INSIDE THIS ISSUE www.dairygoldagri.ie - Dairygold Agri Business
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
PAGE Early Lactation Nutrition
03
PAGE Grass Matters
18
PAGE Fertility & Breeding
21
PAGE Moving from Whole Milk
26 to Milk Replacer
ISSUE 72 - FEBRUARY 2019 www.dairygoldagri.ie
Welcome to the February edition of
MILK MATTERS
DAIRYGOLD’S DAIRY ADVISORY BULLETIN
Dear Milk Matters Reader,
CONTENTS
Early Lactation Nutrition ................. 03
Dear Milk Matters reader, It’s February,
calving is upon us. In 6 weeks time, Dairygold PostCalver Gold............. 06
on average, you’ll all have 60-75% of
Lameness............................................ 08
your cows calved.
Bord Bia Sustainability...................... 12
This month’s Nutrition Matters,
focuses on the impact of early UCD Lyons........................................... 14
lactation feeding on your breeding season. Key Principles of Calf Rearing......... 16
Moving from a 60% 6 week calving rate to 90% could
generate €25,000 for a 100 cow herd. While your herd’s Grass Matters...................................... 18
fertility performance is controlled by a number of factors Dairy Farming On Difficult /
we concentrate on energy intake and maintaining BCS Heavy Land..........................................20
after calving.
Fertility and Breeding......................... 21
Your farms ability to grow grass this spring and your
Moving from Whole Milk to
ability to manage it will have a major impact on your Milk Replacer....................................... 26
performance and profitability. In this month’s edition of
Grass Matters, John Maher focuses on how to manage CHFC Matters...................................... 30
the grass your farm grows this spring. John also looks
AHI Notes.............................................. 31
at the differing approach needed to spring grazing and
fertiliser application on heavier soils.
We have an update from the higher yielding herd in
UCD. Have they managed to address the questionable
fertility performance of 2016 and 2017 in 2018? See
pages 14 and 15 for an update.
Doreen Corridan looks at colostrum feeding, quality,
storage, handling and management, while also looking
at key requirements from your calf house.
Yours Sincerely,
To contact the editor of
Liam Stack M.Agr.Sc
MILK
MATTERS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
RUMINANT TECHNICAL MANAGER,
PAGE Feeding Cows In
04 Lactation
Early
PAGE Grass Matters
12
PAGE Fertility & Breeding
19
DAIRYGOLD AGRIBUSINESS
PAGE Cryptosporidium
26 Cryptoguard
And Immuboost
ISSUE 71 - JANUARY
2019
www.dairygoldag
ri.ie
email: lstack@dairygold.ie
2 www.dairygoldagri.ie
ISSUE 72 - FEBRUARY 2019
EARLY LACTATION
NUTRITION
By LIAM STACK, M.Agr.Sc, Ruminant Technical Manager
Early Lactation Nutrition: 2. Energy intake:
Feeding regimes for freshly calved cows have one Energy intake is a product of the UFL of the diet and
ultimate goal: Getting your cows back in calf. the intake potential of the diet. You need to maximise
To achieve this we need to: both to achieve a high overall energy intake.
•
Feed enough energy to limit BCS loss in early
lactation In early lactation when our cow’s intake potential is
• Supply the cow with adequate minerals at its lowest point we especially need to prioritize the
• Feed a diet with a balanced protein profile feeding of the highest UFL feeds.
However fertility performance is not all nutrition Calving
Energy requirement
Drying off
related. For good fertility performance we need:
• An optimum breeding management programme
• A feeding programme appropriate for your cow
• A good herd health status Energy intake
Challenge period
• An AI programme that breeds for fertility
Early Lactation Nutrition Challenges: Transition phase
1.
Do you know the energy requirement of your Dry phase Early lactation Mid lactation Late lactation
cows? Lactation process
This is a function of milk yield, the higher the yield the
higher the UFL requirement. What is the Intake Potential
of our Forages?
UFL requirements For Lactating Dairy Cows Grass Silage:
Milk Yield Daily UFL Milk Solids Daily UFL The intake potential of our grass silages is influenced
(kg) required (kg/day) required by
20 14.5 1.5 15 a. The DMD:
25 16.5 2 18 G
rass silage of 65 DMD can have an intake
30 18.5 2.5 21.5 potential of 8-10kg DM
35 20.5 3 23 G
rass Silage of 75 DMD can have an intake
potential of 10-12kg DM
b. The Dry Matter: Wetter silages have a lower intake
KEY POINT: It is not uncommon to
potential.
be feeding the highest energy feeds
and through low intakes to still have
c.
The preservation (pH, lactic acid %, Ammonia
a low overall energy intake.
N). Poorly preserved silages have a lower intake
potential.
3
Concentrate required to sustain differing levels of milk production will vary depending on forage quality
Yield
23ltrs 25 ltrs 28 ltrs 33 ltrs 37 ltrs
5 gals 5.5 gal 6 gals 7 gals 8 gals
Silage DMD
60 9kg 10kg 11kg
65 7.5kg 8.5kg 9.5kg 11kg
70 6kg 7kg 8kg 9.5kg 11kg
75 5kg 6kg 7kg 8kg 10kg
Due to the lower intake potential add 1kg for poorly preserved, wet silages.
Grass Silage, Maize Silage or Wholecrop Combinations:
Two forage diets have a higher intake potential than grass silage only diets. These diets typically have forage
intake potentials of c.12-14kgDM but can be higher if the silage quality is very good. 2 kgDM extra forage intake
will support 3-4 kg of extra milk or will reduce the level of concentrates needed at differing milk levels
Feed recommendations for Good Quality Maize Silage for 28 kg (6ltrs)
25% Maize Silage : 75% Grass Silage 7.5 kg Dairy Balancer Gold 25%
50% Maize Silage : 50% Grass Silage 6.5 kg Dairy Balancer Gold 29%
75% Maize Silage : 25% Grass Silage 5.5 kg Dairy Balancer Gold 33%
+/- 1kg for every 2 kgs of milk
Grass Silage and Alfalfa: However, in the spring while you are using your
As with a grass silage-maize silage combination, a spring rotation planner, your cows grass intake will be
grass silage-alfalfa combination will result in a higher dependent on allowance.
combined forage intake and therefore will require a Concentrates required, out by day in by night:
low level of concentrate feeding for the same level of
production. Milk Yield (kg)
Milk Yield (kg) 18 22 26 30 34
23 25 28 33 37 6kg DM grass + 6kg 64 DMD silage 4 6 8 10 12
70 DMD silage 30 30 30 30 30 6kg DM grass + 6kg 68 DMD silage 3.5 5.5 7.5 9.5 11.5
Alfalfa 6 6 6 6 6 6kg DM grass + 6kg 72 DMD silage 3 5 7 9 11
16% PostCalver Gold 5 6 7 8.5 10 Ref: Adapted from F mulligan, UCD
Concentrates required, grass full time:
Grazed Grass: Milk Yield (kg)
Intakes of grazed grass can be as high as 17kg DM, if
the grass allocation, grazing conditions and grassland 18 22 24 38 32
management allow it. 12 kg Dm Grass 2 4 5 6.5 8.5
The intakes of grass are dependent on: 14 kg Dm Grass 1.5* 1.5 2.5 4.5 6.5
a. Kgs allocated 16 kg Dm Grass 1.5* 1.5* 1.5* 2.5 4
b. Ground condition
c. G
rass quality (DMD). This has a big effect during 17 kg Dm Grass 1.5* 1.5* 1.5* 1 3
the main grazing season *grass alone does not meet a cows daily requirement for calcium, phosphorus,
magnesium, zinc, iodine and selenium. Even though a cow’s energy demand might
d. Dry Matter not require concentrates, feeding 1.5kg of concentrates at grass is the cheapest and
most effective method of supplying these minerals. See below section on minerals.
