SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE FARMING - INSIDE THIS ISSUE 03 15 22 - Dairygold Agri ...
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SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE FARMING
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
PAGE
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03 Beef is Back
PAGE
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15 Animal Health Corner
PAGE
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22 Grass Management
ISSUE 01 - APRIL 2021 www.dairygoldagri.ie
| Edited by Catherine Hurley
EDITORIAL
Grass growth is still far behind where we would like it to
be, especially with the latest cold weather. Nevertheless,
'Magic Day' is only around the corner for some farms. WELCOME TO
Beef
This is a great bonus to beef farmers as this is where you
will find your profit, at grass with good intakes of quality
forage. Of course, cattle will need to be finished with the
help of some concentrates, but this is just to get them fit
Business
for market.
In keeping with our first edition in February we have again
majored on grass management and utilisation as it’s the
cheapest source of abundant high-quality feed. Catherine
Hurley has included a piece on clover and how valuable DAIRYGOLD BULLETIN
it is to those who have mastered the art of grazing and
TABLE OF
managing it. Also, we look at the basic principles of grass
growth and intakes and once you understand these facts
CONTENTS
your utilisation of available grass will improve dramatically
and performance accordingly. Be brave and try it out
rather than block grazing and you will quickly reap the
benefits; all you need is an understanding of the concept;
03
white wire and some pick tail posts for a start. Also, in this
Galtee Farmer Writes
edition we are covering 3 different aspects of livestock
05
management. Amie Coonan details the necessary steps
in breeding your stock, timely and healthy, which are
Top Tips for Successful Breeding
critical to maximize your farm production.
06 Breeding Suckler Cows at Grass
Ger Hanley spoke with our guest farmer in North Cork
and describes in detail the goals and actions carried out 09 Introducing Kaf Gro Rumi Force
on this high output farm, again with special emphases
performance and management. Michael English called
10 Gold Assure Grass Seed Mixtures
out to WIlliam McGrath near Mitchelstown to see how
he's making his suckler herd a success story. Finally, we 11 Optimal Results for Reseeding
12
have looked at some of the current health threats on
farms where young stock is grazing and offer professional
Feeding Dairygold Beef Feed
opinions on such topics as general vaccination programs
and coccidiosis.
15 Animal Health Corner
I hope that you find some small nuggets of information
17 Your Dairygold Team
18
in the publication that might help you to make decisions
and if there are any issues or comments that you wish
Vaccinating Your Cattle
to share, please email me and we will give them due
consideration. 20 Good Weed Control
21 Fertiliser Plans for Spring/Summer
Liam Leahy 22 Grass Management
Liam Leahy I.A.S.I.S.
26 Getting the best from your
Electric Fence
DAIRYGOLD TILLAGE
& BEEF BUSINESS MANAGER 27 Importance of White Clover
CONTACT
Beef Business
086 2441370 lleahy@dairygold.ie www.dairygoldagri.ie
2 www.dairygoldagri.ie
ISSUE 01 - APRIL 2021
Galtee Farmer Writes
Beef is Back with Paddy Aberdeen
| By Ger Hanley I.A.S.I.S., Dairygold Area Sales Manager 086 7938420
Dairygold caught up with Paddy Aberdeen recently a Suckler Beef
birth to slaughter farmer farming on the Northern foothills of the
Galtee mountains, in south Tipperary. His holding is 65 adjusted acres
and of mixed quality. Soil type varies from peat on the higher ground,
which gets wet very easily, to clay soils on the lower ground which has
lots of springs that don’t dry up until well into the Springtime.
Paddy’s cows are predominately large continental cross cows mostly
Simmental x Friesian, some Aberdeen Angus and a few Aubrac.
Simmentals would have been purchased in as maiden heifers and
calve to Angus at 24-26 months. This is the foundation to the herd
many years ago, with some forward Angus maiden heifers being
selected from within the herd as replacements in recent years. Some
72% of cows in the herd have 4/5 stars qualifying the herd for BDGP
payment. An essential part of the practical and financial part of the
enterprise along with BEEP-S. The practical element coming from monsoon rains that we got in February. The first bunch are well
selecting better replacements by knowing the real genomic value settled on grass now and have sufficient grass ahead. Grass recovery
of stock and their true weights from BEEP-S weigh-ins. The financial is very slow to date, so some cattle are still housed to match growth
element being the payments of schemes which is a major contributor rates. Covexin10 vaccine booster administered, and cattle weighed
to gross margins. Angus is the sire of choice for short gestation, at turnout. Weights are satisfactory with steers averaging 425kg and
making it easier to keep a calving interval of 365 days. Angus also heifers at 385kg. They have wintered well, on 74% DMD silage and
delivers on calving ease, good calf vigour and hardiness, good growth 2kg Beeflav for 120 days from November to February. In 2020 the
rates, are easily fleshed and Paddy’s cattle are in spec for any market. same cattle had an average 1.38kg ADLG in their first 200 days. This
On our recent farm call, Paddy informed us that calving is progressing information was provided by ICBF through BEEP-S scheme.
well with 70% of herd calved, one casualty and one set of twins,
Whilst some advice is to over winter weanlings on good quality silage
holding one calf per cow. In Paddy’s words “I doubt if this trend will
only and get the live weight gain from grass by way of compensatory
continue, it never does”. Although there have been very few assisted
growth. Paddy prefers to feed weanlings well for 3-4 months of the
calvings, which may be helped he said by feeding a coarse hayledge
winter, then remove feeding 4-6 weeks before turnout and have good
3-4 weeks pre-calving to keep cows fit not fat especially mature cows
weight going to grass. It opens up options at Autumn time, whether
along with a good pre-calver mineral. Cows and calves have gone to
to finish quick off grass or carry through to Spring, depending on
grass once calves are 3 weeks old, this takes a lot of the workload off
markets. Feeding 2kg to weanlings isn’t a big expense and younger
the yard.
cattle deliver a higher feed/growth ratio return than older cattle,
Grass is plentiful, as one third of farm was covered last January with which have higher maintenance demands.
3000gls/acre of slurry by dribble bar bringing grass to the platform.
From the BEEP-S weighing last September / October, we could pick
Early March has brought some dry weather which allowed yearling
out the males that had the highest DLWG. These were separated and
cattle to go to grass on a phased basis starting with a mix of the
destined for the sixteen month bull system, about half of male calves
youngest steers and heifers. Land took a while to dry out after the
usually qualify. These get 3 to 4 kg in the 120 day period November
3
to February, putting on 1kg per day. They begin their 90 day finishing
period in early March, working up to 9kg per day of Prime Elite Maize
Munch plus straw/silage mix. Live weight gains rise to 2kg per day. These
cattle generally kill out at weights averaging 390 kg R+/U-/U= cattle. It is
a high cost system, live weight gains are significant. The BEEP-S recorded
weights signal the animals that will respond to feed and thrive on this
system. It is also a quick method of moving stock out of system and
reducing carbon footprint on beef.
