Latest News
UK - New NOAH Guideline to play pivotal role in disease control
New guidances on livestock vaccination prioritises the diseases animals should be protected from by default to improve cattle and sheep health in the UK.
NOAH has launched its Livestock Vaccination Guideline
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Pasteurising Colostrum Slashes Antibiotic Use
Gerald tells us about the history and the recent changes on his dairy farm near Aberystwyth in Wales. He milks 290 pedigree Holsteins for making cheese. Introducing colostrum pasteurisation has improved calf health and reduced the need for antibiotics in the young calf rearing program.
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Getting the best start to a great lactation
It's a big change for the cow and a risky one at that!
Giving birth and changing to a lactating cow from a dry cow relies on a lot of things going to plan.
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Facts about Mycoplasma in Cattle
Some facts about Mycoplasma in cattle:
• The sort that causes trouble is called Mycoplasma bovis or bovis for short.
• It causes PNEUMONIA, EAR INFECTIONS & ARTHRITIS in calves
• It causes MASTITIS often in cows, which can be severe.
• It is spread in COLOSTRUM, MILK, in the AIR & on surfaces.
• It is bad to treat!
READ ON...
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SALT, why is it important in Cattle & Sheep feeding?
SALT, why is it important in Cattle & Sheep feeding?
Because it is essential to life and needs supplying in correct amounts for good animal health, production & well.
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New Bio-degradable packaging for First Thirst FRESH COW DRINK
New ECO-Packaging for Fresh Cow Drink.
“First Thirst – Fresh Cow Drink” is now available in a Wood Fibre drum with a compostable liner, from G Shepherd Animal Health
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COOL OFFERS on ICE-MINT Udder Cream & Ovi-POWER Sheep Drench
We are giving away Thermal Flasks for your Cold or Hot Drinks
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ICE MINT - Both sizes are back in stock
ICE MINT - Both sizes are back in stock
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COWS ON A BIKE - A discussion of Energy in Dairy Cows
Cows on a Bike!
Quick reason for this comment is that a high yielding dairy cow burns energy as fast as a Tour de France cyclist!
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PHOSPHORUS – How it works & what it actually does!
What is Phosphorus? It’s a highly reactive chemical usually found as salts, such as “phosphates”. This reactivity is useful in energy storage and release- think about striking a match, as this is a phosphorus reaction.
What does Phosphorus do?
BASICALLY, PHOSPHORUS IS VITAL FOR ENERGY TO POWER EVERYTHING. IF GLUCOSE IS THE PETROL, PHOSPHORUS IS THE SPARK!
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Simplifying Calf Scours- RehydroGEL Liquid Electrolyte
"RehydroGEL" is our new liquid calf electrolyte that joins our popular sachet product "Life Guard".
Its unique formulation means that it can be fed diluted in milk or milk replacer.
It combats dehydration and acidosis that are associated with gut disturbances (scours) in calves.
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Pumping oral fluids into cows has never been simpler!
Over the last year we have developed an all round oral fluids supplement for adult cattle, which is pumped into the rumen as the cow will not drink these salty products themselves:-
PumpaCOW "All Purpose" Oral Fluids for Cows.
PumpaCOW is suitable after calving and in cows that are off food or dehydrated.
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CALCIUM – How it works & what it actually does!
CALCIUM – How it works & what it actually does!
Correct calcium levels around calving are needed to:-
Keep the cow standing up and walking around
Keep the cow eating well
Produce a good milk yield
Keep the cow healthy.
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Use of Heifer Pelvis Measurement to improve calving ease
Tom Richardson and his Vet, Alun Beckett, make use of pelvic area measurement in the shorthorn heifers to improve calving ease in the herd.
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Cows Showing Standing Heat during Pregnancy
These researchers looked at cows that were standing in oestrus during pregnancy and compared various parameters with pregnant, non standing cows in the same herds.
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Refractometer is valid for Ewe Colostrum measurement
Refractometer is valid for Ewe Colostrum measurement
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A new, better test for Johnes Disease in Dairy Cows
A new, better test for Johnes Disease in Dairy Cows has been developed by Queens University, Belfast
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Calf Health Brochure 2020
Calf Health Brochure 2020, containing information on improving immunity and reducing challenge by disease. Healthy calves growing into great cows. It deals extensively with colostrum management, calf feeding, the role of pasteurisation, and dealing with inevitable upsets along the way.
