VETTALES Te Puke Veterinary Centre Newsletter NOVEMBER 2017 Everyone at Te Puke Vets would like to thank you for your support and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Spring Update We wrote last year that October was the wettest, ugliest October that anyone can remember! This year mother nature has somehow managed to better herself by delivering our annual rainfall in the wettest most unrelenting 5-6 month period that anyone can remember. So this year we have faced similar problems with grass quality and utilisation to last year, although many farmers have managed the conditions better with reports of improved milk production and submission rates. INVITATION EVENT: Xmas party and pig / sheep on a spit / BBQ. REASON: To thank you for your support during the year and to have a good time. VENUE: The clinic, Friday December 1st Festivities start at 5.00pm with the meal being served at 6.30-7.00 p.m. We usually wind up about 10.00 p.m.. Bring the family and come in for a social one on us. Please make sure you arrange for a nondrinking driver to drop you back home! RSVP please by Wednesday 29th November Health issues over spring have again been dominated by scours in calves and in recent times lameness (although not to the level we saw last year). As mentioned, submission rates appear to have improved slightly on last year. While this is positive, many still are well behind the target 90% in 3 weeks. Bull power is again going to be critical in minimising the numbers of empty cows present at the end of mating. Don t cut yourself short!! Included in this Issue... Facial Eczema Planning Importance of growing Young stock BVD Breakdowns Calf vaccination reminders Dairy Pregnancy testing Sheep mating topics and drenches Toxoplasmosis Horse Dental Promo Promotions Qualifying Products for free ham include: Arrest C 20L Eclipse Pour-on 2.5L & 5L(2 hams) Eprinex Pour-on 5L First Hi-Mineral 20L Genesis Pour-on 5.5L & Genesis B12 + Se injection Iver Matrix Tape Hi-Mineral 10L & 20L Matrix Hi-Mineral 20L Switch C 10L & 20L Calf Packs and others - Ask at the clinic for more details
FACIAL ECZEMA - PLAN NOW Compared to previous seasons, last year in Te Puke we had a reasonably mild FE season, thanks largely to the ongoing wet weather following the March cyclones. We aren t expecting a repeat of last autumns weather events (fingers crossed!!) so a more typical FE season should be planned for. In a typical season protection is required for longer periods and because of potential toxicity issues of extended zinc treatment, zinc can not be relied on as the sole source of protection. Best results come from implementing an integrated approach. An integrated approach to FE control could include: 1. Use your best weapons during the highest risk period Normally mid February to Late April. Zinc boluses e.g. two Faceguard or three Time Capsules. 2. Use one or a combination of the following for the shoulder times: Graze safe pasture - spore count, graze shady south facing slopes and those facing prevailing drying winds (tend to have lower counts), try not to graze lower than 4cms, and avoid topped paddocks. Graze FE safe pasture/crops such as Chickory, lucerne and Turnips. Lower fertility grasses such as tall fescue, kikuyu and paspalum have lower spore counts Spray pasture with fungicide to provide safe pasture for January and early February. Use weekly oral zinc dosing where needed - at either end of the main risk time. This still has potential toxicity issues but it can be stopped. Issues to note: Faceguard zinc boluses are registered and are only safe for 10 continuous weeks (2 treatments). While they can be used for longer periods zinc levels need to checked before doing so. Time capsules have similar issues. Fungicide sprays can be effective but application has to be thorough. Fungicides need to be applied before spore counts get above 20,000. At that stage they can reduce subsequent spore count rises by 50-60 per cent. With counts over 200,000 fungicides won t reduce spores enough to make pastures safe. Counts over 20,000 for sustained periods of time will cause clinical FE. Water treatment isn t an option for dry stock and even in milking dairy cows water treatment will be found wanting in bad years. In our experience at least 25% of dairy