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Animal Health
This chapter contains information on animal The selection process over the last 100 years has led to higher
health and it covers a wide range of infor- yielding animals within an environment that is modified from
their natural habitat. A cow in the wild was designed to
mation from management to ensure good
generally raise 1 calf to weaning per year, which equates to
animal health followed by specific problems, production of around 100kg milk solids. We are trying to now
their causes and characteristics, prevention extract >400kgMS/cow, 4 times what it was designed to do.
measures, and treatment for acute cases. We make cows walk around farms to and from cowsheds.
Material was gathered from many sources, They are designed to roam and forage quietly and slowly. The
and many people have given us information rumen is typically designed to break down fibrous, bulky and
starchy feeds through bacteria and microorganisms, and we
and treatments that has worked for them. It
are changing the diet radically to a more soluble carbohydrate/
is collection of information to help you better protein base. Cows were not native to NZ. We now have
understand aspects of animal health and some animals modified through selection with greater demands put
options you have. We do not claim to have on them. The following section will give information on some
found every treatment, and we do not claim of the things you need to do to create the healthiest possible
to have used them all. They are guidelines only. environment for your animals.
Any treatment could be succesful depending Because of the demands on animals today, there is a need for
on appropriate materials, knowledge and better management to enable the production levels expected
to be achieved: management of pastures, ensuring the animals
method of administration at the time.
have adequate grass and water, and that they are well fed at
all times. Good stockmanship is also important for the physical
At all times, however, we must remember our obliga- and mental well being of the animals.
tions to provide the five freedoms under the Animal
Observations are also important. Stand back and look at the
Welfare Act Code of Practice:
whole picture. Ask yourself questions and find possible reasons
1. Proper and sufficient food and water and answers, then look for the solutions. Why did this happen
2. Adequate shelter and when? What has caused this? What options do I have to
solve this problem? Which ones do I use or try? Who can I talk
3. The opportunity to display normal patterns of
to? What can I do to prevent it happening again?
behaviour
Often a problem surfaces, and if you stand back for a while
4. Appropriate physical handling
to see what happens and observe (instead of using first aid
5. Protection from, and rapid diagnosis of injury and immediately) the problem sorts itself out. That does not mean,
disease however, that you have right to let an animal suffer. Some
animals do not have the natural ability to fit into an organic
regime and this usually comes out as an animal health problem.
The suggestion is that if that animal shows repeated weakness,
Animal health and stock cull or sell her, and question whether to keep her offspring.
• Use professionals for advice, especially for diagnosis Stocking rates need also to be considered for healthy animals.
Noone can tell you what the stocking rate for your farm should
• No animal must suffer be, as each farm is different, but you are the best judge of what
• Animals need time to adjust to organics. stocking rate ensures the animals are contented and have
Good stock management combined with healthy soil, adequate feed to remain a good condition score and healthy.
balanced pasture, shade, shelter and water, results in It is also really important to develop a good relationship with
good animal health with few problems. The same good a vet sympathetic to alternative remedies, as there will be
management principals used on conventional farms need times when you need him/her, especially for diagnosis. A good
to be applied in an organic system too. However, the homeopath or herbalist is another valuable contact person.
organic farmer needs to take a ‘step back’ and look at The longer you spend working through building up an organic
what he or she is doing with the animal within the whole system, the more metabolic problems in stock disappear, and as
farm system. a result you deal with less and less problems as time goes by.
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Stock management
• Have plan A and Plan B organised on how you are going
to convert with the aim of having strong, healthy soil;
can help the situation, although be aware of putting on no
more than the recommended amount of fish fertiliser as it
agency to see what you can do. If in doubt, check first.
Crops are a good option and can still be grown using mechan-
Fibre content of a ruminant diet
contains nitrogen and an excess can create an imbalance in ical methods to keep weeds under control. If you choose the
strong, diverse pasture; and healthy well fed stock. Fibre content of a cows diet is frequently overlooked
the soil microorganisms. Seaweed fertilisers contain many other right crops, they can be either grazed or made into silage.
