Beef

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beef

NEWSLETTERS

May 2010

February 2010

June 2009

Cow fertility

As a calf is the only output of the cow, maximising fertility is essential, and cow nutrition should be monitored by body condition scoring and where necessary by monitoring minerals and trace elements as well. For many suckler herds grass or silage are the main feeds, relying totally on its quality and mineral content. Where we tested for trace element status we found some severe deficiencies on some soils. We recommend early scanning (e.g. from 30 days after completing the first cycle) to assess cow and bull fertility and to take necessary action before it’s too late. Other areas to watch are infectious diseases like BVD and Johne’s disease.

Bull fertility

A high proportion of bulls are subfertile. We offer a comprehensive testing service which includes a physical examination of the animal and its reproductive tract as well as semen collection using electro-ejaculation (which is less stressful than it sounds) and microscopic examination of semen. This can highlight bulls which have physical abnormalities or produce low quality semen (or none at all). It can give an estimate of the bull’s fertility, although it cannot guarantee or rule out good fertility.

Infectious disease control

Monitoring for the main infectious diseases is essential to maintain fertility and good growth rates. For example BVD can have severe effects on fertility and calf health; Johne’s disease can affect fertility; and respiratory diseases can irreversibly delay growth rates. Whether the control options include vaccination, environmental control, or eradication depends on the diseases present and the farm circumstances. Please feel free to discuss the options at a visit or when setting up or reviewing a herd health plan. Pedigree herds may also opt for CHeCs accreditation. Part funding for BVD and Johne’s control is currently available under the Healthy Livestock Initiative.

Parasite control

We offer faecal egg counts for worms and liver fluke with results usually reported on the same day. Even if no clinical signs are visible, growth rates may be affected. Rotational grazing goes a long way towards prevention of stomach worms. Wormers should be used sensibly (right time, right product) – please feel free to discuss the best way for your farm. Our practice supports the recently introduced COWS initiative (Control Of Worms Sustainably) to avoid wormer resistance to build up.