DairyCo

Cattle purchasing checks made easier

Published 3 April 09

Cattle purchasing checks made easier

As disease risks change it can be hard to know exactly which questions to ask when buying new cattle.  Taking this into account, DairyCo's Cattle Purchasing Checklist has been thoroughly revised and re-written to incorporate new diseases and factors to check when making cattle purchases, enabling farmers to manage potential disease risks.

The list has been fully endorsed by the BCVA, and vet and Junior Vice President of the association, Keith Cutler, has played a key role in the writing of a new section which explains the diseases to ask about and what the potential impact of these on your farm could be.

Information includes details of the various tests that can be done, and explains what the results mean.  "The list has been written to explain the sort of biosecurity risks involved when buying stock," explains Brian Lindsay, head of research and development at DairyCo, "and how you can reduce that risk and manage it better if it is an issue.

"The checklist is designed to support farmers in the purchasing process, helping to make sure that the correct questions are asked.  It means that farmers considering purchasing cattle can find out what potential risks there may be, and discuss how these can be managed with their vet."
The new information comes in a practical booklet together with a notepad checklist that can be used repeatedly.  To order a copy call 01285 646510 or email publications@dairyco.org.uk.

Ends

Date 6 April 2009

For further information:
N:    Sarah McGregor
T:    01285 646503
E:    sarah.mcgregor@dairyco.org.uk

Notes for Editors:

DairyCo is a division of the statutory levy board, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
DairyCo's current focus is on improving the profitability of dairy farming by focusing on four specific areas:
•    Provision of high quality market information to help farmers and their representatives make the most of dairy markets and opportunities.
•    Helping dairy farmers increase their profits while meeting regulatory and environmental requirements - through the provision of world class research programmes and practical on-farm tools and services
•    Helping promote the positive perception of dairy farming with the general public.
•    The development of DairyCo activities towards a self-sustaining model.

DairyCo is funded entirely by milk producers, via a statutory levy on all milk sold off-farm, at the rate of 0.06p per litre.  This provides an annual income of around £6.5m.