July News Letter
Wed, Aug 11 2010 02:30
Farm First July 2010 Newsletter
Summer Mastitis
Summer mastitis is a disease of dry cows and heifers that has changed little over the years. It is an acute clinical disease of the non-lactating mammary gland caused mainly by the bacterium Actinomyces pyogenes. It usually occurs on the same farm year after year.
An affected animal will often be separated from the others, dull, off its food, lame and will have a high temperature.). The whole udder will become swollen, hard and the affected quarter will produce a foul-smelling, thick, yellow discharge. Flies may be attracted to it, which can then spread the infection from quarter to quarter, or from cow to cow. Without treatment the animal can abort or even die.
Treatment is aimed at saving the animal, affected quarters rarely recover. Treatment consists of antibiotics (straight penicillin e.g Norocillin is fine) to fight the infection and anti-inflammatories to reduce the swelling and the temperature. Affected quarters should be stripped frequently. Sometimes vets will slit the teat or remove the teat to try and drain the quarter and remove as much infection as possible.
For summer mastitis prevention is much better than cure. Prevention measures involve the use of dry cow antibiotics, teat sealants e.g Orbeseal, fly control treatments (especially during July, August and September) and avoiding areas with large fly populations. Avoid low- lying wooded areas for susceptible animals, put your pregnant animals on higher ground exposed to more wind (which flies dislike). Teat lesions will also attract flies so should be minimised.
Ewe management for lamb production
The profitability of sheep farms mainly depends on the number of sheep on the farm and the lambing percentage. The management of the ewes after weaning through to one month after tupping determines next year’s lamb crop to a great extent. The scanning/lambing percentage you achieve is largely determined by the number of eggs produced when the ewe comes into heat, the proportion of eggs that are fertilised and the number of embryos produced that survive. Important factors in improving lambing percentage include:
Body condition score of the ewes around tupping.
The ewes need to be in the right body condition score (BCS) pre-tupping in order to maximise the number of eggs produced. The BCS scale runs from 1 (emaciated) to 5 (obese). The ideal condition score 2 weeks pre-tupping is 3–3.5 for lowland ewes and 2.5 for hill ewes. Manage the ewes after weaning based on their BCS at weaning; fat ewes on bare grazing with high stocking rate and thin ewes on good grazing at a low stocking rate (possibly with supplementary feeding eg mineralised sugar beet pulp). It takes about 6 weeks to change half a BCS so plan in plenty of time which pastures will be used for which ewes.
Feed intake over the tupping period. (Flushing)
High feed intake (flushing) over the tupping period will increase the number of eggs developing and therefore the number of eggs produced. Note however a high feed intake after mating can reduce embryo survival, so a compact flushing period with a high energy intake is desirable followed by a period of maintenance feeding only.
Other considerations
Rams need to be fit and fertile. Avoid prolonged contact between ewes and rams before mating this will help to ensure a compact lambing period.
Stress can reduce the embryo survival rate so avoid management tasks like foot-paring during tupping. Also provide shelter/ supplementary feed when bad weather occurs.
Ordering of drugs
Please give the practice ample notice (ideally two days) when you would like to place a big order of drugs, so that we have enough time to order the drugs from our wholesaler if needed. Even if you are just picking up a bottle of antibiotic or two, the girls in the office would appreciate a phone call so they can get it ready for you. This is even more important if you don’t know exactly what you want; they can then speak to a vet to sort which treatment you need or the vet can ring you. If you would like to pay at the time to obtain your 10% discount please tell the staff when you order the drugs.