• Plan your fertiliser regime and include any nutrition short- elements and it is a plant and soil conditioner, strengthening the these days and yet it holds the key to cow health. A
See the Environmental Chapter for tips on growing crops. It is cows main stomach – the rumen – works best in a narrow
falls plant. Biodynamic preparations enhance the balance of good important to remember to look after the soil as best you can pH range. When the pH remains steady all the many
• Consider the animal health problems you already have and soil and pasture and, in turn, nutrition. The use of compost, when cropping.
vermicast and compost teas also help. A refractometer will give different types of microbes in this big chamber get on
how you are going to deal with them.
you a reading of the energy levels of your grass. You may need at times to source shortfalls in nutrition (e.g. with their business in helping to start the breakdown of
• Watch your grazing patterns. Feed your young stock well. copper, selenium, molasses). Trace elements can be added to the plant material eaten. If the pH strays below 6.5 or
Watch your grazing patterns. Don’t forget that calves and fertiliser. Get levels as realistic as possible before applying for go above 7 it indicates a problem. Cows fed on grain
• Consider your stock numbers.
heifers need good constant feed. Also allow for grazing to certification. When applying for certification you will need to can have a rumen pH between 5 and 6 but should it fall
• Observe your grass and its growth patterns. Feed it with avoid worm damage to calves. (Graze them on longer grass in present a management plan if further supplements are needed. below 5 there are serious consequences.
liquid fertiliser front of cows.) Always watch and evaluate your stock. Think of They can also be added to mineral or salt blocks. Check with
• Avoid nitrogen problems by using fish fertiliser wisely the time of the year and the rate of growth. your certifying agency first. Some nutritional supplements such How can we tell if the diet contains enough fibre?
• Liquid seaweed is a good conditioner Observe your grass and its growth patterns. Biodynamic as molasses or other materials may be permitted under specific We could send the plant material away to a laboratory and get
(Demeter) farmers do notice there is more growth during an conditions if certified free of GE and calculated within the an indication this way but this takes time and is costly. It is
• Test, measure and observe the mineral status of your herd,
ascending phase of their biodynamic calendar (see Biodynamics 10% of brought-in feed. Contact your certifying agency before not uncommon for the result to indicate that the diet contains
plants and soils.
section) which occurs every two weeks each month, and not buying re procedures and permission. enough fibre and yet when you go and look at the cows they
• Allow for supplements or crops for times of feed pinches much growth during the descending phase. indicate that all is not well.
When considering converting look at your stocking rates. It is
• Source supplementary feed to fill shortfalls in nutrition. As you move from a conventional to organic system, there probably better to be slightly understocked than to run the risk The cow can tell us in two different ways that her diet has
Work with your organic advisor or certifying agency on are times when the grass becomes less available due to the of having too many. After a while you will find the right balance. enough fibre.
this. They are allowed but there are conditions. pastures adjusting to an organic regime. This can be allevi- Remember, unless there is another source of certified organic
Cud chewing. Take the time to watch the herd after they
• You can buy in 10% conventional stock each year. There ated or avoided depending on your level of dependence on grazing off farm, or certified organic stock that can be bought
have had their morning fill of pasture etc. (3 or more hours
are conditions, however. chemicals. Many farmers try to go straight into a total organic in, you may have to look at having all stock on the farm.