cows do not drink sufficient water to be protected & will show clinical FE in bad seasons An alternative strategy is to give zinc boluses as soon as counts start to rise. After 10-12 weeks give them a break for 1-2 weeks before administering an additional bolus. The potential problem is that counts are likely to be high at the break time so a crop would have to be available for that 2 week period. Anyone that would like to discuss the safe use of boluses or their FE strategy in general please ring. We will be monitoring spore counts around the area again this year from early January. If you wish to receive these local weekly trends and a national summary via e- mail please let us know by e-mailing us at admin@tepukevets.co.nz These reports are also available o our website: tepukevets.co.nz
Importance of looking after your Young Stock A common trend that plays out year after year is the number of 2 year olds needing treatment when we are out dealing with non-cyclers. This regularly translates into a high empty rate amongst your 2 year olds. So far, this year has been no different. What are indications of underweight young stock? Slow calving heifers Poor 2YO submission rates High % empty 2YOs High % of late calving 3YO and 4YOs Dairy Animal Age % Mature LW 450kgLW 500kgLW 3 months 20% 90 100 6 months 30% 135 150 9 months 40% 180 200 12 months 50% 225 250 More and more farmers are weighing their stock, and with the advent of MINDA Weights, recording and information reporting is fantastic. Commonly there is a great divide between what farmers think their stock weigh and real weights. 15 months 60% 270 330 22 months 90% 405 450 It is true that achieving LIC s target liveweights aren t easy. However those targets are set by the genetic potential of each animal so are realistic. There are farmers locally that are hitting their targets, and getting great reproductive results in their 2 year olds in return. Act now. Start regular weighing, improve growth and protect your most valuable animals future in your herd. Te Puke Vets have portable scales and are able to weigh stock if needed. BVD Bulk Milk Monitoring - New Breakdowns The majority of you annually monitor your milk for BVD infection. As a result, throughout the district, we are generally seeing exposure levels fall as BVD is identified and controlled. However this year we have had 6 new BVD infected herds (antigen positive) with PI cows present. Fortunately now for most with good testing history, tracking down a PI is a reasonably straight forward. The economic cost at a $6 payout is estimated to be $167 per cow in an infected herd. It is therefore imperative to identify and cull PI cows ASAP. PI (persistently infected) animals are a result of their dam becoming infected with the BVD virus between 45 and 120 days of gestation. PI animals shed large amount of virus in all their life. They are the major source of infection to naive animals. Active BVD within the herd will result in production (5% decrease in milk production & increased SCC) and reproduction losses (reduced conception rates and increased abortions/empties) The most common source of breakdown this year has been the introduction of new animals to the herd. It comes as a timely reminder to everyone that if you are introducing any new animals (young stock, cows, bulls) they should be tested prior to arrival on farm. Calf Vaccination Reminders Calves going off farm should be vaccinated for Leptospirosis and BVD before they leave. This is to stop them contracting these diseases themselves and also to prevent them bringing them back to the herd. As they need two injections, the first shot needs to be given at least 4 weeks before they are due to depart. If your herd has evidence of recent exposure to BVD (as determined by milk testing) it is also worthwhile having your calves tested. Calves infected in-utero are likely to be persistently infected (PI). PI calves will infect other calves and then eventually the milking herd, causing poor growth rates and reproduction issues all along the way. The best option for testing your calves is ear notching, which takes us approximately 1 hour per 100 calves. The cost including lab costs is approximately $20 per calf. Calves going outside the BOP should also be vaccinated for Blackleg.
