Vet watch: Liver fluke, swine flue, calf growth rates

Bridget Taylor, Wright and Morten Vets, Cheshire
Parasite problems have dominated our brew room discussions recently. Liver fluke is widespread in dairy and beef cattle as well as sheep. Treatment regimes are tricky to plan with changes to the use of flukicides in dairy cattle. With housing, it is important farmers should be aware of the fluke challenge on their farms and to create a plan for the most effective treatment. For sheep the priority at this time of year is to kill immature fluke; after Christmas a chronic infestation is more likely to be found and that requires a different wormer.
Lungworm has caused significant problems in cattle this autumn – underlining the value of vaccination and detecting disease early, especially in bought in cattle, so that effective treatment is carried out.
Consult your vet regarding a bespoke parasite control programme for your farm and ensuring that you use targeted, effective treatments that minimise the risks of resistance developing.
Adrian Cox, Larkmead Veterinary Group, Oxfordshire
A number of sow herds are showing reduced performance. This is not unexpected at this time of year, but those herds where investigation has been undertaken have revealed evidence of swine influenza and/or leptospirosis.
On a positive note, with sensible finishing prices and reducing feed costs, pig clients are generally buoyant and it is pleasing to see some significant building work being undertaken on several farms. Clients seem aware of the need to invest where possible to help ensure productivity is as efficient as possible when prices do fall.
The change in deadweight contract has allowed clients to take pigs to even higher slaughter weights. Whenever possible, removing the slower growing pigs from pens to avoid issues with overstocking, whilst allowing better pigs to reach the upper contract weight, is helping lift efficiency too.
Helen Rogers, Friars Moor Vets, Dorset
As the temperatures drops, we are focusing on maintaining growth rates in young calves. Systems using milk powder are in an ideal position to maintain growth rates, as milk powder feed rates can be increased accordingly. A calf grows most efficiently in the first two months of life, so maximising growth rates in these calves is essential. Colostrum management is key, followed by purchasing good quality milk powder. It is important to dilute this powder at the correct level and mix it at the correct temperatures (40’C), before feeding the correct amount. Feeding appropriate concentrate will also maximise growth rates.
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