Livestock News

With numerous reports of Schmallenberg appearing in early lambing flocks this season, Farmers Guide spoke to Georgina Rigby, farm vet from Cross Counties Farm Vets – part of the VetPartners group. Mrs Rigby chairs the VetPartners Sheep Clinical Interest Group and runs the Cross Counties Flock Health Club. She also has a small flock of sheep at home.

Defra is contacting individual premises under restriction to inform them of the development.

The EU-spec SPP increased by 0.11p to 211.47p/kg after 16 consecutive weeks in decline.

If you purchase a full pallet of Volac-manufactured calf milk replacer during February 2024 you’ll receive two bags free of charge to save you money on your investment into high quality pre-weaned calf nutrition.

Watery mouth is one of the biggest killers of newborn lambs, and since the primary treatment was delisted, there is a need to find alternative methods. Dr Tom Barragry, vet, veterinary pharmacologist and advisor to Provita Animal Health offers advice and outlines a range of products described by one farmer as a must-have in the lambing shed.

A typical day turned into a life threatening situation for Carol Rettie, when one of the “quietest” bulls she had ever handled panicked during handling. Carol has shared her story in a new RSABI video to help improve safety in farming.

Levy rate increases proposed by the AHDB for the Beef and Lamb, Cereals and Oilseeds, Dairy and Pork sectors have received approval from ministers at Defra and the Devolved Administrations.

Defra has announced the loosening of bluetongue virus measures due to the drop of midge activity during colder months.

The latest lamb energy and gut development supplement has been launched to give newborn lambs a strong start.

The UK government has backed new legislation to tackle livestock worrying. The new measures aim to reduce dog attacks on animals and help secure successful prosecutions that recognise impacts of the attacks on farmers and their businesses. 

A recent farm trial has found the Lifeline pre-calver bucket, a specialist pre-calving mineral supplement, increases colostrum IgG by 20% when offered for two months prior to calving.

Vets are urging farmers to be vigilant for Schmallenberg virus (SBV) – which can mimic other diseases including bluetongue – as a rising number of early lambing flocks are hit with deadly SBV this season.