MAY 2011 NEWSLETTER

Farm First Newsletter May 2011Pro-Rumen and the importance of probiotics
We are constantly being reminded about the benefits of probiotic supplements in our diet and how they can improve digestive disorders, but the same is also true for your herd. Cases of ketosis, digestive upsets, mastitis, bloat, scour, ruminal stasis, twin lamb disease and cereal or protein poisoning in cattle, sheep and goats can all benefit from the use of Pro-Rumen. It can be used as an aid to recovery and to assist the re-establishment of ruminal flora, e.g. following antibiotic therapy. Pro-Rumen also provides additional microflora directly into the rumen, which get to work immediately in-aiding the digestion of herbage. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (live yeast), works by stimulating the activity of beneficial rumen bacteria and stabilising the rumen environment. This produces improvement in dry matter intake and fibre digestion, resulting in production benefits in terms of milk yield and growth rates. Pro-Rumen also contains milk powder and fat soluble vitamins which are of nutritional value to the young ruminant. The cost of Pro-rumen is £5.22 per sachet and the recommended dose is 1 sachet daily.


Insurance ClaimsIf you lose any stock which may be covered by your insurance please contact your insurer immediately to find out exactly what they need in order to process the claim. Often they will ask for a veterinary certificate to say that the animals are dead, and we can only give this if we have seen the animals. It is too late once they have been disposed of. Always ask your insurer if they require a post mortem, and make a note of who you spoke to, as they will sometimes ask for post mortem findings when originally they said it was not necessary.
If possible, leave the animals where they were found, as often we will be asked the say how they died, even though no PM is required. It is then easier for us to confirm the actual circumstances in which they died, which will strengthen your claim.

New Treatment for Milk Fever – Aggers Pro-Calcium DrenchWe have recently seen an upsurge in the cases of milk fever, and a new product has just been launched which will assist in the treatment of affected cows. Aggers Pro-Calcium Drench is a liquid which comes in an especially designed bottle, which makes it easier to drench into the cow. It is intended to be used in the same way as the Botonic Calcium pastes, which some of you may have used, and contains fast release and slow release calcium, some magnesium, potassium and energy, all of which aid in the recovery from milk fever. It has a high DCAB value, which helps the cow to mobilise the calcium in her system.
To treat a cow which is down with milk fever, she should be given oral calcium as well as intravenous calcium. Ideally an Aggers Fresh Cow drench should be given, followed by 2 Pro-calcium drenches at 8-12 hours intervals. For cows thought to be at risk of milk fever, prevention can best be achieved by giving 1 bottle 8-12 hours before calving, a second one at calving followed by 2 at 8-12 hour intervals. In practice, giving one at calving and one 8 hours later is often successful. The cost of this new product is £6.83/tube

Uterine Prolapse Uterine prolapse is a fairly uncommon complication of the calving cow, but during this busy spring calving period we are being called to attend a number of cases. When prolapse does occur rapid and effective treatment is required to increase the chances of a successful outcome. Prolapse typically occurs within 24 hours of calving. Various factors increase the likelihood of prolapse, these include: milk fever, prolonged calvings, large calves, applying traction (using a jack) and retained placenta (cleansing). Uterine prolapse should be regarded as an emergency, and veterinary attention should be sought immediately. Before the vet arrives there are a number of steps which can be taken to aid the cow’s chances of survival:
• The cow should be kept on clean dry bedding, with the uterus kept clean and moist.
• To aid the vet in prompt replacement having an extra pair (or two) of hands will greatly help, as the uterus is a heavy organ and can be very difficult to replace.
• A clean piece of clean sheeting/towel can be very useful to rest the uterus on when cleaning to prevent contamination with dirt and straw, and to support the organ when attempting to replace.
• Clean warm water should be made available to wash the uterus before replacement.
• If milk fever is suspected a bottle of calcium should be given under the skin.
If the uterus is replaced promptly and without serious damage then survival is likely to be around 70-80%.


Staff newsSome of you may know that Lia Ris left the practice at the end of April after being with us for over 2 years. We wish her well for the future. We are at present advertising for a permanent replacement, but will probably take on an experienced locum to fill the gap whilst we look. In the meantime Jonathen will continue to help us out on the TB and clinical front. You will probably have met him, he’s the tall guy who wears the stupid hat.

MeetingsWe held a meeting on lameness in sheep at the King of Prussia recently, and some very useful discussions took place among the vets and farmers present. We appreciate that the timing of this meeting was not ideal for many of you sheep farmers, so please let us know if you would like us to put it on again at a more convenient time.