OvertheCounter
    Twitter LinkedIn
    • Email Newsletters
    • Magazine Subscriptions
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    Twitter LinkedIn
    CPD Log-In
    OvertheCounter
    • News
      • Dairy / Beef
      • Sheep
      • Pigs / Poultry
      • Equine
      • Companion
      • Retail
      • Training
    • Magazines
      1. March 2023
      2. January 2023
      3. November 2022
      4. National SQP Awards Supplement 2022
      5. September 2022
      6. July 2022
      Featured

      Over the Counter – January 2023

      By Simon KingJanuary 9, 2023
      Recent

      Over the Counter – March 2023

      March 20, 2023

      Over the Counter – January 2023

      January 9, 2023

      Over the Counter – November 2022

      November 9, 2022
    • CPD Training
      • AMTRA CPD Modules
        • Frontline Academy
        • Companion Animal CPD Modules
        • Equine CPD modules
        • Livestock CPD Modules
        • Poultry CPD Modules
        • Are you a Gold Standard SQP?
      • VETPOL CPD Modules
        • Companion Animal CPD Modules
        • Livestock CPD Modules
        • Poultry CPD Modules
      • Earning CPD points with overthecounter.news
      • CPD Log-In
    • National SQP Awards
    OvertheCounter
    Dairy / Beef

    Calf pilot plans solutions for end of bull calf euthanasia

    Simon KingBy Simon KingJanuary 13, 2022Updated:January 18, 2022No Comments2 Mins Read
    LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email

    With the clock ticking on changes to Red Tractor standards in 2023 which will strengthen the UK dairy industry’s commitment to rear every calf with care, a pilot initiative on-farm is tackling the key challenges of breeding, rearing and marketing.

    RH&W said more than 1.4 million calves are born to dairy cows in Great Britain alone each year. However, improving the outcome for around 60,000 dairy bull calves with no market to take them is a difficult but surmountable hurdle – and may even open up new opportunities for the dairy sector.

    Gwyn Jones, vice chairman of RH&W, said the solution is to ensure all calves have a value, which is the focus of more than 40 organisations involved in the GB Dairy Calf Strategy 2020-2023.

    Mr Jones said: “For RH&W’s contribution, our pilot project in South Wales involving farmers, breeding companies, processors and rearing specialists aims to link solutions together into a viable, sustainable and profitable system.”

    He explained that breeding is the starting part of the strategy, with some block calving herds containing cross cows too small to produce calves for the beef industry.

    “We believe we need to look towards cows which are a minimum 470kg yet still profitable for milk solids production, and early results on this look positive,” explained Mr Jones. “We also need to ensure calf genetics are suited to the rearing system and end market, and sexed semen is used strategically so calves can be reared efficiently and profitably.”

    Another aspect is viable supply chains for rearing calves, he added.

    “This might involve making use of extra resources like labour and buildings from other sectors such as sheep, or positioning calf rearing as a way of new entrants getting into farming without land,” Mr Jones said.

    “As part of this we need high quality rearing and stockmanship, and there’s scope to reduce mortality and morbidity across the industry in the first 12 weeks so these calves don’t just survive but thrive.”

    Share. LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email
    Previous ArticleFarmers need greater certainty from Government
    Next Article Over the Counter – January 2022

    Read Similar Stories

    Moredun Research Institute and SRUC launch survey to look at patterns of veterinary medicine use

    Pre-calving trace element bolusing supports calf and cow health and performance

    Top tips for successful calf rearing

    Most Read

    Organisers herald successful PATS Sandown show

    March 28, 2023

    Forthglade unveils new multi-functional treats

    March 28, 2023

    Jollyes opens its flagship store in Scunthorpe

    March 27, 2023

    Any animal medicine advertising or promotion should conform to the ‘code of practice’ of the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH).
    For full details contact the publisher or www.noah.co.uk.

    Lewis Business Media Ltd endeavours to make articles and statements as accurate as possible.

    © 2023 Lewis Business Media. All Rights Reserved.
    Lewis Business Media, Suite A, Arun House, Office Village, River Way, Uckfield, TN22 1SL

    Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions

    The OTC "tick" mechanism is the copyright of Lewis Business Media Ltd ©2022

    • Pet Business World
    • Pest
    • Pig World
    • Poultry News

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    Powered by CookieYes Logo

    Insert/edit link

    Enter the destination URL

    Or link to existing content

      No search term specified. Showing recent items. Search or use up and down arrow keys to select an item.