Dairy
Feed Space and Milk Output
The natural behaviour of cows is to synchronise certain habits so that the majority of animals in the herd feed, rest and ruminate at the same time. This natural behaviour can be restricted in housed systems, especially if there is competition for feed and lying space. Some animals may adapt their feeding times if space is limited, so as to avoid aggressive interactions at the feed fence.
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Selective dry cow therapy
There is increasing pressure to reduce antibiotic use in the dairy industry and selective dry cow therapy can help towards this. Using individual cell count data and mastitis history is…
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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…
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Top tips for calving
With most of the suckler cows in Scotland calving in the spring, now is a timely opportunity to highlight some top tips for calving which will pay dividends in the…
Read More >Making the most of Red Clover
Red clover benefits As a forage legume, red clover has the ability to fix nitrogen due to the presence of bacteria in the root nodules. During establishment and growth of…
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Reducing Mastitis of Dry Period Origin
Clinical mastitis of dry period origin refers to cases occurring within the first 30 days after calving. There is a high probability that these cases are due to environmental infections…
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Optimising Fertility in Dairy Heifers
The target age at first calving for dairy heifers of 24 months is proven to be the economic optimum, with these younger calving heifers being more productive and profitable than…
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Keeping Calves Productive and Healthy in Cold Conditions
With winter approaching now is the time to consider the thermal needs of your calves. A calf less than three weeks old has a lower critical temperature between 10 to…
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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…
Read More >Caesarean Section In Cattle
The legacy of a great year for grass is an increasing number of cows likely to require a caesarean section. While a natural birth is the goal, when a section is required there are several things that are needed for a successful outcome.
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