News

Why is supplementation of minerals important?

10th May 2022

As dairy cows are out at grass or due to be turned out it is important to remember that grazed grass is a variable source of minerals, with levels directly dependent on the mineral content of soils. Typically, some levels will be in short supply giving rise to potential deficiencies whilst others can be present at high levels and cause issues with antagonism. A deficiency or oversupply of any mineral will potentially compromise a number of metabolic functions and reduce performance from grazing. Therefore, it is vital to ensure correct levels are fed, with consideration of the different types of supplementations and which best suits individual farms and systems.

Award Winning, High Performing Lancashire Herd

1st May 2022

Fourth-generation sons Chris and Matt, along with their father David Barton run a high yielding herd of just under 100 cows over 230 acres in Lancashire. This 11,600L herd’s rolling 12-month constituents are 4.2% butterfat and 3.25% milk protein, resulting in the family being awarded the Harold Jackson Challenge Cup Champion Cow at the Lancashire Milk Records. The award is for the highest weight of fat and protein over three lactations and where the cow in question, who is coming up 11 years old and well into her 8^th lactation is producing 46L/ day at 4.27 BF, and 3% protein.  She has produced 120 tonnes so far!

Top tips for successful mobility scoring on-farm

25th April 2022

However, that figure can be reduced significantly by detecting and treating it early. Prevention is always better than cure, and mobility scoring plays a critical role as it allows farmers to promptly identify cows that would benefit from treatment. Specialist dairy vet, Owen Atkinson from Dairy Veterinary Consultancy, gives his top 5 tips for successful mobility scoring.