Recent Issues

SHEEP FEEDLOTS | DR JARRED MORRIS BVSc MSc (Agric)

April 27, 2024

Introduction Sheep feedlots represent a specialized and efficient system of raising weaner lambs for meat production in an intensive environment. Lambs are placed into feedlot pens, where they are fed a carefully formulated ration to optimize feedlot performance. Average daily gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and carcass parameters should be measured. Due […]

SAVE THE DATE | FEEDLOT INFORMATION DAY | 19 JULY 2024

April 22, 2024

Ringworm

September 4, 2023

Do your calves have these strange hairless circular spots? It is a ringworm.Are you saying you get worms found in the skin? No, not to worry because ringworm is a fungal infection of the hair and surface layers of the skin. So, is it of much importance? Ringworm causes economic losses by affecting growth rates, especially […]

Lumpy Jaw in Cattle

September 4, 2023

Lumpy jaw is a disease of the jawbone caused by a bacterial infection called Actinomyces bovis. These bacteria form part of the normal flora in the mouth of ruminants. So then how does it cause disease? The bacteria enter the soft tissue of the mouth through open wounds. These wounds can be caused by foreign […]

March 2, 2021

FLORKEM | CEVA

January 27, 2021

Neonatal Calf Diarrhoea

Calf diarrhoea as a complex is caused by a number of different micro organisms including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. Classification of different aetiological causes is best done by determining the age of the calf when the diarrhoea begins. Week one of age: E.coli E.coli infections also known as Colibacillosis or calf scours is a bacterial infection resulting in moderate to severe yellow pasty diarrhoea in one week old calves. The onset of dehydration and death occurs rapidly in such cases. Diagnosis: A tentative diagnosis is often made from presenting clinical signs as well as the macroscopic appearance of the faeces as well as the age of the calf (yellow/grey colour). A definitive diagnosis is made on bacterial culture. Treatment: Symptomatic treatment to maintain the calf’s hydration status is recommended. The use of antibiotics is warranted in these cases. Antimicrobial resistance is becoming an ever-growing problem, meaning our antibiotics need to be reserved as much as possible. Antibiotics in the Sulphonamide group (Maxisulf, Norotrim and Sulfatrim) as well as the Flouroquinolone group (Baytril) are often effective against E. coli infections.

However, it is always recommended to submit faecal samples to a registered laboratory for bacterial culture and antibiogram. The antibiogram will tell us which antibiotics work effectively against E. coli. *It is important to note that Baytril is not a first line antimicrobial and must always be used sparingly. Prevention: Prevention is always better than cure! Vaccination of Heifers (8 weeks and then 4 weeks prior to […]