Cow Welfare [DA.AHW.CW] | Helping farmers in Scotland

Too Much of a Good Thing? Copper Oversupply in Dairy Herds

Trace minerals are essential for reproductive performance, immunity, and productivity in dairy herds. They play a key role in maintaining enzyme systems and immune defences. Traditionally, mineral supplementation strategies have focused on preventing deficiencies whilst accounting for interactions that may…

The Dairy Labour Crisis – Who will Milk the Cows Tomorrow?

Across the dairy sector, margins are under increasing pressure. Following the recent milk price drops and ongoing market volatility, rising input costs and heightened environmental regulations often dominate headlines. For many producers,…

How to Assess and Improve Cow Cleanliness

Keeping cows clean when housed can often be a challenge but is an important part of ensuring good udder health and prevention of environmental mastitis.…

Uterine Prolapse in Dairy Cattle

Uterine prolapses are more serious than vaginal or rectal prolapses, and almost always occur within 24 hours of calving. They are easily distinguished from vaginal…

MMN November 2024 – Waterbeds – the Ultimate in Cow Comfort?

Ensuring good cow comfort is critical to welfare and productivity and a new type of lying surface is gaining momentum – waterbeds! First developed in…

MMN November 2024 – A Recap on Winter Lameness Management: Prevention is Better than Cure

The estimated average cost of a case of lameness in dairy cows is £180. Whilst we are all aware of the risks and costs of…

MMN May 2024 – Reducing White Line Disease in Dairy Cows

White line disease (WLD) is the second most common cause of claw disease in dairy cows, with an average of 5.5 cases per 100 cows…

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…