Welfare

Shortages for Christmas 2023 could be worse than 2022 with farmers weighing up whether it was worth ’the gamble’

UK dairy farmers could be missing out on thousands of litres of milk every year by failing to manage the risk of ketosis in their herds. Debbie James reports.

The Government has been accused of failing its leading animal welfare facility, leaving UK farming, trade and health facing a ‘significant threat’ from disease, according to a report published this week.

Two forthcoming changes to the rules of licenced TB units will take affect by the end of the year. 

The Welsh Government has defended its decision not to issue a national housing order just hours after a further outbreak of avian influenza was discovered at a captive bird site in North Wales.

Three farm support organisations have been given a boost after receiving funding from the Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF).

Following the rapid increase in cases of avian influenza and with a mandatory housing order now in place, ensuring the highest hygiene levels across poultry units is paramount.

Considered the most prevalent infectious disease among UK dairy herds, digital dermatitis, if left untreated, can have detrimental consequences on animal performance and overall health.

Fraser Jones milks 1,500 Holstein Friesians across two sites near Welshpool. As a Disease? Not On My Farm! ambassador, he works closely with his vet Oli Hodgkinson, of Trefaldwyn Vets, to prioritise animal health and welfare. Here he provides a farmer’s perspective on the recently launched National Office of Animal Health Livestock Vaccination Guidelines and considers their potential impact on the dairy sector.

Inevitably, downer cow syndrome is an issue many dairy farmers will have to deal with at one time or another. Vet Dr Charlie Mays discusses best practice for managing downer cows and how the correct use of hip hoists can be life-saving.