News

Tuesday, 15 April 2014 - 10:14am

Heat Detection

Getting cows in calf as quickly as possible is of great importance on a dairy farm. Conception rates are not easy to improve, but heat detection rate is. Good heat detection programmes can have a major impact on overall herd reproductive performance. While it seems obvious that cows not detected in heat will not get served and thus not get pregnant, accurate heat detection is important too, so that cows get inseminated at the right time.

Submission rates are...

Tuesday, 25 March 2014 - 8:50am

Cow Tracks

Key Points:

  • Good tracks:
    • extend the grazing season
    • decrease lameness
    • reduce risk mastitis/cell count problems
  • Cow tracks are for cows only - keep vehicles off
  • Drainage is crucial - water destroys tracks
  • Keeping tracks in good order requires maintenance

Renovating old tracks:

Signs of Problem:

  • ...
Thursday, 13 March 2014 - 11:36am

As the weather starts to warm up, hopefully, now is the time to start thinking about preparing for turnout.
To ensure everything gets sorted, four key points should be considered:B

  • Biosecurity – Fencing, tracks, gateways and water supplies
  • Parasite control – Correct use of anthelmintics and vaccination
  • Disease control – Vaccination
  • Nutrition and Mineral Supply

Biosecurity
Good fencing obviously...

Thursday, 13 March 2014 - 10:51am

Healthy Feet Programme

Most of you are probably already aware that the 3rd round of funding from The Farming and Forestry Improvement Scheme (FFIS) has now been launched. The round will close on Friday 4 April 2014.  Unlike previous rounds, they will start processing applications as soon as they arrive. Therefore, you are strongly advised to apply as soon as you can.  Grant is paid in arrears, so successful applicants will need to purchase and install the items before claiming the...

Wednesday, 12 February 2014 - 6:53pm

Calf Scour - Dehydration and Rehydration

Scour accounts for around 50% of all UK calf deaths and causes significant financial losses to both beef and dairy enterprises.

The age at which the calf is affected will give an idea of the likely pathogen and therefore appropriate treatment;

  • 1-3 days old is commonly bacterial in origin, therefore antibiotics may be appropriate
  • 7-14 days are more likely to be affected by viruses and/or protozoa
  • ...
Tuesday, 1 October 2013 - 10:00am

In Autumn 2013's Livestock Matters, Ruth wrote a fantastic article on targeting environmental mastitis pathogens which you can view here.

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