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Bovine Pelvis Measurement to improve calving ease
Bovine Pelvis Measurement is becoming more common in the UK to help make progress in cattle breeding.
The information gathered from maiden heifers, being used to cull out relatively small pelvic area heifers from the herd.
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Take a look at our new Dairy Hygiene Brochure
Earlier this year we got all the information together on our range of dairy hygiene materials.
We cover teat preparation, liners, post milking disinfection, drying off , plant cleaning and cubicle hygiene.
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Update on various products from G Shepherd Animal Health
We have had a few updates to a few products, here you are...
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Cow Brushes now available in galvanised finish
Cow Brushes now available in galvanised finish
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Antimicrobial use and resistance: UK sheep industry perspective
Antimicrobial use and resistance: A UK sheep industry perspective-
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The Latest on Sheep Lameness from The University of Warwick
For those of you with a need for deeper knowledge, take a look at The University of Warwicks website on footrot, scald and also they have a free app for monitoring lameness
https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/research/greengroup/sheeplameness/
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Collect your copy of our New Sheep Health Brochure
Collect your copy of our new Sheep Health brochure
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Penn State research involving Duecinox Calf Milk Pasteuriser
Prof. Jud. Heinrichs conducted research at Penn State on calves fed once or twice a day on pasteurised whole milk with and without a yeast supplement
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Ammonia emissions reduced by using a Carbon-Clay ingredient
Ammonia emissions from cows, pigs & poultry shown by using a Carbon-Clay ingredient
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Conquering Ketosis
The key to conquering ketosis lies in combining technology, data, and good stockmanship, believes James Oddie, Director of Farming and Innovations and Operations at Myerscough College. Ketosis, a metabolic disease, causes reduced feed intake, reduced milk production and lethargy which consequentially can lead to further production losses over the whole lactation, fertility problems and increases susceptibility to secondary disease.
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Pasteurisation of Calf Milk works well at University of Bologna
My name is Sara Speroni and I work for 10 years in the dairy cattle breeding department of the University of Bologna Veterinary Medicine.
I knew the 2CINOX Company 8 years ago when we bought from them an 80 liter pasteurizer; since then we use it twice a day and
I am very satisfied because the machine works very well and the use of fresh milk has given us in the growth of calves excellent results
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MYERSCOUGH COLLEGE DAIRY INNOVATION A DUTCH TREAT!
MYERSCOUGH COLLEGE install Hanskamp Walk Through Out Off Parlour Feeders. Installed by a local firm, SHEPHERD AGRI / Shepherd Dairy services, who also coupled the feeders with Collinson hoppers and AfiMilk & AfiLab equipment & software.
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Antibiotics for calf scours?
Colostrum management and disinfection are the first overriding prevention measures. In response to a recent post, no one in Facebook land really knows why oral antibiotics might be used?
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Measuring dairy heifer calf growth- Results from South UK
Growing healthy heifers well is vital for future dairy herd health, production and profit.
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Ketosis Management
Recently SHEPHERD AGRI have installed AfiMilks "AfiLab" system and Myerscough Colleges dairy farm near Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Youtube Video , Factsheet Link
One of the advantages is early Ketosis detection, so cows can be treated and extra energy sources given.
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Disinfectant research against Salmonella
The disinfectant group that TK Swordsman belongs to was found to be most effective against Salmonella in tests simulating farm environments, farm surfaces and boot dips.
Chlorocresol, one of its active ingredients, was found to be effective in all situations against Salmonella.
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Meeting the challenge of reducing antibiotic use in food animals
Innovation for Agriculture Conference " Meeting the challenge of reducing antibiotic use in food animals" report: On 4th July 2017 I (Graham Shepherd) attended the conference at Stoneleigh. It was a frank discussion of "what is happening", "where are we going" & "how might we get there". I was going to write my own report, but the following is an excellent report on the day from Food & Farming Futures
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Feed Passage Coatings do increase cow dry matter intake
GSAH Feed Passage Coating is an epoxy resin-based mix, which is applied over concrete and provides a smooth surface for the feeding area.
Cows prefer to eat off a smooth surface. Feed stays fresher because there is not a layer of rotting material in the rough concrete.
