It is like trying to give up smoking, you have to want to - no amount of drugs, nicotine patches or hypnotism is stronger than actually wanting to give up. The same principle applies to wanting healthier calves - you have to want it.
Ketose is per definisie die teenwoordigheid en opbou van ketoonliggaampies in die bloed. Ketoonliggaampies is chemiese produkte wat deur die liggaam as newe-produkte geproduseer word wanneer vet en vetsure, in plaas van glukose, afgebreek word vir energie. In die rumen is die afbreek van vetsure (naamlik asyn-, propion- en bottersuur) en die gevolglike ketoonliggaampievorming 'n baie belangrike bron van energie (ongeveer 55%). Maar die koei kan nie al haar energie uit hierdie bron verkry nie. Die res van haar energiebehoeftes moet van koolhidrate (glukose) en aminosure (proteien) kom.
By lewervervettingsindroom vind daar u0027n opbou van afgebreekte vet tot so u0027n mate in die lewer plaas dat die lewer nie meer behoorlik kan funksioneer nie. Die impak wat hierdie nageboortelike sindroom op u0027n kudde se voortplantingsprestasie kan he, is enorm.
Last month I briefly discussed the general, environmental and geological factors affecting the selenium status of your animals. One aspect that I failed to mention last month, was the effect of season and the seasonal variation that would occur from year to year.
I have always been a huge supporter of the responsible use of various hormones to improve conception rates in dairy animals, as well as to improve management by synchronising a group of dairy heifers or even a group of female beef animals. However, before you think of using any one of the various programmes and variations thereof, the basics must be right!
Metaboliese siektes is 'n sindroom wat in wese veroorsaak word deur 'n beduidende wanbalans tussen die voedingstowwe deur die dieet ingeneem en die uitset in produksie. Een van die belangrikste metaboliese siektes is 'n wanbalans tussen die inname en benutting van kalsium, naamlik melkkoors (hipokalsemie).
The Pacific has huge potential and a richness of natural, social and human resources that should assure a bright future. However, in the short term the Pacific's problems are mounting. The legacy of conflicts over recent years continues to affect countries, including Solomon Islands and Tonga, and Fiji is suffering a serious downturn as a result of the coup and declines in its sugar and clothing exports. Meanwhile, the global financial crisis is likely to worsen, and swine flu is likely to further curtail travel and tourism. High food and energy prices continue, and the impacts of climate change are becoming more evident and more serious.
As jy verantwoordelik sou wees vir die gesondheidsorg van 'n gemeenskap en daar is 'n hoe en gevaarlike afgrond in die omgewing, hoe sou jy hierdie risiko bestuur? Sou jy 'n veiligheidsheining aan die bokant van die afgrond aanbring, of sou jy liewer 'n hospitaal aan die onderkant oprig?
Klostridia is 'n groep anaerobiese (groei in die afwesigheid van suurstof) bakteriee wat 'n verskeidenheid siektes veroorsaak wat gewoonlik tot die dier se dood lei. Hierdie bakteriee word tipies in die grond gekry en kan deel vorm van die normale dermflora.
As jy verantwoordelik sou wees vir die gesondheidsorg van 'n gemeenskap en daar is 'n hoe en gevaarlike afgrond in die omgewing, hoe sou jy hierdie risiko bestuur? Sou jy 'n veiligheidsheining aan die bokant van die afgrond aanbring, of sou jy liewer 'n hospitaal aan die onderkant oprig?
Klostridia is 'n groep anaerobiese (groei in die afwesigheid van suurstof) bakteriee wat 'n verskeidenheid siektes veroorsaak wat gewoonlik tot die dier se dood lei. Hierdie bakteriee word tipies in die grond gekry en kan deel vorm van die normale dermflora.
The recent outbreaks of Rift Valley fever (RVF) caused only minor media interest - but the farmers and animals affected by the outbreaks may not agree that the impact was minor!
Dealing with a redwater outbreak is a short-term exercise, but creating a stable tick situation and improving the herd's overall immunity by means of vaccination, are both long term projects. So, expect an improvement in months to years as opposed to days and weeks.
I began last month's article by saying: Let's get some of the terminology and theory out of the way ... This may have given the impression that it's not that important, but quite the contrary! Fact is, we must understand what we are treating, especially in times like these of low profit margins and large herd sizes.
I would like to highlight some interesting, practical facts regarding redwater in the upcoming issues. Hopefully, after reading the articles, you will have a better understanding of the disease and how to practically control it .
The skin lesions caused by lumpy skin disease (LSD) are the least of a dairy farmer's worries. The effects are much more serious than that!
The essential difference between metritis and endometritis is soon and sick in the case of metritis and, not-so-soon and not-so-sick in the case of endometritis. Endometritis is common, and the sub-clinical form is very common. And as with all sub-clinical diseases, it is an erosive because farmers do not see that the disease is eating away at their profits.
While in practice and during my travels around the country with Intervet, I was alarmed to hear how many farmers are not vaccinating against anthrax. This disease will hit an area every one or two generations. There has been an anthrax outbreak every year somewhere in South Africa.
In the previous edition, I discussed anaplasmosis as a disease. This month I will discuss its treatment and prevention. For many years the treatment of choice has been the tetracyclines. However, the most recent research has proven that the imidocarbs are arguably more effective, although it does come with a few disadvantages. I would still recommend treating a gallsickness case (confirmed by a blood smear/vet) with a short acting tetracycline at the recommended dosage (preferably not long-acting formulations, as these take longer to take effect).
Last month I discussed the significance of a salmonella infection on the farm, and the effects and symptoms in cows and their calves. This month I concentrate on the prevention and treatment of paratyphoid.
