2018 Forage & Nutrition Guide

FORAGE &
NUTRITION GUIDE
2018
€5

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3
Contents
Editor: Liam de Paor
Design: Niall O’Brien
Advertising Manager: Anna Douglas
Advertising Executive: John Sheehan
Editorial Manager: Bernie Commins
Machinery Correspondent: Noel Dunne
Chief Executive: Rebecca Markey
Publisher: David Markey
Accounts: Tricia Murtagh
Administration & Subscriptions: Sue Nolan
Publishers: IFP Media
Forage & Nutrition Guide 2018, Castlecourt, Monkstown Farm, Monkstown, Co. Dublin A96 P924.
Tel: +353 1 709 6900 • Fax: +353 1 709 6910
e-mail: info@ifpmedia.com • www.irishfarmersmonthly.com
Copyright IFP Media 2018. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form
without the express written permission of the publishers.
Forage&Nutrition Guide 2018
3 Editorial
6 Grass grazing palatability key to grassland utilisation success
8 Fertiliser: it must be spread evenly
11 New technology reduces milk cooling costs
14 Leptospirosis: a risk to your herd and your health
15 The role of supplementation in the grazing system
19 Farm invesment as the successor
21 Maintaining energy levels at grass to optimise fertility
22 AFBI research demonstrates the potential of field beans in the dairy cow diet
24 Weed control on the dairy farm
26 The importance of liming
28 Machinery news
32 Creating the best silage bale
33 Expanding the family business
34 Efficient, sustainable beef production
36 Topical tips for better quality silage

4
Farm incomes under pressure
for 2018
According to the December 2017 Central Statistics Office
(CSO) Livestock Survey, the number of cattle in Ireland was
6,673,600, an increase of 60,200 (+0.9 per cent) on December
2016. The number of dairy cows increased by 48,100 (+3.7 per
cent), while other cows fell by 23,700 (-2.3 per cent). Cattle
aged two years and over (excluding cows and bulls), increased
by 18,400 (+4.6 per cent). The CSO also reported that in June
last total sheep numbers were up by 73,700 (+1.4 per cent) to
5,252,900.
The earlywinter and late spring has, again, highlighted the
need for adequate forage stocks of good quality to cater for
increasing livestock numbers. Using a top-class silage additive
and protecting the clamp with better quality silage covers will
greatly minimise fermentation and storage losses.
The new milk quota is on land and labour, so dairy farmers
need to significantly improve herd performance and invest in
new technology to make a decent profit from their investment
and increased milk production.
For example, a modern milking parlourwill save a huge amount
of time and labourwhile greatly improving the farming
lifestyle. Cows will spend fewer hours waiting on concrete yards
and will have a lot more time for grazing.
Livestock farmers need to optimise production from grass so as
to increase milkyields/hectare (ha), to improve live weight gain
and to conserve more silage. So, it makes sense to do more
reseeding with top-class grass varieties. In this regards, grass
palatability is an important trait to optimise dry matter intakes.
Unfortunately, without adequate soil nutrients, grassland
production will be well behind its potential. Over the last 10
years, Teagasc has analysed approximately 38,500 soil samples
per annum for their farmer clients. These samples provide an
insight to national soil fertility trends – soil pH, phosphorus (P)
and potassium (K).
Currently, 64 per cent of grassland soils are below the optimum
soil pH (ie. pH 6.3 for efficient grassland production). In fact, we
are applying less than half the quantity of lime that was applied
in the 1970s and early 1980s. Applying lime to correct soil pH
is the cornerstone for maintaining the productivity of our soils.
It is also well-established that the trace mineral status
of swards in Ireland is suboptimal; deficiencies of copper,
selenium and iodine are widespread (Mee and Rogers, 1996).
So, to optimise milk production and livestock health, farmers
need to improve animal nutrition. A conversation with your
Teagasc adviser or agricultural consultant would be well
worthwhile.
However, it does not make good economic sense to become
over-dependent on grass forage due to the vagaries of our Irish
weather. It also does not make much sense for dairy farmers to
be competing for scarce rental land with tillage farmers.
A better option would be to forward contract with tillage
farmers to purchase fodder beet, forage maize, barley and
straw for buffer and winter feeding using the diet feeders
available on many farms.
Poor animal health and fertilitywill impact on livestock
performance and on family incomes. However, there are now
several well-proven heat and herd health detection systems
available. These are an excellent long-term investment and
will save lots of time, a great deal of money and significantly
improve performance.
The various storms over the last year and snowfalls in recent
times have highlighted the need forwell-constructed animal
housing. Farmers also need to invest in power generators,
heating in the parlour to prevent pipelines freezing and extra
milk storage to cater for bigger herds and potential delays in
milk collection.
Liam de Paor,
Editor.
Liam de Paor

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6
Author: Paul Flanagan
General manager DLF Seeds (Irish operations)A
Grazing grass palatability key to
grassland utilisation success
Reseeding has always been a tricky task on Irish farms. In a lot of cases,
we need a clear forecast for 10-14 days to tackle the job; that is not
withstanding grass growth in any given year and ensuring plentiful supply
during the process
WHEN SHOULD A FARMER RESEED?
To put it simply – when the weather is right and grass is in
plentiful supply. It appears in recent years, the possibility that
both of these moons align is becoming a rarer phenomenon as
weather patterns become more irregular and farms see ever-
increasing stocking rates.
If farmers are grazing more land and reseeding less, then it
stands to reason the average age of a ley in Ireland is going up.
This results in poorer fertiliser utilisation, more weed grasses,
reduced quality and reduced yield. The efficiencies that come
with the grass-based model we have, is only effective as long
as we stay on top of our grassland and keep perennial ryegrass
content high.
The majority of reseeding in Ireland is done with grazing in
mind and the information available to farmers todaywhen
choosing varieties fit for this purpose, is contained in the
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Grass and
White Clover Recommended List, along with Teagasc’s Pasture
Profit Index. In more recent years, Teagasc has undertaken
a new study on actual animal grazing. Although this data is
currently incomplete, early indications suggest some very
interesting results.
Palatability is a difficult parameter for breeders like DLFto
measure. We cut plots with a Haldrup harvester equipped with
near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology; this generates
datasets on yield, dry matter (DM) yields, protein contents,
sugar contents, and more recently, cell wall digestibility. NIRS
technology has transformed plot trials, however one parameter
which is not quite a constant within the system just yet is
palatability.
As a breeder, DLFunderstands the morphological and chemical
traits required for an excellent grazing grass, and has varieties
such as Aspect, Solas and Xenon in the market today that
demonstrate this. Aspect, for example, does not top the
Pasture Profit Index, however the variety has excellent graze
outs and utilisation on farm, indicating it is highly palatable.
This begs the question, should we concern ourselves with yield
potential or utilisation potential? Leaf shape, growth habit,
sheath height and digestibility all have a role to play in the
success of Aspect at farm level.
Two factors that will determine an animal’s performance on
any given variety are voluntary intake and energy derived
Pictured at the More Milk with DLF grass partner programme: Damian McAllister, David Thomas, Paul Flanagan,
Eamonn Kent and David Hunter.

7
from same. DLFhas been working on this for the last decade
and research has shown that cell wall digestibility can vary
between varieties by as much as six per cent. This is hugely
significant as a one per cent increase in cell wall digestibility
can deliver 0.25L milk per cow per day.
To further this research, and as an extension of ourvariety
selection work in Ireland, DLFhas established a grass partner
programme with four farmers around Ireland. Through this
programme, we are assessing varieties’ performance in real
farm situations. To date, DLFvarieties, Aspect, Solas and Xenon
are the key performers. This year, we will be sowing varieties
on the grass partner farms which are two to five years away
from being commercially available and on recommended lists.
These varieties have been selected based on yield, quality and
the morphological traits conducive to grazing. Nitrates are
often suggested as one of the limiting factors in growing more
grass in Ireland. There is a strong potential for a reduction in
fertiliser allowance over the coming years, and with this we
believe farmers’ focus will shift to getting more out of the
grass they are capable of growing; palatability and digestibility
being key to achieving their goals.
DLF trials manager, Jimmy Staples, with the Haldrup harvester on the DLF trial site in Waterford.
DLF is the world’s largest grass breeder and its
grass and clover trial ground in Co. Waterford
is the largest grass variety trial investment in
Ireland. The More Milk with DLF grass partner
programme involves four dairy farmers across
the island of Ireland and is a long-term project
that aims to maximise grassland utilisation
on their farms. In addition, the latest
grass genetic material coming from
DLF’s Irish breeding grounds
will be trialled on-farm, with
palatability and digestibility
being two key success
measures.
OVERSEEDING WITH PRONITRO
WILL SAVE DAVID HUNTER,
DLF GRASS PARTNER,
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Why?
Overseeding is an economical way to
improve grassland
ProNitro is a Nitrogen coated grass seed
ProNitro gives up to 34% more viable plants
ProNitro gives up to 30% increase in root growth
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8
Fertiliser: it must be spread
evenly
Beef, dairy and sheep enterprises use grass as their primary source of
nutrition. The cost, yield, quality and efficient utilisation of grass are all
critical to profitability. Fertiliser is a hugely important and expensive input
that impacts on yield, quality and production costs
Uneven spreading is not uncommon. Grass orcrop yield is
impacted long before anyvisual striping is seen. On a 50 hectare
(ha) dairy farm, the annual fertiliserbill averages in excess of
€16,000 orin a lifetime of 10 years, a simple spreadermay
spread €160,000 of fertiliserproducing 4,500 tonnes of grass
dry matter(DM) and underpinning a farm output of €1.7m (milk
and livestocksales). This puts the purchase price of the spreader
in context considering the impact it may have overits working
life. If poor/uneven fertiliserspreading caused a 5 percent loss
in production overits lifetime, that could reduce farm output
by €85,000. To avoid losses associated with fertiliserspreading,
there are three critical factors which must be considered:
»» The correct choice of machine forthe fertiliserbeing used
at the chosen bout width;
»» The use of fertiliserwith good physical quality
characteristics; and
»» Correct setting of the machine forfertiliserand bout width
and propermaintenance.
OWNED OR CONTRACTOR
Like many machinery operations, the farmers have the choice
of doing the job with theirown machinery orusing a contractor
– eitheran independent contractorora contractorsupplied by
the merchant. While choice of spreader, the selection of quality
fertiliserand the setting of the spreaderare clearlywithin
the farmers’ control in the case of theirown machine, who’s
responsibility is it in the case of a contractor’s machine?
With contract spreading, there are potentially three parties who
have an interest in good spreading:
»» The fertilisermerchant (if selling a bulkproduct with
spreading supplied);
»» The spreading contractor; and
»» The farmer.
FARMER MUST BE IN CONTROL
It is clearthat, as the buyerof the service, it is up to the farmer
to set the standards required in terms of spreading. A quality
service is essential and must be sought. It is not adequate to
simply purchase the cheapest product, ‘as spread’, as there is a
riskthat:
»» The physical quality of the fertiliseris compromised
(smallersize particles, more dust, mismatched blend
components) to save money; and
»» The spreading service is compromised where the emphasis
is on getting fertiliserout as quickly and cheaply as
possible without attention to spreading that product
Figure 1: Basic (shaded area) and overlapped (line) spread pattern at 18m – good pattern.
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0 5 10 14 19 24 29 34 38
Lateral distance
Applicationrate(%)
Author: Dermot Forristal
Teagasc, Oak ParkA

