Livestock

Poultry farmers are set to face an increase in insurance premiums as avian influenza (AI) continues to pose a risk to operations.

Abomasal disorders are an all too common problem in high-yielding adult dairy cows, with left-displacement of the abomasum (LDA) the most frequently reported. Wendy Short reports.

Poultry densities may have to be reduced in high-risk areas to prevent further outbreaks of avian influenza (AI), scientists have warned.

The latest analysis of first and second cut grass silages by Trouw Nutrition GB confirms the initial assessment that this year’s silage quality has been significantly influenced by the growing season and forages will require particularly careful balancing.

The future of farming and food security must be ‘at the forefront’ of the agenda for any newly-established Defra team after the Conservative leadership election, the National Sheep Association (NSA) has said.

A salmonella infection can be devastating to a dairy herd, as dairy farmer Derek Semmens found when he experienced an outbreak in his calves and milking herd. Dairy Farmer reports.

Two new records were set at the Blue Texel Northern Supreme sale at Carlisle with a new breed record of 30,000gn paid for the shearling ram, Sunnybank Fergus from Henry Jewitt, Barnard Castle.

Some 300 cattle entries, along with 1,000 sheep, 200 pigs and 50 goats, made Edenbridge and Oxted Show the largest gathering of livestock in the South East this year.

Becky Fenton and husband Paul milk 180 pedigree Holsteins under the Springlebee prefix at Centenary Farm, a Cheshire county council farm. In 2021, they bought a farm in Staffordshire and they plan to farm there once the new dairy set-up has been built.

A new breed record of 28,000gns was set at the Dutch Spotted Sheep UK Society show and sale at Carlisle for the male and overall champion, Diamond Fireball, a ram lamb from Emma and Allen Shortt, Co Tyrone.