4 www.dairygoldagri.ie
ISSUE 72 - FEBRUARY 2019
Spring Nutrition Plan for a cow peaking at 25 kg or 2.5 kg Milk solids
Length of the Concentrates Total Concentrates for
period (weeks) (kg/day) the period (kg)
68 DMD silage 3 8 168kg
Out by day, In by night 3 6 126kg
Grazing full time (13-14kg grass DM) 8 2.5 140kg
Total 434kg
Cost c/ltr (spring nutrition plan)* 2.3c/ltr
*Assumes a concentrate cost of €290/T and 5500kg annual production
Mineral Nutrition: Be wary of feeds with low mineral inclusions.
On both silage and grass diets, cows need mineral Minerals and vitamins are expensive to include in
supplementation. compound feed. Our nutritional team at Dairygold
Dietary deficiencies of copper, selenium and iodine are Quality Feeds know the importance of the mineral
linked to: nutrition of your cows to yearly performance. We
• poor fertility,
include our minerals and vitamins pro-rata with
• cystic ovaries,
• anoestrous, our feeding or cal mag rates. This means that our
• irregular or supressed oestrus vitamin and mineral inclusion are in sync with our
• and early embryonic death feeding levels i.e. if you feed one of our feeds at our
120%
prescribed level all your cows vitamin and mineral
100% = COWS DAILY REQUIREMENT requirements are being fully met. However, through
investigation we have discovered that others players
100%
GAP
in the market have vitamin and mineral inclusions out
GAP
80%
GAP GAP
of sync with their recommended feeding levels i.e. if
GAP
60%
you feed their feedings at the prescribed levels, your
40%
cows magnesium requirements will be met but your
20% cows daily allocation of trace elements and vitamins
0%
will be low. These feeds can contain as low as 25-
Phos Ca Iodine Zinc Se 50% of the Copper, Zinc, Iodine, Se and Vitamin A, D
and E contained in our feeds.
80
70
75.4
65.2
60
68.8
57.7
50
40
30
20
10
Conception Rate Days to 1st Service
Control + Bioplex Trace Minerals
O’Donnell, Boland & O’Callaghan, 1995
5
Dairygold PostCalver Gold helps you meet all the challenges
1. High energy and good quality protein source:
PostCalver Gold is a high energy ration with a high inclusion of native cereals and a high inclusion of maize meal.
This maximises the energy density of the feed making it easier for the cow to meet her energy requirements.
Protein source: Some raw materials like sunflower are high in crude KEY POINT: PostCalver
protein but low in available protein. PostCalver Gold only contains Gold is 5% higher in
raw materials that are high in both. energy density than your
average feed.
The excellent raw material profile maximises milk yield, milk protein
percentage and herd fertility performance
2. Yea-sacc, from Alltech, is proven to deliver more milk and better fertility in Irish feeding systems. Yea-sacc
works in 2 ways:
a. Stabilises rumen pH.
Low rumen pH lowers feed digestion, feed intake and milk yield.
b. Promotes the growth of fiber-digesting bacteria.
Your cows diet contains c.15-17% protein. This protein is c.80% digestible. Your cows diet contains 8-20% starch.
This starch is c.90% digestibile. Your cows diet contains c. 40-50% NDF (fibre). This fibre is only 45-65% digestible.
By stimulating fibre digesting bacteria, Yea-sacc releases more energy from the most undigestible fraction of your
cows diet.
By encouraging intakes and releasing more energy from the feed eaten, Yea-sacc is proven to:
- increase milk yield by up to 1.6ltrs
- improve fertility performance by up to 20%
3. Bioplex copper, zinc and Selplex from Alltech
Minerals are available as inorganic or organic.
Inorganic minerals are rock sourced minerals or they
can be byproducts of industrial processes. Feeding
inorganic minerals leads to mineral interaction and
high levels of mineral losses from the cow. This has
animal and environmental implications.
In nature, organic minerals are plant based minerals.
These minerals do not interact with other minerals,
they are more available to the cow and therefore
have a lower environmental impact.
Bioplex copper, zinc and Selplex are minerals produced3.byBioplex
Alltech which
copper, actSelplex
zinc and the same as natural organic plant
from Alltech
based minerals within the cow. Minerals area available as inorganic or organic. Inorganic minerals are rock sourced minerals
Feeding inorganic minerals leads to mineral interaction and high levels of mineral losses from
cow. This has animal and environmental implications.
6 www.dairygoldagri.ie
ISSUE 72 - FEBRUARY 2019
Through their higher level of animal availability, Bioplex
copper, zinc and Selplex are proven to:
- Lower the amount of minerals excreted into the
environment by the animal
- Improve immune status
- Improve fertility performance
4. Elevated levels of Vitamin E
The higher the Vitamin E status of the cow the better
her overall immune system works. Low immunity leads
to increased risk of mastitis, higher SCC and a greater 4. Elevated levels of Vitamin E
vulnerability to any infectious organism that may attack. The higher the vitamin E status of the cow the better her overall immune system works. Low
immunity leads to increased risk of mastitis, higher SCC and a greater vulnerability to any infectious
organism that may attack.
Your cows Vitamin E status is lowest around the point of calving.
Your4.cows
Elevated Within
vitaminlevels
PostCalver Gold (and pre-calver gold
of Vitamin
E status is lowestEaround the point of calving. Within post-calver gold (and pre-
minerals) we feed elevated levels of Vitamin E to maximise yourthecowsvitamin EVitamin E status.
calver gold minerals) we feed elevated levels of vitamin E to maximise your cows vitamin E status.
The higher status of the cow the better her overall immune system works. Low
immunity leads to increased risk of mastitis, higher SCC and a greater vulnerability to any infectious
organism that may attack.
Your cows vitamin E status is lowest around the point of calving. Within post-calver gold (and pre-
calver gold minerals) we feed elevated levels of vitamin E to maximise your cows vitamin E status.
KEY POINT: PostCalver Gold
contains 500% more vitamin
E than other post calver feeds
we’ve seen on the market.