access to a new paddock) and see how many are chewing their
strategy (also known as cold turkey). This can put you back, so Will you need to cut down on the number of milking cows
• Animal health problems generally change from metabolic cud (assuming that they are not asleep, drinking, licking other
it may be prudent for your particular situation to consider taking to accommodate your young stock and do things well? If the
problems to environmental. cows, bulling etc.). As a guide you should have 60 to 70%
2 or more extra years to reach a full organic system. This could answer is yes, what priorities are you going to put on your of your herd chewing their cud. They should chew each cud
• When a problem occurs stand back, look and think about minimise financial and production problems, as well as reducing culling – high SCC cows? Low fertility cows? Mastitis or cows about 30 times and then swallow it and there should be two
it. Evaluate the situation. Why has it arisen? What can be animal health problems during the transition period. Use this with bad feet? Low producers? As a general principal it is a cuds (regurgitations of rumenal contents) for each minute. If
done now? What are the alternative remedies? What can time to get your soil in optimum balance. good idea to identify problems you already have and cull these cows are not chewing their cud then the rumen microbe factory
be done in the future to prevent this reoccurring? You can assist the transition process by planning a fertiliser out or deal with them as much as possible to avoid further is not a happy camp. Veterinarians typically see chronic
• Think laterally, be observant, talk to others, have strategies strategy to change from superphosphate to RPR while at the problems. If, during conversion, problems occur and the cull lameness and mastitis problems in herds with dysfunctional
and plans. same time keeping all other soil test elements in balance. rate is higher than normal, put another plan into action to rumens. If you wish to limit these problems modify the diet
Incorporate mixed herbage when renovating pasture replace any necessary animals. Remember, bought in animals and let the cow tell you when you have got it right – 2 cuds
• If you are not getting a response to therapy, conventional
– remember you are trying to introduce variety into your (conventional) are certified for milk 12 months after arriving per minute and 60 to 70% of the cows cud chewing after 3 or
treatment can and must be used to ensure that the animal
pastures. Involve your fertiliser rep and your farm advisor with on the farm, but will never be certified for meat. Therefore if more hours post eating.
doesn’t suffer. Check with your certifier about how to
your planning. Talk to other organic farmers about their experi- this happens, in beginning conversion, producing cows may be
manage an animal that has had a prohibited or restricted Dung consistency. The second way the cow tells us
ences and attend field–days to gather information. Also see the answer if your milk will not be sold as organic for up to 12
treatment. that her diet has enough fibre is by what is coming out the rear
the Soil Chapter and plan a strategy to make this transition months. Otherwise, yearlings grazed for 12 months could be
end! When her dung falls on the ground you should hear a
smoother. the answer if you are nearer conversion and you can anticipate
Liver samples are current preferred indicators for: plop, plop sound and if she is stationary the dung should form a
Allow for supplements in times of feed pinches, just as you the problem.
Selenium (Se), copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co) pile. If the dung comes out and hits the ground six feet behind
would do on a conventional farm. If you are able to make The certifying agencies generally allow 10% bought in conven- the cow and disappears out of sight on pasture or runs away
Blood tests are current preferred indicators for: your own, or can source organic feed, this will make it easier. tional stock each year. Calves can be bought as 4–7day olds on a concrete slope you should be trying to determine what
Zinc (Zn) and Iodine (I) Otherwise 10% brought in feed from conventional sources and gain certification after 12 months provided they did not is wrong and rectifying the problem. There could be many
based on the annual dry matter requirements of your stock over have any prohibited substances (antibiotics etc.) before you causes for this type of dung but if parasitism, Johne’s disease,
Most of the good stock management practices used by the 12–month period can be brought in to the farm, depending received them. A letter is needed stating this. Conventional other infectious causes (Yersinia, Salmonella, Coccidosis etc),
conventional farmers apply to organic farming. So keep on your certifying agent. Please remember to get a letter stating cows and calves (4–7 days old) can be bought in as mentioned and excess nitrogen and poisonings are discounted then look
practicing these skills and continue to learn them. any treatment that was had on the material and if there is any previously. The calves are organic for meat, the cows for milk to see if adequate fibre is present in the diet.
