Parasites at Housing This Year
November 25
With a very dry summer, overall internal parasite risk has been much reduced both for worms and fluke. However, the last couple of months of rain has promoted a good autumn flush of grass and, conversely, a much higher risk of worms and resuming of fluke lifecycles on pasture. If mild conditions continue then extended grazing seasons with warm wet conditions will also allow the risk period to extend further into the year than usual.
Upcoming Event – Making Ends Meat
Weds 26th November – RAU, Cirencester
We’re hosting a ticketed event with guest speakers from across the industry and a farmer panel, as well as the opportunity to catch up with many of our own veterinary team. Presentations include: “Key Issues for beef and sheep nutrition this winter”, “The growth and opportunities of diversifying into Integrated Beef”, “What’s driving the beef and lamb markets?” and “Winning against Worms without the bottle- smarter parasite control!
Pregnancy Diagnosis Results
November 25
What is the benefit of prompt PDing and how can we use this data?
Many herds have been undertaking pregnancy diagnosis recently and unsurprisingly, with the heat and shortage of forage over the summer, results have been somewhat variable. Prompt PDs (45 days + after removal of the bull) gives a good indication of how well the breeding period has gone. The earlier PDs are done, the more accurate we will be in terms of estimating individual stage of gestation, which can help with planning for the calving period.
Stress in Calves
October 25
Stress is a significant factor that can adversely affect the health and performance of young calves. Understanding the main stressors and the impact they can have on calf health is important as they can have lasting effects which negatively impact future productivity.
Sheep Newsletter
September 25
Haemonchus contortus is a gut worm where the adults settle in the abomasum. Adult haemonchus worms have the ability to remove large quantities of blood (0.05ml/day) from their host. The risk of haemonchus is ever growing due to climate change. Warm and wet conditions, especially after dry spells, create ideal conditions for haemonchus larvae to thrive on pasture.
Advances in Scour Prevention
September 25
As I write this, we are again in a heat wave with a number of days over 30 degrees and no rain forecast. Not only does this result in a challenge for winter forage but also causes heat stress in cows and we shouldn’t forget the calves either. Hot weather can exacerbate dehydration in calves quickly and we should remember this is the biggest killer in calves under 2w.
