Publications

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 […]

This is the fourth 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 how farmers can optimise medicine efficacy by following best practice in storing and administering drugs. There is increasing pressure on producers to use […]

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 […]

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, […]

Freezing Point Depression (FPD) is a test used to measure extraneous water in milk. The freezing point of milk is usually in the range of -0.512oC to -0.550oC with an average of -0.522oC. FPD is usually reported as a whole number, hence -0.522oC would be reported as 522moC. This insight publication looks at the factors […]

The UK does not often experience the hot temperatures currently being faced, and the duration of the heat is almost unprecedented. So what additional considerations need to be taken into account due to these conditions?

With the latest Kingshay Dairy Focus Report putting the cost of mastitis at £290 per case, anything that can be done to prevent infection on farm is a must. Teat disinfection plays an important role in maintaining good udder health and is a vital component of any mastitis prevention plan. However, with a vast array […]

This is the second 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 the impact of heat stress on UK milk production and greenhouse gas emissions.

Cow brushes not only help to fulfil the cow's natural desire to scratch, but could also lead to a 1-litre a cow a day uplift in milk yield, along with less disease and reduced damage to farm buildings. Such enrichment is already part of some farm assurance requirements, but is likely to become increasingly important […]

Bovine TB (bTB) continues to be a major problem with approximately 11% of herds in England affected by bTB in 2017. The latest DEFRA statistics show there were 3,824 new herd incidents in herds that were officially TB free, during 2017, compared to 3,762 in 2016. This DAIRY insight publication is the first of two covering TB. It gives an overview of the current bTB situation and the Twenty-five Year bTB Strategy to achieve Officially TB Free status.

There are very few truly 'closed' herds in the UK, as farmers purchase stock for various reasons including replacements for culls, expanding the herd size, sweeper bulls or even for improving the herd genetics.