Articles

We have had an exceptionally open winter so far, where we have seen January temperatures in double figures in some parts of the country.  Climate change is having an impact, which is bringing us higher winter temperatures, higher winter rainfall and less snow and frost.  However, with this change, are we adapting our livestock systems?

The season has a marked effect on copper status of deer with low copper serum levels generally reported in late winter/early spring.  Copper is a trace element that is critical in the formation of the collagen matrix that supports bones, keeping them strong. 

We are seeing a lot of fat ewes again this winter.  Although this is better than lean ewes, it leads us to worry about the implications for prolapses this lambing season

With winter rationing of cattle well underway, and calving just a couple of months away for some, the New Year is a good time to re-assess cow condition and make adjustments if necessary.

As we move further into December, now is a good time to check your growing rations and how animals are performing. To do this, having a set of weigh scales on farm is invaluable. This lets you monitor average liveweight gains, allowing you to assess the ration and make any necessary adjustments.

Clipping the backs of cattle at housing is common practice.  However by the turn of the New Year quite often the hair has regrown to the extent that it can be difficult to tell if the animal was clipped or not.

It is well established that making very good quality silage (11 ME+) reduces costs in feeding pregnant ewes coming up to lambing for those who are lambing indoors.