well, and what is causing losses
areas of porous or broken surfaces, and increased
target air speed is between 0.2 and 0.5m/s, depending
of time, health, production and money? A practical
areas covered with biofilm or deeply engrained dirt.
on animal age and growth. Higher wind speeds are
appraisal of buildings needs to cover each of the
Such surfaces are very difficult or impossible to clean,
extremely damaging to milk-fed animals, whilst speeds
following factors:
and the solutions lie in deep cleaning with steam and
above 2m/s (5mph) can reduce growth rates even in
• Hygiene: how cleanable; how biosecure by design
detergents, repair with renders and epoxy resins, or
healthy adult or fast-growing stock in cold weather. Air
and location?
replacement.
speeds can be visualized using smoke bombs, available from plumbers’ merchants. Whilst the dangers of low or
• Moisture: is there any build-up of moisture; where, and why?
Cleaning livestock buildings often requires water, on
no air speed are becoming well recognized, the losses
• Air speed: absolutely necessary to drive ventilation,
the floors and in the air. Beware spreading dirt and
from increased air speeds are not. The trend for beef
but extracts energy if too high.
diseases because drainage is poor, drying times are
buildings with outside feed passes is growing, and whilst
• Fresh air: no. 1 factor for moisture control, no. 1
inadequate, or aerosol spread from the cleaning area
there are sound financial and production reasons for this
factor for airborne waste removal.
to other stock.
type of design it is entirely predictable that stock will eat less if their feed barrier becomes a wind tunnel. It is also
• Temperature: impacts on energy flows in/out of the livestock, and made better/worse by links to
MOISTURE
entirely predictable that stock can become cold stressed
moisture and air speed.
Moisture control and the understanding of moisture
in open fronted pens when wind direction, rain and
flows within animal systems is one key to maximizing
temperature all combine to become a negative pressure.
HYGIENE
animal health and performance. The volume flows
Livestock need to be able to find protection from the
Sustainability and profitability are intrinsically linked
of moisture through animal buildings is massive,
wind. Protection can be provided by the cladding around
to animal health, as is competent hygiene. This part
measured in tonnes per day, and therefore a system
a pen or building, or protection within a pen (slide in a
of any appraisal needs to be brutal and honest. Not
that is out of balance by only 5% can be gaining 75-
big bale), or by protecting the building from outside with
only do we need to question the cleaning protocol
100l of moisture per day for 50 youngstock. This is
a natural or constructed windbreak.
(using appropriate methods, detergents, disinfectants,
0.5 to 1.0 tonnes of added moisture to the building per
drying times), but also the simple question of whether
week, depending on the age of the stock. If a building
FRESH AIR
the facilities can be adequately cleaned at all. Typical
only works by reducing stocking density, or using extra
Fresh air is the other major component of the waste
failures include
straw, or by accepting dirty cattle or chronic health
management system. All the products of the system
• Building or pen never empty for long enough period.
issues, moisture is a problem. If moisture is a problem
that do not get soaked up by bedding or go down the
• Building or pen constructed of uncleanable
in a building, the solution lies in the floor (slopes and
drain need to be managed by the ventilation. In the
components.
drainage) and/or in the ventilation. Both subjects are
UK all naturally ventilated buildings are ventilated by
• Result of cleaning spreads more dirt than it contains.
covered in the BRP+ document and elsewhere.
the wind, 90%+ of the time, and from all directions.
18
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
FEATURE - CATTLE HOUSING
AN OPEN RIDGE WILL BE ESSENTIAL ON MOST BUILDINGS
FIG 1. YORKSHIRE
BOARD
This observation leads to one simple conclusion; any
to warm up, and if there is adequate outlet in the roof,
• Ensure access to adequate clean drinking water
building or part of a building that is not accessed
the warm, moist, dirty air will leave the building and
• Manage solar energy gain to buildings by painting out
by the wind will by default not be well ventilated.
be replaced by clean and cooler air from outside. No
roof lights.
Many beef buildings around the UK and Ireland have
outlet in the roof, no stack effect.
• Increase air speed using mechanical ventilation
been constructed so that the wall (often the gable
(fans) to provide a cooling effect.
end) of a building facing into the predominant wind
TEMPERATURE
direction is solid, to protect stock from the negative
Temperature in naturally ventilated buildings is usually
MONEY
consequences of wind and rain. A solid wall means no
within one or two degrees of outside temperature, and
Money is a good tool to aid decision-making. Poor
fresh air access. On narrow buildings this may not be
is therefore relatively predictable. The main target
buildings will cost a system through increased labour,
an issue, but on wider buildings and buildings located
during building assessment is to see if the natural
inefficient use of inputs, reduced growth efficiencies
side by side, this is a problem. The requirement is
temperature might be made worse at animal level by a)
and poor health. A poor building may well require
for perforated wall cladding that lets air through but
damp or b) windy conditions. Both these factors will
investment to correct issues, and this can be judged
breaks the air speed and keeps the rain out. Bring back
make air temperatures ‘feel’ colder, and can impact on
against potential gains. Consider potential gains as a
true Yorkshire Board. (See fig 1). The reason the cattle
growth rates and health. High temperatures need more
5% increase in growth rates, whereby 50 youngstock
industry associates still, damp days with increased risk
consideration than 50 years ago because there are
growing at 0.9kg/d will return a ballpark +£800/yr
of chronic health issues is because ventilation rates, as
more systems that house all year, and because growth
during a 180 day housing period, or +£8,000 over
driven by the wind, stop. At this point a well designed
rates can be considerable. Attention is required to
ten years. For finishing cattle growing at 1.4kg/d, the
building will ventilate by ‘stack effect’, whereby heat
• Ensure adequate ventilation at all times to remove
equivalent figures are +£1,200/yr, or £12,000 over 10
from the animals causes the internal air in a building
excess heat and moisture.
years. Invest in growth, check the buildings.
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AUTUMN 2017
19 11
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22
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2017
PRE-CALVER Crystalyx Pre-Calver is formulated to prepare the cow for the rigours of calving, whilst promoting good health and fertility in the subsequent lactation. 4 Contains a unique combination of magnesium salts to help maintain normal blood magnesium levels. 4 Improves Calf health and vigour (more get up and go)
CATTLE HIGH-MAG Crystalyx Cattle High-Mag is designed to maintain normal blood magnesium levels in cattle during periods of risk. Cattle are in most need of magnesium supplementation during Spring and Autumn months, and are particularly at risk when lactating. 4 Contains multiple magnesium sources 4 High magnesium availability confirmed through Glasgow Veterinary School Research
4 Enhances post calving conception rates 4 Promotes rumen condition for improved lactation Independent research has also shown that Crystalyx Pre-Calver strengthens the immune response and can significantly reduce the incidence of mastitis in early lactation.
4 Sweet and palatable source of magnesium Containing 10.5% magnesium and formulated with dehydrated molasses it proves to be highly palatable, even when cattle have access to lush grass.
Crystalyx Uk
+44 (0)16973 32592 info@crystalyx-global.com www.crystalyx-global.com THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2017
23 11
FOOD
MAKING BVD HISTORY EXPERIENCE THE LIVE VACCINE DIFFERENCE
COPY FROM TOM
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 after a single injection. Not only protecting against both types of BVD, but also proven to stimulate both antibody and cellular immunity3. Ask your vet for more information.
Dual protection made simple References: 1. Stott et al (2010) Vet J 185: 138–143 2. Stott et al (2012) IVJ 65:12 3. Roth (2016) WBC Dublin Proceedings 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, noncytopathic 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 in the SPC or from Boehringer Ingelheim Limited, Vetmedica, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YS, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1344 746959 (sales) or +44 (0)1344 746957 (technical). Email: vetmedica.uk@boehringer-ingelheim.com. Date of preparation: Jan 2017. AHD9692.
Use Medicines Responsibly (www.noah.co.uk/responsible).
18
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH
BY MATT YARNALL, BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM
IDENTIFYING PI'S IS AT THE HEART OF SUCCESSFUL BVD ERADICATION BVD (bovine viral diarrhoea) has been identified as a major cause of loss of farm income, so identifying infected animals and eradicating it as quickly as possible brings significant financial benefit as well as keeping cattle happier and healthier, writes vet Matt Yarnall from Boehringer Ingelheim. “But, happily the whole industry is now joined in
FIGURE 1.
the journey to eradicating this nasty disease, and improving cattle performance as a result,” he adds.
Tag and test
All parts of the UK and Ireland are now under some
for BVD virus (antigen)
form of eradication programme, following the recent
Negative result
Calf not a PI
Positive result
Calf likely to be a PI
launch of the Welsh BVD scheme. Some have been
Mother not a PI
Mother might be a PI - check
running for longer than others (Scotland, for example)
for registered herds, the results of BVD testing can
he adds. “Biosecurity, including vaccination, is an
but the fact that each region now has a programme
be viewed by any potential purchasers. It is always
important tool in protecting your herd.”
will doubtless rapidly increase BVD detection and
worth checking with the tag manufacturer on their
control. “Tag and test, which is taking a tissue sample
recommended method of application as this kind of
When vaccinating cattle, they must have been
with an ear tag is a popular method of identifying
tag does differ to conventional ones. See figure 2 for
vaccinated and have time to become immune prior
animals infected with BVD,” Mr Yarnall explains.
instruction on the tagging process.
to service to prevent their calf becoming a PI. “This can be difficult to get right, particularly when some
“And in fact, in the 2017 National BVD survey, 56% of farmers said that they were in favour of tag and
“Samples should be sent to the lab as soon as possible
vaccines require a two shot primary course or
testing .”
to get the results back quickly and it is really essential
boosting after six months. That’s where the live BVD
that the samples are stored away from extremes of
vaccine, Bovela®, can help to simplify things. Bovela
WHAT MAKES TAG AND TEST SO POPULAR?
temperature or sunlight for no longer than two weeks;
provides 12 months’ protection from the birth of PI
“Simplicity,” says Mr Yarnall “It can be carried out by
many people use a fridge,” says Mr Yarnall. For the
calves from just a single injection, given at least three
anyone who has the correct equipment, without the
system to work, all calves must be tagged. This includes weeks before service. The dual protection Bovela
need for a vet to visit the farm. Normally, it is done
stillbirths and abortions as these calves could be PIs
provides not just antibodies against BVD, but also
in calves soon after birth and can be combined with
and, if they are not tested, you would never know. The
the reassurance of BVD-specific white blood cells,
administering identification tags, saving the time and
National BVD Survey showed that less than half of
helping to ensure proven protection for a full 12
hassle of having to test animals for virus at another
farmers are tagging all calves, dead or alive. “Once a
months3,4. “Tagging and testing to identify PI animals
time.” Animals that are positive for BVD virus, and
virus positive animal has been identified using a tissue
plus an effective vaccination program to prevent new
therefore potentially persistently infected (PI), can
sample, it is highly likely to be a PI,” explains Mr Yarnall. PI calves being born are highly effective tools in the
be identified soon after birth and removed quickly to
“However, in order to confirm that it is persistently
reduce the negative impacts of a PI animal on farm. “An added bonus is that it effectively provides two
infected with the virus, and not just transiently infected, FIGURE 2. THE EAR TAGGING PROCESS an ear tag positive calf can be re-tested and a veterinary • Before using the tag check that all
tests for the price of one; the test not only tells you the
discussion probably ought to take place.” Second
BVD status of the calf but also gives information about
testing is often done by a blood sample or a second ear
its mother,” Mr Yarnall explains. “This is because a PI
notch sample three weeks after the first test; the animal
cow will always give birth to another PI. So if a calf is
should be isolated from the rest of the herd during this
negative, its mother is negative. This is called inferred
retesting period.
1
parts including the tag, needle and sample tube have the same identification number on them. • Ensure that your tagging pliers or applicator are compatible with the brand of tissue
status.” See figure 1. If a calf tests positive for BVD, it is recommended to test their mother as she could
eradication of BVD,” concludes Mr Yarnall.
sampling tags you are
Approximately 85% of calves that test positive on
using and position the two parts of the tags into the pliers.
be a PI as well. This is not an automatic result for the
initial ear tag test are confirmed as PIs on retest . Once • The tag should be positioned between the two
mother, as she may simply have been exposed to BVD
confirmed as a PI, it should be removed from the herd
in the first third of her pregnancy which resulted in the
as soon as possible; the cost associated with retaining
birth of a PI calf.
a PI (in terms of spreading disease within the herd)
• Each tag brand will have recommendations as to how to
far outweighs the possible return on retaining the
handle this sample which may include putting it into a sample
Tag and test identification tags are only a few ££s
animal to fatten and finish it - the majority of PI calves
tube. See the example button tag and sample tube below.
more than standard ID tags and usually include the
die before 18 months of age. “Identifying PI calves
cost of testing. Some include the cost of uploading
and removing them is only part of the picture of BVD
the result onto the BVDFree England (see bvdfree.
eradication as, without protecting the herd from BVD,
org.uk) or other national databases. This means that
more PI calves will be born in following calf crops,”
2
cartilage
ridges on the ear (see image). Apply the tag in one swift motion by compressing the applicator which will apply the tag and take a tissue sample into the needle.