9
accurately and evenly.
But what can a farmerdo if a bulkproduct is being spread by a contractor? The
fertiliserphysical quality should be queried. If a contractoris using 18m or24m
bout widths, good fertiliserphysical quality is essential. The standards required are
outlined laterin this article. The farmeralso needs to checkthe fertiliserspreader
and its setting. In the absence of detailed knowledge about spreaders, a farmercan
still make a numberof checks:
»» The general condition of the spreaderbeing used;
»» Key elements, like spreading discs and vanes, should be free from wear;
»» Signs of maintenance should be determined;
»» The specification of the machine;
»» Is it equipped with the correct spreading components to achieve the correct
spread pattern at the chosen bout widths with the fertiliserto be used? Askthe
contractorto verify this;
»» Does it have properheadland/borderdeflectorkits to avoid losses to
hedgerows?
»» Is there a good quality GPS system to ensure accurate bout widths are
achieved;
»» Is the spreadercorrectly set up forthe fertiliserand bout width? Askthe
contractorto showyou the settings required forthe particularfertiliserand
bout width;
»» Is there any evidence of the spreaderhaving been checked? Many of the larger
merchants may now be stipulating that there are pre-season checks on the
spread quality of contractor’s spreaders; and
»» Reputation – is there a history of satisfied customers of the contractor/
merchant? Tillage customers would probably be a betterguide as theywould
be more sensitive to poorerspreading.
THE CHALLENGE TODAY IS GREAT
Todays’ spreaders have a huge challenge with farmers/contractors using bout
widths from 6m to 36m. Broadcast spreaders rely on forming an overlapped pattern
(see Figure 1) to give an even spread. This is challenging in perfect conditions, but in
the field with bumpy ground and wind, it’s much more difficult.
MACHINE DESIGN
Machine design has a huge impact on how evenly the fertiliseris spread. The only
way to assess a particularmodel is to have a spread test report where evenness of
application is measured. While the majorfertiliserspreadermanufacturers have
theirown test facilities capable of giving very accurate test results, they usually only
put the best results in theirbrochure. Results from independent test halls are of far
more value, but these tests are increasingly rare.You should lookforan independent
test result and always favoura manufacturerwho provides one.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A TEST RESULT
The evenness of spread is frequently summarised by a single figure called the
coefficient ofvariation (CV) – the lowerthe CV percentage, the betterthe spread
pattern. A CVvalue of less than 15 percent would be acceptable in the field,
but figures of 5-10 percent should be demanded from a test hall where perfect
conditions prevail. But the CVdoes not tell the full story. The shape of the basic
spread pattern is important. A triangularshape like that in Figure 1 tells us that
the spread will be a little less sensitive to wind orfertiliservariation than the more
shouldered pattern of Figure 2. The spreaderproducing a pattern like Figure 2 would
need to be very carefully set to suit the fertilisercharacteristics and spreading
conditions.
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10
FERTILISER QUALITY
The physical characteristics of the fertiliserwill affect how
evenly it spreads and the settings required. The key factors are:
»» Density of the fertiliser: low-density fertiliser, such as urea
(80 percent normal density), is more difficult to throw.
»» Size of the granules: generally largerparticles will throw
further. Particle-size distributions, with the majority of
particles (80 percent) in the 2-4mm range, will usually
allow a good spread to be achieved, but largerdiameters
(3-4.5mm) will probably make it easierto achieve wider
spread widths. The component parts of blends should have
similar-size distributions.
»» Shape of the granule: rounded particles will roll off the disc
more predictably than irregulargranules.
»» Strength of granule: strong particles will resist break-up on
the disc.
»» Remember, when purchasing fertiliser, always take physical
quality into account when making choices.
UREA
Urea will be more widely used across all farm types in the future.
Its lowerdensity presents a greaterspreading challenge and
it usuallywill not spread as wide as densermaterial. Lookfora
urea product with largerparticle sizes by asking the supplierfor
the size distribution figures. Even with a good-size distribution,
it is vital that the correct spreadersetting is used and that the
limitations of the spreaderwith urea are observed (maximum
bout width, etc.). Wind will affect urea more than ordinary
fertiliserso spread in calm conditions if possible. Blends of
urea and conventional density fertiliserneed to be considered
very carefully as they can be difficult to spread without the
components segregating across the bout width.
MACHINE SETTING
Spreaders need to be correctly set/adjusted forspecific
fertilisers at specific bout widths. Some spreadermodels require
very careful setting. The components that are adjustable vary
between manufacturerand model but include one ormore of
the following:
»» Disc type;
»» Powertake off (PTO)/disc speed;
»» Vane type and position/angle on disc;
»» Position of fertiliserdrop point;
»» Disc height overcrop/soil; and
»» Spreader/disc angle.
The setting is determined by fertilisertype (density, particle
size distribution, shape, strength) and bout width. Setting
information is usually available in detailed setting charts
provided by the manufacturer, but increasingly is more easily
accessible on the internet oras a smart phone app. While some
manufacturers provide setting information forspecific fertiliser
brands, increasingly a simple sieve test and visual type test are
used to identify fertilisertype and consequently the settings
required. It’s vital to follow the setting procedure.
RATE SETTING
Getting the correct rate of fertiliserout (kg/ha orbags/acre) is
also important and while manufacturers’ setting guides are a
starting point, some level of field calibration is usually needed.
Some makers have very useful setting aids and of course on-
board weighing systems make it very easy. Whateversystem is
used, it is important to establish the correct rate setting before
field-scale errors are made
FIELD USE
Correct attachment to the tractorto make sure it’s level from
right to left and at the correct angle front/backand height
overthe crop is essential, as is a working rev counter. Driving
at accurate bout widths is essential; tramlines facilitate this
in cereals and GPS guidance systems can help when there are
no tramlines. However, there is no shame in measuring and
marking the bouts! Wearon the spreadercomponents, such as
the fertiliseroutlet, disc, vanes orspouts, must be monitored.
HEADLAND
To avoid uneven spreading on the headland and the loss of
fertiliserinto headlands/drains, most spreaders have a headland
setting mechanism which adjusts the spread pattern. Matching
the in-field runs with the headland runs requires the spreader to
be turned on and off at exactly the correct times as the tractor
approaches and leaves the headland – on high-tech spreaders,
this can be automatically controlled by GPS, but careful manual
operation is possible once the distances are known.
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0 5 10 14 19 24 29 34 38
Lateral distance
Applicationrate(%)
Figure 2: Basic (shaded area) and overlapped (line) spread pattern at 18m – shouldered pattern.

11
New technology reduces milk
cooling costs
Correct cooling and storage of milk is ofvital importance to ensure milk
quality is maintained until collection, ensuring maximum price can be
obtained
Many factors contribute to the optimum care of milk,
from tank construction to cooling technology used, to the
washing and control systems. Installation and running costs
also need to be seriously considered when selecting a tank.
HOT AND COLD
A recent study by Teagasc researchers on dozens of Irish
farms found that over half the electricity bill was accounted
for by milk cooling and water heating. Dairy farmers are
constantly looking at ways of increasing profitability and it
is evident that this is an area which can be improved.
Over the past 10 years, the SwiftCool range of milk cooling
and water heating equipment from Dairymaster has
transformed industry expectations. The milk tank is now
seen as an investment for the future of milk quality and
energy efficiency. At farm level, typical savings over the
expected lifetime of the equipment would be in excess of
€40,000 for a 100-cow herd (based on farm data published
by Teagasc in the Journal of Dairy Science).
INNOVATION
Having developed a milk tank to keep milk cool with
minimal energy use, Dairymaster turned its attention to the
objective of cooling milk as efficiently as possible from 35°C
out of the cow to 4°C in the milk tank. In order to further
research and better understand the cooling process, the
company invested in a climatic evaluation laboratory at its
global headquarters in Co. Kerry. This facility enabled the
Author: Dr John Daly
Research & Innovation manager, DairymasterA

12
development of refrigeration units delivering faster cooling
at lower energy consumption than previously available.
Having minimised the energy usage and cost of cooling,
Dairymaster then focused on making sure the heat taken
out of the milk could be captured and used to offset
the cost of water heating. This led to the introduction
of the SwiftCool Duo heat recovery system, with very
impressive results. Heat recovery rates were four to six
times faster, while the system delivered a minimum hot
water temperature of 55°C compared to the typical 35°C to
40°C achievable in typical Irish ambient temperatures for
conventional desuperheating.
Other innovations developed include the blockage-free
wash system and precision temperature measurement, as
well as the first milk cooling tank incorporating two-way
remote communication and control. For the first time ever
farmers can remotely control and monitor their milk tank
in real time from anywhere in the world via an app – the
SwiftCool app. The SwiftCool app works in tandem with
the CoolControl tanks and has the power to give real time
information about the status of the tank and follow up on
commands given.
All information related to the tank can be viewed at a
glance on the intuitive dashboard screen. It records the
history of temperature, wash cycles, collection cycles,
temperature washing and much more. It gives the farmer
the power to ensure that milk is in the best possible
condition before it leaves the yard.
The purchase of a milk tank is a significant investment.
Increasing levels of technology on the farm and an
increasing use of IT for farm management means that the
milk tank chosen today should be compatible with the farm
management system of tomorrow. The milk
cooling system that makes life easiest for you,
does more to protect your milk, provides the
lowest cost of milk cooling and gives you the
greatest peace of mind is the tank to help you
achieve the vision for your farm.
TESTIMONIAL: MAURICE LYNCH
“We’re running a bigger tank in
conjunction with the heat recovery
system and our electricity bills have
halved. We’re saving between €120
and €140 per month. The heat
recovery system is working
with the cooling system so
we’ve practically free hot
water. We’re delighted
with the system.”
TESTIMONIAL: RAYMOND
NYHAN
“The new tank only runs for
an hour after milking whereas
the old tank used to run for
over three hours, so there’s
a good saving there. When
we purchased the tank, we
installed the SwiftCool Duo as
well. It’s very useful because,
when the milk is cooling it heats
the water for us. We found in
the peak times that the water is
up over 60°C without any extra
use of electricity.”

