Publications

Bull selection is a vital part of breeding replacements. Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) are a valuable tool to help us select the best bull for the job.  If breeding heifer replacements key maternal traits to look for include milk and calving ease.  This Technical Note provides an overview of the maternal trait EBVs and Indexes available, and how to interpret and use them to select the best bulls for your herd.  

The health of your herd or flock is paramount to every farmer and crofter. To ensure the complete wellbeing of all your stock it is advisable to carry out a…

Good heat detection is key to achieving good fertility in dairy herds.  Many forms of heat detection aids are available, the most sophisticated being automated devices which record & monitor…

With fertiliser costs rising and emissions from manure spreading being under scrutiny we take a look at how technology can be used to maximise the value of manures.  In this…

In a new video in our series looking at advice and guidance for people who want to make a new start with agriculture, Agricultural Consultant Hazel Laughton takes you through…

This vlog from Thankerton Camp shows how the yield analysis of the 3 forage crops was calculated in preparation for the cattle being introduced mid-November. This will help Michael work…

In the latest of our livestock monthly podcasts episodes hosted by Beef Specialist Robert Ramsay of SAC Consulting, we talk beef with Veterinary Investigation Officer, Alwyn Jones of SRUC Veterinary…

Summary Nutrition and body condition of the suckler cow has a very important role to play in ensuring the cow successfully delivers and rears a calf every year. Nutrition around…

Introduction to Metabolic Profiling Metabolic profiling involves blood testing cows at key times of the production cycle to assess nutritional status. It is often used as a management tool in…