Nutrition Key to Success for Aberdeenshire Beef Farmer Jimmy Dick

Strategic Insights -

Jimmy Dick, a skilled Aberdeenshire farmer, has secured the overall title for Hoof and Hook at the Royal Northern Agricultural Society Spring Show. The success can be attributed to his focus on proper nutrition for his animals, particularly his Limousin cross heifers. With the help of East Coast Viners Livestock Nutritionist, Steven Eddie, Jimmy has implemented a nutrition plan that prioritizes healthy weight gain and carcass quality.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jimmy Dick's winning heifer was raised on a ration that included second-stage calf nuts, which provided 17% protein and high energy, resulting in a daily liveweight gain of 1kg.
  • Steven Eddie, East Coast Viners Livestock Nutritionist, recommends creep feeding calves for the best returns, citing a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 4:1, resulting in a 250g daily live weight gain for every 1kg of creep feed.
  • The East Coast Viners feed mill at Drumlithie uses a cutting-edge Tornum grain dryer and sources cereals from farms within a 30-mile radius.
  • Jimmy's aim is to put a good bloom on his cattle, and Stein's formulation of the second-stage calf nuts helped achieve this, along with utilizing surplus barley on farm to incorporate into the winter ration.
  • The combination of homegrown silage, treated barley, and second-stage calf nuts provides cattle with all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and weight gain.
  • Steven advises choosing a creep feed with high-quality ingredients, proper mineral content, and a focus on protein and energy sources.
  • Introduction of creep feed at an early age can result in improved weaning weights, reduced stress, and minimized growth checks and pneumonia risk when housed.
  • Feed quality and ingredient quality play a significant role in animal performance and should not be judged solely based on price.

Statistics:

  • 250g: Daily liveweight gain achieved by calves fed creep feed at an early age (according to Steven Eddie)
  • 4:1: Feed conversion ratio (FCR) for creep fed calves
  • 17%: Protein content in second-stage calf nuts fed to Jimmy's winning heifer
  • 1kg: Daily liveweight gain of Jimmy's winning heifer on the ration including second-stage calf nuts
  • 30-mile radius: Where East Coast Viners sources its cereals
  • 35kg: Average weight increase of calves fed creep feed
  • 6: Number of members in the East Coast Viners Livestock Nutrition team
  • 1988: Year Jimmy and Gwen Dick first established their farm

Sources:

  • Aberdeenshire Farmer, Jimmy Dick
  • East Coast Viners Livestock Nutritionist, Steven Eddie
  • Royal Northern Agricultural Society Spring Show
  • Northton Farm, Echt, Aberdeenshire
  • Grass Guzzlers
  • East Coast Viners Animal Nutrition
  • Tornum grain dryer manufacturer
  • Scotland-based livestock farmers
  • Livestock Nutrition team at ECV