Cow Welfare [DA.AHW.CW]

MMN January 2024 – What is the Cost Benefit of Whole-Herd Routine Foot Trimming?

As many herds are now halfway through the housing period, the incidence of lameness may become more apparent. Prolonged exposure to damp/soiled passageways may have contributed towards additional foot infections…

Veterinary Declaration Requirements for EU Exports

From the 13th of December 2023, a new veterinary declaration rule is coming into force across the country. The new rule requires farmers to certify that any POAO (Products of…

MMN September 2023 – Water Quality: is it up to scratch?

We all know the importance of water to a dairy cow. High yielding cows can consume over 200 litres a day and so fresh, palatable water is essential to maintain…

Milk Manager News May 2023 – Cows Off Colour? Know The Signs!

Farm staff should be trained how to spot the early signs of health issues in dairy cows, be that metabolic disorders or disease. Many farms have rumination monitors which have…

Milk Manager News November 2022 – Downer Cow Syndrome

Downer Cow Syndrome The definition of Downer Cow Syndrome is a cow that has not been able to get up for more than 24 hours. It is sometimes called Bovine…

Preventing Lameness Within Your Dairy Herd

Lameness is one of the costliest diseases within the dairy cow herd, with the average cost of each lameness case being £180 but can vary from £75 up to £500.…

Dry Cow Management for a Successful Transition into the Milking Herd

This factsheet focuses on the non-nutritional factors that are important to help dry dairy cows achieve a trouble free-calving and successful transition into the milking herd. Related FAS Resources Dry…

Reducing Stress in Cows at Calving

Improving cow comfort and reducing cow stress is now seen as a given route to improving production as well as animal welfare. One of the most stressful times for the…

Dairy cow lameness

Lameness is a huge welfare issue in the dairy industry. One of the most common causes of lameness is digital dermatitis and effective footbathing is an important part of controlling…

Keeping on Top of Lameness

Lameness is one of the biggest welfare challenges in UK dairy herds. It is estimated that the prevalence of lameness is around 20% in intensively managed herds. There is always…

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