Omagh dairy farmers see the benefits of Animal Health Challenge

Richard Fulton has a dairy herd near Seskinore, four miles from Omagh. After participating in the Animal Health Challenge Richard focused on identifying the causes of mastitis and how to reduce cases in his herd.  As some of the farmers in the group commented “healthy udder, healthy profits”.  The programme highlighted the importance of regular servicing of the milking machine especially changing the teat liners at the recommended 2,500 milkings.  This simple action has helped teat condition and will reduce the susceptibility to mastitis.  Richard feels this is an area that many farmers neglect, particularly at a time when dairy margins are squeezed.  He pointed out that this was a false saving as not maintaining the milk parlour costs more in the long term.

Thomas O’Kane farms at Drumlegagh.  Thomas commented that the programme was very informative and beneficial for his dairy business. Attending the “Challenge” provided him with the opportunity to discuss with the vet. and other dairy farmers issues relating to mastitis prevention.  In the current economic climate any improvement in efficient detection and treatment of disease is financially very beneficial.

Drew McConnell farms at Carrigans, Omagh overlooking the Strule Valley. On completion of the Mastitis unit of the Animal Health Challenge Drew felt he had a better understanding of the latest technologies available to identify cows with mastitis.  It also gave him an insight into the different types of mastitis and the most cost effective treatments available.  Drew found this beneficial in reducing costs as clearly shown through his ongoing dairy benchmarking.

Discussing mastitis control are (from left) Drew McConnell (Omagh dairy farmer), Gordon Grey MRCVS (veterinary surgeon), Jane Sayers (CAFRE dairy development adviser) and Richard Fulton (Seskinore dairy farmer).  

Gordon Grey MRCVS (veterinary surgeon), Jane Sayers (CAFRE dairy development adviser) and Thomas O’Kane (Omagh dairy farmer  assessing dairy cow milk records.