A large emphasis is put on growing a lot of grass on the farm to either
graze or conserve as silage. With a high stocking rate of 195 kgs/hectare
of organic nitrogen, a wet weather event can have a major impact on the
grazing platform. For that reason, excess silage is always made, aiming
for 130% of a normal winter. Paddy tells us of the housing of cattle in
August 2020, is not that rare of an event. As much silage as possible will
be conserved in May/June period as demand for grazed grass, on a beef
farm rises as Summer progresses. If the steers/heifers group go to grass
early in the spring, and have a good season on grass, often some forward
animals are selected and finished off grass being supplemented with a
few kilos of Gold Farm Beef cubes as the energy values of grass slip in the +20kg carcass weight, terminal/maternal values above €100, calving
Autumn time. difficulty under 4% and gestation figure of a minus value. Obviously good
shape is also a must.
Paddy’s stock bull is 6 years old, even though he is in good shape,
he is considering bringing in a graduate as a substitute in case of an Having spent some time with Paddy of a fine morning in the shadow of
injury. Aberdeen Angus again is the preference for sheer practicality the Galtee mountains looking at his farming system, it is clear that Paddy
and simplicity. Other suckler farmers may be braver with big boned is making the best possible use of his natural resource, his land, to grow
Continentals, but with the cost of getting to market and market changes, grass and convert it in the most efficient manner possible with the help of
simplicity wins it on his farm. Key requirements for a new recruit are circa best breeding, into a sustainable and viable beef enterprise.
Gold Farm Beef
Dairygold are proud to
support our grain growers by
launching Gold Farm Beef
containing only Irish grown
cereals and beans
Available in 12.5% protein cube
containing Irish barley, oats,
rolled wheat and beans with
a 0.95 UFL value
Also available in a 12% coarse ration,
containing Irish barley, rolled wheat
and beans with a 0.97 UFL value
For more information contact your local Area Sales Manager,
or call Inside Sales 022 31644
4 www.dairygoldagri.ie
Peas 14 May 2020 10 June 2020
ISSUE 01 - APRIL 2021
Top Tips for success
This Breeding Season
| By Amie Coonan Ruminant Area Sales Manager, B.Agr.Sc 087 6308417
The last few weeks have seen a lot of calves hit the ground on suckler First Cavers:
farms across the country and with each week that passes we get First calved heifers can take 10-15 days longer to start cycling
closer to the breeding season. compared to more mature cows. These first cavers are still growing
and therefore have an energy requirement for growth as well as
Output on suckler farms is directly related to the number of live calves maintenance and milk production. Heifers should be bred 2-3 weeks
weaned each year. Aiming for a tight calving pattern and a short before the main herd to allow for this lost time after calving and
calving interval are very important elements in running a profitable ensure they remain within the compact calving pattern.
enterprise.
Heifers:
On my home farm, we run a spring calving suckler herd. Our cows are Where the aim is to calve heifers at two years of age it is important
Blonde, Belgian blue, Charolais and Simmental with dairy breeding that these replacements meet certain weight targets prior to
behind them. These cows are all bulled to our limousine stock bull breeding. The mature cow weight will influence these targets, see the
within a 7-8-week breeding season. Last year we achieved a 0% table below for various breed target weights:
empty rate and thus far this year we have 74% of the cows calved
in 6 weeks. Breed Target weight at 14 months of age (kg)
Aberdeen Angus X 370
It is vital to set out realistic breeding targets for your herd, in line with Hereford X 370
the Teagasc Newford Demonstration farm we should be aiming for
Shorthorn X 370
the below targets:
Simmental X 400
• 365-day calving interval Limousin X 420
• 8-10-week calving spread
Charolais X 430
• 80% cows calved within 8 weeks
**Teagasc Beef Manual**
Below are some of the basics we ensure are correct on our farm
before the breeding season starts; When these weights are met it ensures the heifer reaches 85-90% of
her mature weight at first calving. This will have a positive effect on
Cow BCS: calving difficulty and conception rates after 1st calving.
The BCS of a cow at calving will have a large effect on her ability to
commence her oestrus cycle after calving. It is important to regularly Bull:
check cows BCS during the dry period, a BCS of 3.0 should be targeted It is important not to forget about the bull’s health prior to breeding.
at calving. Bulls should:
• Be in good body condition but not overfat
The negative effects of thin cows at calving are hard to reverse once • Good legs and feet – no lameness after the winter period
the cow has calved down, therefore prevention is better than cure. If • Strong libido
any cows are getting thin and have a BCS of less than 2.5 they should • Produce a good supply of semen with a high concentration of
be separated and offered extra feeding during the dry period. sperm
Try to get cows out to grass as soon as weather allows after calving, Generally, 25-30 cows should be assigned to a yearling bull and 45-50
grass is a high energy feed and ensures the cows are on a rising plane cows to an adult bull. A young bull can tire out quite quickly so it is
of nutrition before the breeding season commences. critical not to over-work them as this could lead to a fatigued injured
bull that will be unable to work for the rest of the season.
Cow Health:
Ensure cows are in good health prior to breeding. Attention should be If a new bull is purchased it is important to do so at least 2 months
given to cows that had difficult calving’s, twins or held cleansings as prior to breeding to allow him to settle into his new environment.
uterine infections can significantly delay the onset of oestrous. Any Heats should be monitored to ensure cows are not repeating and
issues should be resolved quickly in consultation with your vet. preferably cows that were seen to be served early should be scanned
within 30-40days.
Lame cows should be treated during the dry period or immediately
after calving, a lame cow will have a reduced feed intake and therefore “Estimates suggest that 3-4% of stock bulls are infertile and that a
take longer to come cycling. further 25% of bulls are sub-fertile” Teagasc Beef Manual.
5
Breeding Suckler
Cows at Grass Collectively Improving Farm Life
| By Doreen Corridan MVB, MRCVS, PhD.
Inseminating suckler cows at grass can be more difficult than FISTON FSZ
indoors due to heat detection and having to get them into the yard
for AI.
It is worth doing, the easiest way to do it is with synchronisation.
With three handlings all the cows are bred once at an appointed
time that suits you, without any heat detection. The repeats will
occur over a few days.
It is worth the effort as
• All the cows calved 35 days get inseminated, the ones that were
slow to cycle are got cycling.
• You can use the best replacement sires on your best maternal
cows that you like working with and that rear a good calf each
year Exceptional weanling producer, progeny exhibit exceptional
• You can use the best terminal sires and the sires that produce muscle development at weaning stage. One of the top proven bulls
the best weanlings on the cows that you do not wish to keep a available on Terminal index (TI €158). Suitable for suckler cows,
replacement from. 5.7% calving on beef cows with nearly 50,000 records. Avoid on
• Can select sires of different calving ability for the 1st calvers, 2nd heavily muscled females.
calvers and the mature cows.
• Reduces the workload for the bull which means more cows ORBI CH6490
calving together and fewer late calving cows.
Terminal sires for sucklers - Use these sires to progeny
for finishing or for the weanling sales
CHAROLAIS CH4321, FSZ & CH6490
BELGIAN BLUE PPS
LIMOUSIN LM6313 & ZAG
LAPON CH4321
Exciting new Charolais available from France. He has an easy
calving, high performance pedigree and was the top performer in a
French performance test station. Same profile sire as Fiston
PATISSIER PPS
Lapon is truly a superb bull, best of his generation, a massive carcass
weight of 42Kg, + 2.23 carcass conformation at 85% reliability
combined with easy calving on beef cows.He is not carrying the
double muscle gene which makes him the perfect cross on well-
muscled females and easy to use across a wide range of cow types.
