Check ewes at weaning to allow time to rectify poor condition
Weaning is an ideal time to assess ewes’ body condition score (BCS), as well as checking teeth, feet, and udders, as it leaves sufficient time to optimise their nutrition before tupping. This is the advice of Rumenco’s Technical Services Manager Dr Alison Bond, who says close monitoring at critical times, with the aim of avoiding […]
Heat stress mitigation more important for cows in changing climate
With periods of extreme high temperatures more likely and less predictable in the changing UK climate, dairy farmers need to be more prepared to combat the negative impact of heat stress on health and productivity in their herds. So says Rumenco’s Technical Services Manager Dr Alison Bond, who warns of milk yield depression, increased mastitis […]
Maximising Lamb Growth Rates Post-Weaning
Maximising lamb growth rates post-weaning should be a priority for sheep farmers, given the positive impact that earlier finishing can have on overall flock performance. So advises Rumenco Technical Services Manager Dr Alison Bond, who points to a number of key management factors that will help to ensure as many lambs as possible are away […]
Garlic blocks help minimise fly worry and reduce disease spread
Feeding garlic to cattle and sheep as a natural insect repellent can help to reduce problems caused by flies, midges and ticks, according to Rumenco Technical Services Manager Dr Alison Bond. Including it in mineral and vitamin licks, she says, could in many cases be a cost-effective addition to livestock farms’ pest control strategy, especially […]
Copper key to dairy cow fertility following waterlogging
Dairy farms grazing pastures that have been waterlogged over the winter should be mindful of potential mineral imbalances and their impact on the reproductive performance of cows and heifers. This is the advice of Rumenco’s Technical Services Manager Dr Alison Bond, who says that the anaerobic soil conditions resulting from flooding will have interfered with […]
Nutrient supplementation at grass key to flock performance
Sheep farmers in the UK are being urged to give greater consideration to the mineral and trace element supplementation of lactating ewes and their lambs during spring and summer grazing. The advice comes from Rumenco’s Technical Services Manager Dr Alison Bond, who points to over-winter forage shortages, excessive soil nutrient leaching due to heavy rainfall, […]
Supplementation drives forage system success
Careful, yet sustained, supplementation has helped the Tilson family’s Cheviot flock to get more nutrition from forage while reducing costly concentrate inputs. John, Marion and Wanda Tilson farm in partnership at Wedderlie Farm, 15 miles north of Kelso on the Scottish border. A former Blackface flock, the Tilson’s chose to move to Cheviots for a […]
Conditions take toll on forage and flock performance
Extreme weather conditions in north Yorkshire over the last couple of years have impacted on the low input system at Tom Carlisle’s farm near Skipton. Diminishing soil nutrients and a lack of forage as a result of flood and drought conditions have cost the farm, but an emphasis on animal health and welfare has carried […]
Silage additive keeps forage cool
In a bid to improve the quality and stability of his maize clamp, Somerset dairy farmer, Chris Briggs tested a new silage additive which has sped up fermentation to keep the clamp cooler and reduce losses in a challenging forage year. Working with Mole Valley Farmers and Rumenco, Mr Briggs added NovaSileCS, a new silage […]
Nutrient supplementation at grass key to flock performance
Sheep farmers are being urged to give greater consideration to the mineral and trace element supplementation of lactating ewes and their lambs during spring and summer grazing. The advice comes from Rumenco’s Technical Services Manager Dr Alison Bond, who points to over-winter forage shortages, excessive soil nutrient leaching due to heavy rainfall, and the increased […]