Article archive

Optimax walk-through tool highlighted calf-rearing system pinch points, resolved a milk-feeding issue, and listed practical recommendations to optimise health and growth rates. TEXT RACHAEL PORTER After discussions with their herd vet in January, in a bid to get to the bottom of some unexplained calf deaths, during the previous few months, Somerset-based producer Craig Mounty decided to review his youngstock rearing system and setup – from calving through to weaning. Crai

Boot dips are key to controlling disease on dairy units, and they should also be managed, sited and used correctly – by staff and visitors - in order to be effective. TEXT SARAH BOLT Biosecurity remains one of the most important, but often overlooked, tools for disease control on a dairy farm. While much attention is given to vaccination and herd health planning, the simple act of dipping boots effectively is often underestimated yet plays a cost-effective and critical rol

Moving away from routine wormer treatments and taking a targeted evidence-based approach are key to parasite control and protecting anthelmintic efficacy. So what steps should producers take? TEXT REBECCA DAWSON Parasite control in dairy systems is entering a period of significant change. With no new anthelmintic actives expected in the near future and growing evidence of resistance on UK units, producers are being encouraged to move away from routine treatments and towards a

Latest report reveals that huge strides have been made by producers to reduce antimicrobial use, allowing them to meet industry targets and protect herd health and welfare. TEXT SARAH BOLT Antibiotic use has declined across the UK dairy sector, which is great news. And even better is that this reduction has been achieved without negatively impacting herd health. That was the key finding of a report, by Kingshay, which confirms that producers have significantly reduce antim

The recent Stride report, which drew on the findings of a nationwide mobility survey, underlines the need for preventative foot trimming...

Switching to a natural teat spray has reduced mastitis incidence and it’s also helping to keep flies away from cows during milking on one...

Neogen’s Rob Hall and Zinpro’s Huw McConochie consider some of the actions that can be taken to build whole-herd resilience to mobility...

Milking a herd with a high proportion of heifers can be stressful for cattle – and staff. But a new natural bovine pheromone product is...

We spoke to the winners of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health’s global Optimax Award to find out how the tool has made a real difference...

Survey responses reveal the challenges faced when looking to improve and maintain hoof health, as well as myriad opportunities to prevent...

On-farm bacteriology is the key to improving the efficiency of antibiotic use and the effective treatment of clinical and sub-clinical...

A recent project highlighted producers’ preferred learning styles and the secrets to engagement successes when it comes to maximising...

Changing how the task of mobility scoring is viewed by producers will open up opportunities to improve foot health and reduce lameness...

Reviewing calf rearing and management protocols, including vaccination policies and lung scanning, has reduced the impact of pneumonia...

This year’s wet weather has thrown worm control plans into confusion, making monitoring stock even more crucial. We spoke to a vet to...

Increased rodent activity is expected this year due to the recent usually warm and wet conditions. So how can producers reduce the risk...

Adapt your grazing plans Grazing management is a key component of parasite control, but waterlogged and flooded fields this spring may...

Responsible use of antibiotics requires an evidenced-based approach to target cows that will benefit from treatment – and a name change....

A team approach is keeping tabs on disease data and ensuring that herd health ‘heads north’ and infection levels ‘head south’ on one...

Investing in milking robots, and other labour-saving automated tech, has helped one family-run unit improve milk yields and cow health....

Taking steps to improve cow-house ventilation, using AI and the latest environmental control equipment, can help to mitigate the impact...

Tips for turnout At turnout, calves and heifers are particularly susceptible to gutworm infections, which can have a significant negative...

This year’s national BVD survey is set to highlight areas where management and careful vaccination planning can come together to take...

Research has revealed that bovine coronavirus is playing a critical role in causing respiratory disease in calves and cattle. But the...