Getting the timing of trace elements right in your calf
Getting the timing of trace elements right in your calf In New Zealand (NZ) we often have deficiencies of key trace elements in the soil, which can result in deficiencies in cattle. These trace elements are essential for normal growth, fertility and immune function. But what many people may not know is that the cow […]
B12 supplementation in lambs
B12 supplementation in lambs Over the last couple of seasons, we are observing significant growth responses in lambs where they have received Vitamin B12 supplementation. In the rumen, dietary cobalt is converted into Vitamin B12 by the ruminal micro-organisms. Young, growing lambs are most susceptible to deficiency as they have the highest B12 requirements of […]
The ongoing benefits of good calf nutrition
The ongoing benefits of good calf nutrition New Zealand data shows that only 36% of our heifers meet pre-calving weight targets. This is significant as there is an approximate 2kgMS production loss per year for every 1% they are behind this target, and poorly grown heifers are unlikely to survive to the end of their […]
Kennel Cough – causes, symptoms. treatment
Kennel Cough – causes, symptoms, treatment What is kennel cough and how do I know if my dog has it? Kennel cough or (acute) canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a common, infectious upper respiratory disease seen in dogs. It is not usually a serious disease in most otherwise healthy dogs. However, it is very contagious and […]
Benefits of a healthy weight
Benefits of a healthy weight Keeping your pet at a healthy weight lowers their risk of certain health problems like arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, breathing problems, back problems, kidney disease, and some forms of cancer. It also can reduce your pet’s risk of joint injuries associated with excess weight. For those pets with arthritis, […]
Rat bait poisoning
Rat bait poisoning Beware when you put out the rat bait to get rid of those pesky vermin. Most rat baits have a characteristic green dye, but dogs and cats have poor colour vision and may mistake it for a change of food or a little treat. Most rat baits are anticoagulants. The good news […]
Perennial ryegrass staggers
Perennial ryegrass staggers This seasonal condition is caused by lolitrem, a fungal toxin that’s produced by an endophyte fungus found in ryegrass pastures. Ryegrass staggers is therefore different from “staggers” in cows, which is due to hypomagnesaemia.er. Endophyte fungi flourish in the summer and autumn when it is warm, especially in more humid areas of […]
Laminitis
Laminitis Laminitis = inflammation of the laminae The laminae is an interlocking, finger-like structure that suspends the pedal bone inside the hoof capsule. When this structure is inflamed and fails to support the pedal bone, the weight of the horse causes the pedal bone to be pushed down into the sole of the hoof. This […]
Tips for Managing Gastric Ulcers in Horses
Tips for managing gastric ulcers in horses Management changes are imperative for successful treatment & prevention of gastric ulcers. TreatingOmprazole products are most effective on relatively empty stomachs. Best given first thing in the morning as horses tend to sleep between 10pm-sunrise therefore are naturally semi fasted. Give omeprazole then ideally wait 30-60mins before feeding […]
The importance of trace elements
The importance of trace elements Trace element supplementation in the modern dairy herd is vitally important. There are times when the requirements for trace elements rapidly increase even in herds that have an adequate trace element profile. These times are around calving and during the period leading into mating. Monitoring the trace element status of […]