Lapon is the No. 1 easy calving Charolais bull on Terminal Index
available (TI €173), 5-star bull for Terminal, Replacement and Dairy
Beef index. Easy calving Charolais, 4.4% on beef cows, suitable for A superb producer of quality weanlings. He is carrying the red
suckler 2nd calvers. factor which increases the change of red/roan progeny from
females carrying the red factor. Use on mature cows.
6 www.dairygoldagri.ie
ISSUE 01 - APRIL 2021
JK PORTO LM6313 Roy is the No. 1 Salers bull on Replacement Index in Irish AI (RI
€243). He is suitable for maiden heifers calving at two years of age
(Beef Heifer 5.5% @ 95% rel). Progeny are excellent quality with
good temperament and excellent carcass weight (+19kgs). A great
choice to breed milky replacements (+12kgs milk).
SI
CURAHEEN EARP SI2152
A new exciting homozygous polled Limousin, all the progeny will
come without horns. Porto’s dam is an exceptional breeder, she is
also the dam of Lorenzo, a proven French bull excelling in growth,
muscle development and temperament. Porto himself is powerful,
correct, and well-muscled.
CASTLEVIEW GAZELLE ZAG
Earp is the Number one Simmental bull available on Replacement
index (RI €212 @ 93% rel). Earp is a fully proven bull excelling in
all of the traits necessary for a profitable suckler system. He is
easy calving on cows (3.5% @ 99% reliability on beef cows) with
excellent carcass traits (+24 kgs carcass weight & 1.6 on carcass
conformation), milk (+ 4kgs) and fertility. Earp ranks the number
one Simmental on the fertility trait daughter calving interval. Use
to produce exceptional replacements without compromising on
An all-round legend. Proven superior Replacement and Terminal terminal traits.
sire with calving ease, docility, conformation and fertility in one
package. He ranks the number one Limousin available for the MOONDHARRIG KNELL LM4217
fertility trait daughter calving interval. He works best on tall, plain
heifers and cows.
Replacement sires for sucklers - Use these sires to
produce your future replacements
SALER SA4604
SIMMENTAL SI2152
LIMOUSIN LM4217
KNOTTOWN ROY SA4604
Knell has a Replacement index of €150 @74% reliability. He is
suitable for strong maidens & second calvers. A suitable bull to
breed replacements. He works best on well-muscled females.
For more information visit
www.munsterbovine.ie
or call us today on 022 43228
7
BENEFITS OF SYNCHRONISATION
1. All animal inseminated on the one day without any heat detection.
2. Repeats will occur over a 2-4 day period, making heat detection much
easier as more animals are on heat at the one time. You willl know the
expected days of heats in advance.
3. Cows calved 35 days and not cycling when synchronised will resume
cyclicity, provided nutrition and management is good. This will increase
the 3 and 6 week calving rate.
4. A compact group of cows/heifers can be presented for scanning and the
empty cows/heifers can be synchronised again or marked for heat detection.
5. A compact calf crop makes management from calving to weaning easier
and facilitates sale.
6. Compacting calving allows animals to be grouped together e.g. all 1st calvers
can be grouped together for extra feeding.
7. Even though you will inseminate animals in one day, they will calve over a
two-week period.
Note: When heats are due in a group of cows indoors, it is best to lock the calves
away from the cows in the creep area to avoid them getting injured. It is also
prudent to take away the vasectomised bull at this time of maximum activity to
avoid him getting injured.
BEEF COWS - SYNCHRONISATION FOR COWS FIXED TIMED AI AT A PREDETERMINED TIME.
NO HEAT DETECTION. 3 HANDLINGS IN THE CRUSH
Monday 1st Day 0 AM Insert PRID or CIDR* and inject GnRH
Monday 8 th
Day 7 AM Inject PG & eCG & Remove PRID/ CIDR*
Thursday 11 th
Day 10 AM to noon AI all cows and inject GnRH (72 hours after PG injection)
- This is a superb programme for herds that wish to tighten and advance the mean calving date & maximises pregnancy rates as 100% submission is achieved.
- Superb to bring forward late calvers, however ensure cows are calved 35 days, have a BCS of 2.75+ and Intakes are maximised.
BEEF HEIFERS - COST EFFECTIVE REGIME & HIGH CONCEPTION RATES - AI AT OBSERVED HEAT. 12 DAY HEAT
DETECTION
Monday 1st Day 0 - Day 7 AI on observed heat - should have 1/3 detected at end of week.
Monday 8 th
Day 8 PG to heifers not detected in heat. Only inject if 1/3 bred already -
otherwise investigate
Wednesday 10th /Thursday Day 10 - Day 11 AI on detected heat. Majority on 48-72 hours post PG injection
11th
- If 1/3 are not bred in the 1st week avoid injecting with PG as the heifers are not cycling- due to their weight, plane of nutrition, pregnancy or heat detection.
- For those that are not observed- reinject PG 11 days after the 1st injection.
- If releasing a bull after AI, watch carefully for the repeats to ensure he is not overworked in those 2-4 days- prudent to use AI for those 2-4 days.
BEEF HEIFERS - SYNCHRONISATION - FIXED TIMED AI AT A PREDETERMINED TIME. NO HEAT DETECTION. 4
HANDLINGS IN THE CRUSH
Monday 1st Day 0 AM or PM Insert PRID or CIDR* & Inject GnRH
Saturday 6th Day 5 AM or PM Inject PG
Sunday 7 th
Day 6 AM or PM Inject PG and remove PRID or CIDR*
Tuesday 9 th
Day 8 AM or PM Inject GnRH and fixed timed AI (72 hours after PG injection)
- Decide at the beginning of the protocol whether it is AM or PM that is convenient for you and remain with it. Talk to your AI technician before commencing.
- This regime allows you to inseminate all heifers with 4 handlings and all are AI’d at a fixed time- No heat detection until the repeats.
- AI’ing the repeats ensures that the bulls are not overworked, avoids bulls getting injured and ensures we will have them when we need them.
Note
◗ PG Prostaglandin-*Estrumate, *Lutalyse, *Enzaprost. ◗ Inadvertent administration of prostaglandin to a cow/
heifer during the first 3-4 months of pregnancy will cause
◗ GnRH-*Receptal, *Ovarelin. abortion.
◗ ecG- *Folligon PMSG,*Synchrostim.
◗ *POM prescription only medicines and under veterinary
control.
53
8 www.dairygoldagri.ie
ISSUE 01 - APRIL 2021
Introducing
Kaf Gro Rumi Force
| By Colman Purcell B.Ag.Sc Dairygold Agri Business Nutrionist
acidosis may not show serious clinical signs but often have reduced
CHEMICAL BUFFERS
performance, daily gain, and efficiency. The rumen bugs will suffer a
RUMI FORCE
BIOLOGICAL BUFFERS serious imbalance during bouts of acidosis and this upset is believed to
manifest itself in performance loss. However, we often see issues with
ELECTROLYTES Cerebrocortical necrosis (CCN, a deficiency of vitamin B1) in calves on
lush grass and it is believed that the upset to the rumen bug population
DIETARY FIBRES following acidosis, seriously limits their ability to produce vitamin B1 – a
process that works very well in a healthy rumen.
