Range of dairy health products unveiled
A whole range of new products are being released at this year’s Livestock Event to help aid dairy cow health. Here’s a look at the latest products to hit the market
iPhone app gives instant indication of SCC and bug
A new iPhone app will allow farmers to carry out a cow-side milk test to get an indication of individual cow somatic cell counts (SCC) and the pathogen present within 40 seconds.
See also: More new from Livestock Event 2015
The Dairy SCC app from Dairy Quality Inc is described by UK distributor, David Hodgson as “bringing the California Milk Test into the 21st century”.
The milk reader is designed to specifically work the the Apple iPhone. After downloading the app, the phone is slid into a robust handheld reader. A milk sample is then mixed with a reagent in a slide which is inserted into the reading devise.
The app then uses the camera on the iPhone and a lens in the hand held reader to identify SCC and the main pathogen present, with the information displayed on the screen within 40 seconds, explains Mr Hodgson.
“It allows individual cow or quarter SCC readings and immediate recognition of contagious or environmental pathogens for faster treatment with the appropriate antibiotic,” he says.
The Dairy Quality kit also provides the capability to record individual cows and download information on to an Excel spreadsheet so a picture of farm pathogens can be built up. This will allow vets, dairy hygiene specialists and farmers to design accurate and effective protocols as part of an overall farm strategy.
The Dairy Quality kit is priced at £1,400 plus VAT and £10 delivery.
For more information, visit stand AH149
Teat sealant launched by MSD
A teat sealant for dairy cows could help prevent mastitis infections originating in the dry period.
Cepralock from MSD Animal Health is designed for use at drying off with or without a dry cow intrammamary antibiotic and is claimed to help provide an inert barrier in the teat canal to reduce the risk of bacterial infection of the udder in the dry period.
With over 50% of new mastitis infections originating in the dry period and only 50% of teats forming an effective keratin plug in the first few days of drying off, teat sealants can be an important tool in the mastitis control kit.
Cepralock tubes are supplied with a dual length nozzle to reduce risk of damage to the teat sphincter and canal, while minimising the risk of pushing infection into the udder. To help promote teat cleanness at drying off, the tubes are also supplied with large, soft teat wipes that are big enough to cover the hand.
The launch is also accompanied by an extensive dry cow therapy and support programme for vets and farmers, which includes information on correct administration and removal of teat sealant after calving.
Cepralock teat sealant is available in packs of 24 tubes and 120 tubes from veterinary practices. For more information, visit AH142
Report aids responsible antibiotic use at drying off
A new tool to help dairy farmers target antibiotic use at drying off is being launched in response to industry pressure to reduce the use of antibiotics in dairy herds.
The Selective Dry Cow Report from National Milk Laboratories (NML) will enable farmers and their advisers to select cows that require antibiotic treatment. This will be based on a cow’s routine SCC test result, the herd bulk milk report and the mastitis pathogens identified in the herd’s milk.
As well as referring to NML bulk milk SCC data, the new report links to National Milk Records and records and assesses individual cow SCCs before and after the dry period, explains NML director Ben Bartlett.
“Very importantly the report includes an analysis of the herd’s pathogen challenge from quarterly PCR bulk milk samples testing carried out by NML,” he says. This enables a picture of farm specific pathogen challenge to be assessed enabling selection of the most effective antibiotics.
With about 50% of samples tested through NML showing penicillin resistance, the report will also test for this resistance to allow targeted use of the correct antibiotic.
The Selective Dry Cow reporting service is available through NML for £80 a year plus VAT. This includes the quarterly bulk milk PCR test. Reports will be available to producers and nominated vets through NMR’s web based Herd Companion service. Non NMR customers will have access to the report, but it will not include individual cow data.
For more information, visit www.nationalmilklabs.co.uk or stand BM155.
New design backpack aids application of pour on
A cattle parasiticide pour-on and innovative backpack dispensing system is claimed to aid ease of application.
Neoprinil from Virbac is an eprinomectin-based, zero milk withdrawal solution for use against internal and external parasitises including gut and lungworms, mange mites and sucking and chewing lice. It is being released together with the new Farmpack and Flexibag application system which has been designed for ease of application and freedom of movement for the farmer.
The Farmpack is a light, robust backpack which holds a Flexibag of Neoprinil solution. The Flexibag is a flexible, multilayered bag designed to protect medication and preserve it once it is opened. Flexibags of Neoprinil are available in 2.5 litre, 4.5 litre or 8 litre-sized bags and have 12 months stability after opening.
Farmpack has been designed to be sturdy, comfortable and easy to use with holsters on both sides for convenience whether left or right handed. A purpose built E-lock system also offers a secure connections between the Flexibag and dispensing gun hose, which reduces the risk of leakage.
For more information, visit stand AH166.
De Laval launch on-farm herd health monitoring
Dairy farmers could benefit from an automatic milk analysis tool, which provides early warning for health and fertility issues.
UK farmers using De Laval’s voluntary milking systems can now benefit from Herd Navigator – a tool which can give early indication of heats before the cow displays physical signs of oestrus by analysing milk progesterone levels.
This creates a heat alarm, enabling the farmer to accurately time insemination to maximise pregnancy rates. It can also alert farmers to cows that have aborted or have a developed folicular or luteul cysts.
Milk is also tested for LDH which gives and indication of the risk of a cow developing mastitis with an alarm going off 24 hours before any symptoms. Ketosis can also be picked up hours before symptoms are seen, says Kieran FitzGerald, VMS solutions manager for GB and Ireland.
“If you don’t treat ketosis you can get a big depression in milk, but by treating early at the alarm, you don’t get the impact,” he explains.
“The key is early, accurate detection. It’s about identifying cows for specific attention. It gives a clear message of what to do with each cow based on a cow’s past history.”
Early detection of problems could also result in reduced antibiotic use due to greater treatment success and consequently reduced milk loss.
For more information, visit stand MK253.
Blue clay shoes for cows
A clay-based barrier paint could help prevent digital dermatitis infection after foot-trimming.
Blue Clay Shoes from EcoHoof is described as an environmentally friendly, clay poultice which can be applied to the hoof by a brush or hand application.
Raymond Gibson, business development manager for EcoHoof, says newly trimmed hooves can be susceptible to digital dermatitis infections so Blue Clay Shoes can help create a barrier to prevent issues from developing.
“Blue Clay Shoes takes 5-10 minutes to dry and stays on the hoof for 12 hours before naturally flacking off. While it is on the hoof it stops bacteria penetration, but after it flakes off, it continues to penetrate the hoof for two to three days,” he says.
The product is available in 1kg and 3kg tubs, with a 1kg tub costing £15.
For more information, Tel: 01357 529 040, go to www.ecohoof.com or visit stand LE319.