1. Grass tetany
With cold days, rainfall and good grass growths in the last week, grass tetany may be a concern on farms in the coming days.
Grass tetany, or hypomagnesaemia, is caused by a deficiency of magnesium (Mg) in the blood. It can be fatal to cattle if not treated early. Suckler cows have a poor capability of storing Mg in their body and require a daily supply to avoid deficiency. Grass that has grown quick is generally lower in Mg. Ground that had heavy quantities of slurry applied too it can negatively affect Mg uptake, as slurry is high in potassium (K). Tetany can also be associated with stress, wet weather, cows in heat or a change in diet.
Symptoms may include animals grazing away from the herd, muscle twitching, staggering or cattle lying down and unable to get up.
Ways of controlling or preventing grass tetany include:
2. Clostridial disease
There are many clostridial diseases that may arise in livestock farming. One that stands out on Irish beef farms is blackleg. Ground that has recently had boundary rivers or streams clean maybe be of high risk of blackleg.
Now is the time to be giving blackleg vaccines or booster shots to calves. There is a range of treatments on the market.
3. Breeding vaccines
Breeding stock on farms should have received their BVD and lepto shots around now. Replacement heifers that are due for breeding in the coming weeks may require two vaccinations a number of weeks apart – different types of vaccines may vary and some vaccines may only require a once-off shot – ideally vaccines should be given two weeks before breeding to allow sufficient protection to build up prior to breeding.
Certain BVD and lepto vaccines can be given together, but it is important to consult your vet before doing so as vaccines may vary and also follow manufacturer recommendations
4. Pneumonia
Mixed weather has created optimum conditions for chills to arise in calves, it is important to keep a regular check on calves for symptoms such as hanging ears, raised respiratory rates, snotty noises or high temperatures. Calves generally have a rectal temperature of 101.5 to 102 degree Fahrenheit or 38.3 to 38.9 degree Celsius. Anything above this may require medical treatment.
There are many vaccines that treat against pneumonia on the market and veterinary advice should be sought as to which treatment is best for your farm.
5. Bull
Most stock bulls have just been released for breeding season, it is early stages to know if there are any issues in relation to fertility as of yet, if the bull has not already been tested. Things that are important to monitor now are:
Farmers should always be wary of stock bulls at all times when entering paddocks, and especially during breeding season
Final preparations under way for Tullamore Farm breeding heifer sale