Don’s Blog – 4th December 2018
Hi everyone,
with the warm wet weather and calves being weaned we are seeing a few cases of coccidiosis.
These calves do not respond to normal worm drenches and usually strain excessively. Calves will improve quite quickly to appropriate treatment.
It is best to get some samples and send them a way for testing.
If you have any concerns please get in touch the Edgecumbe clinic.
Have a good day
Don
Don’s Blog – 8th November 2018
Hi everyone,
We have two farms that have cows with unexplained skin problems.
It seems that on both farms the number of cases are increasing. If you have any cases that fit the following description could you contact us.
These cows have areas of crusty lumps that at times ooze a yellow serum or may have hives over a large part of their bodies. Many of the worst lesions are around the neck and face.
Kind Regards
Don
Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October 2018
We are supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you would like to help us reach our goal, please follow the link above to donate
Many Thanks
Don’s Blog – 13 September 2018
Hi everyone,
We just had a timely reminder about Biosecurity and bulls. A client bought one extra bull and decided to test for BVD . It was positive which could be disastrous if put in the herd for mating. I urge you all to INSIST on seeing the appropriate paper work for any bulls due to arrive on your farms. All bulls that have been BVD tested and vaccinated should have paper work that they have completed a TWO shot vaccination.
I suspect many of you are being fobbed off with a verbal assurance and they have been given one jab as they get on the truck to your farm.
Ask ahead of time for records showing bull tag numbers and dates of testing and vaccination.
Regards,
Don
Don’s Blog – 30 August 2018
Hi everyone
Just a quick reminder that if you vaccinate for BVD it is time to start vaccinating your heifers.
Heifers will need 2 shots 4 weeks apart. This is best to be started 6 weeks before planned start of mating
There for the last shot will be done 2 weeks before you start mating
Your herd will need their annual booster shot 2 weeks out form the start of mating.
Just a reminder that you should be metri-checking your cows by now.
Get these cows all cleaned up and get your cows cycling before mating.
Regards,
Don
Don’s Blog – 21 August 2018
Hi everyone,
I hope you are all managing with all this wet weather.
Just a quick reminder that you should have metri-checked your July calvers by now. The earlier these are treated the better the success rate in cleaning them up and getting them cycling early.
With all this wet weather, it will cause problems for cows feet especially the heifers. Make sure you attend to lameness quickly. You really need to look after these lame cows, it is a good idea to put your lame cows on once a day, just until they are no longer lame.
If you don’t look after these cows they will loose condition really and they will take much longer to cycle.
If you are planning on synchronising your heifers you need to get hold of Donna soon as these spaces are booking up fast.
Regards,
Don
A Family Business – The Wichtel Family
A great article about the family of Nicola Wichtel. One of our new grads that started with us in 2018.
https://www.nzva.org.nz/news/news.asp?id=407732&hhSearchTerms=%22wichtel%22
Don’s Blog – 27 July 2018
Hi everyone,
we have had a few situations lately where farmers are expecting us to calve cows or do a mob of lame cows or down cows without anyone being there.
There is the issue of potential injury as well in many cases we need another pair of hands.
With lame cows it also helps to have the lame leg marked as sometimes there is little room to observe them walking.
Have a happy weekend everyone
Regards,
Don
Don’s Blog – 25 July 2018
Hi everyone,
This may seem obvious to many of you , however I will resay it.
ANY cow that is sick / slow/ down for any reason, eg mastitis, other infections, metabolic, will be low on energy because their appetite is suppressed. Always give them an energy supplement, eg Ketol/ Starter plus each time you are handling them and continue until they are back to normal.
Calving time is stressful enough for most cows, but any setback will make it less likely they will reach full production and get back in calf so boost their energy at all opportunities if they are sick.
Regards,
Don
