Bovine Genome Spells Future Farming Transformation

The unravelling of the Hereford Cow’s genome and the publication of its gene sequence could lead to serious transformation in future farming practices, scientists say. After a six year discovery, the cow genome has now joined the likes of humans, primates and rodents with all 22,000 genes being fully mapped. Proving to be far similar to the human genome than that of rodents, scientists are expecting genetics to take a major role in future bovine livestock breeding. And mapping the genome could have further benefits too. With their genome closer to us than lab rats, many of which have products tested upon them intended for the human market, human biology may also be learnt from this newly discovered sequence.

Of the 22,000 genes, 14,000 are common to all mammals, the remaining 8,000 distinctly specialised to each species. By closely analysing the differences between varieties of stock, the functions of specific genes and gene groups can be clarified. Physical differences within cattle varieties can then be associated with certain genes and it is hoped that this process can lead to breeding better herds.

Already in motion, a scientific team have begun to compare the genome of the Hereford cow to that of six other varieties. Using what they call a bovine “HapMap”, they can then track the variations within a cattle type to discover differences between breeds leading to differentiating milk and meat yields. Natural methods of livestock breeding may well continue, but with the genome knowledge, better stock pairings can be made, hopefully leading to healthier herds which produce more.

And it certainly will lead to fast track improvement for dairy and meat livestock. Currently and for the most part, bulls are selected for breeding to create better cattle. It can take up to five years to determine a bull’s characteristics but with the genome knowledge and some genetic tests, essentially you can select your bulls at birth.

In addition to thoughts of produce increase, immunity genes have also been discovered. Being ruminants, that is having four-chambered stomachs, leads to a very high population of bacteria within each individual. Though evolution has built some resilience to this, cattle are still vulnerable to disease, with high herd density increasing problems further. It is hoped that in addition to changes to breeding lineage, scientists will also be able to tackle disease resistance. This genome knowledge could also lead to breeding stock which has lower carbon footprint, particularly in respect to the production of greenhouse gases by the dairy and meat industries.

Battling Broody Hens

For every chicken keeper, trying to stop your egg layers going broody can be a constant battle. Whilst man has done their absolute best to create a species that continuously supplies us with eggs, it is in the hens deepest biology to procreate, and this means incubating. On an industrial scale, with farmers who have no time for broody hens, chickens will simply be discarded, but for those keeping poultry in a smaller or more free range setting, there are ways to break the cycle.

The battle against broody hens starts when selecting the breeds you wish to keep. Many feathered feet varieties will be likely to attempt to incubate, the Silkie being one notorious variety, whilst other bantams or showcase types also offer lower eggs yields and an increased desire to sit. If egg yield is of high importance try choosing varieties such as the Rhode Island Red, Light Speckled Sussex or perhaps the Orpington. However, every hen of any variety may wish to sit at some point and the best course of action is to catch it early.

The obvious choice for the unsentimental owner is to despatch the hen concerned. This solves the problem of the broodiness, and whilst you loose one of the egg laying birds, you acquire a bird for the table.

At the other extreme of the scale, leaving the bird to incubate can also be an option. Allowing her to hatch fertilised eggs, though loosing one of your egg layers for a number of months, will allow you to enjoy the experience that comes with raising chicks. Once matured, cockerels can then be used for meat birds, whilst hens can be passed to friends or merged with your own bustling flock.

Alternatively isolate the hen from her environment and try and break the cycle. It is important to do this as soon as possible after you start seeing broody signs such as unwillingness to leave the nest box, or a change in the hens demeanour and vocalisations. A chemical change within the birds body at the time of incubation causes her underside to become warmer than normal, and breaking this change can set your hen back to the path of laying. Isolate her in a pen with nothing but water and feed. Many keepers use wire mesh flooring so that air can circulate beneath her feet but this is not a necessity. Without a nesting box and material, and with only her basic needs met, a hens broodiness can often be broken within three to four days, whereupon she can be replaced back into the flock.

Breaking a hens broodiness is not an exact science. It can take time and perseverance that many keepers simply don’t have, but don’t think that because your hen is broody you simply have to give up. By catching it quick and taking appropriate action your hen will be laying again in no time.

The Urban Farmer

The term “farmer” brings tractors, sprawling arable land, country living and a veritable feast of other associations flashing into the mind but what is farming, other than growing and rearing food? Surely farming doesn’t only have a place in the rural world, but in our backyards too, and by simply taking a step back and breaking down the fundamentals it is soon apparent that anyone can be a farmer, even in their own urban jungle.

The World Wars of the 20th century certainly caused many suburban families, caught amidst of turmoil of rations, to look to their gardens as a source of food. Many kept chickens, grew main crops of potatoes, salads and other staple vegetables, all to add to their inadequate ration quota. Though the fast pace modern society has largely deserted this culture, the impending food crisis, and a growing feeling for looking after the planet and ourselves, means that many are now seeking ways to better their lives. Whilst some flee the cities in search of a rural life, others are snapping up those last allotment plots. But you simply need to step out of your back door, start sowing, and become an urban farmer.

