The case for alternative protein sources for animal feed
Dr William Stiles: IBERS, Aberystwyth University.
- Vegetable based protein for livestock feed in the UK is primarily sourced from soy bean imported from South America.
- Reliance on this source is problematic from an economic, food security and environmental impact perspective...
Cost effective building design solutions
Many farms underestimate the contribution farm buildings have on animal health and how to get better animal performance out of existing farm sheds.
Three separate factors contribute towards imbalances within livestock buildings.
- Moisture
- Fresh air
- Air speed
Increased moisture and...
Alternative sources of protein for animal feed: Lupins
Dr William Stiles: IBERS, Aberystwyth University.
- Lupins are high protein, high energy, nitrogen-fixing grain legumes.
- As a crop, lupins offer an alternative to imported soya as a UK-grown vegetable protein source which can be used as part of fish and...
Dairy Producers Organisation Cymru Summit 14.11.16
To find out more about how Dairy Producer Organisations (DPO) could add value and improve efficiencies in the dairy supply chain in Wales, join Farming Connect at their first ‘DPO Cymru Summit’.
DPOs could help address current and future market...
Selective dry cow therapy – what is it and should I use it on my farm?
Dr Ruth Wonfor: IBERS, Aberystwyth University
Take home messages:
- Blanket dry cow therapy should be considered an unacceptable practice. This is in line with the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework’s recommendation of ‘promoting the minimising of routine use of...
New dry cow management system helps makes savings and cut antibiotic use
Reducing the use of antibiotics at drying off is resulting in significant savings at a Farming Connect dairy Demonstration Farm.
By implementing Selective Dry Cow Therapy (SDCT) at Tyreglwys, Llangennech, farmer Geraint Thomas has reduced costs by £7.40 per...
Digging deep into the DNA
Using genomics to breed the best females will increase the genetic value of replacements at a Welsh dairy farm and reduce the number of lower-genetic-merit animals coming into the herd.
At Marian Mawr, a Farming Connect Demonstration Farm near Rhyl...
Cow Mobility Day
Cow mobility is one of the most important factors in herd health, with lameness the most significant welfare issue affecting the dairy cow. Lameness cases can be costly and also impact on milk yield and fertility, so good hoof...