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14
Leptospirosis: a risk to your herd
and your health
Leptospirosis is one of the most common causes of abortion in cattle in
Ireland. It is an endemic disease, meaning that the majority of herds test
positive for it
Leptospirosis is also a zoonosis, which means it can cause
disease in humans. All those working with stock are potentially
at risk. Clinical signs of the disease in humans are flu-like, with
headaches and fever, occasionally progressing to meningitis.
Leptospirosis As a zoonotic disease, leptospirosis can be
acquired from contact with urine, afterbirth or aborted foetus
of an infected animal. There are two serovars of leptospirosis
commonly found in cattle in Ireland:
»» Leptospira interrogans Hardjo; and
»» Leptospira borgpetersenii Hardjo.
Leptospirosis circulates in a herd by direct transmission
from infected animals (new infections or carrier animals)
or by indirect transmission through urine, birth fluids, milk,
contaminated water or other species, eg. sheep. Leptospirosis
is very difficult to eradicate as some cows can become carriers.
Leptospires can also survive for up to sixweeks in wet soil and
stagnant water or slow-moving streams.
CLINICAL SIGNS OF LEPTOSPIROSIS
Early signs are usually mild and transient and, therefore, may
go unnoticed. The most common clinical signs include:
»» Milk drop – a sudden decrease in milkyield;
»» Abortions – usually occur six to 12 weeks after the initial
infection;
»» Abortion rates may be up to 30 per cent in a herd infected
for the first time;
»» Infertility – low pregnancy rates and increased culling due
to low fertility; and
»» Weak calves – infection in late pregnancy can result in the
birth ofweak calves that die within a few hours of birth.
DIAGNOSIS OF LEPTOSPIROSIS
Based on:
»» Blood sampling and looking for high antibody levels in
affected animals (which can prove difficult as often the
infection is present six to 12 weeks before clinical signs
become apparent, eg. low pregnancy rates picked up at
scanning;
»» Culture of urine samples; and
»» Leptospiral abortion diagnosis is best based on finding
bacteria in the foetus.
Speak to yourvet about investigating leptospirosis in your
herd.
CONTROL OF LEPTOSPIROSIS
Based on:
»» Isolation of the sick cow and aborting cow;
»» Biosecurity – avoid the introduction of infected animals;
»» Quarantine until tests return negative;
»» Double fencing at perimeters; and
»» Vaccination – the only practical way of controlling
leptospirosis.
TIMING OFVACCINATION
It is essential to vaccinate heifers before their first pregnancy.
The primary vaccination course consists of two injections
of Leptavoid-H four to sixweeks apart and, thereafter, an
annual booster before turnout and at least two weeks before
breeding. It is a 2ml dose, given under the skin to all cattle
greater than one month of age. The correct use and timing
ofvaccination are vital to their success, always read the
manufacturers recommendations.
WHY VACCINATE WITH LEPTAVOID-H?
»» Leptavoid-H is the only vaccine licensed to protect
against both strains of Leptospira Hardjo;
»» Leptavoid-H is the only vaccine that is licensed to
improve conception rates where leptospirosis has been
diagnosed as a cause of infertility; and
»» Leptavoid-H can be used on the same day as Bovilis BVD
(to cattle greater than eight months of age).
Author: Cara Sheridan
Ruminant vet adviser, MSD Animal HealthA

15
The role of supplementation in
a grazing system
Grazed grass should always be the main component of the diet of an Irish
cow. Spring calving systems with tight six-week calving rates have been
developed to capitalise on the main growing season. Maximising the grass
in the diet will increase profitability once managed properly, a fact that has
been supported through research by Teagasc and others
Our green image has also been used to market our milk
products worldwide, and grass can protect us somewhat
when milk prices fluctuate. We talk a lot about grass being
a cost-effective feed, but we need to also include all related
costs such as land leasing, for example. Its cost-effectiveness
is based on good management, maximising growth and its
utilisation per hectare (ha).
There will always be an ongoing debate as to the best system
of farming for Ireland. Simply put, the best system is the one
that is managed the best, and what we perceive to be the ideal
system can be quickly undone if not managed properly. All
farms will associate themselves as grass-based farms. Some
farms have focused heavily on this by doing excellent work
with drainage, reseeding, soil testing, grass measuring and
budgeting to increase their stocking rate and grass intake per
cow. Along the way, some have realised that the genetics of
their cows might not be suitable for their land type, and low-
concentrate inclusion and ‘golf ball’ grazing techniques, along
with others, have changed. Whether their decision was right
or not, it was a good decision for their farm because they now
know that their cow is fit to run in that system. These farms,
although well-publicised, are in the minority.
A lot of farms in Ireland are focusing heavily on grazing while
under pressure to reduce supplementary feeding. First, farms
need to look at the type of cow they have in this system.
Within these farms, there are higher genetic merit cows that
are producing over 6,000kg of milk, and within these groups,
there are cows yielding from 5,000-8,000kg. Most farms
will be averaging 25-30kg, but there is a subset of cows
producing more than 35kg of milk.
THE AVERAGE COW
We all have these cows, which we are proud of from a milkyield
point ofview, but when it comes to feed requirements, maybe
we should focus our attention on the average cow. These are
the animals that will leave the herd because of fertility or for
other culling reasons. These cows are more robust than we
give them credit for, but they are, undoubtedly, under pressure
in this system. Are these cows fit for purpose, and can they
survive in these systems?
We can rectify this situation with correct management. In
its absence, these cows will always struggle. If these are the
cows you have chosen foryour system, then they will naturally
require feeding and supplementation and cannot be expected
to get everything they need from grass.
Can we create a system in which we maximise grass dry matter
(DM) intake and keep concentrate at reasonable levels while
producing good levels of milk solids?
Table 1 compares the average Irish farm with a group using
a Keenan diet feeder following InTouch* nutrition principles
and protocols. When we think of a diet feeder and total mixed
rations (TMR), we generally associate them with high levels of
alternative feeds and high levels of concentrates being fed to
high-producing cows, which could be to the detriment of grass
utilisation. The table outlines that Keenan TMR users in Ireland
are producing high levels of milk solids and utilising high levels
Ireland* InTouch group Research performance
Milk yield (kg/cow) 5,036 6,570 5,600
Milk solids (kg/cow) 372 494 468
Herbage utilised (t DM/ha) 7.4 9.6 13.2
Concentrate (kg DM/cow) 1,008 709 400
Margin over feed costs 1,324 1,895 1,884
*Based on data from Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).
Table 1: Comparison of performance indicators for the average Irish farm with InTouch customers and research performance.
Author: Cathal Bohane
Head of InTouch Nutrition, Keenan SystemA

16
of grazed grass, while at the same time using a below-average
amount of concentrate. At the average stocking rate of 2.7
cows per ha, these customers are producing 1,334kg of milk
solids per ha. This figure compares favourably with research
performance that is regarded as the industry target in Ireland.
The use of diet feeders on these farms can also be a risk-
averse strategy when cow numbers stocking rate are
increasing and when, during weather events, diets can be
supplemented with forage-based supplements.
So, how do we supplement to ensure that we look after the
cow and still manage to hit our key performance indicators?
Based on the InTouch cow example above (500kg of milk
solids stocked at 2.7 cows per ha), the next series of diagrams
represents the amount of grass and supplement required, as
well as the timing of this supplement.
Diagram 1 represents a typical grass growth curve for the year,
which could be typical of this year, in which we are getting a
‘slow start’ to the year. The growth per ha has been divided by
the stocking rate to give us the grass grown per cow.
Ifwe superimpose the demand of this cow producing 500kg
of milk solids on top of this graph, we see at a glance that this
cowwill need major feeding until the end of April, for a small
period in late August and resuming in late September, starting
the run into winter. But we are not finished yet.
Diagram 3 outlines that while we are producing a lot of grass
mid-season, we have a cow that is only capable of eating
approximately 16kg of grass. The grey area in the graph is,
therefore, capping maximum intake at 16kg for that cow. Now
48.0
45.0
42.0
39.0
36.0
33.0
30.0
27.0
24.0
21.0
18.0
15.0
12.0
9.0
6.0
3.0
0.0
48.0
45.0
42.0
39.0
36.0
33.0
30.0
27.0
24.0
21.0
18.0
15.0
12.0
9.0
6.0
3.0
0.0
Grassgrowth&demand(kgDM/cow/day)Grassgrowth&demand(kgDM/cow/day)
Grass growth/supply/cow
Grass demand/cow
Grass supply/growth/cow
12-Jan
26-Jan
09-Feb
23-Feb
09-Mar
06-Apr
20-Apr
04-May
18-May
02-Jun
16-Jun
30-Jun
14-Jul
28-Jul
11-Aug
25-Aug
08-Sep
22-Sep
06-Oct
20-Oct
03-Nov
17-Nov
12-Jan
26-Jan
09-Feb
23-Feb
09-Mar
06-Apr
20-Apr
04-May
18-May
02-Jun
16-Jun
30-Jun
14-Jul
28-Jul
11-Aug
25-Aug
08-Sep
22-Sep
06-Oct
20-Oct
03-Nov
17-Nov
Diagram 1: Typical grass growth curve divided by stocking rate (cows/ha).
Diagram 2: Grass demand of cow based on yield (yellow) as a function of grass grown/cow.
305-day lactation