Ref: Weiss et al., 1990
Ref: Weiss et al., 1990
Key point: Post calver gold contains 500% more vitamin E than other post calver feeds we’ve seen on
The effect of Vitamin E supplementation on clinical mastitis
the market.
cases of dairy cows
The effect and
of vitamin heifers during
E supplementation
peripartum period (peripartum period is
the cases
on clinical mastitis peripartum
of dairy coes andperiod.
heifers during the
Ref: Weiss et al., 1990
5. Biotin is added
Biotin is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that is produced
by the rumen microbes. Additional supplemented Biotin
can improve hoof health, hoof hardness and milk yields.
Addition of Biotin to a dairy cow diet leads to:
1. Less lameness
Poor fertility, mastitis and lameness are some of the
Ref: Weiss et al., 1990
biggest costs on dairy farms. Every lame cow costs you Ref: Weiss et al., 1997
between €280 - €300. Published research has shown 5. Biotin is added
that feeding c.20mg Biotin per day had positive effects on: supplemented biotin can improve hoof health, hoof hardness and milk yields.
Biotin is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that is produced by the rumen microbes. Additional
- White line separation Incidences of sole bruising in Dairy cows
in relation to biotin supplementation.
Addition of Biotin to a dairy cow diet leads to:
- Digital and Inter-digital Dermatitis 1. Less lameness
- Healing of Sole Ulcer Poor fertility, mastitis and lameness are some of the biggest costs on dairy farms. Every lame cow
costs you on between €280 - €300. Published research has shown that feeding c.20mg Biotin per day
- Lameness in Seasonally Calved Dairy Cows had positive effects on:
- White line separation,
- Digital and Inter-digital Dermatitis,
2. Increased milk yield -
-
Healing of Sole Ulcer
Lameness in Seasonally Calved Dairy Cows
Published research has shown that feeding c.20mg 2. Increased milk yield
Biotin per day increased milk production by between 1.3- Published research has shown that feeding c.20mg Biotin per day increased milk production by
1.6 ltrs per day. These trials also reported higher intakes between 1.3-1.6 ltrs per day. These trials also reported higher intakes (c.0.87kg).
(c.0.87kg). Incidences of sole bruising in Dairy cows in relation to biotin supplementation
*p
LAMENESS
By LIAM STACK, M.Agr.Sc, Ruminant Technical Manager
Lameness is becoming a bigger Estimate Cost of a single case of Lameness
issue on farm with herds getting €/Case
bigger and cows walking longer Treatment Cost 55
distances.
Loss of Production(c.500ltrs @0.15c/lt margin) 75
Culling (10% of lameness = culling) 100
KEY POINT: Prompt Reduced Fertility 50
recognition and
280-300
treatment of lameness DairyCo Mobility Score
is critical to lowering DairyCo Mobility Score
Category of score Score Description of cow behaviour Suggested action
lameness risk on your
Category of score
Good mobility Score 0 Description
Walks withof cow
evenbehaviour
weight bearing Suggested
• No action
action needed.
farm. and rhythm on all four feet, with • Routine (preventative) foot
Good mobility 0 Walks withback.
a flat even weight bearing • No action needed.
trimming when/if required.
and rhythm on all four feet, with • Routine (preventative)
• Record mobility atfoot
next
a flatLong,
back.fluid strides possible. trimming when/if
scoring required.
session.
• Record mobility at next
Long, fluid strides possible. scoring session.
Are My Cows Lame?
A herd locomotion or mobility
score will allow you to access herd
lameness.
Imperfect mobility 1 Steps uneven (rhythm or weight • Could benefit from routine
bearing) or strides shortened; (preventative) foot trimming
Imperfect mobility 1 Stepsaffected
unevenlimbs
(rhythm or weight
or limbs not • Could benefitrequired.
when/if from routine
The key things to look for when bearing) or strides
immediately shortened;
identifiable. (preventative) foot trimming
• Further observation
recommended. affected limbs or limbs not when/if required.
lameness scoring are: immediately identifiable. • Further observation
recommended.
• W
alking speed – the cow
should be able to keep up with
herdmates and walk at the
same pace as a person. Impaired mobility 2 Uneven weight bearing on a
limb that is immediately
• Lame and likely to benefit
from treatment.
Impaired mobility 2 Uneven weight bearing
identifiable on a
and/or obviously • Lame andshould
• Foot likely to
bebenefit
lifted to
establish limbshortened
that is immediately
strides (usually with fromthe
treatment.
cause of lameness before
• P
osition of the head – this establish
identifiable
an archand/or
shortened
obviously
to the centre of
strides (usually with
the back).
• Foottreatment.
the
should be lifted to
• cause
Shouldofbelameness
attendedbefore
to as soon
should be slightly below the an arch to the centre of
the back).
treatment.
as practically possible.
• Should be attended to as soon
back line with little movement. as practically possible.
• S
tride – the back feet should
walk in the same track as the Severely impaired mobility 3 Unable to walk as fast as a • Very lame.
brisk human pace (cannot keep • Cow will benefit from
front feet and the stride should Severely impaired mobility
treatment. 3 Unable to walk
up with the as fast as
healthy a
herd) • Very lame.requires urgent attention,
• Cow
briskand
human
signspace (cannot
2. keep • Cownursing
will benefit from professional
be smooth.
of score and further
treatment. up with the healthy herd) • Cowadvice.
requires urgent attention,
and signs of score 2. nursing
• Cowand further
should notprofessional
be made to
walk advice.
far and kept on a straw yard
• Coworshould not be made to
• B
ack – should be flat and not walk far
• and
at grass.
kept
In the on severe
most a strawcases,
yard culling
arched.
or atmay
grass.
be the only possible
solution. • In the most severe cases, culling
may be the only possible
solution.
Ref: http://dairy.ahdb.org.uk/
8 www.dairygoldagri.ie
ISSUE 72 - FEBRUARY 2019
Causes of lameness: cows are walking, controlling BCS loss post calving,
There are several causes of lameness. preventing acidosis, feeding Biotin and Protected zinc
all contribute to lameness management. However, no
1. Infectious lameness, such as mortellaro and foul lameness control programme is complete without a
in the foot. footbathing programme.
2. Laminitis. This is caused by an inflammation in the
foot affecting the growth of the claw for a period
Effective Footbathing and Spraying
Footbathing for lameness control helps to reduce the
of time. The inflammation is usually caused by
incidence of new infections and improve the condition
dietary upsets called ruminal acidosis.
of the hoof - effective footbathing can reduce lameness
3. Lameness related to BCS loss. Controlling
by up to 70%! Renowned cattle veterinarian Roger
negative energy balance in early lactation is one
Blowey, FRCVS steadfastly advises fellow farmers to
of the best ways to prevent lameness caused
treat hoof issues like mastitis and footbath all milking
by sole ulcers, haemorrhages and white line
cows daily, just like teat dipping and that to control
disease.
lameness, prevention is the best approach. He also
asserts that greater economic benefit comes from
footbathing more frequently than any other animal
health change made on farm.
