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Beef: Rearing Animals

Find information on all aspects of cattle rearing

Beef Cattle Grazing

Maximising Performance of Growing and Finishing Cattle

With exceptionally high feed costs this year it is vital that the target weight gain from a specific ration is being achieved. Any drop in daily liveweight gain will mean…

Read article

Select by an area of interest

Keeping Newborns Warm in Cold Weather

With sub-zero temperatures and wintery showers forecast, farmers in the midst of calving and lambing must keep newborns warm to avoid losses, should the cold...

Read more >

Salmonella Dublin in Beef Herds

Although Salmonella Dublin is commonly more associated with dairy herds than suckler herds, problems can still occur, particularly around calving time. On farms, which experience...

Read more >

Preparing for Calving and Maximising Live Calves

As calving time approaches, we address how to maximise live calves through management and record keeping in this short video. Highlighting the gold, silver and...

Read more >

Safety When Handling Livestock

Handling and working alongside livestock, particularly newly calved cows and bulls, can be dangerous. All too often we hear of accidents on farm involving livestock...

Read more >

Agribusiness News February 2023 – Management Matters: Not a Lot of Bull!

Jobs for the boys! There aren’t many jobs advertised where you get your board and lodgings, lots of fresh air and exercise and only need...

Read more >

Safe and Effective Vaccination

Vaccines are a vital part of disease control and reducing antibiotic usage on farms. At this time of year many routine vaccinations are likely to...

Read more >

Protein Feed Prices Rising

While cereal prices have eased slightly, protein prices have risen, mainly due to the increase in soya but also due to limited short-term availability of...

Read more >

Winter Feeding Considerations for In-calf Heifers

Throughout winter, there are many stock classes to consider and nutrition  can prove to be challenging with shed space, feed availability and forage quality all...

Read more >

Parasite Control at Winter Housing

The unseasonal autumnal weather in October and record high temperatures at the start of November across the country have allowed farmers to delay housing of...

Read more >

Winter Management for Calving Heifers at 3 years old

We revisit Billy Graham at Craigdarroch Farm as the heifers come down from the hill for scanning. We will discuss the pregnancy scanning results and...

Read more >

Crofting Matters – Selling Stock

Selling livestock this autumn and winter? We have some wise words from Sarah Balfour on what to think about and how to navigate the auction...

Read more >

Thrill of the Hill – Virtually Stockproof

Thrill of the Hill is back! Season 3 #6 – Virtually Stockproof. In this episode we hear from SAC Consulting’s Malcolm Macdonald & Robert Ramsay...

Read more >

Quarantine for Bought in Stock – Q & A

Buying in stock is common practice on many beef and sheep farms especially at this time of year with many breeding sales taking place across...

Read more >

Reducing Calving Difficulty – Pelvic Scoring Heifers Case Study

Making pelvic scoring part of one farmer’s heifer selection policy has enabled him to reduce stress, labour and costs involved in calving his heifer batch...

Read more >

Profiting From Terminal Sire EBVs at Thistleyhaugh

In this video, Duncan Nelless explains how being involved in the RamCompare project has clearly demonstrated that differences in Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) between rams...

Read more >

Calving at 3: Bulling Management

We revisit Billy Graham at Craigdarroch Farm to discuss bulling preparation and bull selection for calving at 3 years old.   More in our Calving...

Read more >

Calving at 2.5: Bulling Management

We revisit Stewart Stronach at Berryleys, Keith to hear how he manages his heifers at bulling and what he looks for when selecting bulls for...

Read more >

Calving at 2: Bulling Management

We revisit Tom Hopkinson at Lindertis Farm at Kirriemuir, to hear how he manages his heifers at bulling and what he looks for when selecting...

Read more >

Choosing the Right Age to Calve Heifers with Stevie Rolfe

In this short video, Stevie Rolfe from SR Cattle Services provides an overview of the range of heifer management practices he commonly sees across the...

Read more >

Biosecurity for Livestock at Shows

Summer livestock shows are in full swing again across the country. For all livestock exhibitors whether you are new to the show ring or returning...

