Herd health status and management practices on 16 Irish suckler beef farms

peer-reviewedBackground: There have been few studies published internationally which document herd health management practices in suckler beef herds and no published Irish studies. The study objective was to document herd health status and management practices on sixteen Irish suckler beef herds over a two year period (2009–2010). The farms used in the study were part of the Teagasc BETTER farm beef programme. The mean (s.d.) herd size, stocking rate and farm size was 68 cows (27.6), 2.0 LU/ha (0.3) and 64.3 (21.6) adjusted hectares, respectively. Two questionnaires were designed; 1) a farmer questionnaire to collect information on farm background and current herd health control practices and 2) a veterinary questionnaire to collect information on the extent of animal health advice given by veterinarians to their clients and identification of any on-farm herd health issues. Results: Dystocia, calf pneumonia, and calf diarrhoea, in that order, were identified as the primary herd health issues in these Irish suckler beef herds. In addition, substantial deficiencies in biosecurity practices were also identified on these farms. Conclusions: The findings of this study may serve as the focus for future research in animal health management practices in Irish suckler beef herds

Seroprevalence of bluetongue serotype 8 in cattle in the Netherlands in spring 2007, and its consequences

A cross-sectional study was carried out in spring 2007, at the end of the first bluetongue outbreak season, to determine the geographical spread of bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV-8) infection in cattle in the Netherlands and the consequences for some production parameters. Blood samples from cattle submitted to the laboratory of the Dutch Animal Health Service for other voluntary and obligatory health programmes were tested serologically for BTV-8. in total, 37,073 samples were tested and 659 (1.78 per cent) were seropositive. The samples came from 5436 herds, of which 45 per cent of herds had only one sample submitted from them. The prevalence was highest in the south of the country, where the outbreak had started, and decreased towards the north. in 340 herds more than 50 per cent of cattle were tested, of which 156 herds were located in infected compartments, and in 37 of these herds (10.9 per cent) at least one positive cow was detected. The average within-herd prevalence in the 37 herds was 39.3 per cent: 2.2 per cent in I I dairy herds, 68.4 per cent in 20 small-scale herds and 14 per cent in four suckler cow herds. The prevalence differed significantly between herd types but did not show a geographical trend. The average net return for milk production amounted to is an element of 2417/cow/year and it decreased significantly on average by is an element of 48/ cow/year in the bluetongue-infected dairy herds during the bluetongue period. on the small-scale farms, the incidence of mortality increased by 3.2 (95 per cent confidence interval [a] 1.2 to 9.1) times in the infected herds during the bluetongue period, but the voluntary culling rate decreased by a factor of 2.3 (95 per cent Cl 1.1 to 4.8)

Uptake of Sexed Semen by UK Suckler Beef Producers

Dairy farmers have been able to use sexed semen from dairy breeds to pre-determine the sex of calves since 2000, sexed semen from beef bulls is not currently commercially available, but is expected within 2 years. A survey of a stratified random sample of suckler cow farmers is used to identify the potential uptake of sexed semen when it becomes available using a logistic limited dependent variable model to identify different characteristics between farmers who intend to use sexed semen and those who do not. Herd size, the perception of the quality of bulls used to produce sexed semen, anticipated problems using AI, concern over conception rates, the cost and profitability of using sexed semen and herd replacement policy are found to be the major factors that will influence uptake. The relative importance of each constraint is shown, and approaches to reduce these constraints discussed.herd replacements, sexed semen, suckler beef production, subsidies, technical innovation, Livestock Production/Industries,

A Study of Time and Labour Use on Irish Suckler Beef Farms

End of project reportLabour is one of the four factors of production and an increasingly costly and scarce input on farms. The attractiveness of non-farming employment, the nature of farm work and the price received for farm outputs are resulting in falling levels of hired and family labour

Trade-offs between conflicting animal welfare concerns and cow replacement strategy in out-wintering Scottish suckler herds