Mortellaro, or digital dermatitis (DD), is an infectious
condition and one of the major causes of lameness
reducing mobility, comfort, feed intake, milk yield and
fertility. This infectious condition can spread quickly
through the entire herd and can reduce milk yield by
at least one litre per cow per day.
Laminitis
Cows have three cylinders of fat lying under the hoof,
which acts like gel cushioning in trainers – a shock
absorber. When cows lose body condition they begin
mobilising fat from all areas of the body, including
these fat pads. Research has shown cows with thinner
fat cushions are more likely to have sole lesions.
The same result from all types of lameness are
decreased feed intake, reduced milk production and
fertility performance and increased culling.
Management factors to prevent lameness:
Just as the causes are varied, we cannot look to one
golden bullet for a solution. Hygiene, cow comfort
on cubicles, roadway maintenance, the distance Mortellaro, or digital dermatitis
9
Footbathing throughout the year consistently keeps Results after 12 weeks showed Hoofsure Endurance to
the number of lame cows to a low number and that it be 19% more effective than formalin*. The Journal of
is an important way to reduce the DD challenge. Dairy Science published a study comparing Hoofsure
Endurance to copper sulfate. After 9 weeks, Hoofsure
Endurance was 7% more effective than copper sulfate
at reducing the incidence of lesions*.
Topical application
While footbathing plays a vital role in preventing many
lameness conditions, topical applications to lesions is
required where infection rates or pressure are high.
Hoofsure Endurance can be used as a 25% topical
spray in conjunction with or as an alternative to
footbathing. Provita Konquest gel (see image 1) is a
unique concentrated blend with potent penetrating
action and advanced bio-adhesion properties.
Can be used with or without a bandage on those larger
lesions. Provita Combat is a unique film-forming spray
Foul in the foot which provides long-lasting activity, it can be used
easily in the parlour.
Mortellaro can become a bigger issue on farms as herd
size increases and new animals are brought in from
outside. On-farm Hoofsure should be used regularly
throughout the year and increased in frequency in
the winter when the weather is not good with cattle
inside and the ground is mucky.
Footbath solution
Formaldehyde and copper sulfate are the most
commonly used non-antibiotic footbaths and both
have issues for sustained use. These chemicals
quickly become ineffective when in contact with
organic matter so choosing a scientifically proven
footbath solution which also has robust on-farm data
is important. A clinical trial by the Royal Veterinary
College compared Hoofsure Endurance to formalin. 90
cows were involved in a 24 week split footbath study. image 1
Please contact your local Agri Branch Lead,
your local Area Sales Manager or Inside Sales
on 022-31644 for more details
10 www.dairygoldagri.ieISSUE 72 - FEBRUARY 2019
FEED BINS GRANT NOW
AVAILABLE UNDER TAMS II
Many of us have grown our herds but still have
the same size feed bin.
Benefits of getting a bigger parlour
feed bin this Autumn
• Bigger bins reduce risk and stress; less frequent orders &
more feed storage on farm.
• Future proof your business by matching your bin size to projected
herd numbers.
• Your larger bin means you can get volume discounts per the
Dairygold feed price list.
• Further saving by recycling your old bin to replace bagged feed with
bulk deliveries.
What Size Bin Do I Need? ACT NOW
Projected Suggested TO BE FOR A
Herd Size Bin Capacity GUARANTEED 40%
60 8 Tonnes GRANT ON A FEED
80 10 Tonnes
100 12 Tonnes
BIN PURCHASE
120 14 Tonnes
150 18 Tonnes +
Closing date for application is the 5th April 2019 – ACT NOW TO BE GUARANTEED GRANT AVAILABILITY.
(Meal bins can be applied for now using the online application system).
This grant is available to all category of farmers (dairy, beef, sheep, pig). Meal bins must be sprayed green or
grey to qualify for the grant.
The Grant Available is 40% of your spend (Minimum Spend to qualify for grant aid = €2,000).
Dairygold are currently negotiating the extension of our feed bin rebate for farmers who purchase a new
feed bin. For example, the Summer 2018 Offer provided a rebate of €360 on 12 tonne bin. With the TAMS
of 40% plus the feed rebate, a farm can save appox 50% on the cost of a bin.
Call Inside Sales or your Area Sales Manager for
further details of the Dairygold Offer and more
information on TAMS II
11BORD BIA SUSTAINABILITY
By CIARA DONOVAN,
Farm Sustainability Advisor, Supply Chain Division
The Crowley
The Crowley Family Family - Leading
- Leading the the Way for Sustainability!
Way for Sustainability!
TrevorCrowley
Trevor Crowley
and and his family
his family becamebecame
the proud the proud
winners winners
of the of the Carbon
‘Most Improved ‘Most Foot-print
Improved Carbon Foot-print Section’, one
of threeone
Section’, dairy sections
of three in the Bord
dairy sections in the Bia
BordSustainability
Bia SustainabilityAwards beforeChristmas.
Awards before Christmas.
The The judges had been impressed
judges had been impressed with the almost 40% reduction in carbon emissions achieved in only
with the almost 40% reduction in carbon emissions achieved in only eighteen months on the Crowley family farm.
eighteen months on the Crowley family farm.
Trevor and Olive Crowley farm
with the help of their son Gavin
and daughters Alice and Katlyn in
Lissarda Co. Cork. They milk 138
cows at their 72 Ha farm.
How did they achieve this fantastic
improvement? Trevor took a multi-
pronged approach. In 2015 Trevor
invested in a trailing shoe system to
spread his slurry. He also installed
an aeration system which constantly
agitates slurry in his largest slurry
tank. All lands were soil sampled
regularly and grass growth was
actively measured. A targeted
approach to slurry application was
(Above from L(Above
to R: Tara McCarthy
from BordMcCarthy
L to R: Tara Bia CEO, Trevor
Bord BiaCrowley,
CEO, Olive
TrevorCrowley and Dan McSweeney
Crowley, taken with priority given to plots low
Olive Crowley and Dan McSweeney Bord Bia Chairperson)
Bord Bia Chairperson)
in phosphorus. The flexibility of the
trailingandshoe
Trevor Oliveallowed
Crowley farmfor slurry
with theapplication
help of their tosonbe
Gavinincorporated
and daughtersintoAlicethe
andgrazing
Katlyn in rotation and be applied onto the
grazing platform soon after grazing, however slurry was applied only when weather conditions were suitable
Lissarda Co. Cork. They milk 138 cows at their 72 Ha farm.
(when dry or mild). This meant that the majority of the slurry was spread during the spring and summer period.
