Tagging and disbudding: Before considering disbudding or tagging calves, think safety. Cows can become very protective around calving, so never attempt to tag a calf in the same pen as the cow. The calf should be removed to a neighbouring pen or where you are safely away from the cow before tagging. Remember that calves need to be tagged within 20 days of birth and registered before they are 28 days old.

Disbudding calves is generally the preferred route over de-horning at a later age. Remember that calves under two weeks of age can be disbudded without using an anaesthetic, but the use of anaesthetic even for young calves should not be overlooked. Ensure the calf is well restrained to avoid injury to yourself and the animal.

BVD scheme and BDGP: With the number of herds having BVD Negative Herd Status (NHS) growing, the cost of BVD testing for these herds is much lower than what was paid in recent years. It is vital that you shop around for a deal, especially where large numbers of calves will be tested. Remember that samples should be sent for testing within seven days of taking the samples.

Farmers unlucky enough to have a BVD PI should be aware that there are supports available under the eradication programme. To be eligible for a €140 payment for each beef-bred PI calf, the calf must be disposed of to a knackery within five weeks of the first test. The payment will be reduced to €90 for calves disposed of between five and seven weeks after the first test.

Farmers in the BDGP should be aware that the calf has to be tagged within 20 days of birth and if a PI is in the herd it must be removed within seven weeks of the initial test in order to comply with the scheme.

Buying a stock bull: Although most spring-calving herds will not start breeding until late April, if you are considering buying a new bull or young bull, this should be done as soon as possible so that you can get him accustomed to the new farm and diet. If buying a bull, remember to ask about the level of supplementation. If he is fed for the show ring, then you will need to gradually reduce him off the high-concentrate diet. Don’t skimp on vaccines. If the bull becomes ill or has a temperature during the breeding season, this can impede his fertility. Ensure the bull is vaccinated accordingly with the same programme as the cows well in advance of the breeding season.

Suckler Supplement: This week’s Focus supplement is on sucklers. We get some of the key BDGP questions answered and look at how to manage the nutrition of the suckler cow to ensure a successful breeding season. We also take a look at the results so far from the Maternal Herd in Grange.