Farmers report that cows do eat more there is less time spent clearing away uneaten food.
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DIARID range of Gut-Active Charcoal + Kaolin is now complete.
DIARID range of Gut-Active Charcoal + Kaolin is now completed with boluses and now paste in Dial-a-dose syringes
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Milkrite Liners now available- Major manufacturer types.
Milkrite Liners now available on website. Fullwood, Boumatic, De laval, Dairymaster, Gascoigne, Gea, Manus type.
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Benefits of Feeding "NCC" to pigs, in the slurry
Benefits of Feeding "NCC" to pigs, in the slurry
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USE OF NATURAL CARBON CLAY IN CATTLE, GOATS, PIGS & POULTRY
USE OF NATURAL CARBON CLAY IN CATTLE, GOATS, PIGS & POULTRY
USEFUL ACTIONS OF NATURAL CARBON CLAY (NCC):-
1) Binding of harmful substances.
Natural Carbon Clay binds different toxins. (Carretero, 2002; Thacker, 2013) Toxins are particles of harmful fungi, plants or bacteria that in this case act on the intestines. Often these toxins are cumulative with something else: it shows no signs of poisoning alone, but the presence of toxins leads to a (severe) damage to the immune system of the animal, making it more susceptible to other animal pathogens. Natural Carbon Clay binds both toxins from plants, heavy metals, aflatoxins (mycotoxins), viruses and enterotoxins. (Carretero, 2002;Thacker, 2013; Lipson, 1983b) & Stotzky
2) It protects the intestinal cells.
The mucus layer in the intestine is a kind of lining that sits on the intestinal wall to protect the intestinal cells. This mucus layer acts to protect the intestinal cells from pathogens but to allow absorption of nutrients. Natural Carbon Clay helps to maintain this mucus layer. (Carretero, 2002) The health and the growth of the animal are improved. Natural Carbon Clay can be used as a preventive tool against diarrhoea and reduce the severity of diarrhoea. (Song et all, 2011) Bucket rearing of calves can be greatly aided by using Natural Carbon Clay.
3. Increasing the feed efficiency.
Providing Natural Carbon Clay has a positive influence on the feed efficiency. This is because Natural Carbon Clay has a catalyst role in breaking down carbohydrates. (Shapiro, 1986; Trckova, 2004)
4) Improve the climate.
Because Natural Carbon Clay binds ammonium (NH4 +) in the manure, it cannot pass to ammonia (the gas form, NH3). This gives a better environment in the shed and less irritation to the respiratory tract of animals. (Carretero, 2002)
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DIARID Calf Bolus for Digestive Disturbance
G Shepherd Animal Health release a new bolus for calves with digestive disturbances. It is a non-drug antimicrobial coupled with a natural carbon+kaolin material that binds toxins, infective particles and excess water.
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Levels of Antibiotic Use- A Dairy Perspective
Reducing the use of antibiotics is very high on the agenda for the United Nations, DEFRA, the Chief Medical Officer and supermarket agriculture teams. Agriculture is not a scapegoat here, as it is recognised that most of the human drug resistance is from drug use in humans. However, resistance can cross over both ways and farming should do what it can.
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Improving the diagnosis of Johne's disease
Moredun magazine , Autumn Winter 2016 details their latest research into improving the tests for Johnes disease.
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Reducing Antibiotic Use in Cattle & Sheep
I do not personally think antibiotic use in ruminants (Dairy, Beef & Sheep) is out of control, but there are other methods of promoting health that could be made use of to reduce drug use further
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Excess Iodine can be a problem too!
A recent Vet Record article described how multiple supplements to a flock of ewes produced excess iodine and so the lambs did not absorb colostrum immunity.
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New Colostrum Article added to the Discovery Centre
We have a new up-to date article on colostrum management on dairy farms
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New Blood Test for Bovine TB
New Blood Test for Bovine TB
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New Barrier Teat Dip available- Gladiator from Boumatic
Gladiator Chlorine Dioxide Teat Dip for Post Milking from Boumatic.
Help prevent bacteria from entering the teat canal between milkings with Gladiator Barrier. This activator and base system forms barrier with long lasting, germ-killing properties. It is also formulated with skin care moisturizers and exfoliators that promote healthy teat ends.