Any garden can sustain some form of farming, whether it is directly into the earth or harnessing the use of pots. One of the most important aspects to bear in mind in urban farming is the use of outside sources to fertilise your land. Farming on a large scale in a rural setting, allows for crop rotation, for self fertilisation, but on the small scale of city farming the earth on your plot, even if adequate for the first year, will need continuous fertilisation. Local stables or city farms can often be a fantastic source of much needed manure and often offer it for free. Keeping chickens will also supply a small amount of manure but it is important to remember that, if feeding with produce from the farming, the nutrient cycle can only last so long without another source.

Ideally, most urban farmers will turn over a large area of their garden space to producing food. Whilst it may not allow self sufficiency it will certainly add pleasure, excitement and tingling to your taste buds. But urban farming works on even the tiniest scale. Perhaps hanging baskets with specialised tomato plants, a planted potato barrel, a deep window box with herbs or carrots. All of this can be considered as urban farming.

The current climate certainly leads to saving the pennies. The world’s consumption of produce far exceeds its long term growing capabilities, and growing your own is definitely in vogue right now. So why not step out your back yard, put in some spuds, scatter some seeds, and release your inner urban farmer.

A Chance to Beef Up

The National Beef Association is advising farmers that they may be missing out on vital funds, and that millions of pounds are available in grants for the right projects. They state that over £100 million pounds is available for projects linked to livestock, and that cash’s availability will expire in 2013.

At the current rate of distribution, less than the £20 million per annum target, it currently looks likely that monies made available will remain unclaimed, and thus not fully utilised. This is obviously something that the National Beef Association is seeking to avoid, and is determined to remind farmers that the support is ready and waiting for the right projects.

The hefty financial backing includes £56m to improve livestock business competitiveness, £33m for animal health and welfare, and £29m for improving farm nutrient management. Monies are not simply available to aid farmers looking to bring farms up to mandatory industry standards, or to meet legislative requirements. But money is readily available to fund ambitious farmers looking to play a real part in making genuine improvements to the industry.

“This money, which is being siphoned off farmers’ Single Farm Payment (SFP) through modulation, can be recouped by farmers who put together projects which will improve their holding, add value to their end product, help develop infrastructures for water conservation, or assist with diversification,” said NBA chairman, Christopher Thomas Everard.

The money is available through the English Rural Development Programme, and is being distributed via the country’s regional network of Rural Development Agencies. Weighting to the grant availability has been made based on each regions livestock numbers. “Each regional RDA office holds a fund available for livestock projects based on regional stock numbers so, for example, £38.6 million is up for allocation throughout the South West,” said Mr Thomas Everard.

Mr Everard also stressed that the NBA has argued that ordinary sized family farmers should be targeted and given priority, so they can improve their stock care and ongoing viability. And that the association is pleased to know that proposals that aim to improve business cooperation will also be entertained for backing. While the initial uptake of the money available has not met the annual target, and been disappointing, funding has been improved for a range of items, with projects varying from £750,000 to £7 million in cost.

“This money is accessible, there are no queues to claim it, and so a telephone call to the nearest regional RDA office with the right type of idea could be extremely useful,” urged Mr. Thomas Everard.

Egyptian Pig Farmers Suffer From Swine Flu

The confusion over the severity, and possible spread, of Swine Flu continues. Depending on what papers or articles you read, which television coverage you watch or what you have seen through the internet, a multitude of conclusions can be drawn. But they all seem to share a common theme, and that is of confusion and doubt. Last week we wrote about the possible effect this predicted pandemic could have on the British pork industry, both good and bad could be drawn.

Good being that with the levels of regulation in this country, and the respect that the British farmers enjoy, people looking for a quality reared meat might opt for insisting on British produce, regardless of cost. A situation that British farmers may be welcome of, regardless of how it came about.

The possible negative could be panic over the consumption of pork, and a knee jerk reaction by some of the population to remove it from their diet, completely. Fears like this have been quelled by both The World Health Organisation, and our own Environment Secretary, Hillary Benn. Reiterating that it is not possible to pass this flu by the consumption of properly cooked pork, and that there are no cases of this disease being present in the EU, and ongoing continual testing ensues that if it does appear, the affected stocks will be removed from the food chain.

There were some warnings issued about cheap illegal imports, and the health of such animals, but this was probably just a good opportunity to hammer home that advice.

But, rather more predictably, in foreign climes the reaction to Swine Flu has not been so consistent and clear. In Egypt the government ordered the slaughter of all its countries’ pigs. Despite no reported or confirm cases of Swine Flu in the country, the decision was taken to get rid of all the nation’s pigs. Understandably this decision was met with a lot of anger, and there were clashes in Cairo between police and protesters, concerned about this apparent overreaction by the government to slaughter an estimated 300,000 pigs.

Initially the decision was announced as a precaution to prevent a spread of Swine Flu, a move condemned by many experts, who confirmed this action would be completely inappropriate and pointless. However the Egyptian government later conceded that they had used this reason as motivation, and a smoke screen, to attack bigger issues.