The Value of Pregnancy Testing Pregnancy testing at the right time is vital so the information collected can work best for you. It provides you an opportunity to assess this seasons mating period, identify where improvements can be made, and rectify them now so that the same problems don t hold you back next year. As many have discovered this year, a spread out calving, or lots of late cows next season will: Reduce your herd s reproductive performance next season (or require significant costly intervention to maintain it). Reduce milk production through less days in milk and slower time to peak, both next season & subsequent seasons. Impact on pasture/feed management Early Pregnancy Testing When is the best time to Pregnancy Test? This is done about 12 weeks after the planned start of mating and will provide you the greatest amount of detail around the way mating has gone. If you are actively trying to improve your herd s reproduction, then early pregnancy testing is for you. The main benefits are: Assessing how AB period went - Accurately confirming conception dates (how many cows held to AB) - Accurate calculation of 6 week in calf rate (speed of next years calving) Management - Allows for good early culling decisions should the early summer be dry - Maximises days in milk. Cows can be dried off accurately relative to condition score and calving date - Allows accurate feed budgeting next spring so your cows don t fall into the feeding hole pre-mating - Determine whether it is a good time to pull the bull out A follow up pregnancy test for a small group of rechecks is needed 6 weeks after the bull is removed. Late Pregnancy Testing Dairy Done 6 weeks after the bull is removed. The benefits of scanning at this stage are: Assessing mating - Accurately determine empty/late cows - Identifies quality of bull performance - Gives an indication of calving spread Management - Allows culling/selling of empty/late cows - Conserves autumn feed for cows that are going to be in the herd next season Provides ability to make decisions around dry-off relating to body condition and dry period length The limitation of late scanning is that it may be difficult to accurately determine the dates of the early AB calves due to the pregnancy being too advanced. This will be reduce your ability to fully evaluate mating success. Whatever you decide to do, pregnancy testing and the information gathered, is the cornerstone for accurate assessment of how mating has gone and areas for improvement. This information is also invaluable when making vital management decisions (dry off, feed budgeting) at critical times of year. Ring Us Now To Plan Your Pregnancy Testing CONGRATULATIONS Recently Harry took Michelle on a trip back to Tanzania, under the pretense of selling his ute that he d left over there. Being a bit of a romantic, Harry was also cooking up an elaborate African proposal. Needless to say it all went well. Calving Cup Congratulations to Dan who managed to burgle the calving cup bragging rights this year. Bryce was planning what to do with the prize in the final week, only to be pipped at the post by a fast finishing Dan. Congratulations Harry and Michelle on your engagement. We wish you the best of luck for your future together.
Sheep Ram Soundness Exams To make sure that the rams live up to expectations and are capable of performing their all important job, they should undergo a Breeding Soundness Exam. This involves a general health check and an examination to ensure that they are free from common diseases that effect their ability to impregnate ewes. These include epididymitis, pizzle rot, mange, abscesses and cryptorchidism. Where B.ovis is suspected blood tests can be done. Ewe Vaccination Reminder Androvax A great way to get more lambs out of less ewes is to use Androvax. Androvax is a vaccine that stimulates antibody production in ewes, which in turn induces a change in the hormone balance which increases the number of eggs produced in the ewes ovaries. Increases lambing by a proven average of 20% Use where there is a management strategy to lamb and rear 20% more lambs. Ewes previously not vaccinated need two shots starting 8-10 weeks prior to tupping. Previously vaccinated ewes must be boosted 4-6 weeks prior to tupping. Available in 100 and 250 dose packs. $1.69 excl. GST per dose Toxovax Protects against abortions caused by Toxoplasma. This parasite is spread by wild cats and rodents. It must be given no closer than 4 weeks before tupping. One vaccination confers life long protection. Give