Fertility and Body Condition.
It has been noticeable that in a number of dairy herds cows in early lactation have lost condition this summer, despite milk yields being good in most cases. Loss of condition can affect fertility for months afterwards even if after they start to regain condition. The feed value of grazed grass is very difficult to judge but all too frequently quality and quantity are over estimated. Supplementary feeding of summer calving cows is essential. Early signs of condition change are difficult to spot so if there is any doubt we can carry out a blood test of cows calved 10 to 20 days to determine what the cows actually make of the diet. Changes can then be made before too much damage is done.
Mastitis. High Cell Counts
A new product (Pirsue) has been launched specifically for treating high CC cows during the lactation. The treatment regime involves a course of 8 tubes at 24 hour intervals, followed by a 5 day milk withhold. The claims of a 78% cure rate are impressive compared with other treatments we have used up to now. The possible indications are the chronic recurrent Strep. uberis infections or cows with persistently high cell counts, in which case the offending quarter will need to be identified by individual quarter testing or by using the California milk test. The approximate cost of an 8 days course of treatment is £23.00
Summer Mastitis.
The incidence so far has been high. Intensive fly controlling heifers and cows is essential, with the application of insecticide directly to the udder improving the efficacy. In cows we have found Bovaclox Xtra dry cow tubes to give the best protection. NB minimum 50 days dry period.
Teat Seals.
External teat sealants have been available for some time for preventing new udder infections during the dry period but have not proved particularly effective. Pfizer are launching an internal teat seal called Orbeseal, which looks much more promising. The inert substance is injected into the teat at drying off as for conventional tubes and remains in place preventing new infections almost indefinitely. Being non antibiotic there will be no withhold time, but also they will be of no use in eliminating any sub clinical infections. Orbeseal will thus only be of use in cows with no history of mastitis and cell counts below 200. It will also be of interest in organic herds where routine dry cow treatment is not allowed, and may also be useful next year in suckler cows for summer mastitis control.
Calf Pneumonia.
It will soon be time to plan a vaccination programme. Most herds have found vaccination against pneumonia effective. Please call us if you would like to discus the options.
SHEEP
Scrapie Survey.
As part of the EU programme DEFRA are offering a free collection and disposal service for dead sheep over 18 months of age (4 or more permanent teeth). The animals must be fresh (less than 24 hours dead) and they are willing to collect only 2 sheep per holding per annum. If you wish to use this service phone DEFRA direct (01452 627400)
Abortion Vaccines
Enzootic and Toxoplasma vaccines should be given pre-tupping.
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