Displaying items by tag: animal health

Successful calf rearing starts as soon as the calf is born.

An increasing number of Otago and Canterbury dairy farmers are realising the value of DNA testing their calves to help them make better breeding decisions, according to local CRV sales consultant Deborah Adair-Dagg.

In the past year, farmers using MyOSPRI have created just over 15,000 electronic farm-to-meatprocessor and 1300 farm-to-farm Animal Status Declarations (ASDs).

Drench resistance is common.

The lead up to another calving period means the next few weeks offer an opportunity to meet the nutritional demands of your cows.

As part of its strategic choice to lead in sustainability, Fonterra places a strong emphasis on calf wellbeing.

While most dairy farmers are heading into spring calving with lush grass cover, cows may need more starch and energy to compensate for pasture deficiencies this season.

On the farm, bobby calves must be given the same degree of care as every other calf on the farm.

Planning and preparing for calving with the farm team will reduce stress when calving is in full swing, and help keep everyone safe and healthy, says DairyNZ.

Holstein Friesian cows from the South Island of New Zealand were well-represented at the 2023 Holstein Friesian New Zealand-Semex NZ Ltd On-Farm Competition prizegiving, held in Nelson recently.