to ewe hoggets or two-tooths only each year. Vaccination on average increases tailing by 3% and decreases dry ewes by 13.5%. $2.09 excl. GST per dose (200 dose pack) Campylobacter Campylobacter is present in most, if not all flocks. Reduced lamb viability and abortions are the outcomes of infection. Vaccination on average raises tailing by 5.4% in mixed age ewes and 8.9% in hoggets. Available in 100 and 500 dose packs $0.68 excl. GST per shot Haemonchus (Barbers Pole) Seen mainly in lambs during warm wet conditions Signs include anaemia, sudden death, and poor growth rates Increase drench frequency during risk times, use a designer drench such as Genesis Ultra or use a drench with persistent activity such as Trimox. IVER-MATRIX TAPE Hi Mineral New Zealands premier lamb drench: Triple action contains Ivermectin, Levamisole, and Oxfendazole. Best for minimising resistance. Ivermectin component rather than abamectin makes it safer for young lambs Easy flow formulation, 1ml/5kg dose rate Potent with a Short tail Contains Selenium and Cobalt. Includes Praziquantel for tapeworms Short meat WHT only 14 days. 10L $512 excl GST (treats 2000 x 25kg lambs @ 25.6 cents each) 20L $967 excl GST (treats 4000 x 25kg lambs @ 24.2 cents each) MATRIX HI-MIN Ultimate triple power combination containing abamectin, oxfendazole and levamisole. Most potent control of resistant parasites ensuring maximum productivity. Easy flow formulation, 1 ml/5kg dose rate. Available with Minerals and / or Praziquantel (tape) Newly approved WHT of 14 days Available 5L, 10L and 20L packs Hi-min 20L - $508 excl GST 4000 x 25kg lambs @ 12.7c each TRIMOX Hi-mineral TRIMOX Hi-mineral is the premier of triple combination drenches. Moxidectin/Levamisole/ albendazole Selenium and cobalt Persistent activity: - Ostertagia 21 days - Haemonchus 35 days Able to maintain 4 weekly drenching cycle under strong haemonchus challenge Available 1L, 2.5L, 5L, 10L & 20L pack sizes 28 day meat WHT 10L - $571 excl GST 2000 x 25kg lambs @ 28.5c each (Need to order - not held in stock)
Sheep CLIK SPRAY ON Premium fly products containing the unique active Dicyclanil. Unlike most other fly actives there is currently no known resistance. Clik is mainly used for ewes and replacements and Clikzin for lambs. Clik Spray on - Long term protection of up to 18 weeks - Any length of wool - Rain resistant Spray on convenience - Gun supplied for new users. 20 litre - $977 excl. gst (611 x ewe treatments @ $1.60 each) 2 x 5 litre - $542 excl. gst Sheep Health Calendar October / November Drench lambs if scouring or start at weaning. Use Tape drench. Wean lambs onto clean high quality pasture. Vet check Rams December / January Fly & Lice treatment 3-8 weeks after shearing Trace element check lambs if not thriving (cobalt in particular). Plan / start Facial Eczema prevention Worm drench lambs as required or as determined by faecal egg counts. Order Campylobacter, Toxoplasma and Androvax vaccines for ewes. Check out our website at www.tepukevets.co.nz Toxoplasmosis - The Facts Toxoplasmosis is so common that it is a case of when an abortion outbreak will occur, not if! Φ Occurs everywhere in NZ. Φ Ewe hoggets and two-tooths are most at risk. Φ Any ewe that contacts toxoplasmosis for the first time during pregnancy is likely to lose her lamb. Φ The time that a ewe catches the infection makes a difference to what farmers see: Early Pregnancy - Foetal resorption. Dry at scanning. Mid Pregnancy - Foetal death. Dead aborted lambs. Late Pregnancy - Still born or weak lambs Φ If early pregnancy infection has occurred then the toxo problem may be hidden i.e. more barren or dry ewes than expected. Φ Ewes end up culled because they are thought to be barren. Ewes that have had toxo are in fact fertile and are able to produce healthy lambs in the future. Φ Once a ewe has been infected or vaccinated she is generally immune for the rest of her life. Control Reducing the population of feral cats (the primary source of infectious organisms) is difficult. Most properties have more feral cats than they realise. A single Toxovax vaccination provides lifelong protection. Vaccination costs approximately $2 per shot (not much when spread out over the ewe s lifetime). Vaccination has been shown to increase lambing percentages by up to 8% and decrease dry ewes by an average of 13.5%. Ewes must be vaccinated at least 4 weeks before tupping. It can be administered at the same time as the annual Campyvax booster. Toxovax is a live vaccine and has a short shelf life. It is manufactured weekly and has to be ordered in advance. Eukanuba 20kg Farmer Pack Scientifically formulated for Active & Performance dogs A 20 kg pack feeds a moderately active 20-25kg dog for 90 days Xmas Special - $99.00 excl GST