Refrences: 1. Yarnall (2017) BVDzero Congress. www.bvdzero.co.uk 2. Caldow (2017) SAC testing results. BVDzero Webcongress 2017. www.webcongress.bvdzero.com 3. Platt et al. (2017) Vet Imm. and immunopath. 187: 20–27 4. Summary of Product Characteristics, Bovela
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
23
FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH
PARASITE CONTROL
IN BEEF CATTLE AT HOUSING
BY MARY VICKERS BEEF & SHEEP SENIOR SCIENTIST (BEEF) AHDB BEEF AND LAMB
As cattle transition from grazing to housing, it is time to think about parasite control. Housing offers a good opportunity to control a number of parasites that affect cattle, particularly important in the light of the wet weather this summer has brought. Parasites can have a severe negative impact on
Table 1. Parasite targets
growth rates. Control is often restricted to the
Parasite name
routine treatment of all cattle at housing, however, using the same product year-on-year in all animals is not recommended. Here, we provide advice for effective and sustainably controlling parasite infections in beef cattle.
Common name
Organ affected
Additional information
Roundworms Ostertagia ostertagi
Brown stomach worm
Abomasum
Cooperia spp.
Watchspring worm
Small intestine
Trichostrongylus spp.
Black scour worm
Abomasum, small intestine
Dictyocaulus viviparus
Lungworm
Lung
Inhibits in host
Inhibits or harboured in host
Fluke
There are important measures that can be taken at
Fasciola hepatica
Liver fluke
Liver
housing to ensure that burdens are reduced over
Calicophoron daubneyi
Rumen fluke
Rumen
the winter. Treatments should be applied on an
Ectoparasites
evidence or risk assessed basis to avoid clinical
Bovicola spp.
Cattle louse
Skin
signs, especially in young stock, and, because some
Chorioptes spp.
Feather mite
Skin around lower legs
parasites persist over winter, to avoid contamination
Psoroptes spp.
Scab in sheep
Skin around neck, back midline
onto grass the following year. The parasitic targets
All ages susceptible
Uncommon. Susceptibility varies among breeds
for housing treatment include roundworms, fluke and
bulls) where lungworm infection risk is significant, or
clorsulon was effective in reducing egg shedding over
ectoparasites (Table 1). Different classes of stock
if stock have been purchased from risk areas.
16-weeks, but there was no significant difference
have varying priorities regarding parasite control at
Vaccination with Bovilis Huskvac® is advised on
in weight gain between treated and control groups.
housing, depending on the contamination status of
farms with a history of lungworm, and supplies will
There was a significant difference in weight gain
pastures that animals have been grazing on. Autumn
need to be planned for during the winter as vaccine
between animals diagnosed with infection at
is a good time to speak to your vet, Suitably Qualified
supply is seasonal. Ideally, cattle should be fully
housing and those that were negative (irrespective
Person (SQP) or other animal health adviser about
vaccinated before turnout. If not vaccinated, cattle
of treatment) suggesting that infection control earlier
parasites that you need to target and the type(s) of
gain immunity only if previously exposed to the
could maximise weight gain.
parasite control product you should use to achieve
worm, so the parasite can be an issue where there
effective management.
has been little prior contact or where high levels of
Rumen Fluke: Recent research from IBERS
dewormers with persistent activity have been used.
Aberystwyth, Queen’s University Belfast and Moredun
1. WHAT WORMS DO I NEED TO CONSIDER?
highlighted the presence of rumen fluke in the UK.
Roundworms: These can cause substantial negative
Liver fluke: Cattle do not become immune to liver
This may have been introduced from Europe. Rumen
effects on productivity and health. Cattle, especially
fluke. Cattle remain susceptible to infection even
fluke share the same snail intermediate host (dwarf
young stock, can pick up significant burdens from
though they have been exposed previously, meaning
pond snail) as liver fluke. This is widespread in the
grazing, particularly in the second half of the season.
adults are as vulnerable as young stock.
UK and is found in damp ground. Rumen fluke is
The main threat is the stomach worm, Ostertagia
Fluke is generally considered a seasonal disease with
becoming more commonly reported but there is some
ostertagi, the immature larvae which undergo
a peak of infective cysts on pasture in autumn, hence
debate as to its impact on health and growth rates.
dormancy in the stomach wall from late summer
treatment at housing is generally advised.
Evidence suggests that immature parasites can cause
onwards. These worms can ‘re-awaken’ in late winter
Flukicides have no persistent activity (unlike some
gut inflammation, accompanied by diarrhoea. Young
or early spring to cause serious disease in some
other dewormers) and most are not 100% effective
animals may be particularly susceptible with fatalities
animals. It is important to target these at housing.
against immature fluke. Thus, in many situations, it is
reported.
O. ostertagi infections also cause effects on
best to delay treatment for a number of weeks after
productivity, often augmented by other parasites.
housing to allow fluke to develop to a stage where
2.SHOULD I TREAT ALL STOCK?
they are most susceptible to dewormers. Your vet or
When considering which stock to treat, consider
Lungworm: This is not as common or widespread
SQP can advise on the best strategy for your farm.
risk of exposure and likely level of infection. With
as gut worms, but can cause devastating effects
In fluke-positive areas, there can be value in testing
a vet or animal health adviser, devise a plan to
for infected animals, though some cattle can carry
cattle dung in late winter to allow any residual
target treatment where needed. Diagnostic tests
lungworm without showing clinical signs. These
infections to be identified and treated before turnout
can be used to look for evidence of infection. This
‘carrier’ animals can act as a source of infection for
to minimise build-up of fluke eggs on pasture.
information should be assessed alongside visual
the next grazing season, so it is important to consider
A recent UK study showed that beef cattle treatment
signs, grazing or treatment history and evidence of
all animals for treatment at housing (including stock
at housing with triclabendazole, nitroxynil or
dewormer resistance. Adult cattle will not normally
24
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH require treatment for roundworms at housing.
an adviser or prescriber and read the datasheet.
in Ostertagia and
Weaned calves, growing animals and finishers
Fluke: There are a limited number of treatment
Cooperia.
are more likely to have gut worms that require
options for liver fluke in cattle, as listed in the table
targeting with broad-spectrum dewormers. Where
below, and selection should be based on risk.
Regarding liver fluke, resistance to
lungworm has been identified and there is no routine vaccination programme, consideration must be made
4. DIAGNOSTICS
triclabendazole is
for treating cows and younger stock, not forgetting
Roundworms: Faecal egg counting for gut worms
common in parts
the potential risk from older ‘carrier’ animals. Adult
at housing is not valuable because the stages to
of the UK. While
cattle need to be targeted with flukicides where they
be targeted are immature and do not shed eggs.
treatment failure
are considered at risk of infection. No dewormers
Lungworm diagnostics can be applied if concerned:
is less commonly
used to treat liver fluke have residual activity
dung and blood tests can be carried out. These have
reported in
meaning that once treated, cattle may be re-infected
pros and cons and use should be discussed with a vet
cattle, they are
when re-exposed to infection. If cattle are housed, it
or animal health adviser.
infected with the same parasite as sheep, so it
OSTERTAGIA NO DU ABOMASUM (CO LES ON SURFACE OF PYRIGHT MORE DUN RESEARCH IN STITUTE)
is good practice to test for resistance and only use
is unlikely they will be exposed until they next go out to graze. We know little about the fluke cyst survival
Liver fluke: Diagnosis can be achieved by examining
triclabendazole when it is likely to have maximum
in silage, but this is being studied at the University of
dung for eggs. The advantage of diagnosing infection
effect, such as to treat young stock on high risk
Liverpool, supported by BBSRC and AHDB.
this way is that liver and rumen fluke eggs can be
pastures or those showing signs of acute infection in
differentiated. This method can be time-consuming,
the autumn. To address resistance, advisory groups
3. What products should I consider?
expensive and only detects adult worms (shedding
such as COWS have developed the 5R’s to
Roundworms: Macrocyclic lactones (injectables or
starts after ~10-12 weeks), but is particularly useful
encourage best practice. For further information,
pour-ons) are effective against inhibited larvae as
late in the housing period to allow residual infections
visit www.cattleparasites.org.uk and follow us on
are benzimidazoles, (white drenches) but they are
to be identified and targeted before turnout. Research
Twitter @COWSworms
less predictable in their efficacy. Levamisole (yellow
from Moredun and the University of Liverpool showed
drench) is not effective against these stages and
that sampling 10 animals and sending these for a
6. ECTOPARASITES
should not be used. The use of endectocides such
single ‘composite’ count is more cost-effective. Taking
Lice and mites are the most common skin parasites.
as the macrocyclic lactones around housing has
two sets of samples, one in spring and one in autumn,
These impact productivity due to reduced feeding
the added advantage of activity against common
can show with 95% certainty that a herd is free from
times and hide damage. At low levels, lice have
ectoparasites, which can cause problems during the
fluke, if both counts are negative.
minimal impact; however, numbers can build over winter. Infection levels can increase when cattle
housing period. It is important to also check abattoir returns for
are stressed or in poor body condition. Heavy
For finishers, be aware that meat withdrawal periods
evidence of infection. Other methods include a
infestations affect welfare and performance. There
for white and clear dewormers can vary from 9 to
‘copro-antigen’ test that detects adult infection, and
are two types of lice, sucking and biting, and both
>100 days depending on the product, administration
detection of serum antibody by ELISA. A positive
can be controlled by synthetic pyrethroids or
route and if it is a combination product. Discuss with
antibody result does not mean active infection but is
macrocyclic lactones (Table 2). Levels of control vary
a good indication of exposure to liver fluke.
depending on method of application, so read the label
Active ingredient
Stage of
Formulation
fluke killed
Triclabendazole
2 week +
Oral
Triclabendazole
6 week +
Pour-on
& moxidectin Closantel & ivermectin
7 weeks +
Injectable
Pour-on
and consult a vet or SQP. In the UK, the most common 5. DEWORMER RESISTANCE
form of mange is chorioptic mange. Signs of infection
Resistance in roundworms to the traditional three
include scaly lesions around the tail head and legs,
broad-spectrum dewormers is extensive in UK sheep
which can spread. This is most commonly seen in adult
enterprises. Worm resistance is less commonly
cattle towards the end of housing. Treatment is rarely
reported in cattle, but research suggests problems
required and lesions resolve after turnout.
Nitroxynil
8 weeks +
Injectable
Clorsulon & ivermectin
Adults
Injectable
Albendazole
Adults
Oral
Parasiticide product group
Method of application
Lice
Chorioptic mange mites
Oxyclozanide*
Adults
Oral
Synthetic Pyrethroid (SP)
*Pour-on
Yes
Permethrin is the only SP
*Spot-on
that controls mange mites
Macrocyclic lactone (MLs)
*Pour-on Yes
Yes
Injectable
Incomplete control
*Oxyclozanide can be used to treat rumen fluke, when prescribed by a vet, but is only licensed for treatment of liver fluke. Note: 1. Always check withdrawal periods of products being used. The latest information about products can be found on the VMD website https://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/ ProductInformationDatabase/ where the summary of product characteristics (SPC) can be found. 2. This information is not applicable to dairy cattle producing milk for human consumption 3. These data were correct at the time of writing, but check each SPC available before administration of a product.
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
Table 2. Effectiveness of treatment options for cattle lice and chorioptic mange mites
More effective against
sucking lice than biting lice * Not all products can be applied to wet hides so check the datasheet before application
AUTUMN 2017
25 11
FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH
THE ROLE OF SELENIUM AND IODINE IN RUMINANTS
BY DR ELIZABETH BERRY BVSC, PHD, MRCVS ANIMAX COMPANY VETERINARY DIRECTOR
While selenium and iodine are essential and a deficiency can result in clinical disease, over supplementation can be harmful and can cause disease as well. Selenium is incorporated into enzymes. The most
may be a subclinical problem. For example a new-
significant reduction in the lambs’ absorption of the
common enzyme which people may have heard of
born animal may fail to show vigour; fertility may
vital immunoglobulins from colostrum. This resulted
is Glutathione Peroxidase, which is involved in
be poor in a beef herd or there may be poor growth
in long lasting effects, throughout the lambs early life.
preventing damage by free radicals. This is the same
in finishing animals. There are even reports of a
enzyme which is measured to indicate a selenium
reduction in milk yield in cattle which are iodine
Guidance levels on the amounts of selenium and
deficiency. Selenium is essential for a wide variety
deficient.
iodine given, should mean that toxicity should not
of immune responses and a deficiency can result in
occur, however sometimes excessive amounts OVER SUPPLEMENTATION AND TOXICITY
might be ingested. For example if animals are fed in
More is not always better. Trace elements are
excess; allowed to eat ad lib or if high yielding cattle
A selenium deficiency can reduce the effectiveness
required in milligrams whereas calcium and
are fed to predicted yields.
of antibodies which are produced and also alter
magnesium (macro minerals) are required in
the functions of various white blood cells, by
grams. Some have a narrow adequate range, and an
There is a move in Ireland to reduce the permitted
reducing their phagocytic activity (the ability to
oversupply can easily occur if care is not taken. This
levels of iodine in cattle feed due to concerns about
engulf bacteria or foreign bodies) to the reduced
wastes money and can sometimes result in
high iodine levels in milk. Similar situations may
recruitment of cells to an infection site.
symptoms which are just as serious as under
occur with ad lib access to mineral licks – some
supplementation.
animals may consume excessive amounts while
reduced overall production.
