While grass is the predominant crop on the Co. Down dairy farm of Philip Tinsley, winter oats are the cereal crop of choice when grown in preparation for a sward re-seed.
The crop is “easy to grow, relative to other cereals. Input costs are also that little bit lower”, Tinsley said.
“The harvest date for oats is also early enough to allow us get on with a grass re-seed at the best time of the year,” he added.
Approximately 150 people recently attended an open day hosted by the Tinsley family.
Winter oats
Lyle Hamilton, a nutritionist with Farmgate Nutrition, commented on the value of oats in a dairy ration:
“The cereal is high in fibre and oil. The starch content of is slightly lower than that found in other cereals. However, this can be compensated for by the inclusion of additional maize within an overall dairy ration,” he said.
Heifer management is another priority on the Tinsley farm.
Herd replacements are managed so as to be large enough at calving to allow them fully integrate with the main milking group form the outset.
A particular focus is placed on using very easy calving sires on heifers.
“In many ways, the size of a calf produced by a replacement heifer is pretty irrelevant. The key objective is to get her through calving without problems arising,” Tinsley continued.
Veterinarian, Iain Smith, also spoke at the open day. He confirmed that preventative health care is the corner stone of a successful and sustainable herd management strategy.
“At the heart of Philip Tinsley’s farm lies the goal of maximising productivity while safeguarding animal health,” he said.
According to the Lisburn-based vet, healthy herds are the foundation of profitability as every calf born represents future potential and every cow contributes to consistent milk production.
“Preventative measures, such as vaccination, and routine farm visits on the part of the veterinarian play a vital role in minimising the impact of disease, reducing the need for treatments and help to ensure that animals maximise their productivity and efficiency.
“By prioritising health and reducing risks through proactive care, farmers can boost their herd’s longevity and productivity.
“Investing in preventative health care not only secures economic returns but also fosters animal welfare, ensuring that each animal contributes to the success of the herd,” he explained.
