Livestock Matters - Summer 2018

High health objective IBR disease was one of the first issues addressed by Tony when he started working with Richard ten years ago. While discussing the poor conception rate of a certain heifer, Richard had commented to Tony that it had a cloudy eye. Tony says: “My first thought was: this could be IBR. And indeed, this was confirmed in tests of the bulk milk, and in blood samples taken from cows and heifers that had lost calves.” It highlighted a herd issue, and not just a problem animal. The herd is now vaccinated with an IBR marker vaccine. Thanks to this, and the culling of non-breeding animals, the herd is now testing free of the disease. Tests for BVD and leptospirosis showed the herd was – and still is - free of both these contagious diseases. Tony adds: “As for Johne’s disease, a partial screening of the herd was carried out on ‘suspect’ animals – those with mastitis or poor performance. After prolonged discussion the two animals that tested positive were culled, even though there was a chance this one result was due to the inaccuracy of the test, rather than real disease presence.” Richard explains: “We are currently discussing the costs versus benefits of testing the whole herd for Johne’s. “Ultimately, the goal is to go for accreditation as a high health status herd which is clear of all four diseases. In the future, there is the potential for sales of youngstock, or maybe even embryos. So on top of better herd performance, having accreditation will be beneficial financially.” Breeding goals Both Richard and Tony are very excited about genomics and new breeding technologies, and the benefits they can bring. A first batch of heifers has already been genomically tested, and they are also considering embryo transfer as a fast track to boosting herd genetics. Tony explains: “From the genomics results we can decide if a heifer should be inseminated with sexed Holstein semen, conventional Holstein or just put with the Angus bull. The very best heifers could be flushed to produce more eggs for use in embryo transfer, and heifers with poorer genomics can be identified and used as recipients.” Both agree that genomics is not just for breeding cattle for the show ring, but is hugely beneficial for commercial farmers too. Richard adds: “It can help us identify the animals with the best genes and improve our herd, picking the characteristics that suit our herd situation. The potential for acceleration is so great.” However he is very realistic: “If there is nothing good enough to flush then we won’t do it. But if we find gold, then we will. The long term goal is to have embryos for sale. Tony adds: “There is scope to go one step further and use ‘ovum pick-up’ technology which allows eggs to be harvested from juvenile heifers which are too young to serve.” Being realistic Tony is keen to stress that every farmer has to be realistic about their farm situation, and says he sometimes has to have some very ‘blunt’ conversations with his clients. “At Clotworthy Farm, calf health and management needs improvement,” says Tony. “With more calves coming through, stocking density increased, and the original accommodation became inadequate.” The issue had been further highlighted when Richard signed up for the XLVets Calf Tracker service. The levels of total proteins in week- old calves were very variable, signalling inconsistencies in colostrum quality and/or delivery to the calf. So the service has been put on hold while Richard takes steps to tackle the root cause. Richard explains: “As from January, calves are now reared away from the adult cattle, in an old grain storage shed down the road. Here, there is a concrete floor, and a forced ventilation system has been installed. “It’s further to take the milk, but everyone here bought into the idea. And once up there, then you do focus on the calves, which is beneficial. But ultimately we do need to put up a new calf shed. “We will re-start Calf Tracker again when the Holstein calves start coming through in July, and we have made the ventilation improvements and got management routines better established.” Tony explains: “Richard and I have always been realistic: there are a lot of things that can’t change overnight. “We are genomically testing calves now, and expect to be breeding from them in about 12 months’ time. So this gives us a target of one year to get the calf situation sorted.” SUMMER 18 ISSUE LIVESTOCK MATTERS 6 HERD HEALTH While cows are at grass, a sweeper bull is used instead of AI With more replacements coming through, Richard has more flexibility to cull cows with poor fertility.