Farming

Ultrasound scanning in farm vet work

by Alice Miller BVSC DBR MRCVS -Friars Moor Livestock Health

As farm vets out on the road, we carry our offi ce and pharmacy with us in our vehicles. One bit of kit I will never be without is my ultrasound scanner. I use it nearly every day and while we tend to use it primarily for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle, there are also several other times it can be used as a diagnostic tool.

Ultrasound scanners were not always aff ordable or widely used by farm vets in practice, vets used to rely more heavily on manual palpation techniques to assess the fertility status of the uterus and ovaries. While this is a technique that we still use there is nothing better than being able to visualise what you can feel, especially when you see a little foetus wriggling around inside. Often more accurate diagnosis can be made too, especially as you can see details such as the foetal heartbeat or the presence of twins.

Another use is to sex the foetus. Once the foetus reaches 70 days it is possible to do so. We look for the genital tubercle which is a structure found between the hindlegs in all younger pregnancies, then as the foetus develops it moves either towards the tail or the umbilical cord to develop into the female or male genitals respectively. It is a bilobed oval structure that appears hyperechoic – bright white – on the scan, often appearing as two little white lines.

It is also useful to be able to visualise something that feels abnormal. For example, last week I diagnosed an ovarian tumour in a cow, who had not been able to get in calf. The ovary felt huge and using the scanner you could see how abnormal the tissue consistency was.

The ultrasound scanner can also be used externally on animals to visualise diff erent areas. Our probes are designed to use rectally, so it is important when using them on skin to prep the area carefully to ensure the best picture is achieved, and to do so a close contact is required. We prep the area by clipping the hair and we need to achieve a close shave. Then I soak the skin by applying warm water and then apply liberal amounts of ultrasound gel, giving it fi ve minutes to soak in before scanning. A gentle amount of pressure is then applied to maintain a good contact. The depth and

Vets scan sheep frequency of the ultrasound waves can be adjusted depending on what you are scanning and how far away it may be or how much detail you wish to see.

Ultrasound can be used to assess udder health, especially if there is an unexplained enlargement of the gland which could be due to a haematoma, abscess or oedema. It can also be used to examine the teat, to assess the inner structure and confi rm diagnosis of fi brosis or stenosis of the teat canal.

The scanner can be used to assess both the thoracic cavity, and the abdominal cavity in sheep and cattle. It is useful to assess the heart and lungs where clinical examination raises suspicion of certain conditions including pneumonia, lung lobe consolidation, pleural eff usion, septic pericarditis or OPA – ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma – in sheep. Abdominal scanning can help assess structures such as the liver, kidney, reticulum and spleen.

When calves present with navel swellings the scanner can help diagnose an abscess as well as confi rming the presence or absence of a hernia, a result which would dictate the treatment path of choice. I have even found it a useful tool for assessing the fertility status of bulls, where lesions are found in the testicles. So, while we can’t fi t our patients into a small animal diagnostic centre with all the fancy equipment at hand, it doesn’t mean that we can’t still tell a lot using what we have in the back of the car!

Independent veterinary services for livestock in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire Independent veterinary services for livestock in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire Independent veterinary services for livestock in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire

Collection points for livestock medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury Collection points for livestock medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury Collection points for livestock medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury Please call the office on 01258 472314 Please call the office on 01258 472314 Please call the office on 01258 472314 www.friarsmoorvets.co.uk www.friarsmoorvets.co.uk www.friarsmoorvets.co.uk

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Relief milker wanted

near Sturminster Newton, 2.5-3 days a week, 300 split block calving cows, 24:24 must be conscientious, and able to milk alone. Good rates of pay for the right person contact 07860 939901

Wildlife verge planting on Ruth Kimber’s farm.

‘Thick hedges are home to a huge variety and quantity of wildlife’

by Ruth Kimber

The long-awaited rain has given us to date three-quarters of an inch – well, it’s a start!

Calving season has started – modern breeding has massively reduced problems at delivery time. Rarely does a cow need help and then it’s usually if there is a breach presentation, or maybe twins, both rare. However, the farm is vigilant and the cows are monitored closely.

The farm has grown extra wildfl ower areas – the new one this year was planted with a diff erent mix and has delivered a riot of fl owers throughout the season, and the birds and bees and so on certainly appreciated it.

