Advice, management and solutions for your dairy farms.
Dairy Disease Management
Milk Fever
Milk Fever is the most common metabolic condition that usually occurs around three days either side of calving. In the early lactation stages, a high producing cow’s calcium requirements exceed her ability to mobilise calcium reserves (bones) and absorb enough calcium from the diet.
Grass Staggers
Grass Staggers occurs when the intake of magnesium is exceeded by its output. It is common in spring due to an increased requirement of magnesium for lactation and the decreased magnesium content of lush green pasture.
Hardware Disease
Accidental ingestion of sharp pieces of metal can result in perforation of the stomach wall and can lead to hardware disease.
Sub Clinical Ketosis
Subclinical ketosis is defined as high serum ketone body concentrations without observed clinical signs. Ketosis results from the excessive use of body fat and skeletal muscle to supply additional energy, most often in early lactation.
BVD
BVD is a common cause of respiratory and reproductive issues in the herd. It can be transmitted through a congenital infection of the fetus or after birth. Vaccines are available but careful monitoring of the herd has to be carried out.
Eczema
Facial Eczema is caused by fungal spores that occur on pasture during warm moist conditions, usually late summer to autumn.
Theileiria
Theileriosis is a disease caused by a species of Theileria – a blood-borne parasite. It only affects cattle and is primarily transmitted by ticks. Theileria is a widespread disease with an increasing number of cases in the northern parts of the North Island.
Personal hygiene on farm
Tips for personal hygiene on your farm that will help keep all those that have contact with farm animals safe from disease.
Dry cow therapy
Using dry cow therapy plus or minus teat sealant can help to reduce your farm’s mastitis rate during the dry period and into calving.
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