Latest AFBI research and dairy herd health testing showcased at Winter Fair

AFBI had a large and diverse presence at the 2016 RUAS Winter Fair, demonstrating research and services provided in support of the local dairy industry.

Latest Research

Scientists from AFBI Hillsborough featured both new and on-going dairy research projects. These included the impact of adding field beans in dairy cow diets and ongoing research on zero-grazing and improved heifer rearing strategies, optimum grazing strategies and the role of precision technologies.

Up to date results from this year’s silage analysis provided by the Hillsborough Feeding and Information System were also presented.  This service provides an accurate and reliable service for the local dairy sector, with forage analysis essential to ensure accurate feed rationing this winter.

AFBI Cattle Health Scheme

The highly successful AFBI Cattle Health Scheme, now in its 9th year, aims to monitor, control and eradicate a number of endemic diseases, through working closely with herd owners and their veterinary surgeons. The scheme also provides certification when a herd meets the agreed cattle health standards.

These programmes are for the five most important non-statutory diseases prevalent in both beef and dairy herds in the UK and Ireland; namely Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD), Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), Leptospirosis, Johne’s Disease and most recently Neosporosis. Neosporosis is the most commonly diagnosed cause of infectious abortion in dairy herds in the UK. There are no vaccines or licensed treatments available so control of the disease is based on identification of infected animals and implementation of relevant farm management practices.

BVD Eradication Programme

Researchers from AFBI promoted the current eradication programme based on the testing of ear notch samples collected by farmers as part of the official tagging process. Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) is one of the most important diseases of cattle and is caused by the bovine viral diarrhoea virus. The programme is designed to identify calves persistently infected (PI) with BVD virus as soon as possible after birth to stop them spreading the infection.

AFBI has long-standing expertise in BVD and is supporting the local industry by providing advice and support for the programme at different levels. Indeed, AFBI’s research has improved the local knowledge on BVD and has influenced the design of the eradication programme.

AFBI is the only designated laboratory based in Northern Ireland and has been testing up to 70% of NI samples since the start of the compulsory phase of the programme. All BVD testing is accredited to the international ISO 17025 standard and the results are reported by qualified vets who are available for consultation.

Soil status and selection of Grass and Clover Varieties

AFBI also provided plant and soil advice to farmers at the Fair, showing how getting the soil status right, and using new, improved grass and clover varieties before and during reseeding will optimise pasture growth. Grazed grass is the cheapest feed for dairy cattle and by sowing the “best” grass varieties farmers can maximise the economic benefits of producing milk from forage. Better quality grasses in swards will lead to increased profit margins by reducing the cost of production. Inclusion of clover varieties to grass swards can substantially increase protein content and utilisation, and reduce nitrogen use.

Latest New Grass Variety from AFBI

AFBI, and commercial partner, Barenbrug, announced the release of the latest high yielding perennial ryegrass variety, Glenarm at the Fair. This new late diploid perennial ryegrass will be available for use on local farms in 2017. Glenarm is the latest addition to the extensive portfolio of high performance varieties which have been bred by AFBI, specifically for use on local farms.

Reducing Costs and Protecting the Environment – Keynote Seminar

Dr John Bailey of AFBI delivered a keynote seminar on how Northern Ireland milk will need to be produced cost-effectively and with superior environmental credentials to be successful in the global “Post ‘Brexit’ market place. He outlined new research being undertaken to identify low-cost, minimalist ‘on-farm’ interventions aimed at reducing phosphorus (P) loss to water, whilst reducing milk production costs and significantly improving regional water quality.  His research has the dual goals of enhancing the environment and giving NI producers a credible and laudable marketing advantage over European rivals.