Improving hygiene and ewe management aims to reduce antibiotic use at lambing
Antibiotic use is a topical subject. There is increasing concern about possible antimicrobial resistance and a commitment by the agriculture industry to reduce the amount of antibiotics used. Much of the media attention is focussed on human health but we...
Case Study: Nant Goch Mastitis Control
Cutting the rate of new clinical mastitis cases reduces antibiotic use and helps dairy farm save £55,000 a year.
A WELSH dairy farm is saving a staggering £55,000 a year on cases of clinical mastitis, compared to a few years...
FC - Issue 7
Below is the 7th issue of Farming Connect’s technical publication for farmers and foresters in Wales.
Published bi-monthly, it includes easy to digest facts and figures about a range of technical matters, along with the latest information and research from...
Ectoparasites of sheep: Sheep Scab
Dr Ruth Wonfor: IBERS, Aberystwyth University
Take home messages:
- Sheep scab is caused by mites which live on the skin of the sheep, causing lesions, severe itching, loss of wool and ultimately a loss in production.
- All sheep with scab...
Understanding Mastitis Control in YOUR herd
Mastitis is one of the costliest challenges facing dairy farmers, while levels of Somatic Cell Count have a direct impact on milk price achieved. Tackling these important issues can increase milk price and yield, reduce culling and cut the cost of...
The effect of alternative bedding materials on sheep behaviour and welfare
Dr Ruth Wonfor: IBERS, Aberystwyth University
- Bedding is important for keeping animals clean and dry but also for environmental enrichment in housed sheep systems to improve animal welfare.
- Straw encourages natural sheep behaviour but is increasingly expensive and increases the...
Maximise performance by tailoring nutritional requirements of in-lamb ewes
To maximise flock performance, it is important to feed ewes according to their needs at different stages of production, as good ewe nutrition impacts on lamb survival and growth rates. Formulating rations based on forage will help optimise health and welfare...