Livestock News

If you purchase a full pallet of Volac-manufactured calf milk replacer during February 2024 you’ll receive two bags free of charge to save you money on your investment into high quality pre-weaned calf nutrition.

Watery mouth is one of the biggest killers of newborn lambs, and since the primary treatment was delisted, there is a need to find alternative methods. Dr Tom Barragry, vet, veterinary pharmacologist and advisor to Provita Animal Health offers advice and outlines a range of products described by one farmer as a must-have in the lambing shed.

A typical day turned into a life threatening situation for Carol Rettie, when one of the “quietest” bulls she had ever handled panicked during handling. Carol has shared her story in a new RSABI video to help improve safety in farming.

Levy rate increases proposed by the AHDB for the Beef and Lamb, Cereals and Oilseeds, Dairy and Pork sectors have received approval from ministers at Defra and the Devolved Administrations.

Defra has announced the loosening of bluetongue virus measures due to the drop of midge activity during colder months.

The latest lamb energy and gut development supplement has been launched to give newborn lambs a strong start.

The UK government has backed new legislation to tackle livestock worrying. The new measures aim to reduce dog attacks on animals and help secure successful prosecutions that recognise impacts of the attacks on farmers and their businesses. 

A recent farm trial has found the Lifeline pre-calver bucket, a specialist pre-calving mineral supplement, increases colostrum IgG by 20% when offered for two months prior to calving.

Vets are urging farmers to be vigilant for Schmallenberg virus (SBV) – which can mimic other diseases including bluetongue – as a rising number of early lambing flocks are hit with deadly SBV this season.

Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in dairy and beef calves and costs the industry around £50 million a year. In its most recent GB Calf Week, AHDB hosted a range of expert panels to offer top tips on how to tackle the disease. Sarah Kidby reports on improvements made on two farms.

SRUC Edinburgh is offering CT scanning of rams in Scottish flocks, with QMS covering 50% of the cost per ram.

Successful dairy farming is built on proactive health management. By staying ahead of health issues, farmers not only ensure their cows’ well-being and productivity but also future-proof their farm.