Dr. Low, who spoke on “Key Considerations for Successful Beef Production,” has more than 20 years of experience with ruminant livestock.
He graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a degree in Animal Science and then studied for a PhD in Ruminant Nutrition at Queen’s University, Belfast.
Dr Low held the post as Senior Scientific Officer at AFBI for five years until 2013, and then as Agricultural Research Manager at Dunbia until 2020.
He is a co-founder of Anupro as a consultant and supply chain specialist, and also advises on Wagyu beef production.
Outlining his presentation, Dr Low said the beef industry’s supply chain is fragmented and the slaughter age is too high, causing significant losses within the supply chain.
He said most beef systems are inefficient and genetic potential is not exploited.
Data collection was inadequate and supply chain integration was limited.
As calf numbers declined, dairy-based beef became more important.
Starting with calf rearing, Dr Low said calf rearing is notorious for high levels of disease, with a high proportion of calves having some level of disease from birth to 12 weeks of age.
Although the use of antibiotics was unavoidable at that time, antimicrobial resistance was a concern.
However, Dr Lo said reducing antibiotic use is based on proper nutrition, environment, preventive health planning and data collection.
In the future, the age at slaughter will become a major factor. He also said that immune capacity needs to outweigh the pathogen burden.
Dr Low said some milk powders used to feed calves are too high in protein and are not easily digested by young calves, even if they contain palm oil. Coconut oil was better absorbed.
He said powdered milk blended with 22 percent fat, 20 percent protein and coconut oil is preferred.
Dr Low said feeding calves during the first six weeks of life should activate the beneficial bacteria in the rumen and reduce the fiber content.
On rearing calves, he said calves are social animals and should be grouped together when young to reduce stress. Good ventilation was required.
Next, he mentioned positive pressure ventilation to provide a continuous flow of air. Dr. Lo also advocated for a robust vaccination program. Respiratory diseases can be easily controlled if diagnosed early.
There is debate as to when to feed young calves with silage. Dr Low said calves can be fed silage from three months of age.
He believes an ad-lib finishing system for cattle, particularly one that uses feed specifically designed to maintain rumen stability, functionality and optimize animal performance, would be ideal. Stated.
During cross-examination, Dr Lo was asked his opinion on the transparent roofing sheets that are popular in cattle sheds.
He said cows like a clear distinction between day and night and this type of roof provides that.
Dr. Low is the founder of Anupro Nutrition, which specializes in animal production systems focused on nutrition, housing, and health, taking a whole-systems approach to achieve high levels of performance and efficiency, animal welfare, and low Guaranteed to provide level of disease. and antibiotic use.