How did they achieve this fantastic improvement? Trevor took a multi-pronged approach. In 2015
Lime application
Trevor was also
invested in a trailing shoe carried
system toout annually
spread to He
his slurry. ensure that optimum
also installed an aerationsoil pH was maintained. The outcome of
system
this approach
which was that
constantly agitates grass
slurry in hisgrown increased
largest slurry tank. Alland
landschemical nitrogen
were soil sampled requirement
regularly and decreased. Trevor calculated
that he reduced his chemical nitrogen usage by between 30 and 40 kgs/Ha over the past three years.
grass growth was actively measured. A targeted approach to slurry application was taken with
priority given to plots low in phosphorus. The flexibility of the trailing shoe allowed for slurry
application to be incorporated into the grazing rotation and be applied onto the grazing platform
Chemical fertiliser is also applied using a well calibrated, GPS-equipped fertiliser spreader, which ensured
soon after grazing, however slurry was applied only when weather conditions were suitable (when
accurate and even fertiliser applications. Trevor doesn’t believe in wasting fertiliser in ditches. Increased grass
dry or mild). This meant that the majority of the slurry was spread during the spring and summer
growth Lime
period. allowed Trevorwas
application to extend his ‘days
also carried at grass’
out annually which that
to ensure consequently
optimum soilreduced
pH was overall feed requirement. Having
been a participant in REPs schemes, Trevor had incorporated clover into
maintained. The outcome of this approach was that grass grown increased and chemical nitrogen some plots. Eight to ten years after this
clover haddecreased.
requirement first beenTrevor
established, it is he
calculated that stillreduced
persistent and prevalent
his chemical in these
nitrogen usage swards. Trevor admitted that initially it
by between
took some management to maintain and effectively utilize these clover-laden swards but now they are managed
30 and 40 kgs/Ha over the past three years.
effortlessly. This clover increases cow milk solids and allows for chemical nitrogen reduction on these plots. All
these factors have helped to achieve a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the farm and led to
considerable financial gains!
12 www.dairygoldagri.ieISSUE 72 - FEBRUARY 2019
In the parlour energy savings resulted when Trevor put in a
heat recovery system. This system traps the heat generated How to Farm Sustainably:
in the milk tank compressor and uses it to heat the water for Key Measures taken by the Crowley’s
the plant washing. The system proved to be so effective that
Trevor found that it was more efficient to remove the plate • Use trailing shoe to spread slurry
cooler in the plant than to have both systems work ‘against • Soil sample regularly
each other’. This also allowed for water conservation. Since • Get Lime, P & K right
putting in this system ESB cost has reduced significantly • Incorporates clover into sward
(by over 25% from July 2017 compared to July 2018). • Use GPS fertiliser spreader
• Measure grass & gets grazing right
Sustainability is about more than just the carbon footprint- • Protects water
water protection and biodiversity are also taken seriously • Encourage biodiversity
on this farm. A large man-made pond was developed by • Milk records & utilized properly
Trevor’s father in the late 70’s which is now a sanctuary • Sensitivity tests
for wildlife and a source of water during drought. Slurry • Does selective dry cow therapy
and fertiliser buffer zones are taken very seriously on this • Prioritize health & safety
farm and the field surrounding the pond, which is sloped • Take holidays & prioritize family
towards the lake, receives no slurry. All drains are fenced
off and field boundaries are treated as nature corridors.
Hedgerows have been recently planted and coppiced as part of the GLAS scheme. As with everything the Crowley
family do, this work was carried out skilfully and more than the required amount was planted. Trevor does his own
spraying and takes genuine care when using the chemicals. From fit for purpose storage to maintaining buffer
strips, the chemicals are applied to the right place and at the right time. Trevor prefers to spot spray whenever
possible.
Trevor has been milk recording for many years and is an advocate of the service. He also uses sensitivity testing to
identify the most effective dry cow tube to use. Annually some of his lowest SCC cows are identified and allowed
to dry off without either dry-cow tubes or teat sealers. All facets of health and safety are prioritized, and animal
welfare is first class on this farm. The positive attitude of Trevor and his family is infectious and admirable. This is a
highly efficient, cost-effective, environmentally friendly system, run by people who love farming and feel an affinity
to the land. Sincere congratulations to the Crowley Family on this fantastic achievement.
Trevor Crowley, wife Olive Crowley and their son
Gavin, receive their Certificate of Achievement as
Overall Winners and Dairygold representatives at the
Bord Bia Sustainability Awards 2018 at their home
near Lissarda.
13UCD Lyons:
Investigating the potential of higher input, output systems of
dairy production
Background:
UCD are investigating the potential sustainability of a higher output system for spring calving dairy herds. It is
believed that this system has a role to play going forward when you factor in:
- The increasing dairy cow numbers and environmental emissions,
- Farm expansion on land limited and fragmented farms,
- Lack of available skilled labour on farms to deal with expanding animal numbers.
Fundamental to the success of this system are:
- High levels of output from high levels of grass grown and grass utilised
- A high EBI cow with good production and fertility sub indexes
Targets of the system
Parameter Target
Stocking rate on milking platform 3.4 LU per ha
Stocking rate whole farm 2.4 LU per ha
Milk yield per cow 7,500-8,000 kg
Milk solids per cow 625 kg
6-Week in calf rate 75%
Concentrate (kg/cow/year) 1,500 kg
% diet as grazed grass 51
% diet as grazed grass and grass silage 75
Genetics of the herd:
A strong emphasis is placed on EBI. The herd is in the top 1% nationally.
Genetic Values of the Systems Herd at Lyons (September 2018)
EBI Milk Fertility Calving Beef Maint. Health Mgt
160 54 61 42 -9 4 4 3
Milk kg Fat kg Pro. Kg Fat % Pro. % Calving int. Surv %
80 10.1 6.9 0.12 0.07 -2.9 2
Performance 2016 – 2018
Production:
Meeting the herd’s production targets has not been an issue to-date with the herd coming within 5% of its
625kg MS target in 2016 and 2017. The drought of 2018 did adversely affect yields last year but production
remained in range of the target. However, the real challenge for high yield herds has always been getting their
cows back in calf while producing large volume of milk. How has the UCD herd faired out here?
14 www.dairygoldagri.ie2016 2017 2018
ISSUE 72 - FEBRUARY 2019
Milk Yield Milk Solids
37
3
2.8
32
2.6
2.4
kg/cow/day
kg/cow/day
27
2.2
2
22 1.8
1.6
17 1.4
1.2
12 1
2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018
Fertility: Fertility:
2016 and 2017 proved very challenging from a fertility stand point. First service conception rates and 6 week
Milk Solids
in-calf rate were well below target. This was not out of the ordinary, the Greenfield Dairy Farm and Shinagh
3
Dairy Farm
2.8 experience fertility issues after inception too. The nature of employment in UCD also meant the heat
detection
2.6
2.4 was very difficult especially over the weekends. For the 2018 breeding season, Dr Karina Pierce and
kg/cow/day
her research
2.2
2
team made the following changes to their breeding management:
1.8
1.6
1. Pre-breeding scan
1.42. Use of scratch cards and crayons (along with the existing moo monitor system)
1.2
13. Twice a day AI
Fertility performance 2016 - 2018
2016 2017 2018
2016 2017 2018
rtility: Number of Cows 58 59 60 (55 bred)
2
Submission Rate % 91 90 96
First Service Conception Rate % 43 50 69
6-week Pregnancy Rate % 59 54 83
Empty Rate % 9 (12 weeks) 15 (13 weeks) 13 (3% of cows bred)
Feed Budget:
The plan is to feed 1.5T of concentrates through the year with c.3T DM of grass and c.1.5T DM of grass
silage. The concentrate feeding is front loader to the early lactation when the cow’s energy demand and dry
matter intake are most out of balance, but the cows get a minimum of 3 kg of concentrate across the main
grazing season. The feeding budget in UCD is based on Days in Milk, with cows building quickly to 8 kg of
concentrates. The feeding rate is reduced to 3.5 kg by 120 days in milk.
