Animal Health

Cow wearables can provide a treasure trove of information, and for South Canterbury farmer Tom Lambie, the technology has delivered some real gems that have led to big gains in productivity and performance.

In this episode of Dairy Country, Anne speaks with Tom Lambie, his contract milker Eric Tao-ey, and veterinarian Ryan Luckman about unlocking the potential of cow wearables. They share how collar data, combined with practical management and nutrition strategies, helped transform the herd’s transition, reproduction and overall performance. From improving body condition scores to smarter once-a-day tactics and heat detection, the trio reveal how technology and teamwork turned insights into results.

Focusing on small incremental improvements alongside genetics are what is helping Pāmu deliver strong results and improve animal health.

In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Pāmu Chief Operating Officer Will Burrett. He discusses Pāmu’s strong annual results, regional integration, and disciplined farm systems, as well as the beef-on-dairy programme. Will explains how genetics, technology, and wearables are improving animal health and productivity, while navigating challenges such as drought and scaling Exeter’s calf rearing facilities.

Johne’s disease is a devastating disease for farmers to deal with, however, it is not uncommon. In this episode learn more about what you can do as a farmer to manage, prevent, and treat Johne’s disease if it pops up on your farm, and what conversations to be having with your vet.

With mating season underway farmers will be considering how to make their herds more efficient, through breeding. Fonterra have been around the country on their Efficiency Evolution Strategy Roadshow, and two of their presenters share the tools they encourage farmers to think about when it comes to getting the most from your herd. Also hear from two LIC Agri Managers on their MINDA tool, and how they’re using it to make bespoke plans for their farmers on what efficiency means to them.

Salmonella outbreaks in herds can be devastating, and given the wet spring across the country, it is a grim reality for some farmers at the moment.
In this episode, hear from a vet managing Salmonella outbreaks in Southland; two Veterinary Technical Advisors from MSD Animal Health about how to prevent a Salmonella outbreak on your farm; and a Waikato dairy farmer about how she managed an outbreak on her farm during the dry period, and what she’s doing now to prevent it happening again.

The health of the herd is front of mind for dairy farmers, especially with the calving season well underway. Issues like lameness can be costly and disruptive for a herd, so how do farmers keep ahead of the problem in the first place?
We talk to those who know animal health best, including vets and researchers, to discuss what proactive solutions are out there to either minimise or prevent lameness in the first place.

“Setting the table” in a novel way that allows cows to choose what they eat, may be resulting in milk that contains more health-giving nutrients for its human consumers. Words Anne Lee.

Now’s the time to stay on top of animal health.

You’ve already made great genetic gains. You’ve improved your milk production, built a better herd, and are on track for further improvements.

The window for facial eczema is often misconstrued. With El Nino conditions forecast to last well into the end of autumn this year, hot dry conditions followed by warm rain, could see increases in fungal growth and spore production be a risk over an extended period.