New Suckler Scheme Launched

By Nollaig O’Dowd, B&T Drystock Advisor, Teagasc, Galway/Clare

In addition to the ‘Suckler Carbon Efficiency Program’ (SCEP) launched in March by the Minister for Agriculture, early August saw the opening of the ‘National Beef Welfare Scheme’ (NBWS). The NBWS replaces ‘BEEP-S’ which Suckler Farmers have been familiar with over the last two years- weighing of cows and calves at weaning with additional measures. However, the mandatory weighing measure now falls under the SCEP. Similar to BEEP-S, NBWS is a one year voluntary program aiming to enhance animal health and husbandry on Suckler Farms while increasing efficiency. NBWS involves two mandatory actions:

1. IBR testing

Bovines must be blood tested for IBR gE antibodies by a Veterinary Practitioner and samples sent to an ISO 17025 laboratory before November 1^st 2023. Up to 20 animals should be tested per herd. Where a herd has less than 20 animals, all must be tested. 

Payments per herd are set out in the table below:

2. Meal feeding calves pre & post weaning

Calves must be supplemented with a compound feed containing appropriate vitamins and minerals four weeks pre weaning and two weeks post weaning to reduce stress.

Calves eligible for this measure must be born between July 1^st 2022 and June 30^th 2023.  The payment rate for this measure is €35/calf up to a maximum of 40 calves.

Payment Calculation Example 1

Herd of 80 cows and 80 calves (160 animals in total)

Payment Calculation Example 2

Herd of 9 cows and 9 calves (18 animals in total)

At a time when profits are low or non-existent on suckler farms, it cannot be denied there will be mixed opinions and many disappointed with the level of payment involved in the newly launched scheme, especially those not participating in SCEP. However, in hindsight through this scheme suckler farmers are being subsidised to preform best practice. Testing for the presence of IBR will allow farmers to put measures in place to eradicate the disease, ensuring optimum animal health and thrive. Meal feeding is a key component of reducing stress at weaning time, weakening the bond between cow and calf. Reducing stress on weanlings will help prevent future disease outbreaks. Farmers can participate in both schemes, SCEP and NBWS earning up to €200/cow-calf pair.  

Applications can be made online through Agfood before midnight on September 12^th 2023. Search ‘National Beef Welfare Scheme’ on the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine website or contact your Teagasc Advisor for more information.

Additional Information on IBR

What is IBR?

Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) is an infectious disease in cattle caused by bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) affecting the nose and upper airways of the animal. Clinical signs of the disease can vary from mild to severe (death or long-term ill health). In some cases, infected animals show no clinical signs of the virus.

Clinical Signs which may be caused by IBR:

• Reduced Appetite
• High body Temperature
• Coughing or Rapid Breathing
• Inflammation of the Nose
• Pink Eye
• Discharge from the Eyes or Nose
• Reduced Milk Production
• Abortion
• Nervous Signs

Infected animals shed the virus in large amounts to other animals through close contact and up to 5 metres in the air. IBR will remain in the nervous system of an infected animal for life and reactivate & spread in times of stress. Therefore making them ‘carriers’ of the disease. It is often the case that clinical signs are not evident in a latently infected animal therefore the spread of the virus can go unknown to the farmer.

Animal showing clinical signs of IBR (National Animal Disease Information Service)