Read more >

Heat Stress At Bulling In Spring Suckler Herds

With temperatures starting to reach 20 degrees plus it is important to make sure that beef cattle have plenty of shade and cool fresh water,...

Read more >

How To Avoid Lead Poisoning In Your Herd

    Lead poisoning occurs every year on Scottish farms, which carries huge welfare and economic losses. Hannah Orr, SRUC Veterinary Services discusses this problem,...

Read more >

Reduce Risk Of Scald In Lambs This Season

Scald is caused by bacteria (Dichelobacter nodosus) in the grass and leads to damage to the soft tissue between the toes of lambs. It can...

Read more >

Is Your Bull Working?

Is Your Bull Working? Now that bulls will have been out with cows for at least one cycle it is important to make sure that...

Read more >

Lead Poisoning Alert

Ahead of turn out livestock farmers should be aware of the risk of lead poisoning with the greatest risk of poisoning occurring in the period...

Read more >

Using Potatoes as an Alternative to Barley for Finishing Cattle

Stockfeed potatoes can be used as an alternative to expensive barley and are worth considering for feeding to finishing cattle to spin out home grown...

Read more >

Remember The Golden Rule Of Calving!

We are getting reports of large numbers of twins currently being born.  This makes it even more important to check for a second calf, especially...

Read more >

Liver Fluke – Actions To Consider This Spring

In spring 2021 a number of flocks experienced ill thrift and/or deaths in ewes as a result of infection with liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica).  In...

Read more >

Testing Requirements For Bull Sales

Bull sale season is here once again.  For those of you with pedigree animals to sell later in the year it’s time to think about...

Read more >

Calving Equipment Checklist

Are you ready for the start of calving?  Do you know where your calving ropes are?  Is your medicine cabinet well stocked?  With the first...

Read more >

Needles

Before lambing, it is good practice to make sure you have all the equipment that you will require, and that it is clean, sterile and...

Read more >

Spring Calving Checklist

As calving approaches, it is a great time to take stock, and look at your management over the spring calving period.  Ensuring the management is...

Read more >

Avoiding Accidental Pregnancies In Young Heifers

Every year we hear stories of unwanted pregnancies in heifer calves, an issue that creates a lot of work, cost and is a potential animal...

Read more >

Keeping Water Clean For Livestock

With cattle now out to grass, it is worth remembering to empty and clean out water troughs to stop stale and potentially dirty, contaminated water...

Read more >

Precision solutions to animal health & welfare: episode 2

Welcome along to our animal health & welfare series of eight podcasts.  Each podcast will look at the latest research around animal health & welfare,...

Read more >

Johne’s Disease – Control Options Post Turnout

Johne’s disease causes significant financial loss within beef herds reducing fertility and productivity.  It is also a significant welfare concern because clinically affected animals have severe diarrhoea and suffer from weight loss.  Early...

Read more >

Steps to Reduce Caesareans

There are a number of steps you can take to try and mitigate the need for cow caesareans.  Calving is the most important time to have cows in...

Read more >

Caesarean Cows – Breed Again?

For those of you with cows that have had caesarean sections this spring, the question you may be asking yourself, is whether or not you...

Read more >

Bulling Thoughts

We may be concentrating on calving at the moment, but it is time to think about what needs to be done to ensure the bull...

Read more >

Precision solutions to animal health & welfare: episode 1

Welcome along to our animal health & welfare series of podcasts. Over the course of 2021, we’ll be bringing you 8 podcasts, each falling under...

Read more >

Technical note (TN747): Recording lamb traits

Lamb survival is a major factor in determining the number of lambs reared and so the financial performance of any sheep enterprise. Flock management and...

Read more >

Preventing Scour In Calves

Calf scour (diarrhoea) is one of the biggest issues associated with illness, poor growth and mortality in calves.  The most common causes of calf scour...

Read more >

Cattle Health Factsheet

This factsheet aims to highlight the general considerations for cattle health and what to look out for. It should be used as a guide for...