LIMITED STARCH/SUGAR
The multi-pronged means of attacking acidosis with Rumi Force has
proven to be very effective on farms where summer acidosis has
Rumi Force is our new 16% Calf Cube formulated as a follow-on cube for
caused issues. The chemical buffers work immediately in the rumen,
calves in situations where summers scours due to acidosis are an issue.
neutralising excess acidity. The biological buffering derives from rumen
This cube is typically fed at 1-2kg/calf/day and it tackles acidosis and its
active yeast which is believed to enhance bugs that eliminate lactic acid
effects in multiple ways.
(a very strong acid). Electrolytes help to replace some of the minerals
The consequences of acidosis are becoming more apparent in recent that can be lost during periods of scouring and the focus on digestible
years in my opinion. There is little doubt that advances in grass fibres instead of starch as an energy substrate, reduces the rate at which
breeding, level of reseeding, and our improved ability to grow and utilise acids are produced in the rumen.
highly digestible forage has improved performance and profitability.
Initial results from our new offering are extremely promising and have
Paradoxically, it may also have increased our susceptibility to rumen
led to a lot of interest from the market. We look forward to the challenges
upsets such as acidosis. Therefore, we need to up our game when
of the year ahead and we are confident that Rumi Force can successfully
managing the calf’s digestive wellbeing. In most cases, the acidosis
overcome the effects of summer acidosis and drive performance.
we see on farms is the subacute form. Cattle affected with subacute
9
GOLD ASSURE GRASS SEED MIXTURES
No 1. Intensive Grazing No 2. Two Cut Silage
Available with 0, standard and high clover inclusion (Also available with clover)
Good PPI mix with excellent grazing A mixture designed specifically for silage
utilisation. Includes 50% tetraploid, (two or more cuts) with exceptional
Astonenergy and Meiduno. The diploids spring growth for high first cut yields. No
used within the mix are excellent for grazing clover in standard mix but also available
utilisation. This will marry the palatability with clover. Durable varieties to ensure a
and performance of the tetraploids with long-lasting sward.
the ground cover of the diploids while
maintaining grazing utilisation.
Mix 1 Heading Date kg Pliody PPI Ground Score Grazing Utilisation Mix 2 Heading Date kg Pliody PPI RL GS Grazing Utilisation
Astonenergy 1-Jun 3 LT €138 5.2 ***** Astonconqueror 27-May 3.5 ID €195 6.1 ****
Meiduno 3-Jun 2.25 LT €180 5.2 *** Moira 26-May 3.5 ID €187 6.1 ****
Astonking 5-Jun 2.25 LD €115 6.8 ***** Fintona 24-May 4.5 IT €168 5.4 ****
Oakpark 2-Jun 3 LD €132 6.6 ***
Clover 1 %T Mix PPI Spring Summer Autumn Quality Silage Persistency
39% €182 €65.7 €45.7 €54.5 -€15.7 €41.4 €0.0
%T Mix PPI Spring Summer Autumn Quality Silage Persistency
50% €140.4 €22.5 €47.2 €47.8 €14 €8.2 €0.0 All mixtures have a narrow spread of heading dates (maximum of three days) between grass varieties to
✔
improve the stability and grazing quality of the mixtures.
✔ All perennial ryegrasses and clover varieties in all seed mixtures are from the 2021 DAFM recommended list.
No 3. Extend Gold No 4. Heavy Soils - Extensive
Available with 0, standard and Grazing
high clover communication (Also available with clover)
Highest PPI mix available. Contains the top This is an excellent mixture for heavy soils.
two late diploids on the PPI and the 2nd It has a high inclusion of diploids to provide
highest late tetraploid. Excellent spring and a good dense base to the sward with high
autumn growth combined with exceptional ground scoring varieties which will ensure
quality for a palatable sward. a persistent sward in challenging soils. The
diploids included are high grazing utilisation
mixes to ensure this mix is palatable and
Mix 3 Heading Date kg PPI RL GS PPI Grazing Utilisation easy to manage.
Abergain 4-Jun 5 LT 5.6 €212 ***
Aberchoice 11-Jun 2.5 LD 6.0 €182 **
Mix 4 Heading Date Pilody Pliody PPI RL GS Grazing Utilisation
Ballyvoy 3-Jun 2 LD 6.3 €167 *
Oakpark 2-Jun 4.5 LD €132 6.6 ***
Pelleted Clover 2
Astonconqueror 27-May 3.7 LD €195 6.1 ****
AstonEnergy 2-Jun 2.7 LT €138 5.5 *****
%T Mix PPI Spring Summer Autumn Quality Silage Persistency Clover 0.6
52% €194.5 €22 €55 €55 €44 €19 €0.0
%T Mix PPI Spring Summer Autumn Quality Silage Persistency Ground Score
✔ It is recommended to reseed 10 – 15% of your farm every year, currently only 1 – 2% is reseeded annually. 25% €154.9 €30.7 €48.3 €51.6 €6.1 €16.8 €0.0 6.2
✔ White clover can supply over 150kg of Nitrogen per hectare at inclusion levels of 25-30% in the sward.
10 www.dairygoldagri.ieISSUE 01 - APRIL 2021
8 POINT GUIDE TO ACHIEVING OPTIMAL
RESULTS WHEN RESEEDING
01 Identify fields most in need of reseeding. Fields not reseeded in over 10 years should take priority.
Take a soil sample from the ploughed seed bed for Lime, P & K levels. If minimum cultivation
02 techniques are being used the sample should be taken from the top 10 cm of soil.
Contact your ASM or local Dairygold store for soil sampling prices and advice.
03 Spray off the field with a glyphosate product. Leave for two weeks before cultivating.
Carry out land drainage if needed.
04 Choose the most suitable seed mixture for your silage or grazing needs.
Your ASM is available to offer advice on seed mixtures.
05 Create a firm and fine seedbed whether you are ploughing
or using a minimum cultivation technique and consolidate by rolling properly to improve soil seed contact
06 Sow the seed once a suitable seedbed has been established.
Lime and fertilise the field as per your soil sample recommendation.
Use a suitable spray after establishment to control common grassland weeds in new leys.
07 Your local store or ASM is also available to offer you advice.
08 Graze the sward at a low cover for the first grazing. This supports tillering of the
plant in order to promote establishment
Dairygold Team South Dairygold Team North
Denis McCarthy Kieran Creed Ivan Vallence Diarmuid O’Riordan Karl Skehan
086 2461647 086 1728335 086 7930237 086 2461821 085 8001089
Edmond Curtin John Vallence Susan Casey Séan Ryan Amie Coonan Alan Coughlan
086 2441369 087 3457063 087 0671246 086 2461639 087 6308417 087 1027124
John Friel Finian Deasy Michael Smith Alan Ryan
086 2461648 087 0578913 086 2470403 086 2621952
Contact: Lombardstown Mill on 022 47275 or Inside Sales 022 31644
11How Feeding Dairygold Beef Feed is
Proving Profitable for this Farmer
| By Michael English I.A.S.I.S. Dairygold Area Sales Manager 0862554837
William McGrath farms with his wife Maeve and three
children, Katie, Michael and Will in Knockagarry, just outside
Mitchelstown in north Cork.
The McGraths run a suckler herd of 70-80 cows depending on
the year, finishing 40 bulls and around 20 heifers on a usual year.
