Tuesday 17 June 2014

National Goat Expo Report - Part 2


 

There was a large variety of goat breeds present at the Expo. Some of the breeds are well known here in Ireland such as Saanen, Toggenburg, Alpine and Anglo-Nubian. However others either don’t exist at all in Ireland or are present in only small numbers. Each of the individual breeds had a number of competitions for different classes and ages of animal. There was also a large number of other competitions including dairy (see photo below), meat, fibre, miniature and myotonic. It was also lovely to watch the ‘Pee Wee Showman’ competitions, where even very young children are encouraged to show their animals.

Dairy Breeds

Dairy goats are by far the most common type of goat in Ireland. However some of the breeds at the Expo were much less familiar than the few we know so well.   La Mancha are a very distinctive dairy breed, easily recognized by their very short ears – ‘elf ears’. They are known for high yield and milk butterfat content. Oberhasli are a form of Alpine goat, originally from Switzerland. They are known for their distinctive colouring and excellent temperament, along with high milk production. The Nigerian Dwarf  is a miniature goat breed with West African ancestry. Although short in stature it gives a surprisingly high yield of milk. The milk is also extremely high in butterfat (as much as 10%) and is therefore ideally suited to cheese and soap production.
 
Meat Goats
 
In recent years we have become much more accustomed to seeing Boer goats in Ireland.  Their powerful build and dsitinctive marking is easily recognisable. It is originally from South Africa, has a fast growth rate and excellent carcass qualities. This breed had the highest numbers shown at the Expo. The Myotonic goat  or 'Fainting Goat is so called because when panicked the legs of this goat freeze for about 10 seconds, often causing it to fall over. It’s rarity means it can be quite valuable but they were originally bred for meat production.

Other breeds
 
The Pygmy goat is originally from West Africa, this hardy breed is typically kept as a pet but can be used for milk production. The Miniature Silky is bred for the quality of the coat and its miniature size. It was originally bred from the Tennessee Fainting Goat but other goat breeds have been added such as the Nigerian. The Cashmere is instantly recognisable by their name and any goat that produces cashmere wool is referred to as a cashmere goat. Breed standards vary regionally even in the United States.
The full report contains many more details and photos and is available on the Publications section of the Teagasc Goat Page.

Friday 13 June 2014

Steps to Silage Making - Part 2

The second part of Steps to Silage Making concentrates on how to harvest and save your grass in order to produce the highest quality silage.  The first job is to monitor the growth of your grass and aim to cut it just as seed heads begin to appear.  Remember that yield increases with time, while your DMD (dry matter digestibility) decreases. 

Silage is basically pickled grass.  In order to produce the acid to pickle the grass we need sugars. Ideally we want a high level of sugars in the grass (>3%) in order to get high preservation.  Alternatively we can concentrate sugar levels in the grass through wilting to reduce the water content. Tedding (spreading) the grass can substantially increase the drying process. Not cutting in the morning (i.e. when dew is on the grass) will also reduce water content.  Sugars are highest on bright sunny days with cool nights. 

Once filling the pit has begun it should be completed as rapidly as possible.  During this stage of the harvest the most important thing is to expel as much air as possible from the silage.  The grass should be rolled after every load is added to the pit.  It should then be covered with two layers of plastic to ensure all air is excluded.  Once the silage has settled it may be necessary to adjust the plastic to maintain a tight seal. The pit should also be inspected regularly and any damaged areas should be patched.
 
If harvesting conditions are poor it is even more important to follow the steps above.  You may need to adjust cutting heights to reduce soil contamination. Soil compaction is a big issue and this may also need to be addressed through using lighter machinery, reducing tyre pressures and only half-filling trailers.  As effluent production can be much greater, proper drainage and collection facilities are vital.
 
For second cut silage apply up to 100kgs/Ha (80 units/acre) of Nitrogen and Potassium and 16kgs/Ha of Phosphorus (13 units/acre).  If you have soil samples ensure that recommendations are adhered to.  Applying slurry on the bare stubble immediately after cutting will provide much needed nutrients at a low cost.

Thursday 5 June 2014

RTE Television and Lidl announce The Taste of Success

A new RTÉ One series, The Taste of Success, will see members of the public and local producers compete to get their unique food product on the shelves of Lidl Ireland’s 140 supermarkets.  The top prize is worth in excess of €100,000 including €50,000 cash and €25,000 in product development and marketing support. 
 
As part of the process producers will be tested and have their products refined by Lidl Brand Ambassador Paul Flynn along with Lidl Ireland and a host of food industry experts. It's a unique opportunity to get your product developed and marketed in Lidl stores nationwide.  The closing date is next Wednesday 11th June so get your entries in.  You can get more information from the RTE website and download an application form here.