Eight lessons from

HIGH BEEF OUTPUT

This refers to the kilos of beef produced per hectare. It is a combination of a high stocking rate and excellent performance of each animal on the farm.

As a target, more than 1,000kgs/ha should be produced, this can be achieved from a stocking rate of two livestock units per hectare and a performance of 500kgs per livestock unit.

In a calf to beef system these targets are very achievable and higher levels can be reached.

CALF REARING

Source a good quality calf. Buying an earlier born calf (before March 17) will help increase output as these calves are generally from the cows with better fertility and performance.

Also these early born calves will be weaned and at grass for a longer period in the first grazing season

Feed high levels of milk replacer, feeding up to 750gs per day increases growth rates to weaning.

Ensure good hygiene at feeding and in the calf pen.

Consistency is key in relation to feeding of the calf. Feed at the same time, rate and temperature each day to avoid stressing the young animal.

HEALTH PLAN

Having a health plan in place in conjunction with your vet is essential. With calves coming from numerous sources, having a vaccination programme in place is critical.

The top performers vaccinate for pneumonia and IBR, using the two shot Bovipast RSP programme for pneumonia and the Bovilis IBR marker Live intranasally for IBR.

Booster pneumonia and IBR are then given at the correct stages throughout the lifetime of the animal.

A strategic dosing regime needs to be planned to control, worms, fluke, lice etc. throughout the grazing season and during housing.

SOIL FERTILITY

In order to produce high output a lot of gain from grazed grass is required in the system. To ensure enough high quality grass is available, soil fertility needs to be at its optimum.

Ensure to correct the lime status of the soil firstly and then correct P and K levels to index 3.

Slurry and farmyard manure should be targeted at low index fields and the remainder corrected with compound fertilisers.