Dairy cow reproduction
Factors that affect fertility, hormones, and fresh Tararua Breeding Centre semen
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Science is always evolving, so our veterinarians are passionate about continuing their learning to keep up to date with the latest in the veterinary world. This means we have a plethora of animal health articles written by our vets, available right here to assist you with your farming business or pet care.
Whether you’re a first time pet owner looking for the basics or a seasoned fur parent looking for some inspiration, we have everything covered from nutrition, vaccinations and grooming, to common health issues, behaviour and general wellbeing.
Factors that affect fertility, hormones, and fresh Tararua Breeding Centre semen
A warm, very wet summer and autumn certainly brings with it an abundance of feed for grazing livestock and nearly all the stock we are seeing is in excellent condition.
A sheep farm was visited where copper (Cu) toxicity was suspected. Several lambs appeared lethargic and anaemic. The farmer had purchased lambs from a farm that had been feeding poultry litter (manure is usually treated with copper sulphate to reduce the bacterial level). Sheep are unique in that they accumulate copper in the liver more readily than other farm animals. As a result, they are very susceptible to copper (Cu) toxicity (poisoning).
Have you thought about the next breeding season? Having a well-planned breeding strategy is key.
Iodine-dependent hormones produced by the thyroid gland are essential for growth and development of the foetus, and crucial for the survival of the newborn lamb.
Most people will be well aware about the growing issues with drench resistance. While vets and many farmers have been aware of this issue and dealing with these problems for 20 years, in the last few years there appears to have been an explosion in drench resistance cases, in particular in triple drench resistance.
The goals set by milk processors, the ACVM (the group overseeing antibiotic use) and Vet Council are to ensure dry cow therapy (DCT) is used only when there is evidence of quarter infection.
The challenge of anthelmintic use in sheep continues, with both product supply and the ever-increasing evidence of anthelmintic resistance and resultant production losses.
From 1 June 2023, Fonterra is introducing a new clause within their Terms of Supply which means calves can only be euthanised on-farm when there are humane reasons for doing so.
Keeping working dogs warm overnight is an important aspect of husbandry that can sometimes be overlooked. When the ambient temperature inside the kennel drops below 20°C – not that cold! – dogs need to burn energy just to keep warm.
So, you’ve adopted a kitten! While you definitely know how cute and fluffy they are, and you’re adamant about which treats and accessories you want to buy them, you may not be so sure on where to start with their healthcare.
Wouldn’t it be good if you could spend all day at home with your dog? Unfortunately few of us are lucky enough to have a life of leisure and with some people’s busy lifestyles, dogs can be left alone at home for extended periods of time with nothing to do.
Tararua Vets offers a comprehensive on-farm and in-clinic veterinary service. Our branches in Pahiatua and Dannevirke complement this service with carefully chosen animal health products and merchandise with up-to-date advice on their use.