During the final 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy the foetus develops rapidly and increases in size by approximately 70%, at the same time colostrum production in the udder also takes place. These changes demand significant increases in energy and protein, but they coincide with a period when the ewe has a lower appetite of… Read more »
There is no transfer of maternal antibodies across the placenta in ruminants for the developing foetus. Lambs are born without protection against disease and are reliant on colostrum containing antibodies against pathogens for the transfer of passive immunity. Colostrum antibody production is dependent on the ewe being adequately fed and supplemented in late pregnancy. The… Read more »
Genomic testing helps you make the best decisions for your future by providing estimates of the true genetic potential of your animals — as soon as they’re born. Genomic testing increases your herd’s profitability through: • Increased genetic gain. Genomic profiles provide the accuracy of progeny tests based on 20 milking daughters, while traditional parent… Read more »
The varied weather and grass growing conditions seen throughout this year have had an impact on forage stocks and quality as we head into this lambing season. Whilst grass growth has been above average across mid and late summer, quality has been poor, with energy, protein and sugar levels largely below average. This has resulted… Read more »
Murray Farmcare recently celebrated a significant double victory at the prestigious National SQP Awards in London. The store, located at Glasgow Road, Dumfries, proudly claimed two coveted titles: Independent Store of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award for its founder and Managing Director, Andrew Cairns. Murrays are also currently celebrating 50 years in business!… Read more »
Multiple factors interact to increase the risk of respiratory disease in calves and youngstock and as autumn leads into winter then respiratory problems in calves and youngstock become more prevalent, especially when animals are housed. With figures from the Cattle Health and Welfare Group showing respiratory disease accounting for nearly 20% of calf deaths in… Read more »
Supporting recovery after calving will benefit both dairy and suckler enterprises in terms of cow health and lifetime productivity. The calving process itself is incredibly energy and nutrient expensive. A large amount of energy is required to expel the calf and approximately 60L of body fluid, plus significant amounts of electrolytes, are lost. This combined… Read more »
With housing fast-approaching, farmers should consider the trace element needs of their cattle to maintain their health and condition over winter. Having the correct trace element status in your cattle is critical to optimise health through pregnancy and foetus development. Trace elements are also key in helping optimise fertility and conception rates. Particularly at housing,… Read more »
When temperatures drop, rodents move indoors in search of food, warmth and shelter. Controlling rodents is vital to prevent disease transmission, food loss and contamination and structural damage, and is essential to meet farm assurance standards. Effective action against rodents helps to protect crop yields and livestock from disease and cross-contamination. It is also vital… Read more »
Mid-pregnancy feeding is key to lambing success Nutrition in mid-pregnancy can be overlooked, but with declining quality and quantity of grass, alongside changing weather, a poor diet can impact productivity. Although very little growth of the lambs will occur during the mid-pregnancy period, the placenta, which is essential for providing oxygen and essential nutrients to… Read more »