B12 supplementation in lambs
Over the last couple of seasons, we are observing significant growth responses in lambs where they have received Vitamin B12 supplementation.
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Over the last couple of seasons, we are observing significant growth responses in lambs where they have received Vitamin B12 supplementation.
To avoid confusion over the timings and uses of pre-lamb vaccinations, here’s a quick summary. While these vaccines will help protect the ewe, their main benefit is to provide the lamb with protection during the first few months of life against clostridial infections via the transfer of immunity in the ewe’s colostrum. This protection includes pulpy kidney and tetanus.
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).
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 challenge of anthelmintic use in sheep continues, with both product supply and the ever-increasing evidence of anthelmintic resistance and resultant production losses.
Possibly the most important decision around the mating of hoggets is should they be mated in the first place
With 88% of NZ sheep farms having endemic Campy and 100% having Toxo, the vaccination of hoggets or maiden 2-tooths with Toxovax® and Campyvax4® is routine for the majority of sheep operations.
Government’s proposal on agricultural emissions In September we published the article He Waka Eke Noa – what does this have
Lamb growth rate A big influence on lamb growth rate from birth to weaning has already been set. The ewe
Pre-lamb treatment for ewes Given the high prices that have been realized for lambs over the last few seasons and