What's up doc? 

by Jackie Davies, Production Animal Veterinarian 

July was mixed weather - currently frosty, followed by fine weather - but the rain a few weeks ago created the conditions for lame cows to appear on many farms. 
Now, we are in the middle of calving - down cows and calving issues have so far been minimal.  

Remember to Mark and Record and Separate cows before giving veterinary Treatments (MRS-T) as the penalty for antibiotics in the vat is serious. 

Metrichecking the whole herd 14-28 days after calving can increase the 6-week in-calf rate by 2.4-10 %. Therefore, the most effective way to metricheck is in batches. Talk to us about how we can make the job easier for you. 

Now is the time to be thinking forward to mating. There have been a few interesting things to read from our product reps in the last month - some farmers who are sure that vaccinating their heifers and cows with Hiprabovis vaccine has reduced their empty rate - due to the IBR, rather than the BVD part of the vaccine. 

We think of IBR as common, causing snotty-nosed cows that get sticks stuck up their noses from itching them. It can also cause infections in the prepuce and vagina. In other countries, the IBR virus causes abortions. Those strains are not in New Zealand, but there is a vet clinic that has seen 2 cases (through testing for it) of bulls becoming infertile for around 2 weeks after joining with the cows, through catching IBR from the cows at that time. 

For those that are interested, we can run antibody tests on the cows and can offer a reduced price this season for a second/ booster shot, to start your bulls, heifers or herd off on a program.  

The other interesting ongoing research is around altering reproductive programs - the non-cycling CIDR programs, or synchronising heifers. With the continuous research into improving the conception rate to the programs through an extra injection 3 days (or more), before the CIDR program starts.

If you think that an extra yarding and vet visit is worth your time to get an extra 5-10% more cows or heifers in calf to a repro program, please talk to us about your goals and options.

Dirty cow problem: Why should we metricheck?


When it comes to what is the biggest cost for any dairy farmer, the answer will always be feed (most of the time). 

But here we focus on post-calving infection (and its ramifications) that silently affects
  

Routine care, seasonal reminders & pre-mating preparation 


As we move through this busy time of year, it’s easy for routine jobs and important reminders to get pushed aside. 

We’re here to help take some of the hassle out of the season and keep key jobs organised and on track. 


Disbudding 

Disbudding is an important routine job requiring careful handling and good animal welfare practices. Where appropriate, disbudding under sedation is best practice, helping minimise stress and discomfort while allowing the procedure to be carried out safely and efficiently. 


Calf vaccinations – giving your tiny moos the best start 

A Covexin 10 vaccination programme at 2 and 6 weeks of age can help protect calves against clostridial diseases. Getting protection underway early is an important part of calf health management. Vaccination programmes should always be discussed with your veterinarian and tailored to your calves, farm and individual risk factors. 

With mating approaching, now is also the time to keep BVD vaccination on the radar. Vaccinations should be completed two weeks prior to planned start of mating (PSM), with timing and requirements based on your herd’s individual circumstances and risk profile. 


Metrichecking & pre-mating preparation 

We’re booking Metrichecking, ideally around 3–4 weeks after calving, to help identify reproductive issues early. 

And it’s never too early to think about pre-mating! Trace element blood testing is ideally carried out around six weeks before PSM, allowing time to assess results and address any deficiencies before mating begins. 

From disbudding and calf vaccinations to post-calving checks, trace element testing and pre-mating preparation, we’re here to help take some of the workload off your plate. 

Get in touch with the team to organise any upcoming jobs. 

As always, chat with your veterinarian or us about the most appropriate animal health programme for your farm. 

Happy calving!  

Katy & Olina , Your Techs at Vet Clinic Morrinsville

Nursing the down cow


Any cow that is down and unable to rise requires nursing care. 

All down cows should be assessed to identify the underlying causes, which can include metabolic disease,

Bird Flu - how might it affect you? 


Bird flu is a topic of conversation, with a few birds found infected in NZ with the current strain of interest, Avian influenzas, H5:N1.

It is a topic for all of us as wild birds are not separate from our lives and businesses. 

Udder oedema/swelling 


Udder oedema can be a problem in first calvers, high-producing cows and over-conditioned cows. 

Genetic and environmental factors influence the occurrence of it, and while it generally self-cures within a week, we can 
Veterinary Clinic Morrinsville 
62 Moorhouse Street · Morrinsville, Waikato. 3300

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