Signs of Dental Problems Signs of a dental issue that would require immediate attention include: Dropping food from the mouth (quidding) Unusual head carriage/head flicking Weight loss Biting problems Smelly breath Behavioural issues Excessive salivation Swelling of the face Undigested food in the manure Not all horses will show obvious signs of dental issues but most require an annual dental float to keep their mouths healthy and pain free. It is also important to have a dental check -up if introducing a horse to the bit for the first time SPECIAL SPRING OFFER DENTAL FLOAT INCLUDING SEDATION ONLY $95 INC GST (NORMALLY $150) Spring Reminder worms Spring and Autumn are the best times to drench. Most adults only need a couple of drenches per year. Bring your faecal sample to test for parasite eggs or pick up a drench. Ultramox: $36.60 inc GST Tripe action wormer and boticide (two actives against roundworms) Long duration of action. Best for stubborn worm burdens BUY 2 - GET FREE SWEAT SCRAPER Promectin Plus mini: Available in 2 horse sizes Perfect for the difficult to drench horse, pony or donkey. They are 1/4 the volume of your standard wormer Horse size (300 to 600kgs): $18.70 inc Foal, Pony or Donkey size (150 to 300kg): $10.00 inc SEDATION - STRESS FREE FOR HORSE AND OWNER Harry has been Around! Normal Mileage costs apply (shared if multiple owners) Harry was an air hostess in an earlier life. Once, during his days as a Trolley Dolly he was tasked with supplying the ice cream desert for the flight meal. Promotion ends 30.11.17 Unfortunately for Harry he was recovering from a cold at the time and had lost his voice. Clinic Closed Monday 25th December & Tuesday 26th December Monday 1st January & Tuesday 2nd January Monday 29th January (Auckland Anniversary) Tuesday 6th February (Waitangi Day) For emergencies ring 573 7606 What flavours do you have?, asked one of the passengers. Vanilla. Strawberry and chocolate, answered Harry in a hoarse whisper. Do you have laryngitis? the sympathetic passenger asked. No, replied Harry with some effort, just vanilla. strawberry and chocolate.
Calf Drenches Eclipse Pour-On Combination of abamectin & levamisole for superior Cooperia control & treatment of resistance Ideal for young stock up to 15 months of age Quarantine drench for stock changing properties Rainfast 2 hours after treatment Low dose rate 1 ml / 20 kg bodyweight Eprinex Premium pour-on drench for Cattle and Deer: Potent, high safety margin, long lasting Kills Ostertagia, lungworm for 28 days and Cooperia for 21 days. Sucking and Biting lice control Zero Milk, Bobby calf and Meat WHT Arrest C Duel Action Cattle & Sheep Oral Drench Albendazole and Levamisole oral drench Double action slows down resistance. Economic routine drenching for calves & cattle. Genesis Pour-On Trialled and proven under NZ conditions Extended Activity cattle & deer Cost effective, Rainfast, Low volume (1 ml/20 kg) BAYTICOL Pour-on for Tick Control Persistent (3-6 weeks) Rainfast, Nil meat & milk WHT Spring Promo: (ends 31 Dec) - 5L Bayticol $249 excl GST Slashed Prices! - 10L Herdpack $539 excl GST (includes free storage container, applicator and Seresto flea collar - Total value $150) AGVANCE Leading supplier of Minerals, Vitamins and Premixes for NZ farmers. Te Puke Vets supports and supplies a number of Agvance s products including: Solutrace mineral supplement range - Metabolizer Plus 25kg - DCM Plus 25kg Monensin 25kg Monozinc FE & FE PK 20kg We hold a few bags of the above products in stock so if you run out give us a yell. You can also order through us. Prices are the same as direct. BLAZE 5L Pour-on for nuisance flies in cattle Kills and repels flies for up to 4W Nil milk & 28 day meat WHT $464.00 excl GST Working Dog Flea Treatments SERESTO COLLARS Innovative collar provides continuous protection for 8 months. Easy to apply, single application Odour free and Water resistant $71 excl GST (>8kg dog) SPECIAL BRAVECTO CHEWS Convenient, highly palatable chewable tablet Quick acting and lasts 12 weeks Won t rub off and not affected by swimming or bathing $47 excl GST (20-40kg dog) BRAVECTO SPOT ON Unique formulation giving extended 6 months flea control Absorbed into blood stream so dogs able to swim or bathe regularly from 3 days $70 excl GST (20-40kg dog) All three products provide Tick control