Publications

Calf pneumonia is the more commonly used name for Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD). It is estimated to cost the UK cattle industry around £80 million a year. A mild case may only cost c.£30 per animal, however this rises to £80 for more severe cases. Costs will increase to over £500 if the disease results in mortality. Some costs, such as vet and med costs, are highly visible at the time of an outbreak. Others, such as the impact on daily liveweight gain, feed conversion efficiency and labour, are much harder to quantify, but important nonetheless. Moreover, pneumonia can significantly affect lifetime productivity – data shows that heifers treated for pneumonia took on average an additional 30 days to reach age at first calving and those which had multiple pneumonia treatments as calves produced 337 fewer litres in their 1st lactation and 849 fewer in their 2nd.

When we think of mastitis and summer, we generally think of the risk of infection of Summer Mastitis to dry cows and maiden heifers. However, this is not the only mastitis that needs consideration. Indeed, in lactating cows, both SCC and mastitis rates rise during the warmer months. This dairy insight looks at the different mastitis infections that are prevalent during the summer months, the pathogens involved and provide advice as to what steps can be put in place to reduce or prevent mastitis at this time of year.

Getting water supply at grass right is a must for optimal cow welfare and to avoid potential dips in production. Water supply is a common pinch point on dairy farms, particularly when herd expansion has taken place and water infrastructure has not been addressed accordingly. Take the time to assess whether herd demands are being met and ensure the system is set up to cope with peak demands when ambient temperatures are at their highest. See Water Supply for Housed Cows dairy insight for advice at housing.

Gases such as methane and carbon dioxide are produced as part of the normal process of digestion in cattle. These gases are usually discharged by eructation (belching). If the animal is unable to remove the excess gas it builds up causing bloat, a distention of the ruminoreticulum. This DAIRY insight explores the causes of bloat, and how it can be treated – and first and foremost, how to prevent bloat from being an issue for your stock.

Water quality is an important issue in the production and health of dairy cattle. Water can provide both essential and antagonistic constituents for dairy cows and therefore untreated water from boreholes, rainwater collection, etc., should be assessed for mineral composition and/or microbiological analysis when formulating rations or investigating metabolic disorders. This DAIRY insight looks at the analysis on offer through Kingshay and includes details on how to interpret your results.

Mycotoxins are a hidden risk in feeds and forages which can lead to milk suppression, suboptimal fertility and health issues. Once present, they are impossible to remove, so prevention is a must. When issues are suspected, diagnosing the mycotoxins responsible and feeding the correct binder at the right rate is key to success. This dairy insight explores Mycotoxins, how to spot them, prevent them and picking the correct binder when issues are suspected.

Private water sources are a great way to lower water costs on dairy farms, but failure to routinely monitor and address water quality issues can lead to problems with udder health. As such, it's vital that any non-mains water sources used in and around the parlour are tested for bacteria levels every 6-12 months. This DAIRY insight looks at the risks surrounding private water supplies, how to monitor contamination and how to address any problems that arise.

E. coli is one of the primary causes of clinical mastitis in the UK, presenting in various guises from mild cases to severe toxic mastitis that few cows will survive. With that in mind, the emphasis should be on preventing infection by ensuring cows are kept in a clean, dry environment.

Working with livestock will always involve a level of risk. One risk area that is often overlooked is zoonotic diseases (pathogens that are passed from animals to humans). These can threaten both your heath and the well-being of your staff. In an era of a global pandemic with a zoonotic origin, it highlights the need for understanding more about disease transmission from animals to humans. This DAIRY insight looks at some of the main zoonotic diseases in cattle and considers how you can protect yourself and your staff.

This DAIRY insight examines how to avoid antibiotic failures and looks at the on-farm test kits available and helps you choose the right one for your farm.

Bedding conditioners form an important part of a mastitis control strategy by drying the cubicle beds and making an inhospitable environment for bacteria. However, their use is no substitute for good bed management. Correct application is also a must to ensure optimum efficacy and to avoid both human health and safety issues and animal welfare challenges. With little independent research surrounding individual products, caution is also advised. This DAIRY insight explores the types of conditioners available, when to use and how to get the most out of conditioners.

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.