Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast have discovered a cutting-edge way of using waste water to track avian flu. This new method could help to determine how well seasonal flu vaccines are working and may also help detect the next pandemic at an early stage. It also works on human... Read more

• Winter migratory birds are carriers • Poultry sector braced for outbreaks • Good hygiene key to reduce risks Poultry keepers are being urged to stay on top of their game when it comes to protecting flocks against avian influenza this winter. It follows two high-profile outbreaks – including... Read more

UK pig producers should develop robust contingency plans as African swine fever (ASF) continues to spread across mainland Europe, say experts. ASF is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs. There are several different strains. Pigs infected with mild strains may not become ill or show typical clinical signs.... Read more

Lowest level of livestock antibiotics Multi-drug resistance in pigs and poultry has fallen to an all-time low after a decade of reducing antibiotic use. The amount of antibiotics sold for livestock remains at the lowest level to date, says Defra. But an increase in antibiotic usage for some livestock... Read more

Livestock producers should carefully consider their options when looking to feed supplements this winter – rather than relying on them as a catch-all. Lack of sunshine and lots of rain this season have affected mineral and trace element levels available for plant uptake – and overall forage and grazing... Read more

Read more

Bold plan to secure profitable future Beef farming could be transformed by using artificial intelligence to make livestock production more profitable, say researchers. Feed efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions and animal welfare could all be improved by harnessing the benefits of AI, according to scientists behind the £1.2m UKRI-funded BeefTwin... Read more

• Latest genetics deliver big benefits • Balance rations to optimise maize • Paying attention to ration structure Getting the most out of high energy maize is increasingly important for dairy farmers looking to make optimum use of home-grown feeds. Significant improvements in the digestibility and reliability of high... Read more

An electric feed distribution robot has been launched by dairy agri-tech specialists DeLaval – in a move the company claims saves time and money. The OptiWagon machine completes the DeLaval’s Optimat range of robots – designed to provide a total feeding solution from weighing, cutting and mixing to delivering... Read more

A physical examination of your breeding rams is worth the time, writes Nerys Wright. I hear the saying ‘the ram is half your flock’ but if we were honest with ourselves, sometimes we a little complacent when it comes to checking our rams before the mating season I was... Read more