Many farmers have been preoccupied with fieldwork in recent weeks. But as we reach the midway point of the year, it is time to make sure all management tasks concerning cattle are up to date. Outlined are five tasks to keep on top of at this time of the year.

1. Worm control

There will be an increase in worms on grazing pasture following rain, so make sure you are ready to treat animals once they start showing symptoms of a burden.

Animals most at risk include spring-born calves and autumn weanlings, followed by yearling stores, replacement heifers and first-calved heifers.

2. Weighing cattle

When worming cattle, it is a good opportunity to run animals over the weigh bridge to check performance since turnout.

While grass growth has been limited in parts of the country, cattle have been generally content and settled when grazing due to the dry conditions.

Good-quality cattle should have gained at least 1kg/day from turnout. If weight gain is significantly lower than 1kg/day, there could be an issue with animal health that needs addressed or it could be down to sward quality.

If left unchecked, cattle will be lighter when housing for winter finishing or selling live in autumn.

3. Clostridial vaccines for calves

Where calves are on a two-shot vaccine programme for clostridial diseases such as blackleg, the booster is likely to be due at this stage of the year. Administer the booster shot when bringing animals in for worming.

4. Dehorning

Is dehorning up to date? On farms where there is a drawn-out calving spread, late-born calves are often overlooked when it comes to dehorning, as these animals usually go out to grass within a day of being born.

Horn buds should be developed in late-May-born calves and at a suitable stage for removal. The sooner this is carried out the better before flies become too big of a problem.

If you are dehorning calves, make sure the wound is properly cauterised and treated with an antibacterial spray. Where possible, keep calves away from areas where flies could be an issue.

5. Fly control

Flies will become more of a problem over the next few weeks, posing a risk to summer and autumn cows, plus replacement heifers for the spring-calving herd.

Therefore, take steps to control flies, using products such as a pour-on, insecticide or garlic lick buckets.

Where possible, keeping cows from grazing areas close to stagnant water or dense woodland will reduce the risk to cows.

Read more

Poots hits out at divisive debate over £25m

ICSA calls for imported livestock to be BVD tested