Livestock
Increased Acorn Toxicity Risk To Livestock
Oak trees have produced many more acorns this year and there have been reports of acorn toxicity cases this autumn. Acorns can be attractive to livestock after a period of feed restriction or following stormy weather when large numbers are blown from the trees. Both acorns and oak leaves contain phenols and tannins such as…
Bluetongue Virus Update
As of 30th July, according to the Ruminant Health and Welfare website, there have been seven cases of Bluetongue virus (BTV)-3 identified in England this vector season (2025-2026). These have either been detected on premovement tests in cattle, or in sheep showing clinical signs which include nasal discharge, a sore swollen mouth with ulcers and…
Stock Talk – Livestock Health: Laying it All Out
Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Principal Consultant Kirsten Williams. On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by Colin Mason (Veterinary Centre Manager, SRUC). This episode focuses on livestock health and covers BVD eradication, show biosecurity, dairy beef calves, TB, Bluetongue and Schmallenberg virus. Episode Timestamps 00.44 BVD eradication (phase 6) 10.08 Top tips for biosecurity…
Stock Talk – Craig and Claire Grant
Welcome to Stock Talk hosted by Beef and Sheep Consultant Kirsten Williams. On today’s episode Kirsten is joined by farmers Craig and Claire Grant who run a mixed farming enterprise across 1,300 acres arable and 400 acres grass (owned and rented) along with their team of 20 full and part time employees. The business has…
Planning for Silage Making 2025
Planning for winter feeding starts now, and with that in mind it’s important to know what your target is. You should already have an idea of the what the quality will be before the silage is actually analysed. Consider what stock you have on farm and target the quality of your silage for what you…
Milk Fever in Suckler cows on Machair Land
Hypocalcaemia, also known as milk fever, is typically not an issue in suckler cows, although experience shows that the conditions on the Uists are just right to be an exception to this rule. Grass and whole crop silages grown on the shell sand rich machair soils result in very unusual mineral contents in locally grown…
Risk of Schmallenberg in Lambing Flocks and Calving Herds this Spring
Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is transmitted by the biting insects of the Culicoides family (midge) and can cross the placenta to infect foetuses. Foetal deformities can occur if an animal is infected between day 28-40 of pregnancy (sheep) and 3-6 months of pregnancy (cattle). Affected lambs and calves may be born with fused joints, twisted necks…
In Conversation With… Winter Stocktake – Flock Health and Records
In this episode Kirsten is joined by Willie Budge (Senior Consultant, SAC Consulting) and Kythe Mackenzie (Veterinary Investigation Officer, SRUC). They will discuss trends from the year, what’s coming into the labs, tips on preparing for sheep inspections and how to keep meaningful records. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government.
Stock Talk – Vic & Jason Ballantyne
In this podcast we hear from Vic and Jason Ballantyne, who are tenant farmers on the edge of Brora. They talk about their forage based farming system and the importance of their low input system to achieve a good a work-life balance. Vic and Jason are continually trying to improve the genetics in their livestock through a strict culling policy.
The Farm Management Handbook
The Farm Management Handbook Your guide to Scottish agriculture The Farm Management Handbook is an essential tool for any progressive farm business, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date source of information for farmers, crofters, rural professionals, students and consultants. Subject matter covered includes: Crop Inputs Arable Potatoes Grassland Forage Crops Livestock Dairying Beef Cattle Sheep Red…