Breeding has moved to genomics with 90% of semen in the tank coming from genomic bulls and now with more information available, Len has also turned his focus to
health traits. Current bulls in the tank include proven bulls Numero Uno and Mincio and genomic sires KH Cinderdoor, Walnutview Soloman, Stantons High Octane, Wiltor Dreamer and Lindenright Megawatt. The Wilsons are also members of Genus Cornerstone and Cogent Visions using these cheaper straws on repeat services. Heat Time collars have been used to aid heat detection for more than seven years. “Heat Time collars have worked well, they highlight some cows that are hard to notice. Effectively they are an extra pair of eyes, it is impossible for us to watch the cows 24 hours a day.”
The herd has been closed for five years now in a bid to prevent bringing disease on to the farm and also have a high health status for selling. New families have still been added through embryo purchases and include Saras, Maries, Polly, Kay and Flo. The Saras are from Willsbro, embryos out of
ABOVE LEFT For three years Len and Chris never missed a Border and Lakeland Club Sale.
ABOVE RIGHT Stowbeck cattle are regularly sold through Border and Lakeland’s Club Sales.
Denmire Gibson Marie 22 and Polly embryos from Holmland. Calves already on the ground include an Atwood Flo, a Balisto son and heifer out of Townhouse Storm Kay.
Previously purchases were made at the Black and White Sale of members from the Pamela, Lulu and Hope families.
Since becoming a closed herd the Wilsons also joined the SAC Johne’s Accredited Scheme three years ago and have had no clinical cases.
“My intention is to be able to market our herd as Johne’s free and although no cases have been diagnosed, there has been the occasional suspect case. We have been testing to isolate cows at calving and don’t feed their colostrum to minimise the risks of spreading the disease, suspect cows will then be culled in an aim to get the herd 100% free. Johne’s is a big issue in the na- tional dairy herd and something that needs to be addressed,” he stresses.
“As well as addressing Johne’s we have been vaccinating for BVD since the late 90s and also vaccinate against IBR and Lepto. Youngstock are Rispoval 4 vaccinated and Huscvac dosed before turnout for their first graz- ing season. Although this is a lot of expense I would rather prevent any loses.”
52 THE JOURNAL AUGUST 2015
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