Selenium deficiency can show itself in a wide
others may not consume any. Another situation to be
variety of symptoms, depending on the age of the
The original work on selenium in the early 20th
careful of, is where anthelmintic’s containing trace
animal and various stress factors. At turnout for
century, focused on its toxicity and not on its
elements are given concurrently with other forms of
example, young calves or lambs may show white
essential role in the diet. Then in the 1950s it
trace elements in a ration, drench or bolus. A reliable
muscle disease of the heart muscle or striated
emerged that selenium was essential in minute
availability in feed or other supplementation (slow
‘motor’ muscles. It is also possible for a newly
quantities, but in some areas deficiency was more
release bolus or other such means) should ensure
calved cow to have retained cleansings or an
of a problem than excess levels. The symptoms
that excess levels are not reached.
increased susceptibility to mastitis.
seen with deficiency included white muscle disease which could lead to poor growth; immune
CHOOSE THE BEST SYSTEM
Iodine is an essential component of the hormone
dysfunction; reproduction problems and heart
Use a reliable system which gives each animal the
thyroxine. Many trace elements have a function in
problems. This led to further research and the
ideal amount. Boluses are recognised as a highly
enzymes involved in reactions in the body, whereas
discovery that selenium was essential in tiny
effective supplementation method, mainly because
iodine is very different. The more active form of this
amounts but toxic when only slightly greater, than
trace elements are delivered directly into an
hormone is triiodothyronine (T3) which is converted
the tiny but optimal amounts.
animals’ rumen and are then absorbed from the
by selenium containing enzymes, from the less
intestines, so there is no risk of feed or water
active form thyroxine (T4). Thyroid hormones
In theory iodine has to be extremely high to be
contamination. However, to be effective a bolus
control cell metabolism and thus indirectly all
toxic. Recent research in sheep however indicated
must be able to provide a regulated release rate of
functions of the body. This means that a selenium
that very high iodine given during critical times,
trace elements that is consistent between animals.
deficiency can influence the severity of an iodine
resulted in a negative effect on thyroid function and
Every animal needs to receive a known, controlled
deficiency. A wider range of symptoms can occur
that the most effect is on the foetus and neonate.
and optimum amount of each trace element,
with an iodine deficiency, with or without the added complication of a selenium deficiency as well.
without the risk of toxicity. If the right bolus is The sheep in this recent research study were fed
chosen, animals will reach the optimum level of
diets which were very high in iodine (ten times the
health, vitality, fertility and growth whilst reducing
Clinical signs of hypothyroidism such as a poorly
maximum recommended range) during pregnancy.
production costs and the need for concentrates.
developed thyroid gland may be seen where iodine
The effects of this were seen in the lambs, rather
Mothers will also pass their trace element status
has been deficient during pregnancy. However, it
than in the sheep themselves. There was a
and the associated benefits to their offspring.
For more details contact Animax, Shepherds Grove West, Stanton, Suffolk IP31 2AR. Phone 01359 252181 or visit www.animax-vet.com Refrences: • Boland, Hayes, Sweeney, Callan, Baird, Keely and Crosby Animal 2008 2 197-206, The effects of cobalt and iodine supplementation of the pregnant ewe diet on immunoglobulin G, vitamin E, T3 and T4 levels in the progeny. • Finch and Turner, Research in Veterinary Science 60 2;97-106 Effects of selenium and vitamin E on the immune responses of domestic animals. • Kendal, Homes-Pavord, Bone, Ander and Young Vet Record 2015 177 Liver concentrations in cull cattle in the UK: are cattle being copper loaded. • Rose, Wolf and Haresign, Br J Nutr 2007 315 20 Effect of iodine in the diet of pregnant ewes on the concentration of immunoglobulin G in the plasma of neonatal lambs following the consumption of colostrum. • Sinclair and Atkins Journal of Ag Science 153: 743-752 Intake of selected minerals on commercial dairy herds in central and northern England in comparison with requirements. • Cook, J.G., Green, M.J. 2007 The Veterinary Record 161: 625–626 Reduced Incidence of Retained Fetal Membranes in Dairy Herds Supplemented with Iodine, Selenium and Cobalt.
26
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
EDUCATIONAL THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
SPRING 2017
27
SPONSORED FEATURE
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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
FEATURE - THE CULL COW MARKET
MEADOW QUALITY
THE CULL COW MARKET Of all the different commodities within the beef market making predictions about the volumes available or expected price trends in the cull cow market can be one of the most challenging. This is because cull cows are a by-product of either summer grass maybe short and cows would need
- If the cow is in the best condition you have
dairy or suckler herds and decisions on when to
housing for a while in order to ensure they would
ever seen her, even if plain, then she needs to be
cull and how many to cull are not driven by the
be well fleshed and finished properly.
marketed. - If it is a cow that will improve in finish, then
beef market but by other factors: Consequently, although there is a well-developed
it will pay to improve her condition. Normally
1. The milk price has a huge influence on how
market specifically for cow beef in Europe and a
there is in excess of £100 in value to be gained
many cows are culled.
developing one in the UK, more often than not we
by moving a cow from finish Class 1 to finish Class 2.
2. The amount of grass and the availability and
seem to either over or under supply it dramatically
• Pay close attention to the physical condition
price of feed will determine if cows are kept and and thus the prices can vary a great deal from fleshed and finished or sold straight out of the
of the animal. Ensure it does not gain and then lose condition due to recurring problems, e.g.
season to season.
lameness.
herd as plain under finished animals. 3. Currency fluctuations will have either a negative To make the most of cows at any one time does
• Do not allow animals to become over fat as this
or a positive effect on the export or import of
mean studying both the individual processor grids
costs you extra and reduces the carcase value due
beef and the financial returns available.
and the home/European and global market trends,
to extra trimming being necessary.
as well as following the process below: To discuss the ins and outs of cull cow marketing
This autumn, cows from the suckler herd that
• Once you have decided a cow is going to be
are not in-calf are likely to be in good condition
culled, then a number of assessments need to be in more detail and take advantage of our expertise,
and can be sent straight off, whereas in another
made:
please give us a call at Meadow Quality at any time.
BEST COWS
STEAKER/FEEDING COWS
PLAIN/FEEDING COWS
Well meated through with a nice even finish
¾ meated rangier cows with a medium, patchy finish
Less than ½ meated, poor level of finish
Equivalent grade: O+, O-, P+ 3/4L
Equivalent grade: O-/P+ 2/3
Equivalent grade: O-/P+/P- 1/2
Supporting British Beef Meadow Quality Five Simple Steps to Add Value to Cull Cows Ensure you are farm assured for cow beef production Monitor cows regularly - as soon as it is in as good a condition as you have ever seen it, look to market it Handle animals regularly to assess levels of finish and fleshing Monitor the animal’s progress regularly to ensure it is putting on weight efficiently Make sure the animals go to the outlet which ensure the maximum return to you CONTACT CLIVE MAHONY ON 07703 563 782 TO FIND OUT MORE
01789 734 100
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www.meadowq.co.uk
AUTUMN 2017
29
INDUSTRY NEWS
MOOCALL BREED MANAGER - FREE HERD MANAGMENT APP Moocall, a global provider of wearable animal IOT technology have released Breedmanager by Moocall, a herd management app which is free for all to use. Moocall is an innovative ag-tech company established in Ireland in 2014. This complementary mobile app takes a unique
example, when looking at in-calf cows, a simple
approach to help beef and dairy farmers manage
swipe adds a calving event to that animal. Or when
their breeding and keep track of their herd. Instead
looking at a list of cows or heifers that are due to
of looking at the herd as a whole, it breaks it up into
cycle in the next week, a simple swipe will indicate
‘smart lists’. These smart lists filter the herd by their
that that cow was in heat.
relative position within the breeding cycle, which means at the tap of a finger a farmer can quickly
The app also includes a community element,
identify his cows that are due to calf in the next week,
where farmers can share status updates, images
use, free of charge, whether they are existing Moocall
or cows that were in heat in the last 24 hours and so
of their animals or ask the community a question.
customers or not. Moocall are committed to providing
on. The four main categories for smart lists are in-calf,
All of these features are free for anyone to use,
solutions for the agriculture industry that increase farm
cycling, in-heat and inseminated.
regardless of owning one of the companies other
productivity and profitability. It is our plan to continue
products. Moocall Head of Technology, John Larkin
to innovate and develop all of our products, both
Because a farmer is usually examining a subset of the
said: “Breedmanager is a major product launch for
software and hardware, and in time our calving sensors
herd, who are all in a similar stage of the breeding
Moocall. It gives breeders of all sizes the ability
and our soon to be released heat detection system
cycle, Breedmanager also makes it extremely easy for
to better manage their herd through an intuitive
will also automatically update the herd management
a farmer to add relevant data about an animal. For
mobile interface. Our app is available for anyone to
software platform.’
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30
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Supplied by
AUTUMN 2017
on a Molinia dominated moor to allows heather to regenerate naturally. We knew we needed a robust, commercial animal and we knew we had found it when we happened across Salers. Traditionally a dual purpose cow originating in the Auvergne region of France they spend their summers on the mountain ranges and are renowned in the Parisian restaurants for their lean, marbled, quality beef and the high butterfat content of their milk which provides the region with its famous Cantal cheese. When buying our first Salers we were constantly told they were easy calving, as ex-dairy farmers this was music to our ears but perhaps not quite believable, 16 years after our first purchases we can count on one hand how many have needed assistance and why! What’s the best part of your job? And do you have a favourite memory from work? It has got to be the animals themselves and there is nothing like new life. The Salers are such characters, they refuse to be driven but will follow us anywhere. The vast majority of our farm is across the A58, one of the main access routes across the Pennines and we often walk our cows home across it. It is one of my favourite jobs, it's quite a sight, the rusty red coloured cows calmly coming home for winter. We calve spring and autumn and the majority of our cows summer over the road high on the hill running up to 1,300 feet, the calves are
Q&A
Q&A WITH A BEEF FARMER
Why Salers Cattle? One of the requirements of our Countryside Stewardship scheme was to graze cattle
WITH A BEEF FARMER...
RACHEL HALLOS
Hill farming is not easy and I think we have all realised that financially straight farming is not enough.
BEESTON HALL RIPPONDEN
Environmental agreements do get some bad press but they can work in harmony with a large scale
Rachel Hallos, farmers daughter, youngest
commercial enterprise if you are willing to work at it.
of six, and brought up on a small farm
What has been your best investment on the farm? It has to be our Salers. We only ever envisaged a
not two miles from her life now. A 4th
50 head breeding cow herd but we are growing each year aiming for 100+ breeding head, with the farm
generation farmer who spent her childhood
currently carrying 200+ plus cattle at any one time, it is possible, they are just so easy.
roaming the moors. Married 23 years to
What are the biggest challenges facing beef farmers? We are already receiving more for our beef than
Stephen with two children, Sam 21 and
the majority of the rest of the world yet there will be few suckler farmers making money purely out of their
Anna 17. Rachel took on Stephen's families
beef enterprise, productions costs are the worry, it's the ability to reduce them and maximise output that
tenanted farms, Beeston Hall, and Baitings,
will ensure a thriving beef industry.
Ripponden in 2000. A combination of
What do you think the Brexit vote means for British farming? Crystal ball time for this one! I am an
green land, rough in-bye and moorland
optimist, we have got to make it work, whatever 'deal' is done. As an industry we have got to use this
totalling 2,000acres, Rachel completely
opportunity to bang the drum for British farming and ask the consumer to put their money where their
changed the farm from a traditional
mouth is.
South Pennine producer/retailer dairy to
Where do you see beef farming in the next 5 years? A modern, vibrant industry that is world renowned
a Salers Beef & Scottish Blackface/Lonk
for it's transparent supply chains bringing benefits to the farmer, retailer and consumer ensuring
Sheep enterprise, working alongside her
continued investment and development for the future. Told you, I'm an optimist.
landlord, Yorkshire Water, RSPB and Natural
What advice would you give to new entrant beef farmers? Ask questions, lots of them. Go to meetings,
England, they embarked on a Countryside
go to open days, go to anything you can that is industry related to enable you to understand the full chain
Stewardship Scheme regenerating Heather
of supply. You can have the best genetics in the world but if you cannot market it there is little point. Many
and enhancing traditional hay meadows.
normally running on behind once they've become accustomed to walking on the tarmac. Since you started farming what has changed the most? Our mindset and that of our neighbours.
organisations are offering New Entrant schemes, get involved, remember they need you just as much as you need them and they are often willing to invest in your future if you show initiative.
