General Details
- The first calf has been born in Newford, he was not due until 11th February but both cow and calf are doing fine.
- The calving sheds and holding area have been washed and disinfected and ready for calving.
- First of the cows who are due to calve shortly have been drafted onto a straw bedded area, beside the calving pens
- A 3rd cow has aborted and the aborted calf has been sent to Athlone Veterinary Lab for testing along with blood samples from the cow. This cow was due to calve in three weeks’ time and had been complaining with a leg issue.
- Results from the Regional Veterinary Lab on the first cow who aborted came back as in-conclusive. The second cow who aborted had a bacterial infection and this caused her to abort the calf.
- These cows will be fattened and culled from the herd
- A yearling heifer injured herself on the slats and was moved to a straw bedded area and has been treated by the vet.
- Decisions will be made next week regarding the 106 yearlings as to cease meal feeding in anticipation of getting them out to grass from mid-February onwards.
- All cows are receiving 100 grams each of pre-calving minerals.
- All cows body condition is been monitored on a weekly basics.
- The pen of cows, which had a lower body condition score are still on 2Kgs of Soya Hulls.
Key Recommendations
- Monitor all cows as they are getting near calving.
- Monitor slurry levels in the tanks.
- Check all calving equipment and purchase any materials required for calving (Plastic gloves, Gel, Spare Calving Jack Ropes, and Disinfection etc.).
- Watch out for any health issues with the cows.
- Monitor condition of the in-calf heifers.