As we approach the end of another year we are presented with the usual array of problems. Pneumonia continues to be a problem in calves, with both suckler and dairy animals affected. Early treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs as well as antibiotics is essential to reduce the amount of lung damage and to get the calf […]
We have had a nice period of dry weather which has been good for sheep and cattle outside, but we have had the usual problems with pneumonia in housed cattle. This is often due to poor ventilation, especially on still dry days, but other factors to consider include mixing calves of different ages, stress due […]
Dairy Our dairy focus this month has been on the peri-parturient period with the launch of Imrestor and re-launch of Kexxtone boluses from Elanco. We have organised a farmer’s meeting, aimed primarily at dairy farmers on Tuesday 18th of October at 7:30 p.m at Grizebeck Village Hall that all are welcome to attend. The focus […]
I hope you are all enjoying the warm spring weather after the trials of one of the wettest winters on record. With silage being made in earnest we hope there will be enough good quality forage to see everyone through next winter. With most cattle now turned out, we are finding our workload is easing […]
As we approach the end of another year we are continuing with TB testing around the breakdown in Bootle, hoping that no problems are found and that the need to pre-movement test will be removed. We are also doing the 6-month tests in the herds that have been caught up in the breakdown at Grizedale, […]
Now August has arrived it will soon be time to start thinking about preparation for autumn—sales, housing, tupping etc, although I’m sure you are all more concerned with getting hay and silage finished and harvest completed. We also need to be aware of the risk of summer mastitis in your dry cows and heifers, which […]
September weather has been good with both stock and farmer alike enjoying some late summer sunshine. An update on the TB situation is good news. The 2 animals that were slaughtered in July following positive skin reactions had no visible lesions at slaughter and were culture negative. The 2 farms concerned have both passed the […]
Congratulations to Emma Sunderland and David Hatton who were married at the beginning of November. I am sure you will soon get used to the name and signature of the new Mrs Hatton in the office or on farm. TB testing is in full swing with the 6 month tests being done around Bootle after […]
We have almost finished the TB testing schedule in the Bootle area as well as the 6 month round of testing in Lowick and The Green zones, with no more reactor animals being found so far. There are, however, a number of cattle that are inconclusive reactors and will be tested again 6-8 weeks later. […]