The Dairy Herd Health Conference organised by AHI takes place today in Co Cork.

The conference, in conjunction with the Irish Farmers Journal, Teagasc and Veterinary Ireland will focus on topics aimed at keeping dairy herds healthy. Speakers will be covering CellCheck & Mastitis Control, Rearing Healthy Heifers, Lameness, Parasite Control, Biosecurity and Genetics.

Frank O’Sullivan, a Veterinary Practitioner will look at High SCC cows and whether to cull or cure, while Don Crowley, Teagasc will give practical steps to drying off in preparation for spring 2015.

Emer Kennedy, Teagasc will be there to discuss how to feed to reach target weights, followed by dairy farmer Jim White who will tell his story of rearing healthy heifers.

Veterinary Practitioner Gerard Cusack will cover autumn management and pre-housing treatments for a ‘lameness’ free winter. Donal Murphy will look at the reasons why cows cough.

Riona Sayers, Teagasc will be giving steps to minimise the herd health risk in an expanding dairy herd. Donagh Berry, Teagasc will conclude the conference by discussing current research on the role of genetics in herd health.

The conference is taking place in Corrin Mart, Fermoy, Co Cork and starts at 9.15am.