Farmers urged to review dry cow nutrition as grazing shortages and heat stress increase pre-calving risks

DAIRY farmers preparing autumn-calving cows are being urged to pay close attention to pre-calving nutrition as prolonged hot and dry weather reduces grazing availability and increases the risk of heat stress.

Dr Alison Bond, Technical Services Manager at Rumenco, said the six to eight weeks before calving were particularly important, with farmers needing to maintain suitable body condition and address any nutritional deficiencies.

She said: “Milking cows will naturally be front of mind when farmers are assessing grazing and rationing, but it is important not to forget the dry cows.

“Farmers should assess body condition during late lactation and adjust drying-off dates where necessary. Cows in poorer condition may need to be dried off earlier, with the aim of calving at around body condition score three and in optimum health.”

Where grass is limited, Dr Bond said farmers may need to consider housing dry cows and feeding a ration based on good-quality silage with appropriate supplements.

Careful nutrition during the dry period can help cows make a smooth transition from pregnancy into lactation and reduce the likelihood of problems including difficult calvings, milk fever, mastitis and retained placentas.

It can also affect fertility after calving and the quality of colostrum provided to newborn calves.

Dr Bond said: “Good-quality colostrum is essential during the calf’s most vulnerable period. It helps to prime the immune system and provides protection against challenges such as scour and respiratory disease.

“With the added pressure of heat stress and possible disruption to forage supplies, closer attention to the needs of dry cows will be particularly important this year.”

Farmers who have moved cattle indoors are advised to provide good-quality forage and, where possible, have it analysed for its mineral and trace element content so that any deficiencies can be identified.

Dr Bond said shortages of forage, or changes in its quality, could leave cows more vulnerable to deficiencies in minerals and trace elements during the weeks before calving.

Rumenco recommends using a specialist pre-calving supplement where necessary. The company produces LIFELINE Pre-Calver, available as a mineral bucket or crumb, which is designed to supply vitamins, minerals and trace elements to cows before calving.

The company says the product contains a low-calcium and high-magnesium balance intended to reduce the risk of milk fever and difficult calvings.

Rumenco also says trials have shown improvements in colostrum quality of up to 20 per cent, although farmers should seek independent nutritional or veterinary advice when deciding what supplementation is appropriate for their herd.

Dr Bond added: “Ensuring cows receive the nutrition they need is recommended best practice, particularly when they are facing additional stresses such as extreme heat and reduced grazing.

“Taking action before calving can support the health of the cow, improve calf vigour and help protect future fertility and milk production.”

Community order revoked following failures to comply on two consecutive nights

A CARDIGAN man has been resentenced after admitting breaches of a court-imposed curfew.

Daniel Saunders, aged 28, of Golwg y Castell, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 13.

The court heard that Saunders had failed to comply with a community order imposed by Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Magistrates’ Court on November 19, 2025.

He breached the curfew requirement on December 12 and again on December 13, and failed to provide acceptable evidence explaining the breaches within the required period.

Magistrates revoked the original community order and resentenced Saunders under a separate case reference.

A warrant previously issued by Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court in February was withdrawn following his appearance.

The register provided to the media does not state the terms of the new sentence.

Milford Haven woman and Pembroke Dock man failed to appear before magistrates

ARREST warrants have been issued for two Pembrokeshire defendants accused of breaching court orders.

Sarah Childe, aged 43, of Milford Haven, was due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 13.

She is accused of failing, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a community order imposed by the same court on March 31.

The alleged breaches relate to a missed probation office appointment on May 28 and a missed appointment with the Nelson Trust on June 23.

Childe was not present in court and magistrates issued a warrant for her arrest without bail.

A separate warrant was issued for Stefan Sheeham, aged 34, of Pembroke Dock.

Sheeham is accused of breaching a suspended sentence order imposed by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on January 14, 2025.

The alleged breaches relate to a missed probation appointment on December 10, 2025, and a missed programme session on May 26 this year.

He also failed to attend Monday’s hearing.

Magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest without bail, with both warrants allocated to police for execution.

The allegations have not yet been proved in court.
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