Livestock News

Over a quarter of all meals eaten at home in Britain are consumed for health reasons – with the market worth an estimated £26.5 billion, growing eight per cent year-on-year.

After the UK poultry sector was rocked by 26 avian influenza outbreaks between November 2020 and March 2021 – the highest number seen in several years – Farmers Guide looks ahead to the coming risk season and what farmers should do now to prepare.

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is welcoming a batch of autumn lambs after new breeds of sheep were introduced at Barony Farm to give students more experience of lambing.

The dry April followed by one of the wettest and coolest Mays on record resulted in a slow start to the grazing season. As a consequence, ewe body condition score (BCS) will have suffered, and it is likely that ewes will be below target for the time of year due to having to draw on body fat reserves for milk production. Downland experts explore options for supplementation…

Following weeks of mounting concern and frustration, pig farmers have taken to the streets to protest, gathering outside the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester on 4th October to highlight the current sector crisis.

Metabolic disorders and health issues can erase the profit potential for dairy cow farms for the year. Provita technical sales advisor George Shaw shares his thoughts.

Two National Sheep Association members travelled overseas to learn about organic livestock production, as part of an EU-funded, Turkish-led project.

A new report has highlighted the importance of communicating the health benefits, flavour and versatility of red meat and dairy – as figures show consumers are increasingly health-focused.

Despite challenges with haulage, transport and energy prices, the wool market is seeing continued strong demand and improving prices, British Wool reports.

The National Pig Association says it is “extremely disappointed” by the lack of measures to protect the pig sector amid labour shortages, as the likelihood of a welfare cull rises.

Food and farming organisations have welcomed the news, but said further long-term solutions will be needed.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) or calf pneumonia, is caused by several factors including infection with viruses and bacteria. Prevention is key, as treatment incurs significant costs in terms of medicines, labour and production – understand more about the importance of vaccines with Zoetis.