Andrew Dale milks 110 Fleckvieh and Fleckvieh-cross cows near Limavady in partnership within his parents. Rolling yields are around 6,500 litres with the aim to breakthrough 7,000 litre threshold soon. The farm is focused on maximising output from forage with extended grazing and quality silage made. Zero grazing has been introduced in the past two … Read more
The autumn calving season is well under way and unfortunately many herds will be forced to calf inside and remain inside for longer periods due to the unforgiving weather and grazing conditions. Keeping newly born calves in at this time is certainly sensible but it could bring unwanted disease challenges in the incoming days and … Read more
The autumn months can certainly be a busy period with suckler calf sales, housing of livestock and the slurry spreading deadline approaching. This year is very different to 2018’s ‘back end’ with more unsettled weather, heavy bursts of rain and deteriorating ground conditions for nearly all parts of the country. Although grazing cover in some … Read more
FIGHT SCOUR CAUSING AGENTS WITH PROVITA PROTECT POM-VPS Calf scour is still the most common disease in young unweaned calves accounting for 50% of all calf deaths (ADAS Report). Prevention of calf scour outbreaks requires implementation of good farm management practices. This would include supply of high quality colostrum, be that maternal or branded replacer, … Read more
“Split flock trials showed a 10-15% increase in lambs scanned using ProVitaMin in comparison to our previously preferred drench.” “ProVitaMin drench is used pre-tupping and on all lambs before weaning to boost weight gain and overall condition for show and sales. It is a versatile drench and with the small volume application a bottle goes … Read more
Lameness negatively impacts not only welfare but sheep performance too. Persistent lameness can lead to reduced weight gain, metabolic diseases in pregnant ewes, reduced birthweight of lambs, mis-mothering and poor colostrum production by ewes (Harwood et al., 1997; Henderson, 1990). The subsequent cost alone of lameness to the sheep industry is estimated to be €5 million annually. Footrot is the most common … Read more
The month of August is nearly behind us and pedigree sheep sales have commenced with good trade seen for quality, well-bred stock. Preparations for 2020 lambing season are certainly in full swing with the acquisition of sought after bloodlines for both pedigree and commercial breeders. With planning ongoing on the breeding side, consideration should be … Read more
The current grazing season has been a stark contrast to 2018 for many, with plentiful grass supplies available to grazed livestock throughout the country. Even this can have its drawbacks, especially for lambs, with a greater likelihood of scald occurring. Recent weeks have seen increased enquiries to Provita relating to sheep lameness and the Hoofsure … Read more
NEW PRODUCT: BUD GUARD for after debudding BUY 1 GET 1 FREE at participating outlets while stocks last Bud Guard spray for after debudding is the latest new product from Provita Animal Health. Bud Guard 500ml contains organic acids and essential oils (antibacterial and antifungal properties). It is antibiotic free and It contains a unique … Read more
Provita Animal Health will be closed Thursday 11th and Friday 12th July, re-open Monday 15th July.