BovINE - Beef Innovation Network Europe

With rising feed costs on concentrates and silage, farmers are seeking ways to reduce the higher costs associated with overwintering. Growing and feeding a Brassica crop, such as Kale has proved very successful for this Irish beef farmer. .

The farmer operates a calf to beef system purchasing dairy cross calves and selling males at less than 24 months and females at 18 months of age. Depending on market conditions some animals are sold at younger ages as forward stores.

To reduce the high feed costs during the winter period, when grass is available, a Brassica crop of Kale, using 4.5 kg/ha of Maris Kestrel, is sown in late May and available for grazing from November to early March. Estimated yields are 9-12t/DM/ha. The animals graze the Kale in situ using an electric fence as a moving grazing barrier. The key to maximum utilization and minimum waste is the daily management of moving the electric fence so as to provide fresh feed to the animals each day.Kale is a high protein diet (18-20% CP) and in order to maintain adequate roughage in the diet, silage bales are fed as a supplement in situ in the field.

In terms of economic sustainability, using Kale significantly reduces winter feed costs by eliminating concentrate purchases for a group of animals. In addition, there are very significant savings on cattle housing as this farmer does not have the accommodation facilities to keep these animals indoors over the winter.

Keeping the animals outdoors over the winter has proved to be very beneficial in terms of animal health and welfare. None of the animals every get sick or need treatment for pneumonia or any other type of disease.

Animal thrive and performance is somewhat dependent on the severity of the weather. However, when the animals go to grass in mid-March they tend to use compensatory growth during the peak yielding spring/summer grass growing season.

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Strategies that can reduce the high cost of feeding are attractive, particularly in the last 5 years. Navarra is a traditional region of vegetable production and there are many vegetable industries. The waste of this industry is used in animal nutrition, particularly in dairy cow farms, but since 2020 there are some beef cattle farmers who are interested in using these by-products in the fattening phase of young animals.

Good Practice implemented by a farmer in Azoz (Navarra, SPAIN).

The farm is a Pirenaica breed farm that raises cows in an extensive system. Calves after weaning (4-6 months of age) are fattened in an intensive system until 11-12 months of age. Due to the high costs of traditional raw materials (barley, soya,..) used in fattening period, the farmer decided to try alternative feeds.

By-products from the vegetable industry (carrots, peas, lettuce, etc.) are ensiled in pellets. After a nutritional analysis, they are formulated in the daily ration for fattening animals.

The use of by-products of vegetable industry as feedstuffs has many advantages from the farmer's point of view:

1. It reduces feed costs

2. It contributes to the circular economy and waste reduction.

3. it reduces digestive disorders in fattening animals.

4. these feedstuffs are a source of antioxidants that are transmitted to the meat.

This production system has a greater resilience due to inputs, which are based on the territory’s natural resources and sub products of other industries of the territory. There is consequently a lower incidence of volatile market prices.

Studies of Public University of Navarra (UPNA) had demonstrated that this feeding system does not affect the meat quality.

Toda estrategia que pueda reducir el alto coste de la alimentación resulta atractiva para el sector vacuno de carne, especialmente en los últimos 5 años. Navarra es una región tradicionalmente productora de hortalizas, por lo que la agroindustria es relevante en la región. Los residuos de esta industria se utilizan en la alimentación animal, sobre todo en las explotaciones de vacuno de leche, pero desde 2020 hay algunos ganaderos de vacuno de carne que están interesados en utilizar estos subproductos en la fase de engorde de los animales jóvenes.

Buena práctica llevada a cabo por un ganadero de Azoz (Navarra, ESPAÑA).

Se trata de una explotación de raza Pirenaica que cría vacas en régimen extensivo. Los terneros después del destete (4-6 meses de edad) son engordados en un sistema intensivo hasta los 11-12 meses de edad. Debido a los elevados costes de las materias primas tradicionales (cebada, soja,..) utilizadas en el periodo de engorde, el ganadero decidió probar alimentos alternativos.

Los subproductos de la industria vegetal (zanahorias, guisantes, lechuga, etc.) se ensilan en pellets. Tras un análisis nutricional, se formulan en la ración diaria de los animales de engorde.

La utilización de subproductos de la industria vegetal en la alimentación animal, tiene muchas ventajas desde el punto de vista del ganadero:

1. Reduce los costes de alimentación.

2. Contribuye a la economía circular y a la reducción de residuos.

3. Reduce los trastornos digestivos en los animales de engorde.

4. Estos piensos son una fuente de antioxidantes que se transmiten a la carne.

Este sistema de producción tiene una mayor resiliencia debido a los insumos, que se basan en los recursos naturales del territorio y en los subproductos de otras industrias cercanas. En consecuencia, hay una menor incidencia de la volatilidad de los precios de mercado.

Impacto en la salud y el bienestar de los animales

Estudios de la Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA) han demostrado que este sistema de alimentación no afecta a la calidad de la carne.

The cultivation of field beans is undergoing a revival due to the increasing demand for local protein source for animal feed and human consumption. In Belgium the cultivation of field beans was not known.

In the search for alternative sources of protein to replace imported soya in animal feed, field beans - whether or not mixed with cereals - appear to be a great candidate for local cultivation and use in animal feed. A vision that supports the policy through various means (e.g. Nitrogen and CAP) to make the most of the advantages of protein crops in crop rotation (soil structure, attracting pollinators, no need for fertilisation, etc.) Field beans yield 4 to 4.5 tonnes per hectare. The crude protein content varies from 25 to 35% per kilogram of dry matter (for soya this is 35-45% CP). This means a total yield of 1.5 tons of crude protein per hectare.

Inagro v.z.w. is a research centre in West Flanders that has collected a lot of crop information and also carries out variety trials on field beans. Inagro has drawn up a cultivation manual (varieties, sowing, fertilisation, weed control, sowing with or without cereals. )

Farmer Salens from Kortenberg (BE) sowed field beans for the first time in 2020. "Winter field beans are best sown in late October or early November. The only thing you have to pay attention to is that you sow eight centimetres deep. I bought a seeder with double discs and a pressure wheel. In the end, the yield was not good (3.75 tons/ha) because you should have four to five tons per hectare. But next year I try to do better."

De teelt van veldbonen maakt een opleving door als gevolg van de toenemende vraag naar een lokale eiwitbron voor diervoeding en menselijke consumptie. In België was de teelt van veldbonen niet bekend.

In de zoektocht naar alternatieve eiwitbronnen ter vervanging van ingevoerde soja in diervoeders lijken veldbonen - al dan niet gemengd met granen - een uitstekende kandidaat voor lokale teelt en gebruik in diervoeders. Veldbonen leveren 4 tot 4,5 ton per hectare op. Het gehalte aan ruw eiwit varieert van 25 tot 35% per kilogram droge stof (voor soja is dit 35-45% CP). Dit betekent een totale opbrengst van 1,5 ton ruw eiwit per hectare.

Inagro v.z.w. is een onderzoekscentrum in West-Vlaanderen dat veel gewasinformatie heeft verzameld en ook rassenproeven uitvoert op veldbonen. Inagro heeft een teelthandleiding opgesteld (rassen, zaaien, bemesten, onkruidbestrijding, zaaien met of zonder granen. )

Boer Salens uit Kortenberg (BE) zaaide in 2020 voor het eerst veldbonen. "Winterveldbonen kun je het beste eind oktober of begin november zaaien. Het enige waar je op moet letten is dat je acht centimeter diep zaait. Ik kocht een zaaimachine met dubbele schijven en een drukwiel. Uiteindelijk was de opbrengst niet goed (3,75 ton/ha), want je zou vier tot vijf ton per hectare moeten hebben. Maar volgend jaar probeer ik het beter te doen."

The Herdade da Parreira farm is located in the municipality of Montemor-o-Novo, in the Alentejo, southern Portugal. Acquired in 1972 by the current owners, the production system and the activities developed have undergone a huge evolution and adaptation in the last fifty years.

Currently the main activity is beef cattle production, based on an agro-silvo-pastoral system that uses on-farm forage production.

The challenge in the established plan, was to achieve feed self-sufficiency on the farm and to reduce dependence on raw materials that provide protein for animal feed.

In conjunction with this agro-silvo-pastoral system and the interconnection of rainfed and irrigated land, Herdade da Parreira has adopted an agronomic strategy based on conservation agriculture which places the improvement of soil functions at the center of its concerns. This system is based on three principles, all of which are present in the farm: direct sod seeding, crop rotation and permanent soil cover with crop residues.

Direct sod seeding not only reduces energy consumption with crop establishment, but also prevents soil erosion and decreased losses of organic matter through mineralization.

Initially the production system included corn. In 2011 the strategy changed and the farm started producing only autumn-winter cereals. The substitution led to the increase of the irrigated area since the water consumption is lower and the existing water reserve allows it.

A Herdade da Parreira está localizada no município de Montemor-o-Novo, no Alentejo, sul de Portugal. Adquirida em 1972 pelos actuais proprietários, o sistema de produção e as actividades desenvolvidas sofreram uma enorme evolução e adaptação nos últimos cinquenta anos.

Actualmente a principal actividade é a produção de gado bovino, com base num sistema agro-silvo-pastoril que utiliza a produção de forragem nas explorações agrícolas.

O desafio no plano estabelecido, era alcançar a auto-suficiência alimentar na exploração e reduzir a dependência de matérias-primas que fornecem proteínas para a alimentação animal.

Em conjunto com este sistema agro-silvo-pastoril e a interligação de terras irrigadas e pluviais, a Herdade da Parreira adoptou uma estratégia agronómica baseada na agricultura de conservação que coloca a melhoria das funções do solo no centro das suas preocupações. Este sistema baseia-se em três princípios, todos eles presentes na exploração agrícola: sementeira directa do solo, rotação de culturas e cobertura permanente do solo com resíduos de culturas.

A sementeira directa de torrão não só reduz o consumo de energia com o estabelecimento de culturas, como também previne a erosão do solo e diminui as perdas de matéria orgânica através da mineralização.

Inicialmente, o sistema de produção incluía milho. Em 2011 a estratégia mudou e a quinta começou a produzir apenas cereais do outono-inverno. A substituição levou ao aumento da área irrigada, uma vez que o consumo de água é menor e a reserva de água existente o permite

This good practice may interest several type of beef cattle farms with different breeds. The principle of the company is to only slaughter an animal if it's already sold by 100%. The company’s name is “Grutto” and is located in Bavaria (south Germany). Customers can place online orders for different parts of meat. If a whole cow is sold, the cow is slaughtered, processed and the order is delivered. Another principle is to really sell the whole cow in order to prevent waste. "From snout to tail" is the slogan. The animals are slaughtered at small selected slaughterhouses nearby to reduce stress. Also the price is fair for consumers and farmers likewise, as there are no intermediaries. Consumers like the 100% transparency as they know exactly which farmer raised the cow they get their meat from. On the whole this is a very interesting project for farmers and consumers who care about animal welfare, transparency, fairness and sustainability.

Only farmers who guarantee a certain standard in animal welfare and species-appropriate husbandry are allowed in the program. The idea is to guarantee a very good meat quality because the animals have less stress due to short transportations to slaughterhouses.

The challenge for farmers attending the programme was to sell their high-quality products for fair prices. They all invest much work and time to give their animals the best husbandry possible but that comes to a certain price. The goal is for customers to value animal welfare by buying meat they know the origin and are willing to pay a bit more than in the supermarket.

The farms are visited before they are allowed to attend the program and are regularly monitored if they fulfil the agreement. The farmers get reasonable prices for their products and know exactly that no parts of their animals is going to be wasted.

Diese gute Praxis kann für verschiedene Arten von Rinderzuchtbetrieben mit unterschiedlichen Rassen interessant sein. Das Prinzip des Unternehmens ist es, ein Tier nur dann zu schlachten, wenn es bereits zu 100% verkauft ist. Das Unternehmen heißt "Grutto" und ist in Bayern (Süddeutschland) ansässig. Die Kunden können online verschiedene Fleischteile bestellen. Wenn eine ganze Kuh verkauft wird, wird die Kuh geschlachtet, verarbeitet und die Bestellung wird ausgeliefert. Ein weiteres Prinzip ist es, wirklich die ganze Kuh zu verkaufen, um Verschwendung zu vermeiden. "Von der Schnauze bis zum Schwanz" ist der Slogan. Die Tiere werden in kleinen ausgewählten Schlachthöfen in der Nähe geschlachtet, um Stress zu vermeiden. Auch der Preis ist für Verbraucher und Bauern gleichermaßen fair, da es keine Zwischenhändler gibt. Die Verbraucher schätzen die 100%ige Transparenz, da sie genau wissen, welcher Landwirt die Kuh aufgezogen hat, von der sie ihr Fleisch bekommen. Alles in allem ist dies ein sehr interessantes Projekt für Landwirte und Verbraucher, denen Tierschutz, Transparenz, Fairness und Nachhaltigkeit wichtig sind.

Nur Landwirte, die einen bestimmten Standard in Sachen Tierschutz und artgerechter Haltung garantieren, werden in das Programm aufgenommen. Die Idee ist, eine sehr gute Fleischqualität zu garantieren, da die Tiere durch die kurzen Transporte zum Schlachthof weniger Stress haben.

Die Herausforderung für die Landwirte, die an dem Programm teilnehmen, besteht darin, ihre hochwertigen Produkte zu fairen Preisen zu verkaufen. Sie alle investieren viel Arbeit und Zeit, um ihren Tieren die bestmögliche Haltung zu bieten, aber das hat seinen Preis. Ziel ist es, dass die Kunden das Wohlergehen der Tiere schätzen, indem sie Fleisch kaufen, dessen Herkunft sie kennen und bereit sind, etwas mehr zu zahlen als im Supermarkt.

Die Betriebe werden besucht, bevor sie an dem Programm teilnehmen dürfen, und es wird regelmäßig kontrolliert, ob sie die Vereinbarung erfüllen. Die Landwirte erhalten angemessene Preise für ihre Produkte und wissen genau, dass keine Teile ihrer Tiere verschwendet werden.

The different economic actors that compose the value chain often have limited trust in each other. An example of this is the limited trust of producers in processors for how the EUROP system is applicated. Reservations and limited confidence of producers arise, as the quality assessment is carried out visually by an inspector employed by the slaughterhouse, despite the fact that he is authorized by public body. In the opinion of the cattle farmers the system is biased and may be sensitive to an inappropriate lowering of quality classification.

In order to tackle this problem a pilot test was implemented in a slaughterhouse in Poland. Producers of live cattle, as part of their empirical experiences from direct cooperation with slaughterhouses, state that when assessing cattle on a farm, the inspector classifies for example, the O + class, and after slaughter, the producer receives documents in which the carcasses were classified to class O-, which translates into a significant reduction in the price per kg without any explanation, and at the same time it results in a significant reduction in confidence in theoretically objective inspectors

Basing the EUROP classification system on objective methods provides a good basis for launching an application fed with data from classification machines and from the IRZ (Animal Registration System) system. By combining these two data streams, it is possible to enable every owner of an animal from birth to rearing, to be informed about the effects of rearing. The introduction of machines for the automatic classification of beef carcasses in the EUROP system and automatization of communication process with prices acceptance by farmer, increases the trust in the producer-slaughterhouse relationship and increase the revenues of producers, because even if the primary classification is reduced, the producer receives information from the IT system why it happened. The target of this solution is that by the end of 2024 50% of total number of slaughterings in Poland will be classified by this automatic system

Różne podmioty gospodarcze tworzące łańcuch wartości mają często ograniczone zaufanie do siebie. Przykładem tego jest ograniczone zaufanie producentów do przetwórców w zakresie sposobu stosowania systemu EUROP. Zastrzeżenia i ograniczone zaufanie producentów wynikają z faktu, że ocena jakości dokonywana jest wizualnie przez inspektora zatrudnionego w rzeźni, mimo że jest on upoważniony przez instytucję publiczną. W opinii hodowców bydła system jest nieobiektywny i może być wrażliwy na niewłaściwe obniżenie klasyfikacji jakościowej.

Producenci żywca wołowego w ramach doświadczeń empirycznych z bezpośredniej współpracy z ubojniami podają, że podczas oceny bydła w gospodarstwie inspektor klasyfikuje np. klasę O +, a po uboju producent otrzymuje dokumenty, w których tusze zostały zakwalifikowane do klasy O-, co przekłada się na znaczne obniżenie ceny za kg bez żadnego wyjaśnienia, a jednocześnie powoduje znaczne zmniejszenie zaufania do teoretycznie obiektywnych inspektorów.

Oparcie systemu klasyfikacji EUROP na obiektywnych metodach stanowi dobrą podstawę do uruchomienia aplikacji zasilanej danymi z klasyfikacji oraz z systemu IRZ (Systemu Rejestracji Zwierząt). Dzięki połączeniu tych dwóch strumieni danych, możliwe jest umożliwienie każdemu właścicielowi zwierzęcia od urodzenia do odchowu, uzyskanie informacji o efektach odchowu. Wprowadzenie maszyn do automatycznej klasyfikacji tusz wołowych w systemie EUROP oraz automatyzacja procesu komunikacji z cenami akceptowanymi przez rolnika, zwiększa zaufanie w relacji producent - ubojnia oraz zwiększa przychody producentów, ponieważ nawet w przypadku obniżenia klasyfikacji pierwotnej producent otrzymuje z systemu informatycznego informację, dlaczego tak się stało. Docelowo rozwiązanie to zakłada, że do końca 2024 roku 50% ogólnej liczby ubojów w Polsce będzie klasyfikowane przez ten automatyczny system. Oczekuje się, że dzięki zastosowaniu automatycznego systemu klasyfikacji EUROP osiągnięty zostanie bardziej sprawiedliwy podział wartości dodanej w łańcuchu wartości.

The NGO Livimaa Lihaveis was established back in 2011, with the aim of obtaining a higher price for its members and marketing meat. Today, it is also a certified grassfed beef quality scheme producer group with 77 members. Over the years, Liivimaa Lihaveis has tried to sell and market meat with various Estonian and Latvian meat industries, but not all of them were successful, for various reasons. The main reason for failure, however, was the meat industry's lack of faith in the possibility of marketing quality beef. Livonian beef has a patented trademark and also a nationally recognised quality scheme label. In 2019, a cooperation agreement was signed with Linnamäe Meat Industry, to whom 50% of the brand was sold. The trademark is now shared and the cooperation agreement sets out the conditions under which it can be used. The meat industry can also buy animals from other Estonian and Latvian farmers, but on condition that the animals sold under the trademark are certified organic.

Since the meat industry is also a partner in the quality plan, a system of checks and balances has been established. The farmers are part of the quality scheme. They are guaranteed an annual inspection of the farms by an independent third pary consultant, who then also advises the farmers. On the basis of these good practices, information days or field days are organised for other beef cattle farmers, and farm visits are also organised with external lecturers.

The price that producers receive for their meat is the best market price at the moment, so there are no fixed prices for farms. What the meat industry in cooperation with the NGO provides is training for farmers. Farmers will also be organised visits to the factory, information days at the carcass cutting plant, etc. The information days will be organised by the farmers.

As the NGO and the meat industry are related brand owners, this form of cooperation works well. It is in the interest of both parties to develop the brand, not to damage it.

MTÜ Livimaa Lihaveis loodi juba 2011. aastal eesmärgiga saada oma liikmetele kõrgemat hinda ja turustada liha. Tänaseks on see ka sertifitseeritud rohusöödaveise kvaliteedikava tootjarühm, kuhu kuulub 77 liiget. Aastate jooksul on Liivimaa Lihaveis püüdnud liha müüa ja turustada erinevate Eesti ja Läti lihatööstustega, kuid kõik need ei olnud erinevatel põhjustel edukad. Peamiseks ebaõnnestumise põhjuseks oli aga lihatööstuse vähene usk kvaliteetse veiseliha turustamise võimalikkusesse. Liivimaa veiselihal on patenteeritud kaubamärk ja ka riiklikult tunnustatud kvaliteedisüsteemi märgis. 2019. aastal sõlmiti koostööleping Linnamäe Lihatööstusega, kellele müüdi 50% kaubamärgist. Kaubamärk on nüüd ühine ja koostöölepingus on sätestatud selle kasutamise tingimused. Lihatööstus võib osta loomi ka teistelt Eesti ja Läti põllumajandustootjatelt, kuid tingimusel, et kaubamärgi all müüdavad loomad on sertifitseeritud mahepõllumajanduslikud.

Innovatsiooni kirjeldus

Ühelt poolt on põllumajandustootjad osa kvaliteedikavast. Neile on tagatud, et igal aastal kontrollib põllumajandusettevõtteid sõltumatu kolmas konsultant, kes nõustab ka põllumajandustootjaid. Pärast iga-aastast kontrolli peavad konsultandid töökoosolekut kvaliteedikava juhi ja valitsusvälise organisatsiooni juhatusega ning juhivad tähelepanu probleemsetele põllumajandusettevõtetele või vastupidi, headele tavadele, mida üks või teine põllumajandusettevõte on rakendanud. Nende heade tavade põhjal korraldatakse teistele lihaveisekasvatajatele teabepäevi või põllupäevi ning korraldatakse ka põllumajandusettevõtete külastusi koos välislektoritega.

MTÜ ja lihatööstuse vahel toimub pidev koostöö erinevates valdkondades. Ühelt poolt annab lihatööstus ülevaate ostetud loomadest - selleks on loodud veebipõhine programm, kus kõik andmed (tapmistulemused, rümba kaal, ID, kaal, omanikud) saadetakse MTÜ kokkulepitud esindajale. Lihatööstust kontrollib ka kohalik veterinaarasutus, et tagada kvaliteedikava märgise õige kasutamine.

Teiselt poolt - MTÜ taotleb erinevaid turustusabi, mis on tootjarühmadele kättesaadavad riiklikul tasandil või EList. Koos lihatööstusega korraldatakse erinevaid turundusüritusi, st lihatööstus aitab kaasa turundusprojektidele, sest selle tulemusena suureneb nende müük.

Messikataloogide ja esitlusmaterjalide kujundamine ja trükkimine

Kuna MTÜ tegutseb aktiivselt toetuste taotlemisel ja ühise meeskonnana, siis viiakse läbi ka turundusüritusi ja põllumajandustootjad on väga suurel määral kaasatud tegevusse.

Samas on hind, mida tootjad saavad oma liha eest, hetkel parim turuhind, seega ei ole talude jaoks fikseeritud hindu. See, mida lihatööstus koostöös MTÜga pakub, on koolitus põllumajandustootjatele. Põllumajandustootjatele korraldatakse ka külastusi tehasesse, teabepäevi rümpade lõikamistehases jne. Infopäevad korraldavad põllumajandustootjad ise.

Kuna MTÜ ja lihatööstus on seotud kaubamärgiomanikud, toimib selline koostöövorm hästi. Mõlema osapoole huvides on arendada kaubamärki, mitte kahjustada seda.

The idea for contracts came from the awareness of the difficult relations between producers and buyers, the instability of market, the idea to share the profit or the loss, and as way to program the activities of both operators. It was planned by the farmers’ association, agreed with farmers and some slaughter operators, and presented to all operators in open meetings and already applied a some few occasions.

The contracts are signed by the producer and the buyer of finished animals (slaughter operator) and establishes the period of the production of the animal to become mature defining the market standards or specific requirements of the client and the final price of selling. The association Unicarve acts as a third body to monitor the compliance with the agreements laid down in the contract. The contract takes into account the market trend of prices of the major feeding ingredients during the period of the contract, and the market prices of animals at the end of finishing: the final price agreed can be adapted in case of important variations in the two parameters (feed and cattle prices), with the aim to share the profit or loss between the operators involved.

The opportunities for all operators is the possibility to plan the production in time with an insurance on the success of the operation, since the positive or negative profit is equally shared. The presence of the association Unicarve as a third body of control is an aspect that gives trust to the operators.

Farmers are usually sceptic about contracts, as it is a field where there are traditionally long term relations of trust or mistrust between farmers and slaughter house operators. For this or other reasons both operators usually either already have agreements or prefer to be free on the market, to be ready to catch the best occasion at the moment of need

L'idea dei contratti è nata dalla consapevolezza delle difficili relazioni tra produttori e acquirenti, dell'instabilità del mercato, dell'idea di condividere i profitti o le perdite e come modo per programmare le attività di entrambi gli operatori. È stata pianificata dall'associazione degli agricoltori, concordata con gli agricoltori e alcuni operatori della macellazione, presentata a tutti gli operatori in riunioni aperte e già applicata in alcune occasioni.

I contratti sono firmati dal produttore e dall'acquirente di animali finiti (operatore di macellazione) e stabiliscono il periodo di produzione dell'animale fino alla sua maturazione, definendo gli standard di mercato o i requisiti specifici del cliente e il prezzo finale di vendita. L'associazione Unicarve funge da organo terzo per monitorare il rispetto degli accordi stabiliti nel contratto. Il contratto tiene conto dell'andamento del mercato dei prezzi dei principali ingredienti dell'alimentazione durante il periodo del contratto e dei prezzi di mercato degli animali alla fine del finissaggio: il prezzo finale concordato può essere adattato in caso di variazioni importanti dei due parametri (prezzi dei mangimi e dei bovini), con l'obiettivo di condividere il profitto o la perdita tra gli operatori coinvolti.

L'opportunità per tutti gli operatori è la possibilità di pianificare la produzione per tempo con un'assicurazione sul successo dell'operazione, poiché il profitto positivo o negativo è equamente condiviso. La presenza dell'associazione Unicarve come organo terzo di controllo è un aspetto che dà fiducia agli operatori.

Gli allevatori sono solitamente scettici nei confronti dei contratti, perché si tratta di un settore in cui esistono rapporti tradizionali di fiducia o di sfiducia a lungo termine tra gli allevatori e gli operatori dei macelli. Per questo o per altri motivi entrambi gli operatori di solito o hanno già degli accordi o preferiscono essere liberi sul mercato, per essere pronti a cogliere l'occasione migliore al momento del bisogno.

Mixed cropping is the simultaneous cultivation of two or more crops on the same land. However nowadays the sector is focused and optimized on sole crops. Crops are grown in pure stands and firms are not adapted to harvest and process mixed yields. However, mixing different crops may save synthetic N fertilizer, improve yield stability, increase soil fertility, and suppress weeds, due to higher biodiversity and different functional plant groups, and make better use of available resources such as nutrients, water, and light.

In the search for alternative protein sources to replace imported soy in animal feed, field beans, whether mixed with cereals or not, appear to be an excellent candidate for local cultivation and use in animal feed. Field beans yield 4 to 4.5 tonnes per hectare. The crude protein content ranges from 25 to 35% per kilogram of dry matter (for soya, it is 35-45%). This means a total yield of 1.5 tonnes of crude protein per hectare. However, it should be kept in mind that the proportion of starch and energy in the mixed crop may decrease.

When applied well, mixed cropping can improve the sustainability, productivity, and yield of the crops, and because less fertiliser and pesticides are used, biodiversity will be positively influenced. But a few things need to be kept in mind; crops should be adapted to each other, it is possible that one crop can take nutrients or light from the other, not all crops work together, and also planting pattern and population needs to be considered.

Holistic Management (HM) is an adaptive and highly flexible practice. It represents a decision-making framework that emphasizes the interdependence of environmental, economic, and social wellbeing. Under HM, decisions are made by focusing upon the relationships among resources (including land, wild and managed biodiversity, water, soil and other resources), people, and financial outcomes. HM focus not only on livestock and grasslands, but it takes also into account the whole ecosystem function to be maintained, wildlife needs, planning for facing drought, fire threats, cultural needs, restoration of soil health and water infiltration and retention and it encompasses far more than systematic pasture rotations.

In Spain, a demonstration was carried out on an organic dairy farm with a calf fattening branch. Several students visited the farm ad learned more about holistic management. Important benefits are the improved C-sequestration and the lower animal feed input needed, and an overall improvement of biodiversity and the ecosystem. Applying holistic managemnt comes with a training of the farmers and a good planning of the management. It is important a good understanding of how farm ecosystem works and the impacts that farmers decisions and management have on it. Some cost come with the implementation of a hollistic management, for example fencing and throughs. Important to know is that results are not clear immediately. The first results are usually visible by the third year, although changes are usually seen in less than two years.

The practice of HM is recommended, as it is an integrated decision-making that contributes at the economic, social and environmental sustainability of agro-livestock farms. The aim of INTIA’s experimental farm in Roncesvalles is to create and to demonstrate an attractive management option for small-scale cattle farms, existing or new, in the wetlands of Navarre, associated with higher product valorisation.

La Gestión Holística (GH) es una práctica adaptable y muy flexible que incide en la interdependencia del bienestar medioambiental, económico y social. En la gestión holística, las decisiones se toman centrándose en las relaciones entre los recursos (tierra, la biodiversidad, agua, suelo...) las personas y los resultados económicos. La GH no sólo se centra en el ganado y los pastizales, sino que también tiene en cuenta la función de todo el ecosistema que debe mantenerse, las necesidades de la vida silvestre, la planificación para hacer frente a la sequía, las amenazas de incendios, las necesidades culturales, la restauración de la salud del suelo y la infiltración y retención del agua, y abarca mucho más que las rotaciones sistemáticas de los pastos.

En España se realizó una demostración en una explotación de vacuno de leche ecológica con engorde de terneros. Los asistentes visitaron la granja y aprendieron sobre GH. Los beneficios más importantes son el aumento del secuestro de C y la reducción de los inputs en alimentación animal, así como la mejora general de la biodiversidad y el ecosistema. La aplicación de la GH requiere la formación de los ganaderos y una buena planificación. Es importante entender bien cómo funciona el ecosistema de la explotación y el impacto que las decisiones tienen en él. La aplicación de una GH conlleva algunos costes, por ejemplo, en cercados y bebederos. Los primeros resultados suelen ser visibles al tercer año, aunque los cambios suelen notarse en menos de dos años.

Se recomienda la GH, ya que es una toma de decisiones integrada que contribuye a la sostenibilidad económica, social y medioambiental de las explotaciones. El objetivo de la explotación experimental de INTIA en Roncesvalles es crear y demostrar una opción de gestión atractiva para las pequeñas explotaciones ganaderas, existentes o nuevas, de la zona húmeda de Navarra, asociada a una mayor valorización del producto.

Launched in 1962, the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP) is a partnership between agriculture and society, and between Europe and its farmers. It aims to:

- support farmers and improve agricultural productivity, ensuring a stable supply of affordable food;

- safeguard European Union farmers to make a reasonable living;

- help tackle climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources;

- maintain rural areas and landscapes across the EU;

- keep the rural economy alive by promoting jobs in farming, agri-foods industries and associated sectors.

The CAP is a common policy for all EU countries. It is managed and funded at European level from the resources of the EU’s budget. To consolidate the role of European agriculture for the future, the CAP has evolved over the years to meet changing economic circumstances and citizens’ requirements and needs. On 1 June 2018, the European Commission presented the legislative proposals on the future of the CAP. The proposals outline the way ahead for the CAP, shaping a simpler and more efficient policy that will incorporate the sustainable ambitions of the European Green Deal. The future CAP reform is due to be implemented from 1 January 2023, pending final agreement between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.

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Trevor Boland won an IFA (Irish Farmers Association) competition under the Smart Farming Programme and he used the prize to pay for a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) for his suckler beef farm. Under the NMP he developed a 5 year program of liming and fertilizer use to improve fertility of the soils and enhance output on the farm as well as environmental sustainability. The key objectives under the 5 year plan were; to grow more grass, correct soil pH, utilize slurry and FYM better, extend the grazing period and shorten the winter period, and reduce the carbon footprint on the farm.

The main benefits were; increasing the volume of grass production from 10tt DM/ha to 15t DM/ha, extending the grazing period and shortening the winter period, increasing the stocking rate from 1.5LU/ha to 2.2LU/ha over 5 years, increasing profitability, and reducing the work load. Main bottlenecks were poor profitability on the beef farm which prevented investment. Success factors were the progress made on improving fertility, growing more grass, and improving profitability.

From this implementation, the farmer learned that it is possible to imrpove fertility of the farm with a clear NMP, measurement is key, and monitoring and updating of the NMP is essential.

