Achieving BCS targets
Body condition scoring (BCS) is the assessment of the amount of fat covering the bones of a dairy cow, regardless of her body size.
Dairy farmers are facing a tight supply of magnesium due to Covid-19 related shipping delays.
DairyNZ general manager farm performance Sharon Morrell says shipping woes have caused disruption for some magnesium supply into New Zealand.
Retailers of magnesium, DairyNZ, NZ Veterinary Association and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have met to better understand the extent of the disruption.
Morrell says they are working together to ensure animal health and welfare needs can be addressed.
<p."Supplies of magnesium are tight across all suppliers across the country but there is a plan in place to manage critical animal health needs," she says. "A number of shipments are due this month, and we anticipate this will ease the supply situation."
Animal health and welfare is a top priority for everyone in this sector and farmers are being urged to continue talking to their retailers about theier specific needs.
Morrell is also urging farmers to manage their magnesium stocks well.
"Share any excess with others, talk to retailers about specific needs and check with your vet or farm consultant before implementing major changes to your normal plan, or if there are animal health issues on farm that are different to a usual season.
Tips to Manage Use
Pre-Calving
Post calving/p>
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