WILL and Alex Prichard calve 500 cows in a spring block at Escalwen, near Letterston, and also run two 200-cow autumn calving herds.

That high throughput of calves can present disease challenges – in the three years to 2023, calf mortality from neonatal diarrhoea averaged 9.5%, peaking at 16% in 2022 when the herd was subject to bovine TB movement restrictions.

“Over my entire farming career, one of the most depressing things I have experienced is when calf rearing goes wrong and when mortality and sickness in calves becomes almost insurmountable,’’ said Mr Prichard.

In an attempt to correct weaknesses in their system, in 2023 the Prichards and their calf rearer, Tom Phillips, embarked on a new feeding programme guided by veterinary consultant Ryan Davies.

They invested in two pasteurisers, part funded by the Welsh Government Small Grants – Efficiency scheme, feeding cow transition milk enriched with whole bovine powdered colostrum after calves had received their colostrum feed.

Transition milk is produced by the cow from the second milking after calving, up to the sixth, and contains a higher percentage of milk solids, antibodies, vitamins and minerals than milk produced after this point in the lactation.

It also has elevated levels of growth factors, natural antimicrobial proteins and other bioactive substances.

But the quality of transition milk is highly variable. That, in conjunction with the transfer of passive immunity (TPI) from colostrum dictating a calf’s antibody levels, will make a significant difference to health and performance.

If calves don’t receive sufficient antibodies, they are more likely to die, suffer from diarrhoea or respiratory issues, and require treatment with antibiotics.

Taking blood samples from calves and using IgG as a biomarker to standardise transition milk is one solution and this is what the Prichards did, supported by the Farming Connect ‘Try Out’ Fund, an initiative that funds individuals and groups of farmers and growers to experiment with ideas and bring them to life.

Throughout the calving season, Dr Davies took daily blood samples from newborn calves in their first 24 hours.

The results showed that 21% had an excellent TPI, 7% good, 41% fair and 31% poor.

“This is about average for the UK and good for a dairy block calving herd,’’ said Dr Davies, of Veterinary Technical Consulting Ltd.

The total solids in the pasteurised transition milk were measured with a Brix refractometer and, depending on the reading, it was enriched with a colostrum powder from SCCL to standardise it to a minimum of 12.5% Brix or 14.5% milk solids – instead of powder another option is to add whole milk colostrum.

“If we didn’t reach that threshold we added whole bovine colostrum powder to it to increase the Brix reading,’’ Dr Davies explained.

“The average Brix for the milk at Escalwen was 10.5% so we raised that to 12.5%, but every farm will be different.’’

Other parameters used for the milk were a total bacterial count of under 100,000 colony-forming units (cfu)/ml, a total coliform count of less than 10,000 cfu/ml and no antibiotic residues.

“It is important that calves aren’t fed any antibiotic residues because they inhibit the growth of the normal healthy gut microbiome,’’ said Dr Davies.

The milk was fed to calves up until day 10.

This approach resulted in a significant improvement in calf health and a major reduction in mortalities.

Mortality resulting from neonatal diarrhoea reduced from an average of 9.5% to 3% and antibiotic usage in pre-weaned calves to 16%, from the five-year average of 45%.

Importantly, no highest-priority critically important antibiotics (HP-CIA) were used
pre-weaning in 2024; in 2022 use of these had hit a high of 1.98mg/PCU.

Although feeding transition milk comes with some additional cost, from labour and equipment for its collection through to storage and heating, Mr Prichard said the improvements had completely changed the mood on the farm during the calving period.

“Once you get your head around how important IgGs are, it almost becomes a passion to harvest as much of that IgG as you possibly can and utilise it in your own herd.’’

As well as transition milk feeding, improvements were made to hygiene and cleanliness to reduce the disease challenge.

Pasteurising the milk was a “game changer’’, he added, to reduce disease risks such as Johne’s and bovine TB.

The milk was pasteurised for 60 minutes at 60°C to destroy pathogens including mycoplasma, salmonella, E. coli and listeria.

Pasteurising at higher temperatures or for a longer duration can reduce antibody levels, although studies have shown this is more effective in the destruction of Johne’s and bovine TB organisms which can be detected after heating to 60°C for 60 minutes.

Top tips for feeding transition milk

• Adhere to good hygiene practices when collecting and storing prior to feeding
• Heat to the correct temperature before feeding
• Take the health status of the herd into account to reduce risk of disease transfer, particular if pasteurisation is not used.
• In systems that feed calf milk replacer instead of whole milk, the equivalent mass of milk powder should be removed and replaced with colostrum powder to maintain the solids percentage and prevent osmotic diarrhoea.