Agriculture minister, Saber Abdel Aziz Galal told Agence France-Presse, that wholesale changes were required for the future of pig breeding in the country, and that current conditions were unacceptable. “At the moment the pigs live with dogs, cats, rats, poultry and humans, all in the same area with rubbish. Within two years the pigs will return, but we need first to build new farms," he said.

The Benefits of Keeping Chickens

As the world creeps closer to its most disastrous food crisis in history, individuals are becoming ever choosier in when they eat, what they eat and why they eat it. With fossil fuels in decline and seemingly an increase in natural disasters it is only right that we start to look for new ways to grow our food, whilst being aware of the sources it has come from. An ideal means to start this change of attitude and something that most can do for small cost in their own backyard, is to keep chickens.

Once a residential standard for the supply of eggs and meat, especially in the United Kingdom during and after World War I and II, people’s lives have become increasingly faster and busier. The simple art of keeping a couple of hens in the garden has died out, and it is only in more recent years, as people look to growing their own and eating healthy, that chicken keeping popularity has started to rise. Whilst many may be put off by recent bird flu scares, by thoughts of vermin, smell and noise, the benefits of owning poultry far outweigh any disadvantages and with the correct care these clucking, chortling, happy little birds can become additional members to your family.

When it comes to chicken keeping the first obvious benefit is that of food, of fresh eggs collected in a basket, of omelettes produced by simply popping down the garden for supplies. The more advanced keeper may even prefer to raise a small number of chickens for the oven and though horrifyingly cheap in the supermarket, fresh, own reared meat can taste like no frozen chicken you’ve had before. What’s even more satisfying is that left over kitchen scraps can simply be gobbled up by your new found friends to make new, fresh food! Life couldn’t get much greener than that.

But there are additional benefits. Chickens love insects, snails, dandelions and other weeds that to the average gardener become the bane of their lives. Let out of their coop on a supervised basis your hens can soon help stamp out those garden pests with ferocity. Gardeners can benefit too from the droppings, making excellent manure with the straw composting down into the perfect mulch for your garden borders.

As with all animals chickens also come with fantastic personalities and having hens in your backyard can soon become an addictive fascination. Friendly, curious and often quite tameable, chickens can quickly become much more than a source of food to the average family. The joys of keeping pets with children is most rewarding so why not teach them about caring for hens and supplying home grown food for your table….you may just find that getting eggs into them is suddenly that much easier!

Coming in a range of shapes, sizes and colours there is a chicken variety for everyone, whether it is the standard Rhode Island Red to the incredibly fluffy and flightless Silkie. With most laying daily you’ll never have to buy eggs again, especially if the not so uncommon occurs and you suddenly find that your happy hens are producing more than one egg a day each. They are cheap to care for, hardy and resilient and very easy to look after. The only thing you’ll have to worry about is your growing addiction causing you to want more and more.

Just How Much of a Swine Will This Flu Be?

The nation seems to be awash with Swine Flu this week. Well not literally, as yet, but it certainly seems to be occupying many minds, and be the top topic of conversations amongst the population. In fact the words ‘credit crunch’ seem to have been one of the worst victims of this potential pandemic. Obviously a lot of the concern, awareness and hype is driven by a sensationalist led media, something we seemed to have come accustomed to as a nation. It is very difficult for us ordinary folk, especially when pressed for time already, to read passed the headlines and the short news bulletins that seem to have been dominated the flagship news mediums all this week, and get a proper understanding and accurate grasp of how this may all affect us individually.

This is breeding confusion, and probably some panic and over reaction, as uncertainty and concern combine. And while the current focus seems to be on whether or not this particular strain of flu will actually spread, rather than anything else, there are a few bubbling issues in the background, that are sure to eventually come more to the front. One of the concerns for the pork industry must be the possible impact this is going to have on demand, sales, and price. The right people seem to be moving quickly to stamp on this before it actually becomes an issue.

“The UK and some other members of the European Union undertake routine surveillance to help detect the presence of animal diseases not normally present in the EU and to identify any change in the prevalence of diseases that do occur. Results of our surveillance suggest that this variant of H1N1 does not appear to be present in pigs in the UK or anywhere else in the EU. However we are taking this developing situation very seriously and will maintain our surveillance effort, keeping the public and industry informed of any developments.” Environment Secretary Hilary Benn told the Newspaper Society. He further went on to reassure the public by saying that the EU does not even import any pig products from Mexico.

The World Health Organization itself has also reiterated that it is not possible to pass this type of virus via the consumption of pork, and if the correct steps are taken, and standards adhered to, then any infected pigs would not get that far down the food chain in any case.

By these actions, and statements, the British pork producers may actually benefit from consumers that will, for once, be more focused on quality and source than solely on price. Hence a demand for a quality home assured product that may be slightly more expensive, might actually increase. However there is also the issue that with this flu simply being labeled as ‘Swine Flu’ that as such, the pig may end up carrying the can amongst those confused and knee jerking into a reaction. And that reaction may include removing pork from their diet.