NORTH – TOM WARBOYS
A few weeks ago, we had a spell of proper “pneumonia weather”: animals housed because of the wet conditions outside, but still extremel warm in the sheds. I did several TB tests for growing and finishing animals that looked very sweaty coming down the race. They can often be at particular risk: younger and under more pressure, plus generating a lot of heat from their muscle mass and fast metabolism.
A lot of you will have clipped backs recently, and while newborn calves will feel the cold below 12⁰C, older animals will be comfortable well below freezing. Wind will obviously raise this cutoff, potentially by as much as 5 or 10⁰C. But good ventilation over winter is key for pneumonia prevention, as the air movement removes excess moisture and heat and also the pneumonia pathogens themselves. Have a look round your sheds and discuss with your vet some potentially simple options to improve airflow remember that the outlet, especially through capped ridges, is often the limiting factor.
EAST – JOSH SWAIN
In the East, we’ve been completing the last of the PDs for our spring-calving beef herds and performing whole-herd Johne’s screens as we prepare for calving season. Many of you have taken advantage of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway visits, which offer paid veterinary time that can be used for a wide range of tasks. For more details on the scheme and how to apply, visit https://apply-for-an-annual-health-andwelfare-review.defra.gov.uk/apply or speak to one of the
team.
With October and November bringing more mild, wet weather, we’re seeing increased parasite burdens in first season grazing animals. To help monitor your stock as we head into housing, we recommend faecal egg counts and/ or blood testing. Again speak to one of the team on which tests are best for your herd or flock.
WEST – CAROLINE PERRY
Several months ago, the Independent Online published another ‘farmer bashing’ article. The video of a dairy farm worker using a yard scraper to hit a cow was indefensible. Despite condemnation of that ‘rogue’ individual, who showed complete disregard for animal welfare, it prompted a discussion while on a farm walk recently. The host farmer then demonstrated his newest piece of equipment. Previously a length of blue pipe was used to help move cows into the collecting yard. He was concerned how this might be perceived wrongly by the general public. Therefore the blue alkathene had been encased in pipe insulation foam at one end. Even the hardest attempt to whack his leg didn’t hurt! Because the insulation was grey-coloured (and could be mistaken for metal) he had sprayed it green. Simple, inexpensive and demonstrating to the general public that the stick is not used to hit but to guide cows at arms-length to protect from kicks. We can all make small changes to improve the public’s perception of how farmers care for their stock.
CENTRAL – VIKKI WYSE
The warm, wet autumn has seen a frustrating persistence of many parasites, leading to cases of Haemonchus, fluke, flystrike and Redwater persisting through October into November. Please speak to your vet for further advice on managing these conditions. Winter housing can see a rise in a number of conditions, from pneumonia in calves to lice and digital dermatitis. Cleanliness is often key to prevention, but we can also help with ventilation assessments and vaccination protocols if needed. Christmas will soon be upon us, and while we hope you all have a peaceful and uneventful holiday season, we are always available 24/7 should you have any emergencies or need advice.
LYMPSTONE – ANNA HARDCASTLE
During investigations with some of our farmers at the end of autumn calving, it has really highlighted that trace element deficiencies can present in a whole manner of ways. This can include lower pregnancy rates, more early embryonic deaths, animals not progressing with calving and weak or stillborn young. Most will suffer from low iodine levels in the soil, but did you know that maize is known to be deficient in selenium? There are several testing options
available to help determine if supplementation is needed, and, if so, which product is the most suitable (sometimes the number of options can seem overwhelming!).
Down here at the Lympstone branch the festivities have started with wreathmaking and our office Christmas Bake Off – pop in if you’re passing, there might be some left!
