Wynnstay Dairy Newsletter Summer 2017

DAIRY

NEWSLETTER

SUMMER 2017

TECHNICAL ADVICE TO DRIVE YOUR HERD’S PERFORMANCE

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: p.2

Market Update

p.3

Managing Transition Cows

p.4-5

Herd Nutrition Requires Greater Input than Simply a Forage Analysis

p.6

Water: The Most Important Nutrient for Dairy Cattle

p.7

Take a Responsible Approach to Dry Cow Mineral Nutrition

p.8

Grass Seed Mixture Selector

p.9

Continuous Improvement is the Key to a Robust Business

p.10

Dry Cows this Summer

p.11

The Feeds you Need to Succeed

p.12-13 Undigested NDF - The Best Measure of Feed Value p.14-15 Maize Silage Harvest p.16-17 Clingseal – Cutting Your Losses W

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a two day study trip to Amsterdam....p.23

p.18

Colostrum – It’s About More Than Just IgGs

p.19

Making Autumn Block Calving Work for You

p.20-21 Surepluse TM p.22

Seed Varieties to Watch in 2017

p.23

Competition Time!

www.wynnstaydairy.uk

Our Dairy Team Dr Huw McConochie - Head of Dairy Technical Services m: 07771 740857 e: huw.mcconochie@wynnstay.co.uk @HuwMcConochie Steve Brown - Ruminant Feeds Product Manager m: 07774 855026 e: steve.brown@wynnstay.co.uk @sirbilly55

MARKET UPDATE

Dairy Specialists

Funds

The market remains governed by three major factors

Funds have driven the World market up over the last week driven mainly by triggers being set off in the electronic computer driven market which has reduced the Funds shorts by 60%. Although this has been triggered by hot dry weather in the corn-belt it has also spilled over into the, as yet, unaffected Soya crop. This has meant an £8 to £10 rise in Wheat prices in the last week and a £25 rise in soya. Funds are still short but nowhere near the levels seen over the last few months.

Iwan Vaughan - Senior Dairy Specialist - North & Mid Wales m: 07990 578548 e: iwan.vaughan@wynnstay.co.uk @maesmochnant Alasdair Taylor - Dairy Specialist - Shropshire/Borders m: 07766 302124 e: alasdair.taylor@wynnstay.co.uk Amelia Threlfall - Dairy Specialist - Lancashire m: 07990 971154 e: amelia.threlfall@wynnstay.co.uk

Weather

Ken March - Dairy Specialist - South Wales & West Wales m: 07454 015610 e: ken.march@wynnstay.co.uk

The hot dry weather and forecast for it to continue has changed the underlying basis of the market and caused concern over the ending stocks particularly in wheat.

However, the world maize crop looks excellent and this has put a cap on the wheat’s ability to go higher. In the last few days there has been a break in the US weather with rains coming to most dry areas and the prospect of more in the near future. Some of the Corn areas remain dry and the US will lose tonnes from the initial estimates but nowhere near that forecast last week. The rest of the world crops still look good to excellent so markets have started to come back but the drop so far is nowhere near as sharp or as quick as the rise. Any return to sustained dry weather will rally this market substantially.

Mark Price - Dairy Specialist - Midlands m: 07876 824314 e: mark.price@wynnstay.co.uk @m_priceo Martin Hope - Dairy Specialist - South West t: 07502 311181 e: martin.hope@wynnstay.co.uk Nadine Pilkington - Dairy Project Manager t: 01691 827145 e: nadine.pilkington@wynnstay.co.uk

Calf Specialists

Foreign exchange The still relatively weak pound seems to have stabilised between $1.3 and $1.25. Any breakout of this will only be caused by some positive Brexit news on the up side and vice versa. It is however very difficult to paint a scenario of an independently strong Pound against the Dollar even with the political turmoil in the US. So there is little chance of help with prices from sterling at this juncture.

Rebecca Davies - Senior Calf Specialist - South Wales m: 07881 093633 e: rebecca.davies@wynnstay.co.uk @richardscalf1

Eimear Diamond - Calf Specialist - South & South West m: 07881 379008 e: eimear.diamond@wynnstay.co.uk @diamondcalf1

UK buying power fell 20% giving higher raw material prices

Jess Charlton - Calf Specialist - Shropshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire m: 07990 584740 e: jess.charlton@wynnstay.co.uk @charltoncalf1 Millie Hendy - Calf Specialist - Somerset and Gloucester m: 07717 495746 e: millie.hendy@wynnstay.co.uk @hendycalf1

Eric Thomas

Sandy Wilson - Calf Specialist - West, North & Mid Wales m: 07879 841672 e: sandy.wilson@wynnstay.co.uk @petticoatcalves

Commercial Manager - Feed t: 01691 828512 e: eric.thomas@wynnstay.co.uk

2

WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

DAIRY NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2017

MANAGING TRANSITION COWS Managing transition cows starts with proper body condition at dry off and coming into the close-up pen at least 21 days prior to expected calving date.

Start of transition phase Cows with body condition that hit the extremes (too thin or fat) are at a greater risk of developing metabolic diseases due to intake issues. Using a scale of 1-5, cows coming in at 3.0-3.4 would be ideal 21 days before expected calving.

Mandatory lameness evaluations should occur at dry off and any issues should be corrected and recorded.

Any stressors that will potentially depress dry matter intake should be avoided. Adequate records are required to properly assess historical fresh cow information. Monitoring the incidence of metabolic diseases, milk production, and cows leaving the herd will be good indicators of fresh cow success or failure.

Feed intake and stocking rate Dry matter intake is the single most important factor for transition cow success. Intake should never be the limiting factor in the close up or fresh cow pen. The stress of pen moves and calving will depress feed intake enough and running them out of feed will increase the chances for metabolic diseases. Cow numbers in both pens should be kept at 85% of headlocks or bed space for proper bunk space and lying time.

Dry matter intake is the single most important factor for transition cow success

Intake of the correct ration Intake is important if the proper ration has been formulated.

If balancing for a negative DCAD (Dietary Cation-Anion Difference), minimizing the amount of Na and K is critical. All forages should be tested for minerals (using wet chemistry only) to ensure that K remains low in the TMR. Supplemental salt should be restricted 21 days prior to calving. Careful monitoring of urine pH is needed with a full DCAD diet.

For Holsteins, pH should range from 5.8 to 6.8 with an average of 6.2. Not only are macro minerals such as Ca, P, K, Na important, complexed trace minerals should be supplemented to improve performance of the cow and calf.

Loor et al. (2015) illustrate the benefit the calf receives when the dam was being fed a proportion of her supplemental trace minerals as complexed Zn, Mn, Cu, and Co. Calves had better growth and cows produced more milk and protein than cows being fed inorganic trace minerals only.

Proper calving protocols should be in place and followed at all times. Employees should have adequate training to know if and when to pull a calf. Improper hygiene and calving difficulties will also predispose the cow to metabolic disease and a poor transition. If cows are moved into an individual calving pen, be sure to include fresh TMR and offer plenty of water.

Monitoring fresh cow performance There are multiple ways to monitor fresh cow performance.

Visually observe cows for overall behaviour including standing, walking, eating and drinking. Observe her overall appearance including hair-coat, eyes, cud chewing, ears, manure, etc. Catch metabolic disease early by visually inspecting her uterus and making sure that infection and fever aren’t setting in. Checking for mastitis and again for lameness during this time period is also very important.