A positive impact is possible on the other WPs in the project. For example an improved grass production that leads to an increased stocking rate and increased output and profitability and an improved utilization of grass with animals outdoors for longer periods led to improved heard health.

- Environmental sustainability: Improvement in environmental sustainability from increased grass production on the farm, improved stocking rate and reduced carbon footprint.

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In Belgium, intensive beef farms often grow and harvest maize crops next to permanent grassland. During winter time, instead of leaving the soil uncovered, introducing cover crops in a rotation can help reduce N losses via surface water. A cover crop is a type of crop planted during/after the growth period of the main crop and worked into the soil before sowing the main crop. In the short term, cover crops can counteract N leakage and reduce erosion. In the long term, the conservation and build up of hummus and organic C-level leads to an increased soil life and a better soil structure and mineral management. This all helps to increase the yield of the crops following. In addition, cover crops have the property of fixating N, leading to a lower amount of manure needed and less N will be leached and pollute nearby water courses.

To ensure the sucess of cover crops field management techniques should be optimized to local climatic conditions, water resources, soil and cropping systems. It is also important to adjust timings and dates of the planting in order to ensure a complete kill-off of the cover crops,prior to sowing the primary crop, to avoid competition.

Cover cropping can comprise of a single species or a mixture of species and can use annual, biennial or perennial vegetation. Cover crops can be killed (or ploughed‐in) in winter or spring, or grazed, and incorporated in soils to promote mineralization of organic N. They can also be left on the soil surface over the fall and winter periods, until a primary crop in no‐till is planted, to provide weed control and future N inputs.

In België wordt in intensieve rundveesystemen vaak maïs geteeld naast grasland. In plaats van de grond onbedekt te laten, zou de invoering van bodembedekkers in de winter kunnen helpen om N-verliezen via oppervlaktewater te beperken. Een dekgewas wordt tijdens of na de groeiperiode van het hoofdgewas geplant en wordt bewerkt voordat het volgende hoofdgewas wordt ingezaaid. Op korte termijn kunnen dekgewassen uitspoeling van N tegengaan, erosie verminderen, enz. Op lange termijn leidt het behoud en de opbouw van hummus en organisch C-gehalte tot een verhoogd bodemleven en een betere bodemstructuur en mineralenhuishouding. Dit alles draagt bij tot een hogere opbrengst van de volgende gewassen. Bovendien hebben ze ook de eigenschap N te fixeren, waardoor er minder mest nodig is en er minder N zal uitspoelen naar de nabijgelegen waterlopen. Belangrijk is om rekening te houden met het lokale klimaat, watervoorraden, bodem en teeltsystemen. Het is ook belangrijk om het tijdstip van planten en omploegen van de bodembedekker aan te passen, om concurrentie met het hoofdgewas te vermijden, de doeltreffendheid ervan te verbeteren en te vermijden dat dekgewassen worden geplant wanneer de bodemomstandigheden niet optimaal zijn.

Bodembeddekers kunnen bestaan uit één of meerdere soorten en kunnen een-, twee- of meerjarige vegetatie gebruiken. Dekgewassen kunnen in de winter of het voorjaar worden ingeploegd of begraasd, en door grondbewerking in de bodem worden opgenomen om concurrentie met het hoofdgewas te voorkomen en de mineralisatie van organische N te bevorderen. Zij kunnen ook in de herfst en de winter op het bodemoppervlak blijven liggen totdat een hoofdgewas in no-till wordt geplant, om onkruidbestrijding en N-input te verschaffen.

Average daily gain is one of the most important measures for improving production efficiency in animal husbandry in general. In the breeding of beef cattle, the daily gain of an animal is a crucial parameter of production efficiency. The higher the daily weight gain, the shorter the fattening period of the animal until slaughter and ultimately an increase in the environemental efficiency of each kg of beef produced. This is a win-win situation for the farmer as both economic and environemental sustainability improve.Selective breeding can result in limprovements in average daily gain. On beef farms in Germany breeding values are routinely used to predict the perfomance of specific beef animal characteristics such as weight at 365-day and the muscularity score at 365-day of age. By using these values farmers can selectively breed animals for higher average daily gains.

Die Steigerung der Leistung ist eine der wichtigsten Maßnahmen zur Verbesserung der Produktionseffizienz in der Tierhaltung. In der Fleischrinderzucht ist die Tageszunahme eines Tieres ein entscheidender Parameter der Produktionseffizienz. Je höher die tägliche Gewichtszunahme, desto kürzer ist die Mastdauer des Tieres bis zur Schlachtung und desto weniger Tiere müssen letztlich für die Fleischproduktion gehalten werden. Dies ist sowohl aus wirtschaftlicher Sicht für den Tierhalter, als auch aus Umweltgesichtspunkten positiv.

Die Zuchtwertschätzung wird mit einem BLUP-Tiermodell durchgeführt. Alle Merkmale werden statistisch ausgewertet. Ein Multi-Trait-Modell verknüpft die verschiedenen Merkmale über die genetischen Korrelationen, so dass jede Information gleichzeitig zur Zuchtwertschätzung der anderen Merkmale beiträgt. Das Tiermodell berücksichtigt alle (bekannten) Zusammenhänge. Durch das Tiermodell und den Multi-Trait-Ansatz werden für jedes Tier in allen Merkmalen Zuchtwerte geschätzt, auch wenn das Tier selbst keine entsprechende Eigenleistung hat, sondern nur seine Verwandten.

Die geschätzten Zuchtwerte für die Gewichte werden durch eine lineare Transformation als Zuchtwerte für Tageszunahmen dargestellt. In einem Selektionsindexverfahren werden die natürlichen Zuchtwerte aus den beiden Schätzungen der Feld- und Stationsergebnisse für die Merkmale Gewicht bei der 365-Tage-Wiegung und Bewertung des Muskelscores bei der 365-Tage-Wiegung zu kombinierten Zuchtwerten für alle Tiere mit Leistung in beiden Schätzverfahren zusammengefasst.

Selektive Zucht kann zu einem geringeren Futterverbrauch und damit zu geringeren CO2-Emissionen pro kg Produkt führen.

Well-managed composting of farmyard manure is a useful tool in nutrient management plans, in order to reduce pollution potential and benefit crops. Instead of viewing manure as a waste, it can bee seen as a product able to substitute commercial fertilizer and as an economic resource in terms of saving. It is also is an effective manure management tool that reduces volume, kills pathogens and weed seed and improves soil health and fertility, once spread. It also reduces the risk of nutrient leaching and subsequent pollution of nearby surface water. It can also be highly beneficial for farms with no sufficient agricultural land to properly manage their manure, as composting can be an interesting option to reduce the material to be landspread. Due to these benefits, INTIA, a farm advisory service located in the Navarra region of Spain, created a manure turning network to support the composting of farmyard manures on nearby beef farms. Farmers within the network had access to the necessary equipment for composting (a mobile composting machine from MENART) and a team of advisors to supervise the work on their farms when necessary. As most farmers in Navarra, Spain, use straw as a bedding material, extra material was not required for composting of the manure. A manure and slurry management plan was established, with maximum N contribution to specific zones on the farm set.

Ultimately the project provided the opportunity for farmers to understand how to convert a their farm waste residue into a useful product. However, convincing farmers of the significant agronomic value of composting requires careful facilitation and support.

El compostaje bien gestionado puede ser una herramienta útil en la gestión de nutrientes de las explotaciones, que puede reducir la contaminación y beneficiar a los cultivos. En lugar de considerar el estiércol como un residuo, puede verse como un producto capaz de sustituir al fertilizante comercial y un recurso económico. El compostaje reduce el volumen de estiércol a manejar, elimina los patógenos y las semillas de malas hierbas y mejora la salud y la fertilidad del suelo. Por otro lado, contribuye a reducir el potencial de contaminación de las aguas superficiales. Por todo ello, INTIA creó en Navarra una red de volteo de estiércol con la maquinaria necesaria (una máquina de compostaje móvil de MENART) y el apoyo de un equipo de asesores para las explotaciones de la red.

No fue necesario añadir material adicional al estiércol para su compostaje, ya que la mayoría de los agricultores de Navarra, España, utilizan paja como material de cama. Se estableció un plan de gestión del estiércol y los purines y se fijó un aporte máximo de N por zonas. Esto llevó a considerar el estiércol como un recurso fertilizante de calidad. En cuanto a los niveles de N, durante el compostaje puede haber una pérdida de N (volatilización de NH3). Es decir, para aquellas explotaciones que no disponen de suficiente terreno agrícola para gestionar adecuadamente su estiércol, el compostaje puede ser una opción interesante para reducir el material a esparcir, pero si no es el caso, el compostaje puede requerir la compra de fertilizantes adicionales para compensar las pérdidas de N durante el proceso. Esto hace que el efecto sobre los costes dependa de cada explotación.

La oportunidad es convertir un residuo en un producto útil para los agricultores. Sin embargo, no es fácil convencer a los agricultores de que lo que antes consideraban un residuo puede convertirse en un producto de gran valor agronómico.

On several farms application of cattle has been implemented through a trailing shoe attached to the back of a vacuum tanker. The trailling shoe consists of a network of pipes which carry manure from the tank to a small applicator dragged across the ground surface. It's implementation reduces the volume of odour that arises from splash plate application and can also reduce the level of volatilisation of nitrogen into the atmosphere. As the manure is not applied directly onto the surface of the plants but very prescisely onto the roots beneath, a higher rate of absorption of nutrients by the plants occurs. This in turn reduces the flow of redundant nutrients into nearby ground and surface waters. To monitor the effect of the good practice, the water quality of ground water and surface water can e tested before and after using the trailing shoe.

Auf mehreren Betrieben wurde für eine bodennahe Ausbringung von Gülle der Schleppschuh eingesetzt. Es ist eine emissionsarme Technik und reduziert den Verlust von Nährstoffen. So wird das Grundwasser vor übermäßigem Nährstoffeintrag geschützt. Die Gülle wird nicht auf die Pflanzen, sondern auf den darunter liegenden Boden aufgebracht. Dadurch wird die Gülle sehr präzise und genau dosiert und nah an den Wurzeln ausgebracht. Dies führt zu einer höheren Aufnahme der Nährstoffe durch die Pflanzen und zu einem geringeren Eintrag von überflüssigen Nährstoffen in das Grundwasser. Auch nahegelegene Oberflächengewässer werden geschützt, da die Gülle nicht Gefahr läuft, in ein Oberflächengewässer gespült zu werden.

Bei der Ausbringung muss sich der Landwirt mit der neuen Technik vertraut machen, was durch den Kundendienst des Vertreibers begleitet werden kann. Vor und nach Einsatz des Schleppschuhs kann die Qualität von Grund- und Oberflächenwasser getestet werden, um die Auswirkungen auf die Gewässer zu überprüfen. Die Technik hat eine hohe Akzeptanz bei den Anwohnern wegen der verringerten Geruchsbelästigung. Der Landwirt muss natürlich in die neue Ausrüstung investieren und lernen, wie man damit arbeitet.

Nach der Anwendung zeigt sich Folgendes: Die neuen Geräte sind teuer, aber im Vorteil, wenn es um Umweltschutz geht, verbessertes Pflanzenwachstum durch hohe Nährstoffverfügbarkeit und technisches Interesse des Landwirts hilft, die Handhabung zu erlernen.

Die Auswirkungen auf die anderen WPs können sein: verbessertes Wachstum der Futterpflanzen und der verminderte Eintrag von Nährstoffen in Grund- und Oberflächenwasser, insbesondere von Stickstoff.

Marbling contributes to the economic value of carcasses and meat in some countries, where high scores is usually related to higher values. In Europe, mandatory carcass grading involves conformation and fatness scores, but not marbling. However, interest in marbling is growing. Meat@ppli is a smartphone application for measuring the fat of a piece of meat at the carcass stage, in real time, in a reliable, economical and non-destructive way. Automatic image analysis algorithms are integrated into the application which estimates in real time the fat content of the 6th rib of a beef carcass from its photo. The application is still at the proof of concept stage and improvements are still possible. The next steps planned by IDELE are to continue with the development of Meat@ppli in order to measure more precisely the intramuscular fat content and reproduce the marbling grade according to the new scale. Meat@ppli could in the future be used by beef sectors to route carcasses to the most suitable distribution channels and contribute to the selection of cattle with suitable marbling. Since the beginning of 2022, the French beef industry has developed a new marbling scale from 1 (no visual marbling) to 6 (high visual marbling). Meat@ppli could allow an automated evaluation of this grid. This tool will allow to classify carcasses according to commercial interest and phenotype several carcasses useful for future animal selection to improve yield and meat quality. Meat@ppli project was led by Jérôme Normand from IDELE (Institut de l'Elevage) in partnership with INRAE (Institut National de Recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement) and Pascal Institute (joint research unit of Clermont Auvergne University, CNRS and Clermont Auvergne INP).

Dans certains pays, le persillé contribue à la valeur économique des carcasses et viandes bovines, les viandes les plus persillées étant les mieux valorisées. En Europe, la valorisation de la carcasse est basée sur le classement réglementaire portant sur la conformation et l’état d’engraissement mais pas sur le persillé. Cependant, l’intérêt pour le persillé est croissant. Meat@ppli est une application smartphone visant à évaluer la teneur en gras de la viande bovine à la coupe primaire des carcasses, de façon fiable, non destructive et peu coûteuse. Des algorithmes d'analyse d'image automatique sont intégrés à l'application pour estimer en temps réel la teneur en matière grasse de la 6ème côte d'une carcasse, à partir de sa photo. L'application est encore au stade de la preuve de concept et des améliorations sont encore possibles. IDELE envisage de poursuivre le développement de Meat@ppli pour améliorer la précision de mesure du gras intramusculaire et pour classer les carcasses suivant la nouvelle grille interprofessionnelle française de notation du persillé. Dans le futur, Meat@ppli pourra être utilisé par la filière bovine pour trier les carcasses en fonction des exigences des différents circuits commerciaux et pour réaliser du phénotypage haut-débit sur le gras dans la viande en vue de la sélection des animaux de demain.

Le projet Meat@ppli a été conduit par Jérôme Normand (IDELE – Institut de l’Elevage), en partenariat avec INRAE (Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement) et l’Institut Pascal (UMR Université Clermont Auvergne / CNRS / Clermont Auvergne INP).

The ability to produce one calf per cow per year is a key driver of profitability on suckler beef farms. In order for this to occur reproductive efficiency must be optimized and the success will depend on the fertility and health of both, the male and the female. Introducing periodic evaluations of reproductive bulls in breeding programs can be a useful strategy to reverse low reproductive efficiency on some extensive suckler beef farms. In Spain, there is no standardised bull breeding evaluation adopted for the country, so, to avoid discrepancies in criteria, a group of stakeholders and researchers have developed a standardised assessment of the reproductive aptitude of bulls, named La guía VART. The VART guide has been developed with the aim of introducing bull breeding soundness evaluation into the reproductive programs of beef cattle herds to test bulls annually before use, to evaluate bulls before the sale, as well as to find the cause in bulls with low fertility. The methodology includes sanitary assessment, physical evaluation, scrotal circumference, semen examination, mating ability and serving capacity evaluations; all together to establish a global score corresponding to different categories. Categories are not only used to discard “Unsuitable” bulls, but also to propose reproductive management, such as the number of cyclic cows to mount, for “Questionable” bulls. It is considered appropriate to develop a dissemination program so that farmers are aware of this methodology and veterinarians unify their criteria to put into practice actions that can be sustained over time. Demonstrations on bull breeding evaluation were carried out in Spain, France and Ireland.

La capacidad de producir un ternero por vaca/año es un factor clave para la rentabilidad de las ganaderías de vacas nodrizas. Para que esto ocurra se debe optimizar la eficiencia reproductiva y el éxito dependerá de la fertilidad y salud tanto del macho como de la hembra. La introducción de evaluaciones periódicas de toros reproductores en programas de reproducción puede ser una estrategia útil para revertir la baja eficiencia reproductiva en algunas ganaderías. En España no existe una evaluación estandarizada de toros reproductores adoptada para el país, de modo que, para evitar discrepancias de criterios, un grupo de interesados e investigadores ha desarrollado una evaluación estandarizada de la aptitud reproductiva, denominada La guía VART. La guía se ha desarrollado con el objetivo de introducir la evaluación en programas reproductivos de rebaños de vacuno de carne para evaluar anualmente los toros antes de su uso o antes de la venta, así como para encontrar la causa de la baja fertilidad. La metodología incluye la evaluación sanitaria, física, circunferencia escrotal, examen de semen, las evaluaciones de la capacidad de cubrición y de servicio; todo ello para establecer una puntuación global para diferentes categorías. Las categorías no sólo se utilizan para descartar los toros "No aptos", sino también para proponer un manejo reproductivo adecuado, como el número de vacas cíclicas a cubrir, para los toros "Cuestionables". Se considera oportuno desarrollar un programa de difusión para que los ganaderos conozcan esta metodología y los veterinarios unifiquen sus criterios para poner en práctica acciones que puedan mantenerse a lo largo del tiempo. Se han realizado demostraciones sobre la evaluación de toros en España, Francia e Irlanda.

Ovarian synchronisation protocols allow for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) and are not dependent on heat detection, making them a very useful tool for planning and improving reproductive efficiency on suckler cow farms. In addition, the use of FTAI reduces dystocia (tested semen), helps control venereal diseases, allows the incorporation of superior genetics at a lower cost (heavier and more homogeneous calf groups) and facilitates labour and feed forecasting, improving the farmer's quality of life. The original synchronisation protocol is based on the use of 2 GnRH (d0 and d9) and 1 prostaglandin F2α (PGF, d7) and FTAI (d10), and is called Ovsynch. Most of the protocols used for FTAI are variations of the 7d Ovsynch; for example, the Cosynch is a modification used in beef cattle, where the 2nd GnRH coincides with FTAI, to reduce the number of handlings and therefore the cost. Pregnancy rates obtained are around 50%, which can be as high as 90% if combined with detection of the first heat after insemination using bulls (for 2 months). Pregnancy rates are more variable in heifers, so various modifications have been tried. In addition, protocols can be adjusted to the needs of each individual farmer, always trying to minimise hormone therapy and maximise pregnancy rate and economic return on investment. The farmer who wants to use IATF should seek advice from a specialist to recommend the most appropriate protocols for each type of animal and herd. Demonstrations on this theme were carried out in Spain and Germany.

Los protocolos de sincronización ovárica que permiten realizar la inseminación artificial a tiempo fijo (IATF) no dependen de la detección de celos, por lo que se han convertido en una herramienta muy útil para planificar y mejorar la eficiencia reproductiva de granjas de vacas nodrizas. Además, el uso de IATF reduce las distocias (semen probado), ayuda a controlar enfermedades venéreas, permite incorporar una genética superior a un menor costo (lotes de terneros más pesados y homogéneos) y facilita la previsión de mano de obra y comida, mejorando la calidad de vida del ganadero. El protocolo de sincronización original se basa en el uso de 2 GnRH (d0 y d9) y 1 prostaglandina F2α (PGF, d7) e IATF (d10), y se denomina Ovsynch. La mayoría de protocolos para IATF que se utilizan son variaciones del Ovsynch 7d; por ejemplo, el Cosynch es una modificación usada en vacuno de carne, en la que la 2ª GnRH coincide con la IATF, para reducir el número de manejos y, por tanto, su coste. Las tasas de preñez que se obtienen rondan el 50%, que pueden ascender al 90% si se combina con repaso con toro (durante 2 meses). Las tasas de preñez son más variables en novillas, por lo que se han probado diversas modificaciones. Además, es posible ajustar los protocolos a las necesidades de cada ganadero, tratando siempre de minimizar la terapia hormonal y maximizar la tasa de preñez y el retorno económico de la inversión. El ganadero que quiera usar IATF deberá asesorarse por un especialista que le recomiende los protocolos más adecuados para cada tipo de animal y para cada rebaño. Las demostraciones del tema se realizaron en España y Alemania.

Periods of undernutrition are common in the cattle sector. Whether it is because the animals are kept in extensive conditions (where their diet depends on the pasture quantity and quality) or because the farmer tries to minimise the costs of feeding housed animals, it is common that the animals need more feed than they intake and consequently enter a phase of negative energy balance. When faced with an energy deficit, it is observed that the cow's fat reserves are reduced and, therefore, her body condition is reduced. For this reason, the determination of body condition is a tool that will give information about the nutritional status of an animal. The consequences of a negative energy balance situation will depend on the stage of the production cycle. It is well known that a cow should arrive at calving with a good body condition (between 2.5 and 3), but what are the consequences of poor nutrition at the beginning of the next pregnancy? In view of this issue, a research group from CITA-Aragón has carried out a study and concluded that undernutrition during the first third of gestation will not only have negative consequences for the cow, but also for the suckling calf and the future calf which the cow is gestating. Among other results, calves from undernourished dams at the beginning of gestation had a 16% reduction in live weight at weaning and 11.4% at slaughter, especially in the Pirenaica breed. For this reason, it is necessary to periodically evaluate the body condition of each animal and adjust the diet, if necessary, to try to maintain optimal body condition and avoid the adverse effects of undernutrition at the beginning of pregnancy.

Los periodos de subnutrición son frecuentes en el sector bovino. Ya sea porque los animales están en condiciones extensivas (donde su dieta depende de la cantidad y calidad de los pastos) o porque el ganadero intenta minimizar los costes de alimentación de sus animales estabulados, es habitual que los animales necesiten más alimento del que ingieren y entren en una fase de balance energético negativo. Ante un déficit energético, observamos como la vaca va reduciendo sus reservas de grasa y, por tanto, su condición corporal. Por esta razón, la determinación de la condición corporal es una herramienta que nos dará información sobre el estado nutricional de un animal. Las consecuencias de una situación de balance energético negativo dependerán del momento del ciclo productivo. Es conocido que una vaca debería llegar al parto con una buena condición corporal (entre 2,5 y 3) pero ¿qué consecuencias tendrá una nutrición deficiente durante el inicio de la siguiente gestación? Ante esta cuestión, un grupo de investigación del CITA de Aragón ha llevado a cabo un estudio para concluir que la subnutrición durante el primer tercio de la gestación no sólo tendrá unas consecuencias negativas para esa vaca, sino también para el ternero que está amamantando y para el futuro ternero que está gestando. Entre otros resultados, los terneros procedentes de madres subnutridas al inicio de la gestación tuvieron una reducción del 16% del peso vivo al destete y del 11,4% al sacrificio, especialmente en la raza Pirenaica. Por esta razón, es necesario evaluar periódicamente la condición corporal de cada animal y corregir la dieta, si es necesario, para intentar mantener la condición corporal óptima y evitar los efectos adversos de la subnutrición al inicio de la gestación.

Cattle are exposed to stressors during management, particularly at weaning, at the feedlot entry and in the pre-slaughter period. The stress can lead to a reduction of animal welfare, performance and product quality. Promising results to reduce stress animals has been found using analogues of maternal appeasing pheromones. The synthetic substance imitates the composition of secretions from the skin around mammary glands, which was identified first in sows by a French researcher, Patrick Pageat, and later in other mammary species. For cattle, the chemical active compounds are five fatty acids and 1-docosanol in specific proportions. The substance is available commercially and should be topically applied to the nuchal skin area of each animal prior to stressful events. Research studies showed that the substance potentially improves animal welfare, immunity and performance (ie. daily gain), reduce stress, aggressive behavior and lowers the risk of carcass and meat quality issues (carcass bruises, DFD meat). Additional research is still warranted to evaluate the mechanisms of action of the substance. A demonstration in webinar format was carried out in Estonia, where the Prof. Patrick Pageat introduced the commercial product SecureCattle®. The product became recently commercially available in the country with a cost of about 5 €/head and was perceived as easy to apply. The researcher stressed that the use of maternal bovine pheromone is interesting, not only for impacting on behaviour, but also as a way to make the animals able to deal with microbial, viral and environmental attacks, and leading to a lower use of drugs and lower quality loss in the final product.

El ganado vacuno está expuesto a factores de estrés durante su manejo, especialmente en el destete, entrada al cebadero y en el periodo previo al sacrificio. El estrés puede provocar reducción del bienestar animal, rendimiento y calidad del producto. Resultados prometedores fueron encontrados para reducir el estrés utilizando análogos de las feromonas de apaciguamiento materno. La sustancia sintética imita la composición de secreciones de la piel alrededor de las glándulas mamarias, que fue identificada primero en cerdas por un investigador francés, Patrick Pageat, y posteriormente en otras especies mamarias. En el caso de los bovinos, los compuestos químicos activos son cinco ácidos grasos y 1-docosanol en proporciones específicas. La sustancia está disponible en el mercado y debe aplicarse por vía tópica en la zona de la nuca de cada animal antes de los eventos estresantes. Los estudios mostraron que la sustancia mejora potencialmente el bienestar, inmunidad, rendimiento, reduce el estrés, el comportamiento agresivo y disminuye el riesgo de problemas de calidad de la canal y de la carne (moretones y carne DFD). Todavía es necesario investigar más para evaluar los mecanismos de acción de la sustancia. Se realizó una demostración en formato de seminario web en Estonia, donde el Profesor Patrick Pageat presentó el producto comercial SecureCattle® el cual se comercializó recientemente en el país con coste de unos 5 euros/cabeza y se consideró fácil de aplicar. El investigador destacó que el uso de la feromona es interesante, no sólo por su impacto en el comportamiento, sino para que los animales sean capaces de hacer frente a los ataques microbianos, víricos y ambientales, lo que conlleva un menor uso de fármacos y menor pérdida de calidad del producto final.

This Good Practice was implemented in Poland, Silesian Region, Kamyk, in a small scale beef farm, specialised in fattening Limousine cattle and direct sale of beef. To improve the quality of culinary beef, the owner Jacek Orszulak decided to introduce a 120-day finishing ration for all bulls before slaughter, in order to improve the culinary quality of the beef, especially marbling. Rising prices of feed components, mainly cereals, forced the farmers to look for alternatives. The close vicinity of the biscuit factory resulted in an unusual idea to use leftover biscuits and cakes in a feeding ration for finishing bulls. In order to improve the quality of beef sold directly to customers, nutritional modifications have been made to the Limousine bull feeding ration. Due to the high price of cereals in the ration, sponge and biscuit crowbars were used and the remains of cakes from the nearby located cake factory. The chemical composition of the samples was analyzed, and then the biscuit scraps replaced 50% of the cereal components in the ration. The introduction of a 120-day finish resulted in an improvement in the marbling of the meat, which was noticeable to the customers. “In addition, we have benefited from reducing the cost of feeding, because the price of grain in our country reaches 200 euro/ton., and we get a crowbar for 30% of this price. Thanks to this, we saved about 1 euro/head/day” – says Jacek, the owner of the farm.

Ta dobra praktyka została wdrożona w Polsce, Region Śląski, Kamyk, w małym gospodarstwie wyspecjalizowanym w opasie bydła rasy Limousine oraz bezpośredniej sprzedaży wołowiny. W celu poprawy jakości kulinarnej wołowiny właściciel Jacek Orszulak postanowił wdrożyć do produkcji 120-dniowy okres opasu końcowego dla wszystkich buhajów przed ubojem, w celu podniesienia jakości kulinarnej wołowiny, zwłaszcza marmurkowatości. Rosnące ceny komponentów paszowych, głównie zbóż, zmusiły gospodarstwo do szukania tańszych alternatyw paszowych. Bliskie sąsiedztwo z fabryką ciastek zaowocowało nietypowym pomysłem wykorzystania łomu i pozostałości ciast i ciastek w jako komponentu paszowego dla opasanych buhajów. W celu poprawy jakości wołowiny sprzedawanej bezpośrednio do klientów wprowadzono modyfikacje żywieniowe w dawkach pokarmowych dla buhajów rasy Limousine. Wdrożono 120-dniowy okres finiszu w oparciu o wysoką zawartość energetyczną komponentów skrobiowych. Jednak ze względu na wysoką cenę zbóż w racji żywnościowej stosowano głównie łom biszkoptowy oraz pozostałości ciast z pobliskiego zakładu przetwórczego. Przeanalizowano skład chemiczny próbek tych pasz, a następnie zastąpiono pasze zbożowe 50% udziałem pozostałościami z przemysłu ciastkarskiego. Wprowadzenie 120-dniowego opasu końcowego spowodowało poprawę marmurkowatości mięsa, co było zauważalne dla klientów. „Ponadto skorzystaliśmy na obniżeniu kosztów żywienia, ponieważ cena ziarna w naszym kraju sięga 200 euro/tonę, a za 30% tej ceny dostajemy łom ciastkowy. Dzięki temu zaoszczędziliśmy około 1 euro/sztukę/dzień” – stwierdził Jacek, właściciel gospodarstwa.

About 80% of the cattle arriving in Italy for meat production come from France, where animals are of different genetic types with different growth and finishing requirements. The other 20% of animals fattened in Italy are derived from Irish, Italian, Austrian, German or Eastern European crossbreeds. The modifications of diet plans made by farmers, always advised by nutritionists, in order to fulfil the requirements of the market are applied in the last months of fattening (2, 4 months) and are directed to increase the energy and sometimes also at the same time to reduce the roughage, such as corn silage. Here are some examples of modifications according to different type of animals:

- Charolaise, male: increase of 1 kg corn meal.

- Charolaise, female: decrease of 1 kg corn silage, increase 2,5 kg of corn meal.

- Limousine, female: no use of corn meal in growth but inclusion of 2 kg in fattening phase.

- Italian crossbreds, female: increase of 1 kg corn meal.

- Italian crossbreds, male: increase of 1 kg corn meal.

The remaining part of the diet usually doesn’t change, and it is made for most of farmers of straw, a source of protein (soy meal or industrial mix), a source of soluble fiber (bran, beet pulps…) and vitamin and minerals supplementation. A detail very important for the success of this management, is the adaptation of the animals to the new diet, in order to avoid diseases in order to avoid diseases that could compromise the performance of the animals. The farmer is also aware that the practice involve the intervention of an expert in animal nutrition, and also involves a certain amount of hours of work, since not all animals are at the same growth level at the same time. However, it is a way to meet market success.

Circa l'80% dei giovani bovini importati in Italia per la produzione di carne proviene dalla Francia: si tratta di animali di diversi tipi genetici con esigenze di crescita differenti. Il restante 20% è costituito da incroci irlandesi, italiani, austriaci, tedeschi o dell'Europa dell'Est. Le modifiche ai piani alimentari apportate dagli allevatori, consigliati da nutrizionisti, per rispettare la fisiologia degli animali e soddisfare il mercato sono applicate negli ultimi mesi di ingrasso (2, 4 mesi) e mirano ad aumentare l'energia e a volte anche a ridurre i foraggi, come l'insilato di mais. Alcuni esempi di modifiche riscontrate in piani alimentari di aziende del nord Italia:

- Charolaise, maschio: aumento di 1 kg di farina di mais.

- Charolaise, femmina: calo di 1 kg di insilato di mais, aumento di 2,5 kg di farina di mais.

- Limousine, femmina: nessun uso di farina di mais nell'accrescimento, ma inclusione di 2 kg nella fase finale.

- Incroci italiani, femmina: aumento di 1 kg di farina di mais.

- Incroci italiani, maschi: aumento di 1 kg di farina di mais.

La parte restante della dieta di solito non cambia, ed è composta per la maggior parte da paglia, una fonte di proteine (soia o mangimi/nuclei), una fonte di fibra solubile (crusca, polpa di barbabietola...) e un'integrazione di vitamine e minerali. Un dettaglio molto importante per il successo di questa gestione è l'adattamento degli animali alla nuova dieta, al fine di evitare disequilibri che compromettano le prestazioni degli animali. Questa pratica richiede l'intervento di un nutrizionista e comporta anche un aumento di ore di lavoro, poiché non tutti gli animali si trovano allo stesso livello di crescita nello stesso momento. Tuttavia, è un modo per soddisfare le richieste del mercato.

