What’s the WHY? What is the impact of water quality on performance? We all know the importance of water in animal health and well-being. Water intake problems may limit milk production, growth, and profitability. But do you know how to take a water sample correctly to test for water quality? Signs of inadequate water intake…
24
Jun
Jun
Seasonal lameness not only puts a dent in the bank when it comes to hoof trims and treatments, it may lead to weaker reproductive performance and ultimately reduces the production levels of your herd. Wet conditions soften hooves, resulting in increased lameness susceptibility. Increased standing time due to the heat stress induced by summer, poor…
10
Jun
Jun
Grain poisoning is commonly seen in sheep after consuming large quantities of grains that they have not been appropriately adapted to. This type of poisoning is the result of ruminal acidosis. Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) may occur when livestock eat rations high in starch and low in fibre. The microbes in the rumen rapidly ferment…
01
Jun
Jun
Hairy heel wart is the commonly used term for digital dermatitis (DD), which is a dangerously contagious foot disease found in cattle. DD has been identified as the leading cause of lameness in dairy cattle in the United States, with a prevalence of up to 80%. Prevention of digital dermatitis is notoriously difficult because a…
12
May
May
Acidosis is like that suspicious rattling sound that your bakkie occasionally makes. While everything seems all right on the surface, there is something that is most definitely not right. Rattles do not fix themselves, and they often need an annoying amount of investigation to sort out. Acidosis is no different. It is characterised by rapid…