Sheep farmers with surplus lambs to rear over the 2024 lambing season are being encouraged to make the most of these newborns’ early life growth potential to boost flock returns. Maximising lamb numbers sold per ewe is a key benchmark for a successful sheep farming enterprise. This mean rearing... Read more
Beef producers from across the UK will gather at next month’s Beef Expo show – the flagship event to celebrate the best of British cattle breeding. Organised by the National Beef Association, the one-day exhibition is scheduled to coincide with Great British Beef Week – being held on 27... Read more
Industry leaders have welcomed the relaxation of bluetongue control zones – but say livestock producers must remain vigilant for the disease. Temporary control zones that have limited the movement of livestock to control the spread of bluetongue were removed on 19 February – easing difficulties for many sheep and... Read more
Defra says it is assessing applications for its Calf Housing for Health and Welfare grant. The grant – which funds calf housing buildings to improve health and welfare – closed at the end of November. In an update, Defra officials said applications from farmers were now being assessed. Grants... Read more
A bespoke training service aims to help dairy farmers and their vets improve herd health and reproduction planning by better monitoring. The new MSD Animal Health Insights service will provide practical information training – delivered by an veterinary advisor – based on the needs of individual dairy herds, farmers... Read more
New guidance to reduce the risk of animal disease from stored livestock feed has been published by Defra. The guidance emphasises the pivotal role of regular and thorough cleaning in maintaining livestock health and productivity. It also stresses the significance of cleansing feed storage areas, containers and equipment. Defra... Read more
Switching to a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) has delivered significant benefits for flock health and efficiency. Scottish sheep producer Jack Shaw is gradually increasing his sheep flock from 200 to 800 ewes over a five-year period. He has also moved from a hill-based system to low-ground grazing at Lochfer... Read more
Good ewe nutrition is helping to boost colostrum quality, milk production and flock health ahead of lambing. Feed blocks containing essential trace elements, vitamins, and minerals are also bolstering youngstock development and immunity while promote the vitality and vigour of newborn lambs and ewes. “Supplementation is especially important in... Read more
Unusual weather patterns are having a big impact on the risk of liver fluke across the UK, say livestock experts. The level and timing of the disease risk is becoming later with the first losses last year no reported until late November, according to the Sustainable Control of Parasites... Read more
Sheep farmers are losing 10-25% of early lambs this season to Schmallenberg disease, suggest initial reports. Scanners are reporting dead lambs inside ewes – adding to challenges which already include bluetongue virus, winter storms and flooding due to extreme weather, says the National Sheep Association. NSA chief executive Phil... Read more
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