01363 77286001363 772860
01363 77286001363 772860
As you may already know, MilkSure is an industry initiative, aimed at reducing the number of bulk tank failures and demonstrating the responsible use of antibiotics within the dairy industry.
It takes the form of training 2 training sessions, delivered by our farm vets.
Ruth recently attended a really interesting talk and farm walk with New Zealand vet, Neil Chesterton, organised by AHDB Dairy. A couple of clients attended too, but thought we could use this newsletter to pass on some key points.
Neil Chesterton is recognised as one of the experts on lameness, particularly in pasture based systems, and his advice is relevant to any system where cows graze at least part of the time. The main causes of lameness they see are white line...
As part of our pre tuppling series, we focus on teaser rams.
Vasectomised rams (which are therefore infertile but produce testosterone) can be used to synchronise ewes and to encourage ewes early in their breeding season to cycle. Surgery needs to be conducted at least 6 weeks before the teaser ram goes in with the ewes.
Please contact the surgery for further information 01363 772860.
As part of our pre tupping guidelines, we discuss the benefits of semen testing.
We can check the semen quality of rams by examining a sample under the microscope – this should be done on any ram with questionable findings at a physical examination and for newly purchased rams, or rams intended for sale.
Contact the surgery if you are interested in this service for your rams - 01363 772860.
In the meantime, please click on the link for further information on our...
Rams:
Poor conception rates (too many barren ewes) are mostly due to sub-fertile rams, so being sure your rams will work is critical to a productive lambing.
Sperm production takes 49 days (7 weeks), so it takes that long for a ram to become fertile again after any problems.
Production can be disrupted by lameness (because inflammatory markers spread through the blood stream), fever (because sperm production is very...
Abortion Vaccines:
If you’re using vaccines against toxoplasma and enzootic abortion, these need to be given 1 month before the rams go in. Please order toxovax in plenty of time as it is only manufactured after orders have been placed and therefore takes longer to come in than most.
Worming:
Fit ewes should not need worming pre-tupping but thin ewes should be done. Fluke treatment may be a good idea depending on risk – given the wet...
We now have a brand new programme of FarmSkills training, please click the link to view on our website - training dates.
To enable us to continue offering courses that are relevant to you, we would like to invite you to take part in a questionnaire.
It will take less than 2 minutes to complete and you can remain anonymous.
Please click the link to take the survey most...
1) Medicinal
Medicinal products are available which can help to control flies. Talk to us about the different options – we are now stocking Dectospot Spot On at a competitive price.
2) Target Larvae Development
Manure, spilled feed or any moist, organic matter can act as larvae development sites. Either ensure the prompt removal of such matter or use an insecticide growth regulator, such as cyromazine. It works by preventing larvae...
We are going to focus on 2 types of Vector Borne disease - Summer Mastitis and Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis.
Summer Mastitis
Summer mastitis generally occurs in non-lactating animals (cows and heifers) during the summer months. It is a bacterial disease caused by a number of bacteria acting together (synergistically). It is believed to be spread primarily by the fly Hydrotea irritans.
In cattle, large...
In the UK there are at least 20 species of fly which feed on cattle. Different species of flies feed on different secretions or tissues. Some pierce the skin and feed on blood; while others feed on sweat, skin secretions, saliva, or tears (some flies also feed on urine or faeces).
There are two ways in which flies cause harm to cattle:
...
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Registered in England No 551 6945. Registered office Exeter Road, Crediton, Devon, EX17 3BN.