General Detail
- 30 % of the Newford Suckler Herd has now calved. The first calf was born on the 18th January
- 32 calves have been born on Newford farm since the calving period begun. All cows and calves are doing fine. (26 cows + 6 First Calvers).
- The average calf birth weight is 41 Kgs and the average Calving Score is 1.20 Summary as followed
- Lime is been spread on the slats with the pre calving cows and it is also been spread on top of the straw bedding with the cows and calves to prevent any bacterial infection build up.
- Disinfecting footbaths are in place at all the entrances of the calving area and also with the calved cows and calves entrances sheds. This practice was carried out last year and proved to be very successful to keep infections levels under control.
- The pen of cows which had a lower body condition scored has been taken off the 2Kgs of Soya Hulls. They are now 2.25 BCS.
- A pen of cows with a Body Condition Score of 4+ have been put on feeding regime of 2 days of straw and 3 days of silage. This is too reduce their body condition before calving
- The 3 cows that aborted are on 6 Kgs of meal and will be sold as they come fit.
- The remaining of cows which did not received the first round of treatment of the Rotavec Corona vaccination will get it this week.
- Soil temperature on Newford Farm Monday the 12th February was 2.6 ° degrees
- The spreading of Urea has been put on hold this week due to poor weather and ground conditions.
- The below table shows the comparison of January 2017 verses January 2018 rainfall in millimetres
Key Recommendations
- Monitor all cows constantly as they are getting nearer to anticipated calving date.
- Initial enquiries on teaser bulls for the breeding season in 10 week’s time.
- Prepared for disbudding calves as they come of age.
- Order in vaccination for Clostridia, IBR and the prevention of coccidiosis
- Check all calving equipment and purchase any materials required for calving (Plastic gloves, Gel, Spare Calving Jack Ropes, and Disinfectants etc.).
- Watch out for any health issues with the cows.
- Monitor condition of the in-calf heifers.
- Carried out paddock fencing maintenance where required.