DAIRY NEWSLETTER Advice to drive your herd’s performance
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MEET THE TEAM Dairy Team
Calf & Youngstock Team Eimear Diamond
David Howard
Calf & Youngstock Manager
Head of Dairy Services
m: 07881 379008 e: eimear.diamond@wynnstay.co.uk
m: 07736 343629 e: david.howard@wynnstay.co.uk
@diamondcalf1
Bethany Parry
Elinor Thomas
Technical Product Development Manager
Calf & Youngstock Specialist Mid & South Wales
m: 07771 740857 e: bethany.parry@wynnstay.co.uk
m: 07500 979398 e: elinor.thomas@wynnstay.co.uk @thomascalf1
Ken March
Dairy Specialist - South & West Wales
m: 07454 015610 e: ken.march@wynnstay.co.uk
Millie Hendy
David Jones
m: 07717 495746 e: millie.hendy@wynnstay.co.uk
Calf & Youngstock Specialist South West & Midlands
Dairy Specialist - Midlands & South Wales
@hendycalf1
m: 07774 855026 e: david.jones@wynnstay.co.uk
Laura Monk
Calf & Youngstock Specialist Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire and West Sussex
Hardware Team
m: 07767 275662 e: laura.monk@wynnstay.co.uk
Tomi Jones
@monkcalf1
National Hardware Sales Manager
m: 07879 841674 e: tomi.jones@wynnstay.co.uk
Hannah Padfield
Calf & Youngstock Specialist South England
Tony Heather
m: 07968 260110 e: hannah.padfield@wynnstay.co.uk
Hardware Specialist - South West England
m: 07775 806360 e: tony.heather@wynnstay.co.uk
Merfyn Owen
Hannah Braithwaite
Agri Trader and Hardware Specialist- North Wales
Calf & Youngstock Specialist Shropshire, Cheshire and North Wales
m: 07881 093633 e: hannah.braithwaite@wynnstay.co.uk
m: 07553 106618 e: merfyn.owen@wynnstay.co.uk
@hannahcalf1
Owain John
Trainee Animal Health Specialist and Hardware Specialist - South West Wales
m: 07887 718784 e: owain.john@wynnstay.co.uk
Nutritionists
Sean Jones
Julie Wright
m: 07884 436639 e: sean.jones@wynnstay.co.uk
m: 07717 497949 e: julie.wright@wynnstay.co.uk
Direct Sales Coordinator
Nutritionist
Cerys Fairclough
Sophie Yarnell-Stinson
m: 07500 222976 e: cerys.fairclough@wynnstay.co.uk
m: 07990 578544 e: sophie.yarnell-stinson@wynnstay.co.uk
Hardware Sales Co-ordinator
wynnstay.co.uk
Nutritionist
2
WELCOME TO OUR AUTUMN DAIRY NEWSLETTER 2021 regular feature of our summers and we should be prepared for what 2022 may bring.
The association between ambient temperature and relative humidity gives us the thermal humidity index or THI. At a value of just 66 (e.g., 22 ° C and 30 % humidity) conception rates are affected. When THI climbs over 72 (e.g., 26° C and 40 % humidity) moderate heat stress is experienced dry matter intakes decrease, milk yield and quality are affected. Cows begin to display visual symptoms such as panting, seeking shade, standing in cubicles, and seeking fresh air (if housed).
We have now analysed many thousands of forage samples for 2021 and first cut is certainly standing out with crude protein levels significantly back versus 2020 due to an abnormally cold month of May. We can advise on various options for correcting this shortfall bearing in mind concentrate supplementation but also liquid feed options. We are pleased to launch our new innovative alkalizer and bioavailable magnesium source this winter – see further details in this newsletter on pHiX up.
On the 24th of July dairy buildings in South Wales and Southern England registered THI figures of 81 – 84 with one shed recording a peak temperature of 34.5°C. Although these extreme temperatures thankfully passed after a couple of weeks cows will suffer the effects for several months to come through a knock-on effect to fertility. Although we are now looking ahead towards housing cattle it is worth assessing buildings this coming winter for potential improvements to air flow as extreme heat now seems to be a
David Howard Head of Dairy Services m: 07736 343629
e: david.howard@wynnstay.co.uk
For more information on any of the topics discussed, please contact your Wynnstay Representative, or a member of the Dairy Team. Contents 4 - Raw material market update 5 - Milk market update 6 - Maintain performance with variable first cut silages this autumn 8 - Introducing pHix-up to our range 10 - Maintain your maize focus through harvest and beyond 12 - Mycotoxin control with Restore 5+ 14 - Start planning your parasite control for housing dairy animals now 15 - Improving cow comfort 16 - Hoof health the foundation for a profitable winter To receive our latest blogs, new product alerts and specialist advice by e-mail subscribe to our mailing list by visiting
17 - Zinpro® 18 - Carbon footprint of milk
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WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER
RAW MATERIAL MARKET UPDATE Market conditions and outlook for the winter
Summary
As the summer draws towards an end, farmers will begin to turn their attention to contracting their feed for the winter period, no doubt decisions on whether or not to contract will be the subject of much discussion in the farming community. However, it’s difficult to see what factors would now drive down the November-April period.
