Livestock

Calf scours is arguably one of the most common diseases of newborn calves, and the consequences on animal welfare – as well as the heart break for those managing the calves – can be devastating. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Drench resistance has plagued sheep farmers for years. Mary Bowron from Wormwise stresses that with an estimated one in three farms facing triple drench resistance, this could mean losses of around $80,000 annually. Words Mary Bowron.

With calving on the horizon, pelletised mineral supplements help dairy farmers keep their herds healthy and productive. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Could a 24-month calving interval ease spring workload and reduce non-replacement calves? After two years of research, DairyNZ is now working with a commercial farm to test the system – and early signs are promising. Words Dr Paul Edwards.

Northland veterinarian, Rory Dean, highlights a success story of wearable cow collars health alerts preventing a twisted gut turning fatal. Words Rory Dean.

A disastrous season for somatic cell count prompted a full rethink of processes for a North Canterbury couple. They’re now consistently winning awards for milk quality and averaging close to 50,000 cells/ml somatic cell count (SCC) for the past five years. Words Anne Lee, Photos Holly Lee.

AI – not Artificial Insemination … the new buzz is Artificial Intelligence. Waikato sharemilker Matthew Zonderop has adopted the technology in his farming business. Words Sheryl Haitana.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s long-term Dairy Beef Progeny Test is entering a new phase which involves more farms and a new approach to identifying opportunities offered by superior dairy beef. Words Sandra Taylor.

Facial eczema is a disease of the liver, not the skin. It causes milk production loss and welfare challenges, most of the time without farmers even realising. It’s time to break the cycle and do it better. Words Emma Cuttance.