Hey, I’m James, a mixed animal vet based in Winton, with the odd few days in the Invercargill clinic ..read more

Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), commonly called “twisted gut”, is one of the most important reasons that proven, hard working dogs are lost from your farm team. It has long been reported to be more common in deep chested, large breeds of dogs. It frequently happens in Huntaway dogs, but only occasionally in Heading dogs.Across all dog breeds, there is a higher incidence of GDV in male dogs than in females. Other predisposing factors leading to the condition include:Being underweight ..read more

Ovine embryo transfer (E.T.) has been around for a while now and creates a fast way of improving the genetic gains of a sheep flock.The process provides the possibility for a top ewe, with prime genetics, to reproduce a lot more lambs than what she would be able to naturally. There are two options available:You can buy embryos to introduce new genetics to your flock and implant them in your recipient ewes: 'Embryo Transfer' (E.T.).You can use your own donor ewes with exc ..read more

Long-acting drench capsules have been part of sheep farming history on some southern farms, and now we face a future without them. Some drench capsules are currently under review and we expect this to take some time. But, don’t despair - this change may save your bacon when it comes to drench resistance!There is no doubt that providing parasite control for 100 days during lambing and lactation supports ewes to make more milk, maintain their condition and grow bigger lambs. However, we can ..read more

If we can be successful at avoiding parasites, we will be able to farm into the future without the need to rely so heavily on drenches to keep our stock healthy! If you're farming with resistance, or wanting to avoid resistance, AVOID THE PARASITES. No matter where you are on the journey, it's important!Here are some tips on how to achieve this over the next few months:Getting rid of young stockHopefully your works stock is all gone, or leaving very soon. Getting rid of young stock early wi ..read more

Just as with sheep and cattle, scanning your hinds can give you valuable information for the season ahead and also allow for some short-term decisions to be made.Ideally, you are aiming for a 99% in-calf rate for mixed-age hinds, and at least 95% for two year-olds. If you are not hitting these targets, then it is important to look into your mating plan, trace elements and hind condition. Having a discussion with your vet will also be hugely valuable.With any empty hinds, a decision nee ..read more

Every farmer is continually assessing risk vs opportunity and shearing decisions are no different.We see many shearing decisions being tweaked in the current farming climate. It's all part of the reassessment process that we go through to assist with maximum production from minimal cost.Shearing ewes during the winter must be well planned out - feed and shelter are essentials that must be available ..read more

It's the time of year when most farmers will not have too many lambs left, but, we do still see some around. What’s the plan for them and what do you need to consider?If you're wanting to hold onto them to get some heavier lambs late in the season, just make sure that they are NOT eating feed that your ewes need!Ewe feeding through the winter and late gestation is super important for next year's lamb crop, so just be careful not to jeopardise this.If you don't have enough feed for your lambs ..read more

A sudden large lump discovered on your horse can be quite distressing when first noticed. This is probably going to be a haematoma. A haematoma is a solid swelling of clotted blood within the tissues. They occur from trauma to an area (often a kick from another horse) and are commonly found on the chest (between the front legs) and also on the hindquarters (down the back legs).The swelling that follows the trauma can vary from firm to fluctuant and localised pain and heat may also ..read more

Horse’s teeth continually erupt throughout their lifetime, which means that regular dentistry is essential to prevent and identify problems ..read more