XL vets, the umbrella body for a number of vet practices around the country is currently holding a series of events around the country in association with Chanelle, MSD, Progressive Genetics and IFAC focusing on animal health management and breeding issues ahead of the winter. On Monday night, Cootehill, Co Cavan was the venue for the roadshow.

Rose Goulding kicked the evening off by outlining some tips for autumn breeding suckler farmers who want to try and use AI in their herd. Goulding outlined that breaking the cow/calf bond was one of the most important aspects of getting a cow cycling again. Making sure cows are in good condition at breeding is also critical to a successful breeding season.

Genetics

Goulding also looked at the genetics in pedigree bulls, saying that pedigree bull sales are too focused on shows and that many bulls coming out of sales are unable to work due to excessive condition and flesh.

"Taking pedigree bulls from bull sales is like taking a bull from five star accommodation getting washed and pampered every week to making him homeless inside a week, with a huge amount of work ahead of him. This shock affects the health of the animal and also affects fertility."

Rose also outlined the importance of the replacement index in choosing bulls to breed replacements and the importance of getting fertility tested by vets.

Donal Lynch explained that if there is an issue, it's better to have a vet standing behind you than a person with no qualifications.

Body condition

Ciaran Lenehan from Chanelle spoke about body condition score (BCS) and the importance of managing BCS this winter.

"If cows are housed thin, concentrates will need to be fed at the rate of 2.5kg/day if silage quality is poor. Feeding minerals eight weeks out from calving and feeding soya bean meal six weeks out from calving are important points for a successful calving season. Analysing silage also very important in determining levels of concentrates to be fed to weanlings this winter," Lenehan told the crowd.

Stress

John Heslin from MSD outlined correct management practices ahead of weaning and housing in the next few months.

Stress is one of the most important aspects to reduce around weaning, according to Heslin.

Stress lowers the immunity of the animal, which can lead to pneumonia and other health issues. Correct ventilation, lying areas, nutrition and vaccinations are all very important to avoid factors in avoiding disease during the housing period.