Operating a closed herd, William AI’s 100% of all breeding heifers
and cows himself, aiming for the herd to calve down in the months
of March and April and maybe a few stragglers in May but usually
keeping calving quite compact.
“Being able to AI cows and heifers myself allows us to achieve a high
conception rate with animals being as stress free as possible. Having
cows waiting in a pen for AI technicians to call while they’re away from
calves must affect conception rates negatively.”
Bulls are finished under 16 months and heifers are finished from 19-
William also says being ruthless when culling cows has allowed him to
20 months. Beef Meal Mix is fed for a full month before weaning the
keep calving compact. "You have to be tough when choosing which
following November at housing. This is increased to 2kg in January
cows get to stay on. if cows are going too late for breeding they're
and up to 6kg by the end of March for bulls.
culled, if she loses a calf she's culled, if she's under performing at grass
she's culled there's no room for passengers on the farm."
“When you’re finishing bulls under 16 months you can’t be shy with
feeding. We feed Dairygold Beef Meal Mix from a month before
All heifers are inseminated with easy calving bulls, William says he
weaning up to a kilo when weaning. This is fed right up until they’re
doesn’t want to take the risk with first time calvers. Using Charolaois,
12 months old and increased to about 6kg. Then they’re transitioned
Simmental and some shorthorn straws for breeding, William is
onto Maize Munch and fed ad-lib for 100 to 15 days before they’re
achieving E, U and some R grade bulls and heifers at finishing.
finished in July.”
12 www.dairygoldagri.ieISSUE 01 - APRIL 2021
Dairygold Quality Feeds Trusted by generations of Munster’s best Beef Farmers
Product Feed To:
Prime Specialist Ad-lib Finishing Very high level of energy Increased LWG, carcass conformation, kill out % and
fat scores (NB for bulls slaughtered at young age)
Elite high-energy Cattle
Maize 14% Protein Maize top of list High energy raw material containing by-pass starch
Finishing Cattle
Munch on silage LWG, carcass gain and kill out%
high-concentrate
Maize coarsely processed Slows fermentation, lower levels of acidosis and
Prime lameness. Higher FCE
Elite
Maize Very high level of cereal Switches on hormonal state that promotes LWG
Cube High energy digestible Slows fermentation, lower levels of acidosis and
lameness. Higher FC
Good quality Protein High level of very digestible protein from good
sources = high levels of PDI quality sources to increases carcass gain and kill out%.
Yea-Sacc (included at Helps reduce acid build up in rumen, lower levels of
recommended level for
ad-lib feeding) (FCE) - i.e. the animals ability to convert total diet fed to
production value such as daily live weight gains.
Beeflav/ Powerful 16% Ad-lib Finishing Very high level of energy Increased LWG, carcass conformation, kill out % and
Protein Cattle fat scores (NB for bulls slaughtered at young age).
Beef Maximised LWG of growing stock
Meal Finishing Cattle
Mix feed on silage
Barley top of list
for weight gain than energy from other ingredients
for rearing and
Lactating Suckler High energy digestible Slows fermentation, lower levels of acidosis and
cows lameness. Higher FCE
Weanlings 16% protein High level of very digestible protein from good quality
sources to fuel growth in younger animals and to
13Protect Your Valuables
At Turnout
Protect for up to 12 months against 10 clostridial diseases
with 2 doses* of
• MUSCLE - Blackleg - Gas Gangrene
• LIVER - Black Disease - Bacterial Redwater
• BRAIN - Tetanus - Pulpy Kidney
• GUT - Lamb dysentery - Diarrhoea^ - Struck - Braxy
^ C. perfringens causes diarrhoea in cattle and sheep
* Where 2 doses are part of a primary vaccination and are administered 4 to 6 weeks apart as recommended by SPC.
Tribovax 10 Suspension for injection for cattle and sheep contains C. chauvoei whole culture, and the following toxoids:
IE/TV10/0215/0001 March 2015
C. perfringens type A (α), C. perfringens type B & C (β), C. perfringens type D (ε), C. novyi, C. septicum,
C. tetani, C. sordellii, C. haemolyticum.
Always read the package leaflet or SPC before use.
Prior to first time use on a farm, it is strongly recommended that the advice of a veterinary practitioner is sought.
Withdrawal period: zero days. Legal category: LM
Use medicines responsibly.
For further information see SPC, contact prescriber or MSD Animal Health,
Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland.
Tel: +353(0)1 2970220. E-Mail: vet-support.ie@merck.com
Web: www.msd-animal-health.ie
MSD-Tribovax-Turnout-A4-15-3-18.indd 1 15/03/2018 16:12
14 www.dairygoldagri.ieISSUE 01 - APRIL 2021
Animal Health Corner
Overview of Coccidosis
| By Susan Casey B.Agr.Sc Dairygold Area Sales Manager 0870671246
Overview of Coccidiosis – What is it really? their gut. This generally picked up in dirty bedding as calves pick
Coccidiosis is a species-specific parasite called coccidia, a member at straw while indoors or soiled feeding troughs and surroundings.
of the protozoa family which also includes cryptosporidium. There Ensure optimum colostrum intake (3 litres within 2 hours of birth).
is no significant transfer of protective antibodies against coccidia A calf will gain some low level of immunity for a few weeks from
via colostrum. Calves are vulnerable to the parasite from day 1. the dam, thereafter it needs to build up its own defensive immunity
over time which is where its most exposed where high levels of
Once ingested, it takes 18-24 days before the coccidia lifecycle infection exist; Day 1 to 250 even at grass
completes. At this stage coccidiosis symptoms; including straining,
dark diarrhoea, bloody diarrhoea and ‘humped’ animals can be Its good practice to have isolation pens for sick animals to reduce
seen. The earliest we expect to see the disease in calves is 3-4 spread of all disease as it can take some time to get definite
weeks old. identification of the issues.
It is however more common to see the problem slightly later, with Dose animals 7 days before onset of expected symptoms based
clinical symptoms triggered by stressors, e.g. weaning, transport, on history, or as soon as a reduction in thrive occurs in line with a
extreme weather, poor shed ventilation, draughts at animal level, high faecal oocyst count. Its often common that the same farms
build-up of environmental oocyst burden (e.g. in heifer rearing have repetitive issues with this parasite. Before any preventative or
pens). therapeutic action is taken its advisable to get a correct diagnosis
done and a plan drawn up that is most effective to the species on
In sheep and cattle, a high burden of coccidia can reduce growth your farm.
rates by 19% across full groups, while only 4% of animals in the
group will display clinical symptoms. Raise water troughs off the ground (30-40cm). Ensure water
troughs are cleaned daily.
Management Tips to Prevent Coccidiosis Provide 2 water troughs per group if numbers are big.
CALVES Top up bedding to a level that calves can ‘nest’ with legs not visible.
Coccidiosis is not spread by birds as commonly thought but by faecal Avoid soiled or wet bedding and change frequently. Dry bedding
contamination from animals that have levels of active coccidia in will reduce the coccidia burden.
15Clip cows’ tails pre-calving as they may also be caring the coccidia Immunity should build up over time, but they may well still be
eggs caring the coccidia and could infect younger animals if mixed later
in life. Coccidiosis Treatment
Use oocyst killing disinfectant for calving and rearing pens. Follow
disinfection protocol correctly (dilution, drying times etc.). If you have an outbreak , treat ALL animals in that bunch and
Avoid stocking animals too densely. This is probably one of the monitor the rest carefully as there is a strong chance that they may
major issues of a lot of disease issues on farms as hygiene is heavily be caring the burden also unless they are a completely different lot
challenged. of calves that were farmed in a different way.
