Farming Diary by Kirsty Howson, veterinary surgeon, Yan Farm Health, Old Hutton:

I AM writing this whilst trying to warm up after a busy morning scanning on farm - not something I would normally be saying for the end of May!

The UK weather provides challenges to farmers all year round and this spring is no exception. With a long, cold spring interspersed with heavy spells of rain, things have been tricky to say the least! Many cows have been housed for longer than usual due to a lack of spring grass, but winter feed supplies are now running low, meaning we really need some sunshine to get these cattle outside as soon as possible.

From a social perspective, we are all dreaming of some sunshine so we can meet up with friends for a BBQ after a long year of restrictions, whilst the farmers are wishing for some sunshine to help the grass grow and allow silage to be cut at the optimum time. Unfortunately, the patchy weather means silage must be snatched in between the showers. Wet silage is not good for anyone – man or beast!

In addition to the juggle for feed supplies, the spring weather has led to us farm vets being busy fixing a few sick cows the last few weeks. The common ailments have included cows with staggers (a shortage of magnesium) and a few twisted stomachs which happen when the cows do not eat enough to keep their rumens (stomachs) full. As you may have noticed on these cold, wet days, the cows tend to find a hedge to shelter under and do not eat as much as they would on a sunny day. Twisted stomachs most commonly occur in the month or two after calving, when there is more free space in the abdomen now there is not a calf in there and the cow is also getting used to a change in ration. In addition, it is at the point of calving the cows are most at risk of succumbing to several other diseases which also suppress appetite and reduce rumen fills, leaving them more predisposed to twisted stomachs. No farmers want an unwell animal and the saying ‘prevention is better than cure’ is very appropriate on farms. At Yan Farm Health we spend a large proportion of our time focusing on preventative work. This involves monitoring health events and performance and using blood sampling to monitor nutrition and disease status. We then collate this information and, in conjunction with our clients, implement plans and protocols with the aim of better health, welfare and economics on the farm. To find out more about the services Yan Farm Health has to offer please visit: www.yanfarmhealth.co.uk.