Leptospirosis – The Silent Cause of Infertility
Leptospirosis, more commonly referred to as Lepto, is a bacterial infection mainly in cattle that is spread through infected urine, abortion products and venereal infection. Lepto has significant Zoonotic risk – this is when there is a high risk of infected animals also infecting humans (or vice-versa). It is crucial to protect your herd from […]
Maximising Wholecrop Silage for Livestock Performance
As cereal crops across Northern Ireland approach maturity, you should consider the significant benefits of harvesting cereals for wholecrop silage. With increasing pressure on forage stocks and a drive for greater self-sufficiency, wholecrop silage is proving a valuable addition to many livestock diets. The key to successful wholecrop silage lies in harvesting at the right […]
Sheep Lameness: Causes, Treatments and Solutions
Statistics show that almost 3 million sheep in the UK are lame at any one time. This number of lame sheep is costly, with an estimated cost to the UK sheep industry of £24 million per year. Lame sheep have poor fertility and lambs finish fattening later than they should. This means that lameness is […]
The Introduction of Solid-Based Payments in Northern Ireland Dairy Farming: Benefits for the Industry
In recent years, the introduction of solid-based milk payment systems has brought significant changes to the dairy industry in Northern Ireland.At the core of this approach is the A+B−C payment structure, which rewards farmers based on the quality, rather than just the volume of milk produced. Specifically, it offers financial incentives for higher protein and […]
Efficient Heifer Rearing at Grass: Maximising Growth, Minimising Cost
Efficient and well-managed heifer rearing plays a vital role in the productivity and profitability of any dairy herd. Grazing systems offer a cost-effective alternative to housing, significantly reducing inputs such as feed, bedding and labour. However, this lower-cost approach must be matched with structured management to ensure heifers reach key development milestones and grow into […]
Trends, Challenges and Opportunities for Growers
Winter Barley Warm weather following rainfall over Easter resulted in rapid crop growth and development during early May. Following a dry spring, winter barley is relatively disease free with low levels of rhynchosporium and net blotch. However, there is no room for complacency, as attention shifts to the increasing threat from ramularia and keeping it […]
Getting Lambs Over the Line at Finishing Time
Finishing lambs as efficiently as possible is the key to having a profitable system. Ill-thrifty lambs can be a sign of internal parasites and/or trace mineral deficiencies. Commonly, both problems act in tandem and it is important to consider both when finishing lambs. The main players with minerals when it comes to poor growth rates […]
The Essential Steps to Making Top-Quality Silage
Silage plays a crucial role in livestock farming in Northern Ireland, serving as the primary conserved forage for ruminants during the winter months and increasingly throughout the year. It provides a dependable and nutrient-rich feed source when fresh pasture is unavailable. Set Targets Good silage is dependent on the class of livestock you are feeding […]
Test Don’t Guess – Responsible Use of Anthelmintics
Parasitic disease represents the greatest limiting factor to successful and sustainable ruminant livestock production worldwide, and it is a significant challenge for Northern Ireland’s agricultural industry. Anthelmintics are medicines used to remove parasitic worm infections in animals including sheep. Unfortunately, resistance to a lot of these medicines has become a problem in recent years in […]
Maximising Cow Performance at Grass
Grazed grass remains the most cost-effective feed source on dairy farms across the country, however unlocking its full potential requires careful and strategic management. With input costs continuing to rise across the industry, maximising milk production from forage has never been more essential to maximise returns. Maximising Milk from Forage Dairy profitability in grass-based systems […]
