Blog

Johne’s is a condition which affects all ruminants, although not in the same way. OJD is a chronic condition which is responsible for causing a reduction in productivity, immunity and fertility.

Maedi Visna (MV) is caused by a retrovirus and is capable of having devastating effects on a flock, significantly reducing fertility and productivity. MV is a chronic wasting disorder, which is increasing in prevalence across UK flocks (recently doubling from 1.4-2.8%).

Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA) was first detected in UK sheep during 1987 following the importation of infected goats from Germany. Caused by the bacterium “Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis” this is a chronic disease often characterised by the formation of abscesses within the lymph nodes and/or internal organs of infected animals.

Livestock manures are value resources that bring significant benefits to soils and crops when used appropriately. This technical note outlines how to optimise application.

This technical note examines how sward lifters can help with soil compaction on grassland, including soil structure, operation and improvements in soil and yield.

Trace element deficiencies affect livestock’s health, welfare, and performance. Providing adequate minerals may also reduce veterinary and medicine costs, and lower mortality
rates. Mineral deficiencies can be very localised. However, in parts of the UK, deficiency of certain elements including copper, cobalt, iodine and selenium, are prevalent.

Often referred to as “hairy shaker disease”, Border Disease is caused by a pestivirus very similar to the one which causes Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) in cattle. Border Disease has the ability to increase the proportion of barren ewes within a flock by 2-8% per year, with infected lambs growing on average 20% slower than uninfected lambs throughout the first six weeks of life.