Dairy
Steps to take when preventing metabolic issues this spring
The risk of milk fever (hypocalcemia) and other metabolic issues will be on the rise as calving kicks off. In...
spring-calving
Dairy
Managing negative energy balances this spring
As the calving season kicks off for many farms across the country, managing the concern that is negative energy balances...
Dairy
Dairy advice: Preventing mastitis during calving
With calving fast approaching and even having started on some farms, the risk of cows contracting mastitis increases dramatically. A...
Dairy
Preparing for quality colostrum ahead of the calving season
As the calving season rapidly approaches, preparations must begin to ensure calves get the quality colostrum that they need. Antibody...
N.Ireland
What are the benefits of parlour-training heifers?
Over the next two months, while the herd is dry, farmers should consider training heifers in the parlour. It takes...
Dairy
Ensuring the correct BCS is achieved this winter
Body condition scoring (BCS) the herd now and throughout the winter is crucial for a successful dry period and to...
Beef
AFBI: Livestock production at heart of a circular economy
Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) research has highlighted the role that livestock production plays within a circular economy. Approximately 60%...
Dairy
Don’t overlook post-milking teat disinfection this spring
With so much going on in the parlour between looking after the freshly calved cows, feeding colostrum and managing the...
Dairy
Mitigate infection with a good milking routine this spring
Having a quality milking routine is critically important for the early stages of a cow’s lactation, with infectious pressures very...
Dairy
Keeping cases of calf scour to a minimum this calving season
The majority of the herd will now have calves on the ground as we get further into February which means...
N.Ireland
Lameness: Key areas to consider before calving kicks off
It can be argued that lameness is one of the main animal health and welfare issues on dairy farms, so...
N.Ireland
Dairy advice: The value of a CMT this spring
As cows will be calving thick and fast in the coming weeks, carrying out a Californian milk test (CMT) will...
N.Ireland
Spring calving: Setting the season up for success
Now that we have entered 2025 and the Christmas period is beyond us, farmers will be thinking about the upcoming...
Dairy
Dry cow management: Ensuring cows calve down at correct BCS
As the Christmas period continues on, it is important to be critiquing your dry cow management and ensuring cows are...
N.Ireland
Dairy advice: Getting prepared for the calving season
We are nearing the end of December, meaning it won’t be long until the calving season kicks off all over...
N.Ireland
Seeing out the end of lactation for spring calving cows on a high
We are now entering the final few months of lactation for spring calving cows and the cows are beginning to...
Dairy
Time to begin planning for the weaning of calves
On farms where calving begins in mid-January, there will now be calves between nine and 10-weeks-of-age, and it may be...
N.Ireland
Grazing recommences on some farms this week
Grazing remains impossible in some areas, while in other areas, although challenging, cows are now returning to grass. Many dairy...
