Increased risk of magnesium deficiency in lactating ewes
Grass tetany (hypomagnesaemia), caused by low blood magnesium levels, could be more of a risk in lactating ewes this spring where farms have experienced excessive winter rainfall, according to Rumenco’s Technical Services Manager Dr Alison Bond. Common symptoms, which include reduced milk production in ewes, will directly impact lamb performance, so sheep farmers should be […]
Copper key to dairy cow fertility following water logging
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 […]
Heightened risk of grass staggers in cattle after wet winter
Grass staggers (hypomagnesaemia or grass tetany), caused by low blood magnesium levels, could be more of a risk in cattle this spring where farms have experienced excessive winter rainfall, according to Rumenco’s Technical Services Manager Dr Alison Bond. Common sub-clinical symptoms, including reductions in milk yield and feed intake, will directly impact performance in dairy […]
Feed supplement proven to aid scours and BRD prevention
Feeding biologically active nutritional supplements that have been proven to reduce scours and BRD in calves could help bolster disease prevention strategies on many UK dairy and beef units. So says Rumenco Technical Services Manager Dr Alison Bond, who highlights the continuing impact of these two most damaging diseases whilst stressing the importance of a […]
Forage shortage forces early supplementation
For Welsh sheep and beef farmers Eric and Steve Jones, forage quality and quantity are rarely an issue. However, the drought conditions faced in 2025 have caused them to supplement the flock earlier to maintain body condition. Upper Lloyney Farm covers 350 acres of good grazing land near Newchurch Powys. Father and son, Eric and […]
Pre-calving nutrition a priority for Spring calving beef herds
Continuing buoyancy in global beef markets should encourage spring calving suckled calf producers to double down on pre-calving nutrition. This is the advice of Rumenco’s Technical Services Manager Dr Alison Bond, who says correct supplementation should always be a cost-effective investment, but with store and finished cattle prices forecast to remain strong, farmers should be […]
Colostrum the unseen ally for outdoor lambing flocks
Lamb viability and survival rates in outdoor lambing flocks will be significantly impacted by the quantity and quality of ewes’ colostrum, irrespective of the wider seasonal management factors such as shepherding, mob size, shelter and available grazing. So says Rumenco Technical Services Manager Dr Alison Bond, who points to pre-lambing nutrition as the key to […]
New distributor for Grouse Grit
Rumenco has announced it has taken over the distribution of Grouse Grit following the acquisition of Owens Nutrition Ltd. The products remain unchanged with unmedicated and medicated options available that are suitable for all types of gamebirds. The medicated graded Cornish quartz grit includes an added dewormer along with a weatherproof coating. “Rumenco, trading under […]
We’ve launched a new silage additive
“NovaSile CS contains two fast-acting lactic acid bacteria that reduce the pH level of a clamp or bale quickly, to protect its nutrient value and prevent against yeast and mould development that can cause silage to heat,” explains product specialist Chris Wheatley. NovaSile CS also contains an acetic acid producing bacteria that improves aerobic stability […]
Ewe nutrition vital for early lambing flocks
Ewes tupped in the summer and early autumn were grazing drought-stricken pastures that could result in reduced body condition which threatens the health of unborn lambs. However, the knock-on effect in late pregnancy can be mediated by testing forage and managing ewe nutrition requirements by using blocks or buckets ahead of lambing. In the six […]