Days in milk 0-20 20-60 60 120 180 240 270 306 Total
-120* -180 -240 -270 -305 -365 annual
Milk yield 31 34 32 27 22 19 15 - 7500 kg
Silage DM 12 0 0 0 0 5.5 10 11 1.5 t DM
Grass DM 0 13.5 14.5 14.5 14 5.5 0 - 3.2 t DM
Concentrate 8 8 6 3.5 4 4 3 - 1.3 t DM
The objective for UCD now must be to build on and replicate the success of 2018, to maximise grass growth and UCD Lyons: Investigating the potential of higher input, output systems of
dairy production
utilisation and to investigate if these performance levels are achievable from these cows at reduced concentrate https://www.ucd.ie/agfood/about/lyonsresearchfarm/lyonssystemsresearchherdnotes/
levels.
For more information on how UCD are managing their system log on to:
https://www.ucd.ie/agfood/about/lyonsresearchfarm/lyonssystemsresearchherdnotes/
15KEY PRINCIPLES
OF CALF REARING
By LIAM STACK, M.Agr.Sc, Ruminant Technical Manager
Use colostrum from the
first milking for the first
Early Nutrition
COLOSTRUM FEEDING feed.
- Rumen Development
CAN
BE SUMMARISED Early calf nutrition is For this fermentation to
focused on developing take place the bacteria
BY repeat
Shane THE AHI 1,2,3
page 16+17 from janu 2016. Please alterthe
colouring etc to make need
it look different
calf’s immature water. Milk does
RECOMMENDATION: rumen, taking the calf not act as a water
Include below after the “early – nutrition- rumen development”
from digesting milk to source.
digesting concentrates
and forage. For rumen development
it’s critical that the
Give colostrum within two Give at least three litres. The development of the calf is fed a palatable
Rumen papillae
hours development
from the calf’s birth. in 6 week old calves fed 3 different diets
rumen is dependent concentrates made
on the chemical end- from cooked; flaked
a. Milk only products of bacterial starchy raw materials;
b. Milk and concentrates fermentation from a roughage source
2s concentrates. Most and clean water. Allow
c. Milk andHhay
our
important is butyric calves access to fresh
acid which comes from concentrates, water and
Key point:
starch digestion. straw from day 3.
Milk and concentrates drives rumen development
Rumen papillae development in 6 week old Straw NOT Hay.
calves fed 3 different Diets Calves should be fed straw as opposed to hay. High
intakes of hay can decrease concentrate intake,
limiting butyric acid production, and lead to the calves
developing “hay/pot bellies”. The level of straw
required will depend on the physical structure of
the concentrate, with finely ground rations needing
more.
A. Milk Only B. Milk and C. Milk and hay
concentrates
KEY POINT: Hay is not
Milk and
Page 18 janu 2016concentrates drives rumen recommended
development for calves.
sh
Allow access to fre
Successful rearing of your calves requires proper colostrum
management (see previous pages) and unrestricted access to:
rime
n Clean water (in addition to milk/milk replacer fed) water, straw and P
day 3
Elite Krispi Kaf from
n Fresh, palatable starter concentrate (preferably coarse)
n Straw
16 www.dairygoldagri.iePRIME ELITE
ISSUE 72 - FEBRUARY 2019
KRISPI KAF STARTER
• 18% Protein
• Contains highly digestible ingredients such as flaked maize and barley
• Fully balanced for macro minerals, vitamins and trace elements
• Contains YEA-SACC® to enhance digestibility and improve feed conversion efficiency
• Nustart – which contains:
– Essential oils which stimulate appetite and kill bad bacteria
– Prebiotics and probiotics to promote a healthy gut
– Contains antioxidants to support the growing calf’s immune system
– Functional fibres to promote rumen development
This promotes healthy rumen development and has been proven to increase intake
Dairygold maximises the use of quality
Irish Grain across it’s ruminant feed
Please contact your local ASM or our Inside Sales Team
or Lombardstown Mill on 022 47275 to order
17John Maher
Teagasc, Moorepark
GRASS MATTERS
By JOHN MAHER, Dairy Specialist, Teagasc Moorepark
TIME TO TURN GREEN
Time to Start the Grazing Sea
The countryside is very green at the moment. This is Dairygold supplier will increase farm profit by €100
Shane put in an image “2018 grazing se
due to the unusually high soil temperatures (9-10oC) per day, through improved milk constituents and lower
that occurred during December & January. The soil is feed costs.
The most important task any dairy farmer will undertake over the
releasing nutrients (mostly nitrogen) that encourage
the farm is the
Despite closed off properly
weather to havethat
challenges an adequate supply
appear at this of gra
grass growth. Growth rates have been about 7-10 kg
time of year, we must try our level best to get cows
DM/ha/day over the winter period which is about 2-3 Grazing conditions have been challenging during September. Rep
out grazing simply because it is good for cows, good
times the norm. The bottom line is that grass supply on farms are very variable. Some farms are swamped in grass which
for the farmer and good for the grass plant. Every day
farms is well above average. Some farms have not and will not have enough grass available fo
cows are at grass will increase profit, reduce costs
additional feed to keep cows fed. Irrespective of grass supply on
The average farm cover (AFC) on farms who measure and enable the farm to grow more grass.
next grazing season and get it right.
grass is about 900-1000 kg DM/ha from PastureBase
This figure does not include any benefits to pasture
Ireland figures at the moment. There are two objectives in autumn grazing management of
production or utilisation. Well controlled grazing
This level of grass supply on February 1st allows a management
Firstly the cowsduring
must betheadequately
springtimefed
willusing
set the
up the
cheapest
farm operating at a milking platform stocking rate of farm for excellent milk production from grazed grass
grass. Every day at grass is worth €1.80/cow/day additiona
2.5 to 2.9LU/ha to turn freshly calved cows (4 days for the remainder of the year.
after calving) out full-time to a predominantly grass The second objective is set the farm up for spring grass. M
diet even where the 6-week calving rate is in excess the grazing season begins in the autumn and that autumn m
of 80%. The 2nd rotation will begin on about April 6th. the primary factor influencing the supply of grass available
There will be a requirement of about 300kg meal/cow
during the first rotation.
And, yes we need reasonable weather for grazing
but ground conditions have been excellent across the
winter period. However decisions to graze cannot be
made in the yard - walk the farm!