As we have lovely ancient hedges on the farm, we also have lots of wildfl owers on the banks/base of the hedges stream and ditches. The animals also use this resource to self-medicate. Trimming hedges is done this time of year, but only on a pre-set-out programme. Not every hedge will be trimmed each year – this allows certain species to complete their two-year cycles. Thick hedges are home to a huge variety and quantity of wildlife, providing vast habitats for insects, birds, mammals and plants, all alongside food production.

Each year I promise myself I will make a list of the wildfl owers on the farm and nearby lanes, but again I have failed. We have so many I usually give up as the cow parsley engulfs the verges, one of my favourites. Now we have lots of Old Man’s Beard adorning the lanes with elderberries hanging heavy with rich dark berries. Is this abundance of berries a preparation for a hard winter?

The cost of food production is eyewatering and although the price of milk has risen, the outcome on the bottom line remains challenging. Energy in its various forms has massive eff ects on all we do.

We listen with interest to what the new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, will do about the cost of energy and infl ation in general.

She held Agriculture as part of her remit when Secretary of Environment Food and Rural Aff airs. Let’s hope she uses her knowledge of agricultural matters and takes home production, food security and a balanced approach on land use for food and wildlife seriously and boldly to protect and deliver on all fronts. Home food production should be at the top of the page and farming should not be used as a disposable industry when making international trade deals.

Food has been too cheap for too long and there has been a lack of education to help families produce wholesome balanced meals from scratch. Some 30-40 per cent of food is still wasted. The old habit of our mothers and fathers was roast on Sunday, cold on Monday, pie or curry with the left-overs on Tuesday – no waste was allowed.

The use of insulation in our homes, not only the roof and walls, but windows and doors, interlined curtains and draft excluders can hold in the heat and keep out the cold. Also, the choice of our clothes on our bodies – layers of clothing, including wool, really makes a diff erence. I often say, when talking about the subject, ‘sheep don’t shiver’! Kimbers Farm Shop, The Kitchen at Kimbers & Somerset Trading Barn, Linley Farm, Charlton Musgrove BA9 8HD. Open Tuesday-Friday 8.30am-5pm, Saturday 9.30am-4pm. www.kimbersfarmshop.co.uk; phone 01963 33177; info@ kimbersfarmshop.co.uk

GREENSLADE TAYLOR HUNT

Forthcoming Dairy Sales Forthcoming Deadstock Sales

Telephone: 01278 410250. Email: Telephone: 01278 410250. Email: livestock@gth.net SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE LAKE BUNGALOW NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24) MEMBURY, AXMINSTER, EX13 7TW Tuesday 10th November at 10.30am with the Heifer CalvesTuesday 20th September 2022 at 1pm

The November Collective Dairy Sale of The Dispersal Sale of 2 Tractors, Farm Machinery & Effects

(2008) Landini 75 4wd 305 DAIRY CATTLETRACTOR c/w Landini Loader; (c.1950) Fordson n 87 Freshly Calved Cows & Heifers from Beneknowle, Bettiscombe Major Diesel 2wd TRACTOR; Marshall 60 Rotary DUNG SPREADER; Ballast ROLLER; Lely Lotus 520 4 Rotor TEDDER; (2006) ZTR-165 DRUM (x14) Birchwood (x18 Dispersal) Clevian, Dinnaton, Dorset (x11) MOWER; Claas Liner 330S Kontur Single Rotor RAKE; Ifor Williams 8ft Hinton, Huntlodge, Lilylane, Peacehay & Rothereld Farms LLP LIVESTOCK TRAILER c/w Sheep Decks; Fleming YARD SCRAPER; Single (x12, Crossbreds) Axle Hay Trailer c/w Lades; Chain HARROWS; Loader BUCKET; PALLET FORKS; Browns BALE SQUEEZE; Dung GRAB; BUCKRAKE; Bateman n 16 Incalf Cows from Rothereld Farms LLP (Crossbreds)Galvanised Tubular CATTLE CRUSH; Cradle Bale Feeder; 4 x Lamb CREEP n 37 Incalf Heifers from Dayhouse, PT & JC Hinds (Pedigree), Rothereld Farms LLP (Crossbreds) & J & J Waldron FEEDERS; 4 x Sheep Wheeled HAY RACKS; 20 x Sheep TROUGHS; Lamb WEIGHER; Qty of Sheep HURDLES; 2 x Feed Containers; Qty of SCRAP METAL; 3 x Railway Sleepers. Included by kind permission: Perry BALE n 3 Holstein Bulls from Beneknowle & WoodstoneSLEDGE, Flat 8 GRAB; 6 x MILKING JARS; etc; Full listing on www.gth.net n 8 Bulling Heifers from Greathill & Mr D Thorner For FH Bartlett n 40 Yearling Heifers from Sutton Hall Farms n 52 Heifers Calves from Hinton, Pensdown, Thakeham & Mr D A 10% plus VAT Buyers Premium is charged on all lots, subject to a cap of £250 plus VAT per lot. Buyers not known to the Auctioneers are required to provide photographic ID to obtain a buyers number. Payment by cash and debit card only. Thorner ** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance To Include The Dispersal Sale of at gth.marteye.ie ** 62 HOLSTEIN AND FRIESIAN DAIRY COWS AND HEIFERS Comp: 47 Dairy Cows & Heifers Inmilk &/or Incalf; 12 Incalf Heifers & SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE 3 Maiden Heifers n NMR HERD AV: 8039 KGS. 4.11%BF; 3.34%P; SCC=127 n HERRINGBONE Parlour; CUBICLE Housed n CLOSED HERD for 13 years

