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Dairy Calf Management Field Day

The management of calves and dry cows will be the focus of a calf rearing field day being held at the Macalister Research Farm, Boggy Creek Road, Riverslea, on Friday 15 July 2005.

By news@gippsland - 8th July 2005 - Back to News

Jack Winterbottom, District Veterinary Officer with the Department of Primary Industries at Maffra, said calf rearing is greatly assisted by correct preparation of the pregnant dairy cow prior to calving.

"A number of guest speakers will be attending the field day to discuss a range of issues such as care of the calving cow, NLIS and calf declaration forms and colostrum management. There will also be a demonstration of an automatic (robotic) calf feeder."

Local veterinarian Jakob Malmo will discuss the importance of cow health and the appropriate time to assist the calving cow. The amount of observation of the calving cow is important, with early and appropriate intervention decreasing the chance of downer cows and unhealthy calves. Observation of the calving cows should take place every 6 hours, more often if a cow is seen to be uncomfortable.

The healthy cow is able to make top quality colostrum. Calves that access adequate amounts of colostrum as soon as possible after birth, and ideally within the first 12 hours of life, have less scours and respiratory disease.

Good observation and early treatment of sick calves with the appropriate fluid/electrolyte replacer and antimicrobials (if necessary) is vitally important. Following the manufacturer’s instructions when preparing electrolytes and the removal and reintroduction of milk or milk replacer is also very important.

John Moran from DPI Kyabram will speak on the correct nutrition for pre-weaned and post-weaned calves. Pre-weaned calves need access to clean water from birth. They also need ad lib access to fibre that promotes chewing and rumen development.

Calves tend to do well until weaning and then are "relegated" to the dry paddocks and become "out of sight - out of mind". The future of the herd is in these young animals and they need the correct diet to continue growing to reach bodyweight targets at 12 months of age and mating. They need a high protein diet (18%) and good quality energy for muscle and skeletal development.

Richard Shephard from Gippsland Herd Improvement will discuss managing internal parasites. The timely monitoring and treatment of internal parasites is important for calf development. The use of the right drenches at the correct time is important so money is not wasted on drenches that are not required. This will also limit the possibility of drench resistance.

The field day will run from 10.30am to 2.30pm. For more information contact Jason McAinch at DPI Maffra on 5147 0800.

LEPTOSPIROSIS

Leptospirosis is a common bacterial disease of cattle and pigs. It is also a zoonotic disease, which means it may affect humans. It is recognised as an occupational health hazard for farmers who can be exposed to water contaminated by animal urine, or contact with tissues or urine of infected animals. The organism enters the body through intact membranes such as those of the eyes or inside the nose and through the skin if it happens to be broken.

In cattle, leptospirosis may lead to a range of conditions including late abortions, a delayed return to service, mastitis, and in calves, red water or even death. Alternatively, if the infection is well established in a herd there may be little outward sign of disease.

The diagnosis of leptospirosis in cattle can be readily achieved through blood sampling.

The risk of the spread of infection can be significantly reduced by the vaccination of cattle. This should be given in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. As with other vaccination programs vaccination should be carried out by an initial vaccination, followed by a second vaccination four to six weeks later, and from then on an annual vaccination.

Vermin control is another important factor in the control of the disease. Vermin, such as rats, promote the spread of infection.

If you are a cattle or pig producer, it is worth considering the control of leptospirosis as an important part of the occupational health and safety aspect of your enterprise.

In humans the severity of the disease varies from mild flu like symptoms to, in the most extreme cases, a potentially life threatening illness. It is possible to be successfully treated for leptospirosis with an appropriate antibiotic once the condition has been diagnosed. Therefore, if you ever suffer flu like symptoms and are in one of the high risk groups you should discuss the possibility of leptospirosis with your doctor.

If any of the signs above makes you suspect ‘Lepto’ contact your local GP, veterinarian, or DPI Animal Health staff.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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