IN BRIEF
IN BRIEF
uGREASY pig disease – caused by bacteria entering through skin wounds – is an increasing concern in pig herds this winter. Cotswold is urging producers to clip teeth to cut injury risks. The company says that while some producers have given up clipping teeth as a routine, where fighting and greasy pig are causing concern, it should be carried out before or after weaning, with attention paid to hygiene and technique.
uMAFF, ADAS and the Vet Lab Agency are running practical workshops on dairy cow welfare throughout March. Meetings at venues throughout England will be held on reducing lameness in dairy cattle, reducing mastitis in herds and dairy cattle welfare through the year. Further details on meeting topics, dates, venues and times can be obtained from Sally Read at ADAS Lincoln (01522 535151).
uTHE Moredun Research Institute is to run four meetings for Scottish producers next week. Sheep scab and other skin diseases to be tackled on March 6 at Seafield Lodge Hotel, Grantown on Spey, and Mar 7 in the Soroba House Hotel, Oban. Combating sheep and cattle pneumonia will be covered on Mar 15 at the Park Hotel, Thurso and Mar 16 at the Sutherland Hotel, Golspie. Meetings are free and start at 7.30pm.
uA £100,000 grant from MAFF is set to help create an on-line traceability system for pigmeat. Information will pass from pig producer to processor to retailer via the internet, says technology firm Food Trak. The system is already in use in the potato industry, with producers paying £30-£150 a year for the service, depending on the range of produce and customers supplied. It should allow full traceability from farm to fork, says the company.
uCONFUSED about numeric cattle tagging? A guide to frequently asked tagging questions is available from Ritchey Tagg through agricultural merchants or its internet site (www.ritcheytagg.co.uk). *