CAFRE workshop highlights results of AgriSearch funded research on calf management
Andrew Brown of AFBI Hillsborough and Iain Smith (Lisburn Veterinary Clinic) highlighting the variability in colostrum quality that exists and the potential impact on calf immune status at the recent calf workshop organised by CAFRE – Dairy Development Advisers. During the two hour workshop, the group discussed the management of the cow and calf around calving and some of the DARD and AgriSearch funded research into calf nutrition. The group heard from Mike Davies (Dairy herd manager) and Andrew Brown (heifer unit manager) on what management practises are used within the Hillsborough herd, including a practical demonstration on the use of the colostrometer to monitor colostrum quality
AgriSearch Sheep Farmer Co-Researchers meeting to discuss latest results
Farmers involved in AgriSearch funded on-farm sheep research met at AFBI, Hillsborough, Northern Ireland recently to be updated on the latest results by Dr Ronald Annett.
Looking first of all at Lameness Dr Annett report that the findings to date had indicated that the main problems were scald, foot rot and shelly hoof, there were some granulomas and injuries with no CODD or white line abscesses being found.
Prevalence of shelly hoof, scald and foot rot differs between farm type (hill and lowland), farms, season and genotype. The reoccurrence of footrot and shelly hoof suggest repeatability. Links have also been found between foot problems in ewe and foot problems in their off spring (heritability).
Read more: AgriSearch Sheep Farmer Co-Researchers meeting to discuss latest results
New report on Heifer Management
A new report is available for download from the AgriSearch.
The study looked at strategies for maximising health, welfare and performance of first lactation dairy heifers. It was carried out by Alistair Boyle as his PhD with assistance from Dr Niamh O'Connell and Dr Conrad Ferris.
The study sought the answer to four questions:
In summary, the research suggests that it is beneficial from a welfare perspective to introduce calved dairy heifers into a lactating group containing older animals after evening milking, and also to mix them with older animals prior to calving. Furthermore, retaining heifers in a straw-bedded calving pen for slightly longer than normal, and in a ‘primiparous cow group’ during the initial post-calving period also appears to be beneficial for welfare.
For further information click on the link below.
- Are there benefits in introducing dairy heifers to the main dairy herd in the evening rather than the morning?
- Does housing nulliparous cows with multiparous animals prior to calving influence welfare and performance after calving?
- Should primiparous cows be housed separately from multiparous animals during the two-week period after calving?
- Does increasing the length of time primiparous cows stay in straw-bedded calving pens improve welfare and performance during the post calving period?
New report available on heifer management
A new report is available for download from the AgriSearch website. This PhD study was carried out by Alistair Boyle with assistance from Niamh O'Connell and Conrad Ferris.
The study looked at managment strategies for first lactation heifer to maximise health, welfare and performance. In particular the study set out to answer four questions:
- Are there benefits in introducing dairy heifers to the main dairy herd in the evening rather than the morning?
- Does housing nulliparous cows with multiparous animals prior to calving influence welfare and performance after calving?
- Should primiparous cows be housed separately from multiparous animals during the two-week period after calving?
- Does increasing the length of time primiparous cows stay in straw-bedded calving pens improve welfare and performance during the post calving period?
New Final Report Released on Heifer Management as AgriSearch PhD Student Alastair Boyle Graduates
A new final report on dairy heifer management is now available to download from the AgriSearch website.
“Strategies for maximising health, welfare and performance in first lactation heifers” was undertaken as a PhD study by Dr Alastair Boyle who recently graduated from Queens.
Dr Niamh O’Connell and Dr Conrad Ferris also formed part of the research team.
It takes 2 years and approximately £1,220 to rear a dairy heifer to the point of replacement.
Heifer replacement rate impacts on overall herd profitability and greenhouse gas emissions.