Articles

Lungworm infection is diagnosed annually by SAC Veterinary Services.  Cases are now being seen nationwide.  Cattle of all ages can be affected although weaned calves at grass are most at risk. While the majority of cattle survive infection the disease can be fatal.

In some herds, scour can be a significant cause of illness and death in young calves.  The pathogens which cause scour are present in every herd, but not every herd will experience disease associated with them.  This is because there is much which can be done to limit their impact. 

What are the consequences of a late spring going to be for our livestock?

A late spring can have a huge impact on profitability.  However the impact is likely to be even greater this year with the shortage of forage and in particular straw and other bedding materials.

This winter there have been a high number of acidic silages ie silages with a PAL (Potential Acid Load) value over 900. 

Both twin lamb disease (pregnancy toxaemia) and milk fever (hypocalcaemia) affect ewes in late pregnancy.  But how can you tell the difference between the two, to make sure treatment is effective?

Beware of staggers (hypomagnesaemia) in sheep, when they are being turned out to quick growing grass in the spring.  Sheep are most exposed at peak lactation, which is 30-40 days post lambing.

Ewes who have surplus colostrum at lambing, especially single bearing ewes, can have colostrum extracted from them and frozen for use when required by other lambs. 

We all know cows are becoming bigger, more excitable and unfortunately more aggressive.  This is particularly true in the first few days post calving ie when we are using calving pens.

Trying different bedding types this winter to compliment or replace straw?