Do not add young/older animals to a calf rearing group as will be
difficult both to treat and manage an outbreak in such cases, also
you can be exposing very young calves to high egg counts from TREATMENT
older infected animals’ facies that may not be showing any clinical
symptoms at that given time. On many farms there will come a point when environmental
management does not suffice to dilute coccidia burdens
Solid walls are best in rearing pens and regularly hose down soiled and/or prevent coccidiosis and medicinal interventions are
walls needed. In general coccidiosis rears its head at the same
point each year and we should advise treatment one week
Ensure there is no air movement at animal level (draughts) as this in advance of expected symptoms, based on farm history,
will only further stress the infected animal. Use calf jackets at an across full groups.
environmental temperatureISSUE 01 - APRIL 2021
Liam Leahy Ger Hanley
Diarygold Tillage & Beef Tillage & Beef
Business Manager Area Manager
I.A.S.I.S. B.Agr. Sc I.A.S.I.S.
mob: 086 2441370 mob: 086 7938420
Michael English Tim McCarthy
Tillage & Beef Tillage & Beef
Area Manager Area Manager
I.A.S.I.S. B.Agr. Sc I.A.S.I.S.
mob: 086 2554237 mob: 087 4053685
Dairygold Agri Business Tillage Team
Our team are available for technical support and advisory
ai158454227627_Half Page Ad v2 outlines.pdf 1 18/03/2020 14:37:57
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17VACCINATING YOUR CA
BEEF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFICIENCY P
BEEP-S Scheme Overview:
E50 for first 10 cow/calf pairs weighed - E40 thereafter to a
ACTION 1 (MANDATORY) – Weighing
maximum of 100 cow/calf pairs in total
Vaccination or Meal Feeding^ @ E30 per calf that’s weighed
ACTION 2 (OPTIONAL)
to a maximum of 100 calves
ACTION 3 (OPTIONAL)
Faecal Egg Testing @ E10 per cow to a maximum of 100 cows
Can be selected in addition to Action 2
Born between
MAY MAY
Closing date 26th April 2021
1st July 2020 and 30th June 2021
Keep Records
€30/calf available for - Vaccine purchase receipts
MAY
vaccination - Administration dates
(option selected, see next page)
Pathogens that the programme aims to protect calves against are as follows:
PATHOGEN NAME TYPE KNOWN AS
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Virus RSV
Parainfluenza-3 Virus PI3
Bovine Herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1), (Infectious Bovine
Virus IBR
Rhinotracheitis)
Mannheimia (Pasteurella)
Mannheimia haemolytica Bacteria
haemolytica
Pneumonia is the
Check out our vaccination protocol
greatest killer of all cattle
over 1 month of age
video 1
Bovilis® Bovilis® Bovilis®
INtranasal RSP Live TM
Bovipast RSP IBR Marker Live
TALK TO YOUR VET ABOUT THE BOVILIS VACCINE RANGE WHICH OFFERS BROAD SPECTRUM
Scan with phone camera
IMMUNITY AND FLEXIBILITY AGAINST THE COMMON CAUSES OF RESPIRATORY DISEASE
1. Anon 2019. AFBI/DAFM All-Island Animal Disease Surveillance Report 2018. @msd_ah MSD Animal Health Ireland - Cattle & Sheep
Bovilis IBR Marker live contains live, attenuated IBR marker vaccine BHV-1 strain GK/D (gE- ). For the active immunisation of
cattle against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus. Bovilis Bovipast® RSP contains inact. BRS Virus strain EV908, Pi-3 Virus
IE-BOV-200700005 JULY 2019
strain SF-4 Reisinger and Mannheimia haemolytica A1 strain M4/1. Bovilis INtranasal RSP Live: contains live, bovine respiratory
syncytial virus (BRSV), strain Jencine-2013, live bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (PI3), strain INT2-2013.
Withdrawal periods: Zero days. Legal Categories: ROI POM(E) NI POM-V
Use medicines responsibly
For further information see SPC, contact prescriber or
MSD Animal Health, Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland.
Tel: +353(0)1 2970220. E-Mail: vet-support.ie@merck.com Web: www.msd-animal-health.ie
For more information on the BEEP-S scheme check
out www.bovilis.ie/BEEPS or talk to your vet
^ Farmers cannot change their selection after the deadline date which was 26th April 2021.
18BEEP-S Schemewww.dairygoldagri.ie
DPS 4-21.indd All PagesISSUE 01 - APRIL 2021
ATTLE AS PART OF THE
PROGRAMME - SUCKLER SCHEME?
How to qualify for the vaccination payment?
Applicants must choose one of the following vaccination protocols to qualify for payment:
VACCINE KEY: RSV, PI3 and Mannheimia haemolytica IBR RSV & PI3
OPTION 1 (If there is adequate time before risk period and a broader
coverage including bacteria is required)
• First subcutaneous injection of RSV, PI3 and Mannheimia haemolytica dead vaccine,
six to eight weeks before weaning/housing/sale
• Second subcutaneous injection of RSV, PI3 and Mannheimia haemolytica dead
vaccine, two to four weeks before weaning/housing/sale
• At the same time as the second injection, a single IBR live intramuscular, two to four
weeks before weaning/housing/sale
Weaning, Housing or Sale
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 1
Weeks
OPTION 2 (If there is a short time before risk period or if cattle can
only be handled once, to provide viral coverage)
• Single RSV and PI3 intranasal live vaccine two to four weeks before weaning/housing/
sale
• At the same time, a single IBR live intramuscular injection two to four weeks before
weaning/housing/sale
Weaning, Housing or Sale
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 1
Weeks
For more information, check out www.bovilis.ie/beeps
30/03/2021 14:42
19Timing of spray is key
to Good Weed Control
| By Tim McCarthy B.Ag.Sc I.A.S.I.S. Dairygold Area Sales Manager 087 4053685
Chickweed
Where chickweed is a major problem, Esteem is the product of choice.
Because of its chemical structure, Esteem works well in in cooler
conditions which make it ideal for early spring applications.
‘Even a two-third rate of Esteem will do an excellent job on chickweed in
established grassland’ explains Liam.
Esteem contains three potent active ingredients, and covers a range of
other weeds including docks, thistles, dandelions, daisies and plantains.
It’s an ideal general clean-up product for use on pastures and hay/silage
The ideal stage to spray docks Where docks are present, they should ground. It can also be used in new sown leys.
is when they are 8-10 inches high be removed from silage ground in
or across. This is known as the April and at least 3-4 weeks before
rosette stage. cutting to boost grass yields.
Timing is everything in getting a good, long-term weed kill in both silage
swards and grazing pastures’, said Timmy McCarthy. “The two golden
rules of effective weed control are choosing the right product and
applying it when weeds are at the right growth stage,” said Tim, who is
ASM manager with Dairygold.
He said weeds should be actively growing and be at the ‘rosette’ stage
in order to ensure the most effective kill with translocated weed-killers
such as Governor, Esteem and Forefront T.
