Beef and sheep notes July 2007

In July and August aim to keep beef cattle gaining at about 1.0 KG per day. This can only be achieved with a good supply of quality grass or grass/clover ahead of them. At this time of the year there can be as much fibre as leaf in the sward and performance can drop to 0.5-0.75 kilos per day. This deterioration in quality is magnified if grazing management has been poor earlier in the year. Supplementary feeding of beef cattle at grass increases total energy intake, dietary energy density and diet digestibility. This can increase growth rate, kill out percentage, level of finish and result in better marketing of beef cattle. This could be important this year as it is anticipated that significant numbers of cattle will be marketed off grass in autumn due to the poor economics of winter finishing,

Finishing cattle intended for slaughter in the next 6 weeks will benefit from meal feeding even when grass is plentiful. Start by feeding 1-2 KGs per day and increase up to 3-4 KGs per day depending on grass quality and the size of the animal. Heifers should be feed about 1.0 KG per day less than Steers .At this relatively low rate of meal feeding to finishing cattle expect a response of 1KG carcase per 12 KGs meal fed. With meal costs of  £140/tonne and beef around £1.90/KG, this gives a marginal return. Suitable feeds include rolled barley, beet pulp, citrus, and gluten or maize distillers.

With sufficient protein in the grass, good energy feeds are best.

An adequate supply of grass for lambs is the key to successful weaning. As selective grazers, they select the sweetest and best grass. Don’t allow ewes to compete with lambs for grass from 14 weeks onwards. Remove the ewes out of sight and earshot; ensuring lambs are in a well-fenced field with an abundance of leafy grass. Maintained sward heights at 8-9cms. Move lambs to the best grass on the farm, ideally after-grass containing clover.

For successful performance post weaning:

1.  Don’t graze tightly. Use a follower group of stock to clean up.

2.  Consider a pour-on for fly strike; they have a shorter withdrawal period than dips. Don’t dip if you expect to sell within the next month. Clip or dag around the tail to keep clean.

3.  A stomach worm dose for lambs at weaning is advisable, especially when moving to after-grass, treat with a cobalt drench in deficient areas.

4.  Restrict ewe feed for one to two weeks to stop milk production. This can be on a bare   paddock or indoors. Don’t restrict too severely, risking low condition before going to the ram.

5.  Select potential replacement ewe lambs now. It’s too late in the autumn when only the poor performing ewe lambs are left.

6.  Where grass becomes scarce, introduce meal and continue meal feeding until lambs are sold. This increases carcass weight and leads to earlier drafting of lambs.

If producers suspect anthelmintic resistance because worm drenches are less effective, your local Sheep Adviser can help to check this on the farm. This involves doing a Faecal Egg Reduction Test and the procedure is quite straightforward.

Herbicides based on dicamba, triclopyr, fluroxypr, and so on, may be applied. All give good control of docks plus a wide range of common grassland weeds. Prices range from £10 -£25/ acre depending on product and rate applied. Like CMPP, these sprays will eliminate clover but will give season-long dock control. Where clover is an issue Prospect, Asulox or Eagle may be used.

Harvesting leafy digestible grass leads to less supplement required during winter-feeding. Wilt grass to 25- 30 percent DM within a day of cutting. For good preservation avoid soil, manure and rotting grass. Wrap bales as soon as possible after baling with at least 4 layers of plastic film. Store on level smooth firm surface with good access for winter use.