Since decoupling of the CAP, many Scottish suckler cow farms are facing financial difficulties. In response, many farmers are out-wintering extensively managed suckler cows to minimise production costs. These systems are of animal welfare concern. A range of trade-offs between animal welfare indicators and between animal welfare and farm profitability can be identified. A Dynamic Programming (DP) model was developed to study these trade-offs. Two herds were modelled assuming their feeding regimes were either low (LHERD) or high (HHERD). The objective of the DP was to maximise the expected net margin from a current cow and its successors over an infinite time horizon. Preliminary results showed that the rate of voluntary culling was higher in HHERD than in LHERD. Animals in HHERD had shorter life expectancy. The expected net present value was 58% lower in LHERD than HHERD (-£41.5 and -£24.3 respectively). These results suggest a heavier culling rate and shorter longevity for animals in HHERD that compromises animal welfare. Also HHERD had a greater implied stocking density than LHERD. This increase of the cows’ population may adversely affect the environment. The presented model provides some of the basic information required to explore some of the trade-offs between farm profit, animal welfare and the environment.Livestock Production/Industries, Beef cow, economics, dynamic programming, animal welfare,

A four year longitudinal sero-epidemiological study of bovine herpesvirus type-1 (BHV-1) in adult cattle in 107 unvaccinated herds in south west England

Background: Bovine herpesvirus type-1 (BHV-1) is an important pathogen of cattle that presents with a variety of clinical signs, including the upper respiratory tract infection infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR). A seroepidemiological study of BHV-1 antibodies was conducted in England from 2002 – 2004: 29,782 blood samples were taken from 15,736 cattle from 114 herds which were visited on up to three occasions. Antibody concentration was measured using a commercial ELISA. Farm management information was collected using an interview questionnaire, and herd size and cattle movements were obtained from the cattle tuberculosis testing database and the British Cattle Movement Service. Hierarchical statistical models were used to investigate associations between cattle and herd variables and the continuous outcome percentage positive (PP) values from the ELISA test in unvaccinated herds. Results: There were 7 vaccinated herds, all with at least one seropositive bovine. In unvaccinated herds 83.2% had at least one BHV-1 seropositive bovine, and the mean cattle and herd BHV-1 seroprevalence were 42.5% and 43.1% respectively. There were positive associations between PP value, age, herd size, presence of dairy cattle. Adult cattle in herds with grower cattle had lower PP values than those in herds without grower cattle. Purchased cattle had significantly lower PP values than homebred cattle, whereas cattle in herds that were totally restocked after the foot-and-mouth epidemic in 2001 had significantly higher PP values than those in continuously stocked herds. Samples taken in spring and summer had significantly lower PP values than those taken in winter, whereas those taken in autumn had significantly higher PP values than those taken in winter. The risks estimated from a logistic regression model with a binary outcome (seropositive yes/no) were similar. Conclusion: The prevalence of BHV-1 seropositivity in cattle and herds has increased since the 1970s. Although the study population prevalence of BHV-1 was temporally stable during study period, the associations between serological status and cattle age, herd size, herd type, presence of young stock and restocked versus continuously stocked herds indicate that there is heterogeneity between herds and so potential for further spread of BHV-1 within and between herds

Organic production in the hills and uplands (OF0319)

