United Feeds looks to the future

Could the prospect of real-time low protein dairy rations become a reality for NI farmers? United Feeds is looking at the potential of changing the way cattle rations are formulated from the traditional linear-base model to a more integrated relationship between the cow, feed selection and rumen digestion.

Speaking at an industry briefing hosted by United Feeds, guest speaker Jay Johnston, CEO of RFS Technologies and Ritchie Feed & Seed in Ottawa, Canada explained the potential performance benefits of using fermentrics to formulate cattle diets.

The system uses automated equipment to replicate the animal’s digestion of numerous feed samples over a period of 48 hours. Up to 5,000 readings are recorded during this period, giving an insight into how the feed is digested and the effect on rumen microbes.

Diets are then altered based on the relationship between feed straights and forage quality. The system also tracks the digestion of protein in the cow. In North America, where the system is in use, cow diets formulated under the fermentrics model have seen protein levels reduced from 17% to 14% without any negative effect on milk yield.

AFBI showcases latest dairy research

Scientists from AFBI Hillsborough will feature both new and ongoing dairy research projects at this year’s Winter Fair.

The work includes investigating the effect of adding field beans in dairy cow diets, ongoing research on zero-grazing, improved heifer rearing strategies, optimum grazing strategies and the role of precision technology in dairy farming.

Up-to-date results from this year’s silage analysis provided by the Hillsborough Feeding and Information System will also be presented.

As well as ongoing research, AFBI has a number of schemes and projects that will feature. These include the Cattle Health Scheme, which is now in its ninth year and provides certification when a herd meets agreed cattle health standards across production diseases. These include BVD, IBR leptospirosis, Johne’s disease and most recently, neosporosis, which is now the most commonly diagnosed cause of infectious abortion in UK dairy herds.

Grass and clover

Scientists from AFBI will also be available to discuss soil fertility and new improved grass and clover varieties to optimise pasture growth. The latest variety to come to market in 2017 is Glenarm, a late diploid perennial ryegrass developed alongside commercial partner, Barenbrug.

SlurryKat launches new dribble bar

Waringstown based machinery manufacturer SlurryKat has launched a brand new range of budget Farm Line dribble bars.

This new range further adds to the existing two-line market approach, consisting of premium Pro Line products designed for contractors and larger intensive farmers, as well as a more basic Farm Line budget range of equipment.

The new range comes in 7.5 and 9m working widths and includes spring-loaded booms with auto reset, preventing damage to the booms if they accidentally come into contact with an obstacle during operation.

The dribble bars use a Vogelsang macerator/distributor, the same unit as used in the other premium dribble bar lines, to ensure even distribution across the dribble bar. The units are also 50% lighter to eliminate any balance issues when fitted to existing tankers.

The dribble bars go on sale from Monday 21 November.

Fitting a dribble bar to an existing tanker is potentially eligible for 40% grant under the Farm Business Investment Scheme.

CAFRE key skills training

By March 2021, it is hoped that 15,500 trainees will have participated in the Farm Family Key Skills Training Programme managed by CAFRE and funded via the Rural Development Programme.

The topics being covered are across the areas of health and safety, business planning, animal health and ICT, and are aimed at farmers, farm family members and employees.

The first training event was on pig health and started in April 2016.

Following that, in November 2016, health and safety training started, delivered by the Rural Development Council. The three-hour workshops are free and are being held on farms throughout NI.

In 2017, the Farm Business Planning workshops will be launched. These workshops will focus on how to make informed business decisions and the production of a farm business plan.

ICT training and further sessions on animal health under the programme will follow later in 2017.

For more information, visit www.cafre.ac.uk and click on industry support, or e-mail kt.admin@dardni.gov.uk, or call CAFRE Knowledge Transfer Administration on 028 9442 6790.

Live calf rearing

A live calf-rearing demonstration will be making a return for the 2016 show, with Gorteade Cow Care owned by Barry O’Loughlin, displaying a fully functioning calf igloo with veranda and Heatwave ad-lib calf feeder.

The H&L calf igloo originated in Germany and is now widely used on farms throughout Britain and Ireland. It provides a suitable home for calves during their first three months, offering a draught-free environment inside the igloo, as well as outside space in the veranda.