Spring Turnout Masterclass

After a winter that has seen feed costs soar, putting your herd out to grass this spring will be a welcome opportunity to maximise the feed value of your pasture. But managing this tricky transition carefully is vital – nothing should get in the way of liveweight gain or milk production.

Read the Academies, then click through to complete the online test – this will give you the information you need to take a critical look at your system with your vet and farm staff and decide what changes you may need to make to improve her health, welfare, and ultimately your bottom line.

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Infectious diseases

Infectious diseases are more common within the UK cattle herd than is often recognised, but losses can be avoided.

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Effective worm control

Worms are becoming increasingly difficult to control in cattle, with drug resistance posing considerable challenges. But simple management changes can cut treatment costs and reduce the risk of resistance in the future.

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Nutrition

Spring turnout can be a particularly dangerous time for dairy cows. Find out how farmers can avoid the key pitfalls.

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Grassland management

Careful management can ensure grazed grass provides high-quality feed for dairy cows at turnout.

CASE STUDY 1

Bill Cuthbert, Mouldsworth, near Chester

A flexible approach to grazing and an emphasis on prevention allow a Cheshire dairy herd to keep fertility high.

CASE STUDY 2

John Hoskin, Maiden Castle Farms, Dorset

Nothing should stand in the way of liveweight gain, according to Farmers Weekly Farmer of the Year John Hoskin.

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Time spent planning now pays off through the season

It can get hectic on-farm in the run up to turning stock out in spring. Time spent planning when to administer vaccinations and other health treatments will help streamline workloads and reduce the number of handlings and, therefore, stress to stock.

Ensuring heifers coming into the main herd are protected against some of the main infectious diseases which can affect them throughout their productive lives is important. Leptospirosis, BVD and IBR vaccines are three commonly prescribed vaccines used before turnout and prior to the main risk period.

Similarly, making sure stock is protected against lungworm – which is a threat when cows are at grass – requires planning. Remember that two doses of the treatment are needed and an additional two weeks needs to elapse before stock is turned out.

These articles are sponsored by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health and aim to offer practical advice for the busy spring turnout period paving the way for optimum herd health and performance.

John Atkinson MRCVS, veterinary adviser, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health