Mouse Eared Chickweed contains Common chickweed. Iff left
many hairs on the leaves which can unsprayed chickweed can smoother
“Docks should be eight to 10 inches high or across and before a seed make it difficult for many sprays out the grass completely.
head begins to show” advised Tim. to penetrate into it – Esteem’s
formulation is excellent in killing it.
Silage
The ideal time to spray docks in silage ground is during the month of
April when the docks are at the rosette stage and this should also be at
least three to four weeks before you plan to cut your silage. “targeting Governor – formula for success
docks early in the season rather than waiting till May, eliminates the dock
from the sward and allows grass to grow in it’s place which increases the • Apply Governor to silage swards a minimum of
overall grass yield and quality of the silage” explains Tim. Also “waiting three weeks before cutting.
for a minimum of three weeks after the weed-killer is applied before
harvesting the silage ensures that the chemical gets fully translocated • Apply at a rate of two litres/ha
down to the roots, a vital factor in achieving long-term control.” as a single application or two
applications of one litre/ha six
“Remember the dock taproot can up to a metre deep. This emphasises to 12 months apart.
the importance of using powerful chemicals and giving them enough
time to get right into the root system. Governor would be the product • Use a minimum of 300 litres
of choice here”. water/ha (30gals/acre).
Increase to 400 litres/ha to
Grazing overcome shading by dense
The same rules about the correct growth stage of the weeds apply for grass or dense dock
grazing as for silage. populations.
“Forefront T, the specialist weed-killer for grazing paddocks has become
the product of choice for a growing number of farmers. It contains the • Where silage swards are
most advanced chemistry in weed control technology and is a highly too advanced for a pre-cut
effective all-purpose weed killer. If docks have gone beyond this stage, it application, wait until silage is
is best to top them and wait for two to three weeks regrowth when they cut and apply Governor after
should be at the correct stage for spraying” advises Tim. three to four weeks regrowth.
As well as controlling docks, nettles and thistles, Forefront T also kills • Governor comes in a 5lt pack.
other weeds such as buttercups, dandelions and ragwort.”
20 www.dairygoldagri.ieISSUE 01 - APRIL 2021
Fertiliser Plans
Spring/Summer Period
| By Liam Leahy I.A.S.I.S. Dairygold Tillage & Beef Business Manager 086 2441370
All early land that stocked at 2.5 LU/ha should have received ~ 60
Dairygold will take and/or analyse the soil samples where
units on Nitrogen at this stage. You are now growing approximately
required and with proper furnished data, Stock rate, farm
35kg/DM/ha, rising every day as temperatures and daylight hours
system etc. will furnish you with a proper complete farm
increase. “Magic Day” is near approaching, that is when you are
nutrient plan for the season.
growing exactly what you stock are eating, which is ~ 45kg DM/ha
depending on your stocking density.
Your P and K Requirements per year for such systems 20 units of P
EXAMPLE: and 50 units of K per acre which can be front loaded with 18-6-12
5 x 450kg Store cattle per ha grazing ground 2250kg of beef/ha in the early part of the year into I application or applied across the
~1.9% LW intake 43kg DM/ha season using products like 27-2.5-5 + S.
I steer 1-2 year is .7 LU therefore SR is 3.5 LU / Ha
Silage ground should be closed now in the early regions and from
Normal growth rate in Mid-April is expected at 45kg DM/ha now on in the heavier later soils. Its important to apply enough P
hence “MAGIC DAY” and K on to these lands as silage is a big drain on the soil. Below are
guidelines for Index 3 soils and can be adjusted for index 1 and 2 on
request by any of our ASM when discussing your requirements.
In normal circumstances any growth in excess of this is harvested I st Cut Silage in reasonably young grass 100-unit Nitrogen
as winter forage (Silage) which is part of the overall equation when 16 Unit Phos
calculating overall farm stocking density which is generally max out 100 Units Potash per acre
when you reach 2.5 LU over all grass areas. Some beef farmers that
are more summer grass farming will increase this stocking density All subsequent Cuts 80 Units 8 Units 60 units
higher as the growth increases if they aren’t overwintering stock, per acre
but they will need to introduce meal are sell grass cattle from
August on as growth rates fall off. Is just simply doing the maths as
explained in an earlier chapter. NB: All or some of the above nutrients required should be recycled
back onto the land from your slurry and FYM stores and deducted
Target: Fertiliser program for should be May 26 units/ac as greater from your requirements. This is valuable and effective fertilizers.
areas of the farm become available for grazing after silage harvesting
At 2.5 LU / Ha June 26 units/ac Cattle Slurry Values in N, P and K per 100o gallons applied
July 26 units/ac
N P K Units
At 3.5 Lu / ha May 35 units/ac
June 35 units/ac Thick 7% DM Beef
July 35 units/ac shed 9 5 30
In Index 3 type Soils, below is a typical program. For land in index 1 or Diluted 3.5% DM
2 you have higher allowances to correct the deficiencies over time. Dairy 8 3 15
Its important that you take regular soils test and apply the correct
nutrients where required.
21Understanding the basics of
Grass Management
| By Liam Leahy I.A.S.I.S. Dairygold Tillage & Beef Business Manager 086 2441370
Grass is by far one of the most difficult crops to manage for a lot of thrive and able to get cattle out earlier and for longer once you have
reasons and anybody struggling with the art, just be aware most the soil type that allows you all the while reducing your feed bill.
farmers do, at some stage during the year. Its growth is erratic for Over the coming issues we will look at various aspects of the art,
a multitude of reasons, its quality can deteriorate quickly if not piece by piece, and for those who want to, try it out on your own
grazed or cut, you can go from a feast to a famine in no time leaving farm as we go. The margin in beef is very tight and its essential to
you often in a difficult and maybe expensive place as you may have maximise you thrive at grass as this is where you will find most
to feed your way out of it with expensive concentrates or silage or profit. The figures suggest that 1 ton extra of grass DM/Ha is worth
cutting extra silage that you have no need for. Some of these issues €105/ha profit.
can be avoided by being more pro-active to the problems once you
There is no 100% defined textbook on this, as everybody’s situation
recognize them, understand the problem and take timely action.
is different in some way or other but by understanding the principles
The significance of getting better at grass management is enormous you will adapt and make changes, not always right, but always
as you can have higher stocking rates, better quality grass, better learning and improving.
HOW MUCH GRASS DOES A FARM GROW EACH YEAR?
PastureBase National Grass Growth Curve
The average growth in Munster per month.
The above is an average growth curve for Munster and in this case (utilising ~ 9 ton) according to PastureBase, which is excellent. On–
suggests ~ 11.5-ton Dm / Ha for well-run grazing farms. It’s important off grazing isn’t overly popular due to infrastructure or simply stock
to note that that actual utilisation is approximately 80% of growth herding and as a result beef farmers don’t tend to “sail as close to the
as 25% will be lost with spoilage and “walked in”. They are some of wind as dairy farmers”. The problem is that it’s generally believed
the best grassland managers in the world now with the top achieving that the average dry stock farm is only growing ~8 t Dm/ ha (utilising
15t/DM per year with long extended grazing season coupled with an 6t) which is too low and putting a lot of pressure of the unit’s viability
intensive paddock grazing platform. Top beef farmers grow 12t/DM as a result.
