Efficiency the key to optimising outputs

Sheep & beef edition Spring/Summer 2015 Efficiency the key to optimising outputs The volatility of the agricultural industry is nothing new, but with fluctuating red meat prices and the effects of the CAP reform still being felt, the industry faces some uncertainty. Ensuring on-farm efficiency will be paramount to maximise margins. Reviewing the whole farm business and addressing areas where costs can be saved and efficiencies can be maximised will be vital, says David Thornton, Rumenco technical manager. Formulating a balanced least-cost ration is one technique to ensure energy and protein inputs are optimised. He explains that forage and grazed grass are the farm s cheapest feeds for breeding and growing cattle. However, all feed should be analysed, so any deficiencies can be identified and made-up with an appropriate supplement to ensure that the diet satisfies all micro-nutrition requirements, resulting in overall diet efficiency. Urea based protein supplements are ideal and an economical choice for finishing cattle and lambs, whereas higher quality protein supplements are best for young stock, lactating and breeding stock, he adds. Reducing calf and lamb mortality increases farm output with minimum additional inputs. Mortality generally occurs within the days immediately following lambing or calving, so using appropriate supplements that are proven to increase vigour, facilitate easier births, and yield high quality colostrum are key to reducing mortality. David says that the time and cost of labour used to feed stock is an important consideration. One farmer I work with changed his sheep feeding system from straw and cake, to a TMR containing silage, soya and minerals. Feeding 1,500 ewes indoors now takes one man just two hours, compared with two men nearly all day previously. Reviewing the whole farm business and addressing areas where costs can be saved and efficiencies can be maximised will be vital Outside, blocks and buckets can reduce the time spent feeding animals at pasture every day, with the added bonus of not disrupting grazing behaviour, as can happen with trough feeding. This is an important consideration when feeding ewes and lambs immediately post lambing. David adds that farmers should be monitoring the physical performance of livestock through internal and external resources. There are tools out there that farmers can use to assess whether what they are achieving is comparative to other farmers, and is in line with what they want to achieve. Monthly weighing of growing or finishing stock is one simple way farmers can assess whether their current system is achieving targets and if any changes need to be implemented to optimise outputs. Benchmarking and studying abattoir reports for shape, conformation and deadweight, are other options to employ. This can prompt changes to areas of the business that could be tweaked to minimise the cost of production, he says. The benefits of performing a full business overview are significant considering the short and long term changes that are expected in the agricultural industry. By identifying areas of the business that are under direct control of the farmer, rather than factors such as red meat prices, could result in greater efficiencies, and therefore safeguard producers and their businesses against such external factors, adds David. In this issue: Lambing focus Flock focus Nutrition focus Foot health focus Promotional offers and competitions

Lambing focus Maximising lamb survival Nia Williams, Nettex technical manager, reports on how farmers can reduce the number of lamb losses this season to maximise total lambs on the ground at weaning. On average, 10 to 25% of total lamb deaths occur within the first 48 hours after birth. This could comfortably be reduced to 5% by improving your lambing routine to suit indoor or outdoor systems. Ensuring lambs have rapid access to a quality source of colostrum, whether from the ewe, or from an artificial source, is crucial for lamb survival and their ability to thrive. iodine to be most effective. As an extra line of defence, I d also advise dipping the navel again, two to three hours later. For indoor lambing flocks having clean, dry lambing pens is crucial to reduce the spread of bacterial infection. In an ideal world, cleaning pens out after each ewe would be the most effective way to reduce the build-up of bacteria in the environment, but we all know that this is not always practical. I would always recommend having a quality artificial colostrum on-hand that has a high digestible fat content and contains concentrated dried colostrum and egg proteins, such as Nettex s Ultra Concentrate, which is also fortified with ewe s milk, to give lambs an extra energy boost when needed. Although there are several factors to consider during lambing, focusing on these three management factors; hygiene, colostrum management and navel dipping, will help in maximising lamb survival, health, and ultimately the bottom-line. Using a highly absorbent bed conditioner, that also contains a disinfectant, is just as effective at reducing the likelihood of disease spreading from animal-to-animal. Lastly, a vital part of any neonatal lambing routine should be