Livestock

Pregnancy scanning ewes is a simple, cost effective management tool that is grossly underused by the sheep sector.  It offers numerous benefits and cost savings that far outweigh the cost of the procedure.

There are two different types of colostrum products on the market.

Spoiled silage is traditionally blamed for most outbreaks of listeriosis but in some cases has not always been fed. 

Ewe iodine requirements increase during the winter and the thyroid store can be used to make up any dietary deficit. 

Colostrum quality is key to lamb survival and is quantified by the amount of gamma globulin present –these are the large molecules of protein that provide antibody protection.

For many spring calving herds the start of calving is less than 100 days away.  This makes it a good time to check the herd, or more importantly each cow, is on the right track for a successful calving.

A great way to share knowledge in the farming world is to visit other farms for meetings and farm walks and tours.