Fergal Smith, Co. Cavan operates a herd of 115-spring-calving Holstein Friesian cows in the heart of Co. Cavan.
AI is utilised on the herd for a six-week window, with a Hereford bull select to cover the Holstein Friesian cows thereafter. The Hereford progeny are retained and slaughtered at 22-24 months, while the FR bulls also remain on the Cavan holding and are slaughtered as steers at approximately 27-months.
Feral explained in this video that his farm was experiencing a “serious issue” with coccidiosis over the course of the years, both when the calves were housed indoors and grazing outdoor.s He then forged a connection with Kiernan Milling and David Magee M.Agri.Sc, a Nutritionist with the company, who visited the farm to assess the situation and listed all the issues present, with a particular focus on coccidiosis.
“I talked to our vet and we then identified a product to hit Cocci and prevent it. I formulated that into the nut and included a high level of yeast; full-fat soya; soya bean meal to increase the protein content and a high level of cereal of maize; wheat and barley to stimulate the development of the rumen.” David Magee M.Agri.Sc explained.
To maximise the results on Mr. Smith’s farm, the nut was fed from 2-weeks of age up to four months.
“Before I contacted Kiernan Milling, I was using an oral drench on the calves when the coccidiosis had broken out, so we were losing the thrive of the calves. We started using the in-feed medication; it is labour-free and you are giving the nuts to the calves every day anyway.” Fergal Smith explained.
“I have been working with Fergal on his farm for three years now and within the three years, we have not had an outbreak of coccidiosis. Cocci is a major problem throughout the country and when an outbreak does occur, it can cause a lot of economic problems.” David Magee M.Agri.Sc added.
It is strongly advised to contact your veterinary practitioner, shall you suspect an issue with coccidiosis on your farm.
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