Welfare

Today is World Mental Health Day which is marking this year’s event with a call to ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’.

The out-wintering of livestock on fodder crops has long been a wintering strategy used by beef and sheep enterprises. But as winter housing costs are looming and silage rations are being opened, fodder crops may also be an option for dairy systems.

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer Professor Christine Middlemiss has urged free-range egg producers to plan and be prepared for another Avian Influenza (AI) outbreak this winter.

When abortions occur, it is important to understand what is causing them and how these problems can be avoided.

At an AHDB calf management meeting, vet Ali Haggarty discussed the importance of rumen development in achieving a successful weaning process. Katie Fallon reports.

New Prime Minister Liz Truss is under pressure to rethink bovine TB policies, as industry groups warn farmers must have ‘access to all available measures’ if the disease is to be eradicated.

The number of animals slaughtered due to bovine TB in England has fallen by 20 per cent, according to the latest Government figures.

Officials are warning poultry keepers to remain ‘vigilant’ following two further cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza were confirmed in Wales and in Cornwall.

A major focus on improving udder health and milking parlour performance at a Welsh dairy farm has reduced herd somatic cell count to under 100,000 cells/ml for the first time in 15 years. Debbie James reports.

Marks and Spencer (M&S) has become the first UK retailer to sell 100 per cent slower-reared and RSPCA-Assured fresh chicken across its UK stores.