Serving the farming industry across East Anglia for over 40 years
How healthy animals can help combat climate crisis
Healthier livestock are more productive and can help mitigate climate change, suggests a study. Improving animal health may reduce greenhouse gas emissions without the need to switch to a meat-free diet or cut food production – helping to boost farm livelihoods and enhance animal welfare. The finding – by... Read more
Mineral level warning follows wet winter
Poor mineral levels in grass following one of the wettest winters on record could result in livestock deficiencies and production losses, say experts. Testing fresh grass will indicate how well minerals are being taken up by the crop, suggests Lisa Hambly, head of grassland and forage agronomy at Mole... Read more
Cattle at higher risk of liver fluke problems
High levels of liver fluke this spring mean farmers should consider clostridial vaccination and control to avoid potentially serious livestock losses. “Farmers have recently been warned over a later than normal liver fluke threat in 2024 following unusual weather patterns during 2023,” says Kat Baxter-Smith, veterinary adviser with MSD Animal Health.... Read more
Grants on offer for animal health and welfare equipment
Livestock producers have one month left to apply for equipment grants to improve animal health and welfare on their farms. The expanded Farming Equipment and Technology Fund grant scheme offers funding towards a broad range of commonly used pieces of equipment and technology. The Animal Health & Welfare section... Read more
Calf health applications ‘now being assessed’
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
Monitoring support to aid herd health planning
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
Guidance highlights need for clean feed storage
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
Enzyme shows potential for reduction in feed costs
Including a feed enzyme in pig diets  has good potential for substantial reductions in costs while maintaining pig performance, suggests a trial. The research spanning from January to July 2023, independently led by Harper Adams University, revealed how the enzyme is capable of consistently supporting pig performance in both... Read more
Vaccine for swine dysentery is ‘within reach’ – scientists
Researchers say they are a step closer to a vaccine for swine dysentery – the devastating bacterial disease which causes severe losses and piglet mortality. Swine dysentery causes damage to the enteric system of pigs, resulting in severe diarrhoea and weight loss. Although not a notifiable disease, producers are... Read more
Optimise flock performance ahead of spring lambing
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