Advice - Dairy

Katie Fitzgerald, of Bishopton Farm Vets, looks at the cause, impact and management of heat stress among dairy cows

Studies have shown that heat stress during the dry period can not only affect productivity in the following lactation, but also the productivity of daughters and granddaughters

Understanding the value of slurry is key to utilising nutrients efficiently and growing quality silage

Diluting the risk of opportunistic environmental infection is key to managing and preventing mastitis in the dairy herd

Frequent footbathing of dry cows combined with preventive foot trimming is enabling digital dermatitis incidence to be maintained at the 2% level at Marcross Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan

Pain and inflammation relief medication can improve recovery times for many of the major diseases, but it is important to understand their uses and follow advice for correct administration

Expert highlights that establishing herbal and multi-species leys is fundamentally different from grassland reseeding

Good colostrum management and cleanliness of calf housing and equipment is key to managing cryptosporidiosis infections on-farm

Turning cows out to grass gradually is key to prevent the risk of sub-acute acidosis and impacts on production

A common issue affecting pre-weaned dairy calves, rumen drinking can have significant impacts on calf performance and in severe cases can result in death