to navel dip with 10% iodine within the first 15 minutes of life, to avoid the navel being a potential source of infection. The main point to remember is that the navel needs to be fully immersed in the Researched, developed and manufactured in the UK Ensuring ewes have enough room in the pen is another simple method I d encourage to reduce the risk of deaths caused by smothering. I d aim for individual lambing pens to be at least two meters squared. This will not only ensure that the ewe has enough space, but will also help reduce mis-mothering, which is another major cause of lamb deaths. Colostrum management is another major factor that should not be overlooked in indoor and outdoor lambing systems. Research from the Scottish Rural University College (SRUC) shows that over the course of the first 18 hours of life, lambs require at least 250ml per kg birth weight of colostrum to meet energy requirements, and prevent hypothermia. However, it s crucial that at least 300ml of this is consumed within the first six hours after birth to provide disease immunity. TRIED & TESTED BY FARMERS FOR FARMERS FOR OVER 30 YEARS! Nettex lambing list: Ultra Concentrate Premium easy mix lamb colostrum fortified with ewes milk Multi Lamb Rapid Fast working energy replacer Lamb kick start Fast working lamb energy replacer 10% Iodine Preferred choice and strength for lambing Promark Long-lasting, professional spray mark marker To subscribe to regular livestock updates, promotions and competitions visit: www.net-tex.co.uk and click the Take Stock logo

Flock focus Introducing new ideas and concepts can be daunting for farmers. But for one Worcestershire-based sheep farmer, trying something new has resulted in significant performance and economic returns. Sam Jones runs a flock of 1,250 North Country Mules on his family farm in Redditch. A targeted ewe management plan has allowed him to focus on a strategic sourcing and seasonal health management programme. We re not afraid of trying something new here, says Sam. We have a target of meeting a 200% lamb sale rate. Currently we are at 197% but by trying new ideas we are hoping to push this figure up. Employing a routine health management plan has contributed to Sam s strong with Clare Hitchman Collate absorption technology allows essential nutrients contained in Nettex products to be rapidly absorbed into the blood stream. Up to 50% of these nutrients may be absorbed within 30 minutes of feeding to the animal. Targeted ewe management improves flock performance ewe performance. About two weeks prior to ewes joining the tup, we drench with Nettex Sheep Conditioning Drench. As a result we ve noticed a real difference in ewes retaining condition over the winter. We started drenching ewes and yearlings with the product about four years ago and haven t looked back. Conception rates have improved year-on-year and we ve had strong lambing percentages, he says. This year, yearlings scanned at 190% and ewes at 214% which is very promising. Drenching has proven to be a very cost-effective approach for us, and I can be re-assured that we ve given stock that extra boost to help support them through the winter, adds Sam. Cobalt deficiency detrimental to lamb growth Don t rely on grazing alone to provide sufficient levels of trace elements to support lamb growth, is the advice from Clare Hitchman, Nettex s Midlands area business manager. Those pushing to meet the early lamb trade are striving for consistent daily growth rates. Therefore, ensuring lambs receive adequate levels of trace elements in the diet, particularly cobalt is crucial, says Clare. Rumen bacteria require a level of cobalt to synthesise Vitamin B12, vital for energy metabolism and efficient lamb growth. But as Clare explains, lambs have a limited capacity to store cobalt in the body. Therefore supplementation is vital to ensure sufficient daily intake, particularly in regions were cobalt deficiency is prolific, she says. As lambs are weaned, the loss of Vitamin B12 via the milk, can mean lambs don t push on as well. It s therefore often weaned lambs that are most at risk of clinical cobalt Symptoms of clinical cobalt deficiency deficiency, known as pine. Clare says, I d advise those who think lambs may be at risk, or who may already be suffering from cobalt deficiency, to seek help from an independent expert. Having forage analysed or blood samples taken will confirm if animals are suffering from deficiencies, and identify whether cobalt needs to be administered. Nettex offer two products designed to combat cobalt deficiency post-weaning; Cobalt, Selenium and Vitamin B12 Drench which immediately provides the lamb with trace element and vitamin supplementation; and Cob-I-Sel 25, Cobalt Micro Bolus, which releases a daily dose of cobalt over a period of 25 days. Sub-optimum cobalt intake can be avoided by preempting the situation. If farmers are aware they are in a cobalt deficient area, a combination approach of initially drenching lambs, followed by a micro bolus, can be an effective programme to avoid the risk of deficiency post-weaning, adds Clare. Ill thrift Lack of appetite Poor wool quality Tear staining of the cheeks Aimless wandering Head pressing Above images copyright: NADIS and Phil Scott.

