Preparing the herd for the transition period has been a key focus of the management of the Clarick herd at Tresallick Farm, in Cornwall, and the results have paid off with impressive performance figures.
As 1st generation farmers, Patrick and Claire Barrett approached their business management with exceptional attention to detail and a drive to succeed. This ambition continues with son Jack, who joined the business in 2016, and their combined focus to detail has proved hugely successful for herd health and production.
The 480-cow Holstein herd currently yields 10,500 litres/yr, with an impressive 4.75% butterfat and 3.8% protein. As suppliers to a cheese producer, the herd’s breeding policy has concentrated on components in recent years, with attention to traits for a functional type.
“A strong dairy type cow provides us with the foundation to build an efficient herd. If we then get the management right, and nutrition is absolutely critical in this, we get the results we need to be a profitable herd,” says Jack.
The all-year-round calving system provides a consistent daily TMR, with the farm aiming for self-sufficiency in feeds as much as possible. “We farm 1200 acres, consisting of maize, wheat, barley and grass, and are always looking at ways to maximise the efficiencies of the crops we feed.
Dry period
“The dry period is so important to get the animals ready for lactation and that’s an area we really focus on,” says Jack. “We allocate specific fields, that are low in potassium, for the dry cow forage and use specific seed mixtures to best suit their requirements. We also prioritise grouping the dry’s into a far-off group and a close up; where cows are separated 3 weeks pre calving. This has transformed our transition results, as cows are now better prepared for calving and early lactation through a targeted nutrition plan.
Steve Jones, Ruminant Feed Specialist at Harpers Feeds, “We feed a TMR to all the dry cows consisting of 7.25kg/head of dry cow big square bale, 7.25kg maize silage, 4kg of wheat straw, 2kg soya, 0.75kg rolled wheat and 0.2kg minerals. The haylage is tested annually for minerals, and Harpers Tresallick Precalver; a bespoke mineral package, is formulated to balance the diet. HF X-Zelit, a calcium binder that naturally stimulates the cow to mobilise her own calcium reserves, is added at 3 weeks pre calving into a custom blend containing 1.75kg rolled wheat, 0.15kg soya, 0.1kg minerals and 0.5kg X-Zelit.”
“We absolutely swear by the X-Zelit,” stresses Jack. “It has to be introduced at 3 weeks pre calving to be effective and we just pour the blend along the barrier at a rate of 2.5kg/cow. I cannot remember the last time we had milk fever.”
Commenting on the herd performance, Steve concludes, “The nutrition at pre calving sets the herd up for a hassle free and high performing lactation, which is good for the animals, the people and the longevity of the herd.”
Speak to your Harpers Feeds Specialist to find out more.