17
48.0
45.0
42.0
39.0
36.0
33.0
30.0
27.0
24.0
21.0
18.0
15.0
12.0
9.0
6.0
3.0
0.0
Grassgrowth&demand(kgDM/cow/day)
12-Jan
26-Jan
09-Feb
23-Feb
09-Mar
06-Apr
20-Apr
04-May
18-May
02-Jun
16-Jun
30-Jun
14-Jul
28-Jul
11-Aug
25-Aug
08-Sep
22-Sep
06-Oct
20-Oct
03-Nov
17-Nov
Diagram 3: Grass demand of cow based on yield (yellow) as a function of grass grown per cow (green) based on a maximum intake of 16kg
of DM (grey).
305-day lactation
Grass demand/cow
Max grass intake/cow/day

18
we are seeing a clearer picture of the supplementary intake
required by these cows. Supplementation needs to continue
up until mid-July to support intake.
The next scenario is looking at the demands of the cow
producing in excess of 35kg and the level of supplementation
that they require. As we can see in Diagram 4, we now need
to supplement these cows all year round, but we might stop
supplementing in May or June under the pretence that there is
loads of grass available. Maybe she can eat 17-18kg of grass
DM to make up some of the shortfall, but not all of it, and this
is when nutritionists get a lot of phonecalls –because of repeat
breeders, low milk protein or falling milkyield.
Living in Ireland, we also must contend with the weather,
and so, we can’t assume that these cows will consume 16kg
of grass every day. This affects growth, ground conditions
and utilisation. Also, in the absence of grass measuring and
budgeting, on a lot of farms, this excess grass in the green
area can lead to reduced sward quality and digestibility. This
not only reduces the intake of energy per kg of DM, but also
the actual intake of these cows. Research has shown that dry
matter intake (DMI) can drop by 0.2-0.35kg for every one per
cent drop in the DM of the grass below 18 per cent. This could
mean that on wet days, intake could drop by 2-3kg of DM.
Further research has shown a 0.6kg drop in DMI for every one
per cent drop in the digestibility of the grass.
So, the main points we should consider over the next few
months include:
»» Maximise the growth, intake and utilisation of grass on
the farm;
»» Examine the type of cow you have on your farm and the
range in production;
»» Use the Economic Breeding Index (EBI) reports to see
what type of cow you are breeding on your farm;
»» Base supplementation levels on the type of cow you have
and their current yield;
»» Use the following table as a guide to concentrate
supplementation (silage 65 DM digestibility). This is an
upper feeding limit, so when out full-time on grass at
23L, they might need no concentrate in the summer. But
use forage once you need to go past 2.5kg (23 x 0.11).
0.33kg concentrate/kg of milk in full-time
0.22kg concentrate/kg of milk out by day
0.11kg concentrate/kg of milk out full-time
High-quality silage is important to use as a buffer feed to
avoid the overfeeding of concentrates when grass doesn’t
meet requirements above the recommended concentrate
feeding levels (above).
Base cessation of buffer feeding or supplementation on the
requirements of your cows, taking account of the top 20 per
cent of cows, rather than the time of the year.
Make sure buffer feeding is balanced for energy, protein,
fibre and, sometimes underfed in the main growing season,
minerals.
Using a diet feeder can also reduce the waste of feed, which is
sometimes overlooked when you look at manure heaps.
*InTouch, part of Keenan, an Alltech company, can offer feed
formulation, advice and monitoring of production levels via a
smart weigh controller on your diet feeder.
48.0
45.0
42.0
39.0
36.0
33.0
30.0
27.0
24.0
21.0
18.0
15.0
12.0
9.0
6.0
3.0
0.0
Grassgrowth&demand(kgDM/cow/day)
12-Jan
26-Jan
09-Feb
23-Feb
09-Mar
06-Apr
20-Apr
04-May
18-May
02-Jun
16-Jun
30-Jun
14-Jul
28-Jul
11-Aug
25-Aug
08-Sep
22-Sep
06-Oct
20-Oct
03-Nov
17-Nov
Diagram 4: Grass demand of cow based on 35kg or more (600kg plus milk solids [yellow]) as a function of grass grown/cow (green) based
on a maximum intake of 16kg of DM (grey).
305-day lactation
Grass demand/cow
Max grass intake/cow/day

Farm investment as the
successor
With one in four Irish farms expected to change hands in the coming decade,
the Irish agricultural sector is well positioned to benefit from an influx of
educated, motivated and eageryoung farmers, who are required to ensure
that the sector continues to meet its potential
The long-term plan for individual farms will depend very
much on personal and business goals, life stage and available
resources. Irrespective of the future business direction, it is
important that there are clear goals and a plan in place. Your
farm plan should outline where you want the farm business
to go and how you are going to get there. This will help ensure
that farm investments are aligned to the long-term goals
of the business and that you are not changing goals/focus
because of the availability of grant-aid support. An interesting
statistic is that businesses that have written goals and plans
are, on average, 10 times more profitable than those that
don’t (McCormack, M. 1986. What they don’t teach you at
Harvard Business School. Bantam Books).
INVEST IN PRODUCTIVE ASSETS
When taking over the farm, the temptation can be to invest
in that new tractoryou always wanted; build a new shed; or
expand, upgrade or change operations to the way you always
wanted. However, priority should be given to investing in
assets that will deliver most foryour farm business. On most
livestock farms these include grass, stock and infrastructure.
The majority of live weight gain and milk produced on Irish
farms stems from grass – either grazed grass or conserved
silage. The potential to achieve high levels of productivity
from grazed grass gives Irish farmers a major competitive
advantage over many of their European and global
counterparts.
Author: John Farrell
Agri-sector team, AIBA
19

20
On average, the cost of producing
1kg of live weight gain or 1kg of
milk solids from grazed grass
is 80-85 per cent less when
compared with an intensive
concentrate-based
system (varies by grain
price) and Teagasc
research has identified
that increasing grass
utilised by 1 tonne (t)
dry matter (DM) per
hectare (ha) peryear is
worth €181/ha to dairy
farmers and €105/ha to
dry stock farmers.
FARM INVESTMENT
Irish farmers have invested
significantly in their businesses
in recent years with close to
€800m borrowed from financial
institutions to support on-farm
development (between Q4 2016 and Q3
2017) as reported by the Central Bank of Ireland. At
the same time, Irish farmers continue to reduce their overall
lending with banks, as outstanding balances to the sector
have reduced by close to €2bn or over 40 per cent since 2009.
Research conducted by Ipsos MRBI (May 2017) on behalf
of AIB suggests that one in two farmers are planning on
investing in their farms in the next three years; this figure is
higher among young farmers, with the average investment
amount of €44,000 planned. The main areas of planned
investment include upgrading of existing equipment and/
or machinery, general upgrading of existing infrastructure,
investing for farm safety improvements and introducing
labour-saving technologies.
BETTER BEFORE BIGGER
Teagasc Profit Monitor data shows that there is significant
variation in the financial performance of farms across all
farm sectors – no different from any other business sector.
When making investment decisions, just be conscious that
it is not always about expanding and increasing output.
Expanding from an inefficient base will only amplify existing
inefficiencies and, ultimately, offer little financial reward
for the investment undertaken. A focus on increasing the
existing levels of on-farm efficiency will not only provide a
buffer during periods of lower margin returns, but also offer
significant potential for improved farm profitability.
PLANNING FARM INVESTMENT
There is a general acceptance that farm financial
management and planning
does not necessarily get
the time and attention
it deserves. In recent
years, price volatility
has highlighted the
importance of, and
the need for, greater
financial planning
at farm level and
the importance
of incorporating
risk management
strategies into
farm plans,
operations and
practices.
It is important to
devote adequate
resources to the planning
process. Significant financial
resources are often tied up for
a number of years with individual
farm investments so you need to be clear
on why you are making the investment, and
determine from the outset what the proposed investment
will be worth to you and your business’s bottom line when
complete. It is important to always take a multi-annual view
of the farm and examine performance over time, such as
the previous three-to-five-year period. This ensures that
investment decisions are not based on a very good year
or indeed a very bad year, but on a truer reflection of farm
performance and capability.
Below are some considerations foryoung farmers
contemplating farm investment:
»» It is essential to fully cost any farm investment – don’t
rely on what somebody else’s development cost;
»» Take time to visit similar projects and learn from the farm
investment experiences of other farmers;
»» Include a contingency of 10-20 per cent when planning
farm development as over-runs are common;
»» Talk to your bank at an early stage where finance is
required, and askwhat will be required to process a credit
application;
»» Structure any loans over the appropriate time period,
ensuring you don’t place undue pressure on farm
cashflow by trying to repay the loan in an unrealistic time
frame;
»» It is important to distinguish between cashflow and
profit. Increased farm profits may not always be fully
available to meet higher bank repayments;
»» Finally, ensure that any investment fits in with the long-
term goals of your business.

