Greater Good - Lesser Evil - a Review of Animal Welfare in Cattle
Mr Ian Baker (Veterinary Surgeon, Farm Animal Welfare Council, London)
The paper considers the concept of animal welfare and the role of FAWC. It discusses the health and welfare of dairy and beef cattle and the modern Holstein cow. Welfare problems of disease, Herd Health Plans and the future of farm veterinary practices are all considered.
Improving the Design of Cattle Housing in Intensive Beef Production Systems
Mr Tom Shaw (Post-Graduate Research Student, Linacre College, Oxford University)
Understanding the behaviour of groups of cattle in housing can help improve design. This can work in two ways with improvements to new housing designs, and remedial improvements to existing housing. A mixture of modelling cattle behaviour and field studies using video analysis has helped develop some new approaches.
Veterinary Surveillance, a Cattle Vet.'s Perspective
Mr Mike Howe and Mr Andrew White (NADIS, Unit 4, Pembrokeshire, Wales)
This presentation demonstrates the need for an up-to-date record of disease incidence on our farms. This establishes a normal disease incidence basis on which to judge any change. It also detects emergent disease. It should be circulated freely to the farming press and to veterinary surgeons. Publication of data is also be useful to those connected with the industry, e.g. feed firms, drug companies etc.
The Return of Over Thirty Month Cattle to the Beef Market
Mr Duncan Sinclair (Senior Economic Analyst, MLC, Milton Keynes)
The events of Autumn 2005 have allowed Older cattle to re-enter the supply chain. With this change comes opportunities and challenges for the beef industry. How are we shaping up and what are the prospects for the future?
Neonatal Calf Vigour and Survival
Dr Cathy Dwyer (Behavioural Scientist, SAC, Edinburgh)
For calves to have the best chance of surviving and achieving their genetic potential, they need to be able to cope with the birth process and adapt rapidly to postnatal life. This paper addresses the reasons why some calves may have poor survival at birth, or reduced vigour after birth.
Happy Calves can see a Future
Mr Brian Jennings (Mole Valley Farmers Director & Beef Development Consultant, Mole Valley Farmers, Devon)
In today's climate, the only way to ensure a happy calf is to develop an integrated production system, which guarantees a market and an end price. This is a big challenge to the industry, but it can be done.
Outwintering of Cattle - developing the old systems in a new era
Mr Gavin Hill (Beef Specialist, SAC, Edinburgh)
There is a serious challenge to the whole beef industry. It is imperative that we develop low cost systems which reduce labour and machinery costs, reduce reliance on straw and fit with cross compliance measures. However, we may all be able to grow the crops to feed the cows outside but we cannot all winter cattle on them.
Growth is King
Mr Simon Frost (Beef & Sheep Farmer, Hopping Farm, Derbyshire)
Suckled calf producer/finisher presents a personal view of the parameters which need to be adhered to in order to remain in profitable suckled calf beef production, in particular the need to meet carcass classification targets and carcass weight targets of the purchaser in a way which is profitable to the producer/finisher.
Integration of DNA test information in EBVs - An Australian Perspective
Mr Don Nicol (Beef Breeding Consultant, Breedlink Pty Ltd, Queensland, Australia)
Mature genetic evaluation tools like BREEDPLAN are about to be joined by DNA marker tests for production traits that will add knowledge on the actions of thousands of individual genes. The international investment in molecular genetics is huge and in the next decade a DNA 'pipeline' of products will be delivered to our livestock industries. Converging key technologies and applying them in beef breeding programs will be challenging and complicated because of the structure of beef industries.
Johne's Initiative: Defra/industry partnership
Mr Keith Redpath (Farmer, Spylaw House, Roxburghshire, Scotland)
The Johne's Initiative is the first animal disease initiative which has been tackled by a group of partners from the industry, including Defra, under the Animal Health & Welfare Strategy. The first year has been completed, delivering the specified objectives within the time frame including knowledge transfer to the working group and dissemination of information to vets, auctioneers, farmers and other interested organisations.
Using Cattle for Conservation of the Natural Environment
Dr Paul Evans (Project Manager, Limestone Country Project, English Nature, Leyburn )
The Limestone Country Project seeks to enhance the wildlife interest of nature conservation sites of European importance (Natura 2000 sites), by providing assistance to farmers to establish hardy native cattle herds on high limestone pastures. The Project ensures sensitive management of these wildlife sites while working with farmers to establish a premium brand for their beef.
Prospects for the English Beef Industry
Mr Richard Ali (Chief Executive, EBLEX, Huntingdon)
EBLEX has developed a strategy to promote English Beef using the Quality Standard Mark. There are important elements of the specification that mean English Beef can be successfully differentiated in the market. EBLEX has a programme designed to support brand development and technical excellence amongst English producers.
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