Dairy & Beef News

Ruminant Health and Welfare has issued a botulism alert to farmers after rocketing fertiliser prices resulted in more poultry litter being used on grass crops.

As farmers face severe cost pressures, the Ruminant Health & Welfare group has issued a reminder of the legal requirement to provide calves with at least two milk feeds a day until 28 days of age.

With the change in underfoot conditions and increased lameness risk at housing, daily footbathing of cattle is recommended. Vet, veterinary pharmacologist and adviser to Provita Ltd, Dr Tom Barragry, explores the benefits of a proven alternative to copper sulphate and formaldehyde.

Northants beef farmer Mark Jelley (pictured) has seen strong reduction in his farm’s use of antibiotics and been able to identify key herd health issues, with the help of his

A Scottish dairy farmer has ranked top in the August 2022 genomic proof run for UK Holstein females ranked on Dairy Wellness Profit (DWP).

A specialist business course for aspiring dairy producers – offering expert training and a networking opportunity – is now open for applications.

This summers’ prolonged dry weather is beginning to cause real issues for many cattle and sheep producers across the UK as grazing becomes scarcer at a time when grass growth and subsequent livestock performance should be at its best, says Dr Alison Bond, ruminant nutritionist for Rumenco.

Farmers fearing forage shortages because of the recent dry weather could help ease the pressure by feeding a straw or wholecrop-based ration to dry cows and youngstock. According to Mole

Many regions are welcoming some rain and seeing dry, burned-up pastures starting to green up. But Cargill’s ruminant specialist in the north of England and Scotland Donald Macleod warns this new grass could impact milk fat.

It can be challenging for mixed enterprise farmers to stick to herd and flock health plans throughout the year. However, vet Emily Brown, of Marches Farm Vets, offers a number of practical suggestions to help balance the two, working closely with your vet.

Progesterone is the mainstay of fertility management protocols in the UK and the use of progesterone releasing devices before the use of FTAI protocols can enhance conception rates to first AI, explains Ceva Animal Health veterinary advisor Katherine Timms.

UK livestock producers who take the Rumevite survey by Rumenco will be entered into a competition to win a 3.0m Porta-Yards mobile sheep handling system from Wise Agriculture.