It is Government policy to provide a framework in which organic farming can develop, promoting more sustainable and environmentally sound systems of livestock production. Scientific information is required on the development, performance and limitations of organic systems, to facilitate informed decision-making and to aid policy formulation. Using the established organic unit at Redesdale, the overall objective of this project was to evaluate and demonstrate the long-term potential of organic livestock production in the hills and uplands. The experiment was a systems study sited on one discrete farm unit covering 518 ha. Approximately 400 ha had been put into conversion in 1991, so that the experimental period (2002 - 2005) represented years 9 to 12 years of full organic production. Approximately 600 Scottish Blackface ewes were involved in the study, in four self-replacing flocks. At the start of conversion, one original heft (Dargues Dipper) was split to form two sub-hefts of equal stock carrying capacity. One sub-heft (Organic Dipper) was converted to organic production, while the second (Conventional Dipper) continued to be managed conventionally. The two other hefts (Cairn and Burnhead) were both converted to organic production. Beef production was based on spring calving suckler cows, managed in three sub-herds - two a direct comparison of organic and conventionally managed Angus cross cows put to a continental sire; the third consisting of organically managed Angus cows put to an Angus sire. Grassland management was based on a modified ‘Two Pasture’ hill system, integrating native hill, improved hill and inbye land for beef and sheep production. On the native hill, detailed long-term monitoring of vegetation change showed that botanical composition was more affected by previous and current stocking levels, and events such as heather beetle infestation, than by organic and or conventional management. On improved hill land, the underlying trend was regression to rush pasture, leading to reduced productivity on both organic and conventionally managed areas. On the more intensively managed inbye fields, soil fertility levels were adequately maintained on the organic areas, which received only farmyard manure and slurries. Soil pH was more stable than on conventional fields, which received soluable nitrogen fertiliser. Organic inbye fields were sown predominately with short term leys, based on Italian ryegrass and Red or Alsike clover, to provide greater competition for weeds. Production levels were approximately 70% that of fertilised conventional fields. Self sufficiency in winter forage averaged 107% and 93% for the organic and conventional livestock (both sheep and cattle enterprises) respectively. Established infestations of docks production proved difficult to control. Historically, the greatest success was obtained where dock numbers were sufficiently low to enable the plants to be removed manually, or semi-mechanically using a tractor/digger. Data collected as an observation study suggested that for heavy infestations a fallow period and grazing by pigs could have good potential for dock control. Consistent with earlier the phases of the study, sheep production levels were higher in the conventionally managed sheep. Organically managed ewes were significantly lighter and had lower body condition scores at most stages of the production cycle. Average lamb rearing percentages over the three years of the study were 124, 108,108 and 111 for Conventional Dipper, Organic Dipper, Cairn and Burnhead flocks respectively. Average lamb weaning weights (kg) were 31.8, 29.5, 31.3 and 32.9 respectively. Of the total crop, 65% of Conventional Dipper lambs were sold finished at a mean liveweight of 38.1 kg, returning an average of £40.03 (£1.05/kg). The balance (35%) were ewe lambs retained within the flock or sold for breeding. Depending on the flock, the majority of the organic lamb crop (55%-61%) were sold after weaning as stores for further finishing, at a price of approximately £1.15 per kg liveweight. Store hill lambs performed well finishing on an organic lowland farm, returning typical carcass weights of 18.5 kg and a mean sale date of mid-March. An arrangement was entered into to spread the financial risk, sharing the feeders margin between the store lamb producer and lowland finisher. This could be a useful model for wider application, between different farmers or regions with complementary resources. Across all four flocks, the three year average for ewe and hogg mortality was less than 5%. Lamb mortality averaged less than 10%, which compares well with quoted industry figures of 15%-20%. Parasite burdens were low and anthelmintic input was limited to a few individual lambs. No adverse effects were recorded as a result of the long-term withdrawal of clostridial and pasteurella vaccination from one of the three organic flocks (Cairn). Lower levels of performance in the organic flocks could be a multi-component effect of reduced forage availability, lower veterinary inputs, higher levels of subclinical disease etc. However, the most likely factor was the difference in how the improved hill and inbye land was managed under an alternate grazing regime, which allows access by sheep to only half the area of improved hill in any given year. There was little difference in the physical performance of directly comparable organic and conventional sub-herds producing continental cross calves. Conception rates were consistently high, averaging 94%. Calf weaning weights (kg) averaged 292, 297 and 298 for conventional halfbred, organic halfbred and organic Angus sub-herds respectively. Prices achieved (p/kg live weight) for store prices cattle were 102, 127 and 133 respectively. Despite higher prices for organic cattle sold as stores, carcass data from animals sold finished indicated poorer