@beestonhallsalersÂ
Finally, what's your favourite beef dish? That has got to be home reared rump steak braised slowly with onions served on buttery mash, simple but absolutely delicious.
SALERS WILL MEAT YOUR NEEDS! SLEEP EASY AND LET SALERS DO THE WORK FOR YOU
MORE BEEF LESS GRIEF
AUTUMN SALES 2017 WELSHPOOL 14TH OCTOBER STIRLING 23RD OCTOBER CASTLE DOUGLAS 4TH NOVEMBER
T: 07903 626 249 THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
E: secretary@salers-cattle-society.co.uk
WWW.SALERS-CATTLE-SOCIETY.CO.UK AUTUMN 2017
31
GUEST VET
GUEST VET
MATTHEW PUGH BVETMED MRCVS
MATTHEW PUGH
GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR P/DS From late summer, until well into winter, we spend a lot of our time scanning spring calving cows for pregnancy. The outcome of this is to be able work out who is and isn’t in calf in order to avoid unnecessary feeding of empty cows throughout winter. This is very much old news and if this was all I was doing I think I could best describe myself as a rectal tourist going from cow to cow and farm to farm. We use herd pregnancy diagnosis as a springboard to
score the herd and identify those cows in poor body
Maybe the answer isn’t obvious. So start the detective
improving herd health as a kick start to getting next
condition that need additional feeding to get them to
work whilst the empty cows are still in the crush.
year's calving block tighter with less barren cows
a target body condition score of 3 ahead of calving.
Get your vet to bleed the barren cows as they come
and heavier calves at weaning. The first step is to
The biggest driver when a cow cycles after she calves
through. If at the end of the session in-calf rates are
start P/Ding cows earlier. We can establish if a cow is
is her body condition score at calving. Thin cows take
hitting your targets then they can be thrown away
pregnant from 30 days upwards and encourage clients
more days to ovulate than fit cows post calving so they
if unwanted. If not, you have an instant resource to
to present their herds to us 5-6 weeks after the bull
are at more risk of losing time in the calving block or
start establishing what the challenges to cow fertility
has been pulled out. If you choose to keep your bull
being found empty next year. They will also produce
were. This might include doing an infectious disease
running with your cows, often to housing and beyond,
poorer quality colostrum and are at more risk of a
screen. For instance, maybe you had sorted BVD with
then P/D the herd at ~100 days after he was turned
protracted calving with all of the subsequent negative
PI hunting and vaccination but the new rented grazing
into them. The main benefit is our increased ageing
consequences for calf health. So use this time to check
with the stream running through it ensured your
accuracy of the foetus and twinning. We can be very
condition and more importantly come up with an
cattle got exposed to Leptospirosis over the mating
accurate with foetal aging up to around 2 months in
action plan to sort any problem cows is essential.
period. Perhaps the all singing and dancing mineral
calf and pretty accurate from 3 to 4 months in calf.
supplementation that you were using hasn’t quite
After that point in time accuracy diminishes as we can
What targets have you set for your in-calf rate and
performed. Again use these bloods to check that it has
feel and see less of the uterus and calf. This gives you a
the number of cows P/D to calve in the 1st six weeks?
done what it said on the tin. We will often use them as
more accurate idea of calving dates will allow for better
These are questions that we should be asking as the
a rough snapshot of a herds Johne's status. Empty cows
management around calving for many reasons:
cows go through the crush if they are not known before
potentially are more likely to be Johne's infected and
you start.
it might well trigger further investigation if positives
• Housing cows is expensive . Being able to
are unexpectedly found. Are your cows at risk of liver
prioritise the cows closest to calving for space
Typically we are aiming for a >95% in-calf rate after a
fluke infection? Again, use the bloods to check if cows
and bedding will help reduce infectious
9 week mating block with >75% of cows to calve in the
have had exposure to fluke over the grazing season.
disease pressure i.e. less scours & infected navels.
1st 6 weeks.
Dung sampling can be unrewarding due to the stage of
• Scour vaccines have relatively small windows
• Are the P/D results on track?
liver fluke within infected cattle and they are also not
of use prior to calving. Knowing early and late
• Have any cohorts of cows let you down?
very prolific at egg laying. Infected cattle will become
cows will allow for better use of this product
• Maybe it is heifers?
antibody positive 4-6 weeks post exposure and remain
and ensure you get return on your investment.
• Did many have assisted calvings? If so, what are
the same for several months post exposure allowing
• Target mineral supplementation better. For
the plans for next year to reduce them?
you to determine if treatment is needed before cows
example boluses are often used in our patch to
• AI with an easy calving bull and measure pelvic
lose excessive body condition.
cover Iodine and Selenium deficiency issues
dimensions and pull out heifers that are
around calving and also over the mating window.
inadequate?
Don’t let your vet be a rectal tourist! Grab the
Splitting late calving cows from early calving cows
• Or was it a specific group of cows that ran with a
opportunities to investigate, improve herd health and
and bolusing them at the correct time can ensure
certain bull?
act on what you find out in partnership with your vet.
that a single bolus covers both windows effectively.
• Did your bulls have a breeding soundness
You will be rewarded with more kg of beef to sell and
We also use it as an opportunity to body condition
examination pre – turnout?
less empty cows!
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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
Tel: 0800 7832804 www.securecovers.com AUTUMN 2017
FOOD
BESPOKE HEREFORD BEEF WEBSITE LAUNCH
BY CAROL WILSON FOOD WRITER
They’re the ONLY cattle society with a dedicated beef website, so it’s the leading website for news, information and events relating to top quality, completely natural Hereford grass fed beef. One of the oldest British Native Breeds of cattle, they’re easy to recognize by their white faces and red-brown coats. The cattle are acclaimed for their placid temperament, easy calving and their outstanding quality meat. David Deakin from the Hereford Cattle Society
meet the needs and expectations
says, “The re-launched website is a key marketing
of British consumers. The
tool for Hereford Beef and enables us to reach
preferred choice of many of the
each of our different core audiences with a fresh
world’s top chefs, Hereford
look at our exceptional beef.” It’s both interesting
Beef is a Premium
and informative for the beef industry, farmers
Brand, widely
and consumers and features lots of details about
available from
the Hereford breed, along with topical and useful
wholesalers, good
information for producers, industry and consumers,
butchers and
including up to date nutritional data, inspiring
supermarkets
recipes for every budget, cooking techniques for
and of course
different beef cuts, food facts, history of beef eating
all Hereford
in England and more besides! Watch our video
Beef is
on how to cook the perfect steak from The Beefy
traceable
Boys. Read the Hereford Beef Blog for frequent
from farm to
news updates on the Hereford Beef Brand, plus the
plate – a
newest and best places you can find Hereford Beef
detail
on the menu, as well as regular cooking tips. You
that
can also follow Hereford Beef on Twitter, Facebook,
is
Instagram and Pinterest. Almost 10,00000 Herefords now exist in over 120, providing a valuable market for farmers and superb quality marbled beef (free from additives and growth hormones and with superlative flavour) for consumers. Studies conducted prove that when cattle are reared on a forage based diet they produce beef that is significantly more nutritious, with lower levels of saturated fat and more antioxidants than grain fed beef. Tender succulent Hereford Beef, with its characteristic finely marbled fat is the front-runner when it comes to producing
important to
superior quality meat.
customers who increasingly want to know
Consumers clearly value the superb eating quality
where their food comes from. The
delivered by Hereford cattle, but there are other
market for Hereford Beef continues to
significant customer messages relating to the
grow through supermarkets and butchers and
breed, such as heritage, provenance, environmental
its use is increasing in the catering trade both
sustainability, stewardship of the land and
in the UK and overseas. Hereford Beef is also a
animal welfare, which are becoming increasingly
favourite in pubs and restaurants and through
important to customers. The top quality meat, ideal
boxed beef schemes. The website includes a useful
carcase size, lower production costs and strong
list of suppliers of Hereford Beef from major
performance from a natural diet come together to
supermarkets to farm shops and restaurants.
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AUTUMN 2017
33
NBA NEWS
NBA NORTHERN IRELAND BEEF EXPO
PLANS MOVING ON FAST Earlier this year the NBA announced the return of the prestigious NI Beef Expo to Dungannon mart this coming Spring. The event has not been held since 2012 and plans are underway to make it bigger and better than ever. offer, acting as a knowledge transfer for all involved.
The event will be spread over two days, with farm
walks on Friday 23rd of February followed by the Beef Speaking about the event, Trevor Wylie, Chairman of the event and Owner of Dungannon Mart stated,
Expo on Monday 26th of February 2018.
“We are very pleased that the NBA event is returning The event will be a celebration of the best of the
to the mart. The event is always a fantastic day for
Northern Irish Beef Industry with trade stands
everyone with an interest in the Beef Industry and
displaying the latest technologies, breed society
we look forward to hosting it at the mart again this
displays, outdoor and indoor demonstrations and
year.”
Y MONDA
6UARY 2 R B FE
topical seminars. Chris Mallon, Chief Executive of the NBA said, “The The event will include The Commercial Cattle Club’s
NBA are excited to be holding a Beef Event in NI
highly renowned Calf Show and Sale, showcasing
next Spring. With the recent regional AGM, election
our businesses are efficient and sustainable. We
some of the best of NI commercial cattle. In between
of the new NI Chairman John Sheridan and on farm
hope this event will provide a platform to do this.
the show and sale there will be four topical seminars
meetings we have been encouraged by the regions
covering Brexit, Genetics, Efficiencies and Health.
enthusiasm and feel it is an important time to bring
On behalf of the NBA I would like to thank Trevor
back the NI Beef Event.
Wylie and all at Dugannon Mart for kindly offering to host the event. We have gathered together a great
The Farm walks, which will be announced on the run up to the event, will offer visitors the chance to view
With the current climate, it is more crucial than ever
planning committee who I look forward to working
some of the best beef enterprises the region has to
that farmers are sharing knowledge to ensure that
with to bring together another fantastic event.”
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34
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TEL: 01759 371601 OR info@drttrailers.co.uk
AUTUMN 2017
NBA NEWS
AUTUMN FARM WALKS A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS
Over the last two months we have had four fantastic farm walks spanning the length and breadth of the country. The walks have attracted over 250 farmers and industry professionals, giving them the opportunity to see four excellent units each championing in what they do. Eric Reid showcased the importance of data capture
on meat eating quality through running his beef box
into making these events possible. Their support
and health monitoring to improve efficiencies in
scheme. Finally, Andrew Laughton allowed visitors
for the NBA has given us a chance to share
his modern finishing unit. Willy Woodman showed
to view his large outdoor straw bedded corals of over
knowledge amongst our membership and discuss
visitors around his large upland suckler operation.
2,500 cattle, while still maintaining the highest level
our work with a range of beef farmers. We would
of animal husbandry and welfare on a large scale.
also like to thank AB Vista for kindly sponsoring the evenings. We look forward to hosting our
In opening his farm to visitors, Nigel Parfitt demonstrated the vital need for AFUs with grazing
The NBA would like to thank all of the four hosts
winter series of events with them shortly, these
to exist and the value he found consumers placed
for their hospitality and the effort that they put
will be announced in the next issue.
COMING SOON: CRYSTALYX FARM WALK, KINDLY HOSTED BY STEPHEN HEENAN
CLOUGH, DOWN PATRICK, NORTHERN IRLAND TUESDAY 24th OCTOBER, 18:00PM
This autumn the NBA are giving farmers the chance to visit an exemplarily commercial and pedigree suckler herd. Stephen Heenan, previous Vice Chairman of the NBA Board and 6th generation beef farmer, runs 70 breeding commercial females as well as 12 pedigree Charolais cattle on his farm in Clough, Down Patrick. The farm is on a mainly grass and silage based system growing 14-15acres of arable for supplement feed. The evening will kick off with a farm walk led by Stephen and his son Andrew, who is currently at Agricultural University and will be followed by a series of short presentations focused around the farm, its health protocol and AI programme. Steven is also an advocate of the weaning nose plates, that allow calves to be weaned when running with the cattle to avoid distress at weaning. A pen of weaned calves will be showcased on the night. GUEST SPEAKERS: David Morgan, Caltech Crystalyx Regional Manager for Ireland will deliver a short presentation on Improving Output Through Input, by incorporating Crystalyx products into on farm feeding systems. MSD Animal Health will do a short presentation on calf health protocols. Dr Francis Lively, AFBI will speak on the synchronisation AI trail work, which the farm was involved in with the commercial cattle herd.
