Lionel's Vet

For livestock farmers, there are few periods more important than calving and lambing season. The arrival of healthy young animals represents the future of the herd or flock. However, the first few hours and days of life can also be among the most vulnerable. Cold, hunger, dehydration, infection and digestive problems can quickly affect a newborn animal that does not receive the right care.

As temperatures rise and spring conditions return, livestock farmers need to start thinking ahead about parasite control.

Disease outbreaks can have devastating consequences for livestock producers. Apart from animal losses, disease can disrupt production, restrict the movement and sale of animals, increase veterinary costs and place the long-term sustainability of a farming operation at risk.