Anti- inflammatory drugs in Treatment of Mastitis
Currently, one of the drug companies is strongly promoting Metacam usage with antibiotics in all cases of mastitis. This is following on from a trial in New Zealand which showed reduced cell counts and culling rates after using this regime. However, the trial did not directly compare Metacam with other similar drugs, such as Flunixin; and the cell counts were only measured for 3 weeks after a case of mastitis. Several veterinary practices in this country are advocating this approach, and we will await feedback from them with interest. In the meantime we would advise that all cases of mastitis where the cow is off colour, has a temperature, or where there is swelling in the udder, should receive an anti-inflammatory injection alongside antibiotics. This will help to reduce high temperatures, swelling and tissue damage in the udder and the pain associated with these. Anti-inflammatory treatment should help to maintain the feed intake of the cow and result in a more rapid improvement in the clinical signs. The two products that we use most commonly are Flunixin: cost per dose £11.12+ vat for 700kg cow, and Metacam: cost per dose £17.50 for 700 kg cow. Metacam is usually given as a single dose under the skin, whereas Flunixin should be given intravenously and can be repeated every 24 hours.
Booking TB Tests
A plea from the girls in the office. Please give us as much notice as you can when booking TB tests in. We are starting to get very busy again and are having difficulty fitting even small numbers in at short notice. At present we are working on about 2 weeks notice for small numbers of animals and about a month for a large whole herd test.
Summer Mastitis
Summer mastitis is a disease of dry cows and heifers that has changed little over the years. It is an acute clinical disease of the non-lactating mammary gland caused mainly by the bacterium Actinomyces pyogenes. It usually occurs on the same farm year after year.
An affected animal will often be separated from the others, dull, off its food, lame and will have a high temperature.). The whole udder will become swollen, hard and the affected quarter will produce a foul-smelling, thick, yellow discharge. Flies may be attracted to it, which can then spread the infection from quarter to quarter, or from cow to cow. Without treatment the animal can abort or even die.
Treatment is aimed at saving the animal, affected quarters rarely recover. Treatment consists of antibiotics (straight penicillin e.g Norocillin is fine) to fight the infection and anti-inflammatories to reduce the swelling and the temperature. Affected quarters should be stripped frequently. Sometimes vets will slit the teat or remove the teat to try and drain the quarter and remove as much infection as possible.
For summer mastitis prevention is much better than cure. Prevention measures involve the use of dry cow antibiotics, teat sealants e.g Orbeseal, fly control treatments (especially during July, August and September) and avoiding areas with large fly populations. Avoid low- lying wooded areas for susceptible animals, put your pregnant animals on higher ground exposed to more wind (which flies dislike). Teat lesions will also attract flies so should be minimised.
Ewe management for lamb production
The profitability of sheep farms mainly depends on the number of sheep on the farm and the lambing percentage. The management of the ewes after weaning through to one month after tupping determines next year’s lamb crop to a great extent. The scanning/lambing percentage you achieve is largely determined by the number of eggs produced when the ewe comes into heat, the proportion of eggs that are fertilised and the number of embryos produced that survive. Important factors in improving lambing percentage include:
Body condition score of the ewes around tupping.
The ewes need to be in the right body condition score (BCS) pre-tupping in order to maximise the number of eggs produced. The BCS scale runs from 1 (emaciated) to 5 (obese). The ideal condition score 2 weeks pre-tupping is 3–3.5 for lowland ewes and 2.5 for hill ewes. Manage the ewes after weaning based on their BCS at weaning; fat ewes on bare grazing with high stocking rate and thin ewes on good grazing at a low stocking rate (possibly with supplementary feeding eg mineralised sugar beet pulp). It takes about 6 weeks to change half a BCS so plan in plenty of time which pastures will be used for which ewes.
Feed intake over the tupping period. (Flushing)
High feed intake (flushing) over the tupping period will increase the number of eggs developing and therefore the number of eggs produced. Note however a high feed intake after mating can reduce embryo survival, so a compact flushing period with a high energy intake is desirable followed by a period of maintenance feeding only.
Other considerations
Rams need to be fit and fertile. Avoid prolonged contact between ewes and rams before mating this will help to ensure a compact lambing period.
Stress can reduce the embryo survival rate so avoid management tasks like foot-paring during tupping. Also provide shelter/ supplementary feed when bad weather occurs.
