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The survival of replacement calves and heifers, the subsequent survival of lactating dairy cows in each lactation and the efficient conversion of feed into milk, all contribute to the environmental impact of dairy production.

The first thing to consider when looking at the finer details of grassland management is whether you have a full understanding of your soil and its nutritional status. If the answer is no, then to get the maximum benefit from a reseed or established leys, I would always advise checking the soil structure and sampling on a field-by-field basis. This will help to determine key factors such as the pH of your soil which is essential for nutrient availability, as well as the current levels of N, P, K and other elements.

Grass breeder, Germinal, recently identified that soil which is moderately damaged – with poor soil structure and which is suffering 

The benefits of feeding a high fat milk replacer:

1. Additional energy, for every 5% increase in oil the energy density of the powder is increased by 6%.
2. Reduced scours, energy in milk replacer comes from either fat or carbohydrate (oil or lactose), high fat milk replacers have lower lactose, naturally lowering their osmolality and reducing incidence of scour. 
3. Improved resilience, during periods of stress, disease challenge or low temperatures the calf’s energy requirement increases. Calves have very little body fat stored and rely on a constant supply of energy meaning increased requirements are more easily met with a high fat milk replacer. 

Maintaining a regular routine is preferable for the health and wellbeing of your horse, but sometimes, an unavoidable circumstance may mean that the length of time spent in the stable has been lengthened.

NAF have designed and formulated their own no rinse body washes that enable owners to effectively target and remove unwanted grime, while creating a healthy coat without the continuous need for bathing.

Horses at grass are generally reflected as more cost effective and less labour intensive than those that are kept in. The horse can move more freely within the paddock and may have the opportunity to interact with other horse’s, the most natural way to be kept.

Alfalfa has been used for thousands of years around the world and can also go by the name Lucerne. It is a safe a nutrious fibre for the consumption of our equine friends, which is why Dengie use the crop in many of their products.

Feeding a horse or pony who is prone to laminitis does not need to be a complicated process if we know the type of equine we are feeding.

The shift in egg production systems from caged to free-range, barn egg, and organic is bringing into focus the natural behaviour of laying hens. It is thought that certain conditions can breed nervousness and stress, pushing hens to express the need to peck other members of the flock.

With a housing order enforced in England until further notice, all domestic birds must be kept indoors to prevent the spread of bird flu (avian influenza). Whether housing a backyard flock, or a free-range commercial flock, increasing enrichment during the ‘flockdown’ period will support bird welfare and health.