£300 million annually - This is the estimated cost of liver fluke to the UK agricultural industry.

Liver fluke can result in:

As you may already know, MilkSure is an industry initiative, aimed at reducing the number of bulk tank failures and demonstrating the responsible use of antibiotics within the dairy industry.

It takes the form of training 2 training sessions, delivered by our farm vets.  

Ruth recently attended a really interesting talk and farm walk with New Zealand vet, Neil Chesterton, organised by AHDB Dairy.  A couple of clients attended too, but thought we could use this newsletter to pass on some key points.

As part of our pre tuppling series, we focus on teaser rams.

Vasectomised rams (which are therefore infertile but produce testosterone) can be used to synchronise ewes and to encourage ewes early in their breeding season to cycle. Surgery needs to be conducted at least 6 weeks before the teaser ram goes in with the ewes.

Please contact the surgery for further information 01363 772860.

As part of our pre tupping guidelines, we discuss the benefits of semen testing.

We can check the semen quality of rams by examining a sample under the microscope – this should be done on any ram with questionable findings at a physical examination and for newly purchased rams, or rams intended for sale.

Contact the surgery if you are interested in this service for your rams - 01363 772860.  

In the meantime, please click on the link for further information on our fact sheet.

Rams:

Poor conception rates (too many barren ewes) are mostly due to sub-fertile rams, so being sure your rams will work is critical to a productive lambing.

Sperm production takes 49 days (7 weeks), so it takes that long for a ram to become fertile again after any problems.

Abortion Vaccines:

If you’re using vaccines against toxoplasma and enzootic abortion, these need to be given 1 month before the rams go in. Please order toxovax in plenty of time as it is only manufactured after orders have been placed and therefore takes longer to come in than most.

Worming:

We now have a brand new programme of FarmSkills training, please click the link to view on our website - training dates.

To enable us to continue offering courses that are relevant to you, we would like to invite you to take part in a questionnaire.

It will take less than 2 minutes to complete and you can remain anonymous.

Please click the link to take the survey most relevant to you.