The average livestock grazing system targeted to produce and consume as much as 10 tonnes of dry matter per hectare (4 tonnes per acre). However, 50 – 80% of forage-producing fields are currently underutilised. The right livestock mineral block can make all the difference. Whether grazed all-year-round or housed in the winter, ruminant animals hold […]
Regular weather changes have led to severe respiratory challenges for young dairy calves throughout the autumn of 2024. According to David Morgan, this emphasises the necessity of a draught-free environment and dry and comfortable bedding at all times. He added: “These young animals need access to highly digestible feed sources. It’s also a reality that […]
Damian Barson of Tessleymoor Farm has been spinning many plates the last three years in a bid to get himself established in the tricky world of farming. One thing that’s remained consistent from day one, is the use of Crystalyx Extra High Energy feed licks. Damian started farming at the age of 50. But before […]
Nutrition mid-pregnancy should not be overlooked It is important to maintain body condition in this key period as it pays dividends in terms of scanning rate and subsequent lamb performance. Lakeside Lleyn’s have achieved a 204% scanning rate thanks to Crystalyx Extra High Energy Mid-pregnancy (months two and three) is when the embryo is implanted […]
As the autumn progresses and the nutritional quality of autumn grass regresses in tandem, it is vital that producers keep the diet in balance with the aid of supplements. The three major questions to be asking when autumn grazing are: Will productive cattle have sufficient sugar for the rumen to digest autumn grass effectively? Will […]
Having ewes and tups in optimal condition for tupping forms the basis of profitability for both lowland and hill sheep farmers. A fact that has only been exacerbated by record lamb prices and projected higher costs to rear replacements this year. Ewe efficiency is directly linked to profitability and can be impacted by the following […]
Extreme rainfall is steadily on the rise and is impacting on the availability of micronutrients to grazing animals. The Met Office has reported via the UK Climate report that the UK has become nine percent wetter over the last few decades. EPA Climate Ireland have also reported a seven percent increase in rainfall in the […]
is Whatever your land type or market target, the number of lambs you rear will impact the income you reap from your sheep enterprise. Tupping sheep is the starting point for avoiding those empty sheep that don’t pay the bills. The best thing you can do is to look back at your previous lambing’s. What […]
For dairy and suckler farms that have livestock out to pasture during the summer months, fly control is vital. There’s the threat of summer mastitis in replacement heifers and dry cows. There’s also the threat of the Bluetongue viral disease transmitted by infected midges. Rain combined with a rise in temperatures make for the perfect […]
The importance of minerals, trace elements, and vitamins in every living function has been long understood. There are fifteen essential macro minerals and trace elements that are ‘required for life’ and vital for animal performance. On this basis alone, supplementation can be crucial. The agricultural sector has taken huge strides forward in precisely meeting biological […]