RICHARD BARBER has declared war on mastitis in his herd of 550 cows, and it's a war of attrition.
A HAMILTON company seeking to develop a non-antibiotic, natural treatment for mastitis has gained a $500,000 capital investment.
FODDER BEET has for five years has expanded rapidly as a winter feed crop. The incentive for this is its large yield potential of this high energy feed; grown well it can yield at least 20tDM/ha.
IN THE southern South Island, where winter pasture growth is negligible, winter management has a critical impact on farm profitability. Wintering costs are 20-25% of farm working expenses in the region and to manage the pasture growth deficit, feed must be accumulated and stored.
LACK OF sodium in the diet of cows is a production issue, as shown by New Zealand research, says Dominion Salt.
"We want to help farmers minimise the trade-offs that sometimes occur when new systems are implemented," says Dalley.
COWS MUST achieve a body condition score (BCS) of 5.0 at calving, and heifers and second calvers BCS 5.5.
PRODUCTION MUST increase for New Zealand to cash in on rapidly increasing global demand for food. And a key component of this is animal health.
FACIAL ECZEMA presents the usual challenge in this season.
THE RESILIENCE of Aber high sugar grass has seen Tokoroa dairy farmer Graeme Barr through another dry summer, says seed supplier Germinal Seeds.
INDUCTION MAY be a focus, and public pressure has helped, but vet Mark Gilmour says the dairy industry itself has been a key change agent.
THE LID is sinking on calf inductions, and not just because of the practice itself, says Rangitikei vet Mark Gilmour.