MP challenges legislation repealing ban on beak trimming of egg-laying hens
Government plans to remove the ban on routine beak trimming of laying hens are under the spotlight this week after a surprise intervention in the House of Commons by Labour MP, John McDonnell. The ban on routine beak-trimming was due to come into force on 1st January 2011. However, because egg producers have failed to […]
Vets back common sense approach to responsibility and cost sharing
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has warmly welcomed the report of the independent Advisory Group on Responsibility and Cost Sharing, which has recommended a new Partnership Board to become the sole source of Departmental advice to Defra ministers. The Advisory Group was set up by the Government in September 2009 to advise the Secretary of […]
Milk Link and Volac to undertake major investment at Taw Valley
Leading dairy businesses Milk Link and Volac have entered into a strategic partnership to jointly undertake a major investment at Milk Links Taw Valley Creamery, North Tawton, Devon. The investment will see the replacement of the existing whey dryer at Milk Links Taw Valley facility to create a state of the art, added value whey […]
Arla Foods joins forces with AFMP to drive down CO2 emissions from farm to store
In a drive to reduce carbon throughout its operations and support its ambition of being Closer to Nature, Arla Foods is the first dairy processor to include not only its own operations but also those of its supplying members of Arla Foods Milk Partnership in its new environmental strategy. The companys overarching targets for its […]
Commission proposes new measures to improve future stability in the dairy sector
The European Commission has today adopted a proposal on “contractual relations in the milk sector”. The proposal aims to boost the position of the dairy producer in the dairy supply chain and prepare the sector for a more market oriented and sustainable future. It provides for written contracts between milk producers and processors, the possibility […]
Chelsea pensioners say “cheese” to herald the start of Christmas cheer
The nations favourite veterans today began their Christmas celebrations with a tradition that dates back more than three hundred years. The Ceremony of Christmas Cheeses began in 1692 when the Royal Hospital, Chelsea asked a local cheesemonger to provide the pensioners with cheese as a Christmas treat. Every year since British cheesemakers from across the […]
Pfizer Animal Genetics now running Contractural Arachnodactyly (Fawn Calf) test
Pfizer Animal Genetics is now able to provide genetic testing for Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA) testing. CA is a genetic condition formerly referred to as Fawn Calf Syndrome. In collaboration with Dr. Jon Beever at the University of Illinois and the American Angus Association (AAA) the gene mutation responsible for CA has been identified and a […]
Act now to prevent Springtime problems
Prevention of problems is always better than cure. Its more cost-efficient, takes less time and where livestock is concerned in this case, sheep – reduces stress levels which in-turn enhances performance. Yet it is easy to get into habits that are more reactive, than proactive, usually through being overworked and trying to keep rather too […]
Shortage of forage fibre and bicarb exacerbating National acidosis problems
A lack of good quality first cut silage, low forage fibre levels and a national shortage of sodium bicarbonate mean that many farmers are struggling with acidiosis problems this winter. Last year, reports from DairyCo indicated that as many as half of all UK dairy cows are thought to be suffering from sub-acute ruminal acidosis […]
