To take part in our summer competition find our stand to pick up a free pair of sunglasses – all our shows are listed on our Events page. Simply take a selfie in your sunnies and tag us on Facebook or Twitter using #WestpointSummerSelfie You could be in with a chance of winning £200 to spend… Read more »
Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis – IBR – is a herpes virus that can cause respiratory disease in cattle of all ages or reproductive disease in breeding females. It is caused by Bovine Herpes Virus 1 – BHV 1 – and has a worldwide distribution. Initially the virus was recognised as causing severe upper respiratory tract disease… Read more »
Some may have started unpacking already, while others are waiting until later this summer, but all of us are looking forward to having lots of healthy, happy cria bounding around the fields again. Unpacking, though exciting, can be a little (or a lot!) tiring, and seems to come around quickly each year, so in this… Read more »
We have been seeing a steep rise in the number of flystrike cases over the past week. Green, blue and blackbottle flies are very quick to attack and deposit eggs on fleece and hair. Wet, scour-stained fleeces/fur is particularly attractive, as well as wounds or cuts, but these flies are not picky and can attack… Read more »
The SCOPS forecast is currently showing large areas of the UK as having a high or very high risk for Nematodirus in young lambs. Is your flock at risk of infection and what can you do to prevent adverse effects in your lambs? What is Nematodirus? Nematodirus battus is a roundworm that causes death and… Read more »
The dairy industry has seen a near complete shift from loose houses to cubicles for housing milking cows, and often for good reasons. Cubicles present a simple opportunity to increase the capacity of a cubicle house in a similar way to a dorm room in a Youth Hostel. When looking at how cows choose to… Read more »
Tackling lameness in sheep has become a real priority in recent times and much research has been undertaken to determine the most effective ways to control and prevent it. Its importance within the industry has been highlighted by The Farm Animal Welfare Council, who have set a target to reduce the number of sheep treated,… Read more »
The role and importance of colostrum Cria have no antibodies to disease at birth, and are therefore unable to fight infection. Without good quality colostrum to supply these antibodies, the cria is unlikely to survive challenges to its immune system. Colostrum is the first milk a mother produces; it contains the antibodies and nutrients the… Read more »
I ask this as an open question, not because I know the answer or feel there really is an answer but to stimulate a thought process. What is our industry stance on lameness? Various figures have been suggested, ranging from 15-30% but all of these studies are historic and all vary as to whether we… Read more »
With the recent hot weather, the risk of Haemonchus Contortus in livestock has dramatically increased and quite a few outbreaks have been seen nationwide over the past couple of weeks. The possibility of haemonchosis in grazing sheep, goats, camelids and calves could increase further after heavy rains as this parasite is able to survive in… Read more »