Ordering of drugs
Please give the practice ample notice (ideally two days) when you would like to place a big order of drugs, so that we have enough time to order the drugs from our wholesaler if needed. Even if you are just picking up a bottle of antibiotic or two, the girls in the office would appreciate a phone call so they can get it ready for you. This is even more important if you don’t know exactly what you want; they can then speak to a vet to sort which treatment you need or the vet can ring you. If you would like to pay at the time to obtain your 10% discount please tell the staff when you order the drugs.
Anti- inflammatory drugs in Treatment of Mastitis
Currently, one of the drug companies is strongly promoting Metacam usage with antibiotics in all cases of mastitis. This is following on from a trial in New Zealand which showed reduced cell counts and culling rates after using this regime. However, the trial did not directly compare Metacam with other similar drugs, such as Flunixin; and the cell counts were only measured for 3 weeks after a case of mastitis. Several veterinary practices in this country are advocating this approach, and we will await feedback from them with interest. In the meantime we would advise that all cases of mastitis where the cow is off colour, has a temperature, or where there is swelling in the udder, should receive an anti-inflammatory injection alongside antibiotics. This will help to reduce high temperatures, swelling and tissue damage in the udder and the pain associated with these. Anti-inflammatory treatment should help to maintain the feed intake of the cow and result in a more rapid improvement in the clinical signs. The two products that we use most commonly are Flunixin: cost per dose £11.12+ vat for 700kg cow, and Metacam: cost per dose £17.50 for 700 kg cow. Metacam is usually given as a single dose under the skin, whereas Flunixin should be given intravenously and can be repeated every 24 hours.
Booking TB Tests
A plea from the girls in the office. Please give us as much notice as you can when booking TB tests in. We are starting to get very busy again and are having difficulty fitting even small numbers in at short notice. At present we are working on about 2 weeks notice for small numbers of animals and about a month for a large whole herd test.
June Newsletter 2010
Thu, Jul 8 2010 04:06
Farm First Newsletter July 2010
Bleeding Calf Syndrome (Bovine Neonatal Pancytopenia)
This is a new disease which is characterised by uncontrollable bleeding from the skin, nose and other areas, typically affecting young calves less than 4 weeks of age. Often the first sign seen is at tagging when the calf will not stop bleeding from the insertion hole. Almost all affected animals will die. The disease is due to damage to the bone marrow, which is responsible for producing the platelets in the blood which are essential for clotting.
The reason for the bone marrow damage is not known, however a possible link between vaccination of dams with Pregsure BVD and the birth of affected calves has been identified in Germany. Pfizer has voluntarily withdrawn the product from the market, but it should be stressed that no link between the vaccine and the disease has been proven, and other BVD vaccines such as Bovilis BVD are not under suspicion. The VLA would like all suspected cases to be reported, as there are ongoing investigations into the possible cause. If you are suspicious that you have a case please contact the surgery.
Emergency on Farm Slaughter
There are strict limits as to which animals fit the criteria for an emergency on-farm slaughter, the guidelines state: ‘An otherwise healthy animal must have suffered an accident that prevented its transport to the slaughterhouse for welfare reasons’.
Basically this really limits the injury to a fracture or dislocation, which requires immediate veterinary attention for welfare reasons. For this reason we must see the animal as soon as possible after injury. Animals which have been injured for several days, or suffering from chronic conditions such as lameness are not eligible.
The statutory withdrawal periods for any veterinary medicine administered must be observed for any animal slaughtered for human consumption. A declaration is required stating that all withdrawal periods for the animal have been observed. A veterinary surgeon must be present before slaughter to perform an inspection. The vet is required to declare the animal is fit for consumption, the reason for slaughter, and any treatment administered. The vet is also required to declare the date and time of slaughter, therefore he/she must be in attendance at the time of slaughter.
The farmer must contact the abattoir to confirm they will accept an emergency slaughter; however they are under no obligation to do so. The carcase must be clean, transported hygienically and arrive at the abattoir within 2 hours of slaughter.