Having adequate grass ahead of you is important. This includes GE involved. If there was none, a letter is still required stating after 12 months, but the cows never for meat. In times of
good quality grass with fibre. A variety of species in your that. This feed can also only be fed as 10% to 25% of their daily extremes, e.g. drought, flood, poor calving performance, and What has fibre in it?
pasture will ensure this. Having reserves of supplementary requirements, depending on what your certifying agency’s rules high infertility, you can get an exemption from the 10% from Mature pasture (summer) has a higher fibre content in it
feed is also important for the periods you know the grass are. It is not allowed as a matter of course each year, but only your certifying agency after presenting a management plan. compared to immature pasture. Hay and straw are an excellent
will be inadequate. Organic grass often can be shorter, but for times of shortages. Therefore, you must plan to avoid these. They will be happy to work it through with you. source of fibre. To be effective the plant stem lengths have
should still have adequate energy levels. Liquid fertilisers If that is not possible, talk to your organic advisor or certifying to be over 3 cm long – if you have chopped a fibrous plant up
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appropriate time.
Easily found and useful herbs of New Zealand Actions and related herbs
Remember to harvest, and prepare your Warning: These herbs recommended are all old well–used
herbs beforehand if they are seasonal. Scientific name Common name remedies with minimal side–effects, except to pregnant or
To maximise the effectiveness of these herbs, look at your
Some herbs, such as chickweed (Stellaria Allium sativum Garlic references to make sure you use the appropriate part of the
lactating animals. The herbs here are considered to be safe if
media) or cleavers (Galium aparine) can plant, and the appropriate dosage. Refer to the previous
used in the right way, but we do not recommend the admin-
Achillea millefolium Yarrow
disappear just when you need them. list for the correct Latin name and to ensure you have the
istrations of concentrated tinctures or extracts or oils without
Even comfrey goes underground in the Aloe vera professional medical or veterinary advice.
correct variety.
winter and is hard to find in the long Artemesia absinthium Wormwood
grass.
Avena species Oats Antimicrobial (anti–fungal, viral, and bacterial) Nutritive (nourishes the body)
When you have a list of what you
Borago officinalis Borage Garlic Thyme Calendula Rosehips Vitamin C
can harvest locally, look up their uses
and create a personal reference chart Calendula officinalis Calendula (not Calendula tagetes – the true marigold) St John’s wort Echinacea Eucalyptus Dandelion Potassium, Phosphorous
of their actions, and applications to Sage* Comfrey Protein, Vitamin B12, Calcium, Potassium
Capsella bursa pastoris Shepherd’s purse
individual ailments. Keep a column free Oak Calcium
Analgesic (pain relief)
for comments about dosages, methods Cynara scolymus Globe artichoke Red clover Magnesium, Calcium, Copper, Selenium,
Willow Poplar Cobalt
of administration, or a formula you find Echinacea purpurea Echinacea
that works. You will build a worthwhile Equisetum Silica
Equisetum arvense Horsetail Alterative (blood purifier)
body of knowledge to share, and to use Nettle Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Vitamin K
Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Red Clover Cleavers Nettle Yarrow Manganese, Copper
yourself again and again. Experiment a
Curly dock Echinacea Coffee Potassium
little, the herbs in the list following all Galega offinialis Goat’s rue
have a long history of use. Antiseptic (infections) Oxytocic (stimulates uterine contractions) e.g. retained afterbirth
Galium aparine Cleavers
Once you have established a ready Australian ti tree Thyme Echinacea Pennyroyal* Wormwood* Feverfew*
Hypericum perforatum St John’s wort
supply of the basics, practice makes Garlic Manuka Rosemary Yarrow* Tansy*
perfect. This is how it was done for many Linum usitatissimum Flaxseed/Linseed Eucalyptus Calendula Yarrow
hundreds of years. You are carrying on a Malva slyvestris Mallow St John’s Wort Oakbark Sage* Pectoral (strengthens lungs)
proud tradition – one which has many Horehound Comfrey (external use) Mullein
Marrubium vulgare Horehound Anti– inflammatory (+also promotes healing)
