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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NEW: Provita Digital Dermatitis App

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The customised Provita Mobile App allows farmers, vets and other professionals to measure and continuously manage digital dermatitis. It has been specifically designed and tested to be easily used in the parlour.

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World Dairy Expo

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The World Dairy Expo is celebrating its’ 50 year anniversary. The event takes place in the Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wisconsin, WI 53713, from October 4th to October 8th 2016. It will bring together dairy producers, companies and other dairy enthusiasts. Provita will be attending this event. To find out more information on our products, … Read more

UK Dairy Day 2016

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The 3rd annual one day event; UK Dairy Day will take place at the International Centre, Telford, Shropshire on Wednesday 14th September 2016 between 8am-5pm. Provita will be attending the event which is dedicated to the dairy industry, and which is focused this year on ‘sharing knowledge’. Visit us at Stand H207, for information on … Read more

If you think antibiotics are the only answer … Think Again.

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Antibiotic resistance is now a global threat and is a huge concern to veterinarians and farmers alike. Consequently one of the main topics discussed at the recent World Buiatrics Congress in Dublin was the need for a collaborative approach amongst veterinarians and farmers in applying responsible use of antibiotics. ‘Because of overuse and misuse, some antibiotics are losing effectiveness against highly resistant bacteria’ (Health Policy Brief, 2015). Indeed bacteria have now become resistant to the last antibiotic type (Mac Kenzie, 2015). This means that farmers are now more than ever before, interested in the benefits of alternatives such as vaccines or proven probiotics.

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ProVitaMin proves its worth on sheep unit

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A growing pedigree enterprise has opened up new farm development opportunities for Lanark Blackface breeder Colin McEldowney. The family’s Slaughtneil farm in Co Derry is home to 300 ewes.

“I work in partnership with my father Seán and wife Keara,” Colin explained.

“We run a herd of 25 suckler cows in tandem with the sheep. Where the ewes are concerned, 200 are crossed with Blue Leicester rams to produce Mule lambs. The top 100 constitute the focus of the pedigree operation.

“Over the past number of years I have used semen from a selection of top Scottish rams in order to improve the breeding merit of the flock. This in turn, has provided me with the opportunity to sell stock of my own at official breed sales.

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Don’t forego quality when making baled silage

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Making baled silage is an increasingly attractive option for many farmers at this time of the year,” according to Provita’s Tommy Armstrong.

“But the same principles that apply to clamp silage, specifically regarding a commitment to maximising forage quality must also be adhered to,” he added.

Armstrong explained that the key to good silage making is that of ensiling grass at the correct growth stage.

“A ‘D Value’ of 70 is the magic number,” he stressed.

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Footrot – prevention is better than cure

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Scald if left untreated can develop into full blown footrot, according to Provita’s Tommy Armstrong. This was the main message he delivered at the recent sheep lameness workshop hosted by Carrickfergus pedigree Ile de France breeder Edward Adamson.

“Scald will develop if lambs and ewes are put out into fields where longer grasses predominate,” he added.

“Good grazing managment such as taking out fields for round bales or regular topping of paddocks is therefore essential. This practice should be accompanied by a commitment to regular foot bathing.”

Edward Adamson said that ewes with lambs should be foot bathed every two weeks.

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NSA Sheep Event 2016

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The National Sheep Association are hosting a sheep event, on Wednesday 27th September 2016 at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire. Provita will be  attending the show, and will be located at stand 82. Call and visit our stand for more information on our show offers including: Buy One 20L Hoofsure Endurance get a 5′ … Read more