THURSDAY 13th AUGUST 2022 at 10.30am

For GDW Isaac & Son (Removed from Beer Farm, (items to be delivered Wednesday 12th August between 9:30am-4:30pm) Broadhembury, Honiton, Devon) WANTED

The large selection of high yielding milkers and dispersal sale cattle TRACTORS, MACHINERY, HORTICULTURAL EQUIPMENT ETC (including Pedigree, Commercial and Crossbred) coupled with all Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance

types of dairy youngstock makes this one of our most comprehensive sales to date just when dispersals are starting to Rushton Farm, slow down across the country. Please note that Social Distancing will be in place and we ask that only one purchaser per farming East Stoke, Wareham, Dorset business attend. Online Bidding Available on Marteye.A unique agricultural investment opportunity to NOVEMBER: Thurs 19th purchase a cottage, range of SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE. Dispersal Sale of milking and farm buildings and approx. incalf heifer portion of the 9,160 kgs CIS recorded dairy herd being 200 Holstein Friesians for MB & LC Haskell (Removed from 138.05 Acres (55.86Ha) subject to an Agricultural Holdings Act Tenancy Agreement Beaulieu Wood Farm, Dorchester, Dorset for convenience of sale). Auction Guide: Sedgemoor Auction Centre£500,000 For sale by Online Auction.

North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, Junction 24) Telephone: 01278 410278 TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 7143 Closes Thursday 22nd September 2022 at 12:00 noon Contact Dorchester Office: 01305 268786 Land at Luckford Lake

Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from An opportunity to purchase throughout the Nationapproximately 19.67Ha Returns for Saturday 31st October 2020 DAIRY CATTLE (73) Heifers to £2080. Others £2020. Cows to £1840. Others £1720. (1184) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (933) Steers to (48.60acres) of tranquil pasture land running alongside the River Frome Auction Guide: £1365 (FLE). Others £1300 (AA) £1295 (LIMX) & £1270 (LIMX). Heifers to £1265£325,000 (CHX). Others £1235 (CHX) £1200 (LIMX) £1155 (LIMX) & £1150 (HEX). GRAZING COWS (2) to £615 (LIMX). Others £580 (LIMX). SUCKLERS (4) Cows & Calves to £850 (4x). STIRKS (247) Steers to £880 (LIMX). Others £870 (3x LIMX &For sale by Online Auction. BRBX) £855 (BRBX) & £835 (LIMX). Heifers to £818 (LIMX). Others £720 (BRBX)Closes Thursday 22nd September 2022 at 12:00 noon & £700 (AA). CALVES (408) - Beef Bulls to £400 (CH). Others £398 (BRBX)Contact Dorchester Office: 01305 268786 £390 (BRBX) & £388 (BRBX). Heifers to £300 (2x BRBX & CHX). Others £285 (CHX) £278 (BRBX) & £275 (LIMX). Black & Whites to £182. Others £165. (4675) SHEEP Store Lambs (2720) to £100. Others £99, £96 & £95. Overall Ave £74.88. Cull Ewes & Rams (1197) Ewes to £137. Others £133. Rams to £166.

