Author: John Bass 

 

Calf husbandry and nutrition are very topical at this time of year with many dairy and beef farmers rearing calves by hand on whole milk or milk replacer. Getting calves off to a good start is critical for their development, their feed conversion efficiency and also their subsequent production. Getting dairy heifer calves off to the correct start in life will not only maximise output but will also increase their longevity within the herd.

 

Colostrum 

It is important to follow these simple steps as soon as a calf is born to ensure calf health and thrive:

• It is important to give a newborn calf 3 litres of colostrum within the first 2 hours of life.
• Ensure the first feed is the first milk from the cow after calving.
• Check colostrum quality using a refractometer as quality varies from cow to cow.
• Ensure a calf receives an adequate quantity of quality colostrum as it will provide the required antibodies and immunoglobulins to help boost the calf immune system.
• Bottle feeding is often the best way of ensuring the calf has received an adequate volume.
• If you are storing colostrum in the fridge, ensure a temperature of 4°C. Store it for no longer than 2 days as the level of antibodies declines rapidly thereafter.
• When freezing colostrum, do so in small packs for ease of defrosting. Defrost slowly on a low heat below 50°C so you don’t reduce the number of antibodies.

 

 

Milk Replacer Vs Whole Milk 

It is advantageous to feed milk replacer after day 2 or 3 as it minimises disease spread when compared to whole milk. Calves require approximately 13% of their bodyweight in feed intake in the first week of life, which should be split between 2-4 feeds per day. In week two, this requirement increases to 15% of their bodyweight equating to about 6 litres per day for a 40 kg calf. Calves at 2-3 weeks of age have the potential to achieve 750-950 grams of live-weight gain per day, with a minimum target of 500 grams. Feed conversion efficiency is almost at 1:1 so the quality of milk fed must be high enough to ensure the daily intake is providing enough energy to meet demand.

Milk powders can vary in quality; skim or whey are more favourable than those based on vegetable proteins as they are more easily digested by calves. Like with whole milk, milk replacers need to be mixed and fed at the correct temperatures (37-39°C) and the correct concentration to ensure adequate nutrient intake. Aim for powders with a minimum of 23% protein and 17% fat and below 0.1% fibre. Mix 125 grams powder with 850mls of water which provides 1 litre of milk replacer. Feed 6 litres of milk per calf per day, this volume can be increased to meet demand if necessary.

 

Concentrates 

It is important to introduce a high-quality ration or nut from day 2-3. Ensure it has a high cereal grain content and is highly palatable with no dust. Initial intakes will be small so keep quantities low and fresh. Early intake of cereal-based feed will rapidly increase the rumen development of the calf and the growth of papillae on the rumen wall, which will increase nutrient uptake capacity of the calf throughout its life. Failing to feed concentrates at an early stage will have drawbacks later in life. Aim to have calves consuming 1kg of concentrates at weaning.

Keep feed fresh and easily accessible in order to increase intakes from an early age. A high-grade nut can be advantageous as it is cleaner with less dust than a coarse ration and less attractive to birds which can bring harmful bacteria and diseases into sheds.

 

Housing 

A fresh straw bed is important for calf comfort and health and it will also encourage fibre intake which will aid rumen development. Ensure calves have adequate feeding and resting space and that pens are well drained and ventilated. Regular cleaning and liming is a must to reduce the risk of any scours or other illnesses. Ensure there is a constant supply of fresh clean drinking water and that feeders and drinkers are at an accessible height for calves also.

A bright well-ventilated shed with no draughts at calf level is essential to avoid calves getting cold. Good ventilation will also ensure enough airflow above calf level to minimise respiratory problems and keep the air fresh.

 

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Author: Philip Kennedy

 

In recent years, farmers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of treating slurry, however many have yet to make it a part of their nutrient management tool.

There are many slurry treatments on the market, however in this article, we will look at SlurryBugs® ; what it is, how does it work and what are the benefits of using it on farm?