Before we describe the plan for early spring grazing,
let’s be clear about what is achievable:
It is clear that many famers can turn out cows fulltime
to grass soon after calving, however there is often a
reluctance to do this which is a mistake from a grass
production perspective. Starting to graze slowly and
speeding up in March will generally not allow enough
recovery time to have enough grass available at the
start of the second round in early April. So let’s try to
follow the spring rotation planner and reach the 30%
Each additional day of grazing in February by the grazed by March 1st. Higher stocked farms should aim
calved proportion of the herd for the average @ 35-40%
18 www.dairygoldagri.ieISSUE 72 - FEBRUARY 2019
Using the Spring Rotation Planner
The spring rotation planner is an excellent tool to help farmers plan spring grazing every day, every week, every
month. It is designed to take the guess work out of grazing management. The planner relies on the principle of
grazing a set area each day.
Table 1 shows the proportion of the farm to be grazed by three key dates in the early grazing season.
Table 1: Spring grazing targets when grazing from early February
Date % of total farm area grazed
1st February Start grazing
1st March 30% grazed
17th March 65% grazed
5th April Begin rotation 2
*These targets need to be adjusted by 7-10 days (later) for heavier/later farms
Table 1: Spring grazing targets when grazing from early February
Date % of total farm area grazed
The
st spring
1 February
rotation planner aims to:
Start grazing
1st March• Simplify spring grass management
30% grazed
17th March• Include grass in the diet of the lactating cows every day during February
65% grazed & March
5th April • Maximise farm grass
Begin growth
rotation 2
*These targets need to be adjusted by 7-10 days (later) for heavier/later farms
• Avoid uncertainty in relation to grass availability
• Finish
The spring the
rotation 1st rotation
planner aims to:in early April
• Set up the farm for production of high quality grass for the following rotations.
Ø Simplify spring grass management
Ø Include grass in the diet of the lactating cows every day during February &
The March
Target:
Graze 30% of the
Ø Maximise farmfarm
grassbygrowth
March 1st
Cows need uncertainty
Ø Avoid to be turned out to grass
in relation asavailability
to grass early as possible in February. The aim is to graze about 1% of the farm
every day during
Ø Finish the 1 this
st
month.
rotation Many
in early farmers struggle to reach this target so grazing the paddocks with the lowest
April
cover of grass should be targeted. high quality grass for the following rotations.
Ø Set up the farm for production of
BREAKFAST FOR GRASS: Early Nitrogen Fertiliser Application
The Target:
Grass needs its own breakfast in spring. An application of UREA (23 units/
Graze 30% of the farm by March 1st
acre) is the choice breakfast. It is time to generate more high quality feed on
Cows need to be turned out to grass as the farm.
early In the in
as possible early part ofThe
February. the aim
year,
is potential
to grass growth rates are low but
even modest responses to nitrogen fertiliser are worthwhile as this extra grass
graze about 1% of the farm every day during this month. Many farmers struggle to
reach this target so grazing the paddocks
is awith the lowest
superb coverfor
substitute of silage
grass should be or concentrate (more expensive).
(scarce)
targeted.
BRUNCH or LUNCH for GRASS
The next target will be to apply about 40 units of N/acre (BRUNCH) in late February/early March to further boost
BREAKFAST FOR GRASS: Early Nitrogen Fertiliser Application
grass growth if weather conditions allow. This will enable the start of the second rotation to begin in early April.
If soil fertility is poor on the farm (which is most farms) and weather conditions are favourable, then many framers
should consider 1.5 to 2 bags of 18:6:12/acre (LUNCH). If weather conditions are riskier, then Urea can be used to
boost grass growth. Slurry application can also be targeted at the grazed paddocks.
19Dairy Farming on Diff
DAIRY FARMING ON
DIFFICULT / HEAVY LAND
By JOHN MAHER, Ger Courtney & James O’Loughlin
Heavy Soils Programme, Teagasc.
WE GRAZE WHEN WE CAN!!!!
John Maher, Ger Cour
Turning out cows early to grass on a heavy farm is always be spread with fertiliser, then this should happen and the
a challenge. rest left behind until it is suitableHeavy SoilsNormally
for spreading. Programm
the first application of N fertiliser is about 30 units N/acre.
The supply of grass on the farm for spring grazing is rarely
However the target of 60 units N/ac applied by early April
an issue. It is the ground conditions that limit these farms in
must be achieved in as many paddocks as possible.
terms of grazing.
About
Flexibility is also need with slurry 30% of milk
application and produced
the
The grazing season will normally really get going in March Heavy
right paddocks picked. There are now soils
moreadd complexitie
machines/
on the driest paddocks with good grazing infrastructure,
contractors available with betterconditions,
equipmentsimilar
for slurry
to those
good access, paddocks nearest the farm roadways etc. If
application. e.g. large low pressure tyres etc.
the grazing conditions are very good, the wettest and most milk production on heavy s
difficult paddocks can be grazed. Having the Right Cow silage reserves are essential
This year, early grazing maybe possible in February if the
demonstration dairy farms l
good grazing conditions persist, but this will depend on Doonbeg.
what type of weather will arrive during this month.
However if we take on the Motto:
“We graze when we can” Farm Performance
Then maybe some early grazing is possible! A marked increase in costs
Remember every day cows are at grass will increase profit,
poor milk price is reflected
reduce costs and enable the farm to grow more grass.
To ensure a robust sustainable system of milk production
Flexibility in grazing is essential during the early spring on heavy soils, excellent herd fertility is essential. This is
period. Sometimes, the cows will only go out for 2-3 hours. Tableis1:shorter
due to the fact that the grazing season HeavysoSoils
cowsProgram
Sometimes the paddocks will not be grazed out well. must calve later but faster to match the grass growth curve.
However it is better to have grazed, leave some grass The 6 week calving rate for the herds in the heavy soils
behind than have not grazed at all. Some days the cows programme in 2018 was 82%. The start of calving is around
cannot go out to graze because ground conditions are the first week of February (Feb 5th) and 50% of theHerd herd
just too soft. However decisions about grazing CANNOT size
was calved in 20 days (Feb 26th). The calving season lasts
be made in the farmyard. Paddocks have to be assessed. 13 weeks and the average calving interval is 370 days. F
Weather has to be assessed. Average milk solids production was 450kgMS/cow. These
are very impressive figures and are required for profitable
It is vital to establish a good grazing infrastructure and milk production from heavy soils.
to have a flexible approach to grazing challenges during
this time of the year. Having the right cow for your system of milk production is
the fundamental route to increasing your bottom line. So
Slurry/Fertiliser Application in Early Spring this cow must produce a high level of solids, go back in calf
Generally Nitrogen fertiliser application is later on heavy easily and regularly and be able to take care of herself with
farms for the obvious reasons. However, early nitrogen minimal help from you and your vet. It is important that there
application cannot be delayed because of very wet is a strong focus on the fertility sub index when choosing AI
paddocks or wet areas in paddocks. If 30% of the farm can sires.