It’s almost impossible to try and second guess what effect currency and the investment funds will have on the markets but it’s difficult to escape the fundamentals before us; poor global crops (despite our own domestic harvest), low world stocks (UK included with no carryover of either wheat or barley), continued strong demand from China and India, and ever-increasing costs for manufacturing, freight, haulage and wages, which seem to have been exacerbated by Covid and Brexit.
Weather has had a major impact this year on crops around the world, droughts stretching from Canada to Brazil has hit wheat, maize, soya and rapemeal crops hard, and month after month, the USDA along with independent analyst’s keep reducing yield forecasts. It’s been a similar story across Europe and Russia with crops being hit by either drought or extreme flooding, this comes at a period when world stocks are already at very low levels and there will be little carryover from one crop season to the other.
It’s worth considering that although prices remain relatively high in comparison to previous years, they are still a long way off the highs that we saw during last winter when we saw soya prices at £490 and rapemeal and distillers over £300. Long term it’s difficult to give an argument for any big drop in feed prices, except for occasional dips in the market, however there is potential for large increases as the highs we experienced earlier in the year have raised the ceiling for raw material markets.
Despite the above circumstances the opportunity remains to contract for next winter at similar levels to this summer, and certainly below where the markets hit their peaks for proteins during January/ February and cereals during June/ July this year.
For those uncertain what approach to take, it’s always worth considering the option of spreading your risk and taking cover for a certain percentage of your winter feed requirement, whether that’s 30%, 50% or 70%.
When considering whether to contract or buy spot for the winter it’s probably best that we list the primary market drivers that could affect prices over the coming months.
Potential for reduced feed prices • Our own domestic harvest. Wheat forecast at 15MMT up from 10MMT last year. • Currency – stronger sterling versus dollar and euro • Reduced global feed demand • Better than forecasted global yields • Favourable fund activity on the commodities market
Potential for increased feed prices • Low level world stocks • Reduced global yields across all commodities due to adverse weather conditions. • Currency – weaker sterling versus dollar and euro • increased global feed demand • Unfavourable fund activity on the commodities market • Increasing freight and logistical costs
To discuss this in greater detail please contact your Wynnstay Representative.
Carwyn Worthington Senior Trading Manager
t: 01691 827128 e: carwyn.worthington@wynnstay.co.uk
wynnstay.co.uk
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MILK MARKET UPDATE correction (down to 31p) is not unexpected. Many other companies have held their prices for September, though.
First the good news: the market is more positive now than at any time since early summer. EU butter and SMP markets started to turn positive in early August after eight weeks of steady decline, with prices down to a low of €3700/t for butter. Now there have been three consecutive weeks of increases with the price nearing €4000/t, which is a decent improvement.
So, what are the prospects going forward? Well Arla also states that the prospects “after the September decrease are stable”, and it is hard to disagree with it, especially given the current positive market moves. If it wasn’t for them, I’d have been concerned for price decreases.
It’s obviously great news, but buyers will become increasingly resistant at that level. But they do not have milk volumes on their side to enable them to stand back from the market too long: UK volumes are currently tracking around 0.75% on last year, and Germany – the EU’s biggest producer – has been tracking well below last year’s levels since the middle of May. France, the second biggest, is also below last year. On an international front the dairy analytical organisation IFCN is also reporting that global volumes have fallen below a yearon-year growth rate of 1% - the first time it has done so since July 2019.
As it is, I can see stable farmgate prices, but there isn’t enough in the market just yet to make me think there will be increases. Cream isn’t strong enough yet, and neither the real market, nor the futures, or the GDT, are pointing to prices in the 30p range, where they need to be to cover most farmers’ costs. The September to October period traditionally isn’t a great time for milk price increases either - history shows that there aren’t many increases in this period. That said, milk volumes do focus buyers minds and we are now entering the trough period of the year. It’s as good a time as any for sellers to push for increases, especially this year with milk already very tight.
After eight weeks of steady declines since April the GDT has also turned positive, albeit not by much with the latest auction up by just 0.3%. But up is, nonetheless, up! Commodity prices on the auction convert to around 30ppl, with the (still cautious) outlook for the New Zealand season being around 28p. Now to the not so good news. Rising processor costs is starting to erode milk prices, with Arla the first to state that its September price has been undermined by “inflation across our supply chain especially on fuel, energy and packaging which has been created by the positive global economy recovery following Covid-19”. That said, its price has been unsustainably higher than its rivals for months so the 0.9p
Chris Walkland Dairy Market Analyst
The Walkland Partnership
TO RECEIVE A MONTHLY MILK MARKET UPDATE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX,
Working in collaboration with Chris Walkland, a specialist Dairy Market Analyst, our dairy and feeds market update looks at the latest pricing trends and offers analysis on how these have been influenced.
