Suckler Cows

Cattle are very sociable animals!

We are now at a stage where ther are more sucklers (cows who rear their own calf) than dairy cows (reared for milk), in this area, due to the decline in dairying.

We encourage vaccination to prevent problems, but only advocate this if the problem has been diagnosed. Examples of this are RSV, IBR, Pasteurella and E-coli in calves, where calf vaccination decimates the problem.

Careful planning is necessary for optimum protection. Rotavirus scour is one we have see more over the years in young calves and in this case, the Cow is vaccinated to protect the calf through the milk in those early weeks of life.

Vaccinating tha dam is also the way forward for the disease B.V.D (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea), seen mainly in the offspring, later in life, with the recent introduction of a good vaccine, while IBR is now very prevalent and many many fattening units will vaccinate all their stock against this every year.

Planned breeding with A.I. maybe of help to you and you can read about this HERE

Call the Dundee surgery for advice or to arrange calls - 01382 810777, or direct line during office hours - 811111