footbathing

Provita Hoofsure Endurance in another successful semi-automated system

by

 Pat Mc Guire runs an autumn calving grazing herd in Rock near Dungannon, Co Tyrone. He is focused on efficiency and managing his cows to target 7000 litres on 1.5 t of meal. When reviewing the herd health plan with his veterinary practice Parklands Veterinary Group an easy to use footbathing system was identified as being needed on the farm. When Digital Dermatitis (DD) first took hold 3/4 of the cows had a problem.

 

Previously the farm had used a plastic bath with ridges, however cows were reluctant to go through it no matter how many times it was used. Various products including antibiotic footbaths were used but they didn’t work.

 

Read more

How do you solve a problem like footbathing?

by

Members of the technical team at Provita are fully aware of the fact that footbathing can often be a tedious job. In addition, it is very difficult to ensure that the dilution rate is correct in every footbath. Studies have shown that 93% of footbaths are used incorrectly. Also the handling of chemicals can be dangerous.

Provita are currently offering a bespoke semi-automated system which can help solve the problems which come with footbathing. The system can be tailored to the farm’s specific requirements and each of the elements below can be customised to suit your farm.

Read more

Innovative foot bath design proving its worth at Ballycairn Holsteins

by

William and Andrew McCollum, owners of the renowned Ballycairn Holstein herd, liken the challenge associated with the management of a high performance dairy herd to that of continually securing a number one grid position for a Grand Prix racing team.

“It’s all about attention to detail, irrespective of the milk price,” said Andrew.

Read more

New foot bathing facility at heart of dairy farm development programme

by

 

A commitment to building cow numbers from the current figure of 60 up to 90 plus is at the heart of the farm business plan recently put in place by Carrickmore dairy farmer Ryan McElduff. The 21-year old, who is working with his uncle Patrick, is also committed to a major investment programme on the farm.

Read more

Semi-automated footbathing system including a footbath FREE with quantity of Hoofsure Endurance

by

Footbathing can often be a tedious job, and can be neglected due to other farming commitments such as silage season or other field work. It can be very difficult to ensure that the dilution rate is correct in every footbath. Studies have shown that 93% of footbaths are used incorrectly. Also the handling of chemicals can be dangerous.

Provita are currently offering a bespoke semi-automated system which can help solve the problems which come with footbathing. Initially it is supplied at cost price, the cost can be recouped by extra Hoofsure Endurance supplied for free as part of a commitment to volume purchases over time.

The system can be tailored to the farm’s specific requirements and each of the elements below can be customised to suit.

Read more

Developing a plan to prevent lameness

by

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.

Read more

Lameness problems on the increase in sheep flocks

by

 

The recent boost in grass growth rates has led to increased lameness problems within sheep flocks,” according to Provita’s Tommy Armstrong.

“The problem is caused by taller stands of grass irritating the skin between the claws,” he added.

“If left unchecked, this can lead to the development of foot rot. Both ewes and lambs are equally predisposed to these problems at this time of the year. And, of course, prevention is better than cure.”

In order to make this sentiment a reality, Armstrong is encouraging flockowners to foot bath their sheep on a regular basis.

Read more

Foot bathing after every milking reduces lameness problems by 50%

by

The combined approach of foot bathing after every milking and the inclusion of Provita’s Hoofsure Endurance as the foot bathing solution, has allowed Ballymoney dairy farmer Brian Knipe and his father Alfie to reduce the levels of lameness within his 100 strong cow dairy herd by almost 50%.

“I am delighted with the results obtained by putting an increased emphasis on foot bathing,” Brian confirmed.

“I had known for some time that increasing the frequency of foot bathing would be required if we were ever to get on top of the problem. The challenge was working out the best way to make this happen without putting additional stress on me and the other people working on the farm.”

Read more

Sale season in full swing at Springhill Texels

by

Last Saturday marked the beginning of the Texel pedigree sale season in Northern Ireland with the breed’s ‘Premier’ event taking place in Ballymena. The Foster family, from Ardstraw in Co Tyrone, are owners of the renowned Springhill flock with a history stretching back thirty two years.

“We had a good day in Ballymena,” confirmed Graham Foster. “A ram lamb sold to 2,500gns with a shearling ram making 1,400gns in the ring,” confirmed Graham Foster.

“We are also taking part in Scotland’s Premier Texel Sale at Lanark. This is the first time in twenty years that we have taken sheep to that event.”

Read more