 

What is SlurryBugs®?

SlurryBugs® is a bacterial slurry additive which breaks down the solid content producing a more homogenous and nutrient rich fertiliser.

It contains soil originating bacteria, enzymes and micro-nutrients which enhance the retention of nutrients within stored farm slurry. This can lead to significant savings on chemical fertilisers and enhance soil quality as well as reducing ammonia odour and losses.

 

How do SlurryBugs® work?

1. The bacteria retain nitrogen by capturing the ammonia within the urine. The nitrogen is fixed into a slow-release form of organic nitrogen which is readily available for plant uptake.
2. The enzymes actively degrade the undigested fibre within the effluent which improves the consistency and reduces odour.
3. The micro-nutrients provide a vital food source for the bacteria allowing more nutrients to be retained by the bacteria in an organic form.

 

 

What are the results?

• Reduces odour

Most slurry odours are caused by ammonia being released into the atmosphere. When SlurryBugs® are used in conjunction with LESS (Low Emission Slurry Spreading) slurry application methods, there is almost no odour released from the slurry spread on the land. This is a result of fewer gases building up as the bugs increase nutrient retention.

• Reduces fibrous crust

SlurryBugs® will reduce crust formation on top of the slurry, leaving it consistent. This will reduce agitation times and lead to less blockages, especially when spreading with LESS equipment.

• Minimises need for stirring

After a few years of use, the bugs will build up in the tank and the need to agitate will reduce and slurry will stay homogenous for longer. This will mean a fuel saving up to 25%.

The continued use of the product will improve microbial activity in the slurry and the soil. The slurry pH will be raised to allow soil bugs to work at optimal. Microbial activity is greatly reduced in acidic untreated slurry.

• Improves fertiliser value

Nitrogen availability and retention can increase up to 50% in treated slurry. This combined with LESS application methods can greatly decrease ammonia losses and therefore increase the amount of nitrogen used from slurry application. With all the above combined a typical 2,500 gals per acre application rate of slurry in spring should give you 25 to 33 units per acre of nitrogen. The nitrogen in this example is worth approximately €35 per acre.

 

 

How to apply SlurryBugs®?

• Each 1 kg pot treats 100,000 gallons (450,000ltrs).
• The product should be applied when slurry levels are low in tanks and at least 4-6 weeks before spreading to allow the bugs to work and multiply.
• The slurry bugs can be mixed in a bucket of lukewarm water and then poured into lagoons, channels or directly into the tank.

 

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Author: John Bass 

 

The time of year has come once again to start planning for the coming winter, and with that, decisions need to be made on winter diets and mineral supplementation. The best way to start is by undertaking a nutrient and mineral analysis on silage in order to make a plan on what supplementation is needed to balance the feed value and also any mineral shortfalls. Results of silage analysis so far this season have indicated that quality is mixed, with a lot of June cut silage lacking in dry matter digestibility (DMD) as well as protein and energy. This is a result of large crops of grass being cut at a later growth stage due to unfavourable weather conditions.

Mineral Supplementation 

After balancing the protein and energy requirements to meet the animal’s needs i.e., milking cows or dry stock, it is vital that we look at the mineral requirements of each animal to get the correct level of macro and micronutrients. The intensity of livestock farming has increased a lot in recent years especially in the dairy herd. This has led to a lot of silage being cut off out-farms, often too far to draw dung and slurry, meaning land is becoming depleted of key nutrients and minerals. The result is silage that is very low in minerals.

 

 

There are many ways to feed mineral supplements, however unfortunately, the most convenient methods for the farmer aren’t always the most beneficial to the animal. For example, dusting on top of the feed is simple, however lack of adequate feed space and dominance within the herd can mean that some animals will take in a lot more than others. Therefore, it is important to mix powder minerals through the feed to ensure a constant and regulated intake by each animal. This also goes for block-based molasses or salt licks as intakes will vary depending on the product and the availability to the animal, leading to an over or undersupply to certain animals, which can negatively impact on health and vigour.

