As the climate changes in the UK its worth considering the impact of heat stress on cattle in particular dairy cattle. Heat stress occurs when the environmental temperature humidity index >70; something that currently doesn’t happen very often but potentially could become more of an issue in the next few years. Heat stress causes a …
I talk often enough here about worms, and worm counts, and also growth rates as ways of monitoring the impact of parasites on our sheep flocks. One thing I don’t consider so much as an early indicator to parasites is reduced feed intake, or changing grazing behavior. Perhaps its because I am now enjoying walking …
CCN – Polioencephalomalacia or cerebrocortical necrosis. It is the time of year I start to be asked about CCN in sheep and lambs, and although there are also many other causes of neurological signs in young sheep this is a fairly common one, especially when the weather is very wet! Which means things are likely …
Last month I got introduced to some of the people behind the website www.dungbeetlesforfarmers.co.uk I was told about the introduction of dung beetles to Australia. Here the native dung beetles were only able to deal with dung of marsupials and not that of livestock which got introduced in the 18880’s. This was one major reason …
Following on from Claire’s article last month on ketosis in dairy cows and Kexxtone boluses; a reminder that the active ingredient of the Kexxtone boluses, monensin is very toxic to dogs, horses and other equid species. After administration of the bolus a small number of cows may regurgitate it, generally this is either within the …
Recently I watched a webinar on calf survival. One speaker spoke about different techniques used to “treat” dummy calves. Dummy calves are bright, apparently healthy calves but slow to stand and for some reason will not suck or bond with the dam. As these calves will fail to suck people often resort to continued stomach …
Elanco recently ran a webinar showcasing recent work on ketosis in Spring calving herds. The message was about ‘SOFT’ cows being at high risk of ketosis— sick, old, fat and twin bearing. It is known ketosis has major consequences in terms of production, health and fertility in cows. Many major diseases are at increased risk …
So the month is here that I analyse the previous year’s bull testing data. In 2020 there were 367 Bull Pre Breeding Soundness Examinations performed in the practice. One third of these were pre-sale while the remaining ones were pre mating and most of these bulls had been tested in previous year(s). Dismissing reasons for …
Some of you will know that I am rather keen on investigating transition health and performance and one of my preferred techniques is to perform blood tests on dairy cows in the week before they calve in order to monitor energy balance and nutrition. This is important as cows which are in poor energy balance …
Ovine chlamydiosis is a bacterial disease acquired from infected sheep or goats. It causes abortion in sheep and goats and is known as ‘enzootic abortion in ewes’ (EAE). Chlamydophila abortus infections are the most common cause of abortions in sheep in the UK. Infected sheep and goats often have no symptoms when they first become …