health benefits, for yourself, your family, Ribwort plantain Kumarahou
and your animals. Matricaria recutita German chamomile Yarrow + Calendula + Elder +
Plantain + St John’s Wort + Echinacea + Sedative (relaxes nerves)
Exercise caution with all herbs when the Melissa officinalis Lemon balm
Comfrey + Borage German chamomile Hops Chamomile Oats
animal is pregnant or lactating. Mentha species Mint family Poplar Rosemary Willow Lemon balm Vervain
Herbs can be classified according to their Plantago major Broad–leaved plantain Feverfew *
actions or their effect on the body. Using Syptic (stops bleeding)
Plantago lanceolata Narrow–leaved plantain Anti–spasmodic (reduces muscle spasms/contractions)
a NZ Veterinary Guide or similar text, Nettle Yarrow Shepherd’s purse
you can identify the type of treatment Populus sp. Poplar Lemon balm Vervain Horsetail Witchhazel Mullein
required, and then refer to the chart Rumex crispus Yellow or curly dock Oakbark
for the appropriate herb or combination Carminative (digestive) e.g. colic
of herbs. A problem such as facial Salix species Willow Fennel Dill Peppermint Tonic (energises and tones the body)
eczema may need an antifungal such Salvia officinalis Sage German chamomile Ginger Sage* Cleavers Curly Dock Nettle
as garlic (see note below) and a hepatic Sambucus nigra Elder Lemon balm Yarrow Echinacea Borage
(liver support) for the damage done
Stellaria media Chickweed Demulcent (soothing) e.g. burns, wounds, poultice Vermifuge (expels or destroys worms)
to the liver. Good diagnosis will make
treatment more effective. Silybum marianum Milk/Variegated thistle Comfrey Plantain Flaxseed (Linseed) Wormwood* Garlic Thyme
Aloe Vera Marshmallow Chickweed Tansy*
Symphytum uplandicum Russian comfrey
Calendula Mullein
Note: Garlic has over 3000 scientific Tanacetum vulgare Tansy
studies on its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, Galactagogue (promotes milk production) * Use with caution – inhibits milk production and
Thymus vulgaris Thyme induces abortion
anti-yeast and anti-viral properties. There Goat’s rue Borage Fennel
is not a herb that has been more widely Taraxacum officinale Dandelion Milk thistle Nettle
researched. One is Jerry Lutomski (1987) Trifollium pratense Red clover
Components and Biological Properties
Hepatic (strengthens liver function)
This is not an exhaustive list. These are simply herbs which
Urtica urens Stinging nettle
of some Ailium Species: Poland Institute Dandelion Yarrow Globe artichoke are widely available, and easy to prepare. Look around
of Medicinal Plants. Verbascum thapsis Mullein Milk thistle Curly dock you, and talk to other farmers who may have knowledge
Verbena officinalis Vervain Insecticidal (kills or repels insects) of remedies from the local bush.
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Scour treatment: Prevention • Worms live in grass up to 2 cm long Suggestions from this information
The calf must have electrolytes to maintain hydration – 2 litres Isolate sick calves. Ideally, if your set–up allows, healthy animals • Learn the causes and work on prevention. • Worms are more likely to be active in autumn and spring
twice daily. Those containing sodium citrate work best. If it should be removed from sick ones (rather than the other way depending on your area.
When moving from conventional to organic, there will be some
cannot or will not consume enough by mouth, your vet can around) and placed in a ‘quarantine pen’ for a week. If they’re
animals that will not cope, simply because they have a body • Rotationally graze open pasture that is long to allow
give fluids intravenously. Maintain body temperature – a heat still healthy after a week, they’ll be okay.
locked into the chemical regime through their breeding. You animals to only graze down to 2.5cm to limit larval uptake,
lamp is good for this but be careful not to allow the calf to get An infected calf excretes huge quantities of virus. Try not can use one drench a year during conversion with Demeter. This which results in animals that are healthier with good
too hot. As the calf recovers, milk can slowly be reintroduced to spread it around on boots, hands, feeding utensils etc. animal will lose meat status for life and for milk for 12 months. immunity. This practice has the added benefit of enabling
and the electrolytes cut back. Do not mix milk and electrolyte AgriQuality allows the use of sodium hypochlorite as a disin- It is suggested you consider carefully before using and if the the soil to rest and become healthy.
