increase font size
According to the DairyNZ’s lameness cost calculator, lameness costs over $500 per lame cow.
According to the DairyNZ’s lameness cost calculator, lameness costs over $500 per lame cow – due to lost production, having to withhold milk from treated animals or reproductive problems.
While we cannot completely eradicate lameness, early detection and prompt effective treatment can greatly reduce its impact on the health of our herds and the profitability of our businesses.
Lameness is a symptom of pain, but by the time a cow has become lame enough to show us, or drop to the back of the mob and change her behaviour, meaning her activity and rumination has dropped off, her dry matter intake has already reduced significantly. This results in reduced energy availability for reproductive performance, milk production and self-preservation.
OmniEye, a New Zealandbased company, has developed a non-obtrusive, non-wearable livestock monitoring system which utilises cameras combined with artificial intelligence and machine learning. This innovative technology allows farmers to monitor the health and welfare of their herds and detect lameness at an earlier stage. OmniEye monitors the herd as they leave the shed, in their usual position in the pecking order, capturing their natural gait without any attempt to conceal discomfort.
Sean Ginders of Medstone Dairy emphasises the system’s effectiveness: “OmniEye spots lame cows early, while they’re still in the middle of the mob so we can do something about it before they become a problem and drop to the back.”
By leveraging OmniEye’s intelligent technology, dairy farmers can gain crucial insights into the health of their herd, detect lameness early, and take proactive measures to mitigate its impact. Geoff Colson from Riverstone, has already experienced the benefits of this system.
“I’m spending more time at the computer, but it is valuable time because this system is spotting lame cows.”
Visit site PD15
Lameness takes toll on cows and farm performance. A lame cow produces less milk, loses condition and takes longer to cycle. The good news? Catching it early and treating it promptly gives her the best shot at a quick, full recovery — and helps keep your herd’s productivity on track.
Milton dairy farmer Chris Wills says he began using probiotics in spring 2023 to address somatic cell count (SCC) grades when cows transitioned from their winter barn to lush spring pasture.
Treat your farm boundary like a border. This was one of the messages delivered to farmers at a recent Beef + Lamb New Zealand Protect Your Patch workshop in Lincoln.
Feeding infected milk is high risk for spreading diseases such as M. bovis.
To ensure optimal growth, health, and wellbeing of calves, feeding strategies should be considered carefully.
Penske Australia & New Zealand has appointed Stephen Kelly as the general manager of its Penske NZ operations, effective immediately In this role he will oversee all NZ branch operations, including energy solutions, mining, commercial vehicles, defence, marine, and rail, while continuing to be based at Penske’s Christchurch branch.
According to the latest Federated Farmers-Rabobank Farm Remuneration Report, released today, farm worker pay growth has levelled off after a post-Covid period of rapid growth.
The Climate Change Commission has recommended maintaining the current New Zealand Emissions Trading System (NZ ETS) settings but warns of a potential unit shortfall as early as 2028.
The Conservative Party warns that the upcoming free trade agreement between New Zealand and India may prioritise increased labour mobility while offering limited reassurance for New Zealand workers.
Southland District Council says it is actively managing the impacts of the current fuel supply challenges to ensure essential services across the district continue to operate safely and reliably.
A large crowd turned out for the last of the field days of the three finalists in this years Ahuwhenua Trophy to determine the top Maori horticulture entity in Aotearoa New Zealand
OPINION: When Donald Trump returned to the White House, many people with half a brain could see the results for…
OPINION: Media trust has tanked because of what media's more woke members do and say.