Sedgemoor Auction Centre

Others £96. Overall Ave £67.10. BREEDING EWES (204) to £143 (2x). FRIDAY 30TH BREEDING EWE SALE (459) to £122. GOATS (11) to £187. Overall ave £92.64. RAMS (12) to £225 (2x). Others £136. FRIDAY 30TH STOCK RAM SALENorth Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, Junction 24) (72) to £610 for a powerful shearling. Others £470.Telephone: 01278 410278 www.gth.net

The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 5985 Returns for Monday 2nd November 2020 Stock from across the West Country,

PRIME CATTLE (93) Steers UTM av 187.4ppk to 213.5ppk & £1,327.28. Otherssold to buyers from throughout the Nation 209.5ppk, 209.0ppk, 208.0ppk & 206.5ppk. Others £1,293.63, £1,287.00, £1,283.12, £1,280.30 & £1,261.77. Heifers UTM av 180.7ppk to 214.5ppk (2x) and £1,310.50. Others 204.5ppk, 204.0ppk, 199.0ppk (2x) & 197.0ppk. Others £1,233.42, £1,205.05, £1,201.20, £1,168.50 & £1,138.32. BARREN COWS (56) Continental av 118.5ppk to 119.5ppk and £808.40. Others 117.5ppk. Native Beef av 103.6ppk to 126.5ppk and £906.75. Others 124.5ppk & 118.5ppk. Others £882.97 & £861.77. Dairy av 97.8ppk to 113.5ppk and £966.89. Others 112.5ppk Returns for Saturday 10th September 2022 DAIRY CATTLE (54) Heifers to £2980. Others £2780. Cows to £1980. Others £1600. (1040) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (795) Steers to £1655 (CHX). Others £1570 (BRBX) £1565 (BRBX) & £1545 (DEV). Heifers to £1300 3x) (L/HORN/AA/BRBX). Others £1295 (SIMX) £1290 (CHX) & £1245 (CHX). GRAZING COWS (33) to £1500 (AA). Others £1340 (AA). SUCKLERS (184) to £4620 for a ped Charolais bull. Commercial cows and calves to £1550. STIRKS (245) Steers & 109.5ppk. Others £945.73 & £914.63. FINISHED SHEEP (654) Lamb aveto £1030 (BRBX). Others £880 (SIMX) £850 (LIMX) & £845 (CHX). Heifers to £775 202.94ppk to 231.0ppk and £115.00. Others 230.0ppk, 220.0ppk & 219.0ppk. (LIMX). Others £740 (CHX) £730 (LIMX) & £700 (LIMX). CALVES (384) - Beef Bulls Others £113.00, £108.00 (5x) & £106.50. to £420 (BRBX). Others £410 (LIMX) £355 (3x BRBX) & £350 (BRBX). Heifers to £300 (2x BRBX). Others £290 (2x CHX) £285 (CHX) & £282 (BRBX). Black & Whites to £160. Forthcoming Special Sales(3275) SHEEP - STORE LAMBS (2048) to £110. Overall average £73.05. CULL EWES & RAMS (1006) Ewes to £200. Rams £168. Overall average For full rules on market attendance and up to date sales list £82.65. BREEDING SHEEP (172) to £140. Overall average £82.41. STOCK RAMS please refer to our website and/or Saturday market report. (16) to £350. Overall average £188.06. GOATS (33) to £150. Overall average £106.85. (154) PIGS – WEANERS (60) to £33. STORES/FINISHED (65) to £155. NOVEMBER: Sat 7th CULL SOWS & BOARS (10) to £158. BREEDING GILTS (6) to £72. SOWS (2) & Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10amPIGLETS to £298 (sow + 10).

Ring 2: Saturday 7th November The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs

Monthly Catalogued Sale ofReturns for Monday 12th September 2022 125 Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls PRIME CATTLE (75) Steers UTM av 220.1ppk to 254.5ppk & £1,725.51. Others 247.5ppk, 246.0ppk & 245.0ppk. Others £1,636.18, £1,560.32 & £1,518.72. Heifers UTM av 220.1ppk to 239.5ppk and £1,739.32. Others 237.5ppk, Approx 12.30pm Ring 1 236.0ppk & 235.0ppk. Others £1,479.81, £1,448.70 & £1,440.55. BARREN Entries to date include:n The dispersal sale of 50 Incalf Suckler Cows (Sim, Ch, COWS (52) Continental av 179.6ppk to 216.5ppk and £1,831.03. Native Beef av 166.7ppk to 185.5ppk and £1,324.95. Dairy av 156.6ppk to 182.5ppk and £1,450.88. FINISHED SHEEP Lambs (763) ave 228.13ppk to 280.0ppk and Lim, He & AAx) all pd’d to calf Feb onwards to Ped £161.00. Others 273.0ppk, 272.0ppk & 265.0ppk. Others £140 (3x) £139 & £131. Charolais bull for NB Needham & Sons, Old Henley Farm, Dorchester (changing farming policy). Forthcoming Special Sales n 3 Bulls – Ch, He & Lim n 42 Continental Cows & Calves – 6 Ped Lim cows & calves For full COVID-19 rules on market attendance and up to date sales list please refer to our website https://www.gth.net/sedgemoor-auction-centre Saturday 17th September n 14 Native Cows & CalvesSecond Monthly Catalogued Sale of 181 n 58 Incalf Cows & Hfrs – 1 Ped Lim & 1 Ped HeSuckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls Sale commences at approx. 12.30pm in Ring 1

