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Inevitably, downer cow syndrome is an issue many dairy farmers will have to deal with at one time or another. Vet Dr Charlie Mays discusses best practice for managing downer cows and how the correct use of hip hoists can be life-saving.

Negative experiences during a cow’s pregnancy, such as stress, changes to nutrition and cow health can have long lasting impacts on foetal development and influence lifetime cattle performance.

One of the most crucial times in a cow’s production cycle, the transition period can positively or negatively impact future milk production, fertility, and overall health.

Dairy and beef farmers across the UK are being urged to draw up plans to make the most of this year’s ‘mixed bag’ silage.

Good hygiene and colostrum management are the corner stones of controlling cryptosporidiosis infections in calves.

The out-wintering of livestock on fodder crops has long been a wintering strategy used by beef and sheep enterprises. But as winter housing costs are looming and silage rations are being opened, fodder crops may also be an option for dairy systems.

At an AHDB calf management meeting, vet Ali Haggarty discussed the importance of rumen development in achieving a successful weaning process. Katie Fallon reports.

The grazing of ewes on red clover swards around tupping time has long been ill advised due to concern about negative impacts on fertility, but research demonstrates this should not always be the case.

Jersey breeder, Holger Hedelund Poulsen, is aiming to build a sustainable and self-sufficient business against a backdrop of a changing dairy industry. Chris McCullough reports.

The latest analysis of first and second cut grass silages by Trouw Nutrition GB confirms the initial assessment that this year’s silage quality has been significantly influenced by the growing season and forages will require particularly careful balancing.