Condition scoring cows: Ideally, at this stage cows should be penned according to body condition to allow feeding to be targeted to condition. The practice of condition scoring is an advantage, but even where the exact science is not followed, splitting cows into thin condition, good condition and over-fat cows will serve the same purpose.

The cows at polar opposites generally present the most issues – very fat cows can have calving issues due to the deposition of fat that narrows the birth canal, while thin cows have poorer body reserves and are more prone to metabolic issues, such cows also produce a lower volume of colostrum, which is of poorer quality.

Alterations to body condition should be carried out well in advance of calving, with moves to adjust condition in the final weeks of gestation delivering very little in terms of influencing condition/calf size.

On moderate (64-68DMD) quality silage, typical on suckler farms, cows in ideal condition (BCS 2.5 to 3) can be fed silage ad-lib, while providing minerals for six to eight weeks pre-calving is important.

Where there is high-quality silage on farms (DMD 72+), then it may be necessary to restrict the intake of cows in excessive body condition. This should only be carried out where there is plenty of access to feeding space.

Cows in BCS of two should be low in number and be given preferential treatment. Cows offered average-to-low-quality silage may need access to 1.5-2kg concentrates. Again, this should ideally be offered well in advance of calving if possible, with the aim of having condition addressed six to eight weeks prior to calving.

Lice Control: Some farmers are reporting significant issues with lice infestation. The life cycle of lice is about three to four weeks, and all stages in the life cycle take place on the host.

If untreated, lice numbers will increase rapidly, impacting on animal comfort and thrive due to excessive irritation and licking.

There are two types of lice: biting lice and suckling lice. When choosing a product to control the problem, pay particular attention to the types of lice it controls. There are some theories that clipping the backs of cattle will help to kill lice.

Clipping the backs and tails of cattle does not kill lice, but it can help greatly in controlling lice, as it removes/reduces the environment where lice thrive.

It can also improve the efficacy of applied treatments such as pour-ons. The efficacy of many pour-ons is dependent on the product reaching the target area, which is harder to achieve in cattle where the hair on their backs is soiled.

Withdrawal dates: It is important when administering any health treatments to consider the target slaughter date in finishing animals. This is particularly important where flukicides are being administered, as these tend to have longer withdrawal periods. Remember when recording treatments for the purposes of the Bord Bia Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance date, the date on which the withdrawal period ends needs to be recorded.