TheDairySite Newsletter - 28 May 2010

TheDairySite Weekly Newsletter

Friday 28th May 2010

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Welcome to this week's newsletter

Editorial: New Government Tackles TB

In England, new Agriculture Minister Jim Paice has confirmed that there will be a science-led cull of badgers to combat bovine tuberculosis (bTB).

He stressed that the cull would be part of a comprehensive package of bTB measures.

Elsewhere in the UK, it has been confirmed that wild boar carry the causative agent of bTB. It is, at the moment, unclear of the role that wild boar have in the epidemiology of bTB in the UK.

However DEFRA, the government agricultural body has said that the risk to domestic livestock is low.

A video showing shocking footage of farm workers subjecting dairy cows and calves to vicious abuse has presented another challenge for the industry.

The video released by animal advocacy group, Mercy For Animals was captured on a hidden camera at Conklin Dairy Farm in Plain City, Ohio, US.

The American Humane Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation and other industry leaders have all condemned actions of cruelty against farm animals, saying that these practices are unacceptable.

"As members of the agricultural community, it is our responsibility to stop any such actions if and when they are brought to our attention, including alerting appropriate law enforcement officials," said Bob Stallman, President of the AFBF.

Those, who don't report such incidences, are detrimental to an industry, which is working hard to ensure high standards of welfare in animal production.

Charlotte Johnston

This Week's Feature Articles

We have 4 new features this week:

Bocaddon Farm Veal
John and Vicky Brown rear over 100 veal calves a year at Bocaddon Farm, Cornwall. Selling to restaurants, farmers markets and through mail order, calves are sourced from the family dairy farm and other local dairies. Charlotte Johnston, TheCattleSite junior editor speaks to the couple about the challenges and opportunities that await them.

Basic Farm Biosecurity
Producers are advised to follow good on-farm biosecurity measures to protect their livestock and crops from the constant threat of pests and diseases.

Respiratory Disease In Young Dairy Calves
Respiratory disease is the second leading cause of death losses (scours is the first) in unweaned heifer calves, according to Alvaro Garcia, Extension dairy specialist, and Russ Daly, Extension veterinarian.

US Beef and Dairy Outlook Report - May 2010
Cattle and beef producers are enjoying a period characterised by a favourable pasture and feed situation and high cattle and beef prices. Despite this favourable situation, cow slaughter continues into the second quarter at a high level relative to 1 January cow inventories.

Genus - Value through science and genomics

Company News

Liver Fluke Spreading Eastwards Say Vets
UK - Increasing numbers of vets in the east of Britain report that they are seeing more cases of liver fluke than ever before.

Acquisition Of Pfizer Assets By Lilly Cleared
EU - The European Commission has cleared the acquisition of animal health assets of Pfizer by Eli Lilly & Co.

Global Dairy Cattle Industry News