Strategic use of NSAIDs at times like calving and for lameness yields a return of £1.66 for every £1 invested Farmers practising good animal husbandry want to do the right thing when it comes to treating their livestock, but there is often confusion between the use of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). British Dairying goes […]
Category Archives: Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention
Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention, Selected Articles, Uncategorised
Taking confident strides to enhance your herd mobility
Through herd and farm improvements cow lameness has reduced to 9% Maintaining your herd’s mobility isn’t just about animal welfare – it directly impacts profitability and farm reputation. The AHDB’s Confident Strides campaign has helped one farmer to tackle one of the industry’s most persistent challenges – lameness. In Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, Hackett Farm stands out […]
Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention, Selected Articles
Navigating post-calving nutrition
Cows need to replace fluids and electrolytes quickly after giving birth Giving birth is a major event which can have a significant impact on dairy cows – so careful management, and ensuring a speedy recovery, is vital. British Dairying reports. Managing the last few days before calving can be a tricky balance, especially if cows […]
Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention, Cream Awards, Farm Stories: Farm Management, Selected Articles
British Dairying’s Cream Awards Success for 2024
Another fabulous night for the industry, September 5th at Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire. Winners and runners up from 14 categories were celebrated plus two additional special awards including an Outstanding Contribution to Farming Award for Michael Oakes. And the WINNER of the 2024 Cream Award – winning the John Beckett Memorial Cup, is . […]
Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention, Selected Articles
Combatting the rise in navel infections
Dipping, rather than spraying, the navel offers better coverage Navel infections are a common issue seen in calves and this year’s wet weather has meant longer housed periods, leading to a rise in cases. British Dairying reports. Globally, 25-30% of calves will have a navel infection in early life, according to Nick Biggers, veterinary surgeon […]
Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention, Selected Articles, Uncategorised
Early pain management practice benefits health and productivity
Giving cows NSAIDs at calving can reduce lameness, says Will Gratwick Project FEET, a unique research project into the assessment of pain from lameness and associated treatment, has revealed significant health and productivity benefits from the results of early intervention with pain relief. British Dairying finds out more. Lameness affects around a third of the […]
Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention, Selected Articles
Early intervention crucial for ketosis control during transition
Ketotic cows are 5.2 times more likely to suffer from a left displaced abomasum Sub-clinical ketosis affects between 10% and 60% of cows in UK herds, so how can monitoring dairy cows during the transition period minimise the impacts of the disease? British Dairying explores how using herd management software can reduce the risks. During […]
Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention, Selected Articles
Pathway funding to improve animal health and welfare
Dr Claire Whittle says the review can be used to discuss anything with your vet, from parasite control to calf care The Animal Health and Welfare Pathway is designed to help farmers to improve their livestock’s health, welfare, and ultimately productivity. Dairy expert Gwyn Jones, who’s a member of the Defra Animal Health and Welfare […]
Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention, Feed & Nutrition: Maize, Forage, Grassland, Nutrition, Vitality, Selected Articles
Endotoxins: What are they and where are they hiding?
The challenge from endotoxins is ever-present, and detrimental impacts range from lameness to sudden death An ever-present toxin challenge, which can compromise herd health and performance, may be leading to avoidable and potentially costly challenges to cows’ immune systems. British Dairying finds out the considerations when it comes to toxins. The threat that mycotoxins pose […]
Animal Health: Welbeing, Hygiene, Disease Prevention, Farm Stories: Farm Management, Information Technology
How data is bringing intel to UK dairy farms to improve animal welfare, profitability, and sustainability
Predicta GUARDIAN from Dairy Data Warehouse (DDW) provides intelligent answers to your dairy data needs At Dairy Data Warehouse (DDW), our comprehensive dairy farm data, reports and modelling help farmers to make the best decisions for their farm. Our powerful tools give clarity to complex issues, so you can take your farm into new levels […]