Fly control
One of the drawbacks of the fine weather we’re currently enjoying has been a surge in the number of flies. As well as being a nuisance through biting, flies also act as a source of infection, most notably in summer mastitis but also for other diseases such as New Forest eye.
Butox Swish is probably the best product available to control flies in cows, giving protection for 8-10 weeks. For dairy cows it has a zero milk withdrawal. Stockholm tar also works well when applied directly to the udder but is very messy and needs to be reapplied every 2 weeks.
A new option available is the use biological fly control using fly parasites which are native to this country. These parasites are distributed in fly breeding areas around the farm-yard such as loose housing areas and slurry lagoons. The parasites hatch and kill the adult flies, then lay further eggs which repeat the cycle. More details on biological fly control are available on the Clover website at www.flymanagement.co.uk or www.clovergroup.eu or telephone the Clover Group at 0800 612 5289.
Identification of Cheques
A request from the girls in the office: please ensure when posting in a cheque to pay a bill that you identify it by writing your name and the farm name on the back. Otherwise the girls have to trawl though a long list of surnames to try and identify who it’s from - quite a list if your surname is Jones! The girls would also like the cheque made out to Nat, Tracy or Deb, not sure how Rob will feel about that one though. (Do they think I’m that dull-Rob)
New Streamline Machine
Farm First are slowly moving into the modern age and have invested in a Streamline machine. We should have it up and running in the next few weeks (as soon as Nat has read the instructions) and so soon will be able to take payments via card. Please note that there will be a small charge for the use of credit card(1% of invoice), debit card use will be free of charge.
Enzootic Abortion Vaccine
For those of you that have had enzootic abortion problems diagnosed in your sheep in the past, remember that vaccination is a very good method of controlling losses from this disease. Despite recent reports that the vaccinal strain has been found in some abortion samples, we would still strongly recommend that farmers with this problem vaccinate. Sheep owners in this area with the problem who have vaccinated in the past have repeatedly confirmed that the vaccine works very well. Ewe lambs kept for breeding can be given the vaccine from 5 months of age. For shearlings and older ewes the vaccine should be given from 4 months prior to mating. Do not vaccinate less than 4 weeks prior to mating-early lambing flocks need to be thinking about it now. Do not vaccinate pregnant ewes (the vaccine that we used to be able to give to pregnant ewes is now no longer available). Most ewes are vaccinated once as ewe lambs or shearlings, the vaccine then covers them for life in most circumstances. Often people slowly build up a vaccinated flock by just doing their replacements every year. Cost is about £2.00/ewe, discounts will be given for large orders. Please contact the surgery if you wish to discuss
Toxovax Vaccine
Please note there are supply problems with this vaccine this year. The practice has only been allocated 100 doses for the remainder of the year. If you normally use this vaccine for your ewes please contact us as soon as possible, the available vaccine will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
From Rob and his team at Farm First Vets.
Bleeding Calf Syndrome (Bovine Neonatal Pancytopenia)
This is a new disease which is characterised by uncontrollable bleeding from the skin, nose and other areas, typically affecting young calves less than 4 weeks of age. Often the first sign seen is at tagging when the calf will not stop bleeding from the insertion hole. Almost all affected animals will die. The disease is due to damage to the bone marrow, which is responsible for producing the platelets in the blood which are essential for clotting.
The reason for the bone marrow damage is not known, however a possible link between vaccination of dams with Pregsure BVD and the birth of affected calves has been identified in Germany. Pfizer has voluntarily withdrawn the product from the market, but it should be stressed that no link between the vaccine and the disease has been proven, and other BVD vaccines such as Bovilis BVD are not under suspicion. The VLA would like all suspected cases to be reported, as there are ongoing investigations into the possible cause. If you are suspicious that you have a case please contact the surgery.
