Health

Early planning will help improve cow mobility (Nov/Dec 24)

Survey responses reveal the challenges faced when looking to improve and maintain hoof health, as well as myriad opportunities to prevent...

Bacteriology unlocks mastitis-treatment benefits (Nov/Dec 24)

On-farm bacteriology is the key to improving the efficiency of antibiotic use and the effective treatment of clinical and sub-clinical...

Practical approach turns ‘what’ into ‘how’ (Sept 24)

A recent project highlighted producers’ preferred learning styles and the secrets to engagement successes when it comes to maximising...

Mindset change key to improving mobility (Sept 24)

Changing how the task of mobility scoring is viewed by producers will open up opportunities to improve foot health and reduce lameness...

Bolstering immunity supports calf-pneumonia management (July/Aug 24)

Reviewing calf rearing and management protocols, including vaccination policies and lung scanning, has reduced the impact of pneumonia...

Weather prompts changes to worming strategies (July/Aug 24)

This year’s wet weather has thrown worm control plans into confusion, making monitoring stock even more crucial. We spoke to a vet to...

Act now to prevent pest invasion (June 24)

Increased rodent activity is expected this year due to the recent usually warm and wet conditions. So how can producers reduce the risk...

Parasite watch (May 24)

Adapt your grazing plans Grazing management is a key component of parasite control, but waterlogged and flooded fields this spring may...

Targeted approach offers positive outcomes (May 24)

Responsible use of antibiotics requires an evidenced-based approach to target cows that will benefit from treatment – and a name change....

Data determines success in disease control (May 24)

A team approach is keeping tabs on disease data and ensuring that herd health ‘heads north’ and infection levels ‘head south’ on one...

Automated route supports cows and staff (May 24)

Investing in milking robots, and other labour-saving automated tech, has helped one family-run unit improve milk yields and cow health....

Monitor and control to mitigate heat stress (April 24)

Taking steps to improve cow-house ventilation, using AI and the latest environmental control equipment, can help to mitigate the impact...

Parasite watch (March 24)

Tips for turnout At turnout, calves and heifers are particularly susceptible to gutworm infections, which can have a significant negative...

Survey set to further BVD-eradication progress (Feb 24)

This year’s national BVD survey is set to highlight areas where management and careful vaccination planning can come together to take...

Virus can ‘open door’ to respiratory disease (Nov/Dec 23)

Research has revealed that bovine coronavirus is playing a critical role in causing respiratory disease in calves and cattle. But the...

Resolve to remove reservoirs of infection (Nov/Dec 23)

Taking a more systematic approach to tackling endemic bovine TB could mirror the progress achieved by UK herds enrolled in Johne’s...

Prioritise parasite control for peak performance (Oct 23)

We offer important pointers on how to take timely action to protect dairy cattle from parasites, and their associated health and...

Revised costs and trim changes (Sept 23)

AHDB’s ongoing Healthy Feet Programme continues to take steps to improve cow health and welfare, and business’ bottom lines. Here we find...

Change management – not just mindset (May 23)

Increased milk frequency and greater precision offered by robotic milking has many udder-health benefits, providing herd management and...

Footbathing heifers is key to controlling disease (March 23)

Taking a whole-herd approach with footbathing, to include heifers and dry cows, is key to tackling digital dermatitis. A leading...

Calf pneumonia – focus on housing (Jan 23)

Westpoint Farm Vets’ Tim Potter stresses the importance of optimising the calf environment to help prevent pneumonia. Pneumonia is a...

Johne’s control – it’s time to step up (Nov/Dec 22)

There’s been good progress made when it comes to Johne’s control, but there’s still more to do. We spoke to two vets to find out more...

Medicines review key to health planning process (Nov/Dec 22)

Westpoint Farm Vets’ Tim Potter outlines how herd health planning – and regular reviews – are key to continuing to reduce antibiotic use...

Producer-led vaccination project is up and running (Nov/Dec 22)

Producers and vets are working together to vaccinate badgers against bovine TB in East Sussex. We find out more about the project and...

Vaccine added to scour-prevention armoury (Nov/Dec 22)

The launch of a new vaccine against calf scour underlines why colostrum really is king when it comes to protecting newborn calves. So...

Keep calm - and put the kettle on (Nov/Dec 22)

Stress is bad for us - we know that. And it also has a negative impact on cow health, fertility and productivity. We spoke to a leading...

Breeding for lameness resistance – the next step (Sept 22)

Latest research has shown that resistance to lameness can be bred into cows more easily than previously thought. And now researchers and...

Calf scour – know your enemy (Sept 22)

Is scouring cause for concern on your unit? We look at some key areas where easy wins can be put in place to help reduce the incidence of...

Photographic precision is key to pro-active management (July/Aug 22)

Automating mobility and condition scoring using a 3D camera is proving a success for the furthest easterly dairy unit in the UK,...

Focus on sweet spots to add dairy appeal (May 22)

Improving public perceptions of dairying is key to the resilience and continued success of the UK industry. So what are the concerns and...

Smile for the camera! (May 22)

Automating mobility and body condition scoring will help to improve interpretation of cow health and welfare data while saving on...