To book your place on the farm walk please contact Stephen, on 07889 159496 or NBA head office on either sharon@nationalbeefassociation.com or 01434 601005 THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
35
FEATURE - BULL VERSUS STEER
BULL VERSUS STEER
AND DEALING WITH HEAVY WEIGHT CA There have been recent moves by some retailers to move away from bull beef. The NBA attacked this decision resulting in significant press coverage back in April 2016 with much negative publicity for the named supermarket. I have since received a number of comments that the processor involved with the supermarket are now buying bulls! The bull is a very efficient animal and in most cases
• Faster rates of growth
carried out with some 2016 born calves at Harper
supplies ‘commodity beef’ for supermarkets to
• Improved feed conversion efficiency
Adams University to compare the performance and
compete with our enemy – chicken (at least beef
• Lower methane emissions per kg beef produced
meat quality of dairy bred bulls versus steers. With
has some taste compared to chicken which needs
• Faster throughput rates
regards to meat quality some studies have evaluated
a decent sauce!). Also with over 60% of beef being
• Leaner beef
bull versus steer beef with the bulls intensively reared
currently consumed as mince then the young bull
• Higher profit generation potential
and steers extensively grass finished. The rearing
‘fits this bill’. Some 17% of male calves are reared as
However steers are better suited to making use of
system will influence meat quality with grazing
bulls on intensive systems and they will not compete
home grown forages and are generally easier to
enhancing beef flavour. The bulls and steers in this
with the ‘top shelf supermarket beef’ with cattle that
manage in terms of behaviour. They may also be less
study were therefore both reared on an intensive
have been grass fed, usually native bred, and hung for
susceptible to meat quality issues, with a reduced
cereal beef system. Noted suckler producer Simon
21-28 days.
incidence of dark cutting beef.
Frost in Derbyshire, a Harper Adams Beef Focus
Current knowledge would indicate that bulls have a
It has been decades since an in-depth study was
Charolais x Lim/Fr bull calves and the results of
number of advantages over steers in terms of efficient
carried out to compare bulls versus steers reared on
the performance of these calves are outlined in the
beef production; namely:
the same production system so an experiment was
second part of the article.
Farm, also castrated a batch of his spring 2016 born
D HOLSTEIN 11 MONTH OL
36
S RPER ADAM BULLS AT HA
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
FEATURE - BULL VERSUS STEER
ARCASSES
BY SIMON MARSH PRINCIPAL LECTURER - BEEF CATTLE SPECIALIST HARPER ADAMS UNIVERSITY
ANIMALS & TIMING: The Harper Adams study involved 34 Jan-Feb 2016 born Holstein (n = 24), British Blue x Holstein (n = 6) and Hereford x Holstein (n = 4) male calves weighing approximately 220kg at 5½ months old that were randomized into two balanced treatment groups according to live weight and breed. The Blues and
LIZ FORD OF AH DB CARRYING OF THE MARBLING AS SESSMENT.
RESULTS:
The bulls recorded significantly higher
TABLE 1: Animal Performance (kg/head) Start wt Slaughter wt Days to slaughter DLWG Age at slaughter (days)1
Bulls Steers 222 221 580 564 270 278 1.33 1.25 432 (14.2) 438 (14.4)
carcase daily gains (+0.06kg) and carcase weights (+13.4kg) with a superior kill out (51.6 v 50.6%) however the bulls recorded significantly lower fat classifications. Carcasses classified for conformation R- to O- at ABP with a fat classification of 2= or 2- receive further deductions of between 10 to 20p/
Herefords were bred from the same sire. The steers
1. Age in brackets = months
kg compared to carcasses classified at 2+ and above.
were castrated by a veterinary surgeon following
Whilst there was a numerical improvement in
This had a negative effect on carcase value of the
randomization to their treatment group.
performance with the bulls it was not statistically
bulls compared to the steers which had a higher fat
significant.
classification.
MANAGEMENT: The calves were group housed in pens of 8-9 and offered Wynnstay Prime Beef nuts ad libitum from hoppers with straw offered from racks. The nuts contained 14% CP (16% CP/kg DM) and 32% starch (36% in the DM). The cattle were selected for slaughter at a target fat class 3 and slaughtered at ABP, Shrewsbury. The carcasses were classified by VIA.
TABLE 2: Carcase Characteristics Carcase wt (kg) Kill out (%) Carcase DG (kg) Conformation1 (1-7) Fat class1 (1-7)
Bulls Steers 299.0 285.6 51.6 50.6 0.72 0.66 4.7 (O-/O=) 4.5 (O-) 6.0 (2+) 7.6 (3-/3=)
1 EUROP carcase classification: Conformation: P-=1 and E+=15, Fat class: 1- =1 and 5+=15.
TABLE 3: Feed intakes (kg/head) and feed conversion RATIO (FCR) Total concentrate intake (kg) Daily concentrate intake (kg) FCR (kg feed fresh wt: kg lwt gain) FCR (kg feed DM: kg carcase gain)
Bulls Steers 2,192 2,188 8.12 7.87 6.12 6.38 9.70 10.26
continued...
MARCH 2016 BORN CHAROLAIS CALVES FROM SIMON FROST SUCKER HERD (PICTURE TAKEN SEPT 2016).
Acknowledgement: The support from AHDB Beef & Lamb for the meat quality assessment is gratefully acknowledged. The author would like to also extend his sincere thanks to the staff at ABP Shrewsbury for their excellent co-operation with providing samples of beef to AHDB.
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
37
FEATURE - BULL VERSUS STEER
Bull Versus Steer continued... The bulls recorded slightly higher daily feed intakes but due to their superior performance recorded improved FCR’s. The FCRs (kg feed: kg liveweight gain) appear relatively high compared to the target of 5.5:1 for cereal fed Holstein bulls but it must be taken into consideration that the experiment did not include the period of growth from 110kg (3 months of age) to 220kg (5½ months of age) for this batch of calves. During this rearing phase the
Simon’s bulls usually achieve a daily carcase gain
TABLE 5: Meat Quality pH Longissimus Dorsi Area (cm2) Lean colour (MSA)1 Marbling (USDA)2 Peak shear force (kg)3
Bulls Steers 5.53 5.46 81.0 68.8 3.38 1.93 2.32 2.82 3.58 3.03
1. Meat Standards Australia: Lightest = 1 and Darkest = 6. 2. USDA marbling standards: Slight = 1 and Moderately abundant = 7. 3. Warner-Bratzler Shear Force assessment: Very tender = 1. There is no upper limit or score. Current average values for sirloin steaks from an AHDB retail survey is 3.1. As a guide a score of 5-5.5 would be regarded as tough.
of 1.0kg from birth to slaughter (DLWG of 1.56kg) however last autumn following weaning they were affected by bacterial pneumonia which ‘knocked them back’ resulting in an overall DCG of 0.92kg which nevertheless is still very good. As shown in table 6 the bulls recorded superior performance all round with higher DLWGs and DCGs, finishing 20 days earlier with slaughter and carcase weights some 57 and 34kg heavier respectively. The bulls
calves recorded a DLWG of 1.35kg having consumed 346kg of concentrates equating to an FCR of 3.15:1.
The meat analysis results show a trend for a higher
recorded slightly improved conformation scores and
Overall feed intakes from 12 weeks old to slaughter
pH for bulls and one of the bulls was identified as a
were leaner. It could be argued that the bulls average
were therefore 2,538kg (fresh weight) per head for
‘dark cutter’. The Longissimus dorsi (eye muscle) area
carcase weight of 416kg is too heavy with a number
the bulls.
for bulls was significantly larger than that of steers.
of processors penalizing heavy weights so ‘steer beef’
However, meat from steers was significantly lighter in
is an option.
TABLE 4: Financial Performance (£) Carcase price (£/kg)1 Carcase value (£) Feed cost (£/t) Feed cost (£/head) Margin over Feed (£/head) Feed cost/kg live wt gain (£/kg) Feed cost/kg carcase gain (£/kg)
Bulls Steers 3.05 3.10 913 888 175 175 384 383 529 505 1.07 1.10 1.97 2.09
colour and significantly more tender. Despite a higher toughness score for the bull carcasses they were still
DEALING WITH HEAVY WEIGHT CARCASSES:
very commercially acceptable for the retail trade.
If the issue of penalties for heavy weight carcasses
The range in tenderness scores was lower in the bulls
persist there are a number of short term and long
than in the steers indicating that the bull beef was a
term solutions which are summarised as follows:
more consistent product. There was a trend for the beef from the steers to have more marbling. It was
• Be proactive and try and find a market! There are
not possible to carry out a flavour and juiciness test,
processors who will buy heavy weight and also
however, it could be suggested that with the higher
over 16 month old bulls. They usually offer a lower
Based on the costs prevailing at the time of the
marbling score and reduced toughness there may be
base price but don’t penalize by around 45p/kg for
study the bulls recorded an increase in carcase value
a slightly improved eating experience with the steer
heavy weights and pay on ‘all the carcase’.
of £25 with a higher margin over feed of £24 per
beef.
• Do not have prolonged store periods which results
margin of £302 and £278 per head respectively when
SUCKLER BRED BULLS VERSUS STEERS:
420kg+ at 12-14 months old and NOT 560kg at
calculated from being reared as calves through to
Harper Adams Beef Focus Farm suckler producer
18-20 months old. Heavy weight stores unless
slaughter. The cattle were sold to ABP with a price
Simon Frost in Derbyshire, who achieves outstanding
bought well, will not make a margin.
grid penalty for bulls of 5p/kg. If the base price
performance with his herd, castrated a batch of his
• Intensively finish steers rather than suckler bulls
penalty was 14p/kg the margins would be identical.
spring 2016 born bulls. Simon runs a herd of 150
(see the article on intensively finishing steers in
spring calving Limousin x Friesian cows that are
the summer edition) and ideally feed good quality
Observations on behaviour were carried out by BSc
put to high index ‘curve bender’ Charolais bulls.
(11.0+ME) forage fed 50:50 on a DM basis with
IV student Fraser Parris who used this study for his
Following weaning most of the the calves are sold
concentrates. This will eliminate issue with
final year Honours Research Project. The results
to Alan and John Dore at Chesterfield who finish
acidosis.
showed that the bulls spent more time standing and
over 600 cattle per year. On arrival in late October
• In the long term use positive (or low negative)
interacting (which included aggressive behaviour)
the calves which had been creep fed from August,
Fat Depth EBV bulls. Avoid extreme growth rate
and less time ruminating.
were fed a top quality 16% CP home mix at about
lean bulls to enable you to finish cattle at lighter
1.5kg/h/d and high quality 11.6ME grass silage. The
weights. This should result in using bulls with
MEAT QUALITY:
home mix feed rate was gradually increased to 8kg
easier calving characteristics BUT this can impact
An assessment of meat quality was kindly carried out
by January and kept at this rate through to slaughter.
on the performance of the finishing heifers.
by Liz Ford and colleagues of AHDB Beef & Lamb at
At this stage of the finishing period the calves were
However, use negative Fat Depth/high growth rate
the AHDB New Product Development (NPD) Unit, in
changed to mature 2nd cut silage (9.3ME) to provide
EBV bulls when intensively finishing steers.
Cheshire. Two steaks of 2cm thickness were removed
some long fibre to minimise digestive disorders.
• Consider native breed type and maternal
1. Carcase price standardised to the ABP price grid with a base price of £3.50/kg for steers and £3.45/kg for bulls with deductions for light weight carcasses.
bull. Overall the bulls and steers returned a gross
in cattle growing frame. Market or buy stores at
from the Longissimum lumborum of the left hand side of each animal 48 hours post slaughter at ABP when the pH was also measured. The steaks were then vacuum packed, labelled and boxed and placed in a chill room for a 14 day standard maturation. Following maturation the steaks were frozen and subsequently taken to AHDB Beef & Lamb’s NPD unit for Warner-Bratzler Shear Force assessment, using the standard shear force testing protocol for steaks. The samples were also scored for marbling, eye muscle area and muscle colour.
crossbreds for your suckler cow to be put to a TABLE 6: Charolais x Lim/Fr Bulls versus Steers (Simon Frost)
Continental bull, or Native breed bull if there is
Age (days)1 Slaughter wt Carcase wt DLWG birth-slaughter DCG birth-slaughter Conformation2 (1-15) Fat2 (1-15)
breeds in the cow genetics results in a smaller more
Bulls Steers 449 (14.7) 469 (15.4) 693 636 416 382 1.44 1.26 0.93 0.82 10.5 (U-/U+) 10 (U-) 6.8 (3-) 8.8 (3+)
1. Age in brackets = months 2. EUROP carcase classification: Conformation: P-=1 and E+=15, Fat class: 1- =1 and 5+=15.
a market premium. Including milky prolific native efficient cow! • There are a number of nutritional strategies that can be implemented such as increasing the starch content of creeps as well as finishing diets together with lowering the CP content but be aware of issues with acidosis with diets containing over 43- 45% starch (in the DM).
CONCLUSIONS: This study with cattle with today’s genetics shows that the bull is still more efficient and leaves a higher margin than the steer. However if producers are struggling to find a market and have issues with handling bulls then steer beef is a viable option.
