With UK farmgate milk prices maintaining a downward trend since the start of 2020, dairy farmers are being urged to maximise their contract returns by continuing to produce low somatic cell count (SCC) milk. And feeding protected selenium can help, says a nutrition expert. “Milk buyers penalise you for high SCC milk, which can be […]
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A combination of management and genetic changes can reduce the carbon footprint of an individual UK suckler unit by up to 40% while contributing to beef production efficiencies, shows data from a lifecycle analysis by Alltech E-CO2 and Stabiliser Cattle Company. “The UK suckler industry is under immense pressure to reduce its carbon footprint while […]
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Livestock producers looking to make the most of grazed forage can increase intake and digestion by 10 percent when supplementing pastures with a nutrient-rich Rumevite block, says Dr Alison Bond, nutritionist for Rumenco. “Supplying a balanced combination of nutrient-rich ingredients, the blocks stimulate the rumen to work harder by fuelling and increasing the rumen bug […]
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New research from Michigan State University, USA, demonstrates significant improvements in cow productivity with specific fatty acid supplementation through early lactation. The concept of feeding fat in dairy rations is nothing new – the energy-dense nutrient is hugely beneficial to meeting increased nutritional requirements as cows simultaneously produce milk while maintaining body condition ahead of […]
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As grass growth rate and quality starts its usual decline over the later summer months, autumn calving suckler herds are being urged to monitor cow condition score closely this year. “Calving beef cattle in the autumn invariably coincides with a period of decreasing grass availability and quality, so this can be challenging for some herds. […]
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MSD Animal Health today announced the completion of its previously announced acquisition of the worldwide rights to VECOXAN® (diclazuril), an oral suspension for the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis in calves and lambs, from Elanco Animal Health. VECOXAN is efficacious, in lambs, against coccidiosis caused by Eimeria crandallis and Eimeria ovinoidalis, and in calves, against […]
Read ArticleWith temperatures forecast to rise above 25°C, cattle producers should be prepared to mitigate the negative effects of heat stress on their beef and dairy animals. “Cattle are fairly comfortable when the ambient temperature is between 15°C and 25°C over the summer months but if the thermometer rises significantly, production performance will start to suffer,” […]
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Enrolment for the Milking Equipment Association (MEA) backed Parlour Safe courses has been announced. The courses start in October at Hartpury and Reaseheath colleges to offer participants an opportunity to improve their theoretical and practical understanding of dairy equipment installation, maintenance and use. Parlour Safe was launched in 2015 and for technicians, and others working […]
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Taking good care of grass silage made during the rest of this year could be crucial to avoid excess spending on bought-in feeds, after the dry spring curtailed silage yields in the first half of the season, says Volac livestock specialist, Ken Stroud. According to Mr Stroud, bought-in feeds can account for up to half […]
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Farmers struggling to manage persistent digestive disturbances amongst their calves now have access to a breakthrough new 100% dairy protein milk formula from Volac. New Imunogard® has been formulated specifically for under-performing stressed calves or to meet the unique needs of calf units wrestling with a stubborn scour problem that can’t be overcome by an […]
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Harvesting an area of cereal crop for fermented wholecrop silage could provide a lifeline for keeping cattle fed this winter in areas where spring drought has left grass silage clamps depleted, says Volac livestock specialist, Ken Stroud. Although there are still opportunities to boost flagging clamps with further grass silage cuts, grass has typically done […]
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Livestock farmers who normally grow winter wheat as a feed crop for their cattle – but have different cereals in the ground this year – are being urged to consider post-harvest alkalisation to boost nutrient value. FiveF Alka Limited says that alkalisation works just as well with any cereal crop – whether it be wheat, […]
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