Dairy farmers could be losing out on as much as £100/cow because they are selecting the wrong beef breed to use on their dairy herds.  For a 200 cow closed herd this could amount to as much as 1.0 ppl of income that is being foregone.  The gap in sale prices between the Hereford and continentals has over the last 5 years averaged about £50 per head. With other breeds the gap is close to £100 per head.

The current reduction in dairy registrations may help to make up some of the difference as a greater proportion of the dairy herd is put to beef.   In recent years cattle registrations recorded by BCMS have shown a steady rise in native breeds. It is impossible to separate out the dairy herd registrations compared to the beef herd but there is a clear trend.

Whilst premiums are available for beef farmers fattening some native breeds, this is not being returned to dairy farmers.   The reasons given by dairy farmers for using a native breed is often the risk of calving problems and subsequent fertility and production issues.

Often the problems occur where beef bulls are being run with the herd rather than the use of AI sires.

When considering buying a beef bull, dairy farmers need to look carefully at the three aspects that effect calving problems.  Firstly, the breed of non-native bull that they are thinking of using and the birth weight of the calf.  There is a considerable difference between breeds with the Stabiliser which is known for its low birth weights and easy calving compared to the more traditional continental which can have problems.  Within breeds the estimated breeding value for calving ease and 400 day weights gives a good guide to calf birth weight and any potential problems.  The most important factor under the control of the dairy farmer is the management of the dairy cow during the second and third month before calving. This is the time when the majority of foetus growth occurs.   Ensuring that the cow’s diet in the early part of the dry period does not have excessive energy levels and that fibre levels are maintained is key to ensuring an easy calving.

To discuss choice of beef breed for your dairy herd contact William at w.waterfield@fcgagric.com.