livestock ‘n’ animal health


Sheep producers warned over worm risk this autumn


Sheep producers are being cautioned to watch out for gut worms in lambs, after research identified that internal parasites are still a common cause of deaths in the autumn.


Data from the AHDB Beef & Lamb-funded fallen stock project, based on results of post- mortems carried out between April 2014 and June 2015, shows that gut worms were responsible for 12 per cent of all lamb deaths. There was a clear peak in deaths in November and December.


The high level of deaths associated with parasites may be the consequence of mild weather conditions, resulting in a high numbers of worms on pastures. Some lambs may not have acquired a high enough level of immunity to worms to withstand a parasite challenge, due to anthelmintic resistance or not being treated correctly. It is worth considering that the peak in lamb diagnoses in November and December could be due to more producers requesting a post-mortem, as gut worms were not suspected as a possible cause.


If losses due to worms this autumn or winter are suspected,


Two year first calving the route to higher beef profits


Richard Fuller


About four out of every five UK suckler producers could improve their profitability significantly by targeting a two year first calving age, according to Richard Fuller, Technical Director with the Stabiliser Cattle Company. Speaking at the Beef Improvement Group conference, he pointed out that around 80% of suckler herds record a first calving date for heifers of between two and a half and three years, at least six months longer than the optimum. “Age at first calving is a major contributor to profitability in a beef suckler herd and the fact that the vast majority are so far away from the optimum achievable is a massive cost to individual businesses and the beef industry as a whole,” he said.


“The aim should be to breed suckler cows that will produce eight live calves in a 10 year productive life and that means


starting with a target age of two years for the first calving. “This is achievable by concentrating on the important maternal traits when breeding replacement sucklers, including early onset of puberty, fertility and calving ease. “We calculate the extra calf output per year achievable from two year first calving to be over £80 per cow per year, at current values, when compared with the industry average.”


Mr Fuller included the financial impact of first calving age


alongside other key performance indicators in an overview of the potential improvements achievable with the Stabiliser breed. “We calculate a potential bottom line improvement of almost £400 per cow when comparing the performance of the Stabiliser with the AHDB top third beef suckler performance,” he said. “Reducing age at first calving is just part of this overall potential gain and should be an area of focus for all suckler herds with commercial breeding objectives.”


producers should discuss treatment options and look at identifying the worm species involved with their vet or adviser. They must also continue to monitor worm levels using Faecal Egg Counts (FECs) and use a drench check after treatments to make sure it has been effective.


Lesley Stubbings, of the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) industry group, said: “Given the mild conditions so far this autumn, it is vital that sheep producers


keep monitoring lambs with FECs and make sure they use an effective treatment when necessary.


“Even lambs that have been put on to forage crops or aftermaths can be at risk, because the worms have continued to reproduce and levels can rise very quickly. Don’t forget that it isn’t just about deaths. Uncontrolled worms will reduce growth rates if left untreated and that will increase costs.”


Livestock producers sought to join progressive groups


AHDB Beef & Lamb are looking for forward-thinking English producers to join their beef or sheep progressive groups.


The two groups, which will meet twice a year for a three-year period, aim to develop members’ technical and business skills by providing access to industry experts. Group members will take part in visits and discussions that will challenge their current thinking, encourage sharing of new ideas and motivate participants to improve the efficiency and profitability of their own businesses.


The group will look at various aspects of livestock production, including:


• Health and fertility • Nutrition and feed planning • Selection for slaughter and meat processing and marketing • Breeding • Profit generation, developing business and management skills


Patrick Green, a previous member of the sheep progressive group who runs a flock of 1,250 ewes in Northamptonshire, said: “The group is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people to talk about issues you have on your farm and ways you can correct them.


“If anyone is thinking about joining either of the progressive groups, I would encourage them to do it. You’ve got to put yourself out there in both awkward and enjoyable situations to benefit from the experience of so many other sheep farmers from across the country.”


Serving heifers to calve at two years of age has a significant effect on suckler herd profitability


Please mention farm ‘n’ equine when replying to advertisements


Anyone interested in joining the group will be expected to actively participate in Stocktake and have data for their enterprise collected each year. This will be used to track progress and will be discussed at group meetings. Similarly, members must have an active health plan and be willing to discuss this with the group. For more information email brp@ ahdb.org.uk or download an application form. The closing date for applications is 15 December 2015. Applicants will be reviewed for suitability and may be invited to join the group by February 2016.


Farming Page 53


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