Livestock Matters - Autumn 2018

Autumn Edition 2018 contents 06 Newly set-up dairy 08 Agri-environment schemes 10 Beef discussion group 12 Beef breeding A continued focus on health for newly set-up organic dairy herd Agri-environment schemes and flock health Discussion groups: opportunities to learn more, see more, farm better Ensuring new heifers are fit for the herd and fit for breeding Max Hardy, Farm Vet Solutions explains how he has worked with farmer, Calvin Williams during the set-up of his organic dairy unit. Here, vet Kaz Strycharczyk of Black Sheep Farm Health, outlines some issues for sheep farmers and advises on how to protect sheep health when participating in these schemes. Vet Ed Hewitt of Armour Veterinary Group, explains how being a member of a vet-led discussion group is one way farmers can see and learn more about their livestock and farming systems. Vets Dan King and Jonathan Statham, from Bishopton Veterinary Group have been working with farm manager Iain Smith to focus on changing the genetics of the farm’s suckler herd by buying-in heifers of different breeding, and using AI to speed the change. 14 Getting control of sheep scab: diagnostics, dipping, and daring to confront the neighbours Vet Vicki Fisher of Farm First Veterinary Services has been advising her sheep farming clients on the strategies needed to control the parasite and prevent sheep from becoming reinfected. 18 Taking care with the use, and non-use, of Critically Important Antibiotics Recent changes in farm assurance schemes have put the spotlight on reducing the use of specific antibiotics known as HP- CIAs. Here, XLVets practices discuss strategies to ensure farmers have profitable healthy livestock units, without them. 16 A ‘cuddle box’ and a colostrum protocol improve young calf health Here, Matt Linnet from Millcroft Veterinary Group explains how a change in the management of freshly calved cows has improved the health of young calves and boosted growth rates. XLVets is a collaborative group of over 450 farm vets with dedicated support teams, who endeavour to be nationally recognised as the ‘quality mark’ for livestock veterinary services. Learn more... 20 A look at lameness: the past, present and future This year, the Cattle Lameness Academy, part of Synergy Farm Health, held its biennial seminar. Here, Reuben Newsome presents some of the information and practical issues raised that day. 22 Pursuing an interest in sheep with new AI service Find out what one of our new graduates has been up to in her role in an XLVets practice since completing the XLVets farm graduate programme.