(the milk won’t clot in the calf’s stomach) – instead feed little fectant. If you operate an all–in all–out system with pens animal is still not coping, she should be sold on to a conven-
and often with at least a two hour gap between milk and fluids. • Offer clean water in troughs.
containing no more than 20–30 calves and the pens have solid tional farm or culled. The worm problem does reduce the longer
A dose of vegetable rennet (5ml) immediately after the milk walls (e.g. plywood), this will increase your chances of confining you practice organics. • Test animals before treating.
feed will assist clotting and help get the digestive system used the disease. Leave a pair of boots and leggings in a tray outside • Breed for worm resistance/resilience.
to milk again. the infected or quarantine pen for use only within that pen. You Characteristics of parasitic worms:
• The need for prevention reduces with age (except with
can reduce the amount of virus in the environment by steam • Can cause death if not prevented or treated
Problems that can be encountered when rearing calves: cleaning the walls of the pen (don’t try to steam clean the
goats).
• Spend the greatest part of their life outside the animal • Adult animals rarely need worming.
bedding!) and topping up the bedding with a good layer (3 or
Rotavirus
4 inches) of new material. • Unhealthy animals with low immune systems are more • Herbs help the intestinal tract to be healthy and discourage
Causes scouring in calves of up to 4 weeks of age (usually susceptible.
A note on steam cleaning: remember you’re killing the virus worms.
around the 10 day mark). The virus is carried by adult cattle
with heat not pressure. Excessive pressure may aerosol live virus • In larval stage on ground, don’t move any further than • Drench animals, hold them in the yard for 12–24 hours
who show no symptoms. Shedding by the cow in its dung is
into other pens. 30cm radius of dung they were deposited in to clean themselves out and expel the worms; then move
likely to occur at calving since there is a short, temporary decline
in immunity at this time. A calf may be infected during the first At the end of calf rearing, scrape out all the bedding (makes • Need oxygen, moisture, and warmth to survive them on to clean pasture to avoid build up of worm
24 hours with the cow and be incubating the disease when you great compost) and thoroughly steam clean the shed. numbers on the pasture and reinfection.
• Can survive in water that animals have dropped faeces in
bring it in to the calf shed. It then spreads through the rest of Vaccination • Modern biodynamic farmers are finding that drenching
• Located in the bottom of the grass sward
the mob. Death rates have climbed dramatically in recent years. 12–48 hours before the full moon helps the effectiveness
If there is a demonstrated need, your certifying authority will
Once calves are 4 weeks old, they are naturally immune. • Sunlight, snow, spreading manure, earthworms, ground of worm treatments.
allow vaccination. The cows are vaccinated 4 weeks before
Signs fungi, dung beetles destroy eggs and larvae
calving (timing is critical) and antibodies are passed in the • Two calves per paddock (post weaning) is another way to
Pale yellow watery scour and marked dehydration (off milk, dry colostrum. They are ‘contact antibodies’ so at–risk calves need • Hay, silage, regrassing and cropping will reduce worms get healthy, well grown, ‘worm free’ stock, with minimum
nose, lethargy, sunken eyes, a tent of skin pulled up is slow to to be fed it every day. Thus it is essential the colostrum from and lead to worm free paddocks until reinfected. hassle.
return). In terminal stages the calf cannot stand (or even sit up), vaccinated cows is stored.
• It is said that worm larvae come up the stem (2cm) and
feels cold and has a weak or absent sucking reflex.
