Calving: Calving is now in full flight right across the country and the pressure is mounting quickly on farmers. At last Thursday night’s Teagasc/AHI suckler event, Roscommon-based vet John Gilmore gave a talk on dealing with spring calving difficulties. His advice was clear and simple – move cows and heifers to calving pens about 12-24 hours prior to calving to help reduce stress and avoid interrupting calving progress. If you suspect a large calf or a calf not presenting correctly, handle carefully but don’t rush for the jack. He told farmers that lubrication is an essential tool to aid the movement of the calf. He urged farmers not to use washing-up liquid as a lubricant as it can often lead to drying out of the pelvic area rather than lubricating it. When using the calving jack, he urged farmers to bring the calf straight out until it reaches the hips, then angle it downwards to free up space around the hips and pelvis. After calving, he advised to place the calf in a sitting position and not to hang over a gate unless there is clear evidence of fluid on the lungs.

Remove BVD PIs: As of last week, 594 2015-born calves have tested positive for BVD. Farmers partaking in the Beef Genomics Scheme (BGS) are required to send a tissue sample for analysis within 27 days of birth. In addition, where there is a positive or inconclusive result, the calf must be removed to a knackery within seven weeks of the date of testing of the animal in order to qualify for payment under the BGS. Two weeks ago, the Minister for Agriculture announced a compensation programme for farmers who identify BVD PI calves. To avail of a €140 payment for each PI calf, the farmer must dispose of the calf within five weeks of the initial test. The payment then drops to €90 per PI calf disposed of between week five and seven after the test date. Removing PI calves will have a positive effect on herd health in the long run.

Dehorning calves: Dehorning calves within three weeks of birth was a requirement under the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme. Just because the scheme is no longer in place does not mean dehorning should cease. From a labour and safety view point, the easiest time to de-horn an animal is in the first few weeks of life. If disbudding is carried out before the calf is two weeks of age, no anaesthetic is required. Calves from two to three weeks of age should be given a local anaesthetic prior to disbudding. For your safety and to avoid the calf injuring itself, separate the calf from the cow to an adjoining pen where the cow can still see the calf. This will help to keep the cow calm and eliminate the risk of her charging. Using a dehorning crate will help protect the calf from injury as it can be properly restrained.

Grassland Management: This week sees the addition of Grass +; p42 and 43 where we give dedicated grassland management advise for all livestock farmers.