Livestock
Bluetongue Restriction Expanded to all of Scotland from Oct 3rd
The Bluetongue Restricted Zone currently covering parts of south-west Scotland will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland from Saturday 3 October, following agreement with industry. The change means the movement licences currently required to move susceptible livestock, such as cattle, sheep and other ruminants, into, within and out of the South West Scotland…
Stock Talk – Bluetongue: What You Need to Know
Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Kythe Mackenzie to discuss the Bluetongue Virus. It’s important to note to listeners that the spread of the Bluetongue Virus, the control zones and restrictions is a constantly changing situation, and listeners should ensure that they check the Scot Gov…
Stock Talk – The Role of Rare Breeds in our Industry
Welcome to Stock Talk. In this episode James is joined by Alice Lennox from the Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST). Alice tells us all about what the RBST does and gave us some insight to some of the rare breeds on the ‘at risk’ watchlist. Alice and James discuss the role of these rare breeds…
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…
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.