Overseas competitors approve feed additive
Authorities in both the United Kingdom and Canada have now approved the use of methane-reducing feed additive Bovaer.
Ensuring rams are in peak condition prior to mating will help maximise their performance and their contribution to the genetic improvement of the commercial flock.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand's Sarah Powdrell says, well before mating, rams should be fully vaccinated for all conditions of local significance - including salmonella and clostridial disease and be treated for any trace element deficiencies.
Selenium is particularly important as deficiencies can result in sperm defects.
Rams should be shorn at least eight weeks before mating. Crutching maybe also required closer to mating to clear the testes of wool, ensuring they don't get too hot.
Like ewes, rams should be at a Body Condition Score of 3-3.5 and on a rising plane of nutrition going into mating.
For rams that have been in the team for more than a year, they should be checked for abnormalities in the scrotum and testes and vet-checked for scrotal mange. The latter can render rams infertile by increasing the temperature of the testicles.
Feet and mouths should also be checked to ensure soundness and mobility. Foot abscesses can elevate a ram's body temperature and cause infertility for up to two months.
After mating, a second health check should be carried out and any issues addressed. Young rams or older rams with a sub-optimal body condition score may need a drench.
"Best practice is to carry out a faecal egg count to determine whether drenching is necessary," Powdrell explains. "In principle, rams should not need drenching if ram ratios, preparation, management and feed during mating were optional."
After mating, rams should be fed so they return to their pre-mating body weight within six wees.
"Don't forget about them. They are one of your farm's best assets so look after them so they can do the best for you."
The Climate Change Commission wants the new Government to reduce NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction volumes as son as possible.
Southland-based Mataura Valley Milk can now lay claim to be the first all-electric dairy factory in New Zealand.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
Meat co-operative Alliance Group has bagged four gold medals at the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards, achieving top honours for every cut entered.
There is increasing evidence that dairy demand is on the upswing, according to Rabobank senior agricultural analyst Emma Higgins.
Fertiliser use in New Zealand over the 18 months is about 25% down from what it consistently was for the previous decade or more, says Ravensdown chief operating officer Mike Whitty.
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