Dr. Jeffrey Weyers

Research Nutritionist – Dairy at Zinpro Corporation

3

MANAGING TRANSITION COWS

Calving and fresh cows

www.wynnstaydairy.uk

HERD NUTRITION REQUIRES GREATER INPUT THAN SIMPLY A FORAGE ANALYSIS Most nutritional models are put together from data generated from countless research experiments often conducted under strict experimental conditions.

From the milk potential prediction, we need to consider the impact of all these factors on actual herd performance in order to come to a realistic figure. In fact, the differential between actual and predicted can be used as a diagnostic tool in order to highlight limitations of the system. Adopting a continuous improvement approach will allow us to narrow the gap and improve financial performance.

These conditions are far removed from reality. Yet we expect our models to accurately predict the herd performance level.

Let us take just a moment to consider factors that would influence production level on a specific diet.

1.

Stocking rate

2.

Lying times

Another point worth considering is milk quality and its effect on the volume of milk sold. This is where correcting for the energy required to produce a kg of milk based on the constituent quality comes in. For example; 33.5 kg of milk at 4.2% fat and 3.4% protein is the same as 35.8 kg at 4% fat and 3.2% protein. So, if our diet was created for the latter and our milk quality is higher, then we cannot expect to achieve the predicted yield.

3. Lameness 4.

Bunk management

5.

Water availability

6.

Time budgets

7.

Transition success

8.

Heifer quality

9.

Mastitis incidence

...determining what the milk yield potential needs to be for the system that is running

10. Days in milk 11. The percentage of heifers in the herd In order to accurately predict milk production potential, we need to understand at the individual herd level the effect of all these. Milk production potential is an important concept here. There is little economic sense in chasing production that cannot be achieved. Unless changes are made to the system we will always get the same result and hit the same ceiling.

I suppose we really need to start with determining what the milk yield potential needs to be for the system that is operated. As a starting point, I use a simple spreadsheet to calculate the milk yield potential of a herd based on herd demographics. For a herd with a target average yield of 10,500kg, 25% heifers at 200 DIM and the cows at 170 DIM we should be achieving an average herd yield on 35.5kg of milk/day. This figure can be calculated for any type of herd.

NUTRITION

Dry matter intake obviously effects milk production potential but in some circumstances DMI is acceptable but still production fails to reach its expected potential. This is because many of the points noted above waste energy by increasing maintenance requirements, leaving less energy for production. For example, sick or chronically diseased cows use up a lot of energy maintaining their immune system. Energy in the form of glucose is prioritised towards the maintenance of the immune system in times of disease challenge. Acute activation of the immune system consumes more than 1kg of glucose in 12 hours and can result in an 80% reduction in milk yield (Kvidera et al.,2016). One Kg of glucose is equivalent to the quantity of glucose in 20L of milk. Using data obtained from studies in humans, Jesse Goff calculated that an immune response increases maintenance energy requirements by up to 40% and can deplete whole

4

WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

body protein by up to 13%. It is unlikely that we ever factor this into our nutritional requirement calculations or even use it as a diagnostic tool. It is likely that herds with high cell counts, high incidence of clinical mastitis, lameness, BVD, IBR and other diseases will be expending energy on maintenance of the immune system.

DAIRY NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2017

The following factors must be taken into account when predicting maintenance requirements and energy expentiture.

An unhealthy cow

An unhealthy cow expends energy on maintenance of the immune system

In the healthy cow, maintenance requirements will be influenced by; live-weight, reproductive state, environment, and health. Therefore, it is important to take into account these factors when predicting maintenance requirements.

Live-weight along with production level will dictate DMI. It is, therefore, essential that an accurate assessment of herd live-weight is made in order to improve milk production predictions. This can be achieved using a weigh band which will avoid going to significant investment.

HIGH CELL COUNTS

With a milk production potential figure now determined it is time to address the next biggest unknown variable, and that is forage quality. Not so much the quality but our ability to accurately define it. In my opinion, at present we have not got the ability to accurately assess forage quality, especially the all-important fibre fraction. Going forward the ability to better describe forage and fibre using the uNDF analysis will provide significant benefits over the current system (Cotanch et al., 2014). Luckily for us we have the cow; she will tell you exactly what your forage is worth. Quite simply put; if your cows are not reaching their realistic potential then the forage analysis needs to be adjusted. It is obviously not as digestible as the analysis suggests. The maintenance plus potential is less. On the other side of the coin we have those forages that are better than the analysis suggests. The cows will be telling you I am short of fibre or I am being overfed protein.

BVD

IBR

HIGH INCIDENCE OF CLINICAL MASTITIS

ENERGY LEVELS LAMENESS

DISEASE

A health cow

A healthy cow expends energy on: LIVE-WEIGTH

ENVIRONMENT

REPRODUCTIVE STATE

Your production goals should be to produce the milk you are feeding for. Failure to do so increases the cost of production.

Identifying, characterising and quantifying why and where the differences are, means that they can be used as goals to drive continuous improvement.

ENERGY LEVELS

the milk predicted 1. Produce from the diet fed

GOALS

2. Characterise and quantify all the factors that are stopping you achieve this

3. Address these factors in a process of continuous improvement

NUTRITION

4. Achieving the goal results in improved financial performance

Dr. Huw McConochie

Head of Dairy Technical Services m: 07771 740857 e: huw.mcconochie@wynnstay.co.uk

@HuwMcConochie

5

www.wynnstaydairy.uk

WATER: THE MOST IMPORTANT NUTRIENT FOR DAIRY CATTLE Water is indispensable for life and is the most important dietary nutrient for dairy cattle. Cows in milk production require a larger portion of water relative to their bodyweight because milk is 87-88% water.

Water intakes and requirements are influenced by physiological state, which is milk yield, dry matter intake (DMI), Bodyweight, composition of diet, and environmental factors.

Trough space is an important factor; you need enough space for at least 10% of the herd can drink at any one time.

So, a group of 100 cows requires a minimum of 7m of trough space to allow cows to drink freely, ideally the rim of the water trough should be 75cm above ground level.

Dairy cattle must have free access to a high quality water supply at all times. Cows’ sense of smell is 17 times more sensitive than humans (FACT), so it is imperative that the water quality is very high.

Transition dry cows must have access to plenty of fresh water. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of high quality clean water at this very important time. Any decrease in DMI at this point could lead to negative energy post calving leading to metabolic problems.

Approximately 71-73% of a cow’s non-fat body weight is water. In the cow’s body water helps break down the food she eats, transports nutrients through her system, helps chemical reactions occur and helps maintain a normal body temperature. Cows will consume on average 85-150L of water per day so making sure an adequate supply is available is very important. Cows drink 2-3 times more water than the amount of food they eat and water intake increases during hot weather and with increasing milk yield. Milk yield is closely related to water quality and intake. A lack of water can lead to reduced dry matter intakes. A 0.5-1.0% decrease in daily intake will decrease DMI by 1.0-2.5kg. Reductions of water intake by 40% have been found to reduce DMI by 1624% in UK studies.

Position water troughs away from food sources as this will stop contamination of the troughs.

Keep water troughs clean at all times – HIGHER WATER INTAKES DRIVE HIGHER DRY MATTER INTAKES INCREASING MILK AND BETTER HEALTH STATUS.

water helps break down the food she eats, transports nutrients through her system, helps chemical reactions occur and helps maintain a normal body temperature

The drinking water of dairy cattle can often be neglected leading to contamination with bacteria which are consumed by the animal leading to a negative effect on commensal bacteria, which are beneficial microorganisms that exist to help the immune system. Young calves must also have access to fresh quality water as any intake of pathogenic bacteria will affect the development of the rumen.

