Means of stock control, cowboy-style
NEW PRODUCTS
Updated gen in beef paperback
REVISED estimates of feed intake and a complete revision of standards for animal performance are included in Rationing Beef Cattle (second edition), published by Chalcombe Publications.
Updated sections, written by David Allen, include nutrient requirements, diet formulation, rationing tactics, feed management and budgeting for suckler cows and growing and finishing cattle.
A simple method for formulating rations is demonstrated. The paperback book contains 90 pages and costs £9.95 (01673-863023, fax 01673-863108).
Non-toxic liquid enriches slurry
IS YOUR slurry tank filled with thick floating layers and producing odours? Microbe-Lift/Hog, a non-toxic, non-pathogenic and completely harmless liquid can improve these conditions, says Semat International.
When added to slurry tanks it liquefies organic waste and suspended solids into pumpable slurry. The company claims this leads to increased fluidity, a reduction of toxic gases and an increased fertilisation value of slurry.
The resulting fertiliser can be spread on fields and pasture without fear of contamination. The product comes in 3.8-litre containers and costs £29/ litre (£132/gal) (01727-841414, fax 01727-843965).
Ectoparasite control guide on the web
A WEB-SITE offering producers a guide to understanding sheep ectoparasite treatment and control has been launched by Novartis.
The site will provide detailed information on current UK cases of blowfly strike, using information provided by producers, vets and merchants. Local information can be quickly gathered as the map of Britain is broken into counties.
Once strike is reported in a county, it will be shaded red on the map and further cases will be recorded by date and location. By clicking on a county, producers can see strike cases in their area and take preventative action to protect sheep, advises the company (www.ectoparasite.net 0800-801566).
Means of stock control, cowboy-style
FANCY yourself as a bit of a cowboy? The Texas Supreme Lariat, or lasso to the layman, is imported from Canada by John Pinder Machinery.
It is 9.1m (30ft) long and made from synthetic ranch rope, with a quick release coupling which allows the animal to be let go with minimum stress to them and the handler, he says.
The lasso can be used on any animal kept outdoors or in yards, says the company. It costs £29 (01636-636310, fax 01636-636151).