38
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
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FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH
PNEUMONIA VACCINATION
PROVES HIGHLY COST EFFECTIVE ON A Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) or pneumonia is one of the most significant diseases affecting beef producers, costing the UK cattle industry an estimated £50 million a year. It is the most common reason for deaths and poor performance in young cattle from weaning to ten months of age. Studies have shown that when 30% of cattle in a
Frequently, respiratory infection results from the
to me that the vaccination policy was working as
group show signs of respiratory disease, a further
calf becoming infected with a primary agent first,
none of the other viruses which had caused such
40% can exhibit lung damage at slaughter. So it
usually a virus. The resulting lung damage allows a
problems the previous year were present.”
is likely that many cases go unnoticed, yet cause
secondary bacterial infection to develop.
significant performance loss.
Since the problems in December 2015, Chris has Ashley said: “The blood tests showed high
seen a massive improvement in the health of his
The effects are known all too well by Chris Baxter,
levels of IBR, which I had suspected, along with
cattle, along with an increase in productivity and
who runs a calf rearer-to-finisher business with
Parainfluenza virus (PI3) and Bovine respiratory
profit. “It is unbelievable how the health of the
his Dad and sister in Garforth, Yorkshire. “I buy in
syncitial virus (RSV). The swabs came back with
cattle has turned around,” says Chris. “Now we
200-225 calves a year, at around seven to 12 weeks
common bacteria you might expect: Pasteurella
have this vaccination policy in place we are seeing
of age, and finish them between 12 and 15 months
multocida, Histophilus somni and Mycoplasma
fewer sick animals. We still inject antibiotics
old,” explains Chris. “In December 2015 many of
bovis, along with IBR and PI3.”
when required but nowhere near the amount we
our animals became very sick. On Christmas Eve
were doing. Money is now spent on vaccination to
we had 75 ill calves. We were treating them but the
Chris added: “It was good to at least find out what
prevent problems rather than drugs to treat them
medicines were having no effect.”
had caused such a huge outbreak of sick animals
after they have occurred. The full cost of vaccination
and use that information to try to prevent the same
is £22 per beast. Some say that sounds expensive
thing happening again.”
but its negligible compared to losing an animal and
On inspection by Ashley Marshall, from Westpoint Farm Vets in York, Bovine herpes virus 1 (IBR)
the impact of reduced growth across the majority of
was suspected. “The calves had a very high fever
Once the results were back, Ashley worked with
and on examination there was a lot of noise in the
Chris to set up a vaccination policy and health
respiratory tract,” recalls Ashley. “I decided to
plan based on the pathogens they now knew were
“Before we implemented the policy we were seeing
treat all the sick calves, plus those that had been
present on the farm and likely to be brought in
liveweights of around 500 to 520kg at 12 months.
in contact with them, intra-nasally with an IBR
with the calves.
Now, we are seeing cattle weighing 600kg at 12
vaccine. I also took deep nasal swabs from six of the calves for further examination.”
the group.
months and we are turning cattle round faster which Ashley explained: “As soon as animals come on to
is also having a big effect on our profits.”
the farm they are vaccinated intra-nasally against IBR vaccine is unusual as it is can work as a
IBR, PI3 and RSV. This lasts for three months and
Ashley adds: “A calf with pneumonia will never
treatment for infected cattle, unlike most vaccines
covers the main stress period of movement, new
grow as well, even after treatment. The cost of
which need to be administered before the cattle
housing and mixing of groups. After this period,
vaccination will not only prevent deaths but
become exposed to disease.
they are vaccinated with a multi-valent vaccine
improve the productivity of calves that would have
which covers multiple pathogens which sees them
otherwise not perform as well due to infection.”
After examining all the sick calves and
through to finishing.
administering the IBR vaccine, the animals were
Chris now stresses the importance of having a
split into three groups depending on the signs
A health plan has also been implemented, which
policy in place and working with your vet. “The
and severity of illness. “Each calf was observed
includes treatment protocols based on a traffic
impact having this policy has had on my business is
and scored red, amber or green according to its
light system, intervention levels and when to
huge. It’s really important to keep in touch with your
temperature and signs of illnes. This meant that as
call a vet. Ashley says: “This helps Chris plan
vet and talk through any problems you are having.
Chris went through them each day he would know
and treat when animals become sick. Pneumonia
We have a great relationship with Ashley and she
if they were getting better or worse,” explains
and respiratory infections are the main problem
has helped our business a lot.”
Ashley. “Calves which were clinically fine but
for him due to the nature of the business which
had been in close contact with sick animals were
involves bringing in calves from different sources.”
considered as highly likely to be infected with IBR
Ashley adds: “It is important to use your vet, don’t battle on. You can work together to solve problems
and incubating respiratory disease and were given
Chris suffered a repeat breakdown a year later in
you are having on farm. Prevention is better than
antibiotics to prevent bacterial damage secondary
December 2016. “This time it was not as severe
cure and Chris’ experience has shown that having
to any viral involvement. All clinically ill animals
as the year before and the swabs that Ashley took
a water-tight vaccination policy can improve the
were given Draxxin, an antibiotic licensed for the
came back with only Mycoplasma bovis, which is
health of your herd, significantly reduce antibiotic
treatment of most bacteria involved in BRD.”
very difficult to treat,” recalls Chris. “This proved
use and increase the productivity of your business.”
40
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH
BEEF FINISHING UNIT
BY MARY VICKERS BEEF & SHEEP SENIOR SCIENTIST (BEEF) AHDB BEEF AND LAMB
Dr Mary Vickers, AHDB Beef & Lamb Senior
Key to implementing effective control strategies is an understanding
Scientist, says: “Cattle succumb when the disease
of the animal-pathogen-environment interactions.
pressure overcomes their immune system. Taking steps to minimise stress on cattle will help promote a strong immune system and enable cattle to resist disease themselves. Good nutrition, housing and minimising concurrent disease will help, as will investing in vaccination as a routine prevention strategy. Vaccination plays a particularly important role in controlling pneumonia in cattle as antibiotics
Managing just one of these issues in isolation will not
do not kill viruses which are the main cause of
prevent or control the disease – they must be tackled together.
respiratory disease. “As Chris has seen, a large proportion of the costs
Many factors influence this, including non-specific
Exposure to disease
associated with pneumonia are hidden, such as
stressors, such as:
• Mixing/changing groups.
reduced liveweight gain and feed conversion
• High stocking rates.
efficiency, which means many producers are
Nutrition
underestimating the impact of pneumonia on their
• Colostrum intake at birth.
business.”
Environment • Inadequate environment, eg poor air quality,
Nutritional requirements for growth
wet bedding, draughts at animal level.
• Trace element status, especially vitamin E/selenium.
• Temperature variation and extremes.
• High vet costs due to secondary infections,
Stress
Existing disease
usually bacterial.
• At weaning.
• Such as Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD),
• An additional 14 days taken to reach breeding
• During castration/disbudding.
coccidiosis and heavy parasite burdens
weights.
• During transport.
(fluke and worms).
Impacts of BRD on a beef enterprise include: • Failure to reach growth targets.
• Average daily liveweight gains reduced by up to 0.2kg/day. • Increased days to slaughter and poorer carcase classification. • Increased mortality and culling. • Increased replacement costs due to culling of young breeding animals. • Risk of bringing in disease with purchased cattle.
More information can be found in the BRP+ document Better management of Bovine Respiratory Disease, available to download at beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk/returns.
15 November 2017 Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh Pre-Register NOW at www.agriscot.co.uk THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
41
FEATURE
AFBI RESEARCH
DEMONSTRATES GENETIC IMPROVEMENT IN SUCKLER HERDS CAN BE ACHIEVED THROUGH ‘MINIMAL HANDLING’ SYNCHRONISATION PROGRAMMES A major on farm study, co-ordinated and organised by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) in Northern Ireland, has found that ‘minimal handling’ synchronisation programmes can effectively be applied to cows in small sucker herds, and therefore represent a key tool to drive an increased rate of genetic improvement in the NI beef industry. Further work is required for application to heifers. Northern Ireland has 260,300 beef cows spread
be both labour efficient and effective. A study
three handling programme (Cow 3) and a five
across 15,090 herds giving an average herd
was therefore designed and conducted by AFBI
handling programme (Cow 5). Cows on the
size of 17 cows. With this small herd size it is
to evaluate ‘minimal handling synchronisation’
trial had calved at least 55 days before any
not economically viable to replace a bull on a
protocols within suckler herds.
synchronisation programme started. All animals
regular basis and therefore genetic improvement
were checked by a vet to ensure they were
within the beef sector is hampered.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
suitable for breeding on the first day of the
Furthermore, the use of artificial insemination
A total of 338 heifers and 875 cows located
programme prior to inserting the progesterone
(AI) within the beef industry is limited. Typically
across 12 farms throughout Northern Ireland
device. The synchronisation programmes
less than 20% of calves born to beef cows are
were involved in the study during summer
differed with the level of veterinary input
sired by an AI bull. One of the principal reasons
2015 and 2016. A number of synchronisation
and the timing of administrations/AI. Within
for the poor uptake of AI technology is the
programmes were tested for both heifers
the synchronising programmes, animals were
challenge of detecting animals in oestrus. This
and cows (Table 1) within the concept of
artificially inseminated after ‘fixed time’ periods
is due to a combination of factors such as: low
a ‘Fixed Timed AI’ approach. The heifer
of either 72 or 80 hours after prostaglandin
incidence of oestrus-related activity (due to
synchronisation programmes included a
was administered, depending upon the
small herd sizes); land fragmentation; and the
three handling programme (Heifer 3) and a
synchronisation protocol (Table 1). Animals
often part-time nature of suckler enterprises
four handling programme (Heifer 4). Heifers
were then either introduced to a bull seven days
in Northern Ireland. Oestrous synchronisation
were synchronised to calve at 24 months and
after ‘fixed time’ AI (on ten of the twelve farms)
programmes which facilitate the use of fixed
weighed at least 370 kg prior to the start of
or animals were monitored to detect for repeats
timed AI (FTAI) provide an opportunity to
the synchronisation programme. The cow
(two of twelve farms). If animals repeated, they
increase the use of AI on suckler cows but must
synchronisation programmes included a
were then inseminated naturally or artificially as
TABLE 1. SYNCHRONISATION PROGRAMMES EVALUATED ON HEIFERS AND COWS Protocol
Monday (Day 0)
Saturday (Day 5)
Monday (Day 7)
Tuesday (Day 8)
Heifer 3
Progesterone
Progesterone
FTAI
device in + GnRH
device out + PG
(72 hours*) + GnRH
Wednesday (Day 9)
Thursday (Day 10)
Heifer 4
Progesterone
device in
PG
Progesterone
FTAI
device out
(56 hours*)
Cow 3
Progesterone
Progesterone
FTAI
device in + GnRH
device out + PG
(72 hours*) + GnRH
Cow 5
Progesterone
device in + GnRH
PG
Progesterone
GnRH
FTAI
device out
(36 hours*)
(20 hours*)
GnRH – Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone
PG – Prostaglandin
FTAI – Fixed Time AI
* hours since previous handlin
42
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH COMPETITION FEATURE BY F LIVELY, D ANDERSON, AND D LOWE AGRI-FOOD AND BIOSCIENCE INSTITUTE
TABLE 2. CONCEPTION TO 1ST AND 2ND SERVICE IN HEIFERS AND COWS
HEIFER 3 HEIFER 4 sed Significance
Conception Fixed Time AI
68% 75%
2.8
*
Conception 1st & 2nd service
91% 90%
3.9
NS
COW 3 COW 5
sed Significance
Conception Fixed Time AI
56% 64%
3.1
NS
Conception 1st & 2nd service
75% 79%
4.8
NS
Overall In calf rate
81% 83%
6.7
NS
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per farm practice, no more than three times. Approximately 56 days after Fixed time AI, animals were scanned to check for pregnancy. This allowed the pregnancy to Fixed time AI and to the repeat services to be detected accurately. A final scan was carried out 35 days after bulls were removed to get an overall ‘in- calf’ rate.
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RESULTS Conception to first service was lower for the Heifer 3 programme (68%) compared to the Heifer 4 programme (75%) but there was no significant difference between the cow protocols which averaged a conception rate of 69% (Table 2). There was
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no significant difference between the protocols for the combined conception to first and second service for heifers and cows, nor overall in-calf rate for cows. However, there was a large range (35 to 88%) in conception rates to first service across the
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different batches of animals and farms. Probable causes for this observed range included vaccination status, trace element status, animal temperament, cow calving difficulty, cow body condition score and quality of handling facilities. SUMMARY The minimal 3 handling heifer programme (Heifer 3) was not as successful as the standard four handling heifer programme (Heifer 4). However, the reduced number of handlings within the cow synchronisation programme did not impact on conception rates, suggesting that a three handling programme can be a labour efficient synchronisation programme which could be adopted for suckler cows. TAKE HOME MESSAGE • Synchronisation programmes and Fixed Time AI offers beef producers opportunity to utilise high genetic merit sires within their herd.
