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

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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

Lamb producers could achieve a three to one return on investment by using specialist supplements before tupping. A productive lambing season relies on a good tupping tupping, says nutrition specialists Rumenco. Recent trials suggest a ewe supplement ahead of tupping can significantly improve the number of live births –... Read more

• Biosecurity ensures profitable production • Growth targets and feed conversion goals • Disinfectant and cleaning delivers results   Good biosecurity is helping a Derbyshire broiler producer hit growth targets and feed conversion goals. George Adsetts rears 3.5 million birds annually on all-in-all-out systems across three units – including... Read more

      Act now to avoid being caught out A challenging season which has played havoc with silage reserves means a fodder budget will be vital on most farms this winter. With both fodder quality and quantity affected by this year’s weather – including a wet spring and... Read more