20 www.dairygoldagri.ieISSUE 72 - FEBRUARY 2019
FERTILITY & BREEDING
By DOREEN CORRIDAN, MVB MRCVS PhD, Munster Cattle Breeding
Colostrum & Milking Number
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 11th
Component Colostrum Transitional Milk Whole milk
Total solid % 23.9 17.9 14.1 13.9 13.6 12.5
Fat % 6.7 5.4 3.9 3.7 3.5 3.2
Protein % 14 8.4 5.1 4.2 4.1 3.2
Antibody % 6 4.2 2.4 0.2 0.1 0.09
Lactose 2.7 3.9 4.4 4.6 4.7 4.9
Minerals % 1.11 0.95 0.87 0.82 0.81 0.74
Vitamin A ug/dl 295 - 113 - 74 34
COLOSTRUM 1 2 3 multiply very quickly if colostrum is kept in the shed at
COLOSTRUM
3 Litres of the 1st milking within 2 1 2 3 of calving
hours room temperature.
Colostrum is like liquid gold to young
st calves.
3 Litres of the 1 milking within 2 hours of calving
• Feed 3 litres within the first 2 hours of life and feed a
Colostrum is like liquid gold to
further 3 litres within the first 12 hours of life.
young calves.
Feed 3 litres within the first 2 hours of life and feed a further 3 litres within the first 12 hours
• The reduction in IgG absorption is a sliding scale so
of life.
the earlier that colostrum is fed the better.
The reduction in IgG absorption is a sliding scale so the earlier that colostrum is fed the
• Maximum absorption
better. into the bloodstream is within 6
hours of birth and little absorption of IgG after 12-24
Maximum absorption into the bloodstream is within 6 hours of birth and little absorption of
hrs.
IgG after 12-24 hrs.
• Feeding ofFeeding
colostrum for the first
of colostrum for5 the
days of 5life
first willof life will provide a local gut immunity against eg E
days
provide a local
Coli gut immunity
in the GI tract.against eg E Coli in the
GI tract.
Colostrum if collected hygienically in clean containers can be stored i
Colostrum if collected hygienically in clean containers
Avoid storing in a bucket in the dairy as bacteria contamination of c
Colostrum if collected hygienically in clean containers can beinfrozen
disease calves in
anda results
freezerin -18 to -24
the calf C for less
absorbing 12 months
antibodies. Bac
can be stored in a fridge for 24 hours. Avoid storing withoutifany
quickly deterioration
colostrum is kept in in
thequality. However
shed at room thawing
temperature.
in a bucket in the dairy as bacteria contamination of is crucial, thaw in a water bath below 50 C, thawing
colostrum can result in disease in calves and results at a higher temperature damages the proteins. Avoid
in the calf absorbing less antibodies. Bacteria can thawing in a microwave.
21Avoid storing in a bucket in the dairy as bacteria contamination of colostrum can result in
disease in calves and results in the calf absorbing less antibodies. Bacteria can multiply very
quickly if colostrum is kept in the shed at room temperature.
and cooled rapidly to 4 degrees C.
However thawing is crucial, thaw in a water bath below
50 C, thawing at a higher temperature damages the
proteins. Avoid thawing in a microwave.
Clean Colostrum
• Clean cows before calving- clip tails, clean cubicles,
reduce stocking rate.
• Clean calving box.
• Machine milk colostrum rather than hand milk.
• Clean
Cleanutensils- buckets
utensils- buckets and tubingand tubing
Avoid same utensils being used to give electrolytes to scouring calves
• Avoid sameimmediately
Refrigerated utensilsafter
being used to give electrolytes
collection.
to scouring calves
Purchase Brixx Refractrometre - Quality. • Refrigerate immediately after collection.
Colostrum if collected hygienically in clean containers can be frozen in a freezer -18 to -24 C
Purchase Brixx Refractrometre - Establish colostrum
for 12 months without any deterioration in quality. However thawing is crucial, thaw in a
Establish colostrum Quality.
water bath below 50 C, thawing at a higher temperature damages the proteins. Avoid thawing
in a microwave.
High
High quality
quality colostrum colostrum has an
has an IgG concentration IgG
greater concentration
than 50mg/ml. A Brix refractometer
should be used to measure colostrum quality, and results are given on a Brix % scale; 22% =
greater than 50mg/ml. A Brix refractometer should
50mg/ml, colostrum greater than 22% is suitable to feed as the calf’s first feed.
be used to measure colostrum quality, and results are WHY DO CALVES FAIL TO ACHIEVE
WHY DO CALVES FAIL TO ACHIEVE ADEQUAT
given on a Brix % scale; 22% = 50mg/ml, colostrum
Poor Colostrum Handling ADEQUATE
ANTIBODIES. ANTIBODIES.
greater than 22% is suitable to feed as the calf’s first 40% of calves admitted to the regional vet lab had
1. Contaminated Colostrum 40% of calves admitted to the regional vet lab had receive
feed. received
2. Thawing at incorrect temperature inadequateinadequate
colostrum. colostrum.
Hygiene is crucial in collection and storage of colostrum. Bacteria contamination of
Poor Colostrum Handling
colostrum can result in disease in calves and results in the calf absorbing less antibodies. • Colostrum feeding too late in the calf’s life, calf older
Colostrum feeding too late in the calf’s life, calf older than 6 hours before 1st feed.
1. Contaminated
Bacteria if colostrum is kept in the shed at room temperature. Thisthan 6 hours before 1st feed.
Colostrum
can multiply very quickly
is very similar to controlling TBC’s in milk- clean cows, clean equipment and cooled rapidly Feeding of 2nd, 3rd or 4th etc milkings as colostrum to calves for their 1st feed.
to2. Thawing
4 degrees C. at incorrect temperature
•NotFeeding
feeding 3L of 2nd,
in the 3rd or 4th etc milkings as colostrum
first feed.
However thawing is crucial, thaw in a water bath below 50 C, thawing at a higher
temperature damages the proteins. Avoid thawing in a microwave. to calvescolostrum.
Contaminated for their 1st feed.
Hygiene is crucial in collection and storage of Colostrum quality not adequate
colostrum. Bacteria contamination of colostrum can • NotCow
feeding 3Lsilage
Nutrition- in the first
CP 10% feed.
or less; last month cow requires 8 UFL
Clean Colostrum
result in disease in calves and results in the calf
Clean cows before calving- clip tails, clean cubicles, reduce stocking rate.
• Contaminated colostrum.
absorbing less
Clean calving box. antibodies.
Machine milk colostrum rather than hand milk. • Colostrum quality not adequate
Bacteria can multiply very quickly if colostrum is kept
• Cow Nutrition - silage CP 10% or less; last month cow
in the shed at room temperature. This is very similar to
requires 8 UFL
controlling TBC’s in milk- clean cows, clean equipment
22 www.dairygoldagri.ieYou can also read