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similar conception rates in beef cows but not in beef heifers.
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• Large on-farm variation in results suggest other factors such as disease
Terms on the website.
• Minimal handling synchronisation programmes, with three steps, resulted in
status, body condition score, handling facilities and animal temperament also play an important role in influencing results of fixed time AI. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
01750 724 110 www.roxan.co.uk
The authors acknowledge the support from DAERA Research Challenge Fund, AgriSearch, Zoetis, Ai Services Northern Ireland and Genus ABS for funding this project. THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
43
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SUMMER ISSUE
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Untitled-3.indd 1
COMPETITION WINNER
19/08/2016 11:00
HENRY MILLER A MILLER & SONS CAITHNESS
Congratulations to the lucky winner of our Summer Issue Competition. NBA Member, Henry Miller of A Miller & Sons from Caithness won the Shearwell Data EID Reader. Henry runs a mixed farm with 450 North Country Cheviot Ewes crossed with Border Leicester Rams to produce Scotch Half Bred Lambs. Plus a small flock of pedigree Border Leicesters to produce rams for their own use, with the remainder sold locally. As well as sheep, Henry has 175 commercial cows which are put to Charolais bulls, purchased at Stirling bull sales. The off spring are sold at 12-14 months old in the Spring and Autumn at the local auction at Quoybrae. 120 acre of Spring Barley are grown to supply the livestock with feeding, and the straw for bedding the cattle throughout the seven month Winter in the north of Scotland. Henry commented, " we are delighted to have won the NBA Members Competition, as the Shearwell reader will make life much easier for us".
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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
INDUSTRY NEWS
BVD FREE WELCOMES CH CS ACCREDITED HERDS TO REGISTER FOR ‘FREE’ ON THEIR DATABASE BVDFree England is a voluntary scheme set up to provide a ‘one stop’ platform to display BVD status for herds in England allowing any farmer buying cattle to independently verify if individual animals have been tested for BVD or if the herd has a status for BVD. Scotland has used a BVD database for a number of years and SAC Consulting Veterinary Services welcomes the opportunity to support an English initiative and is an approved lab for the scheme. BVDFree England aims to eliminate BVD virus from cattle herdsacross the country by 2022 and aims to work in co-operation with cattle industries throughout the UK. How can PCHS members get involved? Either Give PCHS permission to upload your BVD herd status for ‘free’ BVDFree would like CHeCS accredited herds (from all over the UK) to register and display their BVD herd status for ‘free’ on their database. To do this you do not need to be a member of BVDFree. You will however need to complete an electronic form giving us permission to upload your BVD herd status for free. This form is available at www.cattlehealth.co.uk/bvdfree
Or Join BVDFree England as a full member This means that you can display individual animal results at 50p to add each antibody result and 25p to add each virus result. Historic results (back dated a year) can be uploaded onto BVDFree England database. PCHS will invoice you for this fee although this charge is imposed by BVDFree England. Your BVD herd status will also be updated if appropriate. Further details are available here at www.bvdfree.org.uk including useful FAQs or email them at help@bvdfree.org.uk. Please contact them direct to join and NOT PCHS. Sourcing Replacement Stock? PCHS Members Database CPD. Access our online BVD CPD Course for vets
Useful to know If you become a BVDFree England Scheme member the Scheme will contact PCHS to let us know you are in the Scheme. If you are already a member of the Premium Cattle Health Scheme this will allow us to upload the previous year’s BVD results. Please note that results generated from our Diagnostic system CANNOT be
Disease Control & Eradication for • Johne’s • BVD • IBR • Leptospirosis • Neospora • Remove costly disease from your herd • Provide health assurance for your customers • Safeguard the health status of your herd At the forefront of cattle health. A leading scheme with nationwide coverage and competitive prices.
uploaded to BVDfree England. Also please note that ScotEID is not connected to
You must submit samples on BVDFree England paperwork – THIS IS ESSENTIAL FOR NON PCHS MEMBERS Always use full UK ear numbers – only results with a full UK number can be uploaded
Contact: SAC Veterinary Services Greycrook, St Boswells, Roxburghshire, TD6 0EQ T: 01835 822456 E: vcstboswells@sac.co.uk www.cattlehealth.co.uk
Leading the way in Agriculture and Rural Research, Education and Consulting
SAC Veterinary Services reduces the PCHS membership fee (50% off current price) for client’s who only test for BVD.
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
249326 AD 08.04.2015
the BVD Free database.
SAC Consulting is a division of SRUC
SRUC is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SC003712
AUTUMN 2017
45
The Hereford Bull
+ Short gesta on length - 283 days + Excellent temperament & ease of calving + Producing carcase weights that processors require – averaging 350kg
The Hereford Female
+ Great fer lity, longevity & milk ability + Hardy, low maintenance and moderate size + Heifer calves in demand as sucklers
10
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
Hereford sired progeny
+ Qualify for Branded Hereford Beef Schemes + Popular with independent retailers + Strong demand from rearers and finishers R&D proves the Hereford has excep onal feed efficiency Follow UKHerefords
AUTUMN 2017
FAREWELL TO
FEATURE
DAVID PROTHE RO GIVING TH E UK COUNTRY REPO WORLD HEREFO RT AT THE RD CONFEREN CE CALGARY ALBE RTA CANADA
DAVID PROTHERO
David Prothero, at the age of 17, joined the Hereford Cattle Breed Society as Sales Assistant to Phil Wilson who organised society sales. Within three years, following Mr Wilson’s retirement, Mr Prothero was appointed Sales and Editing manager. Some 10 years later, when Chief Executive Tony
market demands has been through careful selection.
overcoming politics evident in such organisations. It
Morrison retired, Mr Prothero took on the mantle of
“It has taken breeders 25 to 30 years to achieve this.
is so essential to play the role of being all things to all
Breed Secretary. He has been instrumental in restoring
But it is easy to take a step backwards in a far shorter
men,” he said. Mr Prothero is confident he is leaving the
faith and demand in the Hereford ever since. As a result time scale,” he said. “The extent to how successful
Society at a time when both the breed and organisation
he leaves the Society in fine fettle on his retirement
breeders have been at producing modern Herefords is
is on a very sound footing. He is also adamant that,
with the breed’s popularity continuing its resurgence
continually monitored through the number of cross-
following such a long tenure, it’s time for change - a
under the new guidance of his successor James Sage.
bred Hereford calves birth notified with BCMS and
different approach - for him to move away quietly. He
APHIS - as well as pedigree calf registrations with the
is positive for the industry’s future. “There have been
It is testament to Mr Prothero’s quiet, diplomatic and
Society,” said Mr Prothero. “There is no doubt these
so many occasions over the years where agriculture
visionary approach the breed recorded 174,000 birth
increases over the past 10 to 15 years have more than
hasn’t really known what the future holds with pundits
notifications with British Cattle Movement Society
justified the changes breeders have brought about
declaring an end to the industry,” he said. “There is,
(BCMS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection
within the breed.”
however, never an end. There may be some loss of understanding and uncertainty as to the direction we
Service (APHIS) last year – compared with 94,000 in 2009. When he joined the Society in 1971 the
There have been many highlights during Mr Prothero’s
are going – especially over Brexit - but we all know this
breed was at its zenith. Pedigree calf registrations
47-year tenure with the Society. His association with
industry will stick with it and come out the other side as
stood at 30,000 in the UK and Eire; Hereford cattle
the breed goes back to his childhood in the Black
strong as ever.”
were omnipresent in beef and dairy herds across
Mountains near Hay-on-Wye where his father worked
the country – as they had been since the Society’s
a Hereford x suckler herd and a flock of Radnor sheep.
He has tremendous confidence for the future of Hereford
inception in 1878. There were 39 staff and popular
His sister married Powell Jones whose family name
cattle – both in terms of breeding and its end product.
Society sales at Hereford, Edinburgh, Reading, York,
in the 1960s was synonymous with the Llanthomas
“Let’s face it, it’s beef the Hereford is here to produce,”
Lancaster and Salisbury. During the 1970s Mr Prothero
Hereford herd. He enjoyed helping his brother-in-law
he stated. “Hereford beef is a quality product second
organised as many as 32 collective and farm sales in
show these cattle during those years. Unfortunately
to none.” With cattle numbers now at a sustainable
one year. However, by the end of that same decade the
his wish to carry on with the home farm and the first
level, this breed has the ability to secure and maintain
tide had turned: continental breeds were imported to
pedigree Hereford cow given to him by his father was
significant contracts with retailers. At the turn of the
meet fashion and demand for larger leaner cattle. The
not fulfilled due to his father’s ill health. However, a
century the market for branded Hereford beef stood at
Hereford faced a dramatic loss in sales and popularity
career with the Hereford Cattle Society has maintained
11,000 cattle a year. Today in excess of 40,000 cattle
as their smaller and often fatter carcasses were unable
a strong connection with farming and the cattle with
are sold through outlets such as Waitrose, Co-Op and,
to comply with market demand. British Agriculture’s
which he grew up. “Coming from my background,
latterly, Lidl.
love affair with this breed was severely dented. By
I couldn’t have found a job I loved more,” said Mr
the mid 1980s the Hereford’s future was in crisis.
Prothero. “When I started I never imagined the
“As a Society we have entered a new phase. We
During that period, and into the 1990s, registrations of
opportunities that would arise. I have travelled to
experienced a hard learning curve dealing with
pedigree calves fell to little over 3,000 a year. Today
Australia, Uruguay, Canada, America, South Africa and
processors and retailers. This is a sector of our industry,
that figure stands at 9,000 and increasing. “There
most European countries during my time as Breed
as administrators, we were not used to dealing with,”
had to be changes within the breed,” recalled Mr
Secretary. I have also had to take on a role which I have
said Mr Prothero. “But we have worked quietly behind
Prothero. “We needed to change our breeding policies
never found easy and that is speaking at conferences
the scenes nurturing markets and trying to accommodate
so as to produce the type of cattle being sought by
the world over. “And, as breed administrator, I have
the wishes of all those involved wanting to take
the commercial and processing industries. Our cattle
made some tremendous acquaintances: I organised
advantage of all the qualities this breed can provide.”
needed a larger frame and the potential to produce
breed sales for Sir Anthony Eden (prime minister 1955-
leaner carcasses.” With those traits in mind, leading
1957), two Dukes of Grafton (both past breed Patrons)
Today, Mr Prothero would go as far as to describe
breeders sourced genetics from overseas. Canadian
and Sir Freddie Laker (Laker Airways). All were
Herefords as ‘cool’ once again. His hypothesis is backed
counterparts had moved on and were already breeding
extremely memorable with Sir Freddie most probably
up by fact: 150 cattle were shown at Moreton-in-Marsh
Herefords with more height, length and overall scale.
standing out as one of the most colourful characters I
show this year, over 100 were forward at Tenbury
Many of those cattle - whilst providing such traits -
have ever met.”
Show and often in excess of 150 are entered at the breed’s annual calf show. “The scene is vibrant again.
lacked shape and conformation. However, they were successful in moving the breed in the right direction.
There have been just eight Breed Secretaries at the
There is an enthusiastic UK Hereford Youth Group with
In more recent years, again through careful selection,
Hereford Cattle Society since 1878. Mr Prothero is the
many new breeders coming forward. In many cases the
breeders have improved the shape and conformation
second-longest serving. He concedes his longevity
breed has skipped a generation and I am now meeting
on the larger frame. Mr Prothero was at pains to point
was based much upon diplomacy. “I hope I can be
grandchildren of breeders I knew back in the 1970s. I
out the breed’s ability to rally and improve to meet
remembered for quietly driving the breed forward
now know my age!” laughed Mr Prothero.
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
47
SPONSORED FEATURE
LESS THAN HALF OF FARMERS TAGGING AND TESTING CALVES FOR BVD, TEST ALL CALVES - DEAD OR ALIVE. BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea) has been identified as a major cause of loss of farm income, around £46.50 per cow per year1, so identifying infected animals and eradicating it as quickly as possible will bring significant financial benefit as well as keeping cattle happier, healthier and more productive. Animals carrying BVD can easily be identified and removed from the herd, thereby preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease. Tagging and testing is an easy, convenient and
TSTs should be applied to all calves as
inexpensive way to identify carriers of BVD and
soon after birth as possible to ensure that
can be done on farm. Tissue Sampling Tags (TSTs),
any potentially infected calves can be
which are officially approved for identification, take removed from the herd quickly. Stillborn a small biopsy of the ear at the point of tagging
and aborted calves should also be tested as
Identifying PI calves and removing them from the
and, when analysed, can provide information
these calves could be infected and as a result,
herd is only a small part of a total approach to BVD
about the disease status of the animal. This can
dams should be identified and tested too.
eradication – without protecting the rest of the herd
facilitate informed culling and breeding decisions
more PI calves will be produced in following calf
by allowing Persistently Infected (PI) animals –
The recent National BVD Survey found that only
crops; vaccination and biosecurity measures are
those that carry and spread the disease – to be
41% of farmers were tagging all calves born dead
as equally important when it comes to total herd
identified.
or alive2.
protection.