Water quality should be monitored with regular testing as high levels of bacteria and certain chemicals can lead to toxicity and can also interact with the absorption of nutrients from feedstuffs. We are encouraged to be more efficient as a business but sometimes overlook certain aspects that can have a dramatic effect on this efficiency. If we can focus on the quality of water which is consumed on farm this will lead to higher health and higher margins driven by DMI.

How can we improve water quality and intakes?

WATER

The dairy cow is a very sociable animal and likes to drink together so water flow should be sufficient to allow rapid refilling of the trough so that plenty of water is always in front of the cow. Cows can drink up to 14L per minute. For 10 cows that is 140L in 60 seconds!

About 75% of water intake occurs between 0600hrs– 1900hrs, with around 25% of total daily intake consumed in the twp hours after milking, therefore, water troughs should be available soon after milking.

Martin Hope

Cows like warm water, so recycled water from the plate cooler can be used.

Dairy Specialist m: 07502 311181

e: martin.hope@wynnstay.co.uk

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WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

DAIRY NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2017

TAKE A RESPONSIBLE APPROACH TO DRY COW MINERAL NUTRITION Ensuring dry cows get the optimum supply of the key minerals is essential if they are to transition well with minimal metabolic problems in and around calving.

“The aim with mineral nutrition is to balance the animals’ requirements with the supply in the diet,” explains Rosie Miller from Trouw Nutrition GB. “Many of the common metabolic problems are directly related to incorrect mineral supplementation, both too little and too much. In addition, it is not unusual to see excess minerals being fed, simply because all sources of minerals are not always considered when formulating diets. This increases the risk of problems and also pushes up feed costs.”

Taking a responsible minerals approach to dry cow nutrition can help reduce the costs associated with metabolic problems

“For example” she says, “the daily intake of magnesium is of critical importance in the control of both milk fever and subclinical hypocalcaemia. Dietary levels need to be 0.4% of total DMI but this can vary considerably depending on a host of factors. Ensuring the correct level of magnesium has been shown to be one of the most important factors in preventing milk fever.”

“Mineral analysis of forages is often overlooked but is really important,” Rosie continues. “They can, for example, help ensure potassium levels are correctly managed. Ideally you are looking for 1.4% DMI as potassium, which can be difficult to achieve with high potassium forages, but without an analysis it will be difficult to assess what needs to be done.”

“Another key mineral is phosphorus which is closely linked to the risk of developing milk fever. Dietary phosphorus content should be 0.25% of DMI, with a calcium to phosphorus ratio of 1.5:1 to 2.5:1. If dietary phosphorus increases from 0.3% DMI to 0.4%DMI, then the risk of milk fever increases by 18%.”

“Taking a responsible minerals approach to dry cow nutrition can help reduce the costs associated with metabolic problems at calving and also save money on unnecessary supplements. It maybe that you do not need to feed additional mineral sources, but without taking account of all sources being fed it will be impossible to ensure the cows’ requirements are being met.”

Rosie says “It is important to ensure dry cow rations are correctly formulated to deliver the target mineral contents (see table). To balance diets correctly it is essential to take account of the minerals being supplied by all the possible sources; be it compound feeds, mineralised blends, forages, free access minerals, bolus, injections and drenches, and not forgetting water.”

Target mineral content in dry cow diets Target

Calcium

25-30g day

Magnesium

0.4% of DMI

Phosphorus

<0.3% of DMI

Potassium

<1.8% of DMI / <1.4% of DMI

Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio

1.5 - 2 : 1

Steve Brown

Ruminant Feeds Product Manager m: 07771 740857

e: steve.brown@wynnstay.co.uk

@sirbilly55 7

MINERAL NUTRITION

Mineral

www.wynnstaydairy.uk

GRASS SEED MIXTURE SELECTOR Our range of grass seeds has grown to become one of the most popular ranges of mixtures in the UK. As well as attracting new customers, this growth has been driven by an increased trend toward repeat ordering - one of the most positive indicators that our customers are pleased with the product, performance and value of the mixture range. In addition, we also offer bespoke mixtures tailored to your specific requirements and management regimes.

CONVENTIONAL MIXTURES SHORT TERM

MEDIUM TERM

FAST GRASS 1 year ley

LONG TERM

SQUIRE 3 year ley Grazing

Grazing

Silage

Silage

Silage

Hay

EQUINE

HERALD 6+ year ley

Grazing

Hay

EXTRAS

ORGANIC SQUIRE

SHORT TERM

HORSE HAY MIX

POULTRY MIX PLUS

ORGANIC SOVEREIGN

MEDIUM TERM NO CLOVER

ORGANIC IMPERIAL

MEDIUM TERM PLUS CLOVER

(LONG TERM)

FORTRESS 3-4 year ley

KINGDOM 6+ year ley

Grazing

Grazing

Grazing

Silage

Silage

Silage

Hay

Hay

Hay

SHIELD 4 year ley

Grazing Silage

Hay

Hay

SOVEREIGN 4-6 year ley

Grazing

Silage

Silage

Hay

Hay

STRONGHOLD 4-6 year ley

GRASS SEED

LONG TERM PLUS CLOVER

AVAILABLE WITH CHICORY

ROYAL 6+ year ley

Grazing

Hay

LONG TERM NO CLOVER

MAJESTIC 6+ year ley

Silage

Silage

HORSE HERB MIX

GATEWAY MIX

Grazing

Grazing

OVERSEEDING

POULTRY MIX

HORSE HAY MIX TOWER 1-2 year ley

ORGANIC

HORSE & PONY MIX

(SHORT TERM)

Hay

POULTRY

AVAILABLE WITH FESTULOLIUM

CRUSADER 6+ year ley

AVAILABLE AS AN OPTION WITHOUT CLOVER

Grazing Silage Hay

AVAILABLE AS AN OPTION WITH CLOVER IMPERIAL 7+ year ley Grazing Silage Hay

Adam Simper

Grass and Root Seed Manager m: 07808 901179

e: adam.simper@wynnstay.co.uk

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WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

DAIRY NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2017

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT IS THE KEY TO A ROBUST BUSINESS Never being satisfied with the performance of the business is the key to building a robust business model.

Robustness in its simplest and graphical form is characterised by the size of the profit margin or the difference between sales revenue and total costs.

The closer you are to the breakeven pinch point, the less likely you are to cope with volatility in the commodity and milk markets, or other issues which increase costs, reduce income, or affect performance.

Sales Revenue

Costs and Revenues

Increasing the size of the profit wedge and robustness of your business cannot very easily be done without the support of the employees

The breakeven line graph

Break-Even Point Total Costs

Fixed Costs

Sales Level

The breakeven line graph is a great tool to better understand the economics of your business. It graphically highlights the effect of management decisions on income, fixed costs and revenue. It is important to include the whole business in the model otherwise erroneous decisions or opportunities may be missed.

The breakeven analysis is a great planning tool which you should not be afraid to share with your employees. When sharing with your employees you can segment the profit wedge further into things that would benefit them. For example; re-investment in equipment and machinery or a profit related pay scheme. In this way, you can convey to them the benefits of adopting a continuous improvement culture. Get them into a mindset where they are thinking how can we maintain our profit related pay during the bad times?

Or how can we increase it during the good times? Whichever way you look at it the business will benefit.

One of the biggest challenges in any business is encouraging staff to participate in a continuous improvement strategy.

All too often things have to be driven from the top down.

Improvements are far easier to achieve if it is driven from both the bottom up by employees and from the top down by management. Participation is key.

