Achieving Excellence in Health and Productivity
PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP
ISSUE 39
Livestock NEWS Kexxtone - reduce Ketosis and associated post calving disease
Preventing Milk Fever As the risk of milk fever increase toward the back end, many clients are finding Bovikalc boluses much better at preventing milk fever at calving- clinical and subclinical. Ideally give a bolus at calving or in the hours before ad repeat in 12 to 24 hours. Boluses contain 4 times more calcium than bottles and have a more natural uptake with both a quick and prolonged release formulation - it is also quicker and easier to administer than a bottle!
Freshly calved cows are predisposed to developing ketosis as the sudden energy demands of milk production soar above food intake and body fat is mobilised as an energy source. In some cows, production of ketones as a result of this can cause well-recognised clinical signs but it is sub-clinical disease - when ketone levels are elevated but insufficient to cause overt clinical signs - that can cause real lasting damage to the productivity of a cow. As well as decreasing milk production and fertility, an increased risk of metritis, mastitis and displaced abomasum are just a few of the costly conditions that sub-clinical ketosis has proven links with. Production losses and disease related consequential losses due to subclinical ketosis have been estimated at around ÂŁ200-500 per affected cow. A recent XLVets survey showed that an average of 20% of dairy cows suffer from sub-clinical ketosis 2 - 21 days post-calving. Over 1200 cows from 82 farms across the UK sampled in April and May 2013 using the reliable cow-side milk test, Ketotest, and 32 of the 82 farms surveyed had a prevalence of over 25% suggesting nearly two out of every five dairy farms are underperforming and need to address sub-clinical ketosis on a herd level. Awareness of sub-clinical ketosis is not that high so we recommend regular testing for sub-clinical ketosis and doing something about sub-clinical ketosis before it amplifies. It is an underlying metabolic condition that will vary
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according to yield, season, forage quality and husbandry factors. On-going monitoring is the only way to maintain a current and accurate picture of the situation on each farm and allow the development of pro-active and effective strategies to keep ketosis under control. Using Ketotest cow-side milk test strips is an easy way to do so.
We an upcoming meeting on this subject on 25th September but in the meantime discuss with one of the vets.
AUGUST 2013
Contact us: PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP CALDEW VETERINARY HOSPITAL Carlisle House, Townhead Road, Dalston, Carlisle
Tel: (01228) 710208 vets@paragonvet.com TOWNHEAD VETERINARY CENTRE Townhead Veterinary Centre, Newbiggin, Stainton, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0HT
Tel: (01768) 483789 townhead@paragonvet.com PARAGON ET The Mart, Tyne Green, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 3SG
Tel: (01434) 600566 et@paragonvet.com
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LIVESTOCK NEWS
Orbeseal - a proven choice After 10 years on the market this internal teat sealant is a crucial part of our Mastitis Control Program - over 7000 (>70%) client cows were treated in the last year and we are convinced our clients see the benefit of using it. There is a proven track record of reducing mastitis in these herds. The sealant is proven to minimise new in fections in the dry period thus typically will reduce mastitis by 30% in the first 100 days of lactation - that's 9 cases per 100 cows in an average herd. Zoetis (Pfizer) continue to offer unequivocal support for Orbeseal users, at industry and farmer level and it is our belief this adds considerable value to the product. For new users Zoetis offer a mastitis reduction guarantee. Speak to one of the vets for more details.
Summer Offer - Additional 5% discount on Orbeseal Herd Pack (120 tubes) during August and September
Schmallenberg vaccine A reminder the new vaccine against Schmallenberg is available and the enclosed leaflet will hopefully keep you well informed. We have seen Schmallenberg in Cumbria and it is likely there will be more this next 12 monthsthe question is to what extent and cost. Talk to one of the vets if you are considering protecting your flock or herd.
Dates for your Diary... Dairy Calf Rearing Practical Workshop Tuesday 10th September 10am - 3pm. Contact Jemma on 01228 710208 Dalston Show Saturday 10th August - everyone welcome! Farmer Meeting Transition cow management, Post calving disease and Kexxtone Wednesday 25th September 7.30 pm
AUGUST 2013
Prevention of abortions Its that time of year again when everyone is thinking about breeding plans for next season. One of the things that all sheep farmers should think about is the prevention of abortions. Whether you've had toxoplasmosis or enzootic abortion (EAE) diagnosed in your flock or are just worried about a rising number of abortions then acting now will reduce any losses. Toxo can cause abortions, increased barrens, reabsorptions, mummified foetuses and still born or weakly lambs. Contaminated cat faeces is the most common source of infection. EAE commonly causes abortion storms and can affect up to 25% of ewes in your flock. The disease usually arrives on farm through purchased replacements and can spread from ewe to ewe at lambing time. Vaccination is the only way to protect against these diseases and needs to be carried out at least 1 month prior to tupping. In the past there have been supply issues later in the season so
getting your vaccination plan sorted out soon will guarantee protection for your flock this year. Contact us today to organise your Cevac and Toxovax requirements for the upcoming season.