Livestock News

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.

Iceland customers can now buy products from the award-winning Ayrshire butcher, We hae meat. The national grocery retailer is to stock the firm’s skinny steak slice and ‘chippy-style’ ranges in 42 of its Scottish stores. 

Emily Hall, livestock farmer and product manager for Nettex discusses key colostrum targets and what to look for in a colostrum powder when supplementation is needed.

Two dairy farmers from Somerset and Coleraine in Northern Ireland have made it onto the 2024 New Year Honours list, recognising their selfless service to others.

Winter housing can be an incredibly stressful time for livestock. Elevated cortisone levels in stressed animals can have numerous potential harmful effects on the animal’s immune system. Amongst the major disease problems in housed cattle are pneumonia and calf scour. Vet and veterinary pharmacologist Dr Tom Barragry offers some guidance.

Healthy cows are at the heart of a successful dairy farm, enabling more sustainable production and animal welfare. Early disease detection and precise monitoring are essential for animal health and farm management.

As we come to the end of a strange year for weather, we take a look at the impacts on parasite burdens, as well as the wider animal health trends from the year, plus research breakthroughs and new advances. Sarah Kidby reports.