Several veterinary practices in England are now looking to recruit people from across the agricultural community to help support them in fulfilling their cattle TB testing responsibilities. These job opportunities are being publicised following approval by the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) last November to allow para-professional staff to carry out TB testing in […]
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The final six weeks of pregnancy are key to supporting short and long-term performance of suckler herds, says Dr Alison Bond, nutritionist for Rumenco. “At this point in time, cows should be maintaining a body condition score of 2.5-3 with the nutritional focus shifting towards supplementation for colostrum development and prevention of metabolic issues that […]
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Strategic use of rumen-protected fat supplements help meet energy requirements and support milk quality. As grass growth takes off in the early part of the grazing season, nutrition focus tends to be on completing the transition from the winter TMR to a grass-based diet without succumbing to post-turnout milk fat depression. While this remains important, […]
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Industry concern about a potential shortage of propionic acid this year has been amplified by the fact that many UK mixed farms are planning to feed more home-grown cereals to their livestock to offset rising bought-in feedstock prices, reports Azelis Animal Nutrition. “Consequently, some farms may have to investigate an alternative grain preservation approach this […]
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Simple steps to improve hygiene can significantly reduce the spread of equine herpes. The disease led the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) to cancel the show jumping and dressage world cup finals in Gothenburg, Sweden, to prevent it spreading further. To protect horses from diseases, including equine herpes, owners should look to increase levels of hygiene […]
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Selecting the right wilting technique when making grass silage can make wilting speed as much as five times faster, according to results of new Ecosyl UK research. Conducted using farm-scale silage machinery on farms in Wales, the research compared the effects of tedding, time of day of cutting, and crop maturity on the rate of […]
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With spot and forward feed protein costs increasing dramatically, making Alkalage this harvest is a highly economical way of providing the starch and protein your cows will need next winter. Nutritionists estimate that it could cut bought-in protein costs by up to a third this year for some mixed farms. The bonus is so significant […]
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As the UK weather warms up, dairy and beef farmers are being encouraged to protect the performance of total mixed rations (TMRs) with the use of an efficient preservative. “With feed prices continuing to escalate, it is important to ensure cows gain full value from the feed put in front of them and this means […]
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Making multi-cut grass silage could put dairy farms in a stronger position to withstand the effects of drought on reducing grass growth, results of an Ecosyl survey suggest. Conducted among more than 100 dairy farmers – 55% of whom were making grass silage conventionally, taking up to three cuts a year, and 45% of whom […]
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With soya bean meal prices soaring, dairy farmers looking for cost-effective sources of feed protein this winter should consider alkalisation of straight cereals. Rob Smith from FiveF Alka suggests that UK dairy units should always be looking to reduce their reliance on expensive bought-in protein – to both improve enterprise sustainability and cut winter feed […]
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Now there’s a Brexit deal, UK sheep producers are being urged to invest some of the better than expected returns from the autumn lamb and prime sheep sales into preparing for a successful 2021 lambing season. “On the back of recent prices, there’s a fair amount of optimism about despite concerns about the implications of […]
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Farmers looking to make better silage in 2021 to reduce reliance on bought-in feeds should start planning now, urges Volac silage specialist, Ken Stroud, to allow time for appropriate actions. Based on experience, he offers a timely five-point plan. Review your silage analysis Begin by examining the analysis of your 2020 silage, says Mr Stroud. […]
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