Egg counts identify wormer resistance

The problem of anthelmintic resistance in sheep flocks is well recognised, with more than 80 per cent of flocks having resistance to the benzimidazole (white) drenches.

Last updated 13 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Resistance is futile

Most people I’ve spoken to this week have finished lambing, and everyone is desperate for some rain to get the grass growing. Hopefully, by the time you read the June Farmer, there will be some silage cut in the county, along with some decent aftermaths to turn young stock onto.

Last updated 8 June 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Calf scour: costly but preventable

Calf scour is the biggest cause of death in pre-weaned calves. However, 70 per cent of the cost of treatment consists of labour costs. Preventing scour will not only save money and lives, it will also save you valuable time.

Last updated 11 May 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Exotic knowledge growing

The popularity of keeping alpacas for their fibre coat and as pets has increased over the past few years. Cumbria is no exception and we’ve seen an increase in submissions at VLA Penrith.

Last updated 11 May 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Be on your guard against Q

Farmers bringing abortion material from cattle and sheep to the lab at Merrythought near Penrith in recent weeks may have been puzzled by us asking if their herd or flock has ever had Q fever.

Last updated 13 April 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

How Cumbrian farmers can minimise losses at lambing

Lambing large numbers of ewes will inevitably result in some frustrating losses. The causes of these are common to many different units and systems.

Last updated 5 March 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Horses get stomach ulcers too

Last updated 9 February 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Medication leads to rapid recovery

THE Weymouth family from Great Salkeld, near Penrith, bought seven-year-old thoroughbred Keano in September.

Last updated 9 February 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Planning for lambing

The recent snow and cold weather has made life difficult for livestock and stock keepers alike. The main effort for most has been focused on dealing with frozen water supplies and ensuring stock are fed and watered.

Last updated 19 January 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Stop that dripping tap before it causes a flood

Everyone working in agriculture needs to be aware of Defra’s consultation on ‘Responsibility and Cost Sharing’ in animal health.

Last updated 8 December 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Farmers can prevent costly cattle lameness

Lameness is one of the major causes of financial loss to the dairy farmer, with each lame cow costing on average £150 due to milk withdrawal, reduced milk yield, infertility, culling and the cost of treatment. Now that winter is upon us, lameness is becoming more evident.

Last updated 8 December 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Tip of the Johne’s iceberg

Johne’s disease has been diagnosed on five Cumbrian sheep holdings in the last month by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) at Penrith.

Last updated 8 December 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Lungworm increases in adult cattle

Parasitic pneumonia due to lungworm, also known as husk, is a common respiratory disease in cattle.

Last updated 10 November 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Dairy fertility: It’s the farmer, not the cows, who must set targets

The continued selection for higher milk yields in the dairy industry has indirectly led to a reduction in conception rates and an increase in the interval from calving to first ovulation. So is it still justified to try calving cows once a year? Shouldn’t we just extend their lactations instead?

Last updated 10 November 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Rise in salmonella cases

The number of incidents of salmonella in cattle in Britain has been higher in the first half of this year compared to 2008.

Last updated 13 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

One infertile ewe is bad but an infertile ram is more serious

Ram fertility is an issue that is often forgotten about until it is too late, but the ram plays a vital part in the reproductive process and it is of paramount importance that he is able to do the job.

Last updated 13 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Be prepared! Winter is just around the corner

With autumn looking like it’s already here, it’s probably time to start planning for the winter.

Last updated 8 September 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk