NADIS publishes a monthly Parasite Forecast for farmers and livestock keepers, based on detailed Met office data. The Parasite Forecast outlines the parasitic challenge facing cattle and sheep in the different regions of the UK. The Parasite Forecast is used to promote SCOPS recommendations in a seasonal context and underlines the importance of parasite control being part of a veterinary health plan. National Parasite Forecasts are being developed for Wales, Scotland and England.
Full Forecast »Featured Animal Health Issues
Pain in farm animals is typically assessed by changes in general body functions, such as reduced food intake, decreased production and lameness; physiological response (e.g. increased heart rate); and include: dull, depressed, lethargic demeanour, Isolation, failure to graze with others in group....
The normal gestation length of a sow or gilt is typically 115 days (three months, three weeks and three days) measured from the first day of service, although a range of 113 – 117 days is quite normal. The trigger for farrowing (parturition) to start comes from the piglets, not the sow....
Goats are ruminants like sheep and cattle, and as such share many of the health problems common to ruminants in the UK. One factor sets them apart from other ruminants however in that they have evolved as BROWSING and not GRAZING animals....