Read more >

Animal Health is Wealth (podcast)

Following on from Animal Health is Wealth webinar, James Orr talks to The Woodlands Trust Scotland farmer Janet Pringle and her vet, Rhona Anderson of Forth...

Read more >

Technology for Improved Animal Welfare – The South West Dairy Development Centre

In this 2-part mini-series of podcasts based on Animal Health & Welfare we are speaking with the head of dairy, Duncan Forbes from the Agri-Epi...

Read more >

Livestock Health Planning Over The Winter

Agricultural Consultant Malcolm Macdonald spoke to beef and sheep specialist Robert Ramsay and SRUC Vet Colin Mason about livestock health planning over the winter. Colin...

Read more >

Importance of Long Fibre in Intensive Rations

Cattle which are fed on an ad-lib cereal-based finisher ration can have exceptional performance.  In order to achieve this exceptional performance good management is vital. 

Read more >

Animal Health Is Wealth

Your opportunity to listen back to our Animal Health is Wealth webinar. Veterinary health planning is widely recognised for its value in terms of improving...

Read more >

Colostrum for Calves

The management of calves at birth and immediately after has the biggest bearing on the future productivity of the calf.  The importance of getting good...

Read more >

Iceberg Disease Case Study, Sion Williams, Bowhill Farming

Sion Williams, farm manager at Bowhill Farming, is forward thinking and has developed a plan for if an iceberg disease is found in the flock...

Read more >

Dirty Cattle Cost Money

Ensuring fattening cattle are kept clean for slaughter can be difficult, with long months of winter housing and the cost of straw bedding and its...

Read more >

High Risk Of Unwanted Pregnancies In Heifer Calves

We are hearing some worrying reports, from vets and scanners all over the country.  There have been a large number of heifer calves being found...

Read more >

Winter Livestock Health

Winter brings with it a wealth of hazards and health issues in cattle and sheep which can all negatively impact on livestock performance and profitability....

Read more >

What Are Antibiotics?

Responsible use of antibiotics should be at the forefront of all our minds - should I use antibiotics?  What antibiotic should I use?  Are other...

Read more >

Are Your Calves Prepared for Winter?

Now is the time to consider the thermal comfort of your dairy calves as the winter months approach.  The effect of cold on calf health,...

Read more >

Liver Fluke Factsheet

Liver Fluke Factsheet Fluke is a complicated subject, but this short Practical Guide explains the essential information you need to know to protect and treat...

Read more >

Do You Know What Your Cows Weigh?

If you do not weigh your cows on a regular basis you might be surprised to know that the weight range between animals within the...

Read more >

Watch Condition of Autumn Calving Cows

While it is ideal to manage cow condition throughout the year, this is often easier said than done.  Cows on good quality grass will put on condition rapidly.  Having over fat cows at...

Read more >

Magnesium For Autumn Calving Herds

When we think about magnesium deficiency, we automatically think about grass staggers.  Many suckler herds do not experience problems with staggers in the spring and it tends to...

Read more >

Watch Your Water

Both water availability and quality are important considerations for cattle at grass, particularly during periods of hot weather.  Although rare, cases of blue-green algae (or...

Read more >

Unusual Behaviour And Deaths In Cattle

Over the last couple of days there have been several reports of dairy cows eating soil and of deaths in young suckled calves from twisted...

Read more >

Identifying And Treating Lameness In Cattle

There are two vital points to remember when tackling lameness in a group of cattle: Identify what the cause of lameness is Don’t assume all...

Read more >

Practical Steps To Reducing Lameness In Finishing Cattle

As with most things in life, when it comes to lameness, prevention is always better than cure.  Lameness is recognised as a major issue in...

Read more >

Problems With Newborn Lambs and Calves Suckling

We have had more reports this year of newborn lambs and calves having problems suckling.  In some cases it appears that the young themselves will not suckle and...

Read more >

Reflection On Calving 2020

With most farms now coming to the end of Spring calving 2020, now is a good time to reflect on calving. What has gone well?...

Read more >

Salmonella Dublin In Beef Herds

Salmonella Dublin can cause significant impacts on health and mortality rates during the calving period.  However only 10% of the confirmed diagnosis are from beef...

