No images? Click here We're loyal, not just local.Latest NewsIodine Supplementation & BrassicasIf you are feeding brassica crops to pregnant ewes or hoggets remember that Brassicas contain substances called goitrogens. Ingestion of these compounds can result in lambs born with obvious goitres; enlargement of the thyroid glands in the neck. However, more commonly but less detectable it can lead to thyroid gland enlargement that impacts negatively on lamb survival. Before grazing a brassica crop ensure that the pregnant ewes have had a suitable iodine supplement. Call the NCVC team to discuss your options. Pictured: A near term aborted foetus due to Iodine deficiency. Can’t miss the goitre in this one. Also note the hairlessness. Pictured: Live lamb with clinical goitre. Condition Score Ewes Post MatingConditioning scoring ewes now allows for preferential feeding of your lighter ewes. Ewes are at a stage of pregnancy where they still have the ability to put condition on before becoming heavily pregnant. Preferentially feeding the light ewes, whilst keeping good condition ewes on maintenance, will conserve precious feed. Having the greatest number of ewes in good condition pre-lambing (BCS 3.0-3.5) improves both ewe and lamb survival and will reduce wastage between scanning and tailing. Fodder Beet FeedingMany of you are starting transition, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Golden Rules: » Fibre first (offer grass/baleage/fibre allocation at 8am), once cattle have had 3-4 hours to fill up, Fodder Beet for lunch. » Gradually increase the amount of beet offered while decreasing fibre/grass amount offered. Do this over a 21 day transition period in cattle, or 14 days in sheep. » Don’t put hungry animals onto fodder beet. » Watch stock regularly for any signs of acidosis; wobbly animals, bloating, decreased appetite, diarrhoea and dehydration. » Have a bag of Magnesium Oxide on farm ready for use if you see animals with signs of acidosis. » Ensure Clostridial vaccination boosters have been administered (additional to the pre-lamb and/or pre-calving boosters) = Essential in stock going onto any type of crop. » Always finish a break before moving fence for next break. » Fence power – always worth checking! Bull TestingOur Vets are busy bull testing and are picking up quite a few bulls unfit for joining. Contact the clinic and make a booking to ensure your bull team is up to the job this season! We're loyal, not just local.www.ncvets.co.nz | enquiries@ncvets.co.nz Amberley 1 Osborne Rd Cheviot 14 Hall St Culverden 26 Mouse Point Rd Waikari 16 Karaka Road |