Advice - Livestock

How lambs are managed in the first few hours of life and through to weaning is key to long term health and performance

Undervaluing the importance of navel health at lambing time can provide repercussions in the thrift and development in young lambs. Ellie Layton looks at why it is paramount.

Now is a good time to be assessing leys, but any improvements should be considered within the wider context of the farm

After the lack of forage in many areas in 2025 due to the drought, this season could see increased interest in growing fodder beet on livestock farms

Feeding colostrum at the onset of scour, alongside replacing lost fluids could help with calf recovery

Making small, but significant tweaks to lambing management procedures can dramatically improve lamb survival

Reporting unusual symptoms this calving season could play a vital role in catching bluetongue before it is too late.

Farmers are advised to test forage planned for in-lamb ewes to ensure correct supplementary feeding and optimal nutrition

General pneumonia control strategies are advised to help manage and prevent mycoplasma outbreaks in calves

A new calf shed is not always an option, but small and consistent improvements can help optimise current calf systems