Content related to the topic: health

4 March 2019

Antibiotic resistance: Using antibiotics responsibly

In most cases, antibiotics should only be used to treat bacterial infections. Over-prescribing and the unnecessary use of antibiotics can increase the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Livestock producers have a responsibility to protect human and animal health by using antibiotics responsibly in order to minimise the risk of antibiotic resistance (AMR).

8 April 2025

Managing breeding ewes

Managing ewes correctly throughout the year is vital for generating the highest possible output from any sheep enterprise. Farmbench figures show that the most profitable flocks rear the highest value of lamb per ewe. It is likely that much of this is due to good ewe management.

21 February 2019

Lamb post mortem

Investigating losses at lambing time can be used as a tool to improve lamb survival and wider health, welfare and production. This is a basic post-mortem worksheet for vets and farmers. It may be useful to watch the BRP lamb survival guide: Investigating lamb losses before using this worksheet, available here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu6VpAepsgc

4 April 2019

Buyers' checklist for breeding cattle

Buying in livestock is risky and is the most likely way of introducing a new disease onto your farm. The cost of a disease outbreak can be huge with long lasting effects. There are many potential diseases of concern as this checklist shows.

30 January 2025

Buyers' checklist for calves and store cattle

Buying in livestock is risky and is the most likely way of introducing a new disease onto your farm. The cost of a disease outbreak can be huge. There are many potential diseases of concern as this checklist shows.

19 February 2019

Controlling iron, manganese and limescale in livestock water systems

Find out about the link between mineral levels, water system efficiency, and pig growth and health.

14 February 2019

The Bulletin - Spring 2019

The latest edition of The Bulletin is now available to download. Topics include nutrition, breeding, costings and more.

18 January 2019

Water supply

This factsheet discusses how to provide adequate, good quality drinking water to pigs. It includes details on flow rates, drinker heights and drinker requirements.

7 May 2025

Foot lesions in dairy cattle

This poster helps recognise foot lesions of dairy cattle and how to treat them.

18 February 2020

Reducing the spread of digital dermatitis by disinfection of hoof-trimming equipment

Guidance about the standard operating procedure for foot trimming to reduce the spread of digital dermatitis.

17 February 2026

Managing nutrients for grass and livestock

Nutrient management can often be forgotten on beef and sheep farms, yet there is considerable scope to reduce costs and improve output through the use of home-produced and bought-in nutrients. All crops need a good nutrient supply from the soil to grow and thrive. This updated manual looks at how feeding grass and forage crops properly with manufactured fertilisers or slurries and manures can boost growth.

4 January 2019

Reducing antibiotic use in lameness factsheet

Guidance about using alternative treatments from our Healthy Feet Programme to manage lameness and reduce antibiotic use in your herd.