Reducing on-farm emissions by making simple changes is helping to increase profits on one of the UK’s biggest dairy units. That was the message delivered by Grosvenor Farms dairy manager David Craven to 1300 visitors at last month’s Down to Earth event in Cheshire. The 2,600-cow herd is housed... Read more
Dairy fortunes are showing signs of recovery – but milk prices still have some way to go to cover production costs on many farms. Values have steadily risen over the past year following a sharp drop to 36.49ppl in July 2023. But they frequently fail to provide a fair... Read more
Poultry and pig producers are being advised to review hygiene protocols to reduce the risk of pathogenic infections affecting performance. Better hygiene and disinfection procedures are seen as a key way to maximise biosecurity and reduce productivity losses – including those resulting from sub-clinical health issues. “Monogastric units remain... Read more
Keep watchful eye on Salmonella risk
Livestock 01/08/2024
Egg producers and pullet rearers are being asked to remain vigilant against the threat of salmonella in British layers. The layer industry has been working to prevent the disease, but Elanco layer business manager Jeremy Marsh said it still was important for the industry to keep a watchful eye... Read more
Piglets ‘can thrive’ without zinc oxide
Livestock 01/08/2024
Pigs can still thrive despite the removal of potentially harmful zinc oxide from their diets, says an industry specialist. Zinc oxide has been used for many years in the industry to reduce diarrhoea in post-weaned pigs. But concern over the potential risk to the environment saw the therapeutic use... Read more
Pig industry leaders have urged the government to stop illegal meat imports and animal disease from entering the UK. The National Pig Association national biosecurity and better border controls should be a top priority amid fears that a major disease outbreak could devastate Britain’s outdoor herds and indoor units.... Read more
Healthier livestock are more productive and can help mitigate climate change, suggests a study. Improving animal health may reduce greenhouse gas emissions without the need to switch to a meat-free diet or cut food production – helping to boost farm livelihoods and enhance animal welfare. The finding – by... Read more
A regenerative approach to beef grazing cattle is helping a Shropshire farmer take his family business one step close to self-sufficiency. Since returning home 15 years ago to farm with his parents, Angus Hawkins has been keen to make use the family’s grassland to cut costs and boost the... Read more
Focus on dry matter for silage success
Livestock 04/06/2024
A focus on dry matter when ensiling grass this season could encourage good fermentation following the wet spring. Much first cut grass is high in fibre and lignin and low in sugars, with increased thatch and wet ground conditions increasing the likelihood of contamination. All these factors will mean... Read more
Poor mineral levels in grass following one of the wettest winters on record could result in livestock deficiencies and production losses, say experts. Testing fresh grass will indicate how well minerals are being taken up by the crop, suggests Lisa Hambly, head of grassland and forage agronomy at Mole... Read more