Read more >

Beef Cattle Housing

A guide to help you through the ins and outs of keeping your cattle in and out.

Read more >

More in FAS Problem Solver

Select by an area of interest

Keeping Newborns Warm in Cold Weather

With sub-zero temperatures and wintery showers forecast, farmers in the midst of calving and lambing must keep newborns warm to avoid losses, should the cold...

Read more >

Salmonella Dublin in Beef Herds

Although Salmonella Dublin is commonly more associated with dairy herds than suckler herds, problems can still occur, particularly around calving time. On farms, which experience...

Read more >

Preparing for Calving and Maximising Live Calves

As calving time approaches, we address how to maximise live calves through management and record keeping in this short video. Highlighting the gold, silver and...

Read more >

Safety When Handling Livestock

Handling and working alongside livestock, particularly newly calved cows and bulls, can be dangerous. All too often we hear of accidents on farm involving livestock...

Read more >

Agribusiness News February 2023 – Management Matters: Not a Lot of Bull!

Jobs for the boys! There aren’t many jobs advertised where you get your board and lodgings, lots of fresh air and exercise and only need...

Read more >

Safe and Effective Vaccination

Vaccines are a vital part of disease control and reducing antibiotic usage on farms. At this time of year many routine vaccinations are likely to...

Read more >

Protein Feed Prices Rising

While cereal prices have eased slightly, protein prices have risen, mainly due to the increase in soya but also due to limited short-term availability of...

Read more >

Winter Feeding Considerations for In-calf Heifers

Throughout winter, there are many stock classes to consider and nutrition  can prove to be challenging with shed space, feed availability and forage quality all...

Read more >

Parasite Control at Winter Housing

The unseasonal autumnal weather in October and record high temperatures at the start of November across the country have allowed farmers to delay housing of...

Read more >

Winter Management for Calving Heifers at 3 years old

We revisit Billy Graham at Craigdarroch Farm as the heifers come down from the hill for scanning. We will discuss the pregnancy scanning results and...

Read more >

Crofting Matters – Selling Stock

Selling livestock this autumn and winter? We have some wise words from Sarah Balfour on what to think about and how to navigate the auction...

Read more >

Thrill of the Hill – Virtually Stockproof

Thrill of the Hill is back! Season 3 #6 – Virtually Stockproof. In this episode we hear from SAC Consulting’s Malcolm Macdonald & Robert Ramsay...

Read more >

Quarantine for Bought in Stock – Q & A

Buying in stock is common practice on many beef and sheep farms especially at this time of year with many breeding sales taking place across...

Read more >

Reducing Calving Difficulty – Pelvic Scoring Heifers Case Study

Making pelvic scoring part of one farmer’s heifer selection policy has enabled him to reduce stress, labour and costs involved in calving his heifer batch...

Read more >

Profiting From Terminal Sire EBVs at Thistleyhaugh

In this video, Duncan Nelless explains how being involved in the RamCompare project has clearly demonstrated that differences in Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) between rams...

Read more >

Calving at 3: Bulling Management

We revisit Billy Graham at Craigdarroch Farm to discuss bulling preparation and bull selection for calving at 3 years old.   More in our Calving...

Read more >

Calving at 2.5: Bulling Management

We revisit Stewart Stronach at Berryleys, Keith to hear how he manages his heifers at bulling and what he looks for when selecting bulls for...

Read more >

Calving at 2: Bulling Management

We revisit Tom Hopkinson at Lindertis Farm at Kirriemuir, to hear how he manages his heifers at bulling and what he looks for when selecting...

Read more >

Choosing the Right Age to Calve Heifers with Stevie Rolfe

In this short video, Stevie Rolfe from SR Cattle Services provides an overview of the range of heifer management practices he commonly sees across the...

Read more >

Biosecurity for Livestock at Shows

Summer livestock shows are in full swing again across the country. For all livestock exhibitors whether you are new to the show ring or returning...

Read more >

Heat Stress At Bulling In Spring Suckler Herds

With temperatures starting to reach 20 degrees plus it is important to make sure that beef cattle have plenty of shade and cool fresh water,...

