Introduction to Farm Services
The Veterinary surgeons at Calweton are committed to providing a good service to farmers, both now and in the future and we continue to invest time and money towards this aim. Our hope is that we provide a friendly and approachable practice, tailoring its service to each client’s requirement. Some may want a traditional “fire brigade” service whereas others may want routine herd health visits and preventative medicine programmes. All are equally valued as clients.
Routine fertility visits
Booked to a regular set time and day, there is no visit charge for these visits, they are charged on a time basis from first cow in the crush to last. They aim to provide information as to conception rates, uterine infection levels and aid in heat prediction. Please see the relevant advice sheet.
Bull Testing
This is a must for any farm depending on a bull to get all their cows pregnant. We will semen and health test bulls on the farm and give a written report as to their status. We are regularly finding bulls that are poor performers. These bulls can cause a farm serious economic loss.
Mastitis control and Milking machine testing
We offer a comprehensive service on mastitis diagnosis and control. This covers a wide remit from milking technique to cow living conditions. It is a staged programme that starts by identifying the type and level of problem, followed by definite management steps to control the problem with a setting of proper targets and measuring success or failure. This results in an on farm programme that the staff can work with to achieve good results.
Lameness control
Cattle lameness is a huge problem today. It is a real cost on farm to production, fertility and cow longevity to say nothing of the pain and suffering it causes to the individual cow. Take steps now to improve your cows’ welfare and the bottom line of your business.
Cow Club
This is an informal group, that meets every 6 weeks or so. Meetings are usually on a members farm, at around 12.30 – 2pm. We try to keep them low key and encourage group discussion.
There is usually a drug rep or expert present to bounce ideas off. They are not drug selling sessions.
Previous Talks
• Post calving metritis, how to recognise it and reduce its impact
• Calf housing and ventilation
• Digital dermatitis
• Strep uberis
• Maximising returns from beef production
• Pneumonia vaccinations
Booked Talks
• Dry cow options
Suggestions for future talks are always welcome, even if it is a repeat of a previous topic.