Hygiene
Declan Marren on 18 Apr 2021
Getting off to the best start in the rearing phase
Declan Marren looks at some of the key considerations for calf rearing and the importance of getting off to the best possible start.
Kieran Mailey on 14 Apr 2021
Calf scour: what is the cause?
As many suckler farmers struggle to get stock out to grass, scour has become a problem in sheds. Knowing what is causing the scour is important, writes Kieran Mailey.
Adam Woods on 07 Apr 2021
Controlling Coccidiosis and Johne’s disease
Experts from Animal Health Ireland take a look at the control of coccidiosis in calves and the Johne’s control programme in Ireland.
Declan Marren on 31 Mar 2021
Thrive: common issues in the calf-rearing shed
With the number of dairy-beef calf numbers beginning to grow on farms across the country, Declan Marren looks at some of the most common issues in the calf-rearing shed.
Kieran Mailey on 31 Mar 2021
Top tips for managing cows and spring-born calves until turnout
With unsettled weather is delaying suckler farmers from slipping cows and spring-born calves out to grass, Kieran Mailey outlines some management tips until cows can get to grass.
Kieran Mailey on 27 Mar 2021
Beef management: five tips for indoor management of cows and calves
Wet weather is delaying spring-calving cows getting out to grass. With housing space filling up from a late turnout, Kieran Mailey outlines some tips to managing cows and calves indoors.
Declan Marren on 20 Mar 2021
Thrive: how clean is your calf feeder?
Having feeding equipment perfectly clean for calf rearing is of utmost importance for calf health.
Declan Marren on 14 Mar 2021
Poor weather putting pressure on housing facilities
With spring calving in full flow on many farms at this stage, housing facilities can come under pressure where cows and calves are not able to get to grass.
Contributor on 10 Mar 2021
Spring health: scour in young calves
An outbreak of scour on the farm can spread rapidly among calves, so quick action and an early diagnosis can make a big difference. Natascha Meunier from Animal Health Ireland takes a look at scour.
Declan Marren on 10 Mar 2021
Thrive: dealing with bloat in calves
There have been a few cases of bloat in new arrivals over the last week on the Thrive demonstration farm.
Darren Carty on 06 Mar 2021
Prolapse-related issues raising their head in late pregnancy
More issues are being recorded in the last week, which is not surprising considering a high percentage of flocks are in the final countdown and starting to lamb in the next week to two weeks.
Adam Woods on 03 Mar 2021
Vets getting ready for a busy spring
Adam Woods speaks to some busy vets around the country too check in what issues are cropping up and what they see as problems in the future.
Aidan Brennan on 17 Feb 2021
Dairy Management: calving problems, grazing issues and solving bloat in calves
Aidan Brennan says that it's from now on that problems can start to happen.
Kieran Mailey on 13 Feb 2021
Five tips for reducing the risk of calf scour in suckler herds
Suckler cows calving in early spring are likely to remain housed for a period, increasing the risk of calf scour. Outlined are five tips to reducing the risk posed to calves.
Darren Carty on 03 Feb 2021
Sheep management: weather challenges, drafting hoggets and supplementing ewes
While early lambing flocks are typically well-prepared with regards lambing facilities the other important aspect is to ensure ewes are adequately supplemented in early lactation.
Kieran Mailey on 30 Jan 2021
Beef management: 10 tips when using the calving jack
A calving jack is a vital tool for getting live calves on the ground. But using it properly takes skill and experience. Outlined are 10 tips to using the jack properly at calving time.
Declan Marren on 27 Jan 2021
Colostrum management key to healthy calves
Colostrum management is the single most important factor in determining calf health and survival. Declan Marren reports.
Kieran Mailey on 13 Jan 2021
Beef management: 10 tips for a successful spring calving
With spring calving set to start on Irish suckler farms, Kieran Mailey outlines some tips for getting live calves on the ground.
Aidan Brennan on 06 Jan 2021
Race against time to get parlours fitted
Aidan Brennan highlights some of the issues brought about by coronavirus and what to expect in this focus on dairy equipment.
Peter McCann on 30 Dec 2020
Hygiene needed with scanning equipment
Contractors are busy scanning sheep on Northern Ireland farms at present.