Dairy Farmer

Inevitably, downer cow syndrome is an issue many dairy farmers will have to deal with at one time or another. Vet Dr Charlie Mays discusses best practice for managing downer cows and how the correct use of hip hoists can be life-saving.

One of the most crucial times in a cow’s production cycle, the transition period can positively or negatively impact future milk production, fertility, and overall health.

Methane inhibitor Bovaer is the first EU additive found to reduce methane emissions in dairy cows by 30 per cent and could prove a handy climate tool for farmers here in the UK.

Dairy and beef farmers across the UK are being urged to draw up plans to make the most of this year’s ‘mixed bag’ silage.

Look out for acorns on grazing pastures this autumn, as the effects of acorn poisoning can be detrimental to livestock.

New guidance on vaccination to improve cattle health in the UK prioritises scours as a disease which livestock should be protected against by default.

Good hygiene and colostrum management are the corner stones of controlling cryptosporidiosis infections in calves.

The out-wintering of livestock on fodder crops has long been a wintering strategy used by beef and sheep enterprises. But as winter housing costs are looming and silage rations are being opened, fodder crops may also be an option for dairy systems.

When abortions occur, it is important to understand what is causing them and how these problems can be avoided.