Emergency on Farm Slaughter
There are strict limits as to which animals fit the criteria for an emergency on-farm slaughter, the guidelines state: ‘An otherwise healthy animal must have suffered an accident that prevented its transport to the slaughterhouse for welfare reasons’.
Basically this really limits the injury to a fracture or dislocation, which requires immediate veterinary attention for welfare reasons. For this reason we must see the animal as soon as possible after injury. Animals which have been injured for several days, or suffering from chronic conditions such as lameness are not eligible.
The statutory withdrawal periods for any veterinary medicine administered must be observed for any animal slaughtered for human consumption. A declaration is required stating that all withdrawal periods for the animal have been observed. A veterinary surgeon must be present before slaughter to perform an inspection. The vet is required to declare the animal is fit for consumption, the reason for slaughter, and any treatment administered. The vet is also required to declare the date and time of slaughter, therefore he/she must be in attendance at the time of slaughter.
The farmer must contact the abattoir to confirm they will accept an emergency slaughter; however they are under no obligation to do so. The carcase must be clean, transported hygienically and arrive at the abattoir within 2 hours of slaughter.
Fly control
One of the drawbacks of the fine weather we’re currently enjoying has been a surge in the number of flies. As well as being a nuisance through biting, flies also act as a source of infection, most notably in summer mastitis but also for other diseases such as New Forest eye.
Butox Swish is probably the best product available to control flies in cows, giving protection for 8-10 weeks. For dairy cows it has a zero milk withdrawal. Stockholm tar also works well when applied directly to the udder but is very messy and needs to be reapplied every 2 weeks.
A new option available is the use biological fly control using fly parasites which are native to this country. These parasites are distributed in fly breeding areas around the farm-yard such as loose housing areas and slurry lagoons. The parasites hatch and kill the adult flies, then lay further eggs which repeat the cycle. More details on biological fly control are available on the Clover website at www.flymanagement.co.uk or www.clovergroup.eu or telephone the Clover Group at 0800 612 5289.
Identification of Cheques
A request from the girls in the office: please ensure when posting in a cheque to pay a bill that you identify it by writing your name and the farm name on the back. Otherwise the girls have to trawl though a long list of surnames to try and identify who it’s from - quite a list if your surname is Jones! The girls would also like the cheque made out to Nat, Tracy or Deb, not sure how Rob will feel about that one though. (Do they think I’m that dull-Rob)
New Streamline Machine
Farm First are slowly moving into the modern age and have invested in a Streamline machine. We should have it up and running in the next few weeks (as soon as Nat has read the instructions) and so soon will be able to take payments via card. Please note that there will be a small charge for the use of credit card(1% of invoice), debit card use will be free of charge.
Enzootic Abortion Vaccine
For those of you that have had enzootic abortion problems diagnosed in your sheep in the past, remember that vaccination is a very good method of controlling losses from this disease. Despite recent reports that the vaccinal strain has been found in some abortion samples, we would still strongly recommend that farmers with this problem vaccinate. Sheep owners in this area with the problem who have vaccinated in the past have repeatedly confirmed that the vaccine works very well. Ewe lambs kept for breeding can be given the vaccine from 5 months of age. For shearlings and older ewes the vaccine should be given from 4 months prior to mating. Do not vaccinate less than 4 weeks prior to mating-early lambing flocks need to be thinking about it now. Do not vaccinate pregnant ewes (the vaccine that we used to be able to give to pregnant ewes is now no longer available). Most ewes are vaccinated once as ewe lambs or shearlings, the vaccine then covers them for life in most circumstances. Often people slowly build up a vaccinated flock by just doing their replacements every year. Cost is about £2.00/ewe, discounts will be given for large orders. Please contact the surgery if you wish to discuss
Toxovax Vaccine
Please note there are supply problems with this vaccine this year. The practice has only been allocated 100 doses for the remainder of the year. If you normally use this vaccine for your ewes please contact us as soon as possible, the available vaccine will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
From Rob and his team at Farm First Vets.