conformation and higher levels of fatness in Angus sired calves. Gross returns were £683 and £648 for continental and Angus calves respectively, representing a difference of £0.10/kg carcass weight (£2.24 Vs £2.34). The main technical issue associated with the organic suckler herd was ensuring an adequate supply of conserved fodder for a 200-day winter. Disease challenges were low and the only veterinary treatment given on a herd basis was a single treatment for lice during the winter period. Average gross margins (£/ewe) before forage costs were £56, £44, £46 and £49 for Conventional Dipper, Organic Dipper, Cairn and Burnhead flocks respectively. Whole flock gross margins averaged £7635, £4609, £5561 and £4315. Lower performance in the organic flocks resulted from a combination of lower sheep numbers, reduced lambing percentages, and the sale of store rather than finished animals. Countryside Stewardship Scheme payments could potentially have increased gross margin in the Burnhead flock to £7915. Gross margins (£/cow), before forage costs, for rearing and finishing enterprises combined were £755, £636 and £527 for conventional halfbred, organic halfbred and organic Angus sub-herds respectively. Forage costs (£/adjusted hectare) averaged £11 and £21 for organic and conventional sub-units respectively. The biggest single contributor to gross margin was stocking rate, which for the organic unit as a whole, was 54% that of the conventional (1.3 LU/adjusted ha Vs 0.7 LU/adjusted ha). For sheep and cattle enterprises combined, gross margins per Livestock Unit (LU), including forage costs, were £451 and £479 for conventional and organic sub-units respectively. The organic unit as a whole returned a gross margin per adjusted hectare 44% less than the conventional (£590 Vs £335). It could be suggested that in reducing stocking rate in pursuit of environmental gain, and adjusting management for better parasite control, the organic system at Redesdale has had to carry a disproportionate financial burden. To offset these effects would require an improvement in output, for example retaining a greater proportion of organic animals for finishing, or entry into an agri-environmental scheme. The period of the study coincides with the last three years of subsidy payments based primarily on the numbers of livestock carried. Historically, stocking rates have been a prime determinant of profitability when measured on a per hectare basis. Under organic management it was not possible to support sheep numbers at previous levels and maintain the same level of individual performance. The advent of support based on Single Farm Payment, further devolves stocking rate from overall profitability. More farmers may be tempted to convert, given that the opportunity cost of conversion is reduced. Decisions will be driven more by the relative strength of the organic market, technical or attitudinal constraints such as feeding 100% organically produced diets, and relative impacts on overall fixed costs. The case for organic farming conferring environmental benefit is clearer in lowland situations than in the hills. In theory, the difference between organic and conventional systems should be less stark under less intensive production prevalent in the hills and uplands. As yet, little has been done to determine the extent to which organic and conventional farmers have adopted practices with positive or negative impact on biodiversity or the agri-environment. Much depends on the attitude of the individual landowner. From a survey conducted by ADAS in Wales, the greatest benefits tend to occur where an organic farm is also participating in another agri-environmental scheme. The extent to which organic, and evolving conventional, systems complement or conflict with cross compliance or Water Framework Directive requirements has yet to be determined. At Redesdale, long-term studies of vegetation change on the native hill, showed a continuing decline in heather cover at the higher stocking rates. Where stocking rates were reduced significantly to accommodate a more balanced organic system there were indications of a positive, albeit slow response in botanical composition. Key to this is the ability to manage moorland in a more proactive way, and to have cattle available to graze Molinia and Nardus. This complementary effect of cattle not only controls the competitive effects of these grassy species with heather, but as demonstrated in other research projects, also benefits sheep performance. If the economics of cattle production becomes very adverse organic farmers may be forced to reduce cattle numbers, which could make some sheep-dominated systems less sustainable. The results indicate that for many hill and upland units, converting to an organic system is not likely to be a matter of minimal changes to existing management. In particular, stocking rate and balance of sheep and cattle at the start of conversion will have a major impact on the management required to achieve acceptable levels of animal performance, financial performance, input reduction and environmental gain. Recommendations were made for further research in the following areas:- Current behaviours and management practices for organic and conventional farmers; the interface of organic farming practice, and that of other agri-environmental schemes; environmental impact at the whole farm, or aggregated farm level; practices to enhance environmental benefit which can be used more widely on organic farms; control of weeds (rushes, thistles, bracken and docks); tightening regulations on non-organic feed allowances; internal and external parasite control; nutrient budgeting; wider cropping options for energy, protein and mineral nutrition; the potential to exploit co-operative effort to overcome technical issues and limitations, and increase environmental benefit

