BBSE are ideally performed prior to putting the bull in. The bull is 50% of the herd therefore a problematic bull can have severe repercussions. Usually, a bull is tested 1 month prior to work which gives time for a replacement to be found. The bull is given a general health check alongside a testicle and internal sexual organs examination.

The bull is then ejaculated using the EEJ (electro-ejaculator) to produce a semen sample. The sample is analysed on farm using a microscope to assess the motility of the sperm. A further morphological examination is required back as the surgery for the complete sperm evaluation. Libido and mating ability are not assessed.

Yearly reviews are an important part of any business, farming included. It gives time to take stock, looking at positives and scrutinise the negatives. It shouldn’t be seen as a box ticking exercise and can aid in your farming goal. At health reviews, we start with a farm walk to assess your aims, needs, restrictions etc and get a general feel of the running of the farm. We then sit down to discuss the farm and look at different aspects of the farm in more depth, usually after discussions on the walk.

A written report is then produced with the positives and a maximum of 3 aspects to focus on. Reviews are relaxed and we are wanting to work alongside you, not criticize without practical solutions.

These are often run alongside yearly reviews as often corelate to disease problems. With the increased concern of antibiotic resistance and pressure on farmers to look at antibiotic usage, we aim to give helpful advice in reducing antibiotic usage. 2 main areas are looked at. 1 – Reduce the use in animals that don’t require antibiotics.

These include the prophylactic treatments of lambs at birth or cattle at purchase. 2 – Reduce the requirements for antibiotics. A sick animal requires treatment, however, by preventing the chance of the animal becoming sick (vaccination, ventilation, culling etc), less sick animals mean less antibiotics used.