THE PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY SHOW, Wales’ largest and most celebrated agricultural event, opened its gates today to a bustling crowd under glorious sunshine. The first day of the two-day event saw thousands of visitors flock to the Pembrokeshire County Showground in Haverfordwest, eager to soak up the rural atmosphere, enjoy the varied attractions, and take advantage of the perfect weather conditions.

This year’s show is particularly special, marking the 240th anniversary of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society (PAS). The Society has worked tirelessly to create a show that honors its rich history while embracing modernity. This year’s show has something for everyone, from livestock competitions and food stalls to live entertainment and interactive displays.

Among the distinguished guests was Wales’ First Minister, Eluned Morgan, making her first official visit to Pembrokeshire since being elected. Ms. Morgan spent the day touring the showground, expressing her admiration for the event’s organisation and its return to pre-pandemic vibrancy. “It’s a really lovely day this year. Things have been building back up to pre-pandemic levels. It’s been wonderful. Lots of people are here from Pembrokeshire and beyond. It has been brilliantly organised,” she remarked.

The First Minister was particularly taken with the livestock exhibitions, a cornerstone of the show. “One of my favourite parts of the show is seeing the livestock. It’s amazing to think about all the work that has gone in over generations to ensure an animal is in peak condition,” she added. Her visit underscored the show’s significance not only as a local tradition but as an event of national importance.

The weather played a key role in the day’s success, with many show-goers arriving early to make the most of the sunny conditions. Traffic began to build up as early as 7:30 a.m., as eager visitors made their way to the showground. “It’s nice to see the sun and it’s certainly brought out the crowds,” said Adam Thorne, President of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, who officially opened the show from the main ring.

Mr. Thorne, an arable and beef farmer and the third generation of his family to hold the office of society president, reflected on the vital role of volunteers in making the show possible. “We’ve got 200 voluntary stewards across all the sections, and the show just wouldn’t be possible without them,” he said, emphasising the community spirit that underpins the event.

Show director and trustee Delme Harries echoed these sentiments, highlighting how the event has evolved over the centuries. “Before the pandemic, we had eight full-time show staff, and that’s now down to two, so we are lucky to be able to rely very heavily on volunteers and are conscious that we must involve the next generation as well,” he explained. Mr. Harries also pointed to the show’s ability to adapt, embracing social media and the growing demand for quality, locally-made goods while staying true to its agricultural roots.

One of the show’s standout attractions was the presence of Aquarius, a magnificent White-Tailed Eagle with a two-metre wingspan, brought by the British Bird of Prey Centre. Aquarius has captivated visitors with her impressive size and grace, serving as a symbol of the effort to reintroduce these majestic birds to Welsh skies. Alongside Aquarius was the Centre’s newest addition, a baby Snowy Owl, which charmed the crowds with its sleepy demeanor.

This year also saw the triumphant return of the poultry competition, which had been absent in recent years due to the pandemic and avian flu concerns. The competition attracted 600 entries, ranging from individual birds to crafts and eggs, delighting both participants and spectators. “Although this year’s entries are half of what they used to be, they are double what we expected because we went ahead at the last minute,” said poultry show secretary Bethan Clarke, expressing her satisfaction with the turnout.

Food lovers were treated to a feast at the Welsh Food Hall, sponsored by Castell Howell. The Hall showcased over 40 local producers offering everything from cider to cheesecake, along with regular cookery demonstrations that drew large crowds. This celebration of Welsh food and drink has become a highlight of the show, reflecting the region’s rich culinary heritage and innovation.

The showground itself was a hive of activity, with the Country Market shopping area featuring 60 stalls selling unique, artisan products. Families and children enjoyed a range of activities, including rugby skills sessions with the Scarlets, Little Legs Football, and the always popular Panic Circus Big Top, which offered free fun and games for all ages.

The Countryside Park was another popular area, where visitors could engage with the British Bird of Prey Centre’s exhibits, including talks on Eagle Reintroduction Wales and the chance to meet some of the Centre’s residents up close. The Ferret World exhibit and the gundog display team led by Wales’ top handler, Meurig Rees, also drew large audiences, offering a glimpse into traditional country life.

The show’s success was further boosted by the live entertainment provided by Pure West Radio, which broadcasted live from the event. The radio station’s stage featured live music, competitions, performances, and special guests, ensuring that there was never a dull moment.

