Dairy & Beef News

Beef and dairy farmers are being encouraged to develop calf hygiene protocols as part of efforts to prevent scours in their youngstock.

British dairy farmers have significantly reduced the number of pure-bred dairy bull calves being born on their farms, according to a report outlining the progress of the GB Dairy Calf Strategy.

Farmers reported fear, depression, sleepless nights and persistent anger, as well as a deep sense of loss of control.

A focus on fat and placing merit on cows who gain condition while suckling a calf could be the key to a sustainable and profitable beef system, said the industry experts Shetland beef farmer Jamie Leslie and Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society CEO Robert Gilchrist at the British Cattle Breeders Conference in Telford. 

Experts are worried that the inclusion of rumen fluke egg counts on lab reports could result in knee jerk reactions, or distract from liver fluke.

The UK’s chief veterinary officer has just announced that the UK is now in the seasonally vector low period for bluetongue virus. 

According to a large UK study, an equivalent to a glass of milk a day can help reduce their risk of bowel cancer.

Gloucestershire Council’s campaign encouraging people to swap cow’s milk for vegan alternatives has prompted backlash from the farming community.

Müller UK & Ireland has joined the processor-led organisation Dairy UK as it targets further industry collaboration, promoting and protecting the consumption of UK dairy products.

Scottish calf Hilda, born through IVF, represents a historic moment for the world’s longest-running livestock genetics project that aims to help accelerate the dairy industry’s journey to net zero.

The UK cattle population has dropped again last year, with 2023 marking the greatest decline in female beef breeding-age animals seen in over 10 years.

Provita Eurotech Ltd’s independent veterinary consultant Dr TB Barragry offers advice on foot hygiene and foot bathing, to get DD under control.