and Prepared by Chris Walkland Wynnstay Trading Department
February 2021
Sentiment positive, but
milk prices still slip back
board over the and are up across the to the positive sentiment the EU and UK have responded Commodity prices in middle ground liquid last four weeks. of price cuts from some to take away the risk Cream needs to get not increased enough for February or March. Alas cream prices have (Payne’s and Freshways) cut their farmgate prices players, and two have but it’s only £1.35/kg. sector, this in stability The MCVE value is towards £1.50/kg to ensure actually gettng stronger. prices very strong, and I don’t expect any is stability with cheese there since October 2018. Elsewhere, though, there margin, and it hasn’t been but before a processor over 30p after transport expect increases either. there’s therefore, but nor do I by Chinese imports. But reductions in this sector, GDT which is being fuelled the back of a buoyant on strong is Overall market sentiment and reasonable milk volumes. on milk flows. depending this, also decent demand elsewhere, on dampers that could put the ush are on the horizon Only the UK and EU fl
GB/UK milk volumes
currently flat
2020 are tracking below late first three weeks of 2021 UK milk volumes in the year, meaning volumes are below last year amounts. GB milk erence. are making up the diff Northern Ireland volumes situation. situation for the market This is a generally positive
volumes, and are within
1% of previous
0.5%
1
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MILK MARKET UPDATE
5
WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER
MILK MARKET UPDATE
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MARKETS UPDATE
MAINTAIN PERFORMANCE WITH VARIABLE FIRST CUT SILAGES THIS AUTUMN Silage analysis from across the country has shown a wide variation in nutrient analysis, partly due to the challenging weather conditions impacting cutting times between farms. There have been some early first-cut silages, and then later first-cuts, which are quite different from each other in protein, energy and digestibility, according to Trouw GB’s silage-watch. This may pose feeding challenges to farmers moving between cuts this autumn, as well as large variability between farms, and consideration needs to be given to the balance of the ration to optimise rumen health and maintain performance.
MAINTAIN PERFORMANCE WITH VARIABLE FIRST CUT SILAGES THIS AUTUMN
Below are tables showing 2021 first-cut average analysis, compared to last year’s 2020 first-cut, from Trouw Nutrition GB: Nutrients
Units
2021 Average First-Cut
2020 Average First-Cut
Dry Matter
%
33.5
36.5
Crude Protein
% DM
13.2
14.3
D Value
%
71.5
70
ME
MJ/kg DM
11.4
11.3
NDF
% DM
43.4
44.8
Lignin
g/kg DM
36.6
35
Ash
% DM
7.8
8.5
Sugars
% DM
3.1
3.4
Lactic Acid
g/kg DM
74.4
63
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6
Key points on 2021 first-cut silages: •
Lower, and variable protein was seen in most grass throughout the spring, giving rise to lower rumen available protein in silages. Supplement with adequate rumen degradable protein to support milk production and protein efficiency.
•
Variability in the NDF and digestibility of fibre means rumen health may be a challenge and butterfat percentage may be affected.
•
Sugars are low in most first-cuts, which will impact glucogenic energy level for the cow and available energy for the rumen microbes. Supplementary sugar from molasses to hit the ‘sweet-spot’ in rations of 5-6% sugar in the DM, will ensure optimum digestibility of forages and boost milk quality.
•
Very lush early cut silage, with high lactic acid levels (>70g/kg) can cause rumen health issues. Look out for loose muck, cud-balls, dropping butterfat, which could all be signs of SARA (acidosis) which is a costly problem for any producer.
•
There is considerable volatility in protein sources in relation to price, availability, sustainability, and environmental pressures. Producers must look to ensure there is adequate rumen available protein, without excess, and bypass protein, considering a balanced diet and the price of the overall diet rather than the price of individual raw materials or compound feed. Speak to your Nutritionist about the best value protein sources for you.
•
Low sugars in conjunction with low protein may be an opportunity for high protein molasses, to deliver costeffective rumen available protein and sugar back into the diet, to boost milk constituents.
•
Rumen health may be under strain this winter with first cut silages, so consider a yeast supplement to support the rumen microbial population and fibre digestion. Buffers such as pHix-up, which is available exclusively through Wynnstay, will also drive butterfat percentages up and maintain high milk yields on very lush silages.
•
Measure to manage. Regular sampling of silages will help to plan and pre-empt any ration changes to ensure milk production remains high this winter. Also, planning forage stocks in advance so supplementary feed can be sourced if needed, before running out.
For further advice on balancing your ration to optimise rumen health and performance speak to your Wynnstay Representative or Dairy Specialist.
Bethany Parry
Technical Product Development Manager m: 07771 740857 e: bethany.parry@wynnstay.co.uk
7
WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER
MAINTAIN PERFORMANCE WITH VARIABLE FIRST CUT SILAGES THIS AUTUMN
Wynnstay recommendations:
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Available from Wynnstay 8
INTRODUCING PHIX-UP TO OUR RANGE Designed with unique, industrial expertise, pHix-up acts directly on the ruminal pH by neutralising excess acid produced by bacterial fermentation. It combines the best performing magnesium compounds providing both a fast-acting and long-lasting effect.
Proven efficiency in maintaining optimum digestive tract conditions
idosis*
With highest on energy level, -up group spent cantly less time rumen pH < 5.8 to control group and SB group
Increased milk production and quantity of fat produced
Fast-acting and long-lasting effect: pH returns to normal in less than 2 hours and remains stable until the next meal
en challenged s milk, and SB
Source of magnesium
Better utilisation of energy-rich rations
x-up
32*
50*
0**
01 ** p value < 0,01
.35
w/day CM
ared to ffer solution
50-125g
Natural product, obtained without chemical processing or additives
or 0.2-0.5% DM
For more information about pHix-up, speak to your Wynnstay Representative Dairy Specialist. Alternatively, you can contact Bethany Parry, Technical Product Development Manager on: 07771 740857 or email bethany.parry@wynnstay.co.uk 9
WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER
INTRODUCING PHIX-UP TO OUR RANGE
35*
MAINTAIN YOUR MAIZE FOCUS THROUGH HARVEST AND BEYOND Remember to maintain your focus on getting the best returns from forage maize crops even after the growing season is over. All too often, it is easy to think that the majority of the attention to detail with maize needs to go into growing the crop, but that’s only half of the story.