Consumer interest in meat of high quality has been growing, while awareness of environmentally friendly and pasture-based beef cattle production has also increased. In order to identify the intrinsic meat marbling of animals from grassland, it is necessary to map the meat marbling at the cutting table. That is why Liivimaa Lihaveis brand, from Estonia, has established a grass-fed beef quality scheme with its own set of rules for the quality of animal husbandry. The animals are fattened on 100% grassland or grass forage (silage and/or hay) and Linnamäe sells and markets the animals under the Liivimaa Lihaveis quality scheme. The mapping is free of cost for the farmer and currently, there are 77 farms under the quality scheme that market their animals through the meat industry. “We know that customers and consumers want marbled meat. At the same time, there is not satisfaction with the current pricing system. As a farmer, I would make changes in the animal’s management if I know which one could potentially produce more marbled meat from grasslands. In order to get this information, I need feedback from the slaughterhouse, including the marbling scores from each carcass. At the moment SEUROP is the basis for carcass classification, without insights into beef marbling, so this mapping is a good starting point for making mutually satisfactory decisions in the future. The slaughterhouse also needs to forecast amount of carcass from each marbling category for market purposes, and in case, to advice the farmer, for example, to graze the animals for some months longer or to modify the type of feed to improve marbling”. - Lisanna, an Estonian farmer interviewed by BovINE NM.

Tarbijate huvi kvaliteetse liha vastu on kasvanud, samal ajal kui teadlikkus keskkonnasõbralikust ja karjamaapõhisest veisekasvatusest on samuti suurenenud. Selleks, et määrata kindlaks rohumaalt pärit loomade lihasisene marmor, on vaja kaardistada liha marmorsus lõikuslaual. Seepärast on Eesti tootjaorganisatsioon Liivimaa Lihaveis loonud rohumaal kasvatatud veiseliha kvaliteedikava, millel on oma loomakasvatuse kvaliteedireeglid. Loomi nuumatakse suvel 100% rohumaal või talvel rohusöödal (silo ja/või hein) ning Linnamäe müüb ja turustab loomi Liivimaa Lihaveise kvaliteediskeemi alusel. Kaardistamine on farmerile tasuta ja praegu on kvaliteedikava raames 77 farmi, kes turustavad oma loomi lihatööstuse kaudu. "Me teame, et kliendid ja tarbijad tahavad marmorjat liha. Samas ei olda rahul praeguse hinnakujundussüsteemiga. Farmerina teeksin muudatusi loomade pidamises, kui teaksin, milline loom võiks potentsiaalselt toota rohkem marmorjat liha rohumaalt. Selleks, et seda teavet saada, vajan ma tagasisidet lõikusest ja tapamajast, sealhulgas iga rümba marmorsuse hindeid. Hetkel on SEUROP rümpade klassifitseerimise aluseks, ilma veiseliha marmorsuse kohta käivate teadmisteta, nii et see kaardistus on hea lähtepunkt selleks, et tulevikus vastastikku rahuldavaid otsuseid teha. Lihatööstus peab ka prognoosima iga erineva marmorsuse kategooria rümpade kogust turu jaoks ja vajadusel andma loomapidajale nõu, näiteks karjatada loomi mõned kuud kauem või vaadata üle põhisööt, et parandada marmorsust". - Lisanna, Eesti farmer, keda intervjueeris BovINE NM.

Respiratory disease is a major issue in cattle and especially in calves. Not only in old barns with low ceilings and manure mattress, the improvement of air quality is one of the adjusting screws to achieve improvements in this area. A new ventilation system can be a large improvement for a range of health issues.

Ademhalingsziekten zijn een groot probleem bij runderen en vooral bij kalveren. Vooral in oude stallen met lage plafonds en mestmatrassen is de verbetering van de luchtkwaliteit een belangrijk aandachtspunt om verbeteringen op dit gebied te realiseren. Een nieuw ventilatiesysteem kan een grote verbetering betekenen voor een reeks gezondheidsproblemen. Het buisventilatiesysteem zorgt voor een constante, positieve toevoer van verse lucht naar de directe omgeving van het dier, verdunt de vuile lucht, en zorgt voor gelijkmatige temperaturen, ongeacht de weersomstandigheden buiten. Dit wordt bereikt door buizen met kleine openingen om de lucht over de hele lengte van de stal te verspreiden. Een ventilator dwingt lucht van buiten (of voorverwarmde lucht) door buizen die door de hele stal lopen. Een bedrijf in België met meerdere mestdieren, zoogkoeien en kalveren gebruikt dit systeem al. Tijdens een demonstratie werd via een rookproef zichtbaar gemaakt dat de lucht uit de buisventilatie wordt gestuwd en gelijkmatig wordt verspreid. De veehouder zei: "Door het gebruik van dit systeem zagen we dat we een gelijkmatig stalklimaat creëerden over de hele stal, zonder onder- of over geventileerde delen. De kolonievormende eenheden werden met ongeveer 75 procent per kubieke meter verminderd. De ervaring is dat de dieren niet zo vaak ziek worden of als ze toch ziek worden, zijn de symptomen veel minder ernstig dan voorheen. Het stalklimaat is ook veel frisser en heeft een lager ammoniakgehalte." Daarom zou de veehouder buisventilatie ook voor andere bedrijven aanraden, vooral in suboptimale stallen om het klimaat te verbeteren. Het ventilatiesysteem is niet moeilijk uit te voeren; het moet echter wel door een vakman worden geïnstalleerd. Het is belangrijk dat de grootte van de buis, de gaten en de druk van de lucht worden aangepast aan elke stal specifiek.

Bronchopulmonary diseases account for 90% of diseases occurring in fattening farms. To limit the use of antibiotics, vaccination against respiratory infections is a valuable tool. However, it has been shown that vaccinating animals directly at the birth farm has several advantages over vaccinating animal only after the transport to the fattening farm. The conditions prevailing during transport do not provide a physiological state that ensures optimal response to the vaccine, and the resulting antibody response is not adequate. In addition, the high concentration of animals from different farms combined with the stress of transport can cause animals to become sick soon after they arrive at the fattening farm. This can lead to performance losses and the need to administer antibiotics. Vaccinating animals at this stage is most of the time too late. Instead, vaccinating calves preventively on the breeding farm already, can lead to an improved performance at a later stage because calves have sufficient time to develop immunity before being exposed to the stresses of transport and regrouping. Therefore, an Italian cattle breeder initiated a program where animals were vaccinated at their birth farm before transported to the fattening farms, resulting in improved animal welfare and productivity. These animals are on average healthier at the beginning of the fattening period and start eating and growing earlier compared to animals vaccinated according to the standard vaccination protocol.

Le malattie broncopolmonari rappresentano il 90% delle malattie che si verificano negli allevamenti da ingrasso. Per limitare l'uso di antibiotici, la vaccinazione contro le infezioni respiratorie è uno strumento prezioso. Tuttavia, è stato dimostrato che vaccinare gli animali direttamente nell'allevamento di nascita presenta diversi vantaggi rispetto alla vaccinazione degli animali solo dopo il trasporto all'allevamento di ingrasso. Le condizioni prevalenti durante il trasporto non garantiscono uno stato fisiologico tale da assicurare una risposta ottimale al vaccino e la risposta anticorpale che ne deriva non è adeguata. Inoltre, l'elevata concentrazione di animali provenienti da allevamenti diversi, unita allo stress del trasporto, può far sì che gli animali si ammalino subito dopo l'arrivo all'allevamento. Questo può portare a perdite di performance e alla necessità di somministrare antibiotici. Vaccinare gli animali in questa fase è quasi sempre troppo tardi. Invece, vaccinare preventivamente i vitelli già nell'allevamento può portare a un miglioramento delle prestazioni in una fase successiva, perché i vitelli hanno tempo sufficiente per sviluppare l'immunità prima di essere esposti agli stress del trasporto e del raggruppamento. Per questo motivo, un allevatore italiano ha avviato un programma in cui gli animali sono stati vaccinati nell'allevamento di nascita prima del trasporto agli allevamenti di ingrasso, con il risultato di migliorare il benessere e la produttività degli animali. Questi animali sono in media più sani all'inizio del periodo di ingrasso e iniziano a mangiare e crescere prima rispetto agli animali vaccinati secondo il protocollo di vaccinazione standard.

The animal welfare standard transportation was developed by the German Livestock Association. The idea is to get a digital, tamper-proofed and feasible solution to guarantee animal welfare during transportation. The procedure works as follows: the route of the transportation is planned on a digital map. Starting and finishing points are determined, as are the breaks and the duration of the breaks. The planned route is then sent to the official veterinarian for approval. The data is then transferred to the mobile phone of the driver who has to document certain checkpoints, such as state of the transporting vehicle, time and place of break, state of the stable for breaks etc. The driver also has to provide prescribed pictures to proof his documentation. If there is a deviation from the planned route the driver has to document the reason and the alternative (e.g. different motorway because of severe traffic jam). The entire documentation is carried out in an app that was specially developed for the animal welfare standard. The app leads the driver through the control points such as number of animals, temperature profile, documentation of breaks, health status of the animals, amount of water used during transportation etc. so no point can be left out. After delivery of the animals the documentation is transferred back to create journey logs, statistics for the organising company and a report for the official veterinarian.

Der Tierschutzstandard Transport wurde von Bundesverband Rind und Schwein e.V. (BRS) entwickelt. Die Idee ist, eine digitale, manipulationssichere und praktikable Lösung zu erhalten, um das Wohlbefinden der Tiere beim Transport zu gewährleisten. Das Verfahren funktioniert folgendermaßen: Die Route des Transports wird auf einer digitalen Karte geplant. Start- und Zielpunkt werden festgelegt, ebenso wie die Pausen und die Dauer der Pausen. Die geplante Route wird dann zur Genehmigung an den Amtstierarzt geschickt. Die Daten werden dann auf das Mobiltelefon des Fahrers übertragen, der bestimmte Kontrollpunkte dokumentieren muss, z. B. Zustand des Transportfahrzeugs, Zeitpunkt und Ort der Pause, Zustand des Stalls für die Pausen usw. Der Fahrer muss auch vorgeschriebene Bilder zum Nachweis seiner Dokumentation vorlegen. Wird von der geplanten Route abgewichen, muss der Fahrer den Grund und die Alternative (z.B. eine andere Autobahn wegen eines starken Staus) dokumentieren. Die gesamte Dokumentation erfolgt in einer App, die speziell für den Tierschutzstandard entwickelt wurde. Die App führt den Fahrer durch die Kontrollpunkte wie Anzahl der Tiere, Temperaturprofil, Dokumentation der Pausen, Gesundheitszustand der Tiere, Wasserverbrauch während des Transports usw., so dass kein Punkt ausgelassen werden kann. Nach der Auslieferung der Tiere wird die Dokumentation zurück übertragen, um Fahrtenbücher, Statistiken für das organisierende Unternehmen und einen Bericht für den Amtstierarzt zu erstellen.

Annoying insects on the pasture lead to stress and performance losses. Some parasites can also transmit diseases. This problem has led to the need to improve animal welfare during the grazing period. The following good practice started to be invented in Estonia. Diagonal scratching posts, which were continually saturated with the diluted essential oil of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), were installed in cattle paddocks. These devices consist of a spongy core surrounded by coarse chains and suspended on a L-frame, with a robust oil delivery system throughout. Neem tree oil has been proven to deter the feeding behaviour of problematic dipterans like horse-flies (Tabanidae) and has the potential to reduce the number of biting insects, but has not been shown to affect useful arthropods like bees (Apidae). To lower the cost of operation, neem tree oil was mixed with canola oil to produce a 40% mixture. The diagonal position of the scratching post allows animals to rub their backs, stomachs and sides against the material and contact both the oil saturated fabric and the rough metal chains. This helps to coat the animals with oils as well as push away the biting insects which are already in the process of feeding. This good practice gives an opportunity for more welfare during the grazing period and therefore a better use of the pasture.

Mehaaniliste ja eeterlikel õlidel põhinevate meetodite kasutamine kahe tiivuliste putukate põhjustatud stressi vähendamiseks karjatavatel veistel

Häirivad putukad karjamaal põhjustavad loomadele stressi ja juurdekasvu vähenemist. Mõned liigid võivad levitada ka haigusi. See probleem on viinud vajadusele parandada loomade heaolu karjatamise ajal. Eestis katsetati järgnevat praktikat. Karjamaadele paigaldati diagonaalsed sügamispostid, mille imavat osa niisutati neemipuu (Azadirachta indica) lahjendatud eeterliku õliga. Need seadmed koosnevad kangaga kaetud käsnast, mida ümbritsevad jämedad ketid ja mis on riputatud L-raami külge, ning on läbivalt varustatud õli juurdevoolu süsteemiga. On teaduslikut tõestatud, et neemiõli takistab probleemsete putukate , näiteks parmude (Tabanidae) toitumist ja võib vähendada hammustavate putukate arvu, kuid ei ole selgunud, et see mõjutaks kahjulikult kasulikke putukaid, näiteks mesilasi (Apidae). Tegevuskulude vähendamiseks segati neemõli rapsiõliga, et saada 40%-line segu. Sügamisposti diagonaalne asend võimaldab loomadel hõõruda oma selga, kõhtu ja külgi vastu materjali ning puutuda kokku nii õliga küllastunud kangaga kui ka hambuliste metallkettidega. See aitab loomi õliga katta ja tõrjuda ära hammustavaid putukaid, kes on juba söömas. See hea tava annab võimaluse suurema heaolu saavutamiseks karjatamise ajal ja seega karjamaa paremaks kasutamiseks.

The aim was genetic improvement without the use of AI and / or reproductive hormones as well as the selection of more fertile females and monitoring animal health and welfare in real time. After a search for different monitoring solutions, the Allflex SenseHub ear tags were chosen. In a herd of 100 Aberdeen-Angus cows, purebred, grass fed (extensive) the ear tags were applied. The artificial intelligence-based system uses complex algorithms based on the activity, food intake and rumination for generating reproduction, health and welfare information. It is possible to monitor real time data on a level of individual animals or on group level. The system generates alerts of discomfort like heat stress, peripartum time or difficulties, allowing the farmer to take preventive measures to restore the animal physiological equilibrium or prevent dystocia problems. On the other hand, the system gives alerts about cows on natural heat allowing artificial insemination or effective controlling of the bulls reproductive behavior. The SenseHub Allflex system is a valuable management tool for beef farmers increasing productivity and genetic improvement. The system allows great competitive advantage on genetic improvement. The reproductive cycle of each cow is monitored and allows to choose specific pairings. With the SenseHub Allflex system work hours are efficiently used, generating significant spare time because attention is given to those specific animals that really need it. However, it requires training to understand the data generated by the system and a great deal of attention is needed to manage and process the data collected. The SenseHub Allflex was initially developed for dairy cattle.

O objetivo era o melhoramento genético sem o uso de IA e/ou hormonas, bem como a seleção de fêmeas mais férteis e o controlo da saúde e bem-estar dos animais em tempo real. Após uma procura de diferentes soluções de monitorização, as marcas auriculares Allflex SenseHub foram escolhidas. Foram aplicadas as marcas auriculares numa manada de 100 vacas Aberdeen-Angus, de raça pura, alimentadas a erva (regime extensivo). As marcas auriculares estão associadas a um sistema de inteligência artificial que usa um complexo sistema de algoritmos baseado na atividade, ingestão de alimentos e ruminação para gerar informação sobre reprodução, saúde e bem-estar. É possível monitorizar dados em tempo real tanto de animais individuais como de grupos de animais. O sistema gera alertas de desconforto como stress térmico, tempo peripartum ou dificuldades, permitindo ao agricultor tomar medidas preventivas para restaurar a equilíbrio fisiológico animal ou prevenir problemas de distocia. Por outro lado, o sistema dá alertas sobre vacas em cio natural permitindo a inseminação artificial ou controlo eficaz do comportamento reprodutivo dos touros. O SenseHub Allflex é um valioso instrumento de gestão para os produtores de carne de bovino, aumentando a produtividade e garantindo o melhoramento genético. O sistema permite uma grande vantagem competitiva no melhoramento genético. O ciclo reprodutivo de cada vaca é monitorizado e permite escolher emparelhamentos específicos. Com o sistema Allflex do SenseHub, as horas de trabalho são eficientemente utilizadas, gerando tempo livre significativo porque é dada atenção a aqueles animais específicos que realmente precisam dele. No entanto, requer treino para compreender os dados gerados pelo sistema e é necessária uma grande atenção para gerir e processar os dados recolhidos. O SenseHub Allflex foi inicialmente desenvolvido para o gado leiteiro.

In Ireland, each year, approximately 560,000 calves under 6 weeks of age are sold from the farm of birth to the farm of purchase, mainly through direct sales (c414k) and livestock marts (c150k). Checking the health and vitality of young calves before and after the move from the farm of birth to the farm of purchase is an essential management practice for beef and livestock farmers in order to minimise mortality and disease problems. Teagasc, the Irish Agricultural and Development Authority have a number of educational and innovation programmes on calf health and management for farmers. In addition, Animal Health Ireland has a Calf Care programme focusing on all the key issues to assist farmers in rearing calves and reducing diseases. A farmer who has adopted and follows the Teagasc programme on herd and calf inspection prior to purchase reports that “Prevention is better than cure”. As a result, both mortality and disease have been significantly reduced in his herd improving animal welfare and economic returns. Calf rearing is much more trouble free, improving herd performance and labour efficiency. Calf mortality has been reduced to low single digit figures and medical and veterinary costs for calf rearing significantly reduced, resulting in improved economic sustainability.

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Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the biggest problems affecting the health of weaned calves. Furthermore, various studies point to the negative effects of BRD on daily gain and carcass weight. A combination of a new scoring system and an app developed for this purpose helps in reducing BRD prevalence and improves weaned calf health. Similar to the stroke risk score for humans, the tool is designed to be herd-specific to help producers identify the risk of their calves and the management changes needed to control BRD on their farm. The BRD scoring system is advantageous for use on farms because of its simple design and the decrease in calf handling, compared to other scores. Several systems have already been developed to detect BRD, and the newly developed California (CA) BRD Scoring System is also designed to help in the detection of BRD. The CA BRD scoring system was developed at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine for weaned dairy calves based on a comparative case-control study. Clinical signs were recorded in all calves and BRD case status was determined by thoracic auscultation and ultrasound examinations, which were evaluated in parallel. The aim was to develop an on-farm scoring system for BRD that is accurate, fast, reliable and simple. The scoring system developed is based on the presence or absence of six clinical signs, each of which is assigned a model-based score. It can help to provide sensible medical intervention in BRD cases and reduce unnecessary treatment of animals with antimicrobials. Furthermore, the agreement with an already known and more detailed scoring system was very good.

Die bovine Atemwegserkrankung (BRD) ist eines der größten Probleme, die die Gesundheit von Absetzkälbern beeinträchtigen. Außerdem weisen verschiedene Studien auf die negativen Auswirkungen von BRD auf die Tageszunahme und das Schlachtgewicht hin. Eine Kombination aus einem neuen Scoring-System und einer zu diesem Zweck entwickelten App hilft, die BRD-Prävalenz zu verringern und die Gesundheit von Absetzkälbern zu verbessern. Ähnlich wie der Schlaganfall-Risiko-Score für Menschen ist das Instrument herdenspezifisch konzipiert, um den Erzeugern dabei zu helfen, das Risiko ihrer Kälber und die erforderlichen Managementänderungen zur Kontrolle von BRD in ihrem Betrieb zu ermitteln. Das BRD-Scoring-System ist für den Einsatz in landwirtschaftlichen Betrieben vorteilhaft, da es einfach aufgebaut ist und im Vergleich zu anderen Scores weniger Kälber kontrolliert werden müssen. Es wurden bereits mehrere Systeme zur Erkennung von BRD entwickelt, und das neu entwickelte California (CA) BRD Scoring System soll ebenfalls bei der Erkennung von BRD helfen. Das CA BRD Scoring System wurde an der UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine für abgesetzte Milchkälber auf der Grundlage einer vergleichenden Fall-Kontroll-Studie entwickelt. Bei allen Kälbern wurden die klinischen Symptome erfasst, und der BRD-Fallstatus wurde durch Thorax Auskultation und Ultraschalluntersuchungen bestimmt, die parallel ausgewertet wurden. Ziel war es, ein Scoring-System für BRD zu entwickeln, das genau, schnell, zuverlässig und einfach ist. Das entwickelte Scoring-System basiert auf dem Vorhandensein oder Fehlen von sechs klinischen Anzeichen, denen jeweils ein modellbasierter Score zugeordnet wird. Der Score kann dazu beitragen, bei BRD-Fällen vernünftige medizinische Maßnahmen zu ergreifen und die unnötige Behandlung von Tieren mit antimikrobiellen Mitteln zu reduzieren. Außerdem war die Übereinstimmung mit einem bereits bekannten und detaillierteren Scoring-System sehr gut.

The challenge was to reduce calving difficulties and improve genetic performance in beef cattle herds. In a specific herd in Ireland stock bulls had proven to be unreliable and infertile resulting in significant economic losses in the herd. In the herd of 100 suckler beef cows, a switch was made from using stock bulls to using AI in order to increase genetic performance, reduce calving difficulties and guarantee that all cows were in calf. The herd was made up of Charolaise, Limousine and Simmental cross cows. Sperm from sires are selected using ICBF (Irish Cattle Breeding Federation) data so as no sire has a calving difficultly above 8%. All sires selected are proven sires, with a lot of data available. The main benefits were an improvement in genetic gain by the use of superior genetics, reduction in calving difficulties, increase in value of progeny especially in-calf heifers which were sold for a premium of €220 per heifer, increase in average daily gain with young bulls at 1.3 to 1.35kg/head/day. Heat detection in the cows was the main challenge. Moo-call technology was used to assist heat detection. Additional work load arose from assembling the cows every day for artificial insemination during the breeding season. Achieved 70% conception rate in the first 3 weeks and 93% after 11 weeks showed the success of the implementation. Artificial insemination provides fast genetic gain in the herd and enables the farmer to address specific issues like calving difficulties quickly.

See the summary in English.

Natural cork islands are artificial wetlands whose objective is to purify water, reduce evaporation, enhance biodiversity, generate biomass, absorb CO₂ and be a refuge for fauna. They are made of natural cork which provides support for growing aquatic plants on the water. The sheets are prepared with holes where the plants grow, and which allow the roots to spread into the water. This form of plant growth has many benefits such as oxygenation of water, CO2 sequestration, nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) and salinity absorption, removal of pollutants, solids filtration, pollination, livestock fodder, decoration, etc. It can also improve the quality of the water available for livestock. Once established, it does not require any maintenance. Plants can be chosen according to the needs of the wetland and the source of fodder required in summer. The water source must be at least 20 cm deep and it is advisable to plant in mild temperatures.

Three main lessons learned for implementation are: 1. Natural cork islands are a multifunctional solution that can improve the quality of the water available for livestock and conserve ecosystems, 2. Natural cork islands are an interesting source of food in summer when forage level is lower, 3.Natural cork islands do not require any maintenance.

Las islas de corcho natural son humedales artificiales cuyo objetivo es depurar el agua, reducir la evaporación, potenciar la biodiversidad, generar biomasa, absorber CO₂ y ser un refugio para la fauna. Están hechos de corcho natural que proporciona soporte para el cultivo de plantas acuáticas. Se realizan agujeros en las láminas donde crecen las plantas y permiten que las raíces entren en el agua. Las plantas tienen una amplia variedad de usos: oxigenación; Secuestro de CO2; absorción de nutrientes y salinidad; eliminación de contaminantes; filtración de sólidos; polinización; forraje para ganado, decoración, etc.

Como forraje, es interesante en verano cuando la oferta es menor. Las plantas volverán a brotar rápidamente al estar en medio acuático. Además, es un punto de agarre que puede evitar que el ganado se ahogue. No requiere ningún mantenimiento.

Los principales beneficios son: estructuras libres de plásticos, se pueden elegir las plantas según las necesidades del humedal y son una fuente de forraje en verano. Además, mejora la calidad del agua para el ganado. Los principales desafíos son: que debe tener al menos 20 cm de profundidad y es recomendable implementarla con temperaturas suaves.

Los factores clave para una implementación exitosa son la selección adecuada de las especies de plantas, el nivel de nutrientes en el agua y las temperaturas suaves para el crecimiento inicial de las plantas. Tres lecciones principales aprendidas para la implementación son: 1. Solución multifuncional que, al tiempo que mejora la calidad del agua disponible para el ganado, mejora los ecosistemas, 2. Interesante fuente de alimento en verano cuando la oferta forrajera es menor, 3. No requiere mantenimiento.

In Ireland, beef farmers are committed to playing their part in addressing climate change and being part of the solution. Against this background, stakeholders in Irish agriculture have launched the Signpost programme to lead climate action by Irish farmers. The Teagasc Signpost programme is a multi-annual campaign aiming to reduce agricultural emissions, more specifically greenhouse-gas and ammonia emission, improve water quality and biodiversity on all Irish farms. The program will also monitor changes in soil carbon levels on participating Signpost farms to evaluate carbon sequestration. In addition to soil, an estimate of the above ground biomass will be made, so that C sequestration in trees and hedgerows can be quantified also. The benefit of the Signpost programme is the potentially very positive impact across all Irish farms, especially in terms of environmental sustainability and carbon sequestration. By measuring and evaluating key criteria around climate change at demonstration farm level the programme can move the sector towards more sustainable farming systems. By analysing and measuring carbon sequestration, the programme can establish the real value farming can bring to climate change. In addition the program aims to reduce costs and create more profitable and sustainable farming enterprises, by improving production efficiency . Key to the programmes success is a close engagement with farmers and an established network of demonstration farms to guide all farmers to move towards more sustainable farming practices.

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The Italian Regional Agriculture Development Plan 2014-2022 contains a number of interventions that support the active management of "green infrastructure" in agriculture (e.g. buffer strips, hedges and groves, grassy strips and grassy channels). The aim of the Regional Agriculture Development Plan is to improve water quality, enhance ecological connections, support biodiversity in agricultural areas with typically intensive management, reduce surface erosion and increase the capacity of atmospheric CO2 fixation and its storage in the soil. The Società Agricola Ca’ di Mezzo Pontelongo is a 400 head beef farm, situated in Padova - Veneto region of Italy, which is actively involved in the Regional Agriculture Development Plan. The farm has invested in dedicating part of the cultivatable area of the farm to 3 different areas of gree infrastructure. In particular 4,000m2 were planted with bushes, 29,750 m2 in grass buffer strips and 6,000m2 with lines of trees and bushes.The areas planted were registered and monitored for the duration of 5 years by the regional agency for payments in agriculture (AVEPA). In return for the investments, the farmer received different payments for bushed, grass strips and trees. One of the challanges was the high level of maintenance work required. The key successes were:1. the improvement of biodiversity and landscape characteristics which was important for the perception of the farmer and external observers (visitors, consumers), 2. the economic support that makes the investment comparable to the use of the land for productive purposes

Il Piano Regionale di Sviluppo Agricolo 2014-2022 contiene una serie di interventi che supportano la gestione attiva delle "infrastrutture verdi" come ad esempio fasce tampone, siepi e boschetti, fasce erbose e canali erbosi. L'obiettivo del Piano Regionale di Sviluppo Agricolo è quello di migliorare la qualità delle acque, potenziare le connessioni ecologiche, sostenere la biodiversità nelle aree agricole a gestione tipicamente intensiva, ridurre l'erosione superficiale e aumentare la capacità di fissazione della CO2 atmosferica e il suo stoccaggio nel suolo, oltre a riqualificare i paesaggi agricoli semplificati. La Società Agricola Ca' di Mezzo di Pontelongo è un'azienda bovina di 400 capi, situata in provincia di Padova - Regione Veneto, attivamente coinvolta nel Piano di Sviluppo Rurale Regionale. L'agricoltore ha fatto un investimento che è consistito nel dedicare parte della superficie coltivabile dell'azienda a 3 diversi impianti vegetali. In particolare sono stati previsti 4.000 mq da dedicare a cespugli, 29.750 a prato e 5.941 a filari di alberi e cespugli.Le aree interessate sono registrate e monitorate per tutta la durata dell'investimento che ha durata minima di 5 anni. Il controllo sul rispetto dei requisiti spetta all'agenzia regionale per i pagamenti in agricoltura (AVEPA). Come ritorno per gli investimenti effettuati, l'agricoltore riceve diversi pagamenti per cespugli, strisce d'erba e alberi. Una delle sfide è che queste infrastrutture verdi richiedono molto lavoro per la manutenzione. Il beneficio principale è la migliore coesistenza tra le aziende di produzione e l'ambiente. I fattori chiave di successo per l'implementazione sono: il miglioramento della biodiversità e delle caratteristiche del paesaggio percepito dall'agricoltore e dagli osservatori esterni (come chi usufruisce o visita il paesaggio o i consumatori che apprezzano gli interventi a scopo ambientale del produttore agricolo), un sostegno economico che renda l'investimento paragonabile all'utilizzo del terreno a fini produttivi

Intercropping is the cultivation of two or more crops simultaneously on the same field. Although the practice is not applied on a widespread basis in Estonia, it has the potential to be beneficial for both the arable farmer and the beef cattle farmer. An Estonian beef cattle farmer is experimenting with intercropping on his fields. If successful, he will recommend it to various neighbouring beef cattle farmers with an aim to collaborate with them. In this case the beef cattle farmer sowed a cereal-based crop mix, a combination of rye and legume in spring, and harvested it in summer for silage at the stage of milk maturity. Next, he sowed cabbage and turnips in strips, and crop residues were grazed by beef cattle from October to November. One of the challenges of the technique was to find suitable intercrops and systems for Estonian conditions. In addition, arable farmers fear that grazing will compact the soil. Therefore, soils are tested with a soil compaction tester- before and after crop grazing to overcome this fear. A last challenge is that in Estonia more than 50% of the beef cattle farmers are organic which prevents them from grazing fields that are under conventional production.The good mutual relationships between livestock farmers and arable farmers is important at a time when mineral fertiliser prices are continuing to rise. The key successes from implementing this system are: 1. More feed for cattle for longer period, 2. A better soil quality and soil health, 3. Improved relationships between neighbouring farmers, 4. Improvement of the meat quality by the beneficial effect of different crops on fattening.

Vahekultuuride kasvatamine on kahe või enama kultuuri samaaegne kasvatamine samal põllul ühe vegetatsiooniperioodi jooksul. Seda ei ole veel laialdaselt rakendatud, kuid see võib olla kasulik nii teravilja- kui ka lihaveisekasvatajale. Üks Eesti lihaveisekasvataja katsetab oma põldudel vahekultuuride kasvatamist. Kui see õnnestub, soovitab ta seda teistele lihaveisekasvatajale ja püüab teha koostööd ka teraviljakasvatajatega. Lihaveisekasvataja külvab kevadel teraviljapõhise kultuurisegu, antud juhul rukki ja liblikõieliste segu, ning koristab selle suvel piimaküpsuse staadiumis siloks. Seejärel külvab ta ridades vahekultuurina söödakapsast ja naerist, ning vahekultuuri saaki karjatati lihaveistega oktoobris-novembris. Üheks väljakutseks on Eesti oludele sobivate vahekultuuride ja süsteemide leidmine. Lisaks ei hinda põllumehed veel orgaanilise sõnniku ja karjatamise mõju ning kardavad, et karjatamine tihendab mulda. Seetõttu testitakse muldasid mulla tihendustesti abil enne ja pärast põllu karjatamist, et seda hirmu ületada. Veel on väljakutseks see, et Eestis on üle 50% lihaveisekasvatajatest mahepõllumajanduslikud. Neil ei ole lubatud karjatada tavapõllumajandusliku tootmise all olevaid põlde. Peamine kasu on head vastastikused suhted veisekasvatajate ja teraviljakasvatajate vahel, kus mõlemad saavad koostööst kasu. See muutub üha olulisemaks ajal, mil mineraalväetiste hinnad jätkuvalt tõusevad. Rakendamise peamised edutegurid on järgmised: 1. Rohkem sööta veistele pikema aja jooksul, pikenenud karjatamisperiood. 2. Parem mullakvaliteet ja mulla tervis, 3. Paremad suhted naabrite vahel kulude jagamise kaudu, 4. Lihakvaliteedi paranemine tänu erinevate põllukultuuride kasulikule mõjule nuumamisele.