21
Maintaining energy levels at
grass to optimise fertility
Potential fertility issues need to be addressed this spring, otherwise dairy
producers will start to rack up additional herd costs
Trial findings, coupled with first-hand experience from New
Zealand dairy farmers, confirm that introducing rumen-
protected fat to the diet improves body condition and can
deliver a return on investment in terms of fertility alone.
There’s every temptation to make big cost savings and cut
out purchased feed as soon as the cows have been turned
out. However, spring is a key time when producers need
continued attention to detail. That includes maintaining
energy levels in the diet to complement high protein grass,
otherwise cows will start to milk off their backs (maintain milk
production at the cost of body condition) and, consequently,
suffer fertility issues which pose an underlying and very real
cost to the herd.
Cows losing body condition make a significant contribution
to the national herd’s poor conception to first service rate.
Data from Kingshay Health Manager herds in Britain report a
conception to first service rate of 36 per cent and an average
calving interval of 410 days (Dairy Costings Focus, 2015), with
each day’s extended calving interval costing £4.13 (€4.70).
So, pregnant cows are far more valuable than empty cows.
FEEDING
Feeding a balanced diet including energy from a rumen-
protected fat is an investment which will certainly pay
dividends now and for the medium to long-term. Feeding
rumen-protected fat in spring as a concentrated source of
energy results in improved body condition according to trial
findings within the Myerscough College herd in Lancashire.
Freshly calved cows from the college’s 8,300L rolling average
herd were offered a total mixed ration (TMR) diet plus
concentrate containing Megalac rumen-protected fat at
either 2 per cent or 6 per cent inclusion rates. Cows continued
on these diets for a total of 16 weeks, but were turned out to
grass from week 12 for the final fourweeks of the study.
Body condition score was similar between the two groups until
turnout, at which stage the cows that were fed the higher rate
of rumen-protected fat received sufficient energy to maintain
body condition at a time when spring grass contains relatively
high levels of protein. These cows remained in target condition
score of just under 3, while those offered the control diet lost
significant condition.
TESTIMONIAL: NEW ZEALAND FARM
Adding a rumen-protected fat is a key part of the diet for Roger Blunt who farms 500 Holstein Friesian cows
in Hamilton, New Zealand. Averaging 8,000L, the Karapiro Farm places strong emphasis on production from
grass, however it maintains supplementary feeding to fill the gap that grass alone can’t fill. Supplements are
offered as a buffer feed twice daily as a mix of maize silage, palm kernel and rumen-protected fat.
“Our business is totally profit-driven. We have had to think really hard about our costs of production, and
re-adjust accordingly, particularly when milk prices reflect global marketplace trends and slumps,” Roger
explains.
“However, we never lose sight of grass, and having the knowledge of how to use supplements makes the
difference – we don’t believe that relying 100 per cent on grass for production is the way to go. We have
used Megalac rumen-protected fat for three seasons and can see the cost benefits through the extra
energy supply and the maintenance of condition through the milking season.
“With fertility, we’ve seen an improvement in conception rate from 62 per cent to approximately 75
per cent, whilst empty rate has reduced from 15 per cent to 9 per cent. The herd has a 12-week
mating period and calves over a strict 84 days.”
The over-riding benefit, Roger adds, is the lower empty cow rate allowing fewer culls, as well
as retaining a tight calving pattern and greater focus on animal productivity for selection
and replacement.
Author: Neil Birkett
VolacA

22
Authors: David Johnston, principal scientist within the Sustainable Dairy Systems research programme at Agri-Food and
Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough
Conrad Ferris, postgraduate student at Queen’s University Belfast. Recently joined the United Feeds Ruminant teamA
AFBI research demonstrates the
potential of field beans in dairy
cow diets
As the UK livestock sector has expanded and intensified, the demand for
concentrate feeds has increased. This increase in concentrate use has led to
increased demand for quality ‘protein’ ingredients such as soya bean meal
However, many protein ingredients are imported from
countries outside the European Union (EU), and this has
left the dairy sectorvulnerable to instability of supply, price
volatility, and the limited availability of non-genetically
modified protein sources. For these reasons, there is increasing
interest in the use of locally-grown protein crops.
Field bean (Vicia faba) is a grain legume of particular interest
with yields of 5.5-8.5 tonnes (t) per hectare (ha) reported in
Ireland. While the crude protein content of field beans is lower
(30 per cent dry matter [DM] basis) than that of soya-bean
meal (55 per cent DM basis), field beans have a much higher
starch content (40 per cent DM basis). However, there is
limited information on the effect of level of inclusion of field
beans in dairy cow diets on animal performance. In addition,
the use of field beans in dairy cow rations is often restricted
due to concerns about ‘anti-nutritional factors’ which can
reduce performance. This study, which was co-funded by
AgriSearch and the Department of Agriculture, Environment
and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, examined the
impact of four different field bean levels in the diet on cow
performance.
THE STUDY
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) study involved
Intake of field beans (kg/day)
0 1.6 3.2 4.8
Silage DM intake (kg/day) 12.8 12.9 13.1 12.7
Total DM intake (kg/day) 21.7 21.9 21.8 21.5
Milk yield (kg/day) 28.0 29.0 27.4 28.0
Milk fat (%) 4.35 4.46 4.51 4.45
Milk protein (%) 3.49 3.52 3.49 3.41
Milk fat + protein yield (kg/day) 2.05 2.23 2.16 2.16
Average body condition score 2.44 2.44 2.43 2.43
Methane production (g/day) 516 492 476 501
Table 1. Effects of intake of field beans in dairy cow concentrates on average cow performance.
Field beans growing on a farm in the UK
(left) and beans ready for harvest (right).

23
60 mid-lactation dairy cows, with all cows offered grass
silage as the basal diet. Cows were also offered one of four
concentrates (10kg per day) through an out-of-parlour feeder.
The concentrates contained either 0 per cent, 16 per cent,
32 per cent or 48 per cent field beans (representing intakes
of beans of 0, 1.6, 3.2 or 4.8kg per cow each day). In the
diet containing 48 per cent field beans, the beans replaced
approximately 75 per cent of the soya bean meal and 50 per
cent of the rape seed meal. All four concentrates had the
same crude protein and starch content (19.3 per cent and
29.5 per cent on a fresh basis, respectively), and a similar
metabolisable energy content. The beans used in the study
(variety Fuego) were sourced from a local farm, and had been
dried to 16 per cent moisture content, before being milled and
incorporated into the concentrates.
OUTCOMES
The effects of including field beans in dairy cow diets is
presented in Table 1. The results clearly demonstrate that
dairy cows were able to consume up to 4.8kg of beans per day
with no negative effect on any measure of cow performance.
In addition, offering field beans did not affect methane
production. Therefore, field beans can be included in dairy cow
diets at higher levels than previously recommended without
having any detrimental effects.
The cost of beans to purchase varies considerably from year to
year, and to some extent mirrors the change in costs of other
protein ingredients. However, assuming costs for soya bean
meal and field beans of approximately Stg£300/t and £150/t,
respectively, margin-over-feed-costs (per cow per day) would
increase from £4.90 with the 0 per cent field bean treatment,
to £5.20 with the 48 per cent field bean treatment. This
represents a potential improvement in margin-over-feed-
costs of £5,400 for a 100-cow herd over a typical 180-day
winter feeding period.
This work is continuing and is examining the effects of higher
field bean inclusion levels on cow performance and fertility, as
well as the effects of post-harvest treatment of beans (moist
preservation using propionic acid, and degree of processing of
dried beans) on cow performance.

24
Table 1: Growth habit and control options for some of the most common weeds found in grassland swards
Weed Growth habit Control measures
Docks Seeds germinate rapidly after soil disturbance.
Plants persist and develop
through deep tap roots resulting in dense
populations.
Mature plants can produce up to 60,000 seeds/year
which can survive several years in the soil.
Cutting alone will not control docks since new shoots
regenerate from the taproot.
Spraying with a herbicide can be effective if docks
are at a seedling growth stage.
Spraying established docks rarely results in a total
kill even from expensive herbicides.
Usually a follow up spray is required. Optimum time
to spray docks is in late spring during rapid growth
period before flowering.
Thistles Plants germinate from seed.
Perennial creeping thistle can be spread by
underground roots which can survive in a dormant
state for some years before pushing up shoots into
poor growing open swards.
Cutting thistles does not kill the plant but can
weaken it.
Spraying with a suitable herbicide is effective in
controlling thistles especially when they are in the
vegetative growth stage.
Stock must be kept out of sprayed fields since
senescing material may be eaten causing digestive
upsets.
Chickweed Chickweed is an annual plant and infestations arise
from seed previously shed and present in the soil.
It has a rapid rate of growth and becomes very
competitive shading out sown species.
Since it is an annual plant it can be grazed out with
cattle or sheep at a high stocking rate.
Herbicides may need to be used to control high
infestations of the weed in silage swards especially in
first cuts.
Ragwort Ragwort is a biennial plant which develops prostrate
leaves in it’s first year and then flowers and grows to
maturity in it’s second.
Plants can germinate from seeds which are wind
borne.
Control by cutting is not satisfactory as it can keep
the plant vegetative and encourage it to become
perennial.
While sheep will graze ragwort the toxin will also
affect them and hence they should not be used to
graze out infections.
Spraying can be highly effective in controlling
infestations especially in late spring when plants are
still at the rosette stage.
Stock should not be put into a sprayed field until
at least 4 - 6 weeks after spraying to allow the
poisonous decaying material to die.
Rushes Soft Rush is perennial and establishes from seed in
poached or open swards.
Common weed in acidic, wet ground low in fertility.
Repeated cutting may give some control.
Applying lime and improving nutrient status of the
soil will reduce competitiveness of this weed.
Spraying can be effective especially if cutting can be
carried out 4 weeks after spraying or alternatively if
the rushes are very mature and brown cutting first
and spraying when the regrowth reaches 12 inches
will improve control.
Author: Martin Reel
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Northern Ireland)A
Weed control on the dairy farm
Grassland weeds, particularly when they reach density levels of 10-20 per
cent in swards, will have a significant effect on sward production
Forexample, heavy infestations of chickweed have been found
to reduce silage yields by up to 65 percent and there is also a
direct correlation between dockand spearthistle ground cover
and grass yield – every one percent increase in ground cover
results in a one percent decrease in grass growth.
In addition, although some weeds have a small amount of
nutritional value, digestibility is much lowerthan perennial
ryegrass and the structure of the weed can discourage stock
from grazing surrounding grass. To effectively control grassland
weeds, it is first important to understand what species are
present and theirindividual growth habit.
GRASSLAND WEED SPECIES
There are a variety ofweed species that can appearin

