Dry cow therapy for the coming autumn
Dry cow therapy for the coming autumn The goals set by milk processors, the ACVM (the group overseeing antibiotic use) and Vet Council are to ensure dry cow therapy (DCT) is used only when there is evidence of quarter infection. Using DCT only in quarter(s) that are infected should be the gold standard, meaning reduced […]
The dangers in your compost bin
The dangers in your compost bin Most pet owners know that chocolate, grapes, and raisins are toxic to our canine friends. Other potentially toxic foods include avocados, garlic and onions. What most dog owners don’t realize, however, is that compost can be one of the most toxic and deadly substances around. While composting your old […]
SDMA testing and kidney disease
SDMA testing and kidney disease Kidney disease is an unfortunately common condition that we see in veterinary medicine, with one in three cats and one in ten dogs suffering from renal issues. The prognosis for these animals is affected by how quickly we pick up these changes in renal function. Traditionally, the blood and urine […]
FIC – Feline idiopathic cystitis
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease One of the more common reasons for cats visiting our clinic is for Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), with issues including spraying, urinating inside, the presence of blood in the urine, pain and discomfort during urination, or being unable to pass urine at all. We often see ‘runs’ of […]
Anthelmintic treatment of ewes pre-lamb
Anthelmintic treatment of ewes pre-lamb The challenge of anthelmintic use in sheep continues, with both product supply and the ever-increasing evidence of anthelmintic resistance and resultant production losses. Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) has withdrawn Bionic Plus® from the market while work is undertaken examining the pay-out of the two actives (albendazole and abamectin) in their capsule […]
Every calf has a useful life
Every calf has a useful life From 1 June 2023, Fonterra is introducing a new clause within their Terms of Supply which means calves can only be euthanised on-farm when there are humane reasons for doing so. Consumer guarantees about the on-farm treatment of calves and our increasing interest in how our food is produced, […]
Wearables – not just a fashion statement
Wearables – not just a fashion statement Wearables are fashionable on cows these days, whether it be a collar, ear tag or bolus. They all transmit valuable data to the farmer around both activity and health of their cows. How can this valuable data be utilised well on farm to make informed production decisions? With […]
IBR
IBR Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, or IBR for short, is a highly infectious and contagious upper respiratory track and genital disease caused by a type of bovine herpesvirus (BoHV-1). This disease occurs worldwide, including New Zealand. Studies have shown that IBR infections in adult dairy cows are very common, approximately 60-80% of dairy farms in New […]
Decisions around mating hoggets
Decisions around mating hoggets Possibly the most important decision around the mating of hoggets is should they be mated in the first place. Done correctly the mating of hoggets can increase the profitability and productivity of the ewe flock. If subsequent liveweight is not affected by the breeding of hogget’s the lifetime performance of a […]
Signs of labour in animals
Signs of labour If you’re expecting little calves, lambs, or any baby animals this year it is key to know what the early signs of labour are. This will help you to know when to keep a closer eye on the animals for any signs of trouble. Most species will show similar signs, many of […]