Nutrition

Farmers struggling to mill over-dry grain for livestock feed this winter now have access to a treatment which is more typically used by the feed processing industry.

This year’s extreme summer drought in many parts of the country has reinforced the need for dairy farmers to look for alternative fodder sources to maximise milk production from home-grown feeds. Dairy Farmer reports.

Maize trials carried out at the Carlisle Regional Technology Centre, at Smalmstown Farm, Longtown, have shed a new light on the use of narrow film.

Under-sowing grass alongside maize crops is increasingly becoming an option for many due to soil erosion prevention and winter grazing options.

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.

Negative experiences during a cow’s pregnancy, such as stress, changes to nutrition and cow health can have long lasting impacts on foetal development and influence lifetime cattle performance.

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.

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.

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.