This week we have undergone training from Kersia on the use of their disinfectants and detergents for animal health and hygiene.  The Kilco Ecofoam and Cyclex combined give your livestock the best possible start in life aiding the management of coccoidiosis and cryptosporidiosis, we stock both of these as well as Virophor 2.8% disinfectant approved by DEFRA for surfaces and foot dip applications.

This video advises on the best way to use the Kilco products to manage disease simple steps to good hygiene video

KERSIA CALF HEALTH AND HYGIENE

A successful calf rearing system aims to produce a healthy calf which is capable of optimum performance throughout its life.

To ensure the calf gets a healthy start, the aim is to minimise the calf’s exposure to disease, and maximise its defence against disease. Maximising its defence against disease will mean ensuring adequate colostrum or colostrum substitute is fed to give antibody protection in the gut. In minimising a calf’s exposure to disease, providing a clean, disease-free environment is fundamental.

This involves:

·        Having protocols to ensure adequate colostrum is fed in the first 24 hours and a thorough cleaning and disinfection program, before and during the calving season, of all areas used by calves is followed.

·        Providing a clean, straw-bedded lying area with no draughts and good ventilation.

·        Ad lib fresh water is available.

·        Rearing in batches so that young calves are never mixed with or accommodated in areas used by older calves.

The calf rearing sector should be a key part of the overall Herd Health Plan including biosecurity, vaccination and culling of carrier animals to address disease problems.

If you would like more information on the Kersia/Kilco range of products and advise please ask in store.