Dr. Huw McConochie

Head of Dairy Technical Services m: 07771 740857 e: huw.mcconochie@wynnstay.co.uk

@HuwMcConochie

9

MANAGEMENT

Increasing the size of the profit wedge and robustness of your business cannot very easily be done without the support of the employees. Protocols and standard operating procedures can only take you so far; to continually improve you need to know where the improvements need to be made.

The people doing the work know where the bottlenecks are; they know the problems that drain profit from the enterprise but may not realise it or know how to fix it. Solve problems together as a team, in most cases the outcome will be more positive. Providing a line of communication for employees to discuss or highlight problems is key, the problems are the foundations on which improvements can be made. This can be achieved by having team meetings or why not set up a WhatsApp group for your employees where they can alert you to recurrent problems? I do it with some of my clients and I even get the vet and contractor in some cases to join too.

www.wynnstaydairy.uk

DRY COWS THIS SUMMER If managed well, turning dry cows out to grass can be done without having a negative effect on transition or lactation.

Managing dry cows at grass

on mature grass that has received no slurry or potassium fertilisers is advisable but not always achievable. This will help control the risks associated with high potassium pastures and milk fever in dry cows (Penn State, 2017).

DCAB diets have been shown to be an insufficient way of controlling milk fever in grazing cattle as it can be difficult to reduce DCAB levels to adequate levels (Penn State, 2017).

Supplementation with magnesium is a more viable option for dry cows fed high potassium feeds in the prevention of milk fever. Recommended rates should be 20-30g or 0.4% BW, however, this may vary depending upon farm and feeds being used (Mulligan, 2017). The ratio of magnesium to potassium is critical and should be around 1:3. Magnesium can be provided in a number of forms including magnesium chloride and Calmag, as well as in pre-calver rations and licks. Be aware that magnesium sources differ in their solubility and, therefore, efficacy.

Excessive weight gain and metabolic disease are the main concerns, here are some useful points and guidelines to consider.

Body condition score should be assessed in late lactation with the aim of drying cows off at BCS 2.75-3.0. Unrestricted availability of grass in the dry period will result in excessive BCS gains and result in over fat cows at calving. Fat cows will have an increased risk of transition diseases, likewise, thin cows will also struggle post calving as they will have insufficient body reserves to draw upon in early lactation, and result in more severe negative energy balance. If grass intake is not restricted energy intake can go from 130% of requirements to 70% post calving. Restrict grass intake but not total dry matter intake by offering hay or straw. Monitoring rumen fill is important as pre-calving dry matter intake will determine transition success and post calving DMI. Aim for a rumen fill score of 3.5 and above.

In hot conditions the provision of shade and sufficient access to clean water is essential. Heat stress in dry cows can be detrimental to the subsequent lactation (do Amaral et al., 2009). Hygiene at calving time has additional benefits to the calf and cow.

Body condition and rumen fill scoring are useful tools to monitor and manage intakes in dry cows. Weekly scoring will allow for early detection of problems. Cows putting on weight in the dry period indicates an over-supply of energy.

However, if cows are looking very lean and empty with poor rumen fill scores, you may need to increase intakes by offering supplementary feed. However, under or over feeding dry cows to alter body condition during the dry period should be avoided as it can affect transition and lactation.

Dry cows can be successfully managed at grass provided they are managed and not forgotten.

Following these guidelines will prepare the cow for a successful transition and a successful lactation.

The Penn State method is useful in breaking cows down into smaller categories e.g. 2.5, 2.75, 3.5

Supplementary feed should be offered in the last three weeks to counteract the unavoidable drop in DMI and energy intake. Supplementation should include starch to transition the rumen (McCarthy, et al, 2015) and DUP to support the increased demands for calf development, udder development and lactation. When providing additional feed always ensure that trough space is adequate. Dry cows require at least 3ft of feed space each.

Stage of Lactation

DRY COWS

Grazing or feeding grass based rations to dry cows will need careful mineral supplementation due to the high potassium content which can predispose cows to milk fever. Roche et al., 2003 found that 33% of grazing dairy cows in New Zealand were in a hypo-calcaemic state around parturition but only 5% suffered classic clinical milk fever. Grazing cows

DIM

BCS Min

BCS Max

Calving

0

3.50

3.75

Early Lactation

1 to 30

3.00

3.25

Peak Milk

31 to 100

2.75

3.00

Mid Lactation

101 to 200

3.00

3.25

Late Lactation

201 to 300

3.25

3.75

Dry Off

> 300

3.50

3.75

Dry

- 60 to -1

3.50

3.75

For more information about managing transition cows please contact your local Wynnstay Dairy Specialist.

Weekly scoring will allow for early detection of problems

Alasdair Taylor

Dairy Specialist m: 07766 302124

e: alasdair.taylor@wynnstay.co.uk

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WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

THE FEEDS YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

BODY CONDITION SCORING

Wynnstay has the feeds you need to make the best use of this year’s exceptional first cut silage.

Cows can be divided into different categories based on the covering of flesh on their frame.

A good place to start is to assess if the cow has a U or V shape.

In summary, this year’s first cuts are high in protein, high in energy and low in fibre. The fibre fraction of these forages is extremely degradable. Forage NDF digestibility’s are in the 70’s which means that the forage behaves more like a concentrate than a forage in terms of degradability. These types of silage require three things in order to maximise the efficiency of utilisation:

V outline

Score

3 or less

For a clear V outline between the pins, thurl and hooks

1. On this year’s high-quality forages, the milk potential from energy exceeds the milk potential from digestible intestinal protein (DIP). Protected protein will ensure that high levels of DIP are provided by the diet helping to bridge the gap.

U outline

Score

3 or above

2. Nutritionally improved straw or NIS is a great complement for high quality silage. It provides a digestible source of slowly degradable fibre that has been shown to have a positive and profound affect on regulating DMI and maintaining rumen health. NIS is also effective at supporting milk fat levels. Pelleted caustic treated straw is a perfect fibre source for compact feeding systems and totally eliminates the need to process straw.

Where a U outline or shape is seen

To narrow it down further look at the cow from behind to see if the hooks are angular or rounded.

Score 2.75 or less

Angular

3. Combining these two raw materials in the diet allows the inclusion rate of cereals to be maximised without compromising rumen health. High starch levels will promote milk yield and protein content. In addition to rolled wheat, Wynnstay also supply Maxammon® treated wheat, which is both a rumen friendly feed source and an additional protein provider.

for angular hooks

Score 3

DAIRY NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2017

Rounded

for rounded hooks with a V shape from the side profile

U outline

For cows that have a U shape between the pins, thurl and hooks look at the tail head ligaments and fat pads on the pins to assess body condition.

Side View

Rear View

Wynnstay nutritionists are trained to unlock the full potential of your forage. This can be further enhanced with the inclusion of protected methionine in the diet. By focussing on the amino acid nutrition of the cow, dietary CP levels can be reduced in order to reduce the excretion of nitrogen and milk urea which will help fertility and milk quality.

If the tail head ligament and sacral ligament can clearly been seen.

If these ligaments are barely visible.

4 or

Dr. Huw McConochie

Head of Wynnstay Dairy Technical Services

above If the tail head ligament is completely covered with fat and you can pinch a large fat pad on the pins.

