Global dairy industry experts to speak at 2009 Large Herd Seminar
Leading experts in dairy herd management, research, nutrition and health will deliver a range of fascinating presentations covering a wide range of topical issues at this year’s Large Herd Seminar. Entitled ’Looking after the cow - Getting it right’, it will be held at Woodbury Park Hotel, Golf and Country Club near Exeter on Tuesday 30th June and Wednesday 1st July.
Aimed at forward-thinking dairy farmers, herd managers and veterinary surgeons, the seminar will provide delegates with the latest information to make their businesses more profitable. Organised by Lillico Attlee, one of the UK’s largest privately-owned agricultural merchants, together with the Evidence Based Veterinary Consultancy, it is sponsored by Intervet Schering Plough, Arm & Hammer, Alta Genetics, Micron Bio-Systems, VistaVet and Zinpro.
Amongst the speakers is world-renowned expert Professor Ric Grummer, Professor and Chair of the Department of Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin, who will discuss the implementation of best practice and monitoring of metabolic disease. Professor Grummer will be joined by Professor Robert Van Saun, Professor and Extension Veterinarian in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at Pennsylvania State University, who will focus on the use of metabolic profiles in assessing transition cow health status, while Professor Stephen Acres will give delegates advice on colostrum management to improve health and long term performance.
’Immunity, fertility and performance - getting it right’, the evening session on Tuesday, will be of particular interest to veterinary surgeons and focus on immune response and the metabolic problems which impact on fertility. Four presentations will focus on the links between mastitis and fertility, the association between nutrition, reproduction and immunity, the effects of negative energy balance on immune function, together with fertility/metabolic disorders and their influence on fertility.
The Large Herd Seminar on Wednesday, ’Looking after the cow - Getting it right’, will include eight presentations covering four main areas, all of which impact on cow fertility. The first session will consider how to get the cow off to the best possible start, together with the predictors and monitoring of metabolic disease. In Session 2, the speakers will consider the economic impact of milk prices and feed costs on nutrition and how to exploit the information available on dairy farms by using a team approach to improve management and unit economics, while Session 3 will focus on monitoring heifers to improve performance and managing colostrum to improve health and long-term performance.
The final session will update delegates on the progress which has been made in reducing lameness and consider the hidden challenge posed by SARA.
The 2009 Large Herd Seminar will provide a stimulating environment for practical dairy professionals. Delegate places are limited and early booking is advisable.
Tickets for the evening seminar cost £50, inclusive of dinner, while those for the Large Herd Seminar are £75, although a subsidised rate of £25 is available for dairy farmers and managers. Delegates can attend both sessions for £225, inclusive of overnight accommodation. Places can be reserved by calling Lillico Attlee on 01622 718062.