Nutrition focus Licks provide year-round reassurance Breeding pedigree Texel ewes for more than 30 years with an excellent reputation for quality stock, the Mellin s at Hull House Texels need to source the best inputs for their stock and have a reliable system to enable them to achieve their desired results. The importance of maintaining body condition and balancing nutrition allyear-round for both the 250 pedigree Texel ewes, and the pedigree Dorset ewes that are vital for their A.I. embryo transfer programme, is paramount to the ethos at the Mellin s. John Mellin explains that despite marketing the pedigrees through various society sales, and some privately, they also utilise local auction marts to sell the commercial type tups and gimmer lambs. We re really looking for a quality carcass first and foremost, closely followed by exceptional wool and skin. We re mainly targeting the commercial market so it s important our stock has the desired traits to suit this. We aim to sell shearling tups and ram lambs commercially, and we get a good price as long as they are big enough with plenty of flesh. To achieve the right finish and size, it s important to ensure regular access to a high energy lick, as and when the stock requires it, explains John. The stock tells you when they want the extra energy Supplementary licks fit our system. We use the Maxx licks all-year-round, with the high energy for the sheep and the mag for our herd of Longhorn cattle. We start putting them out in July and August, however, the sheep really start using them in September, when the weather starts to change. We really want to have the licks there with the stock in the field as a backup; the seasonal change in grass quality happens at a slightly different time of year, every year. When it was wet last year, we found the sheep continued to take the licks all -year-round, adds John. The cattle use the licks in much the same way as the sheep; any change in the weather and they draw on them. It also safeguards them from staggers and we always see them milking well after they ve calved down. Touch wood, we also haven t seen any downer cows recently, and with the cattle grazing our rougher pastures, it really means we get a more efficient use of the forage in front of them. I see it as self-supplementation, says John. The stock tells you when they want the extra energy, and reassuringly with the Maxx licks, as they are hardened, they can t bite into them, only lick them in a controlled manner.

Nutrition focus Badger Blocker improves farm biosecurity Limiting badger access to mineral licks, blocks, and tubs is the motivation behind the versatile design of the Badger Blocker feeder from Rumenco. For one farmer in Shropshire, the recent introduction of the feeder provides an extra biosecurity measure to help reduce the cross contamination between TB infected badgers and his cattle. Martin Speke farms 1,500 acres near Bishops Castle, running 280 cross bred suckler cows. He has been restricted by TB for the past five years. TB has meant we ve lost the freedom to sell stock when they ve been ready, and has meant we ve had to alter our system to focus on selling finished stock, says Martin. Bullocks take a lot more finishing on this system, and we ve had to keep more animals on-farm for longer, which all adds to the cost of production. Martin uses Maxx magnesium licks to support forage diets. Recently he has started to raise the licks off Meet the ABM: Ross Sibbald My parents both worked for the Hill Farming Research Organisation as I was growing up, and looking back, being out on-farm with them is what triggered my interest in the agricultural industry. After school, I joined Scottish Agricultural Industries (SAI) where I moved up the ladder to fulfil a full-time post as a sales rep in Cumbria. During my time with the firm I completed the first year of a diploma at Oatridge Agricultural College, where I gained valuable practical and theoretical knowledge of the industry. the ground using the Badger Blocker feeder to improve biosecurity. TO WIN A TONNE OF MAXX LICKS VISIT: WWW.RUMENCO.CO.UK AND CLICK THE TAKE STOCK LOGO We were sceptical about using the feeder to start with, but we ve found that the cattle can t push them over, and most importantly we re reducing the level of badger-cow contact, which can only help reduce the spread of TB on our farm, says Martin. The Badger Blocker feeder is designed to stand a metre above the ground, a height based on DEFRA recommendations. The