Refrences: 1. 1 Yarnall and Thrusfield (2017) Vet Record doi: 10.1136/vr.104370 2 Yarnall (2017) BVDzero Congress. www.bvdzero.co.uk
“Testing for BVD is easy. Simply choose a TST tag.” Philip Jones, Lan Farm, Carmarthenshire
Many farmers still believe that testing for BVD is a difficult, time-consuming and expensive process. It’s not. Choose the Allflex TST (Tissue Sampling Tag) range, and every time you apply a tag to an animal in your herd, you’ll be testing for BVD. No need to change your tagging methods, your applicator or your processes, just your tag. And with a TST tag costing little more than our standard tags; it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. Contact your local agricultural merchant or
call our customer team on 0845 600 9070
48
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2017
Feeding for Success Increased DMI Cost effective protein Can improve carcass composition Reduces sorting Improved fibre digestion Minimises waste Improved daily live weight gain
Extra energy and improved fibre digestion the key to improving performance NEW ED&F Man has recently launched the Glyco Range, a high energy range of liquid products designed to improve animal performance.
Getting the most from this year’s silage is key to successful feeding this winter.
ED&F Man’s range of molasses blends supply cost effective readily fermentable energy with the option to include rumen degradable protein if required. Incorporating molasses blends has been shown to improve: Dry matter intake Improve fibre digestion Rumen function Trial work has highlighted that incorporating a high sugar high energy liquid feed into an existing ration can show significant benefits in terms of energy intake and fibre digestion.
ED&F Man offer a range of products to suit the individual diet requirements, therefore minimising the need for reformulation. Fibre Digestion
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AFTER using Molassed based Liquid Feeds
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The effect of the addition of a molasses based liquid feed on faecal particle size distribution
For beef units feeding silage or moist feed based rations, extracting as much growth as possible from the fibre in the diet is the key to both minimising feed costs and maximising margins.
Improving fibre digestion in the rumen should be a top priority for all beef producers. Research has shown that increasing the speed at which rumen microbes colonise the fibre in the diet can improve feed conversion efficiency by 10% and average daily gain by up to 60-70 g/day, which is equivalent to an extra 4kg in just two months.
VistaPre-T is a fibre pre-treatment which causes pits to form on the fibre surface, allowing faster attachment and colonisation of fibre degrading microbes, allowing digestion to start earlier, which increases feed digestibility. All of which leads to better livestock performance. VistaPre-T can be added to any ED&F Man molasses blend for ease of feeding and maximum overall ration performance, combining the rumen fermentation benefits of molasses with the improved pretreatment of forage.
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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2017
41
BEEF BREED DIRECTORY
BEEF BREED
DIRECTORY Breed Secretary: Debbie Dann 3 Eastgate, Stoneleigh Park Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2LH
0845 017 1027
CATTLE SOCIETY
secretary@longhorncattlesociety.com
Easy calving with quick to suckle calves Very fertile males and females Long living hardy animals Low vet bills Excellent foragers Milky females producing fast growing calves Readily crossed to a ‘terminal sire’ breed
CONCORDE HOUSE 24 WARWICK NEW ROAD LEAMINGTON SPA WARWICKSHIRE, CV32 5JG
02476 696500 info@limousin.co.uk
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THE ULTIMATE SUCKLER BREED
Pedigree Cattle Services, Pedigree House, 6 Kings Place, Perth, Perthshire. PH2 8AD
www.longhorncattlesociety.com
Smith Hill Farm, Bower Slack Road Triangle, Halifax HX6 3EZ 07903 626249 or 01422 820220 secretary@salers-cattle-society.co.uk
www.salers-cattle-society.co.uk
LUING CATTLE SOCIETY Mount Blair 10 Manor Gardens Blairgowrie Perthshire PH10 6JS
BREED SECRETARY UNA MACQUEEN
Tel: 01250 872897
t: 01738 622478 e: info@beefshorthorn.org
secretary@luingcattlesociety.co.uk
www.beefshorthorn.org
SUSSEX C AT T L E S O C I E T Y
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Follow UK Herefords
www.sussexcattlesociety.org.uk
www.beefshorthorn.org www.beefshorthorn.org 01738 622478 01738 622478
01432 272057 www.herefordcattle.org www.herefordbeef.org.uk
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FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH BEEF BREED DIRECTORY DIRECTORY SPONSOR
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A native breed for modern needs Dual purpose Easy calving Docile Good Mothers Longevity Commercialy viable in all situations
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NBA MEMBERSHIP
NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION
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WHAT IS THE NBA? The NBA is a highly committed and proactive, charitable organisation with a single focus on the British Beef Industry. Since its inception in 1999 the NBA has gone from strength to strength and today it remains the only dedicated voice for British Beef Farmers defending their interests and representing their views. The industry has and will continue to face many challenges and through the revenue generated from our membership the National Beef Association ensures: There is a Strong Management team and Board of Directors working on your behalf who meet regularly to discuss issues affecting the industry and continually act to protect the industry. That we continue to engage with Government and Devolved Administrations including EC, Defra, Seerad, NAWAD, Dard NI to defend the interest of beef farmers across the UK. That we help to direct future regulation, offering advice and evidence to overturn bad legislation and improve existing legislation.
MEMBERS ALSO BENEFIT FROM NBA Magazine - published quarterly and produced in-house, the magazine covers a range of topics including technical articles, featured case studies, policy reports, health and nutrition articles, regional round-ups and much more. Weekly Newsletter - sent every Friday, by email, to keep you up to date with all the NBA and Industry news Free Use of the NBA Terms and Conditions of Sale for Pedigree Cattle (non-members pay £20 per animal) Members-only Area of the NBA's website Regional meetings and forums - The NBA run a range of regional meetings, farm walks and road shows, in conjunction with our Industry Sponsors, to provide our members with the latest technical information and knowledge sharing opportunities Discounted entry fees at NBA organised events. Opportunity to sit on an NBA Regional Committee - NBA committees act as a key knowledge transfer tool from farm practitioners to Board Directors and we welcome member input.
We hope to welcome you as a member of the NBA in the near future, if you have any questions or require more information feel free to contact the NBA Head office on 01434 601005 or email info@nationalbeefassociation.com.
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John Swan Ltd www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk
Rumenco www.rumenco.co.uk
Alnorthumbria Veterinary Group www.alnorthumbriavets.co.uk
Louth Market Auctioneers www.louthmarket.co.uk
Sell My Livestock www.sellmylivestock.co.uk
ANM Group Ltd www.anmgroup.co.uk
McCartneys www.mccartneys.co.uk
Southern Counties Auctioneers www.salisburyauctioncentre.co.uk
Beef Improvement Grouping Ltd www.bigbeef.co.uk
Meadow Quality Ltd www.meadowq.co.uk
Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart Ltd www.thirskmarket.co.uk
Bishopton Veterinary Group www.bishoptonvets.co.uk
Meatgold Ltd www.berrystockfeeds.co.uk
Tithebarn Limited www.tithebarn.co.uk
C & D Auction Marts Limited www.cdauctionmarts.co.uk
Melton Mowbray Market www.meltonmowbraymarket.co.uk
Tudor, Lawson, Dallimore & Parry www.dolgellauvets.co.uk
Capper Trading Ltd www.cappertrading.com
Merial Animal Health Ltd www.merial.com
Welshpool Livestock Sales www.welshpoolsmithfield.co.uk
Craven Cattle Marts Limited www.ccmauctions.com
Natural Stockcare Ltd www.naturalstockcare.co.uk
Wright Marshall Ltd www.wrightmarshall.co.uk
David Ritchie (Implements) Ltd www.ritchie-uk.com
NWF Agriculture www.nwfagriculture.co.uk
York Livestock Centre www.ylc.co.uk
AUTUMN 2017
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AUTUMN 2017
53
GIFT OF THE GAVEL
GIFT OF THE GAVEL
DAVID THOMLINSON THE MART’S THE HEART AWARDS 2017 - AUCTIONEER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
I left Carlisle Grammar School in 1962 and applied for numerous jobs and noted an advert for an office boy at Harrison & Hetherington’s Auction markets in Carlisle. I applied for this post and was successful and went to be a junior clerk. My uncle, a local farmer, spoke to one of the then managers, Mr John Kirkpatrick, and said that his nephew was coming to the market to work as a clerk and if there would be any chance of him ever being an auctioneer to which Mr Kirkpatrick replied, “if he is any good I will see he gets a chance”. I must stress that at this point in time I had no intention of ever being an auctioneer, but following on from that, another one of my great mentors, then Managing Director, Mr Richard Harrison, agreed to give me the chance of progressing in the auctioneering profession provided I took my professional Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors exams, which I did, and after a struggle managed to qualify. I progressed from clerical, to working in our land
Harrison & Hetherington’s came to prominence
which followed and I would suggest that today if
agency office and it was here that I was allowed
in 1974 when they moved from their town centre
somebody mentioned the word ‘Cruits Feld Yakub’
to start in the auctioneering profession. Young
site to the now famous Borderway Market and
alot of the public would think he was a centre half for
auctioneers were first blooded at farm displenishing
that is where we grew to the prominence we are
a football club. Following the 1996 disaster of BSE
sales when they were allowed to sell the small tools
today. I remember when we opened Borderway
at the turn of the millennium, this beautiful county
and odds and ends and I remember the first item
Market standing after the first sale talking to Dick
of Cumbria was hit with foot and mouth disease
I sold was a child’s cot for 1 shilling, now 5p . I
Harrison and he said to me “do you think will we
and I spent 16 weeks on the road valuing cattle and
progressed to selling at farm sales to then in the
ever fill this market” and all I would say is that the watching them being destroyed, this included many
auction itself where I was given the chance to sell
mart is now double the size it was then. We have
store pigs on a fortnightly basis. I would say that
developed numerous sales there, namely pedigree pleasing aspect is I have now been able to see the
when I first started to sell I was very nervous and
stock, machinery and furniture and I became
majority of those herds re-establish themselves in
the thought of the fortnightly market used to play
heavily involved in the marketing of pedigree
this county.
havoc with my digestive system two or three days
livestock. In my time I have sold pedigree
before a sale. It was about this time that I qualified
Limousin females to 125,000gns, pedigree
I still work in Harrison & Hetherington’s markets and
with my exams and the Managing Director said I
Limousin bulls to 100,000gns and a pedigree
enjoy doing the PR work and being the old sage if
had the choice of either being a land agent or an
Texel yearling ram to 120,000gns.
needed. One of my greatest pleasures is watching
noted Limousin, Charolais and Angus herds but one
the young auctioneers whom I have trained blossom
auctioneer and he agreed with me it was a complete no brainer and I progressed into the auctioneering
Auctioneers have quite often been accused of
profession.
taking bids from the wall or from a sparrow but I
into top line salesmen.
would say that an auctioneers job is to get to the
As well as being an auctioneer, I have a farm and
The whole essence of being an auctioneer is gaining
price a vendor will accept, purchaser will give
run 60 pedigree Limousin cows assisted by my wife
the confidence of both the buyer and the seller and
and how he does it is his skill. It should be noted
Sheila and get great pleasure from this activity; but
for the young person starting out this takes alot of
that standing in the rostrum is only 30% of an
it should be noted that one cattle breeder said to
doing. After progressing from store pigs I went to
auctioneers job and the rest of the time is either
me, “Thomlinson why don’t you stick to the job your
sell store cattle and was the number two to one of
spent canvassing stock, valuations of stock, and
good at, being an auctioneer and stop trying to be a
the best commercial auctioneers in the land, namely
any other activity aligned to agriculture.
farmer”. Those words ring in my ears quite often.
a task. Infact one day when I was heading off to sell
In my time I have been on the British Limousin
Finally, I am a very lucky person to have been
a customer stopped me and said “are you going off
Cattle Society Council for 9 years and also
involved in a profession I have thoroughly enjoyed,
to sell?” I replied with the affirmative and he said
been Chairman of the Livestock Auctioneers
being with farmers and traders and having the
“look, if you haven’t had your dinner here is £2 go
Association.
privilege of being part of the great countryside
Jimmy Heslop, and to follow him in a sale was quite
community. I have a always been an auction
and get your dinner until Jim Heslop has sold my cattle”. I thoroughly enjoyed my selling career and
My career has had many high points, mostly
market man and I am convinced that the only way
graduated to selling prime and store sheep, prime
aligned to selling stock, especially in good trades
to sell stock is through a ring where the prices are
cattle and of course the love of my life, store cattle.
but if the trade was difficult there was an even
transparent, payments guaranteed and trends can
I would also always say that when you are selling
bigger challenge and sometimes more rewarding.
be followed and in the 55 years I have been in this
you must use your brain, work out the value of the
There have been some low points, especially when profession I am still convinced the auction system is
animals and set to get to that target.
BSE struck our industry and the media frenzy
54
THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
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