After 12 intensive months of in-depth trace mineral trials conducted by seven farmers—and their mentors—around Australia, the results of the Multimin Performance Ready Challenge winner’s vote are finally in. With close to 5000 public votes cast for the three finalists, and […]
cows
Bigger, better cows due to easy isolation of embryonic stem cells
After more than 35 years of unsuccessful attempts by scientists, a team from the US have discovered an efficient technique for isolating embryonic stem cells in cows. Their research is published in the latest Proceedings of the National Academy of […]
Tools of the trade: Rope & Wire Threader Bahlcke Economy
by Dr Meagan Lee, Ovens & Kiewa Veterinary Hospital, Myrtleford, VIC This tool assists in introducing an embryotomy wire into a cow when a dead calf needs to be cut up. If the calf has its head or leg back […]
WA Livestock industry prepare for foot-and-mouth disease
When foot-and-mouth disease broke out in the UK in 2001 officials’ slow responses led to a possibly preventable, far-reaching spread of the disease. With a driving need to avoid a similar situation should the disease makes its way here Western […]
Hydatid disease in cattle costs dearly
A survey of more than 780,000 cattle slaughtered in New South Wales between 2013 and 2015 revealed that 5.5 per cent were infected with hydatid disease. Hydatid disease results from accidental ingestion of eggs of the tiny “hydatid” tapeworm that […]
Tools of the Trade: Bovivet Prolapse Pins
by Dr Rob Churchill, Crookwell Veterinary Hospital, NSW This is a neat little gadget that’s been around for a very long time. It has been used to repair uterine and vaginal prolapses in cows for more than 40 years but […]
Methane minimisation in cattle production
Researchers in New Zealand are on the verge of testing a vaccine for cattle that will greatly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Cattle are one the largest producers of methane in Australia and New Zealand. Their burps produce gases which […]
Assessing the welfare of cows in large dairy herds
According to a survey conducted by Dairy Australia in 2013, the average size of Australian dairy herds has risen 37% over the past decade, a trend that looks set to continue with a third of the surveyed famers expecting to […]
Calving induction to be phased out
Following the lead of New Zealand, the Australian dairy industry has committed to phasing out the practice of calving induction completely, though an official time period has yet to be set. The practice of calving induction was originally introduced so […]