Livestock News

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) on the effectiveness of sedation and its potential health impacts following calf disbudding has identified a link to reduced growth rates after the procedure. The findings will help veterinary practitioners make more informed decisions and strengthen best practice in animal welfare. 

An early-stage review of the UK Dairy Cattle Welfare Strategy 2023–2028 has highlighted reduced lameness, improved udder health, and greater cow comfort as key outcomes.

The feed industry has urged livestock producers to carefully consider their feed requirements through to late spring 2026 and to discuss these with their feed suppliers at the earliest opportunity.

A woman from Willington, Derbyshire, has been banned for a year from taking dogs onto agricultural land after her dog attacked and injured 25 sheep.

The Welsh and Scottish governments confirmed that, because lower temperatures are expected to prevent midges from spreading the bluetongue virus, movement restrictions on ruminants and camelids have been eased.

With the global pushback on antibiotic use and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, proven non-antibiotic products are now more important than ever in livestock health, writes independent veterinary advisor for Provita, Dr Tom Barragry.

Claire Whittle, a veterinary surgeon and farmer from North Wales, has been named Dairy Industry Woman of the Year 2025.

Nick Allen, CEO of the British Meat Processors Association, has announced his retirement after more than 50 years of service to the farming community.

Farming industry representatives have urged the UK government to remain steadfast and not barter away greater market access to the US, as this would jeopardise the future of UK dairy farming businesses, which are already under pressure.

Farmers have been advised to take extra steps to support calves born this late summer and autumn, with prolonged hot weather expected to impact survival and performance. 

Farmers across England and Wales face a difficult late grazing season, with drought effects still evident. Conditions vary by region, leaving many producers making tough decisions on fodder supplies and livestock management, said Philip Cosgrave, Yara’s grassland specialist.

With breeding sales and autumn livestock movements approaching, AIMS and other industry members are raising concerns over what they call an “ad hoc approach” to Bluetongue control measures—policies they say are causing significant costs and disruption across the sector.