Images curiosity of Pennsylvania State University

11

FEEDS

Score 3.25 Score 3.5

Wynnstay nutritionists are trained to unlock the full potential of your forage

www.wynnstaydairy.uk

UNDIGESTED NDF - THE BEST MEASURE OF FEED VALUE Over the last 10 years, research around fibre has come a long way. The myth of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;scratch factorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has been quashed and we have really started to quantify what, on face value, seems a very logical statement - the more digestible the feed we put in is, the more milk output we get.

Turning attention to the indigestible NDF fractions of fibre, researchers have shown its significance in determining the rate of digestion in the rumen

Physically effective NDF Physically effective NDF (peNDF) was defined by Mertens (1997) as the fraction of fibre that stimulates chewing and contributes to the floating mat of large particles in the rumen.

The mat that floats on the top of rumen liquor stimulates rumination and is host to the countless microflora that cohabit in the rumen. Buoyancy plays a large role in maintaining the rumen mat, so fibre floats is preferable, without being too small that it passes out of the rumen too soon. Much work on this has concluded that 1.18mm in diameter is the smallest size effective fibre can be, as shown in (Figure 1.) below.

Resistance to flow from the rumen Resistance to flow (%)

120 100 80 60 40 20 0 0

1

2

3

4

5

Pore diameter of sieve (mm) Poppi et al., 1980 Figure 1. A graph showing the resistance to flow out of the rumen against particle size

NUTRITION

peNDF can be calculated by multiplying the percentage of a ration greater than 1.18mm multiplied by the NDF content of the ration. peNDF in isolation does not tell the whole story, as rumen pH is poorly correlated with peNDF (Zebeli et al 2006).

Ruminant Stomach

the fraction of fibre that stimulates chewing and contributes to the floating mat of large particles in the rumen

12

WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

DAIRY NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2017

Figure 2. A graph showing recorded digestibility rates of NDF divided into three pools

Pools of NDF

Comparisons of rations formulated to the same total NDF, but varying levels of fast and slow pools, provided evidence to suggest digestibility of fibre is more of an influence on intake than simply particle size and rate of passage.

Digestibility of fibrous feeds can vary a lot, affecting their function in the rumen and energy yield. By measuring degradation rates, we can make a distinction between three pools of NDF - fast, slow and undigested (or indigestible) NDF - and identify their roles in rumination. Work by Van Amburgh at Cornell University shows in (Figure 2.) the degradation rate of NDF in maize silage. P1, is NDF that will degrade within 30 hours in the rumen, resulting in higher intake, more ruminal buoyancy and more rumination. P2, is the fraction that takes 240 hours to degrade, is made up of larger, less digestible particles that create more ballast to the rumen matt and lower intakes. Then there is undigested NDF, that can typically be around 8-10% of the NDF, that passes through the cow without being broken down. Van Amburghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work concluded, that although maximising fast pools provides higher intakes increased digestibility and greater rumination, having a blend of all three is beneficial. A mix of all three is typical of forage compared to by-products such as brewerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grains, where the fast pool will be exhausted leading to a lack of buoyancy so the remaining pool exits the rumen quickly.

Implications to rationing on farm This work further enhances the importance of good forage with highly digestible NDF, not only being more palatable, but also more degradable, further stimulating intake. Alongside this, by maximising forage intakes to provide the right kind of NDF a rumen needs to function, we can support the potential milk yields with good quality concentrates. Further development of NDF modelling will filter down to farm level to further improve the accuracy of ration prediction and formulation, better characterising indigestibility of fibre and links to crop agronomy can be made.

Van Amburgh (2015) concludes NDF pools and uNDF plays a critical role in the response to physically effective NDF, dry matter intake, ruminating behaviour, rumen passage rate and the microflora population in the rumen.

NUTRITION

Mark Price

Dairy Specialist m: 07876 824314

e: mark.price@wynnstay.co.uk

@m_priceo 13

www.wynnstaydairy.uk

MAIZE SILAGE HARVEST How to maximise the quality of your maize by decisions made at harvest.

2.

What stage of maturity is the cob? This does warrant relatively frequent checking, looking at the colour of the plants over the hedge just isn’t good enough, especially with the stay-green varieties that remain green but still have developing cob maturity.

Those livestock farmers growing maize will by now be watching it grow in the field so it is the time to begin to think about harvest time and what options/considerations need to be thought through. You may think you have three months yet and that may be true but ‘fail to prepare and you are at risk of preparing to fail.’

Take a walk across the field picking a few cobs at random, and then break them in half approximately halfway along the length and look for the milk line, where the yellow starchy colour meets the white milky colour. The ideal milk line score is between 2-3 and can be seen in (Figure 1.) When the milk line score is 2.5 and when you squeeze an individual kernel between your thumb and forefinger, there should be no free liquid and the grain should be a soft cheese. If there is a lot of liquid then the starch content will be low, if it is too hard then the starch content will be higher but the overall starch digestibility will be reduced.

Farmers need to take control of the harvesting process and whilst maize is always considered as a high ME, hopefully high starch forage this is often not the case. In the weeks leading up to harvest three key points need to be considered:-

1.

How much silage yield do I need from my maize to ensure I can see the winter out with my forage stocks?

This is a crucial question, because if forage stocks are good then a higher cutting height in the field for the maize can be adopted. Whilst this reduces yield of forage it will significantly increase the digestibility of the maize silage and the starch content/kg of DM. Together these will have a twofold effect in the ration; firstly, increase the nutrients in every mouthful consumed and secondly, because the rumen will work more efficiently, intake will increase thus producing more milk from forage and keeping the cow healthier. The science has shown that increasing the stubble height from 10cm to 30cm increased NDF digestibility by 2.4% and a 1% increase NDF digestibility is equivalent to 0.25L of ‘Fat Corrected Milk!’ So, if you don’t need the forage, leave it in the field.

3.

Another key point is to try and harvest the maize whilst it is still living and green.

MANAGEMENT

This is sometimes a challenge under UK conditions because the challenge is to get the starch content high enough (3032%) whilst the plant is still living. A living plant at harvest, reduces the undesirable microbes on the plant, when the plant dies these invade the plant and increase the risks of problems both in the clamp and potentially in the animal.

The main issues are the yeasts and fungi; increased yeast

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WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

DAIRY NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2017

Once in the clamp, there is nothing you can do except feed more starch from another source in the winter!

Figure 1. The ideal milk score line

numbers increase aerobic spoilage and heating at feed-out, increased fungi make the potential for mycotoxins in maize silage at feed-out higher.

The take home messages are:

Once you have made the decision to harvest, ensure you are by the clamp when the first loads come in. With the very first load take a 2L jug and get a random sample of the maize as it is tipped. Get a 2.5 gal bucket half-full of clean water and tip the freshly harvested maize into it. Stir for a minute and let it settle for a further minute. All the non-seed parts will be floating on the top, remove them and throw them, then gently tip out the water until you see all the grain remaining in the bottom of the bucket.

Assess total silage needs and if you can leave the poorer digestible base of the stem in the field Monitor cob maturity regularly Harvest when whole plant is still green Ensure all kernels are cracked properly

Examine the grain to ensure all of it has been adequately cracked. If more than two seeds have not been cracked or there is only a ‘knock’ out of the grain then stop the harvester and tighten up the corn cracker. Doing this now saves a lot of starch ending up in the cow’s faeces in the winter and a lot more milk in the tank. I suggest checking again 2-3 times over the day. Once in the clamp, there is nothing you can do except feed more starch from another source in the winter!

Finally, of course, all the other good clamp management techniques need to be observed particularly consolidation and sheeting well, and overnight if the harvest takes more than 1 day.

