Sheep abortion submissions have increased this year, with diagnostic rates reaching their highest level since 2020, according to data from the Wales Veterinary Science Centre (WVSC)1. Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (EAE), caused by Chlamydia abortus, was the most common cause of ovine abortion, accounting for 72% of diagnosed cases at WVSC1. The findings come despite […]
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Sheep farmers are being urged to review ewe and ram nutrition ahead of tupping, as heat stress and dry conditions could put pressure on fertility. While the impact of hot weather is often associated with immediate effects such as reduced feed intake and poorer performance, the consequences can extend much further, potentially affecting reproductive performance […]
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A survey of UK pig producers has revealed farmers are taking active steps to strengthen biosecurity in response to the ongoing threat from African Swine Fever (ASF). The survey, conducted by biosecurity specialists Roam Technology, was completed mainly by large indoor farrow-to-finish units (>1,000 sows). It found that more than half of respondents (52%) had […]
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Livestock farmers are being urged to act now to protect cattle and sheep from the hidden effects of heat stress, as another heatwave is forecast to hit the UK this week. While soaring temperatures are often associated with reduced feed intake and lower performance, experts warn the greatest threat may come from damage to gut […]
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Rising temperatures are prompting backyard poultry keepers to take extra steps to keep birds cool, healthy and comfortable this summer. Unlike humans, chickens cannot sweat to regulate their body temperature, instead, relying on other mechanisms to lose heat, making them particularly vulnerable during periods of prolonged hot weather. “Chickens have a normal body temperature of […]
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Dairy farms participating in the MSD Animal Health Demonstration Farm Network are reporting measurable improvements in animal health, fertility and youngstock performance after implementing structured health reviews and herd-monitoring technologies. Launched in 2025, the network brings together five dairy farms across England, Wales and Scotland to demonstrate how proactive herd health management and monitoring technology […]
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Removing the fleeces of lambs helps to lift growth rates and improve flock management. This, according to Heiniger’s Hefin Rowlands, should be carried out with care and the right equipment. “Shearing every lamb in its first summer can increase growth rates by up to 20g a head. The best time varies from lowland to upland, […]
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Weaning should be viewed as the starting point for next season’s lamb crop, with poor ewe condition and hidden trace element deficiencies potentially costing flocks valuable lambs at scanning time, according to sheep experts. Nia Williams, Commercial and Technical Manager at Nettex says the post-weaning period is a critical window for assessing ewes and making […]
Read ArticleLameness assessment results conducted across more than 21,000 sheep have found that full implementation of the industry’s Five Point Plan can reduce lameness levels by over two-thirds in affected flocks. Findings from 83 on-farm assessments across 24 farms, conducted by MSD Animal Health, showed lameness reductions of 57% to 67% when all five elements of […]
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Dairy farmers will have the opportunity to see first-hand how herd monitoring technology, data and proactive animal health planning are helping to improve productivity, welfare and labour efficiency when one of Staffordshire’s leading dairy farms opens its gates this summer. The inaugural MSD Animal Health Demonstration Farm Open Day will take place at Castle Hayes […]
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The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) has launched a dedicated Entrepreneurs Club to bring together former participants of its long-running Entrepreneurs in Dairying (EiD) programme and support ongoing development across the dairy sector. Building on the success of the EiD programme, the RABDF Entrepreneurs Club creates a network for former course delegates, offering […]
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A renewed industry drive to tackle sheep lameness will be the focus of a free webinar this July, as vets, researchers and farmers come together to share the latest evidence and on farm experience. Taking place during Lameness Month on Thursday 16 July at 7pm, the webinar, sponsored by MSD Animal Health, makers of Footvax®, […]
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