News & Advice

Disbudding is a routine yet essential procedure in New Zealand’s dairy industry, aimed at removing horn buds from young calves before they develop into full horns. This practice enhances safety for both animals and handlers and supports better herd management. Horned cattle pose risks in handling, transport, and herd dynamics. Disbudding reduces injuries, improves animal […]

It is widely known that many areas in New Zealand are deficient or low in naturally available copper, and survey results show that nearly 80% of deer farms frequently supplement their herds with copper on a routine basis. However, we need to be aware that both too little and too much copper can cause health […]

The economic value of farm working dogs is hard to quantify. They are indispensable members of the staff on a farm (mainly sheep or beef, but sometimes dairy), and they take little pay in return. The cost of purchase, training and maintenance are set over a dog’s lifetime. The loss of a dog through illness […]