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Reducing Sheep Lameness in the UK
It was found that lameness in sheep in England halved between 2004 & 2013 from 10% to 5%. Footrot & scald are still the most common cause of lameness but 58% of flocks now contagious digital dermatitis (CODD) and this is contributing to lameness significantly.
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Cut down on heifer ‘sick days’ with a focus on herd health.
You will no doubt agree that the future productivity and profitability of any livestock farm is deeply rooted in the genetics and management of the replacement young stock. Cogent and yourselves supply either side of the genetics equation, while management is mostly covered by health, nutrition and environment.
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Formaldehyde now classified as a Category 1B carcinogen.
From 1 January 2016 formaldehyde will be classified as a Category 1B carcinogen. This means certain restrictions will apply to it.
It will only be able to be used for professional use, and it can only be put on the market by a registered supplier. It will have to be labelled appropriately for its chemical categorisation and therefore used in a competent manner.
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Short Article on Twisted Calfbed / Uterine Torsion
A short article on Twisted Calfbed / Uterine Torsion has been added to the Discovery Centre
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EBLEX Project highlights Johnes in cows and sheep
EBLEX Fallen Stock Post Mortem Project highlights Johnes in suckler cows and sheep
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Rumen Magnets- latest test results
Test results are in comparing various rumen magnets used in cattle for preventing "wire" or hardware disease.
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Colostrum Management in the Beef Suckler Cow
Calves weaned per cow bulled is a key determinant of suckler beef business profitability. Colostrum intake, soon enough and in the correct amount is a key event in calf survivability. Several cow, calf and environmental factors affect passive transfer.
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Heat-treated colostrum outperforms non-heat-treated in calves
Heat-treated colostrum outperforms non-heat-treated colostrum in terms of quality and transfer of immunoglobulin G in calves
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Action Johnes Initiative
The “Action Johnes Initiative” will help to manage & reduce the incidences of Johnes disease in dairy cattle.
Lyndon Edwards, Chairman of the Action Johnes Group states that...
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Arthritis & Joint-ill in lambs
Arthritis & Joint-ill in lambs
The most common cause in the UK is a bug called Streptococcus dysgaloctia, usually infecting the lamb through the naval.
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Cobalt Deficiency in Sheep & Cattle
Cobalt is an essential mineral required by lambs to optimise health and growth. Most UK pastures tend to be low in cobalt or high in manganese which inhibits the uptake of cobalt.
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Best Practices for Proper Colostrum Management
Best Practices for Proper Colostrum Management an information booklet from Dairy Technic http://issuu.com/dairytechinc./docs/colostrum-poster_8pgbooklet_r032015
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Johne's Disease Latest Facts
Johne's Disease is a silent but deadly killer if not controlled. Its best to catch it early by regular testing, & monitoring of your herd.
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Study shows heat-treated colostrum performs better
A study recently published in the Journal of Dairy Science showed that heat-treating colostrum supported greater immunity in Jersey calves.
This study gives scientific confirmation that Dairy Tech equipment and Perfect Udder bags work for successfully heat treating colostrum.
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Portable Milking Machine
Valuable bit of kit the milking machine is Ideal for freshly calved cows in your calving yard. Don't risk moving your newly calved cows to the parlour enabling you to milk her immediately and feed her colostrum to the valuable calf within the first few hours of life.
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Win the colostrum race to secure herd’s future
Getting quality colostrum from a dam and into a calf as quickly as possible after calving has a major impact on replacement heifer growth, fertility, milk production and rearing cost, speakers from the US, UK and Netherlands told producers at the ForFarmers’ Youngstock Conference, Nantwich. Simon Wragg reports.
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Pasteurising milk and colostrum reduces calf scours
Pasteurising milk and colostrum for calf feeding is becoming more popular in the UK. Aly Balsom looks at how it can be done and the potential benefits.
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Protecting beef cattle from IBR
ASSESSING disease risk and designing a farm specific herd health programme is essential to protect all beef herds against the effects of IBR.
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Vet's View: Footbathing to help control digital dermatitis
With digital dermatitis now being implicated in non-healing hoof lesions its control is becoming more important than ever.
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Are we feeding live Johnes disease / MAP in calf milk replacer?
12.5% of samples had live Johnes bacteria in this US study
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