25
grassland. Some of the most commonly found species and their
growth habit are listed in Table 1.
ANNUALS
When establishing new leys, annual weeds are the most
common problem and a wide range of species can appear.
However, most of these fade away once the sward has been
cut and the density of the sward starts to increase. Common
chickweed is an exception to this rule and can appearin
established grasslands where there are bare patches of soil.
BIENNIAL WEEDS
Biennial weeds, such as ragwort and spearthistle, could have
a significant impact on grass productivity, particularly in
rotational leys. The plants germinate and produce vegetative
growth in the first season and the flowerand die in the second.
PERENNIAL WEEDS
Many perennial weeds exist in grassland and can have long-
term implications forsward productivity. Perennials, such as
creeping thistle, buttercups and docks, can appearin a variety
ofways in the sward. They may survive as rhizomes orroots in
the soil during reseeding and, consequently, appearin the new
ley. Disturbing the seed bankat reseeding can also encourage
newweeds to generate.
Probably the most common way ofweeds entering a sward is
through exploiting gaps in the sward (eg. areas of poorgrowth
orbare soil) and germinating.
Docks produce a large numberofwind-transmitted seeds,
which can generate at any stage throughout the growing
season. In addition, the plant has a large tap root and rapid
growth response to nutrient inputs, an ability to grow in low-
light conditions and a resilience to trampling from animals, all
fuelling its competitiveness in grassland swards.
The seed is incredibly resilient (lasting over25 years) and can
be passed through the gut of the animal, stored in slurries and
reapplied to land where it can germinate. As a result, docks can
rarely be removed by one treatment. Setting out a plan forthe
season to managing yourweed control is advisable.
CONTROLLING WEEDS
Spraying with a selective herbicide is the most effective
method of controlling weeds. This should happen when weeds
have a large proportion of leaf and are actively growing. Once
weeds develop flower heads spraying is less effective and it is
advisable to top them first and then spray the leafy regrowth.
Chemical control is expensive, so it is important to select
the correct herbicide and follow the manufacturer’s
recommendations when applying the spray.
Good grassland management and a knowledge of the
growth habit of individual weeds (Table 1) can go a long way
to reducing the weed burden. Management practices that
encourage a dense competitive grass sward will reduce the
risk ofweed infestation, as for many seeds, the absence of
light via a densely packed grass sward will stop them from
germinating.
Practices such as maintaining soil fertility, grazing, topping,
mowing and drainage will all help reduce weed burden and are
particularly effective in situations where herbicides will not
work, for example, with unproductive perennial grasses such
as couch or creeping soft-grass.
SUMMARY
Weed control is an essential requirement for good grassland
management. Select an appropriate herbicide for the weed
problem and spray at the correct stage of growth under
suitable weather conditions following the manufacturer’s
recommendations.

26
The importance of liming
There is nothing new about the importance of lime for soil health and
fertility. The thousands of redundant lime kilns dotted across the Irish rural
landscape bear testimony to the fact that the benefits of lime application
have been recognised by previous generations of Irish farmers
However, it is also a fact that a majority of Irish soils are
now lime deficient, resulting in sub-optimal productivity. A
paper delivered by David Wall and Ger Courtney of Teagasc
at last December's Teagasc Dairy Conference outlined the
payback for keeping lime levels maintained on grassland
farms. The key summary points in the paper included the
fact that lime is key for maintaining good soil pH and fertility
and achieving high rates of grass growth and production
targets on Irish dairy farms. Soil testing and planning of lime
applications are essential for effective maintenance of soil pH
levels on grassland farms. There is a large pay back for lime
applications on grassland farms, as €100 investment in lime
delivers €600 in extra grass.
OPTIMISING GRASS PRODUCTION
Key messages contained in this Teagasc paper on lime should
be emphasised. “Soil fertility is a key component in growing
sufficient grass to feed the herd on an annual basis. Irish
soils are acidic by nature due to our high annual rainfall. Soil
acidity (low pH) reduces the availability of major soil nutrients
such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Soil
acidity will reduce the uptake and plant efficiency of applied
nutrients in fertilisers and organic manures. Soil test results
show that 90 per cent of grassland soils have a poor balance
in terms of pH, P and K to maximise grass production.”
A NATIONAL LIME DEFICIT
Wall and Courtney showed that, nationally, more than 65 per
cent of grassland soils require lime to neutralise soil acidity
(ie. soils with low pH levels): “However, in some counties, in
excess of 80 per cent of soils require lime. Grassland farmers
should aim to maintain mineral soils between pH 6.3 to
6.5 and peaty soils between pH 5.5 to 5.8. This is the first
step towards increasing soil fertility and improved grass
production to meet the feed demands of the livestock over
the growing season.”
THE EFFECT OF LIME ON THE SOIL
Lime is a soil conditioner and reduces soil acidity by
neutralising the acids present, allowing the micro-organisms
and earthworms to thrive and break down plant residues,
animal manures and organic matter. As the Teagasc paper
points out: “This helps to release stored soil nutrients such
as N, P, K, sulphur and micro-nutrients for plant uptake. For
example, grassland soils receiving regular lime applications
have been shown to release up to 80kg per hectare (ha)
additional N compared to soils with low soil pH. Important
grassland plant species such as ryegrass and cloverwill
persist for longer following reseeding where soil pH has been
maintained close to the target levels through regular lime
applications.”
Recent Teagasc research at Johnstown demonstrates the
importance of lime in relation to soil P availability and the
improved efficiency from applied P fertiliser. Soil pH correction
is the first step to considerwhen building-up soil P levels for
high grass production systems. An application of 5 tonne (t)/
ha ground limestone can produce approximately 1 t DM/ha
additional grass and have similar grass yields compared to
the application of 40 kg/ha P fertiliser alone. However, the
addition of lime and P fertiliser in combination is shown in
Teagasc trials to produce the largest grass yield response (1.5
t/ha more grass than the control). These results show how
effective lime is for increasing the availability of both stored
soil P (from previous fertiliser and manure applications) and
freshly applied fertiliser P.
FINANCIAL RETURNS
The benefits of applying lime and P, as distinct from applying
only lime or only P were highlighted by Wall and Courtney in
their paper. In addition the paper clearly showed the return
on investment in lime: “As with any business, achieving a
positive return on investment is critical when using any input.
When the pH of grassland soils is maintained close to the
optimum range, increasing grass yield by at least 1.0t DM/
ha/year is achievable. In addition to P and K release from the
soil, N supply worth up to €80 euro may also be achieved to
boost spring growth. If this extra grass production is utilised
by the grazing livestock, it has the potential to reduce farm
feed bills by around €150/ha/year. Over a five-year liming
period, this represents a 6:1 (grass €150/t: lime €25/t) return
on investment in lime, not including the potential for reducing
fertiliser costs into the future.”
CORRECT APPLICATION CRITICAL
The Teagasc paperalso provided advice on the best lime
spreading strategies: “The target soil pH forgrassland on
Author: Matt O’Keeffe
Editor, Irish Farmers Monthly, and dairy farmerA

mineral soils is 6.3 and on organic (peat) soils is 5.5. On
grassland soils with high molybdenum (Mo) levels, increasing
soil pH above 6.2 can lead to increased Mo levels in the
herbage. High intakes of Mo in ruminant animals can lead
to an increased risk of copper deficiency. It is therefore
recommended to maintain soil pH at 6.2 on these soils or
consider supplementing animals with copper. Apply lime
based on the soil test report. Where lime recommendations
exceed 7.5 t/ha, it is best to split the application rate and
apply up to 7.5 t/ha initially and the remainder in year
three. Lime can be applied at any time of the year, however,
mid-summer and autumn are ideal as soils are still firm
and there are increased spreading opportunities following
silage harvesting and grazing. Ground limestone is the
most cost effective source of lime. It will start to work once
it is applied and washed into the soil. Use magnesium (Mg)
limestone where soil Mg levels are low to replenish it in the
soil. Granulated limes are a finely ground limestone (<0.1mm)
hastening the reaction with soil acidity to increase soil pH in
the shorter term. Recent research shows that these products
are more suitable for maintaining soil pH (i.e. where the initial
soil pH is close to the target ie. ≥ 6). Maintaining soil pH will
result in increased release of soil N from organic matter up to
a value of €80/ha peryear.”
LITTLE AND OFTEN ON HEAVY SOILS
The advice on some heavier and organic soils is that it is best
to apply a reduced rate of lime on a more regular basis to
control soil acidity rather than as one large application as this
avoids 'softening' the soil. It is also recommended to leave at
least three months between liming and the application of urea
or slurry to reduce the risk of N loss through volatilisation. To
overcome this, apply urea/slurry first and apply lime 10 days
later.
27

28
Rise of the machines
Machinery correspondent, Noel Dunne, reports on what’s hot in the
machinery world
Massey Ferguson sets new high-density benchmark
Massey Ferguson’s state-of-the-art, MF2370 Ultra High
Density (HD) baler made its debut at Agritechnica in Hanover
at the end of 2017, marking the introduction of the highest
performing, large square baler ever built at the world-
renowned Hesston factory, the company says. It makes the
highest density bales, which weigh 20 per cent more than
those produced by the current MF2270 XD.
Developed specifically for discerning professional contractors
and large-scale arable operators, supplying bio-energy
operations and other industries, the MF2370 Ultra HD helps
to maximise truck payloads and improve efficiency for those
supplying these expanding markets.
“Existing baler design had reached peakweight and density,”
explains Mark Grigson, product marketing manager,
Harvesting, “So, to move baling forward and achieve
maximum, ultra-density the Hesston team has totally re-
engineered the large square baler from the ground up.
“While the renowned and popular Massey Ferguson MF2270
and MF2270 XD models will continue to be available, the MF
2370 Ultra HD delivers a significant boost in density, capacity
and performance. Its denser, heavier 120cm x 90cm bales
further reduce in-field handling and cut transport costs, while
optimising haulage and storage capacity,” adds Mr Grigson.
Constructed on a completely new main frame, the baler has
an exclusive driveline and gearbox, specifically developed to
withstand the enormous forces required to make Ultra HD
bales, with a faster plunger speed and immensely strong bale
forming area.
The baler’s new Ultra™ Knotters follow the same legendarily
reliable Hesston design, now optimised to efficiently handle
thicker, stronger twine, developed exclusively to tie the Ultra
high density bales.
A STRENGTHENED HARVESTING RANGE
Massey Ferguson’s enhanced range of harvesters was also
unveiled at Agritechnica, including two newvertically folding
disc mowers in the MFDM TL-V Series; and a flagship 14m,
four-rotor rake – the MFRK 1404 TRC-PRO. This rake is
engineered to deliver optimum performance, making well-
formed swaths ahead of high output forage harvesters and
large square balers.
MF 2370 Ultra High Density baler.
Forage&Nutrition Guide 2018 MACHINERY
One SIP and you’re hooked
Slovenian company, SIP, has unveiled a range of new mowers,
tedders and rakes for 2018 with a two-year manufacturer’s
warranty, according to Farmec, its Irish distributor.
SIP’s Spider 1500|14 T rotary tedder has 14 rotors and a
working width of 14.8m. “The result is a top-of-the-range
robust tedder,” said a Farmec spokesperson.
The Star 1250-50T four-rotor rake represents an additional
unit SIP’s high-capacity harvesting solutions for farmers
(with large acreage) and contractors. The hydro-pneumatic
suspension of rotors set on the triple SIP-patented walking
tandem axles provides perfect contour following, even at
high speeds, the spokesperson added. The continuously,
hydraulically-adjustable working width between 9.9-12.5 m,