plastic platform can be filled with water, and has the flexibility to hold all designs of mineral licks, blocks and tubs, preventing badgers accessing supplements, while ensuring safe, stable, and easy access for cattle. Martin says, I m intrigued to see if we can make a difference by raising the licks off the ground. It may take a while to see the benefits, but every little we can do to reduce the TB risk can only help us get back to normal. I initially started working as an area business manager for Rumenco in June 1991, and apart from a threeyear break where I joined my wife to run a landscape gardening business, I ve been with Rumenco ever since. I now cover South Scotland and North East England, visiting merchants and farmers, and I love the variety that the job entails. No two days are the same. One day I will be out on-farm giving advice to farmers, and the next I could be organising a show stand or planning a marketing campaign with one of our merchant customers. NEW nergy e High Sheep or f licks attle &C T EMEN L P P D SU E FEE ILISATION R U T UT MOIS R AG E LO W O F S KE NCE ENHA LLED INTA RO CO N T TA HE KE T O MT M THE AXX with Ross Sibbald Rumenco have seven ABM s located across the UK giving support and advice to farmers and merchants. Find out who your local rep is by visiting www.rumenco.co.uk

Foot health focus Footbathing best practice advice The value of footbathing should not be overlooked in efforts to meet the sheep industry s target of reducing national flock lameness to 2% by 2021. A multi-functional approach focusing on advice given through the five-point plan, while encouraging producers to incorporate regular footbathing into their flock health plan, will help reduce the lameness challenge faced by many farmers, explains Progiene s product manager, Alison Clark. The economic losses from lameness, costs the industry 24m per year, as a result of lower grazing intakes, leading to poor fertility and reductions in feed conversion, says Alison. a lot of confusion, and is perhaps one of the main reasons why farmers are not getting the results they would like. The economic losses from lameness, costs the industry 24m per year Measuring the length, width and depth of the footbath, will allow farmers to calculate the total volume their footbath can hold, and therefore the concentration of Digicur, or a similar disinfectant, to add to the solution to optimise results, she says. It s important that the coronary band is fully immersed in the solution to ensure all bacteria on the hoof is removed. With this in mind, I d advise the footbath to be at least 10cm deep. Alison also advises to walk sheep through the footbath and stand them on clean, dry ground after treating. The pasture remains a major source of bacterial infection, unless it s been clear of grazing for a minimum of 12 days. Standing sheep after treating, will allow time for the disinfectant to do its job. The benefit of Digicur is that it forms an invisible seal around the coronary band and dries on contact, providing immediate protection from any secondary infection, adds Alison. Find out how much disinfectant you need to add to your footbath: Above image copyright: NADIS & Phil Scott. Advising sheep farmers on best practice footbathing protocols has the potential to significantly reduce the occurrence of footrot and scald, which are the most common causes of lameness. Alison explains that she is frequently asked how to measure the volume of footbaths to get the right concentration and depth of solution for maximum effect. This causes Footbath length (m) Footbath width (m) Volume of liquid (L) assuming a 10cm depth Required amount of Digicur (L) at 1% solution* Required amount of Digicur (L) at 2% solution** 2 0.7 140 1.4 2.8 2 1.4 280 2.8 5.6 3 0.7 210 2.1 4.2 3 1.4 420 4.2 8.4 4 0.7 290 2.9 5.8 4 1.4 560 5.6 11.2 *A 1% solution equates to a ratio of 100L of water to 1L of Digicur and is recommended to help prevent outbreaks of lameness **A maximum of a 2% solution, equating to a ratio of 100L of water to 2L of Digicur, is recommended when outbreaks occur The new name in hoof hygiene Contact your Progiene Hygiene Specialists on: Tel: 0808 178 1010 E-mail: info@progiene-dairy.com www.progiene-dairy.com