As the first day drew to a close, attention turned to the forecast for the second day of the show, which looks uncertain. However, the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society remains optimistic that visitors will turn out in force, rain or shine. Thursday’s schedule includes the much-anticipated judging of sheep and pig classes, concluding with the supreme horse championship at 5 p.m.

Thursday will also see the Ladies Day reception in the Members’ Marquee, where guests will don their finest attire and enjoy Prosecco, all while raising funds for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

The Pembrokeshire County Show, with its blend of tradition, community, and entertainment, has once again proven why it is a cornerstone of Welsh rural life. As visitors look forward to the final day, the show’s organisers are confident that it will be another day to remember, whatever the weather may bring.

FARMING CONNECT’S Welsh Sheep Genetics Project (WSGP) is helping to facilitate major change in a large-scale sheep flock. 

The Rhug Estate near Corwen had been running a flying flock of 3,750 North of England-type mules but is now transitioning to a closed flock of Welsh ewes.

It is using performance recorded tups to produce its own crossbred replacement ewe lambs and the type of finished lambs that the business sees as key to future profitability.

Electronic identification (EID) – based technology is playing a significant role, providing data to help manage breeding decisions while allowing the farm to close its flock and breed its own replacements.

Farm manager Emyr Owen says an advice surgery with independent sheep and beef adviser Matt Blyth, arranged and funded by the WSGP, has been integral in the decision to overhaul the whole EID performance recording system.

“That meeting with Matt was a massive help, it got the conversation going,’’ Emyr recalls. “It has been fantastic to have that support.’’

Making the switch to a Welsh ewe was in part because the breed is proven to thrive in the region in outdoor lambing systems.

Historically the lowland Rhug flock has lambed indoors from 15 March but going forward only triplet-bearing ewes will lamb indoors.

The remainder will be lambed outdoors, from the end of March to April 15, to better match the estate’s grass growth curve.

“We have an amazing shed for lambing and want to maximise live births so it is sensible to lamb triplets indoors but for the rest of the ewes it will all be done outside,’’ says Emyr.

Texel and Charollais tups were previously used but for the 2024 lambing season it was Abermax, Aberblack, Hampshire Down and Primera, all performance recorded.

Recorded Welsh rams were also purchased at the Prohill sale in 2023; these purchases were based on physical correctness and figures, and with consistency with the type of Welsh ewe the team at Rhug is aiming to produce.

The Welsh ewes were sourced from farms that are performance recording, with all three flocks part of the WSGP.

The Rhug flock has also joined the WSGP. “We are really thankful to be part of it, and buying the ewes from farms that are performance recording means we have gained a couple of years straight off the bat,’’ Emyr says.

EID is very much part of the new sheep system on the Rhug Estate.

A new weigh-head was purchased, support by a 40% grant from the Welsh Government’s Small Grants Efficiency Scheme.

“We had been using a weigh-head for the cattle for years but had nothing for sheep,’’ Emyr explains.

It is used in conjunction with a stick reader and integrated with Agriwebb software.

“The plan is to become a completely paperless business,’’ says Emyr.

Lambs are tagged at weaning and data including daily liveweight gains and slaughter weights are recorded and monitored.

The benefits of this are already being seen, says Emyr. “We have a young shepherd in charge of lambing the Welsh ewes and he has been using the stick reader to add comments about any ewes or lambs he has concerns about so that we can avoid breeding from problem animals.’

The ambition is to run the flock in three groups in an ABC system. The sheep in the A group will be those that are ‘faultless’ as they will produce the replacements for the nucleus Welsh ewe flock.

Emyr says the trait that is being most closely monitored is ewe body condition score. “BCS tells us so many things in the metric, and we can simply build protocols and key performance indicators around it.’’

In the 2024 lambing season the scanning percentage in the indoor lambing ewes averaged 185% and 160% in the outdoor lambing flock. For the Welsh ewes it was 135% but, as two thirds of these were yearlings, the goal is to increase this to 150%.

Five hundred pure bred Welsh ewe lambs will be retained this year as replacements while a big proportion of the fat lambs will be processed on-farm and sold through the Rhug Estate farm shop. The remainder will be marketed through Pilgrims, ABP or Ruthin livestock market.

Although the journey to improving flock genetics and profitability is in its early stages Emyr says his confidence in the targeted outcomes is embolden by the support received through Farming Connect and the WSGP.

“One hour workshops are such a good idea from Farming Connect, for most people an hour is all that is needed but there is more support available from other parts of the Farming Connect programme if required.’