The home farm

I love the mart. I love the smell and I love the craic combined with the energy and excitement. It is a great social aspect of farming.

This first taste of bidding on my own animals was like a rollercoaster ride, with the ups and downs and plenty of gut clenching moments. The auctioneer’s voice often seemed to be racing ahead of my thoughts and calculations.

A friend in UCD would give any auctioneer a run for his money and did his own routine before a lecture one day. I wasn’t sure if he was auctioning a two- or four-legged female. I bid anyway as the price was half decent! He was interrupted by an amused lecturer, so I had no luck.

Within the space of two weeks I had my heifers purchased. The majority of them were procured in the mart with a small number sourced directly from the farmer. It is vital to isolate bought-in stock from the rest of the herd to minimise animal/ animal contact and prevent the spread of disease.

This is common practice on our farm. Depending on the time of year, new cattle will receive a worm dose, along with an injection to prevent clostridial diseases such as blackleg.

The only problem encountered with these new heifers was lameness. This occurred in two heifers about two weeks apart, and it was two weeks of hardship. Nothing to do with labour, but the emotional journey was bizarre. All I could think about was my heifers at home. Sad really, I know, but that’s what comes with the job.

The two cases didn’t prove too severe. It was clear with one heifer that her foot was swollen around the coronary band. Further inspection was required and upon lifting, a stone was found between the digits of her hoof. Once the stone was removed, the heifer was relieved of all pain.

Surely she would remember this and do as I asked in the future?

The other heifer received a bang to the hip and took some time to recover. This is common when new animals are brought in together as they express their superiority. I received a similar knock my first year to senior football.

Blackleg can occur in these situations, hence the injection against clostridial diseases. Following an injury, blood-flow is limited to the area. The reduction of blood-flow is a result of swelling of the area and leads to a decrease in oxygen to the muscle. This reduction in oxygen can lead to the germination of dormant bacterial spores in the animal, causing blackleg. Blackleg is a fatal disease, so prevention is a necessity.

Unlike for many modern day GAA players, fertiliser spreading is given an ‘off season’, to protect waterways and comply with EU directives. It is best practice to avail of the slurry in spring, spreading on low grass covers. According to Stan Lalor, formerly of Teagasc, application of slurry in the spring is considered to have a nitrogen replacement value of 25%, i.e. 1kg of slurry could replace 0.25kg of chemical nitrogen fertiliser.

Of course, soils should not be frozen or waterlogged upon application. The response from slurry application is seen when temperatures reach 5°C+.

Safety cannot be over-emphasised at farm level, particularly around the time of slurry spreading. It is vital to be extra vigilant, ensuring nobody is in danger’s way, particularly children. Entering sheds should be off limits during agitation as the hydrogen sulphide released is toxic to humans and animals.

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