Foot health focus The five-point lameness plan Vaccinate the flock against footrot before peak challenge periods i.e. pre-tupping Plan when to administer vaccines, potentially leaving two weeks between batch vaccinations, to allow animals to mount an effective immune response to each vaccine Vaccinate Cull sheep persistently infected with footrot Set a level of tolerance that suits the system considering the cost of replacements, and severity of the disease on-farm Identify treated animals through EID, tagging or visual marking to build a picture of repeat offenders Cull Understand the five-point lameness plan with independent sheep specialist, Kate Phillips Run all new animals through a footbath as Quarantine they enter the farm, and keep them off all grazing for 24 to 48 hours Keep brought-in animals away from the rest of the flock for up to four weeks, and identify any signs of lameness in new animals quickly to avoid bacteria spreading Treat animals as soon as symptoms are seen Treat with a long acting antibiotic injection, and spray the infected area with a topical antibiotic Use a prescribed painkiller to help keep animals moving and grazing Treat Separate infected animals from the rest of the flock Use rotational grazing to break the lifecycle of Dichelobacter nodosus, the bacteria responsible for causing footrot and scald Run housed sheep through a footbath on a weekly basis, and ensure they have access to clean, dry bedding Avoid Meet the ABM: Angie Smith Born into dairy farming, I ve always had a love for the industry which I ve pursued throughout my career. Straight from school, I went back home to work with dad on the farm in Cornwall. Over the years I ve built my experience and knowledge of the dairy industry by working as an agricultural specialist and animal health adviser, as well as becoming a fully qualified SQP. Since starting at Progiene in May last year, I ve noticed more youngsters coming into the industry with fresh and innovative ideas and believe the industry has a positive and exciting future outlook. My role means I m on-farm most days giving livestock farmer s one-on-one advice and helping them overcome challenges that are individual to each farm, and helping them achieve the targets they re striving for. with Angie Smith Livestock farming employs 1.3 billion people worldwide, meaning one in five people work in the livestock sector globally. DIGICUR FOOTBATH Dual action of glutaraldehyde & surfactants for rapid acting hoof cleaning with long lasting effect Highly concentrated and low application cost Free from QAC, formalin, heavy metals and antibiotics WIN A HOOFCOUNT AUTOMATIC FOOTBATH WITH INSTALLATION ENTER ONLINE AT: www.progiene-dairy.com

Take Stock Sheep & beef Spring/Summer 2015 Cattle Q & A with Philippa Gill Q. How can I manage cattle body condition throughout winter housing? A. Monitoring body condition score (BCS) three or four times throughout the winter allows rations to be adjusted accordingly to ensure spring calving suckler cows are fit for calving, and store animals are meeting target growth rates. Q. How can I ensure cattle receive a balanced diet? A. Analysing forage for nutrition and mineral composition will allow a bespoke ration to be formulated to ensure dietary requirements are met. I would recommend feeding a largely forage-based diet, where possible, which will provide sufficient energy, while avoiding the risk of animals putting down excessive fat. However, extra thought should be given to mineral and trace element composition of the ration, to ensure supply matches requirements. Q. How can I prepare cattle for turnout? A. For suckler cows, and store cattle, turned out to finish, reducing concentrate levels in the ration a month prior to grazing will give rumen microbes time to adapt to an all grass diet. For store cattle, particularly, this can prevent the growth check that is often seen after turnout. Providing a high magnesium supplement at turnout is also advised to reduce the risk of grass staggers, but introducing a supplement prior to turnout will also help improve overall intakes at turnout, when needed. with Philippa Gill Studies have shown that performance benefits in cattle can be seen four to six weeks after turnout by reducing the ration input in the final period of housing. Social media Follow us on... @Rumenco_ltd @NettexAgri Rumenco Events See us at... Royal Northern Spring Show 25 February Borderway Dairy Expo 7 March RUAS Balmoral Show 13 14 15 May NSA Welsh Sheep 19 May Beef Expo 21 May NSA North Sheep 3 June Royal Cornwall Show 4 5 6 June NSA South West Sheep 16 June Royal Highland Show 18 19 20 21 June www.net-tex.co.uk 01634 257 150 www.rumenco.co.uk 0800 833 675 www.progiene-dairy.com 0808 178 1010