29
McHale: good things come in threes
With three product offerings available in the McHale Pro Glide
range of mowers – the McHale Pro Glide F3100 front mower,
the R3100 rear mower and the B9000 combination mower –
your forage will be a cut above the rest, the company says.
All mowers are fitted with 3m cutter bars with tine
conditioners and benefit from a number of novel features
which result in better ground-following ability and quicker
reaction times to changes in ground conditions, McHale says.
To achieve the maximum performance and results from a
front, rear or combination mower, the cutter bar and mower
suspension work together to deliver uncontaminated forage.
As a result, McHale has developed unique patented ground
adaption technology which delivers three dimensional
ground contour tracking for its Pro Glide range of rear and
combination mowers, which allows an arc of movement from
left to right and forward and back movement adjusting to
changes in the contours of the ground.
“To maximise the feed value of forage it is important that
grass crops are cut when the sugar content is highest, and
that the mower leaves clean crop stubble and produces
quality forage free from impurities,” said James Heanue, Irish
sales manager for McHale.
MOWER INFO
McHale’s design team have designed the frame on the front
mower to place the centre of gravity as close as possible to the
tractor, which results in unrivalled responsiveness to changes
in ground conditions, McHale says.
At standard settings, the cutter bar has a 500mm adaptive
range, which allows the mower to automatically adjust to
ground contours.
Left/right pivot range of 17 degrees allows the cutter bar
to follow right to left or left to right changes in ground
conditions without overloading the cutter bar.
The R3100 and B9000 mowers come with unique patented
ground-following technology, break-back protection,
hydraulic ground pressure control and heavy duty bed design,
according to the company. The patented ground-adaption
technology allows the bed to move back and up if the bed
encounters small obstacles. This saves time and maximises
throughput as it means the obstacle does not trigger the main
break-back protection. On the McHale Pro Glide range of rear
and combination mowers the gearbox powering the cutter
bar is located behind the first mower disc, which allows the
operator to mow into corners and over rough terrain with no
problems occurring. The 3m Pro Glide cutter bar is powered
by a heavy-duty right-angle gearbox which is positioned
behind the inner top hat.
“The Pro Glide cutter bar has been designed so the rounded
low profile front edge lets the fully welded cutter bar glide
smoothly over the ground. Large heavy duty spur gears take
the PTO power and transfer it to the discs. Each individual
disc is driven by a smaller spur gear,” said the spokesperson.
Three product offerings are available in the
McHale Pro Glide range of mowers.
MACHINERY Forage&Nutrition Guide 2018
and the adjustable cam-track, provides for optimal swaths
formation.
The Silvercut Disc Model 1500 T disc mower claims to
be the world’s widest mower. The high-capacity mowing
combination, with up to 22.5h/ha capacity, represents SIP’s
response to increased customer requirements, said the
spokesperson.
“With a cutting width of 14.55m and a transport width of
2.99m, the five separate cutting units equipped with hydro-
pneumatic suspension provide perfect contour following
even at high speeds. The mower combination attached to
the existing tractor reduces the investment and production
costs in comparison to the self-propelled solutions,” the
spokesperson added. The full range of SIP mowers includes
tractor-mounted, front-mounted, trailed and combination
models with cutting widths from 2.16m up to 14.55m.

30
Trelleborg showcases new innovations at LAMMA
LAMMA 2018 was the platform for showcasing some of
Trelleborg’s new innovations to help farmers produce more
with less.
Taking centre stage was Trelleborg’s Variable Inflation
Pressure (VIP) system, which won a gold medal at the 2017
SIMA innovation awards. The VIP system is a smart solution,
which self-adjusts the tyre pressure of a combine harvester
during use. Responding to the precise load, it optimises tyre
footprint, thereby reducing soil compaction.
Making its debut in the UK, the ConnecTire from Trelleborg
is a brand new sensor-based smart wheel which, the
company says, increases efficiency and productivity by
reducing the risk of tyre slippage on the rim. ConnecTire
constantly monitors two key variables – tyre pressure and
temperature – which it relays to both tractor and farm
mainframes via Bluetooth and wireless connectivity.
Operators set their target tyre pressure and can then
monitor how tyre pressure deviates from that target and
act accordingly. Should corrective action be required,
ConnecTire automatically sends an alert via its app,
ensuring minimum disruption and maximum machine
safety.
“LAMMA is a great platform for Trelleborg to showcase
our new technology and services. We have a real passion
for agriculture and aim to make life as easy as possible on
the farm, constantly looking at innovative ways to assist
in farming efficiency and creating a sustainable future.
With new technology and the increased digitalisation of
agriculture, our new innovations add a further dimension
to complete farm management,” said Bruce Lauder, senior
sales and marketing manager, Trelleborg.
ProgressiveTraction technology, winner of the LAMMA
Environmental Innovation Award 2015, was also showcased.
Designed with the latest generation of tractors in mind it
can be used for tractors over 350 horsepower and on those
with narrower rims, improving tractor efficiency, according
to the company. In addition, the tyre is able to work at a
higher torque and provides a wider footprint, increasing
traction. It also delivers a load capacity of up to 40 per cent
more than any other premium product in the market.
Forage&Nutrition Guide 2018 MACHINERY

31
Innovation propelling Keenan forward
A burst of developmental work has been ongoing at the
Keenan production facility in Borris, Co. Carlow, since joining
the Alltech family in 2016. A renewed energy has been
invested into design, innovation and technology, the company
says, to ensure that its offering ‘exceeds the demands
of tomorrow’s agricultural requirements and to meet
customer demand’. One such demand was the production
of a self-propelled MechFiber mixerwagon. In response, the
company says it has invested significantly in one of the most
exciting and innovative machines that has been launched
to date, the Keenan MechFiber345SP self-propelled feeder.
Keenan focused on researching the loading and chopping
mechanisms available on the market to ensure the best fit.
Of highest importance was identifying a solution consistent
with the core Keenan ethos of retaining forage structure. With
Italian firm, Storti, Keenan identified a partner that can deliver
this much-sought-after, self-loading technology. With class-
leading cutter head technology, the Keenan MechFiber345SP
feeder has been engineered to deliver rapid loading of a vast
array of products, leaving a clean, uniform face for optimum
pit-face management. The tungsten-coated blades feature a
unique crossed arrangement, performing clean cuts without
damaging the structure of the fibre, even with very compact
silages. Extensive testing at the French National Institute
for Agricultural Research (INRA) in 2012 demonstrated the
ability of the Storti-designed cutter head and loading arm to
outperform the competition in areas such as fibre destruction,
loading speed and fuel usage. With farmers spending long
working days in the cab, the Keenan MechFiber345SP has
been designed to offer the ultimate in operator comfort and
control. Visibility is maximised with twin video cameras and
in-cab display monitor, while the slim line steering column
further optimises the exposure and driverview. Other in-cab
features include climate control, pneumatic seat and a 4.5-
inch digital display, where drivers can easily monitor machine
performance. For the 2018 season, the MechFiber345SP is
available with 16m3 capacity and a road speed of 25km/h.
Complementing the mechanical performance of the Keenan
self-propelled mixerwagon is the InTouch controller that
comes fitted as standard. InTouch is a live review and support
service with skilled nutritionists using unique technology to
ensure your animals get exactly what they need every day.
Double-row planting with Poettinger’s Aerosem
High-cost effectiveness, versatility and convenience – these
are cited as the key advantages of the new duplex seed
drilling process, available on Poettinger Aerosem PCS seed
drill models. With duplex seed, silage and corn maize is
planted in double rows. In addition to increasing yield, it
also increases output during drilling thanks to the higher
driving speed.
“Duplex seed is a real economical alternative to
conventional precision seed drilling. The maize can be
planted flexibly with a companion crop or with direct
fertilisation. The double row is also suitable for corn maize
harvesting,” a Poettinger spokesperson said.
“Aerosem PCS offers the highest level of convenience
with one seed drill for cereals and maize thanks to its
ability to change quickly between seed types. Further key
advantages include direct control of the seed flow as well as
monitoring of each maize row. Aerosem PCS was tested and
its efficiency was confirmed: the increase in yield recorded
with silage maize and corn maize was up to 5.5 per cent. In
2016, large scale tests were performed in Hungary, Austria,
Germany, and France. The results provided unequivocal
proof: with duplex seed, a significant increase in yield was
achieved at all locations. In addition, it delivers an increase
in performance thanks to the higher driving speed with
an increased hectare output. Double-row drilling with the
Aerosem also provides better erosion protection because it
does not leave behind additional wheel marks.”
The Aerosem ADD with duplex seed features double rows
of offset plants with a spacing of 12.5cm. The row spacing
between each set of double rows is 75cm (pictured).
The spokesperson contnued: “Planting maize in a double
row creates the perfect distribution density conditions:
more light, more water and more nutrients. Moreover, the
whole maize crop can absorb more sunlight because the
plants do not shade each other as much as in a conventional
formation. Increased photosynthesis is the result. Thanks
to the wider spacing, the maturing phase is optimised with
potential for less dampness – especially with corn maize.
“Compared to single rows, there is also less erosion risk
thanks to improved plant distribution density. Ground
shade is also improved with double rows, reducing water
losses, suppressing late weeds and promoting rapid row
integration.”
Double rows can be harvested in exactly the same way as
single rows using standard maize headers.
MACHINERY Forage&Nutrition Guide 2018