Ruminants have to ability to valorize ten million hectares of non-arable meadows in France. These areas make it possible to offset part of the greenhouse gases emissions by storing carbon in the soil. Grass (grazed or preserved in various forms) is very important in the diet of beef and dairy cattle, and makes up more than 80% of the diet of French suckler cows. However, it is less common to use grass for finishing cattle and the proportion of grass is usually lowered in the finishing fase. In France, only 5% of sucker cows are fattened on pasture. A study was carried out to identify alternative finishing diets emerged in response to the various challenges faced by the beef sector such as economic resilience, adaptation to climate change and response to societal expectations. In particular, the place of grass in fattening rations, and the opportunities for carbon sequestration in pastures were studied. Initiatives were taken by breeders to optimize the grassland management.

One of the challenges is that finishing cattle on pasture requires a good knowledge of the management of grass and pasture and that the quantity and quality of the grass remains very dependent on climatic conditions (drought or humidity) which makes its exploitation insecure. In addition, not all breeds have the same ability to be fattened on pasture and the quality of the meat produced is more variable in terms of finishing condition (finishing time, fattening state, meat color ...).One of the key success factors found from the study for implementation of a grass based finishing diet were the choice of varieties of pasture (legumes, clover and herbs).

Les ruminants ont la capacité de valoriser dix millions d'hectares de prairies non arables. Ces surfaces permettent de compenser des émissions de gaz à effet de serre en stockant du carbone dans le sol. L'herbe (pâturée ou conservée) est très importante dans l'alimentation des bovins viandes et laitiers, et constitue plus de 80% de l'alimentation des vaches allaitantes. Cependant, il est moins courant d'utiliser l'herbe pour la finition des bovins et la proportion d'herbe est généralement réduite dans la phase de finition. Une étude a été menée pour identifier les rations possibles qui émergent en réponse aux différents enjeux de la filière bovine tels que la résilience économique, l'adaptation au changement climatique et la réponse aux attentes sociétales. En particulier, la place de l'herbe dans les rations d'engraissement, et les opportunités de séquestration du carbone dans les pâturages, en identifiant les facteurs déterminants (opportunités / obstacles) ont été étudiés. Des initiatives ont été prises par les éleveurs pour optimiser la ressource et la gestion des prairies.

Un des enjeux est que la finition des bovins au pâturage nécessite une bonne connaissance du pâturage et que la quantité et la qualité de l'herbe restent très dépendantes des conditions climatiques (sécheresse ou humidité). De plus, toutes les races n'ont pas la même aptitude à être engraissées au pâturage et la qualité de la viande produite est plus variable (durée de finition, état d'engraissement, couleur de la viande...).Les facteurs clés de succès sont: 1. le choix des variétés de pâturages (légumineuses, trèfle et herbes) 2. l'utilisation de nouvelles ressources alimentaires (agroforesterie) qui est particulièrement appréciable en période de sécheresse.

In specific areas of Ireland, annual rainfall is very high, resulting in a significant number of rivers and streams that run through the grazing platform on the farm. These rivers and streams form a key priority catchment area in Ireland for supplying fresh water to local authorities. Recently water sampling reports from this area have indicated a gradual rise in the concentrations of phosphorous which can have detrimental effects on water quality. To help combat issues such as this, several Agri-environmental schemes such as the GLAS (Green Low Carbon Agri-environmental Scheme) and ASSAP (Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advice Programme) give farmers advice on how to prevent pollution and leaching of phosphorous and other nutrients into the water ways. The GLAS scheme is structured to give priority to farmers with vulnerable lands, such as the Plumber Mill farm in the East of Ireland. Farmers who take specific steps such as reducing emissions and protecting bio-diversity receive payments, depending on the land and the actions they take.

The main challanges are often the highs cost of investment in fencing infrastructure to create buffer zones around rivers and streams. Addittional costs occurr for farmers transitioning to a low emission slurry spreading system.However additional subsidies are received from being a participant of the GLAS scheme can compensate for these high cost investments. Moreover, there can be additional benefits for the farm such as be the better utilisation of nitrogen from cattle slurry, having a positive impact on grass growth rates. Key succes factors are the free farm visits from an GLAS or ASSAP advisor, who help to identify specific actions and to implement mitigating measures.

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The Navarra payment system was established to maintain sustainable livestock production that contributes to the respect and conservation of biological diversity in pastures. It can be implemented on farms where indigenous and/or endangered cattle breeds graze on extensive grasslands where a large part of the feed comes from natural grazing resources. The Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 of Navarre, in Spain, included measures aimed at supporting the environment and climate in sustainable livestock systems. Measures implemented were targeted at grazing and extensification, improvement of steppe agricultural habitats, preservation of sustainable Mediterranean agrosystems, maintenance of and conversion to organic farming methods and practices.

These agri-environmental measures were based on the application of premiums per hectare to compensate for the increase in costs incurred and provide an incentive for livestock farmers to introduce practices of environmental sustainability into their management models. An additional benefit to these measures were the possitive effects of the extensive system on cattle health and welfare. Although this good practice does not require any additional investment costs, production under an extensive system can result in lower incomes, unless compenstaion is received. The key successes from this scheme were 1. The use of extensive land of natural pastures, 2. reducing stocking rates to < 1,5 LU/Ha, 3. contributing to the protection of natural environments.

El objetivo principal de este sistema de pago en Navarra es mantener una producción ganadera sostenible que contribuya al respeto y conservación de la diversidad biológica en los pastos. Es de aplicación en aquellas granjas en las que las razas autóctonas y/o en peligro de extinción pastan en grandes superficies de prados/pastos. En estas granjas, gran parte de la alimentación procede de recursos naturales de pastoreo y en invierno el ganado se complementa principalmente con forrajes propios. El Programa de Desarrollo Rural de Navarra 2014-2020, incluye medidas dirigidas a apoyar el medio ambiente y el clima como por ejemplo potenciando sistemas ganaderos sostenibles, mediante el pastoreo y la extensificación, la mejora de los hábitats agrícolas esteparios, la preservación de agrosistemas mediterráneos sostenibles, el mantenimiento y la conversión a métodos y prácticas de agricultura ecológica.

Esta medida agroambiental se basa en la aplicación de primas por hectárea para compensar el incremento de costes e incentivar a los ganaderos a introducir la variable de la sostenibilidad ambiental en sus modelos de gestión mediante el pastoreo extensivo. Un beneficio adicional son los efectos positivos del sistema de pastoreo libre sobre la salud y el bienestar del ganado. Aunque esta buena práctica no requiere ningún coste de inversión, la producción bajo un sistema sostenible resiliente puede resultar inicialmente en menores ingresos, compensados por las primas por hectárea. Los factores clave del éxito son: 1. La utilización de terrenos extensos de pastos naturales, 2. No pasar de 1,5 UGM/Ha, 3. La creencia de que esta buena práctica contribuye a la protección de los entornos naturales.

Bale grazing on fields is a method of providing feed to beef cattle during the winter months in extensive systems. There are variations in how bale grazing systems are setup and managed. Bales of fodder(hay) are fed on pasture, with rolls either left in the same hayfield after being, or brought in from outside hayfields with a more valuable seed bank. Plastic netting should be removed to avoid soil contamination. In Estonia, extensive bale grazing is applied in November and December to prolong the grazing season and hence it is a labour and cost saving management system.Other benefits are the additional biomass which is returned to the soil through trampling, results in increased carbon sequestration. Bales can contain a valuable source of seeds for the pasture, so by spreading them you are increasing the seedbank of permanent pastures. Additionally, extending the outdoor season, is beneficial for animal health and welfare.

The main challenges are the unpredicatble weather conditions. If it is too wet, farmers have to move the animals faster in order to prevent damage to the soil. If its too cold (below -10°C) there will be problems with drinking systems. The key success factors for implementation are 1.The right timing of moving the animals, with animals not been kept too long on one paddock, to prevent soil damage 2. Farmers have to understand that hay that is trampled down to soil is not wasted feed, but it is an important organic addition to the soil 3. It is important to calculate the right amount of bales per paddock/hectare . Best reasults are obtained if the bales are unrolled daily.

Heinapallide karjatamine põldudel on meetod, mille abil saab lihaveiseid talvekuudel sööta ilma laudata. Farmerid kasutavad erinevaid võimalusi rullide karjatamise süsteemi loomiseks ja haldamiseks. Kui heinapalle söödetakse karjamaal, jäetakse rullid pärast heina tegemist samale alale või tuuakse mujalt heinamaalt, kus on näiteks väärtuslikum seemnepank. Oluline on eemaldada võrgud pallidelt enne külmade saabumist, et vältida võrgutükkide jäämist rohumaale. Eestis saab seda meetodit kasutada novembris ja detsembris, et pikendada karjatamishooaega ja seega on see tööjõu- ja kulusäästlik majandamissüsteem. Muud eelised on täiendav biomass, mis trampimise kaudu pinnasesse tagasi jõuab, tulemuseks on suurem süsiniku sidumine. Heinapallid võivad suurendada väärtuslikku seemnevaru karjamaale, nii et nende laialilaotamisega suurendate karjamaa mitmekesisust. Lisaks sellele on loomade tervisele ja heaolule hea, kui pikendada karjamaal viibimise hooaega.

Peamine väljakutse on ettearvamatud ilmastikutingimused. Kui see on liiga sajune, peavad farmer loomi kiiremini mööda karjamaad liigutama, et mitte kahjustada kamarat. Kui on liiga külm (alla -10 °C), tekivad probleemid jootmisüsteemidega. Rakendamise peamised edutegurid on järgmised: 1. Loomade liikumise õige ajastus. Loomi ei tohi hoida liiga kaua ühel karjamaal, et mitte kamarat hävitada. 2. Loomade liikumine peab olema võimalikult lihtne. Farmerid peavad ka aru saama, et maha tallatud hein ei ole raisku läinud sööt, vaid see on oluline orgaaniline lisand mullale ja selle tulemust on näha juba järgmisel karjatamisperioodil, 3. Õige pallide kogus hektari või karja kohta. Parimad tulemused saadakse, kui pallid rullitakse lahti iga päev.

In a Webinar on Virtual Fencing (June 2021) experts from Unizar and Knepp Regenerative Farm in the UK, explained how the technology works and shared their experiences on Spanish and British farms. Opinions from participants and target farmers were collected.

Specific benefits of this technology were highlighted including: 1) It is flexible and dynamic: the limits can be moved easily, fast and remotely by mobile phone or tablet. 2) It can enable new management strategies, such as “fencing” high mountains or constant monitoring of animals. 3) Cattle can be regrouped or moved remotely saving time and workload. However stockmanship is still required to ensure suitable places for the animals (with shade, etc.). 4) It can help pasture management through a better use of grazing, which can reduce the need for feed substitutes and increase stocking densities which is also useful in regenerative agriculture. It can also allow grazing off of fire risk areas. 5) It can reduce labour and costs associated with physical fences as there is no need to install, fix or move them.

Animals can learn within one week to use virtual fencing, associating a virtual boundary with a visual sign. The collars are not very heavy and no damage was perceived in the neck. Animals get comfortable with wearing the device fast. The duration and cost of the energy supply to the collar should be considered (solar batteries gives an autonomy of up to one year).

A farmer said that e-barana system worked on his suckler cows, keeping the animals in the delimited place and avoiding risks of them falling in dangerous areas but it is still a prototype and as such is expensive. A commercialized system (Nofence) will be tested on Spanish beef farms, with support available to cover the high costs.

En un Webinar sobre Vallado Virtual (junio de 2021) expertos de Unizar y Knepp Regenerative explicaron cómo funciona la tecnología y compartieron sus experiencias. Opinión de los participantes fueron registradas. Las ventajas del sistema incluyen 1) Flexible y dinámica: los límites se pueden mover de forma fácil, rápida y a distancia mediante un móvil o Tablet. 2) Permite hacer cosas que no podemos hacer, como "cercar" montañas o vigilar constantemente los animales. 3) Se puede reagrupar o mover el ganado a distancia ahorrando tiempo y trabajo. Pero no se sustituye la labor de garantizar lugares adecuados para los animales (con sombra, etc.). 4) Ayuda la gestión de pastos: con mejor uso de los mismos se pueden ahorrar sustitutos del pienso o aumentar el número de animales. Ayuda a la agricultura regenerativa. 5) Reducir mano de obra y costes con cercas físicas: no es necesario instalarlas, fijarlas o moverlas. Otras informaciones recogidas: 1) Los animales aprenden en una semana a utilizar el vallado virtual asociándolo con una señal visual. 2) Los collares no son muy pesados y no se percibieron daños en el cuello. Se acostumbran rápidamente al dispositivo. 3) Tener en cuenta la duración y el coste del suministro de energía del collar (las baterías solares dan autonomía de hasta un año). 4) El sistema no es 100% seguro. Un ganadero relató que el sistema e-barana funcionaba en sus vacas nodrizas manteniéndolas en el lugar delimitado y evitando riesgos de caída en zonas peligrosas; pero sigue siendo un prototipo caro. Otro sistema ya comercializado (Nofence) se probará en explotaciones de vacuno españolas, pero se reclama ayuda para cubrir los elevados costes. El sistema puede ayudar en servicios comunitarios como el uso del ganado como cortafuegos.

During pre-slaughter transport, animals suffer stressful situations. High temperature and humidity may lead to dehydration or when cold, glycogen is used to maintain body temperature. All these can affect live weight, retail yield and meat quality, leading to economic losses. Hence, the Spanish Association of Beef Producers (ASOPROVAC) developed a practical guideline to prevent thermal stress in cattle transport, published on May 2020 with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain. The guideline provides tips to minimize thermal stress. For example, with extreme weather conditions, the transport should be re-scheduled. In summer, the transport should be avoided in the hottest hours of the day and density should be reduced by 30%, with a minimum duration for rest stops. Rest points must be shady and well-ventilated and animals, drinkers and fans should be checked. On long trips, quality and quantity of the water is crucial and ionic solutions maybe provided. In winter, animals should be well fed and monitored especially in young animals. Drafts should be avoided, but ventilation and litter management have to be adequate. Regulation (EC) 1/2005 establishes training on animal welfare in transport for livestock transporters and this guide is included in trainings. Transportation costs may increase if density is reduced, and stops and ventilation/heating are increased, however expenses can be offset by prevention of animal injuries and illnesses and avoiding carcass bruises and meat quality issues, such as DFD meat.

Durante el transporte al matadero, los animales sufren situaciones de estrés, incluyendo condiciones del tiempo desfavorables. La alta temperatura y humedad puede provocar deshidratación y con frío el glucógeno se usa para mantener la temperatura corporal. Todo esto puede afectar el peso vivo, el rendimiento comercial y la calidad de la carne, lo que provoca pérdidas económicas. Por ello, la Asociación Española de Productores de Vacuno de Carne (ASOPROVAC), elaboró una guía práctica para prevenir el estrés térmico, con el apoyo del Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación de España. Por ejemplo, con condiciones climáticas extremas, el transporte debe reprogramarse. En verano se debería evitar el transporte en las horas más calurosas del día y se podría reducir la densidad en un 30%, minimizando la duración de las paradas. Las áreas de descanso deben ser sombreadas y bien ventiladas; y los animales, bebederos y ventiladores deben ser revisados. En viajes largos, la calidad y cantidad del agua es crítica y se pueden proporcionar soluciones iónicas. En invierno, los animales deben estar bien alimentados y los más jóvenes especialmente controlados. Deben evitarse las corrientes de aire, pero la ventilación y el manejo de la cama deben ser adecuados. El Reglamento (CE) 1/2005 establece la formación sobre el bienestar en el transporte para los transportistas y esta guía podría ser de interés para incluirla en estas capacitaciones. Los costes de transporte pueden aumentar si la densidad se reduce o aumentan las paradas y los gastos en ventilación/calefacción. Por otro lado, los gastos pueden compensarse con la prevención de lesiones y enfermedades, y evitando contusiones en la canal y problemas en la calidad de la carne, como carnes DFD.

The first step towards improving reproductive efficiency on a beef farm is data collection. This allows a comparison with data from other farms to set realistic goals to achieve. In France, Reproscope, developed by Institut de L´elevage (IDELE) and several stakeholders, offers a national reproductive performance observatory for more than 190.000 cattle herds. The whole purpose of Reproscope is to support breeders and technicians, veterinarians, scientists, educational bodies etc. that likely to intervene in reproduction problems in dairy or suckler cattle herds. The observatory is based on data resulting from calving, movements and insemination records from the National Identification Database and the National Genetic Information System from France. From these data, anonymous statistics are produced for the farm every year. The data is processed and analyzed to produce databases with a free web interface accessible to everyone. Twenty reproductive indicators were calculated to study reproductive performances, which provide an assessment of fertility, cow and heifer fertility, replacement rate, insemination and cross-breeding practices, calf mortality and culling.

Through Reproscope, it is possible to: 1) position the reproductive performance of the herd based on a reference group formed by similar herds; 2) to visualize the margins of technical progress of the herd; and 3) estimate the economic impact of a change in the herd performance (reducing the interval between calving, and age at first calving). When used correctly and when management decisions are implemented in line with reports, there is increased on-farm profit as a result.

Afin d’en améliorer l’efficacité à l’échelle de l’exploitation, il est nécessaire de collecter les données permettant de mesurer les performances de reproduction et de les comparer avec d’autres exploitations pour fixer des objectifs d’amélioration réalistes. En France, Reproscope, développé par l'Institut de l'élevage (IDELE) et ses partenaires, offre un observatoire national des performances de reproduction dans plus de 190.000 troupeaux bovins laitiers et allaitants. Son objectif est d’appuyer les éleveurs, techniciens, vétérinaires pour le pilotage de la reproduction dans les exploitations, mais également aux scientifiques et au secteur de l’enseignement agricole et agronomique. L'observatoire, à partir de la Base de Données Nationale d'Identification et du Système National d'Information Génétique français, enregistrent les vêlages, mouvements et inséminations. Les données consolidées et mises à jour chaque année sont disponibles gratuitement sur une interface web. Vingt indicateurs des performances de reproduction sont calculés, ils concernent la fertilité et la fécondité des vaches et génisses, le taux de renouvellement, les pratiques d'insémination et de croisement et la mortalité des veaux.

Ainsi Reproscope propose 1) d’évaluer les performances reproductives du troupeau en se basant sur un groupe de référence formé par des troupeaux similaires ; 2) de visualiser les marges de progrès technique du troupeau ; et 3) d'estimer l'impact économique d'une modification des performances du troupeau (réduction de l'intervalle entre vêlages, de l'âge au premier vêlage). L’optimisation de la gestion de la reproduction, favorisée par Reproscope, permet d’améliorer la rentabilité des élevages.

This good practice was collected from a farmer in Ireland who raises 50 suckler cows, mainly Limousin, Belgium Blue and Angus cross, selling weanling and yearling animals at his local livestock mart. With a view to increasing productivity and quality, he wanted to move to using artificial insemination but heat detection was proving extremely difficult because he was working off farm. Therefore, the farmer purchased the Moocall Heat detection technology in 2019. The automated system consists in using ear tags on the cows and collars in a vasectimised bull. The heat cow is detected based on the bull´s activity, his proximity and the time he spends with it, the mounting behaviour. The system sends a text message to the farmer’s phone when the cow is in heat and the app provides all the essential breeding data for each cow. The heat detection technology has facilitated the move to artificial insemination in the herd, thereby increasing the choice and quality of sire to be used. The labour and time input on heat detection has reduced and what was an almost impossible task has become easy. In the first year using the system, 65% of the cows were inseminated with artificial insemination. In year 2, this increased to 80%, with a stock bull used to tidy up the herd. Calving interval was reduced to 358 days for 95% of the herd. The use of artificial insemination has increased calf quality and the average daily gain, resulting in heavier weanlings at sale. The farm also uses the Moocall calving sensor, which is very beneficial as he lives away from the farmyard. He estimates it saves up to 2 calves at birth each year contributing significantly in terms of economic sustainability and animal health and welfare.

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An expert in animal breeding and genetics, Professor Luis Varona from Universidad de Zaragoza (Spain), with the support of a vet student, analysed phenotypic data and pedigree of a local Spanish breed: Pirenaica, to visualize its genetic progress from 1980 to 2020 and the correlations between traits. The data was facilitated by the farmer association CONASPI (Confederación Nacional de Asociaciones de Ganado Pirenaico). Farmers and researchers met in September 2021 at a livestock farmers' fair (FIGAN) in Zaragoza, to discuss the results and future goals of the breed. Over the years, the first calving was reduced by 80 days and the calving interval by 10 days. A previous issue in the past was that many farmers selected their breeding animals by “eye”, but thanks to the effort of the association, many of them now use genetic data. Morphological traits such as leg and udder conformation are proposed as predictors of longevity. Carcass weight, conformation and fatness, showed a marked change when the information available from the SIMOGAN-SITRAN traceability systems (2002-2003) started to be used. The conformation was improved and the fat cover was reduced over the years. Reduction in fatness could be a problem since it may be negatively correlated with reproductive traits. Meat pH and colour is recorded in a slaughterhouse, so the data from some animals is easily gathered. However, the heritability for these traits are very low, therefore, selection based on them would not be effective. At the moment only 828 animals were genotyped (with 60002 markers), which is insufficient to use genomics to improve meat quality or other traits. The genotyping price is considered to high (40 to 60 €), but could be more accessible in the future.

Un experto en mejora genética, el profesor Luis Varona de Unizar (España) y un estudiante de veterinaria, analizaron datos fenotípicos y genealogía de la raza Pirenaica, para visualizar su progreso genético de 1980 a 2020 y las correlaciones genéticas entre los caracteres. Los datos fueron facilitados por la Confederación Nacional de Asociaciones de Ganado Pirenaico. Ganaderos e investigadores se reunieron en septiembre 2021 en la feria de ganaderos FIGAN para discutir los resultados y objetivos de la raza. A lo largo de los años, la edad al primer parto se adelantó 80 días y el intervalo entre partos disminuyó 10 días, pero se podría progresar más. Muchos ganaderos elegían reproductores a "ojo", pero gracias al esfuerzo de la asociación hoy muchos utilizan las valoraciones genéticas. Caracteres morfológicos como aplomos y conformación de la ubre podrían predecir la longevidad. El peso, la conformación y el engrasamiento de la canal mostraron notables cambios cuando se empezó a utilizar datos del sistema de trazabilidad SIMOGAN-SITRAN (2002-2003). La conformación mejoró y el engrasamiento se redujo a lo largo de los años. La reducción del engrasamiento podría ser un problema, ya que puede estar correlacionado negativamente con los caracteres reproductivos. El pH y el color de la carne se registran en el matadero, así que es fácil recoger los datos, pero la heredabilidad de estos caracteres es muy baja, de modo que la selección no sería efectiva. Por el momento sólo se han genotipado 828 animales (con 60002 marcadores), lo cual es insuficiente para el uso de la genómica para mejorar la calidad de carne u otros caracteres. El precio es demasiado elevado (40 - 60 €), pero es probable que sea más accesible en el futuro.

Cattle weight is subject to considerable fluctuations during the fattening phase, and a failure to adequately track this data can lead to sub-optimal productivity. Automatic recording of each animal's weight provides a good opportunity to monitor performance, adjust feed requirements and uncover any problems that may be affecting some animals. In the second year of the BovINE project, demonstrations on automated weighting systems on beef cattle farms across Europe were carried out. Farmers from Ireland, Italy, Spain, Poland and Belgium had the opportunity to learn how the automated weighing system works, and what benefits and limitations the technology offers. Demonstrations of integrated automated weighing systems in front of water-troughs were demonstrated in Ireland, Italy, Poland and Spain. Belgium presented an automated weighing system integrated into a feeder. The individual animals weight data is recorded when the animal enters to drink or feed, without stress and in real-time. The daily monitoring during the fattening phase makes it possible to identify animals with problems in the herd. The information can be used to detect events such as: health status of the animals, animals that stop drinking or feeding, dominance problems (hindering other animals access to the trough) and feed conversion. Furthermore, the slaughter time of each animal can be planned to be the economically optimal, adding value to the animal sold. The need for operator training and the cost of the equipment, however, may limit its implementation on a farm. However, this technology can replace manual weighing in the future, increasing productivity and animal welfare and reducing labour intensive work on farms.

El peso del ganado está sujeto a importantes fluctuaciones durante la fase de cebo, y sin un monitoreo adecuado de los datos, la productividad puede ser inferior a la deseada. El registro automático del peso de cada animal ofrece una buena oportunidad para controlar el rendimiento, ajustar las necesidades de alimentación y descubrir problemas que puedan estar afectando los animales. En el segundo año del proyecto BovINE se llevaron a cabo demostraciones de sistemas de pesaje automatizados en granjas de ganado vacuno por Europa. Ganaderos de Irlanda, Italia, España, Polonia y Bélgica tuvieron la oportunidad de conocer cómo funciona la tecnología, y sus ventajas y limitaciones. En Irlanda, Italia, Polonia y España las demostraciones se hicieron con sistemas de pesaje integrados delante de bebederos, mientras que, en Bélgica, el sistema era integrado en un comedero. Los datos de cada animal se registran al entrar para a beber o a alimentarse, sin estrés y en tiempo real. El control diario durante la fase de engorde permite identificar animales con problemas en el lote. La información puede utilizarse para detectar sucesos como: el estado de salud de los animales, los que dejan de beber o alimentarse, problemas de dominancia (que dificultan el acceso de otros animales al comedero) y la conversión alimentaria. Además, se puede planificar el momento de sacrificio de cada animal para que sea económicamente óptimo, añadiendo valor al animal vendido. La necesidad de formación del operario y el coste del equipo pueden limitar su implantación. Sin embargo, esta tecnología puede sustituir al pesaje manual en el futuro, aumentando la productividad y el bienestar de los animales y reduciendo el trabajo intensivo en las explotaciones.

The earlier first calving occurs on a beef farm, the better reproductive efficiency that is achieved. However, mating heifers too early can cause serious health problems for calves and cows, which highlights the significance of knowing the optimum time for the first mating. The right timing of the first mating of beef heifers not only depends on age, but on live- weight and physical maturity. On beef farms in Germany where weighing of beef animals does not occurr, researchers have developed a quick and easy system to estimate the body weight of the animals by using a tape measure.The measurement is taken around the thorax of the animal to get the thoracic circumference (cm). An indicator for the estimated weight is shown next to each measurement, according to the breed. The target is to mate when the heifer reaches approximately 60% of their expected adult body weight. Different measuring tapes for different breeds are available. The tapes are not as accurate as a weighing scale but more accurate than just estimating by sight. It is recommended that measurements are always taken at the same point on the thorax and by the same operator. The tape measure is a helpful tool for the farmer, it can ensure that heifers do not get pregnant too early, which prevents negative health effects. The timing of the first mating/calving can be optimized, increasing the number of calves per cow per year. The right timing for the first mating is the key factor for a long and productive life of the suckler cow and highly important for the reproduction efficiency of the herd.

Je früher Rinder zum ersten mal kalben, desto besser ist dies für die Wirtschaftlichkeit des Betriebes. Ein zu frühes Belegen der Rinder kann jedoch gesundheitliche Probleme für Kuh und Kalb verursachen. Daher ist es wichtig, den optimalen Belegungszeitpunkt zu kennen. Dieser hängt nicht nur vom Alter, sondern von Gewicht und der körperlichen Reife ab. Nur sehr wenige Betriebe in Deutschland haben die Möglichkeit ihre Tiere zu wiegen. Um dieses Problem zu lösen wurde ein einfaches System entwickelt, das Körpergewicht der Tiere einzuschätzen. Mit Hilfe eines speziellen Maßbandes wird der Umfang des Brustkorbs gemessen. Neben der Skala für den Brustumfang in cm sind Skalen für verschiedene Rinderrassen vorhanden, um das Gewich in Abhängigkeit zur Rasse zu schätzen. Ziel ist eine erste Belegung der Rinder, wenn sie etwa 60% ihres zu erwartenden Engewichts als ausgewachsene Tiere erreicht haben. Das Messen mit dem Maßband ist nicht so genau wie das Wiegen, aber dennoch genauer als mit bloßem Auge zu schätzen. Die Messung sollte immer an der gleichen Stelle am Brustkorb erfolgen und von der gleichen Person durchgeführt werden. Die Messung mit dem Maßband ist ein gutes Hilfsmittel um zu verhindern, dass Rinder zu früh tragend werden und gesundheitliche Folgen davon tragen. Ebenso kann eine zu späte Trächtigkeit vermieden werden. Auf diese Weise hat die Anwendung des Maßbands einen positive Effekt auf die Produktionseffizienz des Betriebs. Der Zeitpunkt der ersten Trächtigkeit bzw. Der ersten Kalbung kann so optimiert und die Zahl der Kälber pro Kuh und Jahr erhöht werden. Der Zeitpunkt für die erste Belegung ist ein Schlüsselfaktor für ein langes und produktives Leben der Mutterkuh und für die Effizienz der Reproduktion der gesamten Herde.

The occurrence of animals susceptible to stress is an issue in Mertolenga cattle, an autochthonous breed from Portugal. Animals in this condition often result in dark, firm and dry (DFD) meat, leading to significant financial losses in the fresh meat market. To deal with this issue, the Currais e Simalhas farm, located in the south of Portugal (Alentejo), implemented a simple system for identifying problem animals. This farm is a bull performance testing center and also operates a feedlot unit for purebred Mertolenga calves fully marketed by the Promert farmers group. With an area of 23 ha the farm tests approximately 70 purebred bulls each year, of the Mertolenga, Aberdeen-Angus and Limousin breeds. As the farm receives calves from different suckler farms, the management and handling facilities are different and can influence the animals behaviour. The identification of animals with a ptential for stress is conducted as performance test of young bulls that are candidates for future breeders. The assessment consists of a measure of the animal gait from the squeeze chute when the animal is weighed and identified as it arrives on farm. Upon release, the animal can exit walking, trotting or running, conditioned by their temperament and reaction to handling. Each animal is evaluated every time it is weighed, on average 4 times during the time it is on the farm. . The outcome of the assessment is the selection of less stressed bulls for breeding to eliminate as much as possible the occurrence of DFD meat. Also the existence of less stressed animals, results in safer animals fo handling and a higher productive performance.

A ocorrência de animais temperamentais e suscetíveis ao stress é um desafio na raça bovina Mertolenga, uma raça autóctona de Portugal. Animais nesta condição podem resultar em carne DFD (dark, firm, dry), levando a perdas económicas significativas na actividade do produtor. Para lidar com este problema, a exploração Currais e Simalhas, localizada no sul de Portugal (Alentejo), implementou um sistema simples para identificação de animais problemáticos. A exploração referida é um centro de testagem e de recria de machos Mertolengos, destinados a comercialização, através do agrupamento de produtores Promert. Com ums área de 23 ha, o centro testa cerca de 70 machos por ano, das raças Mertolenga, Aberdeen-Angus e Limousine. Como recebe animais de diferentes origens, onde as instalações e o maneio são diferentes, o que influencia o comportamento individual dos animais. A identificação dos mais problemáticos é realizada durante o teste de desempenho dos jovens machos que são candidatos a futuros reprodutores. A avaliação individual consiste em quantificar a movimentação do animal à saída do tronco de contenção, onde primeiramente foi pesado e identificado. Ao ser solto, o animal pode sair a passo, trotando ou correndo, comportamento este condicionado pelo seu temperamento. Cada animal é avaliado em cada pesagem, em média 4 vezes durante o tempo em que permanece na exploração. Realizam-se dois testes adicionais, no entanto, uma análise mais aprofundada será necessário para recomendar ambos como boas práticas. Espera-se que a seleção de futuros touros menos susceptiveis ao stress, eliminar ao máximo possível a ocorrência de carne DFD. Associado a isto também é esperado um aumento da eficiência no desempenho produtivo de cada animal.

