Spring calving is a crucial time for dairy farmers. Dry cow management standards will determine the success, or otherwise, of a dairy cow’s entire production cycle.
Crucially, mineral nutrition plays a key role in determining positive outcomes for all cows in the run up to calving.
Repeated trials carried out at centres of research excellence around the world have confirmed the benefits that Crystalyx Pre-Calver feed buckets can deliver in this regard.
It all adds up to a good news story for Irish dairy farmers
Managing cows effectively in the run-up to calving is an absolute priority for Co. Tipperary dairy farmer, Jim Corby.
He milks 120 pedigree British Friesian cows, along with his wife Elaine, in Ballynagrana, near the village of Emly.
Fully registered with the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA), the Ballynagrana herd has been a well recognised source of elite Friesian bloodlines for many years.
According to Corby: “The foundation of the business is the production of high-quality milk.
“The herd is exclusively spring calving. Our aim is to produce as much milk as possible from grazed grass.
“The farm extends to 180ac. This includes a 110ac grazing block, which lies adjacent to the yard and milking parlour.
“The land across the farm is quite heavy. It can produce large quantities of grass. However, grazing it effectively can be difficult enough during a wet year.”
Last year, the Ballynagrana averaged 6,200kg of milk at 3.5% protein and 4.0% fat. The milk is supplied to Tipperary Co-op.
“Herd performance levels were well back last year on what we would usually expect.
“Normally, cow performance would average 6,800kg of milk. But, 2023 was a very challenging year, both in terms of managing the grazing block, and for the cows themselves.
“Over the period of a complete lactation the cows receive one tonne of concentrates. In a dry year, the cows do not receive a summer ration,” he explained.
The Ballynagrana herd was dried-off as a complete group at the end of November 2023.
“Normally we would milk some of the cows through until December. But given the wet weather and the low milk price, the decision was taken to dry all the cows off that little bit earlier at the end of the last grazing season,” he said.
Corby’s preparation for the dry cow period kick-offs during the spring and early summer months of the year.
“I make a baled, dry cow silage that contains little or no potash. It is also quite high in fibre. This is then fed to all the cows and pregnant heifers in the run-up to calving.
“High potash forages can lead to metabolic issues, directly post-calving, particularly the likes of milk fevers.
“The cows are managed to ensure that they calve down in good condition and are ready to start milking again as quickly as possible.
“Ensuring that calves are born with plenty of vitality is also important. They also need access to good quality colostrum.
“All of these issues are directly linked to the management of the cows during the dry period,” he said,
Jim also recognises the need to provide his cows with a high-quality source of pre-calving minerals.
“I have been using the Crystalyx Pre-Calver lick for the past 30 years. It’s an approach that has always worked well for me.
“Prior to this, I had used a bagged dry cow mineral. However, particularly when silages were dry, I found that the powder dropped though the forage, ending up in the waste that was brushed up the following day,” he said.
Jim makes the 80kg Crystalyx Pre-Calver tubs available to his dry cows throughout the entire transition period.
“By taking this approach, it means that the cows have constant access to the lick.
“This is vitally important. One 80kg bucket will provide 40 cows with enough supplementation for a week. Once a fresh tub is in place, that’s the job done.
“The tubs are heavy enough that they will not be moved around by the cows in the shed. For the most part, they remain very clean.
“Over the past 30 years, I have had very low levels of milk fever to contend with, certainly less than 1% across the herd.
“Calves have also been born with tremendous vigour. Calf mortality rates have been exceptionally low. Retained placentas are rarely an issue and subsequent cow fertility has been excellent,” Jim explained.
“Crystalyx products benefit from over 30 years of independent scientific research, with the findings mimicking the results that Jim and his wife are seeing in their herd,” David Morgan, Crystalyx regional manager for Ireland said.
“The primary function of Crystalyx Pre-Calver is to prepare the cow for calving – with research conducted by UniServices, University of Auckland concluding that by offering Crystalyx Pre-Calver, farmers can expect to see reduction in milk fever, retained placenta and mastitis.
In addition research carried out at the University of Parma found that colostrum IgG yield of the Crystalyx-fed cows was double that of those who were without supplementation,” Morgan added.
To find out more about Crystalyx products and view the latest research, click here.