The most reliable way to feed minerals is to mix through concentrated feeds. This is especially the case with macronutrients, while topping up micronutrients using boluses or doses ensures each animal is receiving the recommended supply. It is also important to feed the right levels of certain minerals at certain times especially with calving cows. E.g. Supply high magnesium (Mg) pre-calving and high calcium (Ca) post-calving to help avoid milk fever.

 

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Author: Jimmy Staples 

 

Harvest 2021 will be remembered for several reasons; good weather, excellent yields and high prices. With sowing of autumn crops almost wrapped up, farmers would be forgiven for forgetting about the difficulties that they faced in the spring of this year.

Weed control was particularly challenging last season as a poor back end and a cold, wet spring left very few opportunities to spray when conditions were right. Indeed, I don’t think I spoke with a farmer this year who didn’t have at least one field where herbicide efficacy was either severely reduced or there was no control achieved.

If last spring thought us anything it is that relying solely on a spring herbicide application to control weeds is a gamble. This is further compounded by the increasing number of reports of herbicide resistance in both broad-leaved and grass weeds across the country. Worryingly, most of these weeds are being reported as having some or full resistance to the ALS family of herbicides. Examples of these are Pacifica Plus, Broadway Star, Ally, Cameo and Harmony type products which are widely used here in spring.

Autumn germinating grass weeds like blackgrass, sterile brome and Italian ryegrass can produce anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 seeds per plant. The poor control achieved in many crops last season resulted in an increased level of seed return compared to previous years and could well make weed control for the coming year challenging.

 

Integrated Pest Management:

Every farm should have an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy developed for their farm. This will be different for every farm as each one has its own unique circumstances and challenges. However, the fundamentals don’t change; in order to develop an IPM strategy you need to know what weeds are present on the farm and you also need to understand their biology. For instance, when do they germinate, flower and set seed?

An IPM strategy should be based around the use of cultural control options with a targeted herbicide strategy employed to achieve the highest levels of control possible. Depending on the target weed, there are a range of cultural control options available. Below are examples of these options available for autumn germinating grass weeds:

• Rotational ploughing
• Stale seedbeds
• Delayed sowing
• Spring cropping
• Use of break crops
• Increasing seeding rates
• Use of competitive cultivars
• Preventing seed return
  • Rogueing
  • Whole cropping
  • Crop destruction
• Machine hygiene

The trick is to use as many of these options as is practically possible to both reduce the number of viable seeds in the seedbank, and more importantly, to prevent seed return. The likes of blackgrass and sterile brome seeds are short-lived in the soil and a seed decline of 70-80% per year is normal. This is especially important where resistant populations are present. Unfortunately, these challenges will not be overcome in one or even two seasons. In order to prevent populations of these grass weeds from increasing, a minimum of 95% control is needed year in year out.

 

Herbicide Strategy:

When considering what herbicides to use as part of your IPM strategy, there is only one place to start and that is with a pre-emergence herbicide. Pre-emergence herbicides tick many boxes.

• They have improved efficacy as you are controlling weeds when they are very small.
• Weather conditions around sowing time are generally quite favourable for spraying. You have longer days and soils are more trafficable compared to late October and into November.
• Pre-emergence herbicides are an important part of your resistant management strategy as you are varying the chemistry and controlling weeds when they are at their most vulnerable.

Weed screen trials conducted last year by Teagasc in Oak Park found that the best weed control was achieved where pre-emergence herbicides were used in the program. Where autumn germinating grass weeds are a concern, using flufenacet based products (Firebird, Firebird Met, Naceto, Reliance etc.) will give you the best control. As with all plant protection products, ensure you are using the right rate for the target weed.

The use of a pre-emergence herbicide is particularly important in winter barley situations as you have no spring herbicide options available for controlling these weeds. Where you have winter wheat, using a pre-emergence product will take the pressure off the spring herbicide. Weeds that emerge after the use of a pre-emergence herbicide tend to be smaller coming into the spring and should be easier to control.

