Measuring Dung for Digestive Clues
Digestive clues of ruminant animals are ever present in the form of fresh dung. Typically using dung scoring, where dung is judged on its appearance and thickness, we can measure rumen function of the herd. The use of a manure sieve goes one step further to uncover important clues about fibre digestion, feed efficiency and […]
Feeding the Young Calf – Looking at Calf Milk Replacer
Calf rearing is one of the most important areas on the farm as calves are the future of the herd. Attention to detail in calf rearing is critical to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of farms. The aim is to have healthy, hassle-free calves that grow into healthy cows for a profitable, trouble-free herd. The […]
The Importance of Reseeding Grassland and Achieving a Successful Autumn Reseed
Reseeding grassland is a vital practice for farmers aiming to maximise forage production, improve livestock performance and enhance farm profitability. Over time, productive species like perennial ryegrass decline in swards, replaced by less productive weeds and grasses, resulting in lower yields and feed quality. Research shows that reseeded swards can yield 20–40% more grass than […]
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 […]