Livestock News

For the first time since 2021, broiler intestinal integrity scores have remained consistently stable, highlighting a reduction in coccidiosis levels throughout the year, according to the Elanco Health Tracking System (HTSi) 2023 latest report.

A quarantine dose for all incoming sheep, regular faecal egg count (FEC) testing and monitoring animal growth weights and the weather, are key to managing worms for Perthshire sheep farmer and agricultural consultant, Emily Grant.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is reminding the farming community of the importance of looking out for farming friends and family this January, as the start of the year has presented several challenges to the industry. 

All too often, treatment rather than prevention is the focus of lameness management programmes in dairy herds. Prevention using regular footbaths is a key device for moving forward, argues vet and veterinary pharmacologist, Dr Tom Barragry, who explores a proven alternative to copper sulphate and formaldehyde.

A new project launches to further the productivity, sustainability, and resilience of the UK sheep farming and wool industries by exploring opportunities to improve fleece quality.

Selective treatment of clinical mastitis (STCM) is becoming increasingly popular and offers a range of benefits.

Correct varietal choice is the first step towards achieving a successful maize harvest. Andrew Cook of seed breeder, KWS, offers some advice on narrowing down the options.

Farmers have made significant improvements in dairy herd fertility, production, and somatic cell counts, according to the National Milk Records’ latest Key Performance Indicator (KPI) report. 

As we approach this lambing season, maximising ewe health and lamb survival will be crucial – as rising input costs, along with challenging weather conditions throughout 2023, have put further pressure on margins. Rumenco offers some guidance.

With continually rising costs on farm, finding and exploiting efficiencies is more important than ever. IAE explores the benefits of cattle crushes on farm, particularly when it comes to safety and efficiency.

With 2024 well underway, it’s the time of year to reflect on lessons learnt from the last 12 months. Stuart Wilkieson, Sam Coulson, and John Lack from Elta Group’s agricultural brands answer some key questions on the trends seen.

Speakers at this year’s Oxford Real Farming Conference emphasised the importance of small local abattoirs and concerns over ongoing closures – whilst Defra outlined new funding and progress.