August

Week One

Vet visit for early inductions.

Record at risk cows ie RFM’s, twins, assisted calvings, down cows, induced cows, for future ‘Metricure’ treatment.

Strep uberis mastitis (most common form of spring mastitis) is likely to be responsive to penicillin based mastitis preparations.

Consider worm drench of cows / heifers as they calve.

Week Two

SCC watch – are cows being RMT’ed before entering the herd? If grading contact a vet for Grade Bust and advice.

Record mastitis cases.

Discuss Rumensin TT to boost production / minimize body condition loss.

Week Three

Continue with magnesium supplementation.

Colostrum herd to receive lime flour (calcium) at 200g/cow/day.

Lime flour can continue at 100g/cow/day for 1st six weeks after calving.

Avoid grazing effluent paddocks with induced cows, springers and colostrum cows.

Week Four

Calf debudding begins (calves over 4 weeks) – ring vet & book in.

Give heifers 1st dose of BVD vaccine.

Seek veterinary advice for treatment control of calf scours.

Consider anti-inflammatory (eg Metacam, Key etc) for down cows and severe mastitis.

Collect milk samples from clinical mastitis cases for culture, if not responding to treatment. These may be frozen.

Sick cow tip:

A cow's normal temperature is 38degC - 39degC.

If above 39.5degC she may require antibiotics/antinflams.