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 […]
Tag Archives: dairy
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, […]
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 […]
