We have now reached the time of year when the breeding season has come to an end on most farms. It has been a good year so far; the weather has been kind and plenty of fodder has been made for next winter. Most of the hard work for the year is done and it is time for holidays and relaxation on most farms.

However, as in any business, preparation and planning for next year is crucial. From a management point of view, it is essential to establish how the breeding season went. This is where ultrasound scanning can be very useful. The farmer then knows what to expect from next year’s calving season and can plan accordingly. To get the best information, for example expected calving date or rate of twins, cows should be scanned 35 to 40 days after the breeding season ends. Generally speaking, the later the cows are scanned, the less information that can be gleaned. In fact, the only information that can be got from scanning in November and December is whether the cow is in-calf or not. Knowing how many pregnant animals you have allows for proper forward planning.

Another issue that arises at this time of year is summer mastitis. This is usually seen in dry or cull cows and in-calf heifers. It can be very sickening and painful, and will set a cull cow back a few months. Any in-calf heifer that gets infected is generally a write-off as a future milking cow. Warm weather and flies are the main predisposing factors, so good and regular fly treatment is the best way to prevent summer mastitis.

Some people place stockholm tar on the udders, but this is messy and labour-intensive – not the type of job you want on a nice summer day.

With a number of topical fly spot-ons available, and lots of flies out, it is a good time to get any at-risk heifers or cows treated now.

Edwin Murphy works at Adare Veterinary Surgery, Adare, Co Limerick. Adare Veterinary surgery is part of XLVets, a group of progressive practices who are working together to achieve a better future for agriculture and veterinary in Ireland. For more information see www.xlvets.ie.