We're loyal, not just local.

COVID-19 Level 2: Phew, back to almost normal!

On behalf of us all at NCVC, we want to thank all our farmers and customers. You were all so tolerant as we worked through hygiene regulations and social distancing to ensure we continued to provide Veterinary services, product supply and deliveries during the Lockdown. We really appreciated your understanding.

Dry Off and winter grazing is almost upon us. Below is some information which you may find helpful during this time.

Notes & Reminders

Lepto vaccinations for all stock

◘  R1 boosters and R2 boosters are best done with 7 in 1. This gives them some Clostridial ‘Blood poisoning’ protection at winter and at their 1st calving. It also provides Lepto control.

◘  Remember to vaccinate any incoming and outgoing Carryovers, plus other ‘bits and pieces’ around farm (e.g. Bulls, freezer steers, lame cows etc)

◘  Herd Cows: these are best done before the wet winter weather and before they start making colostrum.

◘  Remember Lepto can be a cause of abortions.

◘  Ensure you vaccinate with correct technique. Clean needles with regular changes and stock should have dry skin (i.e. not in the rain!)

Feeding Fodder beet when drying off

Some issues we have seen over the last few years around feeding beet and trying to dry cows down.

◘  Trying to hold cows above 4kgs at dry off is difficult. It often leads to gorging behaviour and sick cows because they were hungry.

◘  Feeding lots of straw to counter acidosis problems can often worsen the problem, even if there was plenty of fibre, cows were still hungry.

◘  Cows still need a certain amount of protein during this 10-day period of drying down. It helps to ensure they produce enough antibodies to hold udder infection invaders at bay. Feeding just Beet/straw and not much else, is not good enough.

◘  Cows still need to have at least 8-9 kgs DM intake, of which 3-4 kgs pasture would be recommended. Another lower energy/protein source is ideal of approx. 4 kgs evenly fed, e.g silages /baleages, so that the cow is getting maintenance energy and protein.

◘  Be careful feeding trolleyed PKE in these situations, not all cows can get to it when they are hungry.

◘  Click on the button below for the ‘Fodder Beet Down Cow’ flowchart for you to have on hand if you are needing to refer to treatment plans with Acidosis sick cows.

◘  Always finish a break before moving the fence for the next break.

◘  Fence power – always worth checking!

Phosphorus Supplements in Winter

Phosphorus is necessary for beet fed cows. Options include:

◘  DCP or MCP on Silages/Baleages: Make sure these are evenly spread over the silage wagon. Approx 80 gms DCP or 50 gms MCP.

◘  Soluphos via dosatron: This is possible but when feeding either Kale or Beet (both high water content feeds) water consumption is lowered.

◘  Lick blocks: Variable intakes; a certain % not licking any, whereas some licking in excess.

◘  MCP slurry: ‘Drizzling’ over straw has a poor uptake and is quite wasteful.

◘  Pasture Dusting: Possible but expensive and wasteful given the current price of P-based minerals.

Call us to discuss some potential options.

Herbage Dry Matter - Now Testing Here in Clinic!

Located in our Culverden Lab we now have a laboratory-grade DM oven for testing all forms of herbage. We can test a variety of pastures (silages, kales etc) more quickly than sending off to a Christchurch lab.

We are extremely fortunate to have the skills of Kirsten, who is a qualified Laboratory Microbiologist in her former life. Kirsten will manage this area with her usual laboratory expertise and precision.

Any queries or feedback please let us know. We will be offering this service from 4th June.

Liver Biopsies and Trace Element Testing

◘  We have been checking the Selenium and Copper levels of herds, pre-dry off.

◘  Liver biopsies on-farm allow you to target specific mobs or age groups.

◘  Sampling livers via slaughter plants: Remember to select specific cow numbers by writing cow IDs on the submission forms.

◘  Ideal to sample cull pregnant animals numbers rather than empties.

◘ As we are out of Level 3/4 lockdown you are now able to submit paperwork with the truck driver.

Rotavec Reminder

Rotavirus is Culverden’s leading cause of infectious calf scours!

◘  The key to successful calf growth is Rotavec vaccinating (this prevents common causes of scours) along with optimal colostrum management for your newborns.

◘  Whole herd vaccination is ideal. This helps to ensure antibody protection in your calves for the entire calf rearing season (providing gold standard colostrum management is met).

◘  Give cows and heifers due to calve a single dose 12 to 3 weeks prior to the individual cows calving date. This can be done from around Mid June onwards to all calving cows.

Talk to us about vaccinating your herd or to place your order. We want to ensure we have enough stock for when you need it.

As always, any queries just keep in touch with us.

From the Vet and Tech Team - Trish, Alistair, Rob, Ian,  Keira, Mara, Sarah W, Alana, Ingrid, Sam, Justin, Julia, Nathan, Catherine S, Sarah McP, Jamie and Ben.

We're loyal, not just local.

www.ncvets.co.nz | enquiries@ncvets.co.nz