Livestock

During the last 2 years SAC diagnostic laboratories have diagnosed cases of OPA in sheep from 98 different farms – almost 1 new farm a week. The disease is present in all areas with diagnoses being made from Dumfries to Thurso.

Over the last few days I have heard people complaining about sheep having rain scald – so what is it?

The weather has turned warm and wet, which usually means sore feet in lambs. There are a number of different causes of lameness, with identification of the issue being paramount to effective treatment.

More producers are finding that leaving the calves in the field they have been in all summer and taking away their mothers does help reduce the weaning check – but still needs strong fences!

Calving is the most important time to have the cow in the correct condition. Achieving the correct condition score for the system of production will have many benefits.

With the reduced demand for bull beef many producers may be tempted to castrate their current crop of young bulls.