Publications

This Dairy Insight explores the critical role of the dry period and how managing it effectively can significantly impact herd health. Consider when and where to use medicines and vaccines to reduce associated risks of mastitis, in consultation with your vet.

(Pronounced "yo-knees" or in some regions of the UK – John's) Johne's disease or JD is a chronic enteritis of cattle (and sheep) caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis or MAP. The bacteria infect the lining of the intestines and reduce its capacity to absorb fluid and nutrients. The main clinical signs of JD are progressive weight loss and chronic green bubbly diarrhoea. Due to regular screening and culling of MAP infected cattle, clinical Johne's disease is rarely seen on farm. This Insight publication looks at the spread of Johne's on farm and what measures can be introduced to reduce or eliminate the risks.

For a heifer or cow to reach their full production potential, a good calving is essential. They are less likely to suffer from problems post calving such as metritis, ketosis and displaced abomasum, as well as returning to heat and getting back in calf more quickly. For staff, a good calving is a positive experience and impacts less on precious time, as there are fewer consequences such as weak calves and sick cows to deal with. This DAIRY insight explores difficult calvings and when and how to assist.

Milk fever (or hypocalcaemia) is a potentially fatal metabolic disorder where dairy cows experience calcium (Ca) deficiency. With the estimated economic cost per case between £200 to £250, this DAIRY insight looks at symptoms, investigates risk factors and highlights key areas to consider when managing milk fever.

The optimal dry period length between lactations in dairy cows has been debated for many years. Traditionally, an 8-week dry period was considered the ideal duration – balancing a rest period, allowing the udder and milk tissues to regenerate, with preparation for calving and milk production. This recommendation was established during the 1940s, and was […]

The typical method for preventing new infections and treatment of intra-mammary infections during the dry period has historically been the blanket use of Dry Cow Therapy. With the rise of antimicrobial resistance in human as well as veterinary medicine, this prophylactic use of antibiotics (ABs) is now considered unnecessary, as many cows in the herd will be treated with ABs when they don't need it.

Every clinical case of mastitis costs around £290. Currently the top 25% of farmers achieve 22 mastitis cases per 100 cows, while the group average is 41 cases per 100 cows (Kingshay Dairy Costings Focus 2017). These 19 fewer cases achieved savings of £5,510 through reduced treatment costs and increased milk sales. Keeping good mastitis […]

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 […]