Livestock farmers in Scotland are being advised to test their forage for trace elements as well as energy and protein this winter, despite reports suggesting quality may be higher compared to other parts of Great Britain. According to Nettex Area Business Manager, Jane Moodie, who farms beef and sheep on her family farm in the… Continue reading Scottish farmers urged to test forage despite stronger silage results
One of the wettest starts to the year on record is raising fresh concerns about mineral deficiencies in grazing livestock this spring, with advisers warning farmers to assess trace element status carefully ahead of turnout. Met Office data shows the UK as a whole recorded 17% more rainfall than the long-term meteorological average in January,… Continue reading Wettest start to 2026 raises mineral leaching concerns ahead of turnout
Top pedigree Beltex and North Country Cheviot breeders Katy Davies and Dafydd Owen, Dyffryn Livestock, Conwy, North Wales, take no chances when it comes to managing ewe health in the run up to lambing. With around 200 ewes lambing indoors between February and March, including pedigree Beltex, North Country Cheviot and Welsh Mountain ewes, the… Continue reading Calcium Deficiency Control Key to Protecting Genetic Investment
Sheep farmers are being encouraged to take a proactive approach to managing cobalt deficiency, also known as pine, in newly weaned lambs, as surveillance data1 continues to show a consistent seasonal spike in cases between July and September. Figures from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) quarterly surveillance reports1… Continue reading Cobalt Deficiency Spike Drives Need for Preventative Action in Lambs
Farmers turning cows out to grass are being urged to check trace element balance in dry cows, after goitre was listed among the top 10 abortion diagnoses recorded by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) between April and June last year (2025)1. Paddy Gordon, veterinary surgeon at Shepton Vets, says farmers should be aware… Continue reading Farmers urged to check iodine status as goitre linked to late abortions
