Devon Dairy Vets

17/07/2026

🐄🐄On Day 3 of GB Calf Week we talk a bit about weighing 🐄🐄

Regular weighing will provide invaluable data to see how your calves are growing and at what rate at different key stages.

Every stage until calving has its own optimal and most economical growth curve.

Do you know how fast they should be growing when? and why?

Get in touch if you want to know more about a bespoke calf and youngstock rearing plan. From newborn to calving!

16/07/2026

🐄Only 1 week to go until our calving course, and we still have a few places available!🐄

This course is aimed at anyone involved with calving cows and suitable for all levels of experience. 🐄🐂

Ingrid has been calving cows for over 20 years and has been teaching both farm staff and vet students with great enthusiasm.

We can also run this course (or anything else) on farm to get all your staff involved, so that everyone has the tools to the make the right decisions around calving cows.

Get in touch to book your place!

16/07/2026

📢Further cases of Bluetongue confirmed, 1st case in Devon‼️

Be Vigilant for signs of Bluetongue and report it if you suspect it.

Have a look at the video to remind yourself of the clinical signs or click below⬇️

https://ahdb.org.uk/clinical-signs-of-bluetongue

For the latest information look at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bluetongue-latest-situation

Vaccination is the only way to prevent Bluetongue. Vaccines are available.

16/07/2026

🐄🐄On Day 2 of GB Calf week we talk a bit about colostrum🐄🐄

There is plenty of data that we can collect on famr to get an insight into the effectiveness of colostrum management.

👇AHDB has some great resources. Check out the Calf Management guide, if you haven't already:👇

https://projectblue.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/Imported%20Publication%20Docs/Dairy/CalfManagementGuide2023_230921_WEB.pdf

15/07/2026

🐄🐄Today marks the start of GB Calf week 2026. 🐄🐄

This year’s theme is Smarter Starts: Making data-driven decisions about every calf.

The focus is on how good data can guide everyday decisions that shape youngstock performance, from bull selection and nutrition to health, housing and market options. 👀

Every day we will post a bit of information about the various aspects of Calf rearing that we can monitor.

We need to monitor and use the data to make informed decision to improve calf health.

We are starting today with the time BEFORE the calf is born.

The part that Bull selection has to play and how the Dam influences calf health.

We can use Bull data, EBV's for calving ease, PLI to make sure we breed a profitable calf that will come into the world without any calving difficulties.

We can collect data from Dry and Fresh cows to see how the Dry Period is performing. We can take blood samples of the Dam to check BHB and NEFA levels to give us an idea whether the diet and management is working. We can check mineral levels of dry cows and heifers to make sure they are not deficient in Selenium or Iodine for example, which can have an effect on calf vigour. Is (subclinical) milk fever under control? Do the cows have the correct BCS and are they managing to maintain these?

A succesfull transition will also mean good quality and quantity of colostrum.

Data-driven decisions for healthy calves starts with their Sire and Dam.

Check back tomorrow when we will talk a bit about the liquid gold!

14/07/2026

📢 First case of Bluetongue confirmed in England‼️

Familiarise yourself with the clinical signs below, as this is a notifiable disease🐑🐄

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue

For more information on the latest sitation and a UK map click on the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bluetongue-latest-situation

Any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch

-3

13/07/2026

Great British Calf Week 2026 starts this Wednesday the 15th of July🐄

This year’s theme is Smarter Starts: Making data-driven decisions about every calf.

The focus is on how good data can guide everyday decisions that shape youngstock performance, from bull selection and nutrition to health, housing and market options.

Use the link below and keep an eye 👀out for any events near you:

https://ahdb.org.uk/gb-calf-week

11/07/2026

Really happy with the embroidered work wear! Thank you to Tracey and Ash from Edge Stitch + Print for doing a wonderful job!

08/07/2026

Quick thinking and great first aid skills from our farm clients!

02/07/2026

Join us at Sedgemoor Market on Monday 6th July, 7pm to discuss the bTB Control strategy for England!

Join us at Sedgemoor Market on Monday 6th July, 7pm to discuss the bTB Control strategy for England!

TBAS Technical Director, Sarah Tomlinson, will be joined by:
•Viv Sellick, NBA bTB committee chair
•Ed Simmons BVetMed MRCVS, British Cattle Veterinary Association
• Irene Cristofaro, Veterinary Director, Animal & Plant Health Agency.
• Tom Handley, Head of Wildlife Policy for Defra.
• Dr Lindsay Heasman, member of the TB Partnership & manager of both VESBA (East Sussex) and the new Badger Vaccination Field Force.

All Farmers & Vets are welcome to join! Please contact Sedgemoor market office, 01278 410278, to advise if you are attending.

Look forward to seeing you there.