Potential animal health issues, tasks to consider and reminders for this month include…
DAIRY
Gather your team – hold a team meeting to ensure everyone is on the same page. Include discussion on how to approach an assisted calving, the importance of excellent record keeping, and agree on a management plan for at-risk cows.
Calving preparation – organise, check and clean calving gear. Stock up on disinfectant, lube, metabolics, starter drenches, B12, anti-inflammatories, oxytocin etc so they are on-hand should they be needed.
Transition management – the three weeks prior to calving are a critical time in the preparation for the lactation ahead. Ensure that you have a structured transition plan in place, particularly in regard to trace element and magnesium supplementation, and keep a good eye on cow condition. Now is a good time to trim tails if cows come through the shed and to teat spray to help with mastitis control. Get blood samples to check calcium, magnesium levels if down cows become a problem.
Calf management – shed preparation should be complete and they should be clean and ready to be populated. As part of your team meeting set clear expectations around calf collection and colostrum management, daily feed intakes, hygiene and biosecurity, handling etc to ensure those concerned are up to speed with the regulations regarding bobby calves, particularly their transportation. Don’t forget about problem calves – they need extra.
Check dairy heifers for ill-thrift. See note in Sheep and Beef.
SHEEP and BEEF
Winter ewe management – monitor body condition score of ewes as winter progresses as if they’re underweight there may be problems come lambing time. Save the best feed and sheltered paddocks for those multiple lamb bearing ewes for the month prior to lambing.
If you are winter shearing, consider a lice treatment.
Plan for pre-lamb vaccinations.
Iodine supplementation – preventative treatment of ewes is best given at eight- and four-weeks pre-lambing if not having been done earlier. Have a discussion with your vet as to which option (e.g. oral potassium iodide or iodine injection) would best suit you and your flock.
Trace element supplementation – don’t forget about selenium and other trace elements. The addition of these can improve the survivability of ewes and lambs plus lead to heavier lambs weaned. Some oral products may not give the best availability because of interactions in the gut. Talk to us regarding the many options.
We are seeing a lot of ill-thrift in weaner calves and some with Yersiniosis. Blood test for selenium and B12 and get any sick weaners seen and treated.
DEER
Continue to monitor general health over this quiet time of year.
EQUINE
Wet weather – check for foot abscesses and act quickly if detected. Wet conditions can also result in skin infections/irritations so, again, seek help sooner rather than later as, if caught early, most conditions can be easily treated.
Out-of-sight ensure is not out-of-mind! Monitor turned out horses regularly. Check for cover rubs, make sure they’re not too warm (sweating) and keep an eye on body condition.
Dentals – If your horse hasn’t had a dental, winter is an excellent time for this!