Advice - Dairy

Study shows preventative hoof trimming in housed dairy heifers can help to reduce the severity of claw horn lesions in first lactation

The news that the current lungworm vaccine will cease production from 2028, is cause for concern for the UK cattle sector

Providing animals with essential micronutrients will help support livestock health and performance, but how can farmers get this nutrition into animals before licks and supplements are required?

A combination of genomic testing and applying strict targets for the use of sexed semen to control the number of heifers reared and entering the herd can increase the return on investment in heifer rearing

Dairy cow fertility is described as a ‘spider's web of interconnect risk factors' by veterinary consultant Dr Vicki Shepherd, so what factors need addressing to achieve good performance?

Johne's disease continues to undermine progress in some herds, often quietly and over time, so does the approach to controlling this disease need to change?

High temperatures are now more likely and less predictable so dairy farmers need to be prepared to combat the negative impact of heat stress on health and productivity in their herds

Consistent hygiene and provision of a well-mixed milk replacer will have a knock-on effect on calf performance and health, translating into labour savings in the calf shed

Rising productivity in modern dairy herds can come at a cost, with nutritional stress now a key driver of poor fertility in high yielding herds

Dynamic milking assessments are increasingly being used to address udder health issues or improve parlour efficiency