MAIZE Dave Davies

Silage Solutions Ltd

15

www.wynnstaydairy.uk

CLINGSEAL – CUTTING YOUR LOSSES Typically, forage consists of anything between 40% and 80% of the diet in most dairy and beef production (intensive beef finishing aside).

Feed as a whole represents the largest single cost in such systems, making it very clear that addressing the cost of forage, while also maximising its quality, is an absolute priority.

IBERS (Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences in the UK) cite average dry matter losses of 25% under commercial silage making conditions, with in silo losses of 5-18% typical.

Highlighting the importance of ensuring steps are taken to minimise these losses during the harvesting and clamping process.

Which is exactly why farmers and industry experts use Clingseal - a flexible silage sheet that is used directly beneath traditional, heavier silage sheets such as Visqueen Agri-S. Clingseal is applied to the silage clamp before the application of the uppermost silage sheeting and any weights. It is thinner and, therefore, more flexible than standard silage sheets.

This allows it to “cling” more closely to the contours of the clamp surface and “tuck-in” more at the sides. As such it helps eliminate air pockets and provides a close-fitting air barrier to significantly reduce top and shoulder losses from aerobic spoilage.

A quick calculation really focuses the mind on the real value the sheet can offer:

1m3 of maize silage equates to approx 800kg of material. So if maize is valued at £40/tonne, then 1m3 is worth £32. A 10cm deep layer is therefore, worth £3.20 and a 1cm deep layer worth 32p. So this film costs approximately half the value of a 0.5cm layer of maize silage over the surface of the clamp.’

Additionally, because it provides a better air seal, it also facilitates a faster, more efficient fermentation process - delivering enhanced clamp silage quality.

Clingseal is easy to apply and suitable for a variety of ensiled crops, including grass. Shoulder and surface spoilage reduction is particularly noticeable with maize, wholecrop, and other ‘moist’ feeds.

Factor in shoulder spoilage, more rapid and efficient fermentation and better quality silage, then it’s a proverbial ‘no-brainer’.

CLINGSEAL

PROTECTION FOR THE WHOLE OF THE CLAMP

16

WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

•

Exceptional tear resistance

•

Longer lifespan resulting in better value for money

•

All weather protection with UV inhibitor to resist sunlight damage

•

Excellent opacity and gauge consistency

•

100% recyclable

•

Reduces air pockets to enhance effectiveness of conventional sheeting

•

Reduces top and shoulder losses in the clamp

•

Facilitates faster, more efficient fermentation

•

Suitable for a variety of crops, including grass, maize, wholecrop silage and crimped grain

•

100% recyclable

DAIRY NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2017

THE SILAGE SHEETING RANGE THAT REALLY MEASURES UP

VISQUEEN. FOR GOOD MEASURE. Manufactured in the UK to rigorous production standards the pioneering Visqueen silage sheeting range really measures up in terms of creating the ideal ensiling environment.

Known for its high strength, puncture resistance and excellent seal characteristics, the Visqueen range benefits from the latest five layer blown extrusion technology. The five layer manufacturing process enables the most effective placement of raw materials within the film blend so that they reach those parts of the film where they are most needed. This ensures the UV stabilizers are on the outside to face the weather with the inner layers bearing the high strength and puncture resistance elements of these exceptionally strong sheets.

By providing a highly effective air seal across the clamp face the innovative combination of Visqueen Agri-S and Visqueen

This new generation clamp sheet sits directly beneath the traditional black silage sheet, where, thanks to its design it closely follows and ‘clings’ to the clamp surface. In doing so it prevents pockets of trapped air forming to significantly reduce aerobic spoilage on the top and shoulders. In addition to providing an additional air seal it creates the right anaerobic conditions to deliver enhanced silage quality.

that are more susceptible to wastage. Put simply, using this new type of film will help you to produce better quality silage with less waste.

Visqueen Clingseal is especially beneficial when ensiling moist feeds like brewers’ grains and crimped maize - higher value crops

As such they are available to order from stock and are supported by excellent and responsive customer service levels.

These locally produced, high quality silage sheets are the only silage sheets manufactured here in the UK.

17

CLINGSEAL

Clingseal helps to create the right anaerobic conditions for fast, efficient fermentation. Aware of farmers’ ongoing need to maximize forage returns bpi.visqueen created Visqueen Clingseal - a thin, flexible, low permeability sheet that reduces top and shoulder spoilage – to complement Visqueen Agri-S.

www.wynnstaydairy.uk

COLOSTRUM – IT’S ABOUT MORE THAN JUST IgGs According to Georgina Thomas, Ruminant Technical Manager with Trouw Nutrition GB, the real benefits of colostrum go much further than just being a source of immunoglobulins (IgGs). Colostrum plays a huge role in early calf development, something she urges farmers to exploit.

It is widely known that new born calves are born with an inadequate immune system, leaving them at risk from a wide range of pathogens present in their environment. It is also well understood that feeding calves sufficient, high quality colostrum immediately after birth supplies them with the IgGs required to develop an effective immune system.

What we now also know, and what makes the early feeding of colostrum even more beneficial, is that it contains other non-nutritient bioactive components that help set the calf up for a good start in life by encouraging higher feed efficiency for superior growth and subsequent milk yield and fertility.

Colostrum contains IGF-1, insulin and relaxin and these have been shown to have an impact on the development of the gastrointestinal tract. Insulin and IGF-1 also increase the rate of protein synthesis. Together these will have a big impact on feed efficiency, meaning calves can grow more quickly. It has been shown that colostrum-fed calves, absorb glucose more effectively.

New trials also show it pays to feed colostrum at a higher weight. In a comparison between calves fed two litres and others fed four litres within one hour of birth, the calves fed at a higher rate: •

Had 70% lower vet bills.

•

Had higher average daily liveweight gains up to 500 days old – 1.03kg/day compared to 0.8kg/day.

•

Over the first two lactations produced over 1,000L more milk.

high quality colostrum immediately after birth supplies them with the IgGs required to develop an effective immune system The evidence demonstrates that colostrum really is the ideal feed for newly born calves. Not only does it boost their immune system, it also helps to prevent the commonly occurring disease problems that contribute to reduced growth and increased mortality; importantly it sets the calf up to be more efficient both when growing and when milking.

COLOSTRUM

Increasing the amount of colostrum fed, can deliver major benefits for little additional costs; it will pay to review your colostrum policy now to help ensure you produce calves with increased health, vitality and performance potential.

Georgina Thomas

Ruminant Technical Manager - Trouw Nutrition GB

18

WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

DAIRY NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2017

MAKING AUTUMN BLOCK CALVING WORK FOR YOU Profitability is generally not correlated to production systems. Success with any system is dependent on achieving the desired targets. In terms of robustness one of the best systems is autumn block calving.

This is especially true in the current business environment where many contracts pay extra for autumn/winter milk and require higher milk solids. Fats and proteins improve in the autumn and relative to spring and summer remain at a higher level provided nutrition is adequate and correct.

10. Breeding should begin on the 1st of December for first lactation heifers and cows. Consider presynch protocols prior to breeding to help maintain a tight calving pattern.

11. Post natal checks, good heat detection and submission rates, vet intervention with cows not cycling and regular PD sessions are critical to maintain good fertility. Cows not cycling or not served by 70 days should be immediately put on a reproductive program.

To be successful with autumn calving it needs to be just that; autumn calving. Far too many herds begin calving in July and August in an attempt to capture the whole positive seasonality benefit. The downside of this is that cows are often left out grazing. Friesian type or crossbred animals may well tolerate this type of management but more Holstein type cows fail to achieve adequate energy intake, lose excessive body condition, have poorer fertility, milk quality, and fail to maintain peak yields. If you want to take this approach I strongly recommend evaluating the type of cow you manage.