MAINTAIN YOUR MAIZE FOCUS THROUGH HARVEST AND BEYOND
Protect the investment
contained in the additive Ecocool. For the little extra that it costs to preserve maize with an additive, do you really want to take the risk of putting it in the clamp without this protection?
Ask yourself, what have you grown maize for in the first place? It’s for its feed value. Therefore, protecting this feed value in the clamp is crucial. You’ve worked really hard to produce a decent maize crop. So now it’s time to protect that potential and your investment.
Clamp filling After harvesting the crop, extra care should also be taken with clamp filling to remove air, in order to further improve fermentation and reduce dry matter and quality losses from heating and spoilage. The key is to put the crop in the clamp using shallow layers, rolling it as you go, rather than hoping you can squash it down later. After filling, seal the clamp immediately to keep air out. Don’t leave it until the following morning. And make sure you weight it properly. The odd tyre here and there is not enough.
What is important now is how well the crop is harvested, plus how well it is put in the clamp and fermented, and how well it is balanced in the ration and fed. Every year I see growers agonise over variety choice and seed price, but then leave important harvest and conservation decisions to the contractor. Additive selection Plan ahead. Harvest maize at the optimum time, not just when the contractor is ready, and ensure you have enough of the correct type of additive. You are growing the crop for quality, not just for bulk. More specifically, use short chop lengths to aid consolidation. Longer chop lengths can sometimes give better results, in terms of providing fibre for the cow’s rumen, but they are more prone to losses from heating. Also, using the right additive can reduce fermentation losses by 50%, and give lower dry matter losses, so you have more dry matter to feed and of higher feed value. It can also make a big difference to animal performance. Dairy trials have shown that ensiling maize with the proven fermentation bacterial strain Lactobacillus plantarum MTD/1, which is the power behind Ecosyl, increased milk yield by 1.8 litres per cow per day – some 50% more than when applied to grass silage. The same bacterial strain plus a second beneficial bacterium, Lactobacillus buchneri PJB/1 for reducing maize heating, is wynnstay.co.uk
10
ONE FREE PACK WITH EVERY TEN PACKS ORDERED* BEFORE 31ST DECEMBER 2021 ™™
™™
DA Ecobale Ecocool ™
100 100
™
Silage additive for forages at risk Silageadditive additive forforages forages atrisk risk Silage additive for at forages at risk of aerobic Silage for of aerobic spoilage high DM ofaerobic aerobicspoilage spoilage e.g.high high DM e.g. high DMDM grass, maize & e.g. wholecrop ofspoilage e.g. grass, maize & wholecrop cereals grass,maize maize&&wholecrop wholecropcereals cereals cereals grass,
Features and benefits: Featuresand andbenefits: benefits: Features
Silage additive forand clamped grass Silage additive for clamped grass legumes Silage additive clamped grass Silage additive forfor clamped grass MTD/1 and legumes MTD/1 legumes andand legumes
• Lactobacillus plantarum strain MTD/1 for a faster, more efficient
•Lactobacillus Lactobacillusplantarum plantarumstrain strainMTD/1 MTD/1 foraafaster, faster, more more efficient efficient fermentation. •• for Lactobacillus plantarum strain MTD/1microorganisms for a faster, efficient Inhibits undesirable fastermore and reduces protein fermentation. fermentation. fermentation. breakdown. More palatable and nutritious with lower DM losses. Inhibits undesirable microorganisms faster and reduces protein Inhibits undesirable microorganisms faster and reduces protein buchneri strain PJB/1. • Lactobacillus breakdown. More palatable and nutritious with lower DM losses. InhibitsMore undesirable breakdown. palatable and microorganisms nutritious with lower DMfaster losses. and reduces protein lactic acid to acetic acid which inhibits the yeasts and • Lactobacillus buchneri strain PJB/1. Converts breakdown. More and nutritious with lower DM losses. buchneri strainpalatable PJB/1. moulds • Lactobacillus that cause aerobic spoilage. Converts lactic acid to acetic acid which inhibits the yeasts and • Converts Lactobacillus buchneri PJB/1. lactic acid to acetic acid which inhibits the yeasts and •strain Reduced aerobic spoilage. moulds that cause aerobic spoilage. Delayed and less which extensive heating for reduced DM losses and a moulds that cause aerobicacid spoilage. Converts lactic to acetic acid inhibits the yeasts and • Reduced aerobic spoilage. more palatable, more nutritious silage with less risk of mycotoxins. • Reduced aerobic spoilage. moulds that causeheating aerobic spoilage. Delayed and less extensive reduced DM losses and a •forVersatile Delayed and less extensive heating for reducedliquid DM application. losses and a palatable, aerobic more nutritious silageStandard with lessorrisk mycotoxins. • more Reduced spoilage. low of volume. more palatable, more nutritious silage with less risk of mycotoxins. • Versatile liquid application. Delayed and less extensive heating for reduced DM losses • Versatile liquid application. Standard low volume. and or aorlow more palatable, more nutritious silage with less risk of Standard volume.
mycotoxins.