Read more >

How To Avoid Lead Poisoning In Your Herd

    Lead poisoning occurs every year on Scottish farms, which carries huge welfare and economic losses. Hannah Orr, SRUC Veterinary Services discusses this problem,...

Read more >

Reduce Risk Of Scald In Lambs This Season

Scald is caused by bacteria (Dichelobacter nodosus) in the grass and leads to damage to the soft tissue between the toes of lambs. It can...

Read more >

Is Your Bull Working?

Is Your Bull Working? Now that bulls will have been out with cows for at least one cycle it is important to make sure that...

Read more >

Lead Poisoning Alert

Ahead of turn out livestock farmers should be aware of the risk of lead poisoning with the greatest risk of poisoning occurring in the period...

Read more >

Using Potatoes as an Alternative to Barley for Finishing Cattle

Stockfeed potatoes can be used as an alternative to expensive barley and are worth considering for feeding to finishing cattle to spin out home grown...

Read more >

Remember The Golden Rule Of Calving!

We are getting reports of large numbers of twins currently being born.  This makes it even more important to check for a second calf, especially...

Read more >

Liver Fluke – Actions To Consider This Spring

In spring 2021 a number of flocks experienced ill thrift and/or deaths in ewes as a result of infection with liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica).  In...

Read more >

Testing Requirements For Bull Sales

Bull sale season is here once again.  For those of you with pedigree animals to sell later in the year it’s time to think about...

Read more >

Calving Equipment Checklist

Are you ready for the start of calving?  Do you know where your calving ropes are?  Is your medicine cabinet well stocked?  With the first...

Read more >

Needles

Before lambing, it is good practice to make sure you have all the equipment that you will require, and that it is clean, sterile and...

Read more >

Spring Calving Checklist

As calving approaches, it is a great time to take stock, and look at your management over the spring calving period.  Ensuring the management is...

Read more >

Avoiding Accidental Pregnancies In Young Heifers

Every year we hear stories of unwanted pregnancies in heifer calves, an issue that creates a lot of work, cost and is a potential animal...

Read more >

Keeping Water Clean For Livestock

With cattle now out to grass, it is worth remembering to empty and clean out water troughs to stop stale and potentially dirty, contaminated water...

Read more >

Precision solutions to animal health & welfare: episode 2

Welcome along to our animal health & welfare series of eight podcasts.  Each podcast will look at the latest research around animal health & welfare,...

Read more >

Johne’s Disease – Control Options Post Turnout

Johne’s disease causes significant financial loss within beef herds reducing fertility and productivity.  It is also a significant welfare concern because clinically affected animals have severe diarrhoea and suffer from weight loss.  Early...

Read more >

Steps to Reduce Caesareans

There are a number of steps you can take to try and mitigate the need for cow caesareans.  Calving is the most important time to have cows in...

Read more >

Caesarean Cows – Breed Again?

For those of you with cows that have had caesarean sections this spring, the question you may be asking yourself, is whether or not you...

Read more >

Bulling Thoughts

We may be concentrating on calving at the moment, but it is time to think about what needs to be done to ensure the bull...

Read more >

Precision solutions to animal health & welfare: episode 1

Welcome along to our animal health & welfare series of podcasts. Over the course of 2021, we’ll be bringing you 8 podcasts, each falling under...

Read more >

Technical note (TN747): Recording lamb traits

Lamb survival is a major factor in determining the number of lambs reared and so the financial performance of any sheep enterprise. Flock management and...

Read more >

Preventing Scour In Calves

Calf scour (diarrhoea) is one of the biggest issues associated with illness, poor growth and mortality in calves.  The most common causes of calf scour...

Read more >

Cattle Health Factsheet

This factsheet aims to highlight the general considerations for cattle health and what to look out for. It should be used as a guide for...

Read more >

Animal Health is Wealth (podcast)

Following on from Animal Health is Wealth webinar, James Orr talks to The Woodlands Trust Scotland farmer Janet Pringle and her vet, Rhona Anderson of Forth...

