For many years, transition cow management has focused heavily on the close-up period immediately before calving. However, emerging research into the far-off dry period and colostrum production suggests that some of the most important influences on colostrum yield may occur much earlier. Recent work investigating mammary gland metabolism has provided new insight into how the […]

Following prolonged dry weather, recent rainfall has triggered rapid grass growth across many farms in Ireland. While this welcome flush of grass can increase grazing potential, it may also raise the risk of nitrate poisoning in livestock. When plants grow quickly after drought, they often absorb nitrates from the soil faster than they can convert […]

Better colostrum starts long before cows enter the close-up group. A whole-dry-period approach to mineral, vitamin and protein nutrition can support colostrum production, calf health and transition performance.

B vitamins for calves can provide valuable nutritional support during summer grazing, particularly when dietary changes or digestive challenges place rumen function under pressure.

Labour shortages are influencing management decisions across Irish livestock farms. Vitulix offers a practical way to reduce routine feeding work while providing consistent nutritional support to cattle at grass.

As summer transitions into autumn grazing, livestock producers often face a hidden challenge. While grass may still appear plentiful and green, its nutritional profile changes significantly. Sugar levels decline, fibre content rises, and rumen digestible protein (RDP) increases, creating nutritional imbalances that can affect animal performance. This is where Uniblock’s ‘Autumn Gold’ mineral lick bucket […]

Fly-related diseases such as infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (pink eye) and summer mastitis are a challenge for herd health in the heat of the summer months  Pink eye is one of the most common eye diseases affecting cattle during the summer months. The condition is highly contagious and often spread by face flies carrying bacteria from […]

As temperatures rise and fly populations increase, there is a familiar challenge: protecting cattle from fly-borne diseases...

Irish farmers are investing more than ever in herd health through vaccination programmes.

Vaccination of dry cows is a proven strategy for protecting newborn calves against common diseases such as rotavirus, coronavirus and E. coli.