Lameness is a significant problem that affects productivity and profitability of cattle operations. Several studies have suggested that increased foot temperature, detected using infrared thermography (IR), is a potentially useful technique for identifying lameness. It is a non-invasive indicator obtaining reliable data avoiding undue stress reactions. IR may even be used to detect subclinical pathological signs and inflammation before the disease becomes evident. The technique has already been tested in dairy cattle.

To test lameness detection using IR in beef cattle several commercial beef farms were visited in Germany and Belgium a part of the BovINE project. IR images were taken of bulls in the stable and while walking. Additionally, pictures were taken during the weighing procedure with the possibility to separate individual animals during claw care. Furthermore, pictures from a professional infrared camera were compared with an infrared system for a smartphone.

With IR it is possible to diagnose lameness early or to clarify any suspicion. For picture quality reasons IR pictures have to be taken at close range (from approx. 2 m) preferably on a flat surface. Additionally to the suspected lame foot or leg, pictures of an unaffected leg or foot should be taken for comparison. Furthermore, animals should be restrained if a suspicion of lameness is to be clarified and also in general for safety reasons. In summary, IR is a useful tool to detect lameness in beef cattle. There are already useful apps and systems for smart phones that are in the range of 400 € that deliver convincing results.

Lahmheit ist ein erhebliches Problem, das die Produktivität und Rentabilität von Rinderbetrieben beeinträchtigt. Mehrere Studien haben ergeben, dass eine erhöhte Klauentemperatur, die mit Hilfe der Infrarot-Thermografie (IR) ermittelt wird, eine potenziell nützliche Technik zur Erkennung von Lahmheiten ist. Es handelt sich um einen nicht-invasiven Indikator, der zuverlässige Daten liefert und unangemessene Stressreaktionen bei den Tieren vermeidet. IR kann sogar dazu verwendet werden, subklinische pathologische Anzeichen und Entzündungen zu erkennen, bevor die Krankheit offensichtlich wird. Die Technik wurde bereits an Milchkühen getestet. Um die Lahmheitserkennung mittels IR auch bei Rindern zu testen, wurden mehrere kommerzielle Rinderfarmen in Deutschland und Belgien besucht. Es wurden IR-Bilder von Bullen im Stall und beim Laufen aufgenommen. Zusätzlich wurden Bilder während des Wiegens mit der Möglichkeit, einzelne Tiere zu trennen, und von Mutterkühen während der Klauenpflege aufgenommen. Außerdem wurden die Bilder einer professionellen Infrarotkamera mit einem Infrarotsystem für ein Smartphone verglichen. Mit IR ist es möglich, Lahmheiten frühzeitig zu diagnostizieren oder einen Verdacht abzuklären. Aus Gründen der Bildqualität müssen IR-Bilder aus kurzer Entfernung (ca. 2 m) möglichst auf einer ebenen Fläche aufgenommen werden. Zusätzlich zu der lahmheitsverdächtigen Klaue oder Bein sollten Bilder eines nicht betroffenen Beines oder Klaue zum Vergleich aufgenommen werden. Außerdem sollten die Tiere fixiert werden, wenn ein Lahmheitsverdacht geklärt werden soll und auch generell aus Sicherheitsgründen. Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass IR ein nützliches Instrument zur Erkennung von Lahmheiten bei Rindern ist. Es gibt bereits nützliche Apps und Systeme für Smartphones, die im Bereich von 400 € liegen und überzeugende Ergebnisse liefern.

In order to implement weaning carefully, a system with a separate calf area was established on an Estonian farm. The grass based Aberdeen-Angus farm, Vilsi Angus OÜ, keeps 70 suckler cows. Selling breeding animals and finishing bulls and heifers on pasture. The calving season on this farm ranges between March and June. From September at the latest, the farmer divides the cows into two herds (bull calf herd and heifer calf herd). At the end of the grazing period (end of October) the animals are moved to the barn. During the stable period the cows are fed hay. Calf sized passage gates allow calves to move into separate areas with deep bedding and silage. On the first day of housing, calves are herded into their own area to learn where to go. After that, they pass through the gate voluntarily. The calves will continue to pass through to suckle for about a month, until the bigger ones can no longer fit through the gates. Then the gate is closed. The cows are still next to their calves, but the suckling period has ended. On average the calf weaning weight at this point is 400 kg. This good practice reduces stress for animals and farmers alike during the weaning period. With this easy to build separation facility, costs for feed and veterinary costs can be reduced through increased animal welfare and comfort. Furthermore, weaned animals have increased daily growth rates. The breeding period and fattening period is shorter as there is less stress for both, cow and calf. Farmer comment: "It is good to see and hear that our animals are happy and that the weight gains have increased. We have been using this weaning method for 3 years now and it has had a very positive effect on the growth and health of the animals." Tiina Tomson, Vilsi Angus OÜ.

Selleks, et läheneda vasikate võõrutamisele loomasõbralikult, on ühes Eesti farmis loodud eraldi vasikate ala süsteem. Rohumaaveise aberdeen-angus farmis Vilsi Angus OÜ peetakse 70 ammlehma. Müüakse aretusloomi ning pulle ja mullikaid nuumatakse karjamaal. Poegimishooaeg on selles farmis märtsist juunini. Hiljemalt septembrist jagab farmer lehmad kahte eri karja (pullivasikakari ja lehmvasikakari). Karjatamisperioodi lõpus (oktoobri lõpus) viiakse loomad lauta. Laudaperioodi jooksul söödetakse ammlehmi heinaga. Vasikate läbikäigu väravad võimaldavad vasikatel pääseda eraldi piirkonda, kus on sügavallapanu ja silo. Esimesel päeval aetakse vasikad omaette alale, et nad õpiksid seal kiiremini käima. Pärast seda läbivad nad värava vabatahtlikult. Vasikad jätkavad imemist umbes kuu aega, kuni suuremad vasikad ei mahu enam väravast läbi. Siis suletakse värav. Lehmad on endiselt oma vasikate kõrvalaias, kuid imetamine on lõppenud. Keskmiselt on vasikate võõrutuskaal siis 400 kg. See hea praktika vähendab nii loomade kui ka loomaomaniku stressi võõrutusperioodil. Sellise kergesti ehitatava eraldusaedade abil saab vähendada sööda- ja veterinaarkulusid ning seega suurendada loomade heaolu ja mugavust. Lisaks sellele on võõrutatud loomade päevane kasvukiirus suurem. Kasvatusperiood ja nuumamisperiood on lühem, kuna nii lehma kui ka vasika jaoks on vähem stressi. Farmeri kommentaar: "On hea näha ja kuulda, et meie loomad on õnnelikud ja et kaaluiive on suurenenud. Oleme seda võõrutusmeetodit kasutanud juba 3 aastat ja see on avaldanud väga positiivset mõju loomade kasvule ja tervisele. Me ei kuule enam loomade tavapärast ammumist võõrutamise ajal." Tiina Tomson, Vilsi Angus OÜ.

An animal friendly design of handling facilities reduces work load and manpower as well as risks of injuries to humans or animals. A cattle farm in Portugal located in the south of the country (Alentejo) with a herd of 400 suckler cows of the Alentejana breed, faced difficulties managing the animals when interventions were needed. Therefore, they sought the advice of the well-known animal scientist Dr T. Grandin for building their handling facilities. The facilities were designed in such a way that animals were less fearful and tasks such as weaning of calves, veterinary interventions, weighing of bulls etc. became easier to perform. For example curved working chutes prevented the animals from seeing vehicles or handlers and thus taking advantage of the animal's natural circling behaviour. Furthermore, solid walls prevent cattle to see distractions outside the pen. The passageways should not be too wide neither too narrow (10 to 16 feet wide) and with gates to divide the cattle into smaller groups. The crowd gate on the crowd pen should also be solid to prevent animals from attempting to turn back towards the stockyard pens they just left. A raised 18 inches wide walkway (36 to 42 inches from the top of the fence) around the crowding pen allows the handler to see and follow the cattle. The existence of different pens at the exit of the working squeeze chute to separate animals into groups is useful and important in optimizing working time. With this system, the necessary work with the animals becomes safer and faster, reducing stress for animals and handlers alike. On that specific farm in Portugal, herd managing tasks that usually needed a whole day to perform, were accomplished in far less time with a smaller labour force.

Uma concepção de instalações de manuseamento amiga dos animais reduz a carga de trabalho e a mão-de-obra, bem como os riscos de lesões para os seres humanos ou animais. Uma exploração pecuária em Portugal localizada no sul do país (Alentejo) com um efectivo de 400 vacas em aleitamento da raça alentejana, enfrentou dificuldades na gestão dos animais quando foram necessárias intervenções. Por conseguinte, procuraram o conselho do conhecido cientista animal Dr. T. Grandin para a construção das suas instalações de manipulação. As instalações foram concebidas de forma a que os animais tivessem menos medo e tarefas como o desmame de vitelos, intervenções veterinárias, pesagem de touros, etc., se tornassem mais fáceis de executar. Por exemplo, as condutas de trabalho curvas impediram os animais de ver veículos ou manipuladores e assim tirar partido do comportamento natural do animal em círculo. Além disso, paredes sólidas impedem o gado de ver distracções fora do curral. As passagens não devem ser demasiado largas nem demasiado estreitas (10 a 16 pés de largura) e com portões para dividir o gado em grupos mais pequenos. O portão da multidão no compartimento da multidão deve também ser sólido para evitar que os animais tentem voltar para trás em direcção aos compartimentos do curral que acabaram de deixar. Uma passagem elevada de 18 polegadas de largura (36 a 42 polegadas do topo da cerca) à volta do recinto de multidão permite ao condutor ver e seguir o gado. A existência de diferentes compartimentos à saída da calha de aperto para separar os animais em grupos é útil e importante na optimização do tempo de trabalho. Com este sistema, o trabalho necessário com os animais torna-se mais seguro e mais rápido, reduzindo o stress tanto para os animais como para os manipuladores. Nessa exploração agrícola específica em Portugal, as tarefas de gestão do rebanho que normalmente precisavam de um dia inteiro para serem realizadas, foram realizadas em muito menos tempo com uma força de trabalho mais reduzida.

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Knowing the daily growth rate of your animals is important to understand the profitability of your beef farm. But weighing beef cattle is not an easy task. Fattening animals like to rest during the day and the handling of the animals can be dangerous and labour intensive. Therefore, weighing of the animals is often omitted in the daily routine of the farm to avoid additional work and possible danger for the staff. However, on a beef farm, many animals need to be treated for various reasons (hoof care, shearing, pregnancy diagnosis etc.). Animals need to be fixated in a treatment pen during that time. If a scale is incorporated in the treatment pen, the animal's weight can be recorded automatically while attending to other tasks. A treatment pen equipped with a scale is a simple adjustment to improve the work flow and allows for continuous weight monitoring of the animal. The costs for a scale incorporated in a treatment pen are approx. 1500 to 2000 Euros. The weight data can be stored in a management programme, so the farmers can keep track of the daily growth rates of their animals. Farmer comments: “We have a separate weighing box on the farm, but since we have a scale in the treatment pen, we rarely use the weighing box. We had already a good treatment pen and it was comparably cheap to install this digital weighing system on the pen. There is no extra work for weighing the animals. We transferred the weight data into our management programme so we now know the daily weight gain very well. Automatic weighing systems are too expensive for our farm.”

De dagelijkse groei kennen van uw dieren is belangrijk om inzicht te krijgen in de winstgevendheid van uw vleesveebedrijf. Maar het wegen van vleesvee is geen gemakkelijke taak. Mestdieren rusten graag gedurende de dag en het hanteren van de dieren kan gevaarlijk en arbeidsintensief zijn. Daarom wordt het wegen van de dieren vaak weggelaten uit de dagelijkse routine van het bedrijf om extra werk en mogelijk gevaar voor het personeel te voorkomen. Op een rundveebedrijf moeten veel dieren echter om verschillende redenen worden behandeld (hoefverzorging, scheren, drachtdiagnose, enz.). De dieren moeten gedurende die tijd in een behandelruimte worden gefixeerd. Als in de behandelruimte een weegschaal is ingebouwd, kan het gewicht van de dieren automatisch worden geregistreerd terwijl andere taken worden uitgevoerd. Een met een weegschaal uitgeruste behandelruimte is een eenvoudige aanpassing om de workflow te verbeteren en maakt het mogelijk het gewicht van de dieren voortdurend te controleren. De kosten voor een weegschaal in een behandelruimte bedragen ongeveer 1500 tot 2000 euro. De gewichtsgegevens kunnen worden opgeslagen in een managementprogramma, zodat de veehouders de dagelijkse groei van hun dieren kunnen bijhouden. Commentaar van een veehouder: "We hebben een aparte weegbox op het bedrijf, maar omdat we nu een weegschaal onder de behandelbox hebben, gebruiken we de aparte weeginstallatie nog zelden. We hadden al een goede behandelbox en het was goedkoop om dit digitale weegsysteem op de box te installeren. Er is hierdoor geen extra werk voor het wegen van deze dieren. We nemen de gewichtsgegevens over in ons managementprogramma, zodat we nu heel goed weten wat de dagelijkse gewichtstoename is. Automatische weegsystemen zijn te duur voor ons bedrijf."

Boviwell is a French system for assessing animal welfare on beef cattle farms. It is based on the principle of Welfare Quality®. In Boviwell, animals are assessed according to the 5 freedoms (Freedom from hunger and thirst, Freedom from discomfort, Freedom from pain, injury or disease, Appropriate behaviour) and sub-divided into 4 categories ("not classified", "in progress", "superior", "excellent").. After half a day of farm auditing, the farmer knows the animal welfare score of their farm(and in comparison to others) and strengths and weaknesses are shown. These results are presented graphically. The French beef industry has chosen to communicate the "superior" and "excellent" levels to the consumer. A lower classification does not prevent the animals from being marketed, but it does not allow special labelling. Furthermore, the farms assessed as “not classified” will be supported by their usual local advisors to improve. As part of a continuous improvement process, Arnaud Blandin, breeder of Charolais in Allier, France, has carried out a Boviwell classification. "My breeding is classified as "superior" according to the Boviwell approach. However, after the assessment, I added some drinkers and increased the flow to facilitate greater animal access to water. I have also reduced the number of animals per pen slightly and added new mulched areas for animals."

Boviwell est un système français pour évaluer le bien-être des animaux dans les élevages bovins. Il est basé sur les principes de Welfare Quality. Dans l’évaluation Boviwell des animaux et de leur logement, les 5 libertés sont regroupées en 4 catégories (Absence de faim et de soif, Absence d’inconfort, Absence de douleur, de blessure et de maladie, Comportements appropriés). Pour chaque catégorie, le niveau de bien-être est calculé (non classé, progression, supérieur et excellent) pour permettre ensuite de calculer le niveau global de l’élevage. Au bout d’une demi-journée d’audit, l’éleveur connait son niveau et peut le comparer à celui des autres, et identifier ses points forts et ses points faibles. Les résultats sont présentés de façon graphique. La filière bovine française a choisi de communiquer aux consommateurs sur les élevages classés supérieurs ou excellents. Un classement à des niveaux inférieurs n’empêche pas les animaux d’être commercialisés, mais pas sous signe de qualité. Par ailleurs, les fermes ayant un niveau « Non classé » seront accompagnées par leurs conseillers habituels pour s’améliorer. Dans le cadre de sa démarche de progrès, Arnaud BLANDIN, éleveur naisseur de Charolais dans l’Allier, a réalisé une évaluation Boviwell. « Mon élevage est classé « Supérieur » selon Boviwell. Cependant, suite à l’évaluation, j’ai rajouté des abreuvoirs et augmenté le débit pour faciliter l’accès à l’eau. J’ai aussi légèrement réduit le nombre d’animaux par parc, et réaménagé des zones encombrées pour les remplacer par des aires paillées.

Mixing young bulls prior to final feeding can prove to be very challenging particularly in terms of animal health and disease outbreaks such as pneumonia and other viruses. A bull beef fattening unit in Ireland uses a clear sourcing and animal health programme to reduce health and welfare issues in the fattening of young bulls. The farmer sources the bull weanlings (usually 7 to 13 months of age) from a suckler farmer and makes an arrangement for the animals to remain on the farm of origin for a period of a further 3 weeks. The finisher farmer along with the suckler farmer treats the animals with the first course of vaccinations (usually treatments for IBR, RSV and PI3). This reduces any transport stress on the bulls at this important time when they are getting their first vaccination treatments. After 3 weeks, the animals are transported to the finishing unit, where they are weighed, at this point they will receive their second vaccination and any other necessary animal health treatments, comrade animals stay together, which is important to reduce stress. The benefits of this good practice reduces animal health issues.A challenge can be to locate suitable suckler farmers to partner within the programme. A key take home message is that the protocol is a low cost, simple and practical animal health and welfare programme that is very effective especially on young bull finishing farms. Farmer comment: “We can significantly reduce stress and disease on our purchased-in weanlings by operating a programme of vaccination on the farm of origin 3 weeks before they arrive on our finishing unit,” Kieran Dooley Beef farmer, Co.Offaly, Ireland.

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On two beef cattle farms in the Veneto and Piedmont region of Italy, the composition of the Total Mixed Ration (TMR) fed to stock was checked directly at the feed mixer wagon and in the course of the feed table using Near Infra- Red Spectroscopy (NIRs). The objective was to reduce the negative effects of feed fluctuations during ration preparation to ensure correct TMR formulation for the animals and to monitor the efficiency of the mixer wagon in terms of TMR homogeneity. NIRS is a physical analytical technique, it allows the precise determination of the chemical composition of products of plant and animal origin. The advantages of the method compared to conventional analytical chemistry, is the non-requirement for sample preparation. Portable instruments from the University of Padua, Italy, were attached to the feed mixer or applied directly to the feed. The usual waiting time for the result of a feed sample is eliminated and action can be taken immediately. From a health and welfare perspective, this technique can reduce the incidence of rumen acidosis and other feed-related metabolic diseases. Another potential benefit of continuous monitoring of chemical and physical properties of TMR and forages is the control of nutrient losses, especially nitrogen and energy.

In due allevamenti di bovini da carne in Veneto e in Piemonte, la composizione del unifeed (TMR) è stata controllata direttamente dal carro miscelatore del mangime e nel corso della tabella di alimentazione utilizzando i NIR. La sfida era quella di ridurre gli effetti negativi delle fluttuazioni del mangime durante la preparazione del unifeed per garantire la corretta formulazione del unifeed per gli animali e monitorare l'efficienza del carro miscelatore in termini di omogeneità del unifeed. Il NIRS è una tecnica analitica fisica che permette la determinazione precisa della composizione chimica di prodotti di origine vegetale e animale. I vantaggi del metodo rispetto alla chimica analitica convenzionale, risiedono nella ridotta preparazione del campione. Viene eliminato il consumo di reagenti che inquinano l'ambiente e sono pericolosi per il personale. Gli strumenti portatili dell'Università di Padova sono stati attaccati al mixer di alimentazione o applicati direttamente alla tabella di alimentazione. Questo significa che il solito tempo di attesa per il risultato di un campione di alimentazione è stato eliminato e si può agire immediatamente. Questa tecnica permette una maggiore efficienza di alimentazione con basse perdite di nutrienti/mangimi, con conseguente riduzione dei costi di alimentazione e maggiore conversione dei mangimi. Dal punto di vista della salute e del benessere, questa applicazione può ridurre l'incidenza dell'acidosi del rumine e di altre malattie metaboliche legate al mangime. Un altro potenziale vantaggio del monitoraggio continuo delle proprietà chimiche e fisiche del unifeed e dei foraggi è il controllo delle perdite di nutrienti, specialmente di azoto ed energia.

In rearing and finishing units young animals often get bored as they become stronger and more competitive. This can lead to a variety of problems such as suckling at other animal’s navels, ears and other body parts causing infections in the suckled animal. On a farm in Germany naval suckling between heifers led regularly to severe navel infections. To distract the heifers from suckling each other and to keep them occupied, different toys were installed. These toys are commonly used in pig farms. On this farm a hay ball (a hollow rubber ball filled with hay suspended from the ceiling) and a so-called play-hedgehog (a rubber toy with many tentacle-like appendages, also suspended from the ceiling) were used. The heifers showed great interest in these toys and interacted with them regularly. With the toys installed, the suckling of other animal’s navels was substantially reduced. Best results, in terms of keeping the animals interested in the toys, was achieved by replacing the toys every two weeks. It is important to clean and disinfect the toys after usage and renew them regularly. Due to the distraction caused by the toys the prevalence of mutual suckling and cross suckling was reduced significantly. Thus, the rate of navel infections, the application of medication, treatment by veterinarians, surgeries and even losses of animal due to infections decreased substantially. The additional costs for these toys are more than compensated by the saved costs for medical treatment.

In Aufzucht und Mast wird den Jungtieren einerseits oft langweilig; andererseits werden sie stärker und konkurrenzfähiger gegenüber anderen Tieren. Diese Kombination kann zu Problemen führen (Rangkämpfe mit der Gefahr von schweren Verletzungen, Saugen an Nabel, Ohren und anderen Körperteilen anderer Tiere mit der Gefahr von Infektionen für das besäugte Tier). Auf einem Betrieb in Deutschland führte das gegenseitige Besaugen des Nabels oft zu schweren Nabelinfektionen. Um die Färsen vom gegenseitigen Besaugen abzulenken und sie zu beschäftigen, wurden verschiedene Spielzeuge installiert. Diese werden üblicherweise in Schweinebetrieben verwendet. In diesem Betrieb wurden ein von der Decke hängender Heuball und ein so genannter Spiel-Igel (ebenfalls von der Decke hängend, ein Gummispielzeug mit vielen Tentakeln) verwendet. Die Färsen zeigten großes Interesse und eine regelmäßige Nutzung dieser Spielzeuge. Das Saugen an den anderen Tieren wurde auf ein Minimum reduziert. Die besten Ergebnisse wurden erzielt, wenn die beiden Spielzeuge alle zwei Wochen gewechselt wurden, um das Interesse der Tiere aufrechtzuerhalten. Es ist wichtig, die Spielzeuge nach dem Gebrauch zu reinigen und zu desinfizieren, und die Spielzeuge müssen regelmäßig erneuert werden. Durch die Ablenkung mittels der Spielzeuge wurde die Prävalenz des gegenseitigen Besaugens deutlich reduziert. Dadurch ist die Rate der Nabelinfektionen und der Einsatz von Medikamenten, die Behandlung durch Tierärzte, Operationen und sogar der Verlust von Tieren aufgrund von Infektionen drastisch zurückgegangen. Die zusätzlichen Kosten für das Spielzeug werden durch die eingesparten Kosten für die medizinische Behandlung mehr als wettgemacht.

Buying in and handling young bulls as they enter a feed unit can prove extremely challenging in terms of assembly, safety and animal welfare, in addition to the animal health challenges. Kieran Dooley finishes c 1000 young bulls in Boora, Co Offaly, Ireland. He recently erected a comprehensive assembly yard and cattle chute, which has proved to be a great success in improving the handling of young bulls. The system is designed in a fashion that avoids stress on the animals and makes it easier for the operator. All of the pens and chute are constructed in a curved rounded design to assist easier movement for the animals. There are no corners or angle edges for animals to encounter. Gates are designed to allow the animals enter, move and exit in a smooth fashion and are also easy to operate for the farmer. While the initial capital cost was high, there has been a very good return on investment in terms of the benefits which include; the efficient system has reduced labour input on the farm and allowed for handling large volumes of animals in shorter time frames ( 50 animals in 30 minutes) – an important socio-economic benefit, reduced stress on the animals and reduced animal health and welfare issues – a major animal health and welfare benefit as well as a meat quality benefit, and increased safety for the farmer.

The main bottleneck with the system was the initial capital cost.

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On Belgian beef farms, water is used as drinking water for the animals;

for the preparation of milk from milk powder and for cleaning stables, machines and equipment.

It is becoming difficult to obtain a permit for pumping up groundwater. Moreover, tap water is quite expensive.

The collection of rainwater is an obligation on most farms. To use this water as drinking water, the quality must meet the drinking water standards for animals. After a water analysis, one knows whether the quality is sufficient. By using a UV filter, the water can be disinfected so that it is safe to administer to the cattle. It is important to have this device installed by an expert company.

The beef farmer can save on his water bill, but in order to achieve this objective he has to invest in rainwater collection. The more water that is collected, the higher this investment will be, but it also allows the farmer to compensate for peak consumption. In the future, this will be the only option for the supply of drinking water to animals on Belgian beef farms, because permits for groundwater are refused or restricted in certain regions.

Op rundveehouderijen wordt water gebruikt als drinkwater voor de dieren;

voor de bereiding van melk uit melkpoeder en voor het schoonmaken van stallen, machines en apparatuur.

Het wordt steeds moeilijker om een vergunning te krijgen voor het oppompen van grondwater. Bovendien is leidingwater vrij duur.

Het opvangen van regenwater is op de meeste boerderijen een verplichting. Om dit water als drinkwater te gebruiken, moet de kwaliteit voldoen aan de drinkwaternormen voor dieren. Na een wateranalyse weet men of de kwaliteit voldoende is. Door gebruik te maken van een UV-filter kan het water gedesinfecteerd worden zodat het veilig is om aan het vee toe te dienen. Het is belangrijk om deze installatie te laten plaatsen en dit dient te gebeuren door een deskundig bedrijf.

De rundveehouder kan besparen op zijn waterrekening, maar om dit doel te bereiken moet hij investeren in regenwateropvang. Hoe meer water wordt opgevangen, hoe hoger deze investering zal zijn, maar hij kan er ook zijn piekverbruik mee compenseren. In de toekomst zal dit de enige optie zijn voor het drinkwater van de dieren, omdat vergunningen voor grondwater in bepaalde regio's worden geweigerd of beperkt.

The use of farm video surveillance in housing systems can reduce the need for excessive handling of animals, and reduce the level of stress on both the animal and the operator.

By watching the animals at a distance, farmers can act faster if something happens. For example, during the calving season they can save calves and cows in time if difficulty occurs. Farmers can also monitor unauthorized activity on the farm, such as at the diesel tank. FarmCam HD allows to connect up to 4 cameras with night-vision, motion-detection and it records both video and sound, and sends notifications and alarms directly to the smartphone or PC if it detects movement outside working hours. FarmCam HD includes a fully water-proof camera with rugged design that is built to last.The camera signal is transmitted through a cable to the outdoor antenna and the signal is then sent wirelessly to the office/home/smartphone. The receiver receives the signal through its outdoor antenna connected with cable. By connecting the receiver to an internet router farmers can see their animals wherever they go, using any smartphone, tablet or computer connected to the internet.

The main benefits are time saving, increased security and its contribution to improving animal welfare. The main challenge is where outdoor antennas are located; 1250 m is the maximum range at a free line of sight. The key success factors for implementation are farmers’ familiarity with digital tools and technologies.

La videovigilancia de las granjas es un sistema de alojamiento eficaz que reduce la necesidad de manipular excesivamente a los animales y disminuye el nivel de estrés tanto del animal como del operario.

Vigilando los animales a distancia, los ganaderos pueden actuar más rápidamente si ocurre algo. Por ejemplo, durante la época de partos pueden actuar a tiempo en el momento salvando a los terneros y a las vacas si se producen partos difíciles. Los ganaderos también pueden vigilar la actividad no autorizada en la granja, como robos en depósito de gasóleo... FarmCam HD permite conectar hasta 4 cámaras con visión nocturna, detección de movimiento y graba tanto vídeo como sonido, y envía notificaciones y alarmas directamente al smartphone o al PC si detecta movimiento fuera de las horas de trabajo. FarmCam HD incluye una cámara totalmente a prueba de agua con un diseño robusto que está construido para durar.La cámara vigila a los animales, la señal se transmite a través del cable a la antena exterior. La señal se envía de forma inalámbrica a la oficina/casa. El receptor recibe la señal a través de su antena exterior conectada con cable. Conectando el receptor a un router de Internet, los ganaderos pueden ver a sus animales allá donde vayan, utilizando cualquier smartphone, tableta u ordenador conectado a Internet.

Las principales ventajas son el ahorro de tiempo, el aumento de la seguridad y la contribución a la mejora del bienestar animal. El principal reto es la ubicación de las antenas en el exterior: 1250 m de alcance máximo en línea de visión libre. Los factores clave para el éxito de la implantación son la familiaridad de los agricultores con las herramientas y tecnologías digitales.

Development of photovoltaic installations on beef farms, is growing. At the end of December 2020, the surface area installed in panels on livestock farm buildings in France was estimated at 10 million m2 however, there are still many roof surfaces that can be equipped.This innovation is particularly recommended for new building installations, as it is more difficult to install on existing buildings (problem of stability and insertion). It is estimated that 40% of new buildings constructed each year could be equipped, i.e. around 1.2 million potential m2 per year in France for cattle farming.

However, some constraints are the fact that buildings on cattle farms are not exposed directly to the south, and the slope of the roofs are not sufficient, which can reduce profitability by around 10%. The hours of sunshine, the orientation and inclination of the panels, the outside temperature and the maintenance of the installations largely explain the differences in performance between installations. It is considered that a system with sales of the electricity produced is particularly suitable for the beef sector, however the installation of such technology for self-consumption on the farm is not profitable on most beef farms. It is important to check the legal aspects of the electricity resale contract as depending on the geographical situation, there are barriers to the cost of connection to the electricity network.

A “decision support tool” is available for breeders and technicians who advise them. Experimental farms in France are also increasingly equipping themselves with the technology and can thus provide references and advice.

Les heures d'ensoleillement, l'orientation et l'inclinaison des panneaux, la température extérieure et l'entretien des installations expliquent en grande partie les différences de performance entre les installations. Le schéma d'un contrat de revente totale de l'électricité produite est particulièrement adapté aux toitures des bâtiments d'élevage et de stockage de fourrage pour la filière bovine. Un système d'autoconsommation de l'énergie photovoltaïque à la ferme n'est par contre pas adapté aux élevages bovins viande. Il est surtout important de vérifier les aspects juridiques du contrat de revente de l'électricité.

Le développement des installations photovoltaïques est en pleine croissance : à fin décembre 2020, la surface installée en panneaux sur les bâtiments d'élevage est estimée à 10 millions de m2. Il reste encore de nombreuses surfaces de toitures qui peuvent être équipées.

Cette innovation est particulièrement recommandée pour les installations de bâtiments neufs, car elle est plus difficile à installer sur des bâtiments existants (problème de stabilité et d'insertion).

On estime que 40% des bâtiments neufs construits chaque année pourraient être équipés, soit environ 1,2 millions de m2 potentiels par an en France pour l'élevage bovin.

Les principales contraintes sont l'orientation des bâtiments d'élevages bovins, qui ne sont pas exposés directement au sud, et la pente des toitures qui est plutôt à 25%, ce qui réduit la rentabilité d'environ 10%. Selon la situation géographique, le coût du raccordement au réseau électrique peut également être un frein.

Un "outil d'aide à la décision" est disponible pour les éleveurs et leurs conseillers. Les fermes expérimentales, de plus en plus équipées, permettent également de fournir des références et des conseils.

This is an initiative to improve the image of beef , through a positive audiovisual image of an Estonian Grassfed hereford farm. The farm presented is a breeding farm with 160 beef cows, selling young bulls and heifers for breeding bulls and the rest fattened on pasture.

With the marketing money from the grassfed beef quality scheme, a high-value promotional commercial was produced portraying images of the farm at different times of the year. The commercial features a farmer participating in a quality scheme, with the aim is to create a positive consumer image of carbon neutral grass-fed beef production. The commercial indicates that farmers participating in the Quality Scheme raise their animals on 100% grass, with grazing in summer and hay and silage fed in winter. One of the aims of the commercial is to point out that, contrary to the reputation of beef being produced on large-scale units using grain and other concentrate-based production methods, Estonian beef cattle farms are still family farms, with animals raised and grazed on semi-natural pastures, which have largely disappeared from the EU. So the role of the commercial was to reinforce in the consumer that by buying meat from grass-fed beef quality schemes you are helping to preserve heritage ecosystems. In addition to the TV commercial, a longer version was filmed, without text, with subtitles describing the special nature of Estonian grasslands and the role of animals in them. These clips are shown at trade fairs and distributed on social media channels (Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, etc.).

