Maintaining body condition in ewes from pre-tupping and in the run-up to lambing is vital for reproduction. Feed blocks for sheep are becoming increasingly commonplace for achieving this effectively, and there’s a good reason why. We visit some sheep production systems in Ireland to see how the Crystalyx Extra High Energy feed blocks for sheep […]
22
Feb
Feb
Feeding free-access feed licks during the dry period elevates cow fertility and milk yields in early lactation on high-performing Pembrokeshire dairy herd. Since using Crystalyx Transition 100, some cows are producing north of 40 litres a day within 10 days of calving. Mark and Caroline Davies farm 235-acres of grassland and milk 250 pedigree Holstein Friesian […]
18
Oct
Oct
For the Bown family, complexity and high-costs are not a necessity for milking some of the best cows in the UK. Instead, a simple approach with cattle mineral licks helps to deliver exceptional results from high-production genetics. Richard and Dawn Bown along with their son, Daniel, and daughter, Hannah, farm in Hanley Castle near Worcester. […]
05
Jul
Jul
Summer mastitis predominantly occurs during the warm summer months with cattle out at pasture. The disease changes little over the years, affecting the same farms year after year and often just certain fields on those farms. The disease affects non-lactating cows, but can also affect replacement heifers, leading to devastating consequences. Very few affected quarters […]
13
Jan
Jan
Milk fever (parturient hypocalcaemia) means a lowering of blood calcium levels around the time of calving. Lack of calcium results in a loss of muscle activity with symptoms of milk fever being a lack of muscle function. A cow with milk fever, won’t respond fully to calcium injections unless her magnesium status is satisfactory. Why? […]
12
Oct
Oct
Rearing replacement heifers accounts for approx. 20% of farm production costs and is the second largest expense after the cost of feed for the milking herd. Calfhood diseases have a major impact on rearing economics and can also have long-term effects on performance. Optimal calf health pre-weaning, putting an emphasis on prevention rather than cure, […]
22
Sep
Sep
Dairy and beef farmers find themselves in the almost unique positions of having grass banks building up on their farms on a par with what they would expect to be dealing with during the very best spells of spring weather. But irrespective of how good grass growth rates are at the present time, it must […]
17
Feb
Feb
Lambing is looming and it’s the calm before the storm, so to speak. To minimise the storm, we need to use the calm to ensure ewes are in the right body condition. High energy sheep buckets is often just what they need. Is body condition scoring really necessary? Having breeding ewes in the right body […]
27
Oct
Oct
Respiratory problems – such as pneumonia in calves – are most prevalent when temperatures are low and humidity is high. Poor ventilation and direct draughts can also cause calves and sheep to develop respiratory problems. According to AHDB, pneumonia in calves costs the UK cattle industry around £50 million every year. The cost of […]
18
Sep
Sep
Many cases of milk fever can be prevented, by ensuring normal blood magnesium levels are maintained in the dry period. This is particularly true of summer and autumn calving cows which spend their entire dry period at grass, often eating forages with a low available magnesium content. Milk fever (parturient hypocalcaemia) means a lowering of […]