 

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Author: Philip Kennedy 

 

Target Fertilisers have introduced their new range of sustainable fertiliser solutions. The three new products are namely TerraCAN + S (22N + 3S), TerraGRAZE + S (22N-5K + 3.5S) and TerraCUT + S (20N -2P-12K +2S). These products have been introduced to the market to provide customers with a solution to decrease their total nitrogen (N) use, while maintaining high crop outputs. Typically, these products will allow for up to 25% reduction in N use to provide the same yield due to increased N uptake and efficiency. It is also a great advantage that there are products in the range containing P and K. The trial results included below speak for themselves and locally we have received excellent feedback from customers commenting on good growth and dry matter levels.

 

How It Works:

The bio-stimulant PSI 362 enhances the biological processes within the plant. These bio-stimulants stimulate the nitrate transponders in the plant to take up more of the available nitrogen in the soil than they would normally do. The extra nitrates taken up are converted into amino acids which produce more chlorophyll and therefore more photosynthesis takes place. This means we get similar biomass levels produced even with 20% less N as well as seeing higher dry matter levels in the crop afterwards.

 

Irish Agriculture Challenges:

• The current E.U. Farm to Fork Strategy is targeting a 20% reduction in fertiliser use by 2030.
• They have a goal for all water to be classified as good or excellent by 2027; this is currently only around 50%, with highly stocked intensive areas noticeably poorer than others.
• Dairy cows’ organic nitrogen allocation has already increased (85kg to 89kg) with proposals to increase higher-yielding cows even further which in turn will reduce permissible total chemical N applications.
• Nitrogen use efficiency is likely to be part of a derogation review. (Teagasc 2019 figures reported 24.4% utilisation out of total N applied).
• Greenhouse gas emissions require lower methane and nitrate oxide levels and Ireland has ammonia fines pending for 17/18/19 thus far.

 

Sustainable Fertiliser Solutions:

Target Fertilisers have now introduced the new Terra Range. Brandon Biosciences identified a specific molecule derived from marine bio-actives, the most abundant renewable resource available, called PSI 362 based on 22 years research.

PSI 362 is applied to granular N as a coating working at multiple levels on N absorption, transportation and utilisation. Multiple trials have been conducted over 8 different soil types. This product allows an 80% rate (20% less N applied) to provide the same growth response compared to Super CAN applied at a 100% rate and lower N required due to increased uptake. Dry matter in tested grass crops was also improved as well as silage quality improving by over 5% DMD.

The chart below is a mix of 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd cut for both years on TerraCAN vs SuperCAN CCF:

The chart below is a trial of grass on TerraCAN vs SuperCAN CCF:

As you can see in the table below there were additional benefits to herbage quality when TerraCAN + S was used.

 

 

Leaf analysis where TerraCAN was applied contained higher rates of nitrate in the crop which allows for less ‘free’ N to cause any environmental impacts. PSI 362 puts more nitrogen in the plant from every kg applied so it can grow to become a high-quality crop.

This is a natural product with no harmful residues which increases crop yields and quality. The PSI technology platform has delivered consistent results over the past 5 years in trials. The increase in nutrient uptake efficiency is part of the solution to lower ammonia and greenhouse gases. The Terra range can bridge the gap between required crop yields and lower N allowances.

This product allows an 80% rate (20% less N applied) to provide the same growth response compared to Super CAN applied at a 100% rate. Lower N is required due to increased uptake. Dry matter in tested grass crops also improved as well as silage quality, which improved by over 5% DMD.

Leaf analysis contained higher rates of nitrate in the crop which allows for less ‘Free’ N to cause any environmental impacts. PSI362 puts more nitrogen in the plant from every kg applied so it can grow to become a high-quality crop. This is a natural product with no harmful residues which increases crop yields and quality.

 

Further Information: 

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