• Liquid application only – variable from 20 ml to 2 l/t
• •Liquid application only – variable from 20 ml to 2 l/t 48 hour tank mix life • •4824hour tank mixlife lifein a cool, dry place month shelf free,shelf suitable foraorganic use • •24GMO month life in cool, dry place
• GMO free, suitable for organic use
• Guaranteed to apply 1 million MTD/1 bacteria per gram forage.
•immediately. All of the bacteria are active immediately. • of Allthe of the bacteria active • All bacteria are are active immediately. No delay infor starting fermentation need for ‘helper’instrains. faster domination fermentation, especially difficult No delay in starting fermentation –of no the need for ‘helper’ strains. – no NoFor delay in starting fermentation – no need ‘helper’ strains. • Faster, more efficient fermentation. • situations. Faster, more efficient fermentation. • Faster, more efficient fermentation. Inhibits undesirable microorganisms Inhibits undesirable microorganisms faster and reduces protein faster and reduces protein undesirable microorganisms faster andimmediately. reduces protein • Inhibits All of the bacteria are active breakdown. More palatable and nutritious with lower DM losses. breakdown. More palatable nutritious with lower losses. breakdown. More palatable andand nutritious with lower DMDM losses.
No delay in starting• Versatile fermentation – no liquid application. • Versatile liquid application. • Versatile liquid application. Standard or low volume. Faster, more efficient fermentation. Standard or low volume. Standard or low volume.
need for ‘helper’ strains.
Inhibits undesirable microorganisms faster and reduces protein breakdown. More palatable and nutritious with lower DM losses.
• One pack treats 100t • One pack treats 100t • One pack treats 100t •– Variable liquid application • Variable liquid application from 20 ml (ULV) • Variable liquid application – from 20 ml (ULV) to 2tol/t2 l/t – from 20 ml (ULV) to 2 l/t include atank mixture tank life (ULV up to 12 days if refrigerated) 48 hour tank (ULV up48 tohour 12 days ifmix refrigerated) • 48• hour mixmix lifelife (ULV up•to 12 days if refrigerated)
order can of both products •toDry up200 the • make Dry application 200 g/t g/t • Dry application 200 g/t application total required• to qualify. • 24 month 24 month shelf a cool, dry place shelf life in a cool, dry place 24• month shelf lifelife in aincool, dry place Order now for delivery next year. •use GMO • GMO suitable organic use free, suitable for organic use • GMO free,free, suitable for for organic Pay after delivery /072018 0081000810 /072018
• 24 month shelf life in a cool, dry place*The
• Contains Lactobacillus plantarum strain MTD/1. • Contains Lactobacillus plantarum strain MTD/1. • Contains Lactobacillus plantarum strain MTD/1. This strain hasitmore independent proof behind it than any strain more independent proof behind it than ThisThis strain hashas more independent proof behind than anyany other, especially for improved performance. • other, Contains Lactobacillus plantarum strainanimal MTD/1. other, especially for improved animal performance. especially for improved animal performance. • Guaranteed toper apply 1proof million MTD/1 bacteria per gram forage. • This Guaranteed to apply 1more million MTD/1 bacteria per gram forage. strain has independent behind it than any other, • Guaranteed to apply 1 million MTD/1 bacteria gram forage. For fasterespecially domination fermentation, especially in difficult For faster domination of the fermentation, especially inthe difficult Forespecially faster domination the fermentation, in of difficult forofimproved animal performance. situations. situations. situations.
00810 /072018
• One bottle treats 100t
• One bottle treats 100t • GMO free, suitable for organic use • •One bottle treats 100t Liquid application only – variable from 20 ml to 2 l/t
MTD/1
Features and benefits: Features and benefits: Features and benefits: Features and benefits:
Features and benefits:
• 48 hour tank mix life
100
The Ecosyl range of silage additive is available from your local Wynnstay Store or your Wynnstay Representative or Specialist. Dr Simon Pope
Crop Protection Manager
m: 07990 578545 e: simon.pope@wynnstay.co.uk
11
WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER
MAINTAIN YOUR MAIZE FOCUS THROUGH HARVEST AND BEYOND
DAEcobale Ecobale DA Ecocool Ecocool
SUB-OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE? RESTORE, ELEVATE and ENHANCE with the UK’s first complete solution to mycotoxin control, with 5 scientifically proven modes of action:
Prevents oxidative stress Supports liver and kidney function Restores immune function Triggers ‘bio-transformation’ of key mycotoxins Binds and adsorbs remaining mycotoxins Stress events reduce cows natural ability to detoxify mycotoxins. Restore 5+ supports the immune system during periods of stress whilst removing harmful toxins to provide a complete solution.
For more information
Contact your Wynnstay Representative wynnstay.co.uk
Call our Technical Product Development Manager, Bethany Parry on 07771 740857
wynnstay.co.uk 12
E-mail dairy@wynnstay.co.uk
Premier Minerals Help to correct deficiencies in grazing, forages and straights to maximise health, fertility and performance. Incorporating the latest trace mineral technology to optimise mineral supply. Combination packs available including buffers, live yeast, MINERALS ADVERT Restore 5 + mycotoxin binder, for fewer deliveries and less environmental impact. Custom mineral formulations available.
