Now is the time to prepare for early turnout to grass

FOR early grass, apply half a bag of Urea (46% N) per acre when soil temperatures rise to 5-6 degrees centigrade over a consistent period of a few days (normally mid-Feb to early March) and once weather conditions allow.

Alternatively, apply 2500 gallons slurry/acre. Urea is cheaper per kg of Nitrogen than CAN and should be used in spring wherever possible to reduce costs. The application of slurry or chemical N should be avoided within 48 hours of expected heavy rainfall to minimise losses and maximise benefits.

Given the current fodder situation, it is now time to start putting a plan in place to target potential early turnout to grass. Weather permitting lighter stock should be prioritised for turnout .Target grazing lighter covers on the farm at the start of rotation, building up to heavier covers as ground conditions allow which should improve grass utilisation. Aim to have silage fields grazed before closing them for first cut silage and avoid poaching fields if possible.

Beef - Yearlings/ Store – Depending on silage quality and availability, meal feeding requirements will differ, however where silage quality is poor feed at least 1.5- 2kg per head/day of a high energy, 16% CP ration to yearlings/stores. Feeding concentrates can be discontinued 4 weeks prior to turnout to maximise the benefit of compensatory growth in stock at grass. Maintain thrive in replacement weanling heifers - they should be getting preferential treatment of 2kgs 16% CP ration where silage quality is poor targeting an average daily gain of 0.6kg per head/day over the winter period.

Pre-calving checklist - Preparation is the key. Check the basic calving equipment e.g. calving gate, calving jack, two sets of clean soft nylon ropes, disinfectant, lubricant, two stomach tubes (one for sick calves and one for colostrum management), iodine, electrolytes, arm length gloves, standard rubber gloves and access to warm water etc.. Have calving boxes clean and disinfected prior to start of calving (1 calving box per 10 cows). Ensure to use plenty of straw in calving pens to keep young or new born calves warm. You should be able kneel down in an animals bed without your knees getting wet in an adequately bedded pen. If there are historical issues of Cryptosporidium scour on the farm, consult your vet to develop a strategy to tackle the problem. However thoroughly washing, disinfecting and drying out of each calving box after each calving will help prevent the build-up of harmful microorganisms. Spreading lime by hand after each individual use of the calving pens will also help neutralise any potential infection by raising the pH.

Antibodies cannot be transferred to the calf during pregnancy; therefore calves are born without any immunity. Suckler calves should be fed 2-3 litres of colostrum within two hours of birth to maximise absorption of antibodies and increase the immunity of the calf to help fight potential infectious bacteria and viruses. Ideally colostrum from the calves mother should be fed, however in cases where this is not possible, emergency supplies should be available. Surplus colostrum from older cows/ high yielding cows can be collected and used in an emergency situation. Surplus colostrum can be stored for up to one year in a freezer in milk containers or freezer bags without losing quality.