Clinical

The impact of bovine viral diarrhoea virus on fertility in cattle and the protective effect of vaccination

Acute or transient infection with the non-cytopathic biotype of BVDV results in viraemia within a few days that is cleared after 2 weeks as immunity develops (Howard, 1990), although more chronic...

Bedding material for dairy cows: effect on udder health and milk quality

Before exploring bedding materials, it is important to understand how bedding is used. Dairy cow lying areas can be designed in two ways: Loose housing: a large bedded area where cows can choose...

Genetic selection to reduce lameness in dairy cattle

Preventive medicine and health planning are the cornerstones of farm animal veterinary practice. Genetic selection is preventive medicine in its purest form – by choosing to breed animals with a low...

Plan, prevent, protect: optimal sheep vaccination

The decision to vaccinate sheep is primarily motivated by animal welfare and the wish to optimise health by giving sheep the best chance to be free from avoidable disease. If optimum protection from...

Impact of bovine herpesvirus-1 infection on fertility in dairy cattle

Primary infection with BoHV-1 results in local dissemination as the virus spreads from cell to cell across the mucosal surface, either in the respiratory or reproductive tract mucosa. It has proved...

The importance of progesterone in pregnancy establishment in cattle

High P4 concentrations during the growth of the ovulatory follicle are associated with improved oocyte quality and pregnancy outcomes (Pursley and Martins, 2012; Wiltbank et al, 2014; Bisinotto et al,...

What's new in ketosis in dairy cows?

Hypoglycaemia, elevated FFA, and hyperketonaemia do not always occur together. A large survey in the UK found that 24.8% of lactating cows (all stages) had hyperketonaemia, a further 14.9% had...

Revisiting bovine respiratory disease

Accurate and early diagnosis of BRD is a critical facet of any management programme. All too frequently there are delays in identifying animals requiring treatment or an acceptance of a low level of...

How to: clinical examination of the goat

Additional vital information can be extracted from owners/farmers with careful detailed and meticulous questioning. The history can add detail to the clinical findings, can identify avenues to expand...

Automated detection of lameness in cattle: an update

Several automated methods of lameness detection are available for use in cattle, typically using one (or a combination) of three methodologies (Table 1)..

Capturing batching options in pig farms

With the batch concept in place the major events on a pig farm can be regimented into:.

Causes of ovine abortion, vaccination protocols and uptake: an overview

In their publication (Statham et al, 2022), livestock vaccines are categorised by sector (dairy, beef or sheep) and into NOAH category one or NOAH category two. Category one vaccinations are viewed as...