Ready for lambing time

Get Ready for Lambing Time

Nutrition of the pregnant ewe clearly has a major impact on the success of lambing time – 75% of lamb growth happens in the final 6 weeks of pregnancy so getting feeding right is critical to minimise problems like twin-lamb disease and maximise lamb survival. Every lamb…

Calf Pneumonia again

It’s the time of year for Calf Pneumonia again

With the recent warm, damp weather we have seen quite a spike in cases of calf pneumonia. Whilst there is nothing new to report on the topic (unfortunately there isn’t a magic cure just yet!), it is worth being reminded of some of the basics that can…

The effects of sub clinical ketosis

The Effects of Sub-Clinical Ketosis

In the first 60 days after calving, cows and heifers are at a high risk of LDAs (twisted stomach), clinical ketosis (caused by excessive fat breakdown when in negative energy balance), and metritis (uterus infections). Many of you will have experienced these cases on your farm, and…

Important changes to our Eccleshall Surgery

Important Changes to our Eccleshall Surgery

From Monday 10th December we will be undergoing some major improvements to our Eccleshall surgery. While this will unfortunately lead to a few weeks of disruption the end result will be a new, modern practice with a dedicated large animal section (and a new entrance for you…

Red Tractor Farm Assurance

Red Tractor Farm Assurance & Health Planning

A few months ago we let you know about the changes affecting which antibiotics that are allowed to use on farm assured farms. Overall, the transition away from the use of Critically Important Antibiotics has gone very smoothly. Red Tractor have also set some new rules for…

BSE – Mad Cow Disease

BSE – Mad Cow Disease

Many of you will have seen the news of the farm in Aberdeenshire having a case of BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy), known more commonly as Mad Cow Disease. First thing to say is this is an extremely rare disease since enhanced control measures were put in place…

Milksure Training

Bulk Tank Residues – MilkSure Training

The MilkSure course is a training initiative that has been around for a couple of years now. Its aim is to safeguard the production of milk which is free of veterinary drug residues. Training is provided by vets for their own clients using a workbook and online…

New Faces at Shires Vets

It’s time to introduce some new faces!

As many of you will already be aware we have had a few staff changes recently, and we have a couple of new faces to introduce. Adam Reeves is joining us as a full time farm vet. “I qualified from Liverpool University in 2010 and have worked…

BVD Free Logo

BVD Free England Scheme

What is BVD? BVD is a highly contagious viral diseases of cattle. It is one of the biggest disease issues facing the UK cattle industry. BVD has been estimated to cost between £13 and £31 per cow in Great Britain. The national cost could be as high…