Tegemist on algatusega, mille eesmärk on parandada veiseliha kuvandit positiivse audiovisuaalse pildi kaudu Eesti rohumaaveise kvaliteedikavva kuuluvast herefordi tõugu veiseid kasvatavast farmist. Farmis on 160 ammlehma, valitud noori pulle ja mullikaid müüakse aretusloomadena ning ülejäänud noorloomad - kastreeritud härjad ja pullid nuumatakse karjamaal.

Rohusöödaveise kvaliteedikava turundusrahaga filmisime erinevatel aastaaegadel professionaalse reklaamklipi. Filmis on näha kvaliteedikavas osalevat põllumajandustootjat, kelle farmi vaated on filmitud erinevatel aastaaegadel. Eesmärgiks on luua tarbijale positiivne kuvand karjamaadel kasvanud veistest ja süsinikuneutraalsest veiseliha tootmisest. Kvaliteedikavas osalevad põllumajandustootjad kasvatavad oma loomi 100% rohusöötadel, karjatades neid suvel ja söötes talvel heina ja siloga. Veiselihal on halb maine on tekkinud sageli just suurte ja teraviljanuuma ning muude kontsentreeritud tootmismeetodite tõttu. Püüame juhtida tähelepanu, et Eestis on enamik lihaveisekasvatusfarmidest endiselt perefarmid, loomi kasvatatakse rohumaal ja suuri tööstuslikke nuumafarme ei ole rajatud. Üle 50% Eestis kasvatatavatest veistest karjatatakse pool-looduslikel ja mahetunnustatud karjamaadel, mis on Euroopa Liidust suures osas kadunud. Seega on telereklaami roll kinnitada tarbijas, et ostes rohusöödaga kasvatatud veise liha, aitate säilitada pärandkultuuride ökosüsteeme. Lisaks telereklaamile on filmitud pikem versioon ilma tekstita, kus on subtiitrid, mis kirjeldavad Eesti rohumaade eripära ja karjatavate loomade rolli neis. Neid klippe näidatakse messidel ja levitatakse sotsiaalmeediakanalites (Youtube, Instagram, Facebook).

Provacuno, the Interprofessional Organization of Beef and Veal, has launched the #FansdelVacuno campaign whose objective is to highlight the value of the Spanish beef sector, as well as to promote the consumption of Spanish beef, and to publicize the sector's compliance with the most demanding global standards in terms of sustainability, animal welfare, animal health and food safety. The campaign is aimed at beef consumers to contribute information towards a healthy balanced diet. The Spanish Beef Interprofessional Organization, Provacuno, has obtained the approval of the European Union to launch What Wonderful Beef 2.0, an information and promotion plan for Spanish beef in other countries. This action has led to an increase in exports and a greater recognition of Spanish beef around the world. The project is part of the EU strategy for the promotion of quality agri-food products "Enjoy, it's from Europe". The main benefits are to improve beef image and promote beef consumption. The main challenges were to reach consumers and overcome the barriers that contribute in the lower appeal of beef. The key success factors for implementation were the generation of attractive materials and dissemination campaigns on social networks and the media. Three main lessons were learned from implementation:

1. It is important to highlight the work carried out by farmers, demystifying the negative vision that surrounds the meat sector

2. Consuming meat in a responsible and sustainable way is essential for our health

3. Spanish beef complies with all the animal welfare and environmental protection requirements related to the beef sector.

Provacuno, la Organización Interprofesional de la Carne de Vacuno, ha lanzado la campaña #FansdelVacuno cuyo objetivo es valorizar el sector cárnico en nuestro país, así como promover el consumo de la carne de vacuno española, y divulgar el cumplimiento de las normas mundiales más exigentes del sector en materia de sostenibilidad, bienestar animal, sanidad animal y seguridad alimentaria. La campaña está dirigida a los amantes de la carne de vacuno para contribuir a una dieta equilibrada, más sana y más fuerte. La Organización Interprofesional de la Carne de Vacuno de España, Provacuno, ha obtenido la aprobación de la Unión Europea para poner en marcha "Qué maravilla de carne de vacuno 2.0", un plan de información y promoción de la carne de vacuno española en países terceros . Esta acción ha permitido aumentar las exportaciones y el reconocimiento de la carne de vacuno de nuestro país en el mundo. Este proyecto forma parte de la estrategia de la UE para la promoción de productos agroalimentarios de calidad "Disfruta, es de Europa". Los principales beneficios son mejorar la imagen de la carne de vacuno y promover su consumo. Los principales retos consistieron en llegar a los consumidores y superar las barreras que contribuyen a que la carne de vacuno sea menos atractiva. Los factores clave de éxito para la implementación son generar materiales atractivos y mejorar su difusión en las redes sociales y en los medios de comunicación. Las tres principales lecciones aprendidas para la implementación son:

1. Es importante destacar el trabajo realizado por los ganaderos, desmitificando la visión negativa que rodea al sector cárnico

2. Consumir carne de forma responsable y sostenible es esencial para nuestra salud

3. En España cumplimos con todos los requisitos de bienestar animal y protección del medio ambiente relacionados con el sector de la carne de vacuno, y es fundamental comunicarlo a los consumidores.

The regional quality label for beef Qualità Verificata (Verified Quality) and the national quality label Consorzio Sigillo Italiano (Italian Seal Consortium) are given to beef produced by farmers who produce under a required standard, called “Bull/heifer fed with cereals”. This standard includes several requirements and parameters to be complied with. In general they relate to the choice of animals, housing facilities, welfare, food and health management and traceability. The name of the standard comes from what is considered a typical beef production system in Italy: utilising high amounts of cereals in animals diets. The production standard applies to farms, slaughtering and processing operators and points of sale. The final product is beef that can be given a certification label to better reach consumer’s attention. The control on the farmers’ compliance with the product specification is carried out by a third body of certification, on behalf of regional or national government authorities. The standard was created to promote the characteristics of the existing Italian beef production, which is considered of high quality, so in general not too challenging for farmers. Also producers belonging to the quality system have access to subsidies at slaughter premia or to funds from Regional and National Development Plans.

Il marchio di qualità regionale per la carne bovina Qualità Verificata e il marchio di qualità nazionale Consorzio Sigillo Italiano sono dati alla carne bovina prodotta da allevatori che accettano di produrre secondo i requisiti di uno standard, chiamato "Vitellone/vitello alimentato con cereali". Questo standard comprende diversi requisiti e parametri da rispettare. In generale riguardano la scelta degli animali, le strutture di stabulazione, il benessere, la gestione alimentare e sanitaria e la tracciabilità. Il nome dello standard deriva da ciò che è considerato tipico della carne bovina prodotta in Italia: l'uso tradizionale di alte percentuali di cereali nella dieta degli animali. La filiera produttiva comprende gli allevamenti, gli operatori di macellazione e trasformazione e i punti vendita. Il prodotto finale è la carne bovina con un marchio che può essere stampato su etichette, certificati, imballaggi o qualsiasi altro mezzo per meglio raggiungere l'attenzione del consumatore. Il produttore appartiene a un'organizzazione privata e il controllo sul rispetto del disciplinare da parte degli allevatori viene effettuato da un ente terzo di certificazione, per conto delle autorità governative regionali o nazionali. Lo standard è stato creato per promuovere le caratteristiche dell'attuale produzione italiana di carne bovina, che è considerata di alta qualità, quindi in generale non troppo impegnativa per gli allevatori. I benefici della certificazione derivano dall'appartenenza a un marchio riconosciuto dal consumatore. Anche i produttori che appartengono al sistema di qualità hanno accesso a contributi pubblici di macellazione o a fondi dei piani di sviluppo regionali e nazionali.

In Ireland, under the overall brand umbrella of Origin Green, Bord Bia (The Irish food Board) operates the Sustainable Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme (SBLQA) to authenticate the high sustainability and quality credentials of Irish beef. The scheme was developed to address the challenges in the market place where beef image and consumption is under constant pressure and where consumers require proof that beef is produced in a sustainable way to high standards. Originally devised in the early 1990’s as a quality assurance scheme, the SBLQA has developed over the years to address various changing market requirements, with a significant transformation in recent years to adopt the scheme to accommodate the area of sustainability.

There are over 50,000 Irish beef farmers participating in the SBLQA scheme and it covers over 90% of Irish beef output. Under the scheme, farmers and the processing sector are required to meet best practice standards and legislation, all accredited to ISO standards. At farm level, audits are conducted every 16-18 months by independent auditors on all aspects of production such as identification and traceability, food safety, animal health and welfare, safety, feed and water, animal remedies, land management, biosecurity, housing, transport, environment, social sustainability, and many other areas. A report on compliance is then prepared for the producer.

On sustainability, criteria have been developed, applied and audited at farm level which allow the scheme demonstrate the sustainability of Irish beef at individual farm level. The key sustainability criteria covered include minimising GHG, conservation of water, good soil management, improving biodiversity, enhancing social and economic performance.

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In Belgium, intensive beef farms often grow and harvest maize crops next to permanent grassland. During winter time, instead of leaving the soil uncovered, introducing cover crops in a rotation can help reduce N losses via surface water. A cover crop is a type of crop planted during/after the growth period of the main crop and worked into the soil before sowing the main crop. In the short term, cover crops can counteract N leakage and reduce erosion. In the long term, the conservation and build up of hummus and organic C-level leads to an increased soil life and a better soil structure and mineral management. This all helps to increase the yield of the crops following. In addition, cover crops have the property of fixating N, leading to a lower amount of manure needed and less N will be leached and pollute nearby water courses. To ensure the sucess of cover crops field management techniques should be optimized to local climatic conditions, water resources, soil and cropping systems. It is also important to adjust timings and dates of the planting in order to ensure a complete kill-off of the cover crops,prior to sowing the primary crop, to avoid competition. Cover cropping can comprise of a single species or a mixture of species and can use annual, biennial or perennial vegetation. Cover crops can be killed (or ploughed‐in) in winter or spring, or grazed, and incorporated in soils to promote mineralization of organic N. They can also be left on the soil surface over the fall and winter periods, until a primary crop in no‐till is planted, to provide weed control and future N inputs.

In België wordt in intensieve rundveesystemen vaak maïs geteeld naast grasland. In plaats van de grond onbedekt te laten, zou de invoering van bodembedekkers in de winter kunnen helpen om N-verliezen via oppervlaktewater te beperken. Een dekgewas wordt tijdens of na de groeiperiode van het hoofdgewas geplant en wordt bewerkt voordat het volgende hoofdgewas wordt ingezaaid. Op korte termijn kunnen dekgewassen uitspoeling van N tegengaan, erosie verminderen, enz. Op lange termijn leidt het behoud en de opbouw van hummus en organisch C-gehalte tot een verhoogd bodemleven en een betere bodemstructuur en mineralenhuishouding. Dit alles draagt bij tot een hogere opbrengst van de volgende gewassen. Bovendien hebben ze ook de eigenschap N te fixeren, waardoor er minder mest nodig is en er minder N zal uitspoelen naar de nabijgelegen waterlopen. Belangrijk is om rekening te houden met het lokale klimaat, watervoorraden, bodem en teeltsystemen. Het is ook belangrijk om het tijdstip van planten en omploegen van de bodembedekker aan te passen, om concurrentie met het hoofdgewas te vermijden, de doeltreffendheid ervan te verbeteren en te vermijden dat dekgewassen worden geplant wanneer de bodemomstandigheden niet optimaal zijn. Bodembeddekers kunnen bestaan uit één of meerdere soorten en kunnen een-, twee- of meerjarige vegetatie gebruiken. Dekgewassen kunnen in de winter of het voorjaar worden ingeploegd of begraasd, en door grondbewerking in de bodem worden opgenomen om concurrentie met het hoofdgewas te voorkomen en de mineralisatie van organische N te bevorderen. Zij kunnen ook in de herfst en de winter op het bodemoppervlak blijven liggen totdat een hoofdgewas in no-till wordt geplant, om onkruidbestrijding en N-input te verschaffen.

Average daily gain is one of the most important measures for improving production efficiency in animal husbandry in general. In the breeding of beef cattle, the daily gain of an animal is a crucial parameter of production efficiency. The higher the daily weight gain, the shorter the fattening period of the animal until slaughter and ultimately an increase in the environemental efficiency of each kg of beef produced. This is a win-win situation for the farmer as both economic and environemental sustainability improve.Selective breeding can result in limprovements in average daily gain. On beef farms in Germany breeding values are routinely used to predict the perfomance of specific beef animal characteristics such as weight at 365-day and the muscularity score at 365-day of age. By using these values farmers can selectively breed animals for higher average daily gains.

Die Steigerung der Leistung ist eine der wichtigsten Maßnahmen zur Verbesserung der Produktionseffizienz in der Tierhaltung. In der Fleischrinderzucht ist die Tageszunahme eines Tieres ein entscheidender Parameter der Produktionseffizienz. Je höher die tägliche Gewichtszunahme, desto kürzer ist die Mastdauer des Tieres bis zur Schlachtung und desto weniger Tiere müssen letztlich für die Fleischproduktion gehalten werden. Dies ist sowohl aus wirtschaftlicher Sicht für den Tierhalter, als auch aus Umweltgesichtspunkten positiv. Die Zuchtwertschätzung wird mit einem BLUP-Tiermodell durchgeführt. Alle Merkmale werden statistisch ausgewertet. Ein Multi-Trait-Modell verknüpft die verschiedenen Merkmale über die genetischen Korrelationen, so dass jede Information gleichzeitig zur Zuchtwertschätzung der anderen Merkmale beiträgt. Das Tiermodell berücksichtigt alle (bekannten) Zusammenhänge. Durch das Tiermodell und den Multi-Trait-Ansatz werden für jedes Tier in allen Merkmalen Zuchtwerte geschätzt, auch wenn das Tier selbst keine entsprechende Eigenleistung hat, sondern nur seine Verwandten. Die geschätzten Zuchtwerte für die Gewichte werden durch eine lineare Transformation als Zuchtwerte für Tageszunahmen dargestellt. In einem Selektionsindexverfahren werden die natürlichen Zuchtwerte aus den beiden Schätzungen der Feld- und Stationsergebnisse für die Merkmale Gewicht bei der 365-Tage-Wiegung und Bewertung des Muskelscores bei der 365-Tage-Wiegung zu kombinierten Zuchtwerten für alle Tiere mit Leistung in beiden Schätzverfahren zusammengefasst. Selektive Zucht kann zu einem geringeren Futterverbrauch und damit zu geringeren CO2-Emissionen pro kg Produkt führen.

On several farms application of cattle has been implemented through a trailing shoe attached to the back of a vacuum tanker. The trailling shoe consists of a network of pipes which carry manure from the tank to a small applicator dragged across the ground surface. It's implementation reduces the volume of odour that arises from splash plate application and can also reduce the level of volatilisation of nitrogen into the atmosphere. As the manure is not applied directly onto the surface of the plants but very prescisely onto the roots beneath, a higher rate of absorption of nutrients by the plants occurs. This in turn reduces the flow of redundant nutrients into nearby ground and surface waters. To monitor the effect of the good practice, the water quality of ground water and surface water can e tested before and after using the trailing shoe. Application using this method requires specific training and practice for the farmer and requires additional costs for purchasing the equipment. However the technique has a higher acceptance from local residents because of decreased unpleasant smell and an advantage when it comes to environmental protection and an improved plant growth due to a high disposability of nutrients. This in turn will also aid to improve the profitability of the farm in the longer term

Auf mehreren Betrieben wurde für eine bodennahe Ausbringung von Gülle der Schleppschuh eingesetzt. Es ist eine emissionsarme Technik und reduziert den Verlust von Nährstoffen. So wird das Grundwasser vor übermäßigem Nährstoffeintrag geschützt. Die Gülle wird nicht auf die Pflanzen, sondern auf den darunter liegenden Boden aufgebracht. Dadurch wird die Gülle sehr präzise und genau dosiert und nah an den Wurzeln ausgebracht. Dies führt zu einer höheren Aufnahme der Nährstoffe durch die Pflanzen und zu einem geringeren Eintrag von überflüssigen Nährstoffen in das Grundwasser. Auch nahegelegene Oberflächengewässer werden geschützt, da die Gülle nicht Gefahr läuft, in ein Oberflächengewässer gespült zu werden.

Bei der Ausbringung muss sich der Landwirt mit der neuen Technik vertraut machen, was durch den Kundendienst des Vertreibers begleitet werden kann. Vor und nach Einsatz des Schleppschuhs kann die Qualität von Grund- und Oberflächenwasser getestet werden, um die Auswirkungen auf die Gewässer zu überprüfen. Die Technik hat eine hohe Akzeptanz bei den Anwohnern wegen der verringerten Geruchsbelästigung. Der Landwirt muss natürlich in die neue Ausrüstung investieren und lernen, wie man damit arbeitet.

Nach der Anwendung zeigt sich Folgendes: Die neuen Geräte sind teuer, aber im Vorteil, wenn es um Umweltschutz geht, verbessertes Pflanzenwachstum durch hohe Nährstoffverfügbarkeit und technisches Interesse des Landwirts hilft, die Handhabung zu erlernen.

Die Auswirkungen auf die anderen WPs können sein: verbessertes Wachstum der Futterpflanzen und der verminderte Eintrag von Nährstoffen in Grund- und Oberflächenwasser, insbesondere von Stickstoff.

Trevor Boland won an IFA (Irish Farmers Association) competition under the Smart Farming Programme and he used the prize to pay for a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) for his suckler beef farm. Under the NMP he developed a 5 year program of liming and fertilizer use to improve the fertility of his soils and to grow more grass to enhance output, as well as environmental sustainability, on the farm. The key objectives under the 5 year plan were; to correct soil pH, utilize slurry and farm yard manure better, to extend the grazing period and shorten the winter period, and subsequently reduce the carbon footprint on the farm. Through the implementation of the plan Trevor managed to increase the volume of grass production from 10tt DM/ha to 15t DM/ha, extend the grazing period and shorten the winter period, increase the stocking rate from 1.5LU/ha to 2.2LU/ha over 5 years and ultimately reduce his feed costs and increase profitability. From the farmers experience however the poor profitability on the farm prevented immediate investment in soil nutrients and grazing infrastructure, which slowed progress slightly. However, through his committment to the plan Trevor learned that it is possible to improve fertility on his farm with good grass and soil measurements. The constant monitoring and updating of the NMP was essential to keeping him on track to reducing the effciency and welfare of his herd which in turn improved the carbon footprint of his animals.

Angus Woods, an Irish mixed suckler to beef, sheep and tillage farm, participates in the BDGP- and BEEP-S scheme, where the two main objectives are to lower the intensity of GHG emissions by improving the efficiency of the beef herd and to improve the genetic merit of the beef herd through the collection of data and genotypes of selected animals. These schemes involve various commitments by the farmer, which have to be implemented on farm over the period, such as: genotypying of females, using breeding replacements of high genetic merit with equally high genetic merit sires, weighing of cow and her calf , monitoring parasite control and suppplementation of calves at weaning. The constant measurements taken through the BDGP scheme enabled significant genetic improvement of the national herd. For example, due to the emphasis on high genetic merit females the calving rate of tne beef herd increased while sire selection also improved, which in turn reduced calving difficulties and improved maternal traits in the cow herd. Some of the main challenges for farmers included recording the data, meeting deadlines and getting familiar with a new technology which adopts a scientific approach towards assessing breeding performance.It is worth noting that training also helped the implementation. Some lessons were learned from implementing the schemes. For example a scientific approach towards breed improvement is essential and undertaking accurate measurement is essential to make progress on genetics and thus technical performance and the carbon footprint of beef farms. However, a national Government/EU funded scheme is vital to drive progress on such longer term issues like genetic gain and carbon footprint.

Herdade dos Souséis is a 100 ha farm where the Portuguese producer organisation, ACBM, operates a Mertolenga bred suckler herd with 60 cows. The farm works under an extensive system, using creep-feeding for supplementing calves when necessary. The calving season occurrs between November and February. The adult herd is also supplemented when necessary, usually for 2 to 3 months per year between late summer and early winter. During the summer there is a substantial amount of dry grass and a ruminal stimulant 'Qualix' is fed to cows in order to increase the digestive efficiency of the excess dry matter. The implementation of this good practice is quick and simple, with supplementation offered through pasture lick buckets of Qualix Yellow. Although the main benefit was an improved feed efficiency and better nutritional management the increased utilistaion of nutrients in the rumen meant less losses of methane to the environment. Thus, implementing this good practice has an influence on productive efficiency by using in situations with high dry matter pasture in summer months and also has an influence on the environmental sustainability of the system due to its reduction of harmful GHG emissions.

A ACBM opera na H. dos Souséis (100 ha) um efectivo de bovinos de carne de raça Mertolenga com 60 vacas. Esta exploração funciona sob um sistema extensivo, utilizando a alimentação suplementar de vitelos através de comeoudors selectivos. A época de partos decorre entre Novembro e Fevereiro. Os animais adultos também são suplementados quando necessário, geralmente durante 2 a 3 meses por ano, entre o final do Verão e o início do Inverno. Durante o Verão há uma quantidade substancial de pasto seco e a utilização do Qualix Yellow aumenta a eficiência digestiva da matéria seca e das fibras com menos perdas de metano para o ambiente. Promove a melhor utilização de pastagens secas e contribuição para um melhor ambiente.

O Qualix é um complexo de matérias-primas provenientes da fermentação e destilação com uma fonte prebiótica. O produto promove as bactérias ruminais para aumentar a digestão da ração, melhorar a fermentação e aumentar a eficiência proteica. Em relação às emissões de CH4, tem a possibilidade de diminuir as emissões de metano entérico com 37%.

A implementação desta prática foi rápida e simples. Bastou comprar os baldes do Qualix Yellow e colocá-los na exploração.

O principal benefício foi uma maior eficiência alimentar e uma melhor gestão das pastagens.

A implementação desta prática teve impacto na eficiência produtiva e o uso de Qualix Yellow também tem impacto na sustentabilidade ambiental uma vez que reduz as emissões entéricas de metano.

Well-managed composting of farmyard manure is a useful tool in nutrient management plans, in order to reduce pollution potential and benefit crops. Instead of viewing manure as a waste, it can bee seen as a product able to substitute commercial fertilizer and as an economic resource in terms of saving. It is also is an effective manure management tool that reduces volume, kills pathogens and weed seed and improves soil health and fertility, once spread. It also reduces the risk of nutrient leaching and subsequent pollution of nearby surface water. It can also be highly beneficial for farms with no sufficient agricultural land to properly manage their manure, as composting can be an interesting option to reduce the material to be landspread. Due to these benefits, INTIA, a farm advisory service located in teh Navarra region of Spain, created a manure turning network to support the composting of farmyard manures on nearby beef farms. Farmers within the network had access to the necessary equipment for composting and a team of advisors to supervise the work on their farms when necessary. As most farmers in Navarra, Spain, use straw as a bedding material, extra material was not required for composting of the manure. A manure and slurry management plan was established, with maximum N contribution to specific zones on the farm set. Ultimately the project provided the opportunity for farmers to understand how to convert a their farm waste residue into a useful product. However, convincing farmers of the significant agronomic value of composting requires careful facilitation and support.

El compostaje bien gestionado puede ser una herramienta útil en la gestión de nutrientes de las explotaciones, que puede reducir la contaminación y beneficiar a los cultivos. En lugar de considerar el estiércol como un residuo, puede verse como un producto capaz de sustituir al fertilizante comercial y un recurso económico. El compostaje reduce el volumen de estiércol a manejar, elimina los patógenos y las semillas de malas hierbas y mejora la salud y la fertilidad del suelo. Por otro lado, contribuye a reducir el potencial de contaminación de las aguas superficiales. Por todo ello, INTIA creó en Navarra una red de volteo de estiércol con la maquinaria necesaria (una máquina de compostaje móvil de MENART) y el apoyo de un equipo de asesores para las explotaciones de la red. No fue necesario añadir material adicional al estiércol para su compostaje, ya que la mayoría de los agricultores de Navarra, España, utilizan paja como material de cama. Se estableció un plan de gestión del estiércol y los purines y se fijó un aporte máximo de N por zonas. Esto llevó a considerar el estiércol como un recurso fertilizante de calidad. En cuanto a los niveles de N, durante el compostaje puede haber una pérdida de N (volatilización de NH3). Es decir, para aquellas explotaciones que no disponen de suficiente terreno agrícola para gestionar adecuadamente su estiércol, el compostaje puede ser una opción interesante para reducir el material a esparcir, pero si no es el caso, el compostaje puede requerir la compra de fertilizantes adicionales para compensar las pérdidas de N durante el proceso. Esto hace que el efecto sobre los costes dependa de cada explotación. La oportunidad es convertir un residuo en un producto útil para los agricultores. Sin embargo, no es fácil convencer a los agricultores de que lo que antes consideraban un residuo puede convertirse en un producto de gran valor agronómico.

Beef production generates GHG emissions accounting for 6% of all human-induced emissions. In parrallel to this, studies have revealed that knowledge gaps exist among beef farmers about the use of innovative practices to reduce GHG emissions and through carbon storage in grassland. On the back of this, the Fernández Terreros' farm of 140 head of Limousin cattle, participated in the 'Life Beef Carbon project' to reduce the emission of GHG linked to their production of beef. As a result they implemented a number of good practices based on improving their nutritional plan, such as increasing the quality of grazed grass and reducing the use of cereal feed. They also sowed part of their farm (40 ha) with a mix of legumes and grasses to increase pasture digestibility, which in turn reduces the emissions of ruminal methane from grazing animals. Key benefits of participation in the programme were a reduction in CH4 emissions. Initiatives such as this raise awareness about Climate Change (CC) and the relevance of reducing methane emissions in CC mitigation, however, it is important that farmers are subsequently rewarded either from increased productivity of the farm or from external incentives, as the introduction of these good practices can be costly.

La producción de carne de vacuno genera GEI que representan el 6% de todas las emisiones de origen humano. Sin embargo, los estudios revelan que existen lagunas de conocimiento entre los ganaderos de vacuno sobre el uso de prácticas innovadoras para reducir estas emisiones. La producción de carne de vacuno también puede contribuir al almacenamiento de carbono en los pastizales. La familia de Fernández Terreros participa en el proyecto Life Beef Carbon, cuyo objetivo es reducir las emisiones de GEI vinculadas a la producción de carne de vacuno. Las buenas prácticas que están introduciendo se basan en mejorar la alimentación de los animales haciéndola más eficiente, o en la reducción del uso de piensos de cereales. Siembran parte de la explotación (40 ha) con una mezcla de leguminosas y gramíneas y consiguen un pienso de calidad que aumenta la digestibilidad, ayudando a reducir las emisiones de metano ruminal de las vacas. Desde 2013, participan en el programa de compromiso medioambiental, de gestión local. El objetivo es buscar una producción de calidad compatible con prácticas agroambientales sostenibles. Durante este tiempo han ido incorporando prácticas para mejorar el rendimiento en términos de sostenibilidad. Están en un programa de control de nutrientes en el suelo, sembrando especies fijadoras de nitrógeno, etc. El beneficio fue que la reducción de las emisiones de metano les permitió participar en este proyecto, dando la oportunidad de introducir buenas prácticas en su actividad. El reto es que la introducción de estas buenas prácticas es costosa, pero el proyecto les ayudó en el proceso de implementación. Los factores clave del éxito fueron la concienciación sobre el cambio climático y la importancia de reducir las emisiones de metano.

Real-time ultrasound technology, can enable accurate measurements of various characteristics of body composition on live beef cattle, such as the 12th-13th rib fat and the rump fat thickness, the ribeye area, and marbling; characteristics that are indicators of meat yield and quality. To demonstrate this the AgriAngus® organization in Portugal collected data from around 150 animals from the Aberdeen-Angus breed, at 10 -14 months of age, in order to predict their meat quality characteristics. The technology allowed the identification and selection of live animals with desired characteristics for specific markets and subsequently aided in feeding management decisions. An example of this was how the level of feeding for females could be differentiated from males, due to the earlier deposition of subcutaneous fat. In addition, it aided the proper scheduling of slaughter dates. The technology was implemented by a trained technician certified by the ABRI (Agricultural Business Research Institute) which validates the data for Aberdeen Angus breeding programmes. An ineteresting finding was that despite the recognised quality of Aberdeen-Angus meat, there was a great variability in marbling between individuals, which the majority of European farmers can not evaluate for within their herds. In the furture the intention reward farmers for higher quality standards through a higher price.

O uso da tecnologia de ultra-som “in vivo” possibilita a medição de características da composição corporal em bovinos de carne, como a gordura entre a 12ª/13ª costela, a espessura da gordura na garupa, a área do olho do lombo e o marmoreado. Estas características indicam o rendimento e qualidade da carne, e têm uma heritabilidade intermédia. Isto levou a AgriAngus® Portugal a recolher dados fenotípicos de cerca de 150 animais da raça Aberdeen-Angus, entre 10 e 14 meses de idade, para selecionar animais em função das características de qualidade da carne. Esta tecnologia permite a identificação e seleção de animais que apresentem as características desejadas para cada mercado. Além disto é uma boa ferramenta no auxílio das decisões sobre programas alimentares. Por exemplo, para alimentação de fêmeas o programa alimentar a implementar pode ser diferente dos machos, devido à deposição precoce de gordura subcutânea. Por outro lado, a utilização desta boa prática pode auxiliar a programação do calendário de abates.

Esta tecnologia foi implementada por um técnico certificado pelo ABRI (Agricultural Business Research Institute) que valida os dados usados no programa de selecção. Apesar da reconhecida qualidade da carne Aberdeen-Angus, existe uma grande variabilidade no marmoreio entre os indivíduos e a maioria dos produtores europeus não avalia este parâmetro. Esta boa prática foi implementada recentemente na AgriAngus, e começam a ser observadas melhorias genéticas. Animais precoces e de menor porte têm um desempenho superior no aumento do grau de marmoreado. Com a alteração futura do sistema de valorização da carne de bovino, através da avaliação da qualidade da carcaça e da carne, o produtor beneficia com a implementação desta boa prática.

Beef consumption within the EU is declining, so it is essential that an enjoyable eating experience meets consumers’ expectations in order to keep beef marketable. Therefore, it is necessary to know how different factors can affect meat palatability to support improvements in consumer experience and thus consumption patterns. The voluntary Meat Standards Australia (MSA) system, recognises this by identifying the cut and not the carcass as the grading unit. As a reult it considers post-chiller events such as ageing time and cooking method as essential to cut grade. Grading is based on a predicting model of consumer liking scores using Critical Control Points (CCPs) in the production, pre-slaughter, processing and value-adding aspects that impact on palatability. These CCPs are used as mandatory criteria determining eligibility for grading, and to predict the palatability of individual cuts and their cooking methods. A global quality score (MQ4) is generated and used to grade beef according to three categories: good every day, better than every day and premium. The value of the carcass is calculated transparently based on the eating quality and the relative weight of each cut, rewarding farmers producing high quality carcasses. The scale of MSA allows producers to realise the financial gain of incremental improvements in quality, as well as the precise economic weights associated with traits such as marbling or ossification score. MSA is widely implemented in Australia, and it was studied with success in other countries: France, Poland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Japan, South Korea, New-Zealand, the USA and South Africa. Based on data gathered from different countries, the Meat3G foundation is working to develop a new MSA-like model to predict eating quality of beef across European countries.

Beef tenderness highly impacts consumer satisfaction, and since it is heritable, genetic selection for the trait can be effective, however measure is difficult due to the fact that the trait can only be measured after slaughter and ageing of the meat. Therefore, genomic tools are been developed to aid in the identification of animals (by using blood or meat samples) delivering tender (or tough) meat. If the probability of an animal producing though meat can be identified early on, technological management such as longer ageing could be applied in order to promote tenderisation. This in turn would allow the meat to be certified tender meat and as such could be marketed differently. Two genetic variations were described for the first time in two Spanish breeds, Parda de Montaña and Pirenaica, by a research team lead by Jorge Calvo from the Agencia Aragonesa para la Investigación y el Desarrollo (Araid), using data from nearly 200 animals. Information from this research project was then rolled out across beef farms represented by breed associations of these two breeds, ARAPARDA and ASAPI. As a result the implementation in practice was immediate. Further research analysed the GenBank database and genotyping for other breeds, which indicated that these genetic variants exist in many cattle breeds around the world, including Holstein and Bos indicus. However the strength of these genetic effects on meat tenderness in these breeds, needs to be confirmed as it is dependant on other factors such as production system and meat ageing.

