Cattle
Practical Pointers When Investigating Abortions in Cattle and Sheep
Abortion investigations in cattle and sheep can be frustrating, time-pressured, and often unrewarding if the wrong samples are collected — or none at all. When whole foetuses and placentas cannot be submitted, targeted sampling can still provide strong diagnostic value. Here is a practical guide to help maximise diagnostic yield while managing client expectations and lab workflow.…
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 30/01/2026
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Low Energy Silage in 2025: What It Means for Herd and Flock Performance
Results from over 1,000 new-season silage samples across Scotland are highlighting a significant nutritional challenge for the year ahead. Data compiled by SAC Consulting from 1,022 silage submissions in 2025 shows a widespread reduction in metabolisable energy (ME), with important implications for both cattle and sheep enterprises.…
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 30/01/2026
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Long Bone Deformity: Now Is the Time to Act
Our vets saw several cases of Long Bone Deformity (LBD) this calving season. Read more about the disease and how it can be prevented with practical tips from our Dumfries team.…
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 16/10/2025
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Watch Your Hedges and Ditches: The Hidden Danger of Hemlock
A reminder to vets and livestock keepers to be vigilant for the signs of hemlock poisoning.…
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 19/09/2025
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New Dairy BVD Negative Programme Launching October 2025
An update on the new CHeCS Dairy BVD Negative programme.…
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 19/09/2025
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Increased Risk of Perennial Ryegrass Staggers this Autumn
There is an increased risk of perennial rygrass staggers this Aurumn as a result of fungal growth.…
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 17/09/2025
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Schmallenberg update for SW Scotland
2023 saw evidence of significant spread of Schmallenberg through large areas of England and Wales with resultant impact on flock and herd fertility and the birth of deformed lambs and calves. Scotland remained largely unaffected with very limited evidence of exposure through antibody testing or clinical disease seen. …
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 09/01/2025
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Cases of interest
As 2024 draws to a close it is not long now before we pass the shortest day and move into 2025, and we wish you all some time off to enjoy at least part of the festive season. Please note that the laboratory in Edinburgh is closed on the 25th & 26th December and the 1st & 2nd of January.…
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 17/12/2024
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Achieving a more targeted BVD Check Test
Scotland’s BVD eradication scheme requires all breeding herds to update their BVD status annually. The Check Test suits some herds very well and when vets are allowed to implement it properly, it is an extremely reliable test for BVD exposure.…
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 22/11/2024
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Ruminal acidosis
At this time of year, it is not uncommon to see cases of ruminal acidosis, this is often due to dietary changes associated with reduced grazing or housing.…
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 22/11/2024
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Parasite disease update November 2024 – South West Scotland
It is always interesting and challenging to predict the seasonal variations in parasite disease risk. This year is no exception and the often used phase ‘test and don’t guess’ is particularly relevant.…
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 21/11/2024
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Revolutionizing Health Risk Management for Beef and Sheep Farmers: A New Web-App for Vets
HerdPlan, funded by the Scottish Government and developed by SRUC’s Veterinary Services team, enables UK vets and farmers to work together to create proactive health plans to improve productivity and increase income on farm. …
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 08/10/2024
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