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Protecting the future of our cattle

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It is critical when rearing cattle that we give calves the best possible start in life. Provita Protect POM-VPS is the only veterinary licensed probiotic in Europe, and is trusted by farmers across Northern Ireland and further afield to prevent calf scour.

In Drumquin, Co Tyrone, Raymond Smith has used Protect for the past seven years. He ensures that he always has a few bottles on hand during calving periods, as he knows it is important to use the product as soon after birth as possible.

Provita’s Tommy Armstrong paid a visit to the family farm recently and from arrival it was clear that the family’s love and care for their livestock has filtered through the generations, and that good farm practice is held very highly. Raymond’s grandson spoke of his love for all things farming and in particular getting to help his grandfather on the farm.

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Provita Promist

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25L of Promist does approximately 100 head of cattle, this will vary depending on farm set up and weather conditions. It should be used at housing or when new stock are introduced onto the farm as a cocktail of pathogens can spread when animals from different sources are mixed. Thereafter use as often as required, e.g. when more stock is added to cattle houses or during still weather conditions until air flow improves. It can also be used daily in houses that have permanently poor air flow. Promist will reduce ammonia, dust and lower the pH. It should be used above and around the cattle and will purify the air, the surfaces and the animals. Its herbs will provide an expectorant effect.

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Antibiotic resistance doomsday scenario is here now!

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At the recent World Buiatrics Congress (WBC) an entire session was dedicated to antimicrobial resistance. It has become a hot topic, especially after recent reports that resistance to the last resort antibiotic has spread across the globe, Newscientist 2015. The animal health industry, farmers and veterinarians need to respond positively to this serious threat to … Read more

Hoofsure Endurance: the proven alternative

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Hoofsure Endurance is a footbath solution, which can prove to be a better alternative to Copper Sulphate and Formaldehyde. Hoofsure Endurance is made of organic acids, tea tree oil and wetting agents. It is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and biodegradable meaning it is safe for the environment and the farmer using it. It has been proven to … Read more

Fogging houses to reduce the risk of pneumonia

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Brothers Ian and William Brock manage a 120 strong herd of Charolais cross Limousin suckler cows near Belleek in Co Fermanagh. The cows calve the year round with an approximate 60: 40 Spring/Autumn split.

“We aim to supply high quality weanlings for the market with our calves sold at between 400 and 450 kilos liveweight,” Ian explained.

“We run a self-contained herd with AI bulls used to produce our replacement heifers. The remainder of the herd is crossed with high quality, mainly Charolais, sires.”

The brothers have built up cow numbers over the past six years. Emphasis has always been placed in breeding cows that are capable of rearing top quality suckled calves.

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Provita launches Digital Dermatitis App

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Provita has launched a new Digital Dermatitis (DD) app, which dairy farmers can download to their phone by simply filling out a form on the Provita website. The new app which is available for IOS and Android systems was launched at the recent UK Dairy Day, held in Telford, Shropshire.

 “We got a tremendous response from farmers who attended the show,” confirmed Provita’s Tommy Armstrong.

 “And we are expecting a strong demand for the app from dairy farmers in Northern Ireland over the coming months.

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Big reduction in Digital Dermatitis with the Hoofsure HELP service

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“Regular footbathing is crucially important where the control of digital dermatitis is concerned,” confirmed Provita’s Tommy Armstrong.

“As a company we are committed to devising new strategies that will help dairy farmers to both control and treat the problem.”

Provita run a Hoofsure HELP programme for farmers who are using Hoofsure Endurance on their farm. A fully trained member of Provita staff will arrange a visit, score the cows’ feet using our new app and design a unique footbathing and spot spraying plan for the farm. This recommended hoofcare programme is designed specifically for farms with regular reviews and assessments to monitor progress and return on investment.  

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Developing a plan to prevent lameness

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Lameness, a global problem:

‘We have a global lameness crisis in our dairy industry’ (Cook 2016). This statement was made during a keynote speech by Nigel Cook, at the recent World Buiatrics Congress in Dublin, Ireland. It was sentiment and focus of numerous speakers at the congress. Given the number of delegates who attended the lectures on lameness it is clear that the matter is high on the priority list of veterinarians and farmers alike.

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