Organic Farming in Cornwall: Results of the 2002 Farmer Survey

A detailed survey of organic farming in Cornwall was completed duing the period August 2002 to February 2003. One of the main objectives of the survey was to describe current practices and constraints to organic production so as to aid the Organic Studies Centre in developing a research and training strategy that meets the needs of Cornish organic farmers. all 130 registered producer members of the Soil Association Certification Ltd (SACert) and Organic Farmers anf Growers Ltd (OF&G) were contacted. Of these, 120 were farming and 119 were interviewed. Data collected through closed questioning reflected a wide range of land-use, enterprise, marketing, husbandry, management, certification, income and environmental issues. Comments from farmers, recorded through open-ended questioning, are quoted and para-phrased throughout the report. The survey has provided the first detailed description of organic production in Cornwall. These data will be used by the Organic Studies Centre at Duchy College to form the basis of a strategy for organic farming research and development relevant to Cornwall. The information gathered will also be used to inform other parties concerned with development of the organic sector in the UK generally, at the south west of England specifically. A second follow-up survey will be conducted during 2005. This survey would not have been possible without the considerable efforts of the data collectors and the goodwill, time and expertise ofthe participating farmers. These contributions are gratefully acknowledged

Development of a Strategic Approach for a Single EU Beef Market. Extensification. An Analysis of National and Competitive Issues

Working paperThe economic merits of the two Options for extensification under Agenda 2000 were evaluated in relation to their ability to generate revenue and their impact on the competitiveness of Irish cattle farming

Performance and feed intake of five beef suckler cow genotypes and pre-weaning growth of their progeny

peer-reviewedThe effect of beef suckler cow genotype on feed intake, performance, milk yield and on pre-weaning growth of their progeny was determined over four lactations. The five cow genotypes examined were Limousin (L), Charolais (C), Limousin × Holstein-Friesian (LF), Limousin × (Limousin × Holstein-Friesian) (LLF) and Simmental × (Limousin × Holstein-Friesian) (SLF). The herd calved in spring and the progeny spent from April until weaning (October/ November) at pasture with their dams. Live weight (kg) at the start of the indoor winter period was greater (P 0.05) between the genotypes but followed a similar trend to grass silage intake. The decrease in live weight over the indoor winter period was greater (P < 0.01) for L and C cows than for LLF and SLF, whereas LF were intermediate. The increase in live weight during the grazing season was greater (P < 0.01) for C cows than all except L, which were intermediate. Calving difficulty score was greater (P < 0.01) for C cows than LLF, L and SLF, whereas LF were intermediate. Birth weight of calves from LF cows was lower (P < 0.001) than C with L being intermediate, but greater than LLF, with SLF being intermediate. Milk yield (kg/day) was higher (P < 0.001) for LF (9.7) and SLF (8.7) cows than the other genotypes (5.5 to 7.0), which did not differ significantly. Pre-weaning live-weight gain was greater (P < 0.001) for progeny of LF cows than all other genotypes except SLF, which in turn were greater than L and C, with LLF being intermediate. In conclusion, calf pre-weaning growth was higher for cow genotypes with higher milk yield, which was also associated with higher cow DM intake.B. Murphy was in receipt of a Walsh Fellowship provided by Teagasc