Publications

This is one of a series of three insight publications, looking at parasitic worms in cattle. Together these publications provide a comprehensive guide for developing a good worming strategy in conjunction with your vet. There are many species of roundworm worms (Nematodes) that can parasitise cattle, but only a few are of economic importance within the UK, these are: Ostertagia ostertagi, Cooperia oncophora and Dictyocaulus viviparous. This insight publication examines theses parasites in greater detail, to provide a better understanding of this economically important disease.

Consistent growth throughout their early years is essential to ensure heifers calve in at the most economical age at first calving of 24 months, but all too often turnout can set youngstock back. This insight publication looks at avoiding dips in growth rate at grass, and how regular weighing, careful nutrition and putting in place […]

In the UK anthelmintic resistance is common in sheep, and while less so in cattle, it is a growing threat to their health and welfare. If left unimpeded, it could lead to existing anthelmintics becoming ineffective. Ensuring good worming practices and developing a reliable worming strategy will not only improve herd health leading to economic […]

Careful monitoring of the performance and health of freshly calved cows will help to achieve expected lactation yields. Particular attention should be paid to cows who are "at risk" of having problems post calving. Monitoring their health and providing early treatment where necessary will improve whole herd performance. This insight covers: Knock-on effects post calving […]

A refractometer is a simple instrument used for measuring concentrations of aqueous solutions. It requires only a few drops of liquid, and is used throughout the food, agricultural, chemical and manufacturing industries – and the home brewers amongst you will certainly be familiar with them. This DAIRY insight publications looks at how to use a Brix refractometer and what you can test on farm to make informed management decisions.

This is the third issue of our new publication, research insight. The aim of the publication is to translate relevant scientific research into useful information for your farm. This issue looks at Cow and Calf Behaviour. Providing an environment where dairy cows and calves can exhibit natural behaviour is considered to contribute to a high […]

This is the first issue of our new publication, RESEARCH insight. The aim of the publication is to translate relevant scientific research into useful information for your farm. This issue looks at: Lameness in Dairy Heifers – Randall et al. Lameness in dairy heifers; impacts of hoof lesions present around first calving on future lameness, […]

Replacement heifers account for almost 10% of on-farm costs, yet the Kingshay 2012 Youngstock Survey found that 15.5% of first-calving heifers fail to calve into the milking herd for a second time. It is vital to manage youngstock in a way that will produce excellent growth rates and set up an animal for a long, […]

There is increasing pressure on producers to use veterinary medicines more sparingly, in particular, antibiotics. Many assurance schemes are striving to prove agriculture is doing its bit to prevent antimicrobial resistance. This Farming Note covers measures that can be taken to use antibiotics more selectively. This Farming Note covers: How antibiotic resistance can develop on […]

In response to member queries about calf jackets and their efficacy, we carried out a Tried & Tested survey and trial in early 2015. The survey was completed by a sample of Kingshay members and other dairy producers. The trial included a comparison of 8 different calf jackets that were put on heifer calves and […]

Autumn grass can be a high-value feed, and for those squeezed by milk price, maximising use of late season grass can boost margins. This Farming Note covers: how long it is worth grazing for the flexible strategies needed to gain the most from late season grass target pre and post-grazing covers and average covers how […]

Traditional calf feeding practice limits milk fed to encourage early intakes of concentrates and promote earlier weaning, to cut feed costs and labour. Recent research however has shown that feeding higher volumes of milk can boost lifetime productivity, but this can make weaning more difficult. This Farming Note discusses how different calf feeding approaches can […]