Systemic inflammation, often linked to gut issues, can also weaken hoof-horn quality and taking a closer look at manure can help identify risk factors. TEXT EMMA MILLAR Leaky gut occurs when the gut lining, a filter for nutrients, becomes damaged and allows harmful substances, including toxins and bacteria, to enter into the cow’s bloodstream. It can be the result of stress caused by diet changes, heat, or calving. The result is inflammation, which diverts nutrients away fro

One US-based family-run dairy unit is taking steps to future-proof its herd and business by adopting crossbreeding and robotic milking. And it’s on course to build a resilient set-up for the next generation of producers. TEXT RHIAN PRICE Running a UK-sized dairy herd in the vast and intensive landscape of American agriculture may seem like swimming against the tide—but one US-based operation is proving that small can be successful and progressive. Dornacker Prairies is a 360

Accessing advanced and accurate management data generated by genomic testing is supporting improved herd health, efficiency and productivity on one Northern Ireland-based unit. TEXT KAREN WRIGHT There’s no standing still for Stephen Morrison and his father David when it comes to embracing new technology that will promote genetic potential, and sustain productive, healthy and longer-lasting cows. They run the 220-cow Holstein herd at Armoy, County Antrim. These high productio