Minerals Audits Available
Contact your Wynnstay Representative for more details or visit our website:
Autumn Offer On orders of 1 tonne or more of Wynnmin Minerals between 1st September and 15th October 2021
Contact your Wynnstay Representative
Call our Sales Desk, 01939 733102 13 the 10th December 2021 Delivery must be made by
E-mail dairy@wynnstay.co.uk WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER
START PLANNING YOUR PARASITE CONTROL FOR HOUSING DAIRY ANIMALS NOW Now is the time to consider parasite control for animals that will be housed over the winter period. In conjunction with your RAMA or vet, you need to work out what parasites you need to treat, which products to use, and when to administer them. The parasite risk changes each year and spring 2021 has seen a cooler start lead into a warm summer interspersed with very wet periods. This offers favourable but perhaps somewhat unpredictable environmental conditions for worm and fluke cycles meaning this autumn and winter parasite risks are likely to be significant for parts of the UK. More specific detailed information is available from the NADIS. The economic impact of worm and liver fluke infections can be detrimental, even modest parasite burdens can result in significant reductions in expected cattle performance. From a recent Scottish study, abattoir data showed that “when compared with animals with no liver fluke burden, animals with 1 to 10 parasites take on average 31 days longer to reach slaughter weight, while animals with more than 10 F. hepatica flukes in their liver at slaughter take 77 days longer to finish.1” Strategic anthelmintic treatment can also result in a positive milk yield response, estimated at 0.35kg-0.63kg/cow per day for the duration of lactation2,3. Douglas Palmer BVMS MRCVS, Large Animal Veterinary Advisor at Norbrook® Laboratories, advises that “it is very important to work with your RAMA or vet to establish a suitable anthelmintic plan that fits the requirements of your farm. Using the correct product for the right parasites is vital to controlling parasitic disease. This includes knowledge of the potential housing worm burden as well as understanding the risk of which liver fluke stages are present will dictate which products are most suitable.” Norbrook now offer a range of parasite treatment options in cattle including wormers and a combination fluke and wormer as well as a newly launched flukicide only product. Eprizero Pour On: contains Eprinomectin, a macrocyclic lactone wormer which has persistency of 28 days against the most economically damaging worms affecting cattle, namely Ostertagia ostertagi (gutworm) and Dictyocaulus viviparous (lungworm). It has a Zero milk and 10 day meat withdrawal period making it a good choice for treating milking cows. Closamectin Pour On: provides broad spectrum efficacy against late immature and adult liver fluke, gut worms, lungworm and ectoparasites. It also kills triclabendazole resistant fluke. It has a meat withhold of 58 days. It is not suitable for milk producing dairy cows, including dry cows. It can be used in first season dairy heifers and in second season dairy heifers up to midway through pregnancy. Solantel Pour On: is a NEW product launching in autumn 2021. It is a flukicide only product containing closantel. This kills late immature and adult fluke including any triclabendazole resistant fluke. It is a suitable fluke treatment in first season grazed heifers after housing. When given 7 weeks after housing farmers can be sure that all fluke burdens will be cleared. In second season grazed dairy heifers, Solantel Pour-On can be used in all non-pregnant heifers and those still in the first half of pregnancy. Heifers in the second half of pregnancy should not be treated with Solantel Pour-On. This has a 63 day meat withdrawal period.
References: 1.
Mazeri S, Rydevik G, Handel I, Bronsvoort BMD, Sargison N. Estimation of the impact of Fasciola hepatica infection on time taken for UK beef cattle to reach slaughter weight. Sci Rep. 2017 Aug
2.
Sanchez J, Dohoo I, Carrier J, DesCôteaux L. A meta-analysis of the milk-production response after anthelmintic treatment in naturally infected adult dairy cows. Prev Vet Med. 2004 May
3.
Gross SJ, Ryan WG, Ploeger HW. Anthelmintic treatment of dairy cows and its effect on milk production. Vet Rec. 1999 May 22;144(21):581-7. doi: 10.1136/ vr.144.21.581. PMID: 10378289.
Nick White
Animal Health Manager m: 07788728118
e: nick.white@wynnstay.co.uk wynnstay.co.uk
14
IMPROVING COW COMFORT Wynnstay’s dedicated Hardware Team specialise in providing advice and solutions on new and existing dairy set ups as well as having experience in beef, sheep, and arable projects. It is important to provide the correct cow environment for the health and the progression of a herd. Suitable dairy housing is known to improve milk production and quality, reproductive efficiency as well as the overall health and longevity of the herd, which results in the economic return to the dairy. Cows that are comfortable have less stress, eat more and lie for longer, and in turn produce more milk and suffer less from lameness and other associated problems. It has been proven that there is a strong correlation between standing times of cattle and incidence of lameness. Looking ahead to housing, Wynnstay can offer advice to maximise cow comfort. Sourcing a wide range of solutions from mats, mattresses, and cubicles. To ventilation fans for cubicle housing, loose housing, calf and youngstock sheds, milking parlours and collecting yards. We also have curtains and gale breaker to aid natural ventilation in our range. We have numerous solutions for slurry management to improve the environment for the animals, which in turn will improve cow comfort and returns to your business. As a team we pride ourselves on offering advice tailored to your individual needs and based on access to products and solutions from a wide range of suppliers. •
Don’t fall in the trap of only thinking about mats or mattresses when thinking about cow comfort. Cow comfort is much bigger than that. Cubicle bed dimensions plays a crucial role in comfort, from the correct width and length of the bed to the position of the neck rail and brisket locator.
