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Cow Wash Helps Milk Production
A recent study suggests that dairy cows who benefit from a ‘cow wash’ register higher milk production.

As you can see from the pictures, it seems the swinging cow brush is a hit with the cows. Reports suggests that the cows are eager to use the wash and as a result of its use they are cleaner, and more active, calm and balanced.

DeLaval, the makers of the machinery, have already sold over 30,000 in Sweden and are now bringing it over to the UK.

The study conducted by Cornell University in 2009 on DeLaval SCB showed better animal health due to an increase in blood circulation. It concluded that clinical mastitis was 34% lower for cows in second and higher lactation using the SCB. The research team also reported increased milk production of up to +1kg per day (3.5%) for cows in second lactation in a pen using the swinging cow brush, compared to a reference group kept under the same conditions without access to the SCB.

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.