Rearing Animals [BE.RA]
Cattle Health Factsheet
This factsheet aims to highlight the general considerations for cattle health and what to look out for. It should be used as a guide for when to seek veterinary advice, rather than being used to decide when an animal requires treatment. However, prevention is better than cure as once an animal has become ill, any treatment may only be symptomatic, not curative.
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Technology for Improved Animal Welfare – The South West Dairy Development Centre
In this 2-part mini-series of podcasts based on Animal Health & Welfare we are speaking with the head of dairy, Duncan Forbes from the Agri-Epi Centre. In podcast 1, Duncan…
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Keeping Male Calves Entire?
With calving either started or not far away, on many farms, now is the time for breeders to consider whether they castrate their bull calves or keep them entire.
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Dirty Cattle Cost Money
Ensuring fattening cattle are kept clean for slaughter can be difficult, with long months of winter housing and the cost of straw bedding and its availability. With straw supplies looking…
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High Risk Of Unwanted Pregnancies In Heifer Calves
We are hearing some worrying reports, from vets and scanners all over the country. There have been a large number of heifer calves being found to be in calf, some of which have been bulled as early as 4 months.
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What Are Antibiotics?
Responsible use of antibiotics should be at the forefront of all our minds – should I use antibiotics? What antibiotic should I use? Are other treatments more appropriate? This guide, along with discussion with your vet should assist with key decisions surrounding antibiotic use.
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Do You Know What Your Cows Weigh?
If you do not weigh your cows on a regular basis you might be surprised to know that the weight range between animals within the herd could be as much as 300 kg!
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Watch Condition of Autumn Calving Cows
While it is ideal to manage cow condition throughout the year, this is often easier said than done. Cows on good quality grass will put on condition rapidly. Having over fat cows at calving time can cause issues with calving difficulty, fat cows also have a higher risk of metabolic issues around calving time.
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