•
If you have a mixed breed herd and are housed together, the cubicles need to suit the larger type of cow, not the smallest.
•
Take a measuring tape and measure a few cubicles on your farm and compare to the below chart. It will only take a couple of minutes.
•
Keep an eye on a few cows as they enter a cubicle space. They should lie down within the first 30 seconds. If not, cubicle dimensions and comfort are the mostly likely reason for this.
•
Do the cows have enough lunge space and get up from the beds struggle free? If not, can you improve the lunge space by removing the obstacle?
•
Doing a drop knee test. Drop a knee from a standing position onto the bed, if you can do this without hurting yourself, the comfort is fine, if you hurt yourself, the comfort needs to improve.
•
If you’re building a new shed for cubicles, design the shed around the cubicles instead of trying to fit the cubicles inside the shed.
Age in months
Single row beds
Head to head beds
Height of neck rails
Width of cubicles
>22 months
2750 (9ft)
4880 (16ft)
1270 (50 inch)
1150 – 1270 (45 – 50 inch)
16 – 22 months
2400 (8ft)
4570 (15ft)
1140* (45 inch)
1000 – 1100* (39 – 43 inch)
10 - 16 months
2100 (7ft)
4270 (14ft)
1000* (40 inch)
900 – 1000* (35 – 39 inch)
5 – 12 months
1900 (6ft3)
3650 (12ft)
900* (35 inch)
800 – 900* (31-35 inch)
0.5 – 5 months
1600 (5ft3)
3000 (10ft)
750* (29 inch)
650 – 800* (25 – 31 inch)
For further advice on the range of hardware solutions we can offer please contact a member of the Hardware Team. Tomi Jones National Hardware Sales Manager
m: 07879 841674 e: tomi.jones@wynnstay.co.uk
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WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER
IMPROVING COW COMFORT
Top Tips on Cubicle Comfort
HOOF HEALTH THE FOUNDATION FOR A PROFITABLE WINTER In advance of housing cattle this winter pay close attention your cows’ mobility. Over the summer cow tracks can wear claws unevenly, small stones and pebbles can become embedded into the sole and as grass values decline in late summer body condition can follow. This in turn can lead to fat loss in the digital cushion which can increase the likelihood of developing a solar ulcer. Monthly mobility scoring is good management practice on any dairy, but especially before housing to identify those animals who are not just lame, but more importantly becoming lame. Preventative trimming and early intervention are by far the most effective methods for preventing a problem cow form becoming a chronic long-term issue. See flow chart below: START HERE
Even Weightbearing, long, fluid strides? Yes
Flat back?
No
Affected limbs(s) immediately identifiable?
Yes
Score 0
No
No
Score 1
Yes
Keep up with healthy herd over ¼ mile?
Yes
No - exclude docile or cows slow for other e.g. sick
Score 2
Score 3
I would recommend the following actions based on the mobility result: Score 0 – Routine foot trimming Score 1 – Lift and look – could benefit from some functional trimming – further observation recommended David Rowe explains the importance of preventative trimming at a previous Wynnstay hoof health workshop
Score 2 – Lame and likely to benefit from treatment – attend to as soon as practically possible Score 3 – Examine and treat as soon as possible – if does not cure after 3 consecutive trimming events culling may be the only solution
David Howard Head of Dairy Services
m: 07736 343629 e: david.howard@wynnstay.co.uk wynnstay.co.uk
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17
WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER
CARBON FOOTPRINT OF MILK Over the past few years livestock agriculture has been under increasing scrutiny due to its perceived ethical and environmental impact. Dairy production is at the forefront and seen by campaigners and activists as a polluting industry and emitter of huge greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Most of their theories and preaching is totally inaccurate and does not only cause a financial impact on our potential markets, but a huge psychological impact on our industry; British dairy farmers produce a wholesome and nutritious product only to be branded in a negative light by the media. So, what are the true facts about the sustainability and carbon footprint of UK produced milk and what can we do to further improve it?
that methane only has a cycle of 10 years whereas CO2 will last in the atmosphere for hundreds of years. As ruminant methane emissions are also part of the natural carbon cycle there is no net increase in carbon in the atmosphere, as long as cow numbers are not increased, whereas burning fossil fuels does result in a net increase as the carbon that is released was sequestered and stored in the geological past and therefore not part of the current natural cycle. Even though it’s a natural process, we are still contributing to global emissions, and we need to ensure we are reducing or offsetting them to help us reach net zero by 2040.