22 www.dairygoldagri.ieISSUE 01 - APRIL 2021
DATA FROM PASTURE BASE IRELAND OF GRASS RECORDS ON MEASURED DRY STOCK FARMS
Top 5% Recorded on Pasture Base Ireland Avg over all recorded
/ Teagasc Tons DM (grown) Utalised Dry Stock farms
Average Top Med
Total DM (produced) Utilized (12.3) 9.25 (14.6) 11 (9.1) 6.8 (5.5) 4.25
Grazing DM (Produced) Utilized (9.8) 7.4 (12.7) 9.5 (7.2) 5.5 (5.5) 4.25
Silage DM Produced 100% Utilized 2.4 4.6 0 4.6
No grazing per paddock 5.4 8.1 3.9 4.2
Understand the animal requirements. • Good young sward with a high percentage of Rye grass, clover and
kept relativity weed free. Old leys with high percentage of Annual
All measurements are completed in Dry Matter Intake DMI / Meadow grass or Bent grass simply won’t produce the volumes
Livestock units LU and Dry Matter grass grown per hectare (DM/ha). and you won’t have any growth from Aug to March with such
species. This is critical as your stocking rates is vastly reduced and
FACTS a very short grazing season.
Beef Animal intake ranges from 1.75 to 2.2 % of its bodyweight in
Dry Matter - Avg 2% Grass grows Grass
• 70kg Calf will eat 1.8% allowing for 750 gr Milk Powder plus some • Once soil temp reach 6°C there is growth once you have a cover
concentrate and roughage, changing to 2.5kg of concentrates and to work with and as days lengthen grass will start to grow. This
then to the equilivent in grass once out and settled, increasing as is predictable, and one can make significant decisions around
it grows. this. The biggest issue here is over grazing in the back end as its
• Friesian Steers at grass or indoors may eat up 2.2% of its body Oct / early Nov that you grower the covers you have in Jan. These
weight as it tends to have less muscle relative to his body size. overwintered covers are your grass for Feb and March grazing
• Continental cattle at grass will do 1.8% as simply more muscled as regrowth’s will start in Early March and you should plan to be
and its stomach is relatively smaller part of the body and the around for your second grazing on 10 April.
limiting intake factor.
Dry Matter of Grass
Grass growth ranges from 10kg/DM/ha in Feb to and Max of • Grass Dry Matter can vary from 12 to 26% depending on weather
80kg in June falling back to 10kg again by Oct. This can be greatly and animals can struggle to consume enough at times while at
influenced by several factors other times looking like they’re not eating a lot in fine weather but
• Soil Fertility, Lime, N, P and K. Needs to be kept right. in fact they are as its all about DM intake
WHERE IS 10 TON DM / HA/ YEAR COME FROM ON YOUR FARM
Expected No of Grazing Growing Length Grass Grass Grass Grass When
Growth Grazing’s Period Period of Grown per Grown per Utilised per Grown per does
rates (NG) rotation rotation Period rotation Period grass
(LR) (GG) (GG x NG) (UG) (UG x NG) grow
15 Kg Oct 1 St 1 1 Feb to Winter growth
5 Kg Nov to Feb Rotation 10 April Nov to Feb 60 1000 1000 750 750 10%
30 to 80 Kg Summer
across summer Rotations 10 April to Normal
Avg 60 Kg can be 10 August Growth
2 to 6 5 driven 24 1400 7000 1250 6250 65%
by
30 Kg on Late summer - 10 Aug to fertilizers
average Mid Autumn 1 10 Oct and 30 1500 1500 1050 1050 15%
clover
15 Kg Oct Late Autumn 10 Oct to 20
5 Kg Nov to Feb and close down 1 Nov close down 40 1000 1000 750 750 10%
Total 7.5 10500 8800
23Livestock Units: Table 1: Nitrogen excretion figures for some typical animals
• This is the term used to broadly describe the age, size and nitrogen
Animal Type kg/head/year
excretion equilivant for the nitrate purposes. In simple terms is
approximately 600 kg of meat. The normal average target on a Dairy cow 85
beef farm is 1200 Kg beef per Ha, this equates to 2 LU / Ha. In the Suckler cow 65
case of the Nitrate directive, which is an envoirment scheme that is Cattle > 2 years 65
to control our farming intensity, each livestock units are attributed Cattle (1-2 years old) 57
with a Nitrogen and Phosphorus excretion value depending on Cattle (0-1 years old) 24
your stock. See charts below. For simplicity NOT 100% accurate
as this figure needs to be generated from actual age of stock etc …. Stocking Rate
In beef term 1 LU is about 65kg N • In a normal relativity constant stocked beef farm, it’s fair to assume
that 2 LU / Ha is about right. This can be much higher if you’re not
Cattle caring stock across the winter in such cases you won’t need silage
Dairy cows........................... 1.0 Calves 6-12 months ............ 0.4 or if your feeding a lot of meal which will obviously reduce your
Suckling cows ..................... 0.9 Cattle 1-2 years ....................0.7 grass/silage intake but you must be aware of your Nitrate directive
Heifers-in-calf ......................0.7 Cattle over 2 years ............... 1.0 obligations as you are only allowed an over all stocking rate of 170
Calves under 6 months ...... 0.2 Stock bulls ........................... 1.0 kg N / Ha / year without applying for a derogation which brings a
different set of rules, all achievable once understood.
Farm Kg of Intake Duration Grass Actual Approx. Stocking
Stocking Beef per per day of avg Growth Fresh rate as per Nitrate
rate Ha using at 2% Avg Stocking Requirement Growth equilivant but
600 kg intake rate / Days UTALIZED / DM / ha ages need to be
beef cattle HA/ YR / Yr. considered for accuracy
LU
1.75 1050 20 365 7300 9000 114
2 1200 24 365 8760 10800 130
2.25 1350 27 365 9855 12100 146
In the above graph these 3 farmers are stocked at 1.75, 2 • If you over winter cattle you are stocking rate should be ~ 2.5 lu
and 2,25 Lu per Ha for the whole farm for 1 year / ha and the balance saved for winter forage.
• The rotation may change to a shorter period, 13-16 days at times
• In a farm growing 9tn DM of grass each year; stocked at 2 Lu / ha of peak growth, June, July and August as you need to graze off
grazed grass will account for 5760 kg DM grass and the balance, the fast-growing covers or decide to skip the identified strong
3000 Kg is need to feed stock across the winter given a relativity paddocks and cut for silage. Also, you can increase you stocking
constant stocking rate. However in a lot of Beef farms now there density and practice strip grazing which is another art in its own.
is an increasing tendency to carry a much higher Stocking rate , up
to 3 LU per ha across the summer, March to Sep period , finishing
stock off of grass in July – Aug which will reduce dramatically the
requirement for winter forage. Its simply a question of sitting
down and doing the maths.
• Grazed grass starts to regrow after 3 days so you should
rotate to a different paddock or field every 3 days to maximize
growth and yield potential.
This means that ideally you should have 8 paddocks per lot of
cattle; i.e.
• 3 days X 8 paddocks is a 24-day rotation.
• Growth at 60 Kg / ha / day Mid-summer grass x 24 days is ~1440
kg produced, Utilizable 1100kg DM (ideal grazing height) in the
time it’s closed.
• At a Stocking Rate of 3.5 LU / ha with a growth rate of 60 kg Dm
/ ha / day you are grazing all grass
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