News & Advice

Copper is an essential trace element required for animal health. In deer, like other species of farmed livestock, copper is critical in the formation of the collagen matrix that keeps bones strong. This is why animals that experience copper deficiency early in life can have bones that are weak and prone to fractures and deformities. […]

Weaning can be a stressful time for young cattle. It is important that we minimise the stress of transition, focus on keeping daily growth rates on track, and ensure animal health is a priority. Weaning is also a convenient time to administer preventative animal health treatments going into winter. We are talking about worms, trace elements, and […]

Last season, the reproductive figures for dairy herds were the best we have seen since we began ageing pregnancies. The average 6-week In-Calf Rate (ICR) rose to 69.3% for 2023/24, compared with 65.8% to 67.8% over the previous 10 years. The average Empty Rate (LIC’s Not-in-Calf Rate) decreased to 14.9% for 2023/24, down from an […]

During this year’s mid-mating scanning, we leveraged collar technology to enhance the insights gained from traditional ultrasound scanning. By reviewing collar data on heat activity, we were able to gather valuable information about cows that were identified as non-pregnant at the time of the scan. One key discovery was that some cows had a heat […]

In ruminants, cobalt is needed for rumen microbes to make vitamin B12, which is required for the formation of glucose and amino acids. Cobalt or B12 deficiency impacts energy and protein metabolism, causing a starvation of sorts. Clinical signs of deficiency include anorexia, poor growth rates and ill-thrift. These signs could easily go unnoticed or […]

Summer is here, and what better way to enjoy it than with your furry best friends? To celebrate the season, we’re excited to announce our Pawsome Summer Spots Giveaway! We’re giving away fantastic prizes, including an Animo activity and behaviour monitor for dogs, a Surefeed microchip pet feeder, and The Dog’s Best Friend Game for […]

Our veterinary teams will enjoy a much-needed break over the holiday season and will be closed on all public holidays. In an emergency, please call your local clinic on the after-hours phone number. Please note the following clinics are operating reduced hours or opening days as follows: SOUTH CANTERBURY Temuka 24.12.24 8am – 3pm 25.12.24 […]

The farming calendar never stops, but certain times of year are a good opportunity to measure and reset. Lamb weaning is one of these events. For a ewe, the breeding season starts again when her lambs are removed. A Body Condition Score (BCS) of less than three means she may struggle to mate well and […]

If your initial thought is, “I’ve never seen a tick on my farm; this article doesn’t apply to me,” please read on. This is a common misconception among farmers in Marlborough, even when faced with a very pale cow. Ticks are adept at sucking blood without being noticed. Unless you regularly inspect your livestock’s most […]

The International Dairy Federation (IDF) hosted the 2024 World Dairy Summit (WDS) in Paris from October 15–18, bringing together a diverse group of dairy farmers, rural professionals, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates. The International Dairy Federation (IDF) is a global non-profit organisation, founded in 1903, to represent the dairy sector. The IDF collaborates with governments, […]

As mating is nearly upon us, making sure your bulls are in peak condition is vitally important for successful mating outcomes. Body condition and bull power Coming into mating, bulls should be fit, but not fat – around a BCS 6-7. Bull power should be adequate to ensure all cows are able to be serviced. […]

Congratualtions to Jack and Clare Wild from Saint Bathans and Geordie Hill Station in Tarras for winning our giveaway in conjunction with Royal Canin. We hope your dogs are feeling the benefit of being on Royal Canin 4800 Energy and that you can put the $1000 worth of clinic credits to good use! Are your […]