Livestock – Page 3 – Anglia Farmer Magazine

How discs optimise slurry applications

Livestock Pig & Poultry 06/02/2025

Slurry spreading specialist Samson has introduced two new disc incorporators to get the best from organic fertilisers. The CDf and CDx incorporators are designed to be used on different soil types – including light sand and heavy clay, or indeed stubble. Both ensure nutrients are placed where they are... Read more

Investigation could restrict autumn slurry spreading

Livestock Pig & Poultry 06/02/2025

• Rules for water under scrutiny • Manure ‘mustn’t be excessive’ • Deadline for government reply Autumn manure spreading could be under threat following an investigation into pollution guidance by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP). The government’s Farming Rules for Water (FRfW) aim to reduce and prevent water... Read more

How pigs finish faster on a live yeast diet

Livestock 31/01/2025

Incorporating probiotic live yeast into pig diets can reduce finishing time and improve feed conversion ratio, suggests a trial. The year-long trial was carried out across a total of 27,000 pigs in 66 batches. Some 32 batches were supplemented with the probiotic live yeast Levucell SB, says Hannah Elliott,... Read more

Liver fluke lateral flow test is way forward

Livestock 27/01/2025

A new – and faster – Covid-style test-at-home kit for liver fluke in ruminants could bring benefits for sheep producers, writes Nerys Wright. Covid has a lot to answer for, but helping on-farm testing is not one that would have been top of my list. The experience of using... Read more

5 top tips for indoor lambing

Livestock 27/01/2025

Good preparation is key to ensuring success when indoor lambing. Gwyn James from Nettex offers timely personal and professional reminders to keep on top of your game. I grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Wales and still help family and friends to lamb inside. We always... Read more

Scientists use waste water to track avian flu

Livestock 27/01/2025

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

Biosecurity vital to protect flocks against avian flu

Livestock 27/01/2025

• 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

Prepare for worst on African swine fever, producers told

Livestock 27/01/2025

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

Multi-drug resistance falls to all-time low

Livestock 27/01/2025

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

Consider copper supplements with care this winter

Livestock 22/11/2024

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