If you are purchasing pregnant dairy or beef stock this Autumn the BVD status of your stock and the stock you purchase should be considered. As most people are now well aware, BVD causes major problems when pregnant cows become infected causing abortion, foetal deformities, carrier calves, etc. Two possible scenarios can occur: Your herd is […]
High Nitrate Risk
ecent weather conditions have been excellent for allowing nitrate accumulation in new grasses and brassica crops. During dry conditions nitrate levels build in the soil. Moisture and rapid plant growth will cause increased uptake of nitrates. If frosts or cold conditions then occur slowing growth rates, nitrate levels will remain high in the plant (plant’s […]
Still Plently of Worms
Faecal egg counts and lamb post mortem examinations have shown that worms are still a real threat to lambs. Problems have occurred on several properties where drenching intervals have been extended beyond 4 weeks. Recent rain following a dry spell is likely to lead to a late Autumn / early Winter challenge as worm larvae become […]
Caution With Rat Baits
As winter approaches and rodents move indoors, rat poisons are widely used. Please remember that these poisons are also a very real threat to your dogs and cats. Place baits and store baits in places where your dogs cannot access them. Put baits out in small quantities and replace them as they disappear. Remember […]
Good Dry Cow Techninique – a Belated Reminder
Administering Dry Cow treatment is not the greatest job in the world!!! However it shouldn’t be rushed and there is a proper way to do it. Proper insertion techniques have been widely published so please ensure your staff are aware of how to do the job properly. This should include: Correct cleaning of teats. Having […]
BRIG Field Day – 30 April 2012
Thursday 5 April 2012 Rangatira Golf Club, Bar available, cash and EFTPOS 2pm – 6pm Content FITT Study—learn about the Progibb and Urea Application Study conducted locally last Spring, a new strategy. Going to make a profit this year? How to invest in your own business wisely. David Marshall The bull buying process—How to buy […]
Pre-tup Drenching???
In recent days we have carried out several faecal egg counts from ewe flocks. As a general rule worm burdens have been low especially in mixed age ewes. These results would indicate that whole flock pre-tup drenching is not necessary at this point. However, there is always a strong argument for drenching tail end ewes […]
Worming Puppies
A reminder that newborn pups are extremely susceptible to worms especially if reared in environments where previous litters have been reared in or dogs kennelled. To avoid problems with worms, puppies should be wormed at 1—2 week intervals from birth until 12 weeks of age. From this point 3 monthly worming should occur. It is also […]
Ram Inspections
We have nearly completed our ram checks for this season. In checking rams there were a few issues noted that are worth commenting on. Shearing Rams were noticed (some of them shorn!!) with a lot of wool still on their scrotums. This wool needs to come off as it will cause problems with temperature control of […]
Salmonellosis In A Dairy Herd
We recently diagnosed a Salmonella problem in a dairy herd following the sudden death of a cow with acute diarrhoea. This problem is probably unrelated to the cases in the Manawatu and Taranaki that have been mentioned in previous newsletters. However, it does reinforce the point that Salmonellosis is widespread. The cost of vaccinating this […]