For further information contact Meg on 01278 410278 ** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie **

Sat 7th Fortnightly Sale of Pigs Entries to date include: * 3 Bulls – Charolais, Devon & Hereford 11am Sat 14th ***CANCELLED*** Collective Catalogued * 27 Cows & Calves – AA, British Blue, Beef Shorthorn, Pedigree Devon, Sale of Purebred Poultry **CANCELLED*** Hereford, Limousin & Simmental * 5 Incalf Cows – British Blue, Devon, Hereford, Simmental Thurs 19th ***CANCELLED*** Monthly General Sale of Antiques and Furniture ***CANCELLED*** * 3 Bulling Heifers – Pedigree Devon Including the dispersal Sale of 116 for RR & C White removed from Agmerhurst Farm, East Sussex Sat 21st Fodder Sale 1pm* 1 Bull – Simmental Wed 25th Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB * 53 Cows & Calves – AA, British Blue, Charolais, Limousin, Simmental & Sussex Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months* 9 Incalf Heifers – Simmental SEPT & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows.Stock Sat 24th Sat 24th to be booked in with the market office by Monthly Sale of Native Store Cattle 10am Ring 2 Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 10am Wed 28th 18th November. Licences to be obtained Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB Restricted Cattle. Store from Truro Trading Standards on 03000 Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows. Stock to be booked in with the market office by 21st September. 200301 or Sale commences 4.30pm Licences to be obtained from Truro Trading Standards on Fri 27th OCT Monthly Seasonal Catalogued Sale of Breeding Ewes & Ewe Lambs 3pm 03000 200301 or CSC.TBlicensing@apha.gsi.gov.uk Sale commences 4.30pm Sat 28thSat 1st Fri 7th Monthly Sale of Native Store Cattle 10am Ring 2Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am Ring 2 Monthly Sale of Breeding Ewes and Rams (Including MV Sheep and a special sale of Mule and Mule x Breeding Ewes) Ewes Sat 8th Forthcoming Fodder Sale4pm/Rams 4.30pm Special Sale of Busk Calves 11am Ring 3 Sat 8th Monthly Catalogued Sale of Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & NOVEMBER: Sat 21stBulls 12.30pm Ring 1 SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE. The Collective Fodder Auction of Hay, Silage and Straw. Entries to be in by Monday 9th November 2020.

The Dairy Show 2022 – Supporting British Agriculture for over 40 Years!

The Dairy Show is returning on Wednesday 5 October 2022, combining a comprehensive trade show with an exhibition of dairy cattle. Taking place at the Bath & West Showground, Somerset, The Dairy Show is an essential date in the farming calendar. Along with a plethora of trade stands lining the avenue, this year will see a compelling Seminar programme, covering the theme of muck. As always, Dairy Cattle is at the heart of the Show, with top class cattle from around the country competing for the sought-after title of Supreme Champion. Competitions will be running for Ayrshire, Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey, Holstein & Jersey plus classes for calves and Junior Showmanship to encourage the exhibitors of the future. For the first time ever, the British Cheese Awards will be taking place at the Dairy Show, providing an impressive display of dairy produce including cheese, butter, yoghurt & cream. Judging of the Awards will take place on Wednesday 5 October, with visitors being able to view the display and take part in the all-important People’s Choice Award. Jess Chiplen, Head of Shows at the Bath & West, says “We are delighted to be welcoming everyone back to the Dairy Show 2022, particularly as we introduce the British Cheese Awards to the Show, providing the perfect platform for producers to showcase their products in the hope of securing the prestigious accolade just in time for Christmas.”

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Tickets are on sale now from www.bathandwest.com/tickets at £15 for adults, £14 for students.

Discounts are available for group bookings.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW HAVE YOU HERD?

THE DAIRY SHOW RETURNS ON WEDNESDAY 5 OCTOBER 2022