One of the other benefits of block calving is that it allows you to concentrate on specific parts of the production cycle and give them your full attention. For example; calving in September, October, breeding in December and January, maximising grass utilisation in spring and dry cow management in July and August.

Late summer high yielding cows at grass are also more prone to metabolic disorders. Heavy concentrate feeding to replace energy in the diet, and quite often the grazing of lush aftermaths, will also increase the risk of displacements.

In addition, there are a number of other reasons why autumn block calving is attractive:

In my opinion the main principles of successful autumn calving are as follows: 1.

2.

1. The cows demands from spring to autumn are very much in tune with the grass growth curve and quality.

Calving should begin in September and be all over 10 weeks later.

2. Due to seasonality, most producers take a reduction in milk price in spring. Well-fed autumn calving cows can be turned out to grass early in spring, safely in calf with little supplementary feeding which will help to protect margins.

Replacements should calve at the beginning of, or before, the main block of mature cows begin to calve.

3. Be mindful that the dry period for cows coincides with the highest risk period for summer mastitis; in calf heifers are also at risk.

3. The nutritional quality of grass prevents cows becoming over fat during mid to late lactation, which reduces the incidence of metabolic diseases.

4. Cows need to be brought in at least four weeks pre-calving and fed a high fibre, medium energy, medium protein diet.

4. Higher feed inputs during the winter are matched by higher feed conversion efficiencies in early lactation cows, and a higher winter milk price.

5. Cows should not be turned out post calving, regardless of weather conditions or grass availability. Grass covers in late autumn can make excellent quality silage; high in protein and with a moderate energy level. However, grazing this grass can lead to rapid loss of body condition and poor production and fertility later on. Although this does depend largely on breed and type of cow.

5. Higher feed inputs during winter are balanced out by low feed inputs in spring/summer.

6. 60-70% of cows should have calved in the first four weeks of calving and 98% by nine weeks.

7.

Getting cows back into positive energy balance as soon as possible post calving will be essential to ensure good fertility and a compact block calving.

Energy density of the diet is everything.

Milk from forage does not guarantee profitability and is a figure that is easily manipulated but achieving 4,000-4,500L from forage and feeding around 2.25t of concentrates for 7,500-8,000L is a very robust strategy.

8. Making excellent quality silage will go a long way to helping you formulate this kind of diet.

Perhaps it is time to rethink the advantages of Autumn Block Calving?

9. Replacement heifers should be bred from heifers and from cows calving in the early stages of the calving block.

Dr. Huw McConochie

Head of Wynnstay Dairy Technical Services

19

BLOCK CALVING

6. Heifer calves born in the autumn and programmed for two year old calving make maximum use of grazed grass and can be managed as one group, especially if replacements are born within the first four weeks of the calving block. It is imperative that heifer growth rates are high enough in order to achieve the desired calving weight within 24 months.

www.wynnstaydairy.uk

SUREPULSETM Surepulse for better animal health and Calf 35 for no mastitis...........

A story from Hungary.

8 months until 29 March 2017 when Calf 35 was introduced.

Surepulse Hungarian distributor, Bos-Plus Kft. won the third prize for this year’s Animal Breeding Days in the Animal Health and Reproduction Biology category of Hungarian Animal Husbandry Product Award.

With the Calf 35 technology, which is a revolution in milking machine technology, the strong vacuum was decreased to a constant 35 kPa but the closed pressure of the liner was considerably enhanced with the special technology, which effectively follows the pressures of a suckling calf.

Immediately there was a change in the environment in the dairy. ‘A miracle happened!’ - Róbert Tóth, managing director of Bos-Plus Kft. said, “we did not expect such a fast and big change. With over 2,500 milking, there was not a single kick off. There is no stress on the milking cows. Formerly the cows were reluctant to walk into the parlour, but now they do not want to leave. There is an incredible calm during milking. The cows do not show any signs of pain. We have not found any new mastitis since Calf 35 was installed. At the Exhibition we received many visitors and even with 30 visitors crowded into the milking room the cows were not bothered.”

The latest milking technology for Surepulse milking technology named Calf 35, was first put into operation at the University of Szeged, Hódmezővásárhely farm on March 29.

The system incorporates Surepulse inserts and liners which improves and softens the movement of the liners on the teats of milking cows and has made great improvements on many farms in Europe and UK and in New Zealand Australia where the Surepulse system was first introduced.

Moving from the traditional liners to the Surepulse liners and inserts saw a very good improvement in the teat health of the cows, steadily lowering cell count and this continued for

“The change in milk quality was the most striking thing which has become apparent over the last three months. The Hódmezővásárhely site in the summer of 2016, had a cell count of 350,000. At this time, the Surepulse system was installed and after eight months the cell count, on average, had reduced to 213,000 per millilitre. After the installation of the new Calf 35 technology, the values fell further and rapidly

Róbert Tóth and Richard Paul Wallace

Calf 35, is a revolution in milking machine technology

Production Somatic Cell Count (kg) (x1000/ml)

Date

Cows

8th March

38

30.15

213

10th April

32

29.88

120

5th May

27

33.58

53

9 June

28

31.70

219*

7th July

35

31.55

63

th

Fig. 1. Milk Quality and Quantity table

*period of sudden high summer temperatures (20ºC to 38ºC) in uninsulated barn

SUREPULSETM

The Effect of Positive and Negative Pressure on the Teats

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DAIRY NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2017

The Calf 35 system uses both positive air pressure and vacuum to milk a cow and these pressures are directly in line with those of a sucking calf

The positive air pressure closes the liner and removes the blood and lymph form the teat ends

The positive air pressure causes the liner to grip the teat whereby stopping cup slip

is now a possibility for greater selection by production giving a very real chance to increase the average lactation number to 3 or 4, and thus make milk production more economical.

(Figure.1). The Somatic Cell Count of 53,000 is surprisingly low. The data is recorded and certified by the Livestock Production Examination Company. Every cow is studied for teat scores, and for the milk quality. Reductions in the herd number were not due to culling but due to drying off and never had the somatic cell count on the University farm been lower than 200,000.”

Following the path of nature’s proven way The principles of today’s machine milking techniques have developed since the early 1900s. The original intention to imitate the sucking action of the calf had to be abandoned owing to technical difficulties.

Further developments were made on a largely empirical basis and milking technique became a specific complex of tasks, problems and solutions. Consequently, the sucking of the calf was rejected as a model for machine milking. The sucking behaviour and the application of vacuum and/or pressure by the sucking mammalian offspring have been adapted through evolution.

The milk quantity increased by some two litres or 6.4% per cow, but it is not possible to draw far-reaching conclusions because seasonal nature may change.

The technique of natural milking was invented by Paul Wallace in two steps. First, seven years ago, the Surepulse inserts were developed and are being used successfully with more than 300,000 cows every day, with good results, but still not perfect results, and it was perceived there were too many variables with the conventional milking system. Two years ago low-vacuum milking was investigated and technology developments began with Surepulse.

Since the cineradiographic techniques used by Ardran et al.

