Five New Technical Notes in SAC Catalogue

SACs catalogue of short practical field guides has been extended with the recent addition of five new Technical Notes. These are produced with funding from the Scottish Government   under the Veterinary and Advisory Services (VAS) programme. For many years the Technical Notes have  offered a highly valued service to the farming community, rural professionals and   their advisers, originally in printed form, now mainly on line.

Those that have recently been published include:

TN633: Phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and magnesium recommendations for cereals, oilseed rape and potatoes. These recommendations have been updated in the light of current advances in understanding of soil nutrient management and results from recent trials. This note also covers the efficient and profitable use of organic and manufactured fertilisers in arable systems, which require good soil conditions and effective soil management. This technical note can be used along with PLANET Scotland, a software tool designed for routine use by Scottish farmers and consultants to plan and manage nutrient use on individual fields (http://www.planet4farmers.co.uk).

TN634: Ensuring good welfare for out-wintered suckler cows. Studies over several years at SAC and on commercial farms have demonstrated the benefits that can be obtained from out-wintering pregnant suckler cows. There are obvious reductions in housing and bedding costs and there are also benefits in the health of the cows, all of which can be obtained without a substantial increase in the costs of feeding when the appropriate forage crop and conserved fodder are used. This note describes the essential requirements that have to be met if out-wintering is to be appropriate.

TN635: Recommended grass and clover varieties 2010-2011. The varieties listed in this note are recommended for use in Scotland. First choice varieties are highlighted by capitals. Recently introduced first choice varieties are provisional ratings, pending further trials currently in progress.

TN636: Control of Sheep Scab and other Ectoparasites of Sheep . Sheep Scab became notifiable in Scotland n Scotland under the Sheep Scab (Scotland) Order 2010. It is the responsibility of any one identifying Sheep Scab to notify the local Divisional Veterinary Manager of Animal Health. Sheep Scab is one of the most contagious threats to sheep health and welfare in Britain. It has a significant economic impact through its effect on the condition of ewes, the growth rate of lambs, damage to wool and reduced quality of sheepskins. The other common ectoparasites of sheep (lice, ticks and flies) have serious economic significance. Measures to control and treat ectoparasites of sheep are expensive and should be planned to maximise their benefit. An accurate diagnosis is essential. This note aims to help producers plan the control of ectoparasites on their farm.

TN637: On-farm biosecurity strategy for a notifiable disease outbreak for a beef or sheep farm: the 4Ss. An outbreak of a notifiable disease could occur in Britain at any time. Farmers and stock keepers should be prepared and should agree with their vet  the appropriate biosecurity strategy to follow. The basis of the strategy must be to act immediately and then relax the measures when the circumstances permit, rather than to wait and put measures in place when it is too late. The types of measures farmers will want to consider will vary depending on their business, layout, stock and staffing. However, the basic principles covered in this note can be applied to all farms.