Kihoro Vet world.254

23/01/2025

can be caused by a number of conditions, including:

Also known as " ", this condition causes a bluish-white opacity to develop on the surface of the eye within a few days. Other symptoms include excessive tearing, blinking, and pain from sunlight. Treatment involves a combination of antibiotics and steroids injected subconjunctivally.

A 2009 article in Vet Rec suggests that blue eyes in calves may be associated with bluetongue infection.

This disease can cause corneal opacities, or blue eyes, to appear late in the course of the disease. The opacities may disappear on their own as the inflammation resolves. There is no treatment for blue eye disease, but symptomatic treatment can be given for inflammatory and respiratory signs.
(IBK)
In severe cases of IBK, the cornea can become opaque and hazy white to blue, which can blind the animal in the affected eye.

23/01/2025

A cow's pregnancy has three stages: first, second, and third trimesters. The pregnancy lasts about nine months, or .

The first trimester lasts from the beginning of pregnancy to three months.

The second trimester lasts from three to six months.
The calf's muscle development begins, and its internal organs grow and develop.
Weaning usually occurs during this stage.

The third trimester lasts from six to nine months.
The calf grows more rapidly, and its need for nutrients and supplements increases.
Most of the calf's growth occurs during this stage.

Most cows will give birth without assistance if the calf is normally presented and the pelvic area is large enough.
A calf that is abnormally presented may need assistance calving.
Nahashon Waithaka Kihoro Vet world.254

23/01/2025

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Rahhy Wawesh, Shamallah Elvin, Margaret Nginga, Moreen Mururi, Pesh Mwangi, Shantel Shi, Chris Dairy Farm

10/01/2025

Good evening family. Still on day 10/365.
Today le'me discuss dairy feed formulation for better milk production:

DAIRY COW FEED FORMULATION:
3 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR BETTER MILK PRODUCTION

Proper feeding of dairy cows is the foundation of high milk yield, better cow health, and profitability. Here’s how to get it right:

1. Ensure a Balanced Diet with Proper Nutrient Ratios:

Key Ingredients: Forages (silage, hay), grains (corn, barley), and protein supplements (soybean meal).

Recommended Diet Composition:

Forages:
60-70% of total diet (for fiber to support digestion).

Concentrates (grains and protein):
30-40% to meet energy and protein needs.

Minerals:
Add a premix of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Vitamins:
Include A, D, and E for immune health and reproduction.

Practical Method:

Use Total Mixed Ration (TMR) to blend all ingredients uniformly, ensuring cows receive the same diet in every bite.

Aim for 16-18% crude protein in the diet for lactating cows.

2. Provide Adequate and Quality Water:

Water Requirements:
Dairy cows need 100 liters (26 gallons) of water daily, increasing to 150 liters (40 gallons) during hot weather or high milk production.

Why Water Matters:
Milk is 87% water, so insufficient water directly impacts milk yield.

Practical Tips:

Ensure water troughs are always full, clean, and easily accessible (1 trough for every 10 cows).

Test water quality for contaminants like nitrates and ensure a neutral pH (6.5-8.5).

Keep water temperature moderate (avoid freezing or overheating).

3. Monitor Body Condition and Adjust Feeding Regularly:

Body Condition Scoring (BCS):

Use a scoring system (1 = very thin, 5 = overweight).
Ideal BCS: 2.5 to 3.5 for dairy cows.

Feeding Adjustments by Stage:

Early Lactation (0-100 days):
High energy diets with more concentrates.

Mid Lactation (100-200 days):
Maintain balance between forage and concentrate.

Late Lactation (>200 days):
Increase forages and reduce concentrates.

Dry Period:
F

05/01/2025

, also known as , is a bacterial infection of the umbilical cord and surrounding tissues in calves. It's the third most common disease in newborn calves, after respiratory and digestive diseases.
Omphalitis

Enlarged, painful umbilicus, discharge, fever, depression, and refusal to suck

Contamination of the umbilical cord by environmental bacteria

Poor calving and calf housing, failure to transfer passive immunity, and umbilical cord management

Antibiotic therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and drainage of abscesses
Here are some ways to help prevent omphalitis:
Ensure mother cows are vaccinated to boost their immunity
Ensure calves receive enough good quality colostrum
Keep calving pastures clean and dry
Dip the navel in a 50:50 mixture of 70% and
Closely monitor calves for signs of illness
You should not try to lance umbilical swellings at home, as this can lead to complications. If you notice an umbilical swelling, you should seek advice from a veterinarian.

14/04/2024

17/11/2023

Polymelia

15/10/2023