(1957, 1958) it was believed that sucking calves use mainly pressure to transfer a squirt of milk from the proximally closed teat cistern and through the teat canal. The calf creates the pressure by compressing the teat between the tongue and the hard palate from the base of the teat towards the teat end. Cowie (1977) summarized these results: ‘Sucking, that is the production of vacuum within the mouth cavity, is not an essential feature in suckling, although it aids the process. … The act of suckling is thus analogous to hand milking …’

Wallace states “From our knowledge of physiology we know that the closed pressure of the liner should be applied at the end two millimetres of the teat. The Surepulse inserts ensure this, but the required closed pressure on the liner is ensured at a consistent level with the Calf 35 system which uses both positive air pressure and vacuum to milk a cow, and these pressures are directly in line with those of a sucking calf.”

Average maximum pressure in the teat cistern was 36·6 kPa and vacuum at the end of the teat averaged −34·6 kPa. It was concluded that the average differential pressure across the teat canal was 71 kPa. However, this method of calculation gives only the maximal pressure difference and not the average pressure applied by the calf. They noted that vacuum in the teat cistern occurred during the resting phase of a suckling cycle. The calf’s sucking technique for single teats during a meal has been analysed (Mayntz, 1996). Further details of pressure and/or vacuum application during suckling at a specific teat remain unknown.

As a result of low level vacuum milking, the sphincter muscle function is fast and effective after milking, which is a natural barrier.

The objective of the present study was to extend the current knowledge about milk extraction by sucking calves through continuous and simultaneous measurements of positive and negative pressure in the teat cistern and in the mouth cavity.

For more information about SurepulseTM and Calf 35 Technology please contact your local Wynnstay Dairy Specialist.

Many farms are struggling with workforce problems and improvements in working conditions can only help make the workplace of dairy worker more attractive.

In Hungary, cows perform 2.2 lactations on average. With the elimination of forced compulsory selection via culling, there

21

SUREPULSETM

Long-term benefits with the Calf 35 system are expected to include; reduced culling of cows, reduced mastitis, reduced lameness and enhanced fertility rates. These four factors are related animal health issues. According to Paul Wallace, if the mastitis is eliminated, both lameness and culling are likely be reduced over time. By eliminating mastitis, working conditions in the milking parlours will also improve.

www.wynnstaydairy.uk

SEED VARIETIES TO WATCH IN 2017

Wheat This year the AHDB Recommended List offers a host of new seed varieties to choose from. The introduction of 11 new winter wheats in 2017 and the success of the 2016 new entrants, means that there is a lot of competition - therefore selecting the right variety could be tricky and it is advisable to speak to a Wynnstay Specialist for bespoke information on the options.

west. The options are either a variety from KWS, which have been consistent across a number of years. These include varieties such as KWS Tower and KWS Cassia. The other 2 row option is Surge from Syngenta, which brings improved disease ratings, particularly for mildew. Surge also has bold grain, a high specific weight and good straw characteristics that, when treated with growth regulators, should be suitable for most situations.

Of the new entrants in 2016, Graham, a hard group 4, is likely to increase its market share going forward. Graham has a good overall agronomic package – but importantly it has one of the best resistance ratings to septoria tritici on the List (rated 6.7). This coupled with being the equal highest yielding variety available in the western region, will make Graham a very popular choice. Graham will also be a top variety for wholecrop – with a good straw length of 86cm and excellent standing power.

Hybrid Rye Hybrid Rye is proving to be increasingly popular as a high yielding wholecrop for livestock production. The huge yields and rapid growth could well replace other cereal wholecrops and even offer an alternative to forage maize in marginal situations. Opportunities for double cropping also exist as forage ‘catch crops’ can be sown early following a June harvest of hybrid rye. More information is needed on the feeding qualities of hybrid rye and we are currently monitoring an on-farm case study, which we will be able to publish the results of shortly.

KWS Siskin, a quality group 2 variety, was also a popular introduction in 2016. It has a huge yield, comparable to the very best feed wheats, and like Graham ‘raises the bar’ in septoria resistance with a rating of 6.8. KWS Siskin also yields well as a second wheat.

In terms of new varieties, Shabras, a hard group 4, will be attractive to growers, particularly in the west. It is early to mature and is the highest yielding wheat in the region, yielding 106.3. It also looks useful as a potential new second wheat, and could be a good alternative to replace JB Diego.

For more information on cereal seed options for 2017, please contact your local Wynnstay specialist or call the Seed Department on 01939 210777.

The other new feed variety to look out for is Dunston, which looks to be a good all-round first and second wheat option.

It offers stiff straw and good resistance to septoria, with a rating of 6.7. Dunston will also be useful variety for wholecrop, with a very long straw of 93cm and excellent resistance to lodging. However, it may need monitoring for mildew.

SEED

Barley For winter barley growers, it is likely that the main decision remains as whether to select a 6 row hybrid or a 2 row feed variety. However, the new high yielding (non-hybrid) six row variety, Funky may well challenge this. The yield and grain quality are similar to the top hybrid on the Recommended List. It has very stiff straw, excellent disease ratings and early maturity. The seed will also be considerably cheaper than the cost of hybrids – making Funky an attractive proposition to some.

Richard Torr

Seed Sales Manager m: 07990 578551

In terms of hybrids, Bazooka is a very strong variety. However, with a modest yield improvement and the extra seed costs of hybrids, 2 rows are still looking to be the dominant force in the

e: richard.torr@wynnstay.co.uk

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DAIRY NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2017

COMPET IT ION T IME!

WIN

r te in w a n o s e c la p e v one of fi m a d r te s m A to ip tr y t wo day stud

For a chance of winning a place on this exciting European Study Tour, taking place in December 2017, complete the information online to be entered in to the prize draw.

Enter online at:

www.wynnstayagriculture.co.uk/competitions COMPETITION

Dairy Newsletter Competition Prize Draw Terms and Conditions apply* *Terms and conditions: The closing date for entries is Thursday 31st August 2017. The winners will be chosen at random from all entries on 15th September 2017.

The winners will be contacted directly and details of the winners will be announced on the event website (www.wynnstayagriculture.co.uk) after 15th September 2017. You must complete all required information to be entered into the competition. Only one entry per customer. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition. The winners may be required to take part in promotional activity related to the prize draw. Employees of Wynnstay Group Plc or subsidiary companies are not permitted to enter the competition. We accept no responsibility for entries that are lost, delayed or incomplete. We reserve the right to withdraw or change the competition at any time. There is no cash alternative to the prize. The prize cannot be transferred or exchanged. Judges decision is final. By entering the competition you have accepted these terms and conditions.

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Contact us: Dairy Order Desk

t: 0808 168 7998 dairy@wynnstay.co.uk To find your local store visit

www.wynnstayagriculture.co.uk Wynnstay Feeds Llansantffraid Office: 01691 828512 Carmarthen Office: 01267 231341 Rhosfawr Office: 01766 819066

Wynnstay Arable Seed: 01939 210777 Fertiliser: 01939 211266 Crop Protection: 01939 210500 GrainLink: 01939 210500

For technical advice, product information or to request a quote visit

www.wynnstayagriculture.co.uk

For the latest dairy news and information, or if you are interested in receiving our Dairy Newsletter by e-mail please visit

www.wynnstaydairy.uk Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the details supplied in this publication are correct, 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.

Wynnstay (Agricultural Supplies) Ltd • Eagle House • Llansantffraid • Powys • SY22 6AQ Registration No. 5009019 Part of Wynnstay Group Plc • Eagle House • Llansantffraid • Powys SY22 6AQ Registration No: 2704051 Telephone: 01691 828512 • Fax: 01691 828690 • Email: info@wynnstay.co.uk • www.wynnstay.co.uk Registered in Wales and England Vat Reg No. 168 7221 87

@WynnstayGroup WN2478