Fluke: While it has been a relatively dry grazing year, the last few weeks of grazing have turned wet, especially in the west of the country. In such conditions, fluke can be a real problem on some farms, reducing weight gains and animal performance.

The most recent Department of Agriculture fluke monitoring report suggests that fluke risk is high in the west and southwest, with a moderate risk in the east and south east. You should remain vigilant for the disease and at the very least ask about animals’ livers when slaughtered.

The most common signs of fluke in cattle are poor thrive, loss of condition and, in very advanced stages, bottle jaw and anaemia during the chronic phase.

Triclabendazole-based doses are the only products that can kill early immature, immature and adult liver fluke with an effectiveness of between 90% and 100%. These have been widely used in cattle herds and sheep flocks and this is one of the reasons resistance has developed.

Remember that mature fluke are over eight weeks of age, so if you are using a product that is only active against mature fluke, animals must be housed for at least eight weeks to get high efficiency.

Liver fluke control is very important in autumn/winter-calving cows, as the presence of liver fluke parasites adds to nutritional stress and has the potential to reduce animal performance and delay resumption of cycling. Talk to your vet about a control strategy for your farm, taking into account what products you have used in the past.

Autumn bulls: With autumn-born bulls destined for under-16-month bull beef now on ad-lib feed on many farms, feed management is key to avoid digestive upsets and acidosis.

Access to fibre in the form of straw or silage is also important. Make sure these animals have clear access to clean fresh water every day as intakes can drop quickly where water becomes an issue. At drafting, try to select a pen at a time as mixing will result in fighting and injury. Take care when loading bulls and make sure all gates are secured before loading. With less of an appetite out there for young bulls, it’s important to discuss the route to market with your processor and their weight requirements.

First-calving heifer nutrition and health: Pay attention to first-calving heifers and their body condition score in the shed. This is especially important for autumn-calving heifers sucking calves.

Heifers can lose condition quickly and this will result in delayed resumption of cycling and poor conception rates. If silage quality is poor, first-calved heifers should be getting 2-3kg/day of a good-quality ration, high in energy. If you can separate these heifers out into a pen on their own, it will make meal feeding easier and prevent bullying.

Make sure you are on top of worm and fluke control with this group as well, as any stress or burden will result in body condition loss. It’s especially critical when calving at two years old.