Advice

Biosecurity and testing are key to controlling border disease in sheep flocks, a disease which could be silently driving high barren rates and abortions

Research suggests successful breeding preparation is about far more than feeding extra concentrates for a few weeks before the ram goes out.

Providing animals with essential micronutrients will help support livestock health and performance, but how can farmers get this nutrition into animals before licks and supplements are required?

A combination of genomic testing and applying strict targets for the use of sexed semen to control the number of heifers reared and entering the herd can increase the return on investment in heifer rearing

Dairy cow fertility is described as a ‘spider's web of interconnect risk factors' by veterinary consultant Dr Vicki Shepherd, so what factors need addressing to achieve good performance?

A vet-led benchmarking group in Northumberland has found the value of data in improving suckler herd performance

Johne's disease continues to undermine progress in some herds, often quietly and over time, so does the approach to controlling this disease need to change?

High temperatures are now more likely and less predictable so dairy farmers need to be prepared to combat the negative impact of heat stress on health and productivity in their herds

Consistent hygiene and provision of a well-mixed milk replacer will have a knock-on effect on calf performance and health, translating into labour savings in the calf shed

Rising productivity in modern dairy herds can come at a cost, with nutritional stress now a key driver of poor fertility in high yielding herds