Livestock News

A specialist business course for aspiring dairy producers – offering expert training and a networking opportunity – is now open for applications.

This summers’ prolonged dry weather is beginning to cause real issues for many cattle and sheep producers across the UK as grazing becomes scarcer at a time when grass growth and subsequent livestock performance should be at its best, says Dr Alison Bond, ruminant nutritionist for Rumenco.

Farmers fearing forage shortages because of the recent dry weather could help ease the pressure by feeding a straw or wholecrop-based ration to dry cows and youngstock. According to Mole

Defra has set out measures to increase access to bedding, fodder, grazing and forage.

Unexpectedly high worm egg counts in livestock are being seen in areas experiencing drought, prompting experts to warn farmers to test their stock. Sheep farmer Peter Baber who farms at

Chief vet urges bird keepers to maintain strict biosecurity measures until further notice.

Analysis shows the impact on British farmers is likely to be modest, but there is a risk of more significant effects if New Zealand’s trade with China is disrupted.

Many regions are welcoming some rain and seeing dry, burned-up pastures starting to green up. But Cargill’s ruminant specialist in the north of England and Scotland Donald Macleod warns this new grass could impact milk fat.

It can be challenging for mixed enterprise farmers to stick to herd and flock health plans throughout the year. However, vet Emily Brown, of Marches Farm Vets, offers a number of practical suggestions to help balance the two, working closely with your vet.

Evans Vanodine has added a new, innovative product to its extensive teat disinfectant range – Sapphire 1:4, a chlorhexidine-based concentrate teat disinfectant.

A new guide from CIEL offers practical ways to help sheep farmers to achieve net zero on farm.

Progesterone is the mainstay of fertility management protocols in the UK and the use of progesterone releasing devices before the use of FTAI protocols can enhance conception rates to first AI, explains Ceva Animal Health veterinary advisor Katherine Timms.