Read more >

Technology for Improved Animal Welfare – The South West Dairy Development Centre

In this 2-part mini-series of podcasts based on Animal Health & Welfare we are speaking with the head of dairy, Duncan Forbes from the Agri-Epi...

Read more >

Livestock Health Planning Over The Winter

Agricultural Consultant Malcolm Macdonald spoke to beef and sheep specialist Robert Ramsay and SRUC Vet Colin Mason about livestock health planning over the winter. Colin...

Read more >

Importance of Long Fibre in Intensive Rations

Cattle which are fed on an ad-lib cereal-based finisher ration can have exceptional performance.  In order to achieve this exceptional performance good management is vital. 

Read more >

Animal Health Is Wealth

Your opportunity to listen back to our Animal Health is Wealth webinar. Veterinary health planning is widely recognised for its value in terms of improving...

Read more >

Colostrum for Calves

The management of calves at birth and immediately after has the biggest bearing on the future productivity of the calf.  The importance of getting good...

Read more >

Iceberg Disease Case Study, Sion Williams, Bowhill Farming

Sion Williams, farm manager at Bowhill Farming, is forward thinking and has developed a plan for if an iceberg disease is found in the flock...

Read more >

Dirty Cattle Cost Money

Ensuring fattening cattle are kept clean for slaughter can be difficult, with long months of winter housing and the cost of straw bedding and its...

Read more >

High Risk Of Unwanted Pregnancies In Heifer Calves

We are hearing some worrying reports, from vets and scanners all over the country.  There have been a large number of heifer calves being found...

Read more >

Winter Livestock Health

Winter brings with it a wealth of hazards and health issues in cattle and sheep which can all negatively impact on livestock performance and profitability....

Read more >

What Are Antibiotics?

Responsible use of antibiotics should be at the forefront of all our minds - should I use antibiotics?  What antibiotic should I use?  Are other...

Read more >

Are Your Calves Prepared for Winter?

Now is the time to consider the thermal comfort of your dairy calves as the winter months approach.  The effect of cold on calf health,...

Read more >

Liver Fluke Factsheet

Liver Fluke Factsheet Fluke is a complicated subject, but this short Practical Guide explains the essential information you need to know to protect and treat...

Read more >

Do You Know What Your Cows Weigh?

If you do not weigh your cows on a regular basis you might be surprised to know that the weight range between animals within the...

Read more >

Watch Condition of Autumn Calving Cows

While it is ideal to manage cow condition throughout the year, this is often easier said than done.  Cows on good quality grass will put on condition rapidly.  Having over fat cows at...

Read more >

Magnesium For Autumn Calving Herds

When we think about magnesium deficiency, we automatically think about grass staggers.  Many suckler herds do not experience problems with staggers in the spring and it tends to...

Read more >

Watch Your Water

Both water availability and quality are important considerations for cattle at grass, particularly during periods of hot weather.  Although rare, cases of blue-green algae (or...

Read more >

Unusual Behaviour And Deaths In Cattle

Over the last couple of days there have been several reports of dairy cows eating soil and of deaths in young suckled calves from twisted...

Read more >

Identifying And Treating Lameness In Cattle

There are two vital points to remember when tackling lameness in a group of cattle: Identify what the cause of lameness is Don’t assume all...

Read more >

Practical Steps To Reducing Lameness In Finishing Cattle

As with most things in life, when it comes to lameness, prevention is always better than cure.  Lameness is recognised as a major issue in...

Read more >

Problems With Newborn Lambs and Calves Suckling

We have had more reports this year of newborn lambs and calves having problems suckling.  In some cases it appears that the young themselves will not suckle and...

Read more >

Reflection On Calving 2020

With most farms now coming to the end of Spring calving 2020, now is a good time to reflect on calving. What has gone well?...

Read more >

Salmonella Dublin In Beef Herds

Salmonella Dublin can cause significant impacts on health and mortality rates during the calving period.  However only 10% of the confirmed diagnosis are from beef...

Read more >

Beef Cattle Housing

A guide to help you through the ins and outs of keeping your cattle in and out.

Read more >

Something else on your mind?