Farm Health

Decoding your milk urea

Several years back, milk processors provided new information on Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN). While some farmers understand the test, the implications of the test and how to manipulate it, there are still many who don’t.

New welfare rules: best to check

With new animal welfare regulations coming into effect on October 1, even if you already think you are doing the right thing it’s best to check.

Trial indicates gains using injectable trade mineral supplement

West Australian cattle producer Ryan Willing has revealed the latest findings from a 12-month trial run by animal health company Virbac Australia.

Trial will track calves’ growth

A trial is underway to measure the growth rates of Angus/Jersey beef calves from birth to finished product.

Helping to detect cows on heat

Gain insight into which cows should be cycling once mating starts with pre-mating heat detection.

Passed without proper scrutiny

National's agriculture spokesman, Nathan Guy, says while some of the NAIT changes were needed, their passing under urgency has prevented proper scrutiny of them.

Mixed reaction to NAIT changes

Recent changes to the NAIT regulations have generally been welcomed by the farming industry: DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ are in favour, although Federated Farmers sees them as rushed.

Farmers treating calves better

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) says farmers nationwide appear to be better treating bobby calves headed for slaughter.

OSPRI signals changes to NAIT system

The government's change to the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) Act will result in some changes to the NAIT system in the coming weeks, says OSPRI chief executive Michelle Edge.

Antibodies the key to fighting disease in newborns

In a three-part series, veterinarian Olivia Sutton, of Vetlife Oamaru, looks at optimising future heifers during calf rearing. In this second article, she looks at Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT).

Raising calves to full potential

In a three-part series, veterinarian Olivia Sutton, Vetlife Omaru, looks at optimising future heifers with calf rearing.

Don’t let weight loss post-calving break down cows

Early lactation weight loss is a normal biological process, but sometimes it can lead to Subclinical Ketosis and Clinical Ketosis.

Raising dairy industry’s next sires

At the back of Raglan Harbour, on the West Coast Peninsula, lies an influential New Zealand farm.

Safety around cows

Cows can be very protective of their calves and see people as a threat.

Campaign sets sights on BVD control

Dairy and beef farmers are being asked to help develop frameworks to control the disease bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD).

Best-ever mating with NZ-developed heat detector

An automated RFID heat detection system developed in New Zealand has delivered the best-ever mating result for a Waikato farmer.

Zoonoses prone should raise their hygiene game

Whilst New Zealand’s rural and lifestyle communities seem to have a better awareness of the “physical” safety issues of farm equipment, PTO shafts and ATVs, in many cases other, “more invisible” safety issues can be overlooked.

New approach on animal welfare

A new Framework for Action on Animal Welfare released last month sets out a better approach, says Associate Agriculture Minister Meka Whaitiri.

Start calves well for a healthy life

To set up a dairy cow for a long, productive life you must give her the best possible start. Extra effort now will pay dividends throughout her milking life.