Worms in calves was a problem to one farmer. His vet make themselves more likely to be ingested when the grass
Treatment Worms in calves
offered the following management system to reduce is damp, migrating to the base of the stem of grass in hot
See Scour Treatment section above. • Will cause ill thrift this, which has now been successful for 8 years. dry or windy weather. So shift the calves to fresh grass later
• Worms need oxygen, warmth, moisture to survive. Rear your calves in a different paddock each year (like in the day.
rotational grazing) and this will avoid any build up of • Keep the calves on a fast round ahead of the cows, prefer-
worm eggs. As a result a moveable half round hutch ably shift them daily.
and portable trough were purchased. A paddock that
• Well grown and healthy calves with healthy dams are less
needed resting was chosen and split into two using
susceptible in the first place.
electric fencing. At four days to one week old the calves
are transferred from the calf shed to the paddock. They You may be able to pick up more from the above information
are fed 3–4 litres blood warm milk in the paddock and come up with other theories worth trying. Do so, as there
twice a day and also offered hay and silage. Groups is no closed shop on this.
are kept to small numbers (no more than 25). Once
a month, after the full moon, when the calves have Some worm treatments
expelled intestinal worms onto spent pasture the • Plantain (Plantago sp.) is one pasture species containing
calves are shifted to the other half of the paddock. The higher levels of tannins and works as an anthelmintic. There
worms expel themselves from the animal 12–24 hours are others such as Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniulatus), sulla
before the full moon. After gradual weaning, the calves and docks. Include them in your pasture.
are all put as one mob and moved each day ahead of
• Feed willow leaves, also linseed as a stock food.
the cows. If necessary they are drenched for worms.
Grazing them on plantain dominant pasture just • It is said that feeding of hay or chaff develops the rumen
before and on the full moon are a good pick–me–up system. The result is a healthier and more resistant calf.
for the calves. • 1kg garlic crushed and steeped in 10–20 litres cider
vinegar. Seaweed can also be added. Steep for up to 30
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o Stinging nettle: the leaves and The 17 elements in bold are currently considered to be
roots (a tonic rich in minerals). necessary for beef cattle and sheep but the number of
minerals is probably higher than this.
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Fertiliser plan • Try and use methods where stock can take what they need
individually (e.g. licks, in water troughs, and through feed
is another good native all rounder and, if available, cows will
nibble on it when they have the need.
Specific deficiencies and their
• It is important that this problem is addressed to enable all troughs) treatment
Deep rooting plants, such as chicory and plantain, will also
round balanced stock • Use tonics such as cider vinegar, liquid seaweed (as a absorb the minerals from the subsoil and make them avail-
stock drench), and molasses. (Be aware 10% brought in able to the animals. There are some legumes that are also
Cobalt
• Identify your mineral imbalances and needs through soil
feed limit for molasses to meet certification and check its deep rooting and grow well in summer and have high mineral • Herbivores need cobalt to synthesize Vitamin B12
and herbage tests, as well as any other tests you may
need source) content (e.g. Lotus corniculatus and Caucasian clover). Maybe • Deficiencies occur mainly on volcanic and pumice soils
• At all times keep your animals as healthy as possible, well a specific crop could offer a short–term answer to a mineral
• Remember, it is important to have a balance of elements • Young stock are more susceptible, especially after weaning
fed, and their immune systems in top form so they can imbalance.
(see the Soil Chapter of this Resource Guide) • Poor appetite, general ill thrift
move through stress times more comfortably The use of biodynamic preparations 500, 501 and especially the
• Seek good advice on products that are available • Lots of plants and trees contain cobalt
• Talk to older farmers who farmed before the 1960s and compost preparations (502–507) allow the soil to rebalance at
• Draw up a short and long term plan for fertiliser a faster rate, and then maintain that balance through yearly • Moisture and liming is a factor limiting cobalt availability