Publications

Liver fluke is a highly pathogenic flatworm parasite called Fasciola hepatica. Infected mud snails (Galba truncatula) shed liver fluke cysts onto pasture, where cattle graze, causing cow infections. Liver fluke can be an issue all year round, but the most problematic time is late summer and autumn, particularly in the wetter regions. Preventing animals from becoming infected with fluke is vital, from both a welfare and economic point of view, with a case costing £192 from milk losses alone. This DAIRY insight explores diagnoses, treatment, and prevention of liver fluke in dairy cows.

Heifer calves are the future of your dairy herd, you don't get a second chance at getting it right. Therefore, time taken for attention to detail pays dividends not only for the calf but for the lifetime of the animal – time and money that could be recouped many times over. This dairy insight summarises best practice in colostrum hygiene and storage to get your calves off to the best possible start.

In recent years many papers have been published around the procedure of disbudding, the use of NSAIDs, as well as health and safety aspects – including the inhalation of noxious gases during the process. This DAIRY insight explores a selection of this research.

Good building ventilation is vital to remove the huge amounts of heat and moisture produced by cows every day. Failure to get it right can lead to heat stress and higher levels of disease due to the build-up of pathogens. Where every step has been taken to improve shed ventilation naturally, the use of mechanical ventilation can help cool cows and improve ventilation.

This insight publication is one in a series of three worming publications: Understanding Anthelmintics and Youngstock Worms, that together provide a comprehensive guide for developing a good worming strategy in conjunction with your vet. In the UK, anthelmintic resistance is common in sheep, and while less so in cattle, it is a growing threat to […]

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 […]

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle caused by the pestivirus. It causes huge losses in terms of reduced herd health, fertility, production and abortion. It is estimated that over 90% of the national cattle herd have been exposed to the virus. Estimated costs of disease are between £13 and […]

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.

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, […]

Leptospirosis (lepto) is a bacterial disease of cows which causes infertility, abortion storms, higher cell counts and lower milk yields. Control of lepto is particularly crucial as it is zoonotic, so can be transmitted to humans.

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 […]