La terneza de la carne de vacuno tiene una gran influencia en la satisfacción del consumidor y, dado que es heredable, la selección genética tradicional sería eficaz, pero la medida es tardía (después del sacrificio y maduración), difícil y costosa. Por lo tanto, se han desarrollado herramientas genómicas para identificar animales (utilizando muestras de sangre o carne) que producirán carne tierna (o dura). En este sentido, una vez que se localizan los polimorfismos (SNPs) o las variantes genéticas en los genes relevantes, como los implicados en la tenderización de la carne, y se confirma el efecto en una población dada, se genotipan los potenciales sementales, y se aplica una selección asistida por marcadores. Además, si se identifica temprano carne dura, se puede gestionar tecnológicamente, como puede ser aumentando el tiempo de maduración para reducir la dureza. De esta manera, se podría comercializar una carne tierna certificada. Un grupo de investigadores dirigidos por Jorge Calvo de la Agencia Aragonesa para la Investigación y el Desarrollo (ARAID) han descrito por primera vez dos SNPs en dos razas autóctonas de España: Parda de Montaña y Pirenaica, utilizando datos de unos 200 animales. La información de estudios anteriores también fue útil para identificar animales que proporcionan carne tierna o dura, evaluado por la fuerza de corte Warner-Bratzler. La investigación incluyó a dos asociaciones de ganaderos: ARAPARDA y ASAPI, y la puesta en práctica fue inmediata. Mediante el análisis de datos del GenBank y el genotipado de otras razas, se observaron estas variantes genéticas en ganado vacuno de todo el mundo, incluido Holstein y Bos indicus, pero el efecto debe confirmarse, ya que depende de la genética y su interacción con otros factores como el sistema de producción y la maduración de la carne.

In France their is a willingness for some consumers to pay for high quality meat, such as the certified Label Rouge. The first beef Label Rouge was implemented in 1970 and today 17 different certifications are available, depending on different breed types, regions and traditions. Label Rouge ensures a superior quality by the commitment of strict specifications and controls that must be accomplished by the meat chain: farms, slaughterhouses, butcheries and retailers. To guarantee a premium sensory quality, the meat is regularly analysed by taste panels, assessing meat and fat colour, tenderness, odour, flavour and overall liking. Furthermore, technicians approved by INAO (Institut national de l'origine et de la qualité) carry out annual qualifications of each farm, ensuring a responsible and sustainable production system. Examples of the specifications are the use of a breed adapted to the region, several directives related to animal feeding and instructions related to animal health and welfare, etc. A major challenge in implementing the label was to have a price covering the higher production costs, since today the valuation is only 20 cents higher than an animal sold under a conventional system. The meat sector (Interbev) is thus working on promoting this certification label in France to obtain a higher premium, and more consumer relevant specifications are under develpment, such as the use of marbling scores. One such french beef farmer, interviewed by the French network manager from BovINE, located in Augerolles, in Puy-de-Dôme (Auvergne) has adopted the Label Rouge qualification. The farmer indicated that for them it represents the recognition for a job well done and they are proud to meet a quality market in France.

Les consommateurs sont de plus en plus à la recherche d’une expérience gustative supérieure, respectant des critères plus exigeants sur l’environnement, le bien-être animal. Le Label Rouge, démarche certifiée,y répond. Le Label Rouge a été commercialisée pour la première fois dans les années 70. Aujourd’hui, 17 démarches sont démultipliées en France, selon les races, régions et autres particularités (estives,…). Le Label Rouge assure une qualité supérieure, basé sur des conditions de productions communes (CPC) et des contrôles stricts sur l’ensemble des maillons de la filière : fermes, abattoirs, boucheries et distributeurs. Pour garantir une qualité sensorielle premium, la viande est régulièrement analysée par des panels de dégustation, évaluant couleur, tendreté, odeur, saveur et goût de la viande et du gras. Des techniciens agréés par l'INAO (Institut national de l'origine et de la qualité) qualifient chaque année les élevages, garantissant une production responsable et durable. Des critères spécifiques peuvent s’ajouter aux CPC : race adaptée à la région, spécificités liées à l'alimentation animale, à la santé etc... La ferme, GAEC Philippe DELAIRE, située à Augerolles, dans le Puy-de-Dôme (Auvergne) est qualifiée Label Rouge depuis cinq ans. Pour eux, cette qualification représente la reconnaissance de leur travail et de leur savoir-faire. L’enjeu est d'avoir un prix payé plus élevé, couvrant les coûts de production, puisqu'aujourd'hui la valorisation n'est que de 20 centimes de plus qu'un animal conventionnel. La filière viande (Interbev) s’engage à une montée en gamme ambitieuse par le Label Rouge. Des CPC étant plus en adéquation avec les attentes consommateurs, sont en cours d'élaboration (amélioration du persillé).

Meat eating quality is a trait of high importance to the consumer and research has shown in many cattle breeds that genetic selection of animals with a propensity for higher meat sensory quality is possible. In Ireland a genetic evaluation system was launched in September 2020 for carcass and meat eating quality traits within Irish beef cattle. The recording program commenced in 2015, with almost 5,000 animals having been evaluated to date. In addition to the standard EUROP classification data, data is also being collected on the primal cuts and the meat eating quality (tenderness, juiciness, flavour and overall liking) evaluated by trained panellists. The work will culminate in new genetic/genomic evaluations for these traits, with the ultimate goal of integrating this new information into the economic and sustainability indexes to breed and promote more profitable, sustainable and carbon efficient beef production in Ireland in the future. In that sense this program has close links with other initiatives undertaken by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), including the BDGP and BEEP-S. A premium for beef of superior eating quality can be achieved with this program in a cumulative (increases year on year) and permanent way, but other at farm and pre-and post- slaughter factors need to be controled as well, such as feeding, transport, and carcass and meat handling. According to Andrew Cromie from ICBF, the main challenge of developing this innovation was the collection of accurate sensory data on meat eating quality in order to develop reliable genetic evaluations, whilst, finding a fair way to economically reward stakeholders for beef quality will be a major challenge for the future.

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Carcasses from grass-fed only cattle can frequently be too small and have insufficient fatness at slaughter. In Estonia, to help farmers to reach more desirable carcass characteristics from grass fed cattle, Liivimaa Lihaveis, a non-profit organization, has created a quality scheme, imposing yearly farm inspections on certified farms. The quality scheme named “grass-fed beef” was approved in 2014 by the Estonian Veterinary and Food Board and in 2020 has 112 farms as members. The average farm size is medium with 30 suckler cows, with young bulls being castrated and finished as steers. Aberdeen Angus and Hereford are the predominant breeds of farms participating in the quality scheme. Cattle are finished totally on grass or with a combination period of grazing with silage and hay offered indoors in winter. Liivimaa Lihaves pays for the slaughter service and buys the carcasses at contracted slaughterhouses, but the farmer pays for any farm inspections. Marika Oeselg, consultant of the quality scheme, informed the BovINE Network, that the inspector observes the amount and quality of feeds and reviews the grazing management plan, the availability of salt and minerals, how drinking water is organized in winter, how the cleanliness farmyard, etc. By following the technical recommendations, an increase in animal average daily growth, animal health and a better carcass and meat quality is achieved. Furthermore, farmers receive €0.50 more per kg of carcass compared to the standard price when carcasses are within 280-300 kg, with R of conformation and 3-4 of fatness. The farms with the best management are identified and showed as examples to other farmers, helping knowledge exchange and motivating the improvement.

Mõnikord on karjamaal nuumatud veiste rümbad liiga väikesed või liiga vähese rasvasusega. Aitamaks farmeritel saavutada soovitud rümbakvaliteeti, on MTÜ Liivimaa Lihaveis loonud sertifitseeritud kvaliteediskeemi, mis hõlmab iga-aastaseid farmide kontrolle ja juhtumipõhiseid soovitusi. Kvaliteedikava nimega “rohumaaveise liha tootmine” mis on tunnustatud 2014. aastal Eesti Veterinaar- ja Toiduameti poolt ning täna on selles 112 liiget farmi, kus põhilisteks tõugudeks aberdeen angus ja hereford ning keskmiseks suuruseks 30 amme. Enamasti noored pullid kastreeritakse ja veised nuumatakse karjatamisperioodil karjamaarohul ja talveperioodil vaid kvaliteetsel heina ja siloga. Liivimaa Lihaves maksab tapateenuse eest ja ostab rümbad lepingulistes tapamajades, kuid farmipõhise igaaastase kontrolli eest maksab farm. Kvaliteedikava kontrolle farmides viib läbi sõltumatu veisekonsulent Marika Oeselg, kes jälgib sööda kogust ja kvaliteeti ning analüüsib karjatamismeetodit, soola, mineraalide kättesaadavust ja kogust. Konsulent jägib farmipõhiseid viise kuidas on talvel korraldatud veiste jootmine , kui porine on taluõu jt veise heaolu puudutavaid küsimusi. Tema poolt jagatud soovitusi järgides saavutatakse loomade keskmise juurdekasvu suurenemine ning karja tervise paranemine rümba ja liha parema kvaliteedi tõus. Lisaks sellele saavad farmerid ca 0,5 eurot rohkem rümba kilogrammi kohta võrreldes tavahinnaga, kui rümbad on 280–300 kg, R-klassis ja 3–4-rasvasusega. Paremini toimivad farme tunnustatakse ning neid esitletakse hea praktika näitena teistele farmidele õpipäevade raames, et motiveerida teisi farmereid oma loomade heaolu parandama.

When trading cattle for beef finishing it can be very difficult to tell which animal will generate the most carcass revenue, especially if conducted at very young age. At present the value of such animals is mainly decided by the purchaser based on the recorded breed of the calf, its age and the time of the year; even though, more information exists which could be used to improve the predicted value in the slaughterhouse. Trying to solve this challenge, a decision-support tool capable of predicting an animal’s eventual carcass revenue was developed, named B.O.W. (Beef’s Own Worth); this tool values animals destined for slaughter based on their own merit and can be used to aid purchasing/selling decisions. The tool accounts for the genetic merit of traits relevant for beef production, as well as the non-genetic factors related to the particular individual, and to their dam. The potential impact of this tool is to provide the buyer with more confidence. Furthermore, it will encourage the seller to be more focused on breeding for better carcass traits, including dairy farmers selling calves for beef and therefore, a more efficient production system will be achieved. Reassurance of breed composition as well as ancestry is possible through the use of DNA information. B.O.W. is a Pilot Innovation from VistaMilk, currently being integrated into the ICBF (Irish Cattle Beef Federation) database. Future plans for B.O.W. is to make the tool available for all animals, of any age, destined for slaughter, which ultimately will allow the tool to be applicable to other European countries.

Nowadays, many everyday objects are becoming connected to the internet to a greater extent (Internet of Things) and those with connections within agricultural settings can offer improvements to farm management. To demonstrate the possibilities this a 'smart farming system' was developed by the cooperation of Warsaw University of Life Sciences and the commercial company e-stado® in Poland, and was tested on beef cattle farms. The system links information from sensors attached to the animal (ear and tail) and in the farm environment.. The ear tag continuously measures body temperature, activity and light intensity which enables the detection of oestrus and the time spend on rumination and feeding, which can help with reproductive and nutritional management. The tail biosensor determines the time to calving and can detect placenta retention. Once individual animal data is monitored, alerts are sent to the farmer concerning relevant events or to prevent any problems occurring. With the information acquired the farmer has support to make the right decisions, therebyreducing costs and labour required per animal, and achieving better individual comfort, leading to an improved production efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint. Implementation of the technology can take only one day and it is very simple. Furthermore, the ear tag and the tail biosensor can be reused. Smart farming can save time, farmer workload and money, generating more profit and a more efficient management process. More uses of the technology are under development, such as for the detection of lameness. In the future, these types of technologies may become widely adopted on beef farms once they can demonstrate the cost-effective.

Obecnie wiele obiektów jest znacznie bardziej podłączonych do Internetu (Internet rzeczy), i w te scenariusze wpisane są również są obszary wiejskie, które mogą ułatwić i usprawnić zarządzanie gospodarstwem. Inteligentny system powstał we współpracy Szkoły Głównej Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego w Warszawie i firmy handlowej e-stado w Polsce. Technologia została opracowana dla bydła mlecznego, ale została również przetestowana w produkcji wołowiny. System łączy informacje z czujników przymocowanych do zwierzęcia (ucha i ogona) oraz w środowisku fermy. Kolczyk w uszach ciągle mierzą temperaturę ciała, aktywność i intensywność światła, co umożliwia wykrycie rui oraz czasu spędzonego na przeżuwaniu i karmieniu, co pomaga w zarządzaniu reprodukcją i żywieniem. Biosensor ogona określa czas do wycielenia i wykrywa zatrzymanie łożyska. Zapewnione jest również połączenie z Internetem. Dane dotyczące poszczególnych zwierząt są monitorowane, a do rolnika wysyłane są ostrzeżenia dotyczące istotnych zdarzeń lub informacje umożliwiające zapobieganiu wystąpienia problemów. Dzięki zdobytym informacjom rolnik ma wsparcie w podejmowaniu właściwych decyzji, zmniejszaniu kosztów i czasu pracy w przeliczeniu na zwierzę oraz osiąganiu większego komfortu indywidualnego, co prowadzi do poprawy wydajności produkcji i zmniejszenia śladu węglowego. Czas potrzebny na wdrożenie technologii może zająć tylko jeden dzień i jest to bardzo proste, jak pokazano na filmie. Ponadto kolczyk uszny i biosensor ogonowy można ponownie wykorzystać. Inteligentne rolnictwo może zaoszczędzić czas, zmartwienia i pieniądze, generując większy zysk i bardziej wydajne zarządzanie. Opracowywane są dalsze zastosowania tej technologii, na przykład do wykrywania kulawizn. W przyszłości ten rodzaj technologii mógłby zostać szeroko zastosowany w gospodarstwach zajmujących się produkcją wołowiny, jeśli będzie to opłacalne.

Hoof health has been recently thought to have a genetic component! Breeders of Aberdeen Angus in the USA and Australia are recording and selecting animals on foot and leg scores to reduce lameness. This method is now being applied in Portugal, with the collection of the necessary data commencing in 2020 and information for all animals registered in the Portuguese herd book due by 2021. WIthin the scoring system a good structure of the claws and legs are important to avoid lameness and the pain associated with it. Four traits are collected to evaluate the structure: claw set, foot angle, hind leg side view and hind leg rear view. These traits show intermediate heritability, which makes their use in selection interesting. The evaluation is done by herd book technicians when an animal is entered into the adult herd book section (between 18 and 24 months of age). The worst foot should be used for evaluation of foot angle and claw set and the claws should not be freshly trimmed. The scoring should take place on hard ground. Foot angle describes the angle of the pastern joint to the ground. It is scored from 1 to 9 with 5 being the ideal angle of 45 degrees. Claw set means how symmetrically and straight the toes are. It is also scored from 1 (toes are wide apart) to 9 (toes are too tight together) with the ideal being 5. Differences are calculated from the collected values. By comparing the sires with each other, the best animals suitable for the herd can be selected for breeding. This results in a subsequent generation with fewer lameness problems, which in turn has far-reaching effects on the whole production system.

Klauengesundheit scheint eine genetische Komponente zu haben! Daher konzentrieren sich die Züchter von Aberdeen Angus auf die Fuß- und Beinwerte der Herdbuchtiere, um Lahmheit zu reduzieren. Diese Methode wird bereits in den USA und Australien angewendet. In Portugal hat man 2020 mit der Erhebung der notwendigen Daten begonnen. Im Jahr 2021 sollen die benötigten Informationen für alle im portugiesischen Herdbuch eingetragenen Tiere zur Verfügung stehen

Eine gute Struktur der Klauen und Beine scheint wichtig zu sein, um Lahmheit und die damit verbundenen Schmerzen zu vermeiden. Zur Einstufung werden vier Merkmale erhoben: Klauenstellung, Fußwinkel, Hinterbein-Seiten- und Rückansicht. Diese Merkmale zeigen eine mittlere Erblichkeit, was ihre Verwendung in der Selektion interessant macht. Die Bewertung wird durchgeführt, wenn ein Tier ins Herdbuch eingetragen wird (im Alter von 18 bis 24 Monaten). Für die Bewertung von Fußwinkel und Klauenstellung sollte der schlechteste Fuß verwendet werden und die Klauen sollten nicht frisch getrimmt sein. Die Bewertung soll auf hartem Boden erfolgen. Der Fußwinkel beschreibt den Winkel des Fesselgelenks zum Boden. Er wird von 1 bis 9 bewertet, wobei 5 der ideale Winkel von 45 Grad ist. Klauenstellung bedeutet, wie symmetrisch und gerade die Zehen sind. Er wird ebenfalls von 1 (weit auseinander) bis 9 (zu eng) bewertet, wobei der Idealwert 5 ist. Aus den gesammelten Werten werden Differenzen berechnet. Durch den Vergleich der Vererber untereinander können die besten, für die eigene Herde geeigneten Tiere für die Zucht ausgewählt werden. Dies führt zu einer nachfolgenden Generation mit weniger Lahmheitsproblemen, was wiederum weitreichende Auswirkungen auf das gesamte Produktionssystem hat.

Claw diseases (infectious or non-infectious) are a multifactorial problem from which there is no 100% protection. Predisposing factors are mainly unhygienic conditions and climate, especially in temperate regions where increasing humidity in winter can weaken the horn. Other predisposing factors include diet and flooring. Digital dermatitis (DD) is an infectious and contagious claw disease caused by bacteria (Treponema spp and Dichelobacter nodosus). Once introduced into the herd, the disease can spread rapidly and reach a prevalence of 70%. DD is introduced to the farm in a variety of ways, including introduction of infected animals, poor sanitation, and inadequate trimming. Continuous humidity and physical or chemical trauma can exacerbate the condition leading to lesions. If untreated, the lesions can lead to severe lameness. One of the difficulties in combating DD is early and correct detection before a reservoir of disease has formed. Proper diagnosis is not only important for treating the lame animal, but also helps develop a prevention program for the other animals. The Step-Up® app (https://www.zinpro.com/lameness/beef/step-up-app), a free resource to help manage lameness in cattle, provides access to educational resources and includes an easy-to-use diagnostic guide to help users determine the cause of lameness in their herd. Appropriate diagnosis is followed by control of DD through a strategy that includes good management, hygiene and nutrition.

Klauenerkrankungen (infektiös oder nicht infektiös) sind ein multifaktorielles Problem, vor dem es keinen 100%igen Schutz gibt. Prädisponierende Faktoren sind vor allem hygienische Bedingungen sowie das Klima. Besonders in gemäßigten Klimazonen ist die zunehmende Feuchtigkeit im Winter ein Problem, da sie das Horn schwächen kann. Weitere Faktoren sind die Fütterung und der Bodenbelag. Digitale Dermatitis (DD) ist eine infektiöse und ansteckende Krankheit, die durch Bakterien (Treponema spp und Dichelobacter nodosus) verursacht wird. Einmal in die Herde eingeschleppt, kann sich die Krankheit schnell ausbreiten und eine Prävalenz von 70 % erreichen. Die DD wird auf verschiedene Weise in den Betrieb eingeschleppt, z. B. durch infizierte Tiere, schlechte Hygiene und unzureichende Klauenpflege. Anhaltende Feuchtigkeit und physische oder chemische Traumata können ebenfalls zum Auftreten der Läsionen führen. Wenn diese unbehandelt bleiben, können sie zu schweren Lahmheiten führen. Eine der Schwierigkeiten bei der Bekämpfung der DD ist die frühzeitige und korrekte Erkennung, bevor sich ein Krankheitsreservoir gebildet hat. Eine korrekte Diagnose ist nicht nur wichtig für die Behandlung des lahmenden Tieres, sondern hilft auch bei der Entwicklung eines Präventionsprogramms für die anderen Tiere. Die Step-Up® App, eine kostenlose Ressource für das Management von Lahmheiten bei Rindern, bietet Zugang zu Bildungsressourcen und enthält einen einfach zu bedienenden Diagnoseleitfaden, der den Benutzern hilft, die Ursache der Lahmheit in ihrer Herde zu bestimmen. Auf die entsprechende Diagnose folgt die Bekämpfung der DD. Hier ist es wichtig, eine Strategie zu haben, die Management, Hygiene und Ernährung umfasst.

Concrete flooring has been suggested to be a contributing factor in the development of lameness. Lameness in cattle has major economic and animal welfare implications. The impact of lameness on animal welfare is usually long lasting and associated with substantial pain, resulting in premature culling and adversely affecting performance. In Europe, beef cattle are often reared on fully slatted floors. However, some farmers, are now considering deep litter as an animal welfare friendly alternative to concrete slats. Deep litter provides a soft and more comfortable surface for cattle along with a better grip, which ultimately prevents lesions and swellings due to slipping. Shorter lying down duration and the total absence of abnormal lying down sequences have been observed in cattle housed on deep litter, with bulls on deep litter reported to be calmer. However some negative aspects of deep litter exist such as overgrown claws due to insufficient hoof wear and poor cleanliness of animals. A proper litter management (quality and quantity, frequent control and addition of bedding) is necessary to maintain satisfactory cleanliness of animals housed on deep litter. Well-tended bedding can be recognized on the animals carpal joints whereon the haircoat is still visible. Important points are suitable drainage of the floor and good ventilation of the stable to keep surfaces and skin dry. The increased workload of deep litter is usually not directly reflected in the price obtained for the final product. However straw bedding has huge benefits for animal health and welfare.

In Europa werden Bullen meist auf Vollspaltenböden (Beton) gehalten. Für einige Landwirte ist Tiefstreu eine tierfreundliche Alternative zu Betonspalten. Es wird vermutet, dass Betonböden zur Entstehung von Lahmheit beitragen. Lahmheit bei Rindern hat große wirtschaftliche und tierschutzrelevante Auswirkungen. Die Auswirkungen von Lahmheit auf das Wohlbefinden der Tiere sind in der Regel langanhaltend und mit erheblichen Schmerzen verbunden, was zu vorzeitigen Abgängen führt und die Leistung beeinträchtigt. Tiefstreu bietet eine weiche und komfortablere Liegefläche für Tiere sowie einen besseren Halt, der Läsionen und Schwellungen durch Ausrutschen verhindert. Auf Einstreu wurden eine kürzere Liegedauer und das völlige Fehlen von abnormalen Liegesequenzen beobachtet. Es wird berichtet, dass die Bullen auf Tiefstreu ruhiger sind. Negative Aspekte von Tiefstreu sind überwachsene Klauen aufgrund von unzureichender Klauenabnutzung und die Verschmutzung der Bullen trotz des größeren Platzangebots. Ein ordentliches Einstreumanagement (Qualität und Quantität, frequente Kontrolle und Nachstreuen) ist notwendig, um eine zufriedenstellende Sauberkeit der Bullen zu erhalten. Gepflegte Einstreu erkennt man an den Karpalgelenken, wo das Haarkleid noch sichtbar ist. Wichtige Punkte sind eine geeignete Drainage des Bodens und eine gute Belüftung des Stalles, um Oberflächen und Haut trocken halten zu können. Der erhöhte Arbeitsaufwand bei Tiefstreu spiegelt sich in der Regel nicht direkt im erzielten Preis für das Endprodukt wieder. Jedoch hat die Stroheinstreu enorme Vorteile für die Tiergesundheit und das Wohlbefinden und wirkt sich somit auf alle Bereiche des Haltungssystems aus - auch auf den wirtschaftlichen Teil.

Rubber mats on slats have many advantages. Farm experience as well as research in Northern Italy hve shown that covering an existing concrete slatted floor with rubber mats in beef farms can prevent slipperiness & traumatic injuries and reduce the occurrence of bulls treated for locomotor problems. The occurrence of bulls’ confidence to exhibit natural behaviors and social interactions has also been seen to be improved by rubberized floors. Ruberized flooring systems have also shown to increase average daily gain and carcass weight of beef aniamls in housing systems, with the higher level of welfare and reduced stressful conditions, leading to improvments in carcass quality of young bulls. However, this increased weight gain could only be observed in lighter breeds or in the first part of the fattening phase. It is also notable that the reduced drainage capacity of the rubberized floor can impair the cleanliness of housed animals. Bull cleanliness is an important hygienic and economic issue at slaughter, as extremely dirty animals could increase the risk of microbial contamination of the carcass and meat. There are results that suggest that the soiling of the animals can be kept low with good ventilation of the barn, even on slatted floors with rubber mats. Other disadvantages of housing animals on rubber mats are extra costs associated with their purchase and their potential to promote excessive growth of the claw horn. For farms without access to straw, rubber mats may be an alternative option to increase the comfort of their housed animals. However, for the successful use of rubber mats, good ventilation within the animal house is important and the inclusion of a concrete surface also can make sense in terms of hoof wear.

Gummimatten auf Spaltenböden haben viele Vorteile. Betriebserfahrungen sowie Forschungen in Norditalien haben gezeigt, dass sie eine rutschhemmende Wirkung haben und somit traumatische Verletzungen sowie Probleme mit dem Bewegungsapparat der Tiere reduzieren. Frühzeitige Abgänge, abnormales Ablegen sowie erfolglose Versuche, sich hinzulegen, nehmen ab. Die Zeit zum Hinlegen wird verkürzt, natürliche Verhaltensweisen und soziale Interaktionen nehmen auf gummierten Böden zu. Es hat sich gezeigt, dass die durchschnittliche Tageszunahme und das Schlachtgewicht der Tiere auf diesen Böden höher sind und es ist wahrscheinlich, dass ein höheres Maß an Wohlbefinden und weniger Stress auch die Schlachtkörperqualität der Bullen verbessert. In einigen Studien konnte jedoch eine erhöhte Tageszunahme nur bei leichteren Rassen im ersten Teil der Mast beobachtet werden. Es wird behauptet, dass die Sauberkeit der Tiere durch eine reduzierte Drainagewirkung des gummierten Bodens beeinträchtigt wird. Extrem verschmutzte Tiere können das Risiko einer mikrobiellen Kontamination des Schlachtkörpers erhöhen. Es gibt Ergebnisse, die darauf hindeuten, dass die Verschmutzung der Tiere bei guter Belüftung des Stalls gering gehalten werden kann. Somit kann dieser Nachteil etwas entkräftet werden und tritt gegenüber den Vorteilen für die Tiere in den Hintergrund. Allerdings bedeuten Gummimatten zusätzliche Kosten und es wird ihnen nachgesagt, dass sie ein übermäßiges Wachstum des Klauenhorns fördern. Für Betriebe, die keinen Zugang zu Stroh haben, sind Gummimatten eine Alternative. Für den erfolgreichen Einsatz ist jedoch eine gute Belüftung wichtig und die Kombination mit Beton kann im Hinblick auf den Klauenabrieb sinnvoll sein.

In suckler cow husbandry, unlike in dairy cows, calves always remain with their mothers after birth and should be provided with a complete balance of nutrients through either colostrum or whole milk. Nevertheless, it is possible that calves after an inconspicuous birth suddenly and without a clear reason begin to show signs of ill-thrift. Several reasons exist for this however it is typical for a deficiency of vitamin E and selenium. Selenium and vitamin E are necessary for the function of a number of enzymes in the immune system (e.g. antioxidant enzymes) and for the correct metabolism of specific muscles. In newborn calves, sometimes only the tongue is affected (drinking weakness), while in older calves so-called white muscle disease occurs. This can be acutely fatal or lead to a stiff gait, muscle tremors and weakness in the skeletal muscles. Other common signs are the liklihood of the calf to lie down a lot and appear tired and haggard. In addition, some calves may have a mild respiratory infection or diarrhea.To combat the symptoms, Beef farmers on certain selenium deficient farms in Germany have now begun to administer an injection of 5 ml of vitamins E/selenium on the day of birth. Since deficiency of ferrum is also very common in newborn calves and is often associated with a lack of vitality, an injection of 9 ml of ferrum (100 mg/ml) is also be given at the same time. If a calf shows the above symptoms again within the first three weeks after birth, the injection is repeated. Testing of the suckling reflex is suitable as a clear indicator for deciding whether a second injection is necessary. Since in Europe there are a number of regions with a selenium deficiency in the soil, a supplementation of the suckler cows with minerals can be useful in the long term.

In der Mutterkuhhaltung sollten die Kälber durch die Aufnahme von Kolostrum und später Vollmilch mit allem versorgt sein. Dennoch kann es sein, dass Kälber nach einer unauffälligen Geburt plötzlich und ohne erkennbaren Grund zu Kümmerern werden. Dies ist typisch für Vitamin E- und Selen-Mangel. In diesem Falle liegen fast alle Kälber der Herde viel, wirken müde und eingefallen. Auffällig ist auch der mangelhafte Saugreflex. Hinzu kommen bei einigen Kälbern ein leichter Atemwegsinfekt oder Durchfall. Selen und Vitamin E sind für die Funktion einer Reihe von Enzymen im Immunsystem und für einen korrekten Stoffwechsel der Muskulatur unbedingt notwendig. Bei einem Mangel gehen die Symptome im Wesentlichen von der quergestreiften Muskulatur aus. Bei neugeborenen Kälbern ist mitunter nur die Zunge betroffen (Trinkschwäche), bei älteren Kälbern tritt die sogenannte Weißmuskelkrankheit auf. Diese kann akut tödlich Verlaufen oder aber in der Skelettmuskelform zu einem steifen Gang, Muskelzittern und Schwäche führen. Zur Bekämpfung der Symptome kann jedes Kalb am Tag der Geburt eine Injektion von 5 ml Vitamine E/Selen erhalten. Da ein Mangel an Eisen bei neugeborenen Kälbern ebenfalls sehr häufig vorkommt und oft mit einem Mangel an Vitalität verbunden ist, kann gleichzeitig eine Injektion von 9 ml Eisen-Lösung (100 mg/ml) verabreicht werden. Sollte ein Kalb die oben genannten Symptome innerhalb der ersten drei Wochen nach der Geburt erneut zeigen, kann die Injektion wiederholt werden. Die Prüfung des Saugreflexes eignet sich als eindeutiger Indikator für die Entscheidung, ob eine zweite Injektion notwendig ist. Auf lange Sicht kann auf Grund der Selen-armen Böden in Europa auch eine Zufütterung der Mutterkühe mit entsprechendem Mineralfutter sinnvoll sein.

A mismatch between the size of the mother's birth canal and the birth weight of the calf can lead to dystocia and perinatal mortality, it is a major problem for animal health and welfare, but also an economic problem. Measurement of internal pelvic dimensions (pelvimetry) is a simple method to solve this problem. The internal pelvic dimensions can be determined by a veterinarian or trained technicians using a tool known as the Rice pelvimeter. It has been demonstrated that a relatively small increase in pelvic height and area is necessary to increase the likelihood of natural calving. An increase of only 2 cm in pelvic height and 50 cm² in area almost doubled the likelihood of mature Belgian cows calving naturally.By measuring the pelvic dimensions breeders can select for animals to keep on the basis of those with a lower potential for difficult calvings due to small pelvises. In addition, there is enough variation and heritability in pelvic dimension to enable the development of a breeding values. Thus, it would be possible to use pelvic measurements not only to select heifers, but to calculate a breeding value for them for selection of natural calving. In 2010, it was assumed in a model calculation that it would be possible to achieve 50% natural calving in Belgian Blue in 2020 by selecting sires on the basis of their pelvic dimensions.