ForageandNutrition Guide 2018
32
Creating the best silage bale
Good bales increase the bottom line foryour business – whetheryou are a
farmer or a contractor – and the best quality silage starts with the best bale
The process begins by using a net that is strong enough to
hold the densest bale. But, more importantly, the net must
cover the bale entirely, for a number of very good reasons.
A round bale has only two uses: dry bedding or high-value
cattle food, nothing more! It is obvious that dry straw is
essential for good quality bedding, so full bale coverage and
strength are essential for this. Silage bales need even more
care and consideration.
Better quality silage comes from eliminating the air in the
bale before wrapping, and then keeping it that way. Dense,
often chopped, forage produces the best environment for
good fermentation, but chopped bales need a strong net to
maintain the bale’s integrity, as a shorter crop makes a less
stable bale during binding.
GOOD TECHNIQUE
Making a bale without ‘shoulders’ is critical in continuing
the process of good silage making. If the net does not cover
the bale edges, you are very quickly on the road to wasting
valuable forage. If the bale does not have well shaped,
almost ‘square’ edges, the film covering the bale will
immediately trap air within this exposed bale edge. This is
the first step to forage loss. Next, there is a high possibility
that any stalks within the exposed bale edges will puncture
the film, allowing more air inside, adding to the already
trapped air in the ‘shoulder’. Fermentation is compromised,
moulds begin to form, and forage quality declines, reducing
the feed value of the bale, so affecting milk yield per tonne
of crop fed.
The problem can get worse, as exposed bale edges don’t
provide uniform profile as the film is pulled around the bale
edge, during wrapping.
This creates an un-even bale profile that doesn’t allow the
film layers to stick flat to each other, leaving small ‘pockets’
in the undulations on the wrapped bale edges. Over time,
these ‘pockets’ will collect water, which will seep between
film layers, separating them and allowing air to penetrate
into the bale, so further reducing the forage quality. All
of the major baler original equipment manufacturers
(OEM) understand the importance of a well-covered
bale, to increase forage quality during wrapping and crop
preservation.
Author: Author: Graham Robson
European technical manage, TamaA

33
Expanding the family business
A lot has changed on the Halpin farm in Co. Limerick over the last 20 years.
As well as significantly expanding their dairy enterprise, they have ventured
into the contracting world also
Pat Halpin, and his wife Carmel, farm in the Golden Vale
at Lackelly near Knocklong in Co. Limerick. They have a
spring calving herd of 350 Holstein Friesian cows and supply
Dairygold Co-op. Cows are milked in a 32-unit herringbone
parlour. When he started in milk production 20 years ago,
Pat had 36 cows. Pat makes 150 acres of pit silage and
2,500 bales each year to feed his own livestock.
Silage quality is very important to the Halpins, so it is
not surprising that Pat has his own forage machinery, or
that in 2009, he expanded the family business into silage
contracting for local dairy and livestock farmers. Pat now
employs seven full-time workers and has an impressive
range of machinery. He provides a full service that includes
mowing, tedding, baling, harvesting, moving silage and
stacking bales.
MACHINERY FAMILY
The Halpin’s machinery includes a self-propelled Claas
harvester, eight Claas tractors plus a New Holland and a
Massey Ferguson. The forage machinery includes four Claas
mowers (two front and rear combinations), a Lely tedder,
two McHale Fusion 3 balewrappers (purchased last year), a
Keltec 10-pack bale handler and two silage trailers.
Pat believes in giving a good service and expects his
customers to pay promptly, which they do. He is very
thankful to local farmers who have supported him and are
helping him to develop a successful contracting business.
Last year, he made 17,000 bales of silage and all but 700
bales were wrapped with Baletite, even though it costs an
extra euro per bale over netwrap.
BALETITE
Baletite is an innovative five-layer, pre-orientated
film that replaces traditional netwrap in round silage
bales. Specifically created for the next generation of
baling machines that can apply film instead of net, such
as the McHale Fusion 3 Plus, Baletite has been designed to
enhance the ensiling process and protect the bale contents.
Being a film, Baletite provides an additional air barrier
while helping to retain a better bale shape by exerting a
tighter grip around the bale circumference. Plus, it reduces
wastage of valuable silage wrap because no baled fodder
can become enmeshed in it.
Its production from the same base material as Silotite
balewrap means users don’t have to separate the Baletite
from balewrap after use. Instead, both Baletite and the
accompanying balewrap can be recycled together, thereby
saving valuable time and labour costs.
As a farmer himself, Pat knows how important silage quality
is for milk production and live weight gain. Pat says Baletite
is more user-friendly than other similar products, bales hold
their shape better, are easier to move and far less likely to
rip during handling.
Silage quality is definitely better, says Pat, especially for
higher dry matter (DM) grass.
“Silage is sweeter and there is no mould. Customers
appreciate this and had no problem switching to this new
Film & Film (F&F) system.”
RESULTS
Excellent trial results have been obtained in Britain by
Dr Dave Davies of Silage Solutions Ltd, who acts as an
independent consultant to the Silage Advisory Centres.
Dr Davies is a well-known forage expert and a former
senior research scientist at the Institute of Grassland &
Environmental Research (IGER) at Aberystwyth in Wales.
Indeed, an independent trial he conducted on a commercial
farm in England demonstrated that F&F-wrapped bales had:
»» 7.5 per cent less DM losses compared to netwrap bales
due to an enhanced fermentation process;
»» 80 per cent less DM losses compared to netwrap bales
due to mould formation on the bale; and
»» 52 per cent reduction in DM losses compared to netwrap
bales.
The reduced losses that resulted through the use of the F&F
wrapping system means that the farmer had more forage
to feed to his herd. Balewrapping, like other technologies, is
evolving. As netwrap was a step-change in wrapping practices
30 years ago, binding films like Baletite are paving the way
to a new era of added value and cost benefits. A short video
featuring the F&Fwrapping system is available to view online
at https://youtu.be/KcZ2Xl6tNm8
Over the last seven years, the use of a wide polythene film
to bind bales before wrapping, has grown significantly. This
concept has really taken off over the last two years.
RPC bpi Agriculture Ireland manufactures Baletite.
Author: Sean O’Connor
General manager, RPC bpi Agriculture IrelandA

34
Author: Martin Ryan BAgrSc, MSc
Technical support manager, Gain FeedsA
Efficient, sustainable beef
production
Ireland is a major producer and exporter of beefwith approximately 900 per
cent self-sufficiency. It is inevitable that a large proportion of all cattle will be
exported either live or as carcase beef
The expansion of dairying will put downward pressure on
suckler cow numbers but total cow numbers may continue
to grow for the next 5-10 years (depending on dairy
returns). There are a number of beef production systems in
place with little focus on unit cost of production. Without
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) supports, the majority of
farmers would have negative returns but, equally, the most
efficient operators are generating positive margins.
FUTURE CHALLENGES
The primary challenges ahead are:
»» Efficiency (unit cost of production); and
»» Sustainability (reducing the environmental impact of the
production system).
It is important to appreciate that the Brexit challenge still
exists also but it is looking increasingly more likely that our
trading arrangements with Britain will be equal or similar to
the status quo (tariff free).
EFFICIENCY
There are currently major gaps in the production
efficiency of cattle on different systems and standards of
management. It is not untypical to find winter finishers
with feed costs per kilogram (kg) of live weight gain in the
range of €2-€2.40, whereas the best operators have a
comparative cost of €1.40/kg of live weight gain. The main
drivers are:
»» Forage quality (grass and silage);
»» Age, weight and quality of cattle;
»» Poorly balanced diets; and
»» Poor husbandry and resource management.
Efficiency can only be measured in terms of cost/kg of live
weight gain or carcase gain rather than cost/head/day or cost
per tonne of feed. Cattle will be sold in kg of live weight or of
carcase beef.
SUSTAINABILITY
As pressure mounts on Ireland to reduce our greenhouse
gas (GHG) impact from agriculture, there are a number of
aspects of the beef industry that will need attention. These
include:
»» Reducing the age at slaughter, currently running at
28-30 months. The average age of dairy cross beef
cattle was 29 months in 2016, which means there is a
substantial proportion over 30 months;
»» Poor lifetime performance is partly responsible as well
as trying to accumulate low-cost live weight gain from
grass;
»» Due to the lack of intensity, a very high proportion of
overall intake is utilised for maintenance rather than live
weight gain;
»» Two rather than three-year-old calving will be essential
in the suckler beef industry; and
»» A big reduction in the calving interval of the beef herd is
required.
KEY POINTS ON FINISHING
Regardless of the cattle type being finished, meeting
market requirements is critical to obtaining the best price
when slaughtering. Conformation and appropriate fat cover
Breed Live weight DLWG (cost/kg) Feed DMI kg/day
Typical finishing period
FCE Carcase kg
Continental female 480 - 590 1.56 (€1.49) 11.47 (71 days) 7.35 330
HEX & AAX female 480 - 590 1.25 (€1.74) 10.43 (88 days) 8.34 300
Continental female 550 - 700 1.52 (€1.61) 12.63 (99 days) 8.31 390
Friesian steer 550 - 700 1.30 (€1.83) 12.11 (115 days) 9.32 330
Friesian bull 500 - 650 1.46 (€1.64) 12.29 (103 days) 8.36 330
Continental bull U 550 - 700 1.92 (€1.29) 12.95 (78 days) 6.75 400
Some comparisons of efficiency with intensive finishing. Lower feed conversion efficiency (FCE) figures will also be reflected in lower GHG
emissions.

2018 Forage & Nutrition Guide

2018 Forage & Nutrition Guide

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2018 Forage & Nutrition Guide