Snow and ice covered pastures threatening 2011 lamb crop
Poor early winter grazing conditions nationwide are putting the 2011 lamb crop at serious risk unless farmers supplement ewe rations. Thats the warning from Rumenco technical manager David Thornton, who says snow and ice covered pastures can compromise embryo survival. All but the latest lambing ewes are now at the critical implantation stage of pregnancy. […]
Farmers reveal personal trauma of bovine TB slaughter
The trauma of witnessing 23 cattle including six calves shot dead in a pen on their farm due to bovine tuberculosis (bTB) has forced a distressed Monmouthshire couple to consider selling the rest of their herd and keep sheep instead. With the December 17 deadline looming for views on the Welsh Assembly Government’s proposed badger […]
Live bird markets are “reservoir of infection” for Bird Flu – RVC research reveals
Disease can be contained through frequent rest days according to infection model Since December 2003 outbreaks of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPA1) affecting domestic poultry have been reported in 50 countries across the world. Massive economic losses and the pandemic threat make H5N1 HPAI one of the greatest current public health concerns. Guillaume Fourni […]
Make the most of Christmas marketing
Pig finishers should now be thinking about their marketing strategy over Christmas. With high feed costs and lower pig prices, it is important to optimise returns by planning ahead, advises Matthew Curtis, managing director of Yorkshire-based pig-breeding company ACMC. Demand falls and prices drop in the New Year, so producers are better advised to send […]
Are your buildings fit for a healthy herd?
Dairy farmers can see for themselves how the design and maintenance of buildings that house livestock can affect the health of the herd in a new video on the DairyCo website. The design, layout and management of buildings can have a significant effect on many areas of milk production, explains DairyCo extension officer, Richard Davies. […]
New in-line milk analyser monitors real-time milk quality and provides early detection of metabolic disorders
Leading UK milking equipment manufacturer, Fullwood Limited, has today announced the official launch of a new in-line milk analyser which not only monitors real-time milk quality, but can also provide users with an early warning of metabolic disorders and mastitis within cows in the herd. The new Crysta Lab milk analyser is now available for […]
Dairy UK supports Country of Origin Labelling initiative
Dairy UK has today expressed support for the voluntary principles on country of origin labelling developed by the industry with facilitation from Defra. Dairy UK has made no secret of the pressing need for effective arrangements for country of origin labelling for milk and dairy products, particularly cheese, said Director General Jim Begg. We therefore […]
Morrisons to install CCTV cameras in abattoirs
Morrisons is to install CCTV cameras in all its abattoirs to provide assurance to customers and regulators about the welfare of animals. The cameras will be installed by the end of December in the Colne and Turriff abattoirs of Woodhead Brothers, Morrisons wholly-owned meat processing business. It already has cameras installed at its Spalding site. […]
Stark message to vets on Antibiotic Awareness Day
To mark European Antibiotic Awareness Day 2010 today (18 November) the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is warning veterinary surgeons in the UK that failure to use antimicrobials responsibly could result in their use being restricted. The BVA actively promotes the responsible use of antimicrobials and last year published a poster and guidance for vets: Responsible […]
