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A healthy rumen is the fundamental key to a productive cow. The nutritional input to your dairy herd is a critical component in achieving optimal milk quality and yields. Poor feeding is a factor in the development of many production diseases and it is vital that the nutritional input to your herd is monitored and assessed at all stages of lactation, including the dry period.
Our practice uses the Fertility Monitor of NMRs Herd Companion site as an early warning of nutritional stress in your cows. After every milk recording a graph showing the relationship between averaged production and where your average cows’ milk protein level is sitting can be very useful in giving an early warning of nutritional stress. If indicated quick remedial advice and action will prevent your cows fertility slipping as a result of excessive early lactation energy imbalance.
Independent Advice
We are experienced at assessing the efficacy of rations and, following an initial assessment on farm, we can input your data into a sophisticated ration formulation computer program which helps us to develop suitable rations from the feeds available. Within the practice we have Rumnut and mineral analysis programs to help with diet investigation and formulation if required.
Equally we have good relationships with local feed compounders and their nutritionists and often work together with them to ensure that you and your cows are getting the most out of the feed. Through XLVets we have retained Richard Veraquay from Appetite as our nutritionist who can give us independent advice. Being a vet as well as a nutritionist he can view the ration with a herd health mindset. We have also formed a partnership with Telsol and Frank Wright Minerals to attain the best mineral supplement if required at a keen price.
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Monitoring and Diagnostic Tools
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Rumnut Analysis Program with Dairy, Beef and Sheep modules
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Penn State Separator dietary analysis useful to help prevent SubAcute Rumenal Acidosis (SARA)
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Mineral Analysis
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Regular body condition scoring/ rumen fill scoring
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Cudding assessment
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Milk quality reports
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Faecal consistency and digestion assessed by faecal sieving – don’t worry sieve provided!
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Metabolic blood profiles
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Rumen taps to examine ruminal fluid – again useful in SARA diagnosis
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Dry Cow Management
Good dry cow management and feeding during the 'transition' period, from two weeks pre-calving to two weeks post-calving, are critical in achieving optimal milk production in the subsequent lactation. Sound nutrition is essential at all stages of lactation including the dry period and we are happy to assess your feeding regime and discuss other options in both non-lactating and lactating cattle, including the application of the DCAB system.
We are currently looking into shortened dry periods for high yielding cows in good body condition to help boost your profitability. Some clients have already started this procedure with success.
In an emergency please telephone (01793) 522483 (24hrs).
Drove Veterinary Hospital, 252 Croft Road, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 4RW. |
