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Macrae reveals UK dairy cow study outcome
One third of dairy cows suffer clinical or sub-clinical ketosis.

A study into UK dairy cows has shown one in three were suffering clinical or subclinical ketosis in the first 50 days of lactation, according to metabolic blood profiles taken over a five year period. Dr Alistair Macrae, from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, told delegates at the World Buiatrics Congress that this condition puts dairy cows at risk from reduced fertility and performance.

Dr Macrae used metabolic profile analyses accumulated through the Dairy Herd Health and Productivity Service (DHHPS). The DHHPS collected blood samples from over 40,000 individual cows, from over 1200 commercial UK herds between 2006 and 2011. The samples were collected in order to investigate the prevalence and extent of negative energy balance in cows before calving, and in lactation.

The prevalence of clinical and subclinical ketosis can be revealed by the levels of betahydroxybutyrate (BHB) and Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFAs) in the blood, a direct measurement of negative energy balance in cows. Dr Macrae explained there are two crucial periods where cows are most at risk of negative energy balance. These are in the transition period 10 days prior to calving, and in the first 21 days after calving.

Macrae says: “Attention to the nutritional management of the transition cow is essential to help reduce the effects of negative energy balance on cow performance and future fertility."

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.