Ein Missverhältnis zwischen der Größe der Geburtswege der Mutter und dem Geburtsgewicht des Kalbes begünstigt Schwergeburten und perinatale Sterblichkeit, es ist ein großes Problem für die Tiergesundheit und das Wohlergehen der Tiere, aber auch ein wirtschaftliches Problem. Die Messung der inneren Beckenabmessungen (Pelvimetrie) ist eine einfache Methode, um dieses Problem zu lösen. Die inneren Beckenmaße können mit Hilfe eines sogenannten Rice-Pelvimeters von einem Tierarzt oder einer geschulten Person bestimmt werden. So können Züchter, die auf natürliche Abkalbung selektieren wollen, die innere Beckenfläche zur Vorhersage der Schwergeburtsrate nutzen und Färsen mit kleinen Becken aussortieren. Denn es ist nur eine relativ kleine Vergrößerungen der Beckenhöhe und -fläche notwendig, um die Wahrscheinlichkeit einer natürlichen Abkalbung zu erhöhen. Eine Zunahme von nur 2 cm in der Beckenhöhe und 50 cm² in der Fläche verdoppelt die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass reife belgische Kühe natürlich abkalben. Darüber hinaus gibt es genügend Variation und Erblichkeit im Beckenmaß, dass die Entwicklung eines Zuchtwertes möglich ist. Somit wäre es möglich, die Beckenmaße nicht nur zur Selektion von Färsen zu verwenden, sondern einen Zuchtwert für die Selektion auf natürliches Abkalben zu etablieren. Im Jahr 2010 wurde in einer Modellrechnung davon ausgegangen, dass es möglich wäre, durch die Selektion der Vatertiere anhand ihrer Beckenmaße im Jahr 2020 bereits 50% natürliche Abkalbungen bei den weißblauen Belgiern zu erreichen.

It is difficult for beef farmers to ensure that their newborn calves are receiving adequate and sufficient quality colostrum and care. A methodology to test the vitality of newborn calves has now been developed for newborn calves indicating certain parameters that should be considered, especially after difficult births and caesarean sections. Proposed parameters for scoring calf vitality in new born calves are respiration rate, hair & coat appearance, no peripheral edema, mucous membranes, response to reflex stimulation, muscle tone, heart rate, rectal temperature (Mee, J.F. 2008). There are also parameters that can be assessed without touching the calf such as time until head lift (should be < 3 minutes), sternal recumbence (should be reached < 5 minutes after birth) and after 20 minutes there should be the first attempts to stand. One hour to 90 minutes after birth calves should be able to stand spontaneously and at least 4 hours after birth the calve should start to suckle. Calves that deviate from these values need help. For example, they should be assisted with colostrum intake.Similar tests of newborn vigor have been developed for other species. For example, it has been shown that piglets with lower scores are slower to stand and was shown to result in higher mortality rates in dogs.

Wie können Sie sicher sein, dass ein Kalb es schafft, selbstständig früh genug ausreichend Kolostrum aufzunehmen? Wird es von Anfang an in der Lage sein, mit der Herde mitzuhalten? Die hier vorgestellten Vitalitätsparameter sollen helfen, das zu entscheiden. Beim Menschen wird standardmäßig innerhalb weniger Minuten nach der Geburt ein Gesundheits- und Vitalitätsscore erhoben, dies hat die Probleme bei neugeborenen erheblich verringert. Bei dieser Beurteilung werden fünf leicht zu beobachtende Anzeichen bewertet. Vitalitäts-Tests wurden auch für einige Tierarten entwickelt. Es hat sich gezeigt, dass Tiere mit niedrigeren Werten langsamer aufstehen (Ferkel) oder eine höhere Sterblichkeit aufweisen (Hunde). Für Kälber wurde bisher kein einheitlicher Score entwickelt. Es gibt Parameter, die ohne Berührung des Kalbes bewertet werden können. Diese Parameter sind daher für alle Haltungsformen geeignet. Die Zeit bis zum Kopfheben sollte drei Minuten betragen, die Sternumlage sollte fünf Minuten nach der Geburt erreicht sein und nach 20 Minuten sollten die ersten Stehversuche erfolgen. Eine Stunde bis 90 Minuten nach der Geburt sollten Kälber spontan stehen können und mindestens 4 Stunden nach der Geburt sollte das Kalb zu säugen beginnen. Des Weiteren ist auch die Atmung ein gutes Kriterium, dass am noch nassen Kalb aus der Entfernung überprüft werden kann. (Ein Demoprojekt zu geeigneten Kriterien für Kälber ist für 2021 geplant). Diese Parameter sollten besonders nach schwierigen Geburten und Kaiserschnitten berücksichtigt werden. Kälber, die von diesen Werten abweichen, brauchen Hilfe. Sie sollten z. B. bei der Kolostrumaufnahme unterstützt werden.

The Madigan squeeze technique can be used to reduce calf mortality and/or the need for after birth care in calves showing maladjustment syndrome. Calves born showing the typical behaviour of dummy calves (indifference to environmental stimuli, lack of affinity for the dam, failure to find the udder, refusal to suck even when helped by putting the teat in its mouth, aimless wandering or motionless standing) die or need costly and prolonged care for obvious reasons. In the dummy foals in the equine industry, the “Madigan squeeze technique” has been used for years with apparent success. Physical compression of the chest helps newborn foals with neonatal maladjustment syndrome. The compression induces a slow wave sleep and hormone changes similar to what occurs during delivery when there is a neonatal transition from neuroinhibition to neuroactivation. This technique has now also been used in calves through the use of a soft cotton rope, approximately 3 cm wide, passed around the calves’ chest and abdomen. The calves are then forced to lie down while the loop around the chest is tightened. After a short restlessness, easily controlled by one person on the head, calves go into a deep sleep for a period of 20 mins that is manifested by closed eyes, no limb movement, slow breathing and bradycardia. Noise, wind or human presence do not disturb these calves and only when the rope is removed to calves awake. After a period of a few seconds calves begin to rise and usually walk towards the dam to suckle with all future behaviour similar to most normal new-born calves. The Madigan squeeze technique seems to be beneficial for maladjusted calves, when there is no apparent reason (e.g., trauma, acidosis, disease) for extreme dullness.

Die Madigan-Technik kann eine Chance sein, die Kälbersterblichkeit zu reduzieren. Kälber, die mit einem neonatalen Fehlanpassungssyndrom geboren werden - Gleichgültigkeit gegenüber Umweltreizen, fehlende Affinität zum Muttertier, Unfähigkeit, das Euter zu finden, Verweigerung des Saugens, selbst beim ins Maul legen der Zitze, zielloses Umherwandern oder bewegungsloses Stehen - sterben oder benötigen aus offensichtlichen Gründen eine kostspielige und langwierige Pflege. Bei Saugfohlen wird seit Jahren mit scheinbarem Erfolg die Madigan-Technik angewendet. Die körperliche Kompression des Brustkorbs hilft neugeborenen Fohlen mit neonatalem Fehlanpassungssyndrom. Sie induziert einen Slow-Wave-Schlaf und Hormonveränderungen, ähnlich wie bei der Geburt, wenn es einen neonatalen Übergang von Neuroinhibition zu Neuroaktivierung gibt. Diese Wickel-Technik wurde nun auch bei Kälbern angewendet. Ein weiches Baumwollseil, ca. 3 cm breit, wird um Brust und Bauch der Kälber gelegt. Die Kälber werden dann gezwungen, sich hinzulegen, während die Schlinge um den Brustkorb festgezogen wird. Nach einem kurzen Kampf, der von einer Person am Kopf leicht kontrolliert werden kann, fallen die Kälber in einen tiefen Schlaf, der sich durch geschlossene Augen, regungslose Gliedmaßen, langsame Atmung und Bradykardie äußert. Geräusche, Wind oder die Anwesenheit von Menschen haben diese Kälber, die sich normalerweise während der gesamten 20 Minuten des Experiments nicht bewegen, offenbar nicht gestört. Ein paar Sekunden nachdem die Kälber geweckt und das Seil entfernt wurde, stehen sie auf und laufen zum Säugen zum Muttertier. Sie verhalten sich dann wie ein normales neugeborenes Tier.

With the satellite imagery analysis tool, 'SatAgro', field data collection is made easy through the use of services available from, NASA, the European Space Agency and private satellite operators. The tool can processes individual field data and send it to the operator in an easy-to-understand format, through a software app. Farmers can monitor their crops’ development in near real-time, observe the effects of weather events and agronomic treatments and use historical data to improve decision-making. Custom-built variable-rate prescription maps allow the farmer to sow, fertilise and spray with unprecedented precision thereby reducing their use of agrochemicals. Automated alarms will warn the farmer about sudden changes in crop condition and weather. As manure management is important regarding nitrogen limitation rules within the EU, SatAgro ad-hoc imaginery analysis, allows farmers know where manure should be applied. Results are presented in graphics (similar to weather forecast) and data can be implemented in precision farming machinery. (Visit the following for more information: www.satagro.pl)

Attraverso SatAgro non è mai stato così facile utilizzare le immagini satellitari della NASA, dell'Agenzia Spaziale Europea e degli operatori satellitari privati. L'applicazione elabora i dati per ogni singolo campo e li invia in un formato di facile comprensione, che ti aiuterà ad aumentare l'efficienza della tua azienda agricola. Con la nostra app, puoi monitorare lo sviluppo delle tue colture quasi in tempo reale, osservare gli effetti degli eventi meteorologici e dei trattamenti agronomici, e utilizzare i dati storici per migliorare il processo decisionale. Le mappe di prescrizione a tasso variabile costruite su misura ti permettono di seminare, fertilizzare e irrorare con una precisione senza precedenti. Gli allarmi automatici vi avviseranno dei cambiamenti improvvisi delle condizioni delle colture e del tempo. Ottimizzare e persino ridurre l'uso di prodotti agrochimici, proteggere l'ambiente e utilizzare SatAgro ti aiuta a massimizzare il potenziale della tua terra.La gestione del letame è davvero importante per quanto riguarda le regole di limitazione dell'azoto nell'UE. Con SatAgro ad-hoc "image analysis" gli agricoltori sanno dove il letame può essere applicato e a quale campo perché ricevono la portata attuale di azoto su ogni campo e su ogni parte di campo. I risultati sono presentati in grafici (simili alle previsioni del tempo) e i dati possono essere implementati in macchine agricole di precisione. Aiuta anche a produrre colture foraggere dedicate all'alimentazione del bestiame in modo più efficace.

Low market prices following the first mad cow crisis and the subsequent globalization of the beef sector have put margins of beef cattle farms under pressure. Today, for farmers in Navarra, the presence of a marketing cooperative operating in the region is absolutely essential. Product is guaranteed to be sold at market prices by the Cooperative, ensuring payments and stable income for farmers. In a sector as complex as the beef sector, a body like the cooperative (C.O.O.V.A) is essential to achieve reliability and order in the sector. The cooperative, which is 30 years in existence, managed to overcome initial obstacles which were inherent in the beef trading system of the Navarra region. Farmers who wish to be in the cooperative in order to obtain protection and security against the risks of individual marketing, must be in the Navarra beef PGI.

I bassi prezzi di mercato dopo la prima crisi della mucca pazza e la successiva globalizzazione del settore della carne bovina hanno messo sotto pressione i margini degli allevamenti di bovini da carne. Oggi, per gli allevatori della Navarra, la presenza di una cooperativa di commercializzazione che opera nella regione è assolutamente essenziale. La produzione è garantita per essere venduta a prezzi di mercato dalla cooperativa, che assicura i pagamenti. Questo si traduce in una minimizzazione del rischio per gli agricoltori. In un settore convulso e ingarbugliato come questo, dominato da commercianti di bestiame che stendono le loro ragnatele, un organismo come la Cooperativa (C.O.O.V.A) è essenziale per ottenere affidabilità e ordine nel settore. COOVA ha quasi 30 anni di vita, che confermano le sue prestazioni. All'inizio questo nuovo modo di organizzarsi non è stato esente da confusione e difficoltà, ma sono riusciti a superare gli ostacoli e a lanciarsi con forza alla conquista del mercato. La Cooperativa si rivolge agli agricoltori che vogliono lavorare insieme, associandosi per creare un'organizzazione che continui ad essere il riferimento commerciale del settore in Navarra. Gli allevatori che vogliono far parte della cooperativa devono far parte dell'IGP della carne bovina di Navarra. L'opportunità di raggruppare gli allevatori continua a dare vantaggi sul mercato e ad aumentare esponenzialmente la loro forza. Questa cooperativa offre protezione e sicurezza contro i rischi della commercializzazione individuale.

Researchers from the Research Center in Mathematics and Applications at the University of Évora, have participated in the Operational Group - GO BovMais - "Productivity improvement in the system of bovine raising for meat" (www .bovmais.pt) to develop software tools to describe the evolution of the weight of Mertolenga and Alentejana beef cattle. The tool takes into account the random fluctuations of the environment and the individual characteristics of each animal, such as their genetic values, based on animal records provided by Mertolenga and Alentejana breeder’s associations. The objective is to forecast the growth of each animal and to determine the optimal age (or weight) for sale, in order to maximize the profit of producers.

I ricercatori del Centro di Ricerca in Matematica e Applicazioni dell'Università di Évora, partecipano al Gruppo Operativo PDR2020-101-031130 - GO BovMais - "Miglioramento della produttività nel sistema di allevamento di bovini da carne" (www. bovmais.pt). GO BovMais è guidato da INIAV - Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Agricola e Veterinaria, e prevede la partecipazione di diversi enti, tra cui l'Università di Évora, attraverso i centri di ricerca ICAAM, CEFAGE e CIMA.

In questa azione, la conoscenza statistica e i processi stocastici sono applicati per sviluppare modelli di equazioni differenziali stocastiche per descrivere l'evoluzione del peso del bestiame Mertolenga e Alentejana. Il modello prende in considerazione le fluttuazioni casuali dell'ambiente e le caratteristiche individuali di ogni animale, come i loro valori genetici, sulla base dei registri degli animali forniti dalle associazioni di allevatori Mertolenga e Alentejana. L'obiettivo è quello di prevedere la crescita di ogni animale con l'età e determinare l'età (o il peso) ottimale per la vendita, al fine di massimizzare il profitto dei produttori per i quali è stato anche sviluppato uno strumento di supporto informatico.

La struttura dei costi utilizzata nel modello di previsione del punto di macellazione ottimale comprende i costi di alimentazione degli animali, i costi del piano di profilassi, le spese di commercializzazione, i costi di trasporto al macello e i costi fissi.

RolnikON is a Polish farm production management software tool using cloud technology, which can be opened by farmers and advisers from anywhere using a smart device. The aim of the tool is to effectively manage crops, livestock, finances, energy use and labour. A clear and intuitive user interface enables the tool to be easily understood and utilised without the need for addittional training. It has been prepared especially for cattle breeders in order to increase the efficiency of their activities in a simple and direct way. With this tool a farmer can easily add animals to the herd and store useful information about them, automatically fill in all the most important ARMA forms and registration books, plan their herds nutritional strategy and monitor/manage the production of finished animals. Additional modules track cattle reproduction with a breeding module with the ability to calculate the optimal feed ration for cattle within selected parameters. An economics module allows you to track the efficiency and this profitability of your farm in tabular and graphic form.

RolnikON è un sistema di gestione della produzione agricola in tecnologia cloud, quindi può essere aperto da agricoltori e consulenti da qualsiasi luogo. RolnikON è un software innovativo per gli agricoltori sviluppato in Polonia. Il suo scopo è quello di gestire efficacemente le coltivazioni, la gestione delle scorte, il bestiame, le finanze, l'uso dell'energia e il lavoro. È stato creato per aumentare l'efficienza delle attività agricole in modo semplice e diretta. L'aspetto trasparente e le soluzioni intuitive rendono ogni utente perfettamente in grado di far fronte al funzionamento di questo sistema, anche senza una formazione nel campo del funzionamento. E' stato preparato specialmente per gli allevatori di bestiame. Grazie ad esso, l'allevatore è in grado di pianificare facilmente la nutrizione e la produzione di carne della mandria. Il modulo permette di aggiungere vacche alla mandria, memorizzare le informazioni su di loro, compilare automaticamente tutti i moduli ARMA più importanti e monitorare la riproduzione del bestiame. Il modulo di allevamento include anche un calcolatore che calcola la razione alimentare ottimale per il bestiame con i parametri selezionati. La sezione economica permette di tracciare l'efficienza del bestiame in forma tabellare e grafica. Il sistema conitiene anche un libro di registrazione del bestiame.

High fluctuations of beef cattle proices may result in high risks and income losses. JJ Kavanagh runs a suckler beef farm and also buys in some calves from the dairy herd for rearing and fattening. In the 2019/2020 season he joined the Twenty20 Beef Club, which is an initative from Glanbia (a dairy co-operative) and Kepak (a meat processing company ). The “Twenty20 Beef Club” affords members a guaranteed market for their heifers and steers with a predictable and transparent pricing formula at time of slaughter; a production blueprint supported by safe and secure high-quality farm inputs and leading-edge technical advice. The objective is to provide more certainty on the finished price and reduce the risk associated with price and the final value of the animals, which can be up to 2 years after the purchase of the calf. At an average beef market price of €3.75/kg, Twenty20 club members can secure a price through bonuses and premiums of up to €4.28/kg. In addition to the benefits of a more secure pricing system, Glanbia Ireland and Kepak have designed the initial five-year Programme to meet ambitious economic and environmental performance targets. These include: – A reduction in the average age at slaughter of Club cattle – to 24 months on average; – A reduction in the average Carbon footprint of Club farms through the use of methane reducing feed additives, reduction in the average age of slaughter, improved feed conversion efficiency, reduced feed waste and improved fertility across the herd; – An improvement in the eating quality attributes of the Club meat through a combination of better genetics, nutrition management and optimum processing techniques; – An increase in the proportion of dairy bred cattle meeting market specified targets

Le alte fluttuazioni dei prezzi del bestiame da carne possono comportare alti rischi e perdite di reddito. JJ Kavanagh gestisce un allevamento di bovini da latte e acquista anche alcuni vitelli dalla mandria da latte per l'allevamento e l'ingrasso. Nella stagione 2019/2020 ha aderito al Twenty20 Beef Club, che è un'iniziativa di Glanbia (una cooperativa casearia) e Kepak (una società di lavorazione della carne ). Il "Twenty20 Beef Club" offre ai membri un mercato garantito per le loro giovenche e manzi con una formula di prezzo prevedibile e trasparente al momento della macellazione; un progetto di produzione supportato da input agricoli sicuri e di alta qualità e una consulenza tecnica all'avanguardia. L'obiettivo è quello di fornire maggiore certezza sul prezzo finito e ridurre il rischio associato al prezzo e al valore finale degli animali, che può arrivare fino a 2 anni dopo l'acquisto del vitello. Ad un prezzo medio di mercato della carne bovina di 3,75 €/kg, i membri del club Twenty20 possono assicurarsi un prezzo attraverso bonus e premi fino ad un prezzo finale di 4,28 €/kg. Oltre ai vantaggi di un sistema di prezzi più sicuro e ai benefici del flusso di cassa, Glanbia Ireland e Kepak hanno progettato il programma quinquennale iniziale per raggiungere ambiziosi obiettivi di performance economica e ambientale. Questi includono: - Una riduzione dell'età media alla macellazione del bestiame Club - a 24 mesi in media; - Una riduzione dell'impronta di carbonio media delle aziende agricole del Club attraverso l'uso di additivi per mangimi che riducono la produzione di metano nel rumine, la riduzione dell'età media di macellazione, il miglioramento dell'indice di conversione alimentare, la riduzione dei rifiuti di mangime e il miglioramento della fertilità in tutta la mandria; - Un miglioramento della qualità della carne del Club attraverso una combinazione di migliore genetica, gestione della nutrizione e tecniche di lavorazione ottimali; - Un aumento della proporzione di bestiame da carne allevato in allevamenti da latte che soddisfa gli obiettivi specificati dal mercato.

There is a strong demand for beef of local origin in restaurants in Germany, which has led to an increase in the price the consumer is willing to pay. This in turn has led to some beef farmers turning to self marketing as a new output for their product. However due to fluctuations in the quantity of meat purchased by such restaurants, economic uncertainty exists for the farmer.In Germany the BovINE network manager connected with a beef farmer with a herd of 'Glan Rindern' implemented the practice of establishing contracts with restaurants in his region to avoid such economic uncertainty. Every year an agreement is made on the quantity of beef meat the farmer will supply and a specific price is agreed thus allowing forward planning by the farmer. If the farmer produces more meat than they can sell to the restaurants, sell to other members of the public customers. However the intial enomic benefits were not immediate as it took several months to close the first contracts with the restaurants as both sides had to agree on the amount of meat and the price that would be offered. Restaurants also had to be convinced that regionally produced meat was in rising demand the latter being considered the biggest obstacle with this type of trading system.

L'alta fluttuazione della quantità di vendite diretta della carne bovina crea una grande incertezza nella pianificazione economica. Come produttore di vitelloni (allevamento di vitelli dalle proprie vacche) con il concetto di self marketing è difficile per un allevatore prevedere il reddito dell'anno successivo. Un allevatore con una mandria di Glan Rindern in Germania ha attuato la buona pratica di concludere contratti con i ristoranti della sua regione. Ogni anno si accordano su una certa quantità di carne per un prezzo specifico. Così l'allevatore sa esattamente quale quantità di carne venderà ai ristoranti e conosce il suo reddito da queste vendite. C'è una forte domanda di carne di manzo nei ristoranti, poiché i clienti dei ristoranti prestano sempre più attenzione all'origine della carne e la regionalità ha un alto valore. Se l'allevatore produce più carne di quella che può vendere ai ristoranti, può ancora vendere questa carne ad altri clienti, come i privati, ma ha un reddito di base che rende più facile la pianificazione economica. Ci sono voluti diversi mesi per chiudere i primi contratti con i ristoranti, perché entrambe le parti dovevano accordarsi sulla quantità di carne e - ancora più difficile - sul prezzo della carne. I ristoranti hanno dovuto essere convinti che la carne di produzione regionale ha una domanda crescente. L'implementazione è in continua evoluazione, dato che alcuni ristoranti non comprano più carne, ma altri iniziano a considerare un contratto. La sfida principale è stata quella di guadagnare la fiducia dei proprietari dei ristoranti, che questa carne ha una domanda crescente.

Within Estonia beef cattle farmers need more land to expand their farms, but often land that is used in agriculture is not usually owned by farmers. At the same time, landowners who actually live or have a summerhouse in the countryside do not want intensive agriculture next to their backyard but rather prefer less intensive sectors that utilise less machinery such as suckler beef and as such are willing to take lower rents for land to attract these farmers. Simultaneously beef cattle farmers, who have a lack of grazing area, would like to have their herd where there is a daily "neighborhood watch". A social experiment therefore has arisen to bring citizens and beef cattle farmers together. Citizens get emotional welfare to watch the daily behaviour of animals and farmers get land at a low rent (or free) or by other agreed compensations to landowners such as erecting new fencing. On this basis a tool has been developed with the landowner and farmer in mind, which calculates how much land is needed to provide grass for the grazing animals under lowly intensive stocking densities. The tool also allows farmers to establish a rotational grazing system in order to maxmise the results from such small areas.

Gli allevatori di bovini da carne hanno bisogno di più terra per gestire i loro allevamenti, ma in Estonia spesso la terra che viene utilizzata in agricoltura non è di solito di proprietà degli agricoltori. Allo stesso tempo, i proprietari terrieri che vivono o hanno una casa estiva in campagna non vogliono l'agricoltura intensiva vicino alla loro casa. Sono disposti a ottenere affitti più bassi per la terra, ma vorrebbero vedere gli animali vicino. Contemporaneamente gli allevatori di bovini da carne, che hanno una mancanza di aree di pascolo, vorrebbero avere mandrie dove c'è un "controllo di vicinato" quotidiano. Questa piattaforma è un esperimento sociale per riunire i cittadini e gli allevatori di bovini da carne. I cittadini e proprietari terrieri ottengono un benessere emotivo per osservare il comportamento quotidiano degli animali e gli agricoltori ottengono terreni ad un affitto più basso o gratuito o con altre compensazioni concordate per i costi per fare nuove recinzioni e portare gli animali al pascolo per la stagione di pascolo. È stato sviluppato uno strumento che calcola per il proprietario della terra quanto terreno è necessario per fornire foraggio agli animali al pascolo. Si raccomanda anche un numero minimo di animali per fornire un comportamento privo di stress al bestiame. Inoltre viene richiesto un sistema di pascolo a rotazione per ottenere migliori risultati in piccole aree e meno movimento di macchinari.

This benchmark tool has been developed by the Belgian farmers organisation Boerenbond with the objective to compare the technical and economic results of beef cattle farmers. The tool is directed both to suckler cow farmers as well as beef cattle finisher farmers. Comparing the results of the farm with groups of similar beef cattle farmers allows the farmer to identify his/her strong and weak points of management. Each year the revenues and the costs of the different types of beef cattle farms are collected. Different benchmarks are created for farms with suckler cows or beef finisher farms to allow for farms with suckler cows finishing youngstock as bulls and those selling their bull calves at 3 weeks of age. Sales recorded for all animals are collected and coupled with CAP premia received. Various cost items that are also recorded such as: feed costs (concentrates and roughage), veterinary and medicine costs, energy costs, costs for insemination, fertility and breeding, costs for straw, for environmental intiatives and for other costs. Fixed costs related to depreciation and interest costs on building and equipment and other costs are also included.The FOCUS -bookkeeping system of Boerenbond calculates the yearly performance using the collected data for each farm. Figures from each farm can then be benchmarked against similar beef cattle farms in Belgium (125 farms). The results are then discussed with a consultant individually or in a small group of beef cattle farmers (8 persons).

Questo strumento di riferimento è stato sviluppato dall'organizzazione Belga degli agricoltori Boerenbond con l'obiettivo di confrontare i risultati tecnici ed economici degli allevatori di bovini da carne. Lo strumento è diretto sia agli allevatori di vacche nutrici che agli allevatori che ingrasso i vitelli. Il confronto dei risultati dell'azienda con gruppi di allevatori di bovini da carne simili permette all'allevatore di identificare i suoi punti forti e deboli di gestione. Ogni anno vengono raccolti i ricavi e i costi dei diversi tipi di allevamento di bovini da carne. Vengono creati diversi parametri di riferimento per gli allevamenti con vacche da latte o per gli allevamenti da ingrasso. Alcune aziende con vacche da latte ingrasso i vitelli maschi, altre vendono i loro vitelli maschi all'età di 3 settimane. Vengono raccolti i prezzi di vendita degli animali e i premi PAC accoppiati. Le voci di costo che vengono raccolte sono: costi di alimentazione (concentrati e foraggio), costi veterinari e medicinali, costi energetici, costi per l'inseminazione, la fertilità e la riproduzione, costi per la paglia, per l'ambiente e altri costi. I costi fissi sono raccolti per quanto riguarda i costi di ammortamento e di interessi su edifici e attrezzature e altri costi. Il costo totale è calcolato annualmente dal sistema di contabilità FOCUS di Boerenbond per ogni azienda e tutti i dati di ogni azienda sono confrontati con gruppi di allevatori di bovini da carne (125 aziende). I risultati sono discussi con un consulente individualmente o in piccoli gruppi di allevatori (8 persone).

BovINE - Beef Innovation Network Europe

BovINE - Beef Innovation Network Europe

Contexte

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Activities

Additional comments

Additional information

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EUR 1 999 966.25

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Liens

96 Practice Abstracts

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BovINE - Beef Innovation Network Europe BovINE - Beef Innovation Network Europe

Contexte

Objectives

Objectives

Activities

Activities

Additional comments

Additional information

Project details

Emplacement

EUR 1 999 966.25

Total budget

Project keyword

Ressources

Liens

96 Practice Abstracts

Grazing Kale in situ as an alternative winter feed

Finishing of young cattle on the basis of vegetable industry by-products

Engorde de bovinos jóvenes a base de subproductos de la industria vegetal

Field beans: pure or in combination with cereals

Veldbonen: puur of in combinatie met granen

Herdade de Pereira, an economic and environmental sustainability system that fits the farm conditions

Herdade de Pereira- Um sistema de sustentabilidade económica e ambiental que se adapta às condições da exploração

Online direct marketing with a focus on sustainability and animal welfare

Online-Direktmarketing mit Schwerpunkt auf Nachhaltigkeit und Tierschutz

Automatation of carcass classification with AI devices and direct comunication and payment for farmers

Automatyzacja klasyfikacji tusz za pomocą urządzeń AI oraz bezpośredniej komunikacji i płatności dla rolników

Cooperation between NGO Liivimaa Lihaveis and Meat industry in meat marketing

MTÜ Liivimaa Lihaveis ja Lihatööstuse koostöö lihaturunduse alal

Contracts between beef producers and buyers based on market conditions

Contratti tra produttori e acquirenti basati sulle condizioni del mercato

Mixed cropping systems

Mixed cropping systems

Holistic Management and Carbon sequestration

Gestión holística y secuestro de carbono

The Common Agricultural Policy: some practical examples from different regions

Use of nutrient management plan to improve environmental sustainability and water quality on a beef farm in Ireland

Cover crops to decrease nutrient leaching on intensive beef farms in Belgium

Bodembedekkers om het uitspoelen van nutrienten tegen te gaan

Improvement of the performance of beef cattle through targeted breeding for average daily gain on beef farms

Verbesserung der Leistung von Fleischrindern durch gezielte Zucht auf Fleischleistung

Manure composting network on beef farms in the Navarra region of Spain

Red de volteo de estiércol de vacuno

Application of liquid manure with trailing shoe reduces N2o emmissions and improves plant performance

Ausbringung von Gülle mit Schleppschuh

Meat@ppli – a smartphone application to determine the fat content of beef in real time

Meat@ppli – Une application smartphone pour évaluer la teneur en gras de la viande bovine en temps réel

Proposed standard procedure for bull evaluation in Spain: The VART guide

Una propuesta para estandarizar la valoración del toro en España: La guía VART

Ovarian synchronization protocols to improve reproductive efficiency in beef heifers

Protocolos de sincronización ovárica para mejorar la eficiencia reproductiva en novillas de carne

Optimizing the cow-calf performance in beef cattle through an adequate nutrition during early pregnancy

Optimización del rendimiento del conjunto vaca-ternero en ganado bovino de carne mediante una nutrición adecuada durante la gestación temprana

Analogue of maternal appeasing pheromones in beef cattle

Análogo de las feromonas de apaciguamiento materno en el ganado vacuno

Sponge cake and cake scraps in finishing cattle feeding improving meat marbling

Łom i pozostałości biszkoptów i ciast w opasie końcowym bydła mięsnego poprawiające marmurkowatość wołowiny

Different modifications of finishing diets for beef cattle for better carcass and meat quality

Diverse modifiche delle diete di finissaggio per bovini da carne per migliorare la qualità della carcassa e della carne

Mapping of intramuscular marbling of carcasses in Estonia

Lihassisese marmori kaardistamine Liivimaa Lihaveise ja Linnamäe lihatööstuse koostöös.

Ventilation tubes for better air quality

Ventilatiebuizen voor een betere luchtkwaliteit

Vaccination of animals before transport

Vaccinazione degli animali prima del trasporto

Animal welfare standard for transportation

Tierschutzstandards für den Transport

Implementing mechanical and essential oil based methods to degrease the stress induced by two winged insect in free range cattle

Mehaaniliste ja eeterlikel õlidel põhinevate meetodite kasutamine kahe tiivuliste putukate põhjustatud stressi vähendamiseks karjatavatel veistel

Real time monitoring of the reproductive behaviour and welfare of grazing animals

Monitorização em tempo real do comportamento reprodutivo e bem-estar de animais de pastoreio

Health Check of Calves prior to purchase

On-Farm-Scoring for Bovine Respiratory Disease

On-Farm-Scoring für Atemwegserkrankungen bei Rindern

The use of AI (Artificial Insemination) to reduce calving difficulties in suckler herds

See the title in English.

Natural Cork Islands in Spain

Islas de Corcho Natural Espana

The Teagasc Signpost Programme – a campaign to lead climate action by Irish farmers.

BovINE - Beef Innovation Network Europe

BovINE - Beef Innovation Network Europe