A veterinarian is urging farmers to give their parasite control strategy closer scrutiny.

Farmers will be able to administer a local anaesthetic for disbudding or dehorning, if they are trained, when new regulations come into force on October 1, 2019, says NZ Veterinary Association chief veterinary officer Helen Beattie.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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