UK agriculture contributes to 10% of the UK’s GHG emissions, with dairy representing 2-3% of this, whilst the transport and energy supply sectors equate to over 50% of our GHG emissions, and there is a strong feeling that agriculture is being portrayed far worse than these industries by the media. Methane emissions As an industry we cannot deny that we do release GHG to the atmosphere, and the most concerning is methane. Methane is a GHG produced from ruminants through enteric fermentation and is belched out as the rumen microbial population breaks down fibre in the rumen for digestion. Methane is considered 34 times more potent than CO2 in terms of its global warming potential, however many don’t consider
The grass and forages we feed to cows sequester carbon through photosynthesis and complete this cycle of methane by storing carbon within soils. Soil and grassland have a huge potential to further sequester carbon and globally, soil stores more carbon than the atmosphere and all the plant material
THE COWS CARBON CYCLE All the carbon in the cow, breathed and belched came from the air and cycled through the grass that the cow ate CARBON IN HUMAN CARBON IN AIR
CO2 (1 00% )P ho CH t 2 (1 %) C a CO 2 b elc he
CO2
CH2........CO2
d
t ou
Carbon in Meat & Milk
CARBON IN COW
sis the yn hed os Belc on rb
CO2 breathed out
CO2
CO2 plant respiration
CARBON FOOTPRINT OF MILK
Eaten by cow
CARBON IN POOP
CARBON IN GRASS
CARBON IN ROOTS New soil is built through soil microbial life-cycles, root biomass, cow poop & plant litter trodden in by cows
CARBON SEQUESTRATION Triggered by grazing cows. Carbon is taken from the air by plants and pumped into the soil providing energy for soil microbes to build homes and store carbon
wynnstay.co.uk
Liquid Carbon in exudates feeds soil microbes
UP TO 40%
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a very potent GHG, which has a global warming potential 298x greater than CO2. There is much we can do in terms of slurry handling and application to reduce ammonia losses, however, there are also huge benefits to feeding less protein and balancing diets for metabolisable protein instead of crude protein. By improving feed efficiency and overall efficiency on farm we can reduce the emissions per kg of milk produced whilst improving profitability and herd longevity. Therefore, continuing to focus on best practice will be key to lowering our carbon footprint of milk. For example, a study found that by applying Cow Signals® and improving herd health you can reduce your methane emissions by 30%, through increasing the average number of lactations from 2.5 to 5 and reducing age at first calving to 23 months.
on earth combined. It is our biggest carbon sink! Well manged pasture and ensuring the cows diet includes higher levels of home-grown grass or conserved grass silage, whilst reducing the need to purchase so many concentrates or by-products, could help reduce a farm’s carbon footprint. This is through increased sequestration of carbon from grass growth but also reduced transport emissions from imported feed ingredients. The UK has the natural resources and climate to grow grass, which is the cheapest feed on farm and has a lower environmental cost than many other places in the world, so we need to make sure we are taking full advantage. UK dairy production A new report from Arla, published in August 2021, shows that their farmers are already producing milk with 1.13kg CO2eq per kg of milk which is below the UK average of 1.25kg CO2eq (NFU). Both figures are roughly half the global average of 2.5kg CO2eq per kg (FAO) and demonstrate that UK dairy is already ahead of many countries in the world when it comes to more sustainable production and progressing towards net zero.
Proactive approach To safeguard our industry, we must be proactive in reducing our GHG emissions and lowering our carbon footprint whilst promoting the sustainability of local, British dairy. There may be a lot of negativity in the media but we know the products we produce are to the highest quality, welfare, and health standards and from one of the most sustainable dairy industries in the world.
Nitrogen is another concern for dairy production. Alongside nitrate losses there are also ammonia losses which can lead to the release of nitrous oxide,
TOP TIPS •
Improving health & welfare (e.g., reducing lameness, metabolic disease, Cow Signals®)
•
Improving fertility (e.g. pregnancy rate, 22-24 months age at first calving)
•
Improving feed conversion (e.g. optimal nutrition and feed management, more milk from forage)
•
Reducing waste (e.g. forage/clamp management)
•
Improve soil and grassland management to boost carbon sequestration
•
Improve slurry management and application to reduce emissions
For further advice on Cow Signals® contact Simon Harper, Wynnstay National Sales Development Manager and Cow Signals® Master on 07876 824315 or e-mail simon.harper@wynnstay.co.uk Julie Wright
Nutritionist
m: 07717 497949 e: julie.wright@wynnstay.co.uk
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WYNNSTAY DAIRY NEWSLETTER
CARBON FOOTPRINT OF MILK
To improve efficiency and reduce emissions per kg of milk focus on:
If undelivered please return to: Wynnstay Marketing Department, Eagle House, Llansantffraid, Powys, SY22 6AQ If you do not want to receive information of this nature please call 01691 223110 , e-mail marketing@wynnstay.co.uk or write to Wynnstay Marketing Department, Eagle House, Llansantffraid, Powys, SY22 6AQ.
Contact us: Order Desk
t: 0808 168 7998
Sales Desk
t: 01939 733 102
To contact the Dairy Team
dairy@wynnstay.co.uk
Wynnstay Feeds
Llansantffraid Office: 01691 828512 Carmarthen Office: 01267 231341 Rhosfawr Office: 01766 819066
Wynnstay Arable
Shrewsbury Office: 01939 210555 York Office: 01757 617000
GrainLink
Shrewsbury Office: 01939 210500 Grantham Office: 01476 833500
Visit wynnstay.co.uk to read and request our latest publications
POULTRY
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For technical advice, product information, find your nearest Wynnstay Depot, or request a quote visit:
wynnstay.co.uk
@WynnstayGroup Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the details supplied in this publication are correct as of 10th September 2021, Wynnstay cannot be held responsible for any inaccurate information. Information contained within this publication should be used as a guide only please seek specialist advice before purchasing. Photography and product images used within this publication have been used as a guide only.
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