James and Francis Kyle who run 220 milking cows and other enterprises near Ballymoney have seen a significant difference in their calf health and vitality since they started using Provita Promist so were happy to host a demo and share their experiences. They were using a fan and tunnel but were still having problems. Since using Provita Promist they have reduced their usage of antibiotics. Attendees were interested to learn that due to the increased use of vaccines there has been an increase in mycoplasma related pneumonia for which there is not a vaccine commercially available. Promist can help to control air quality and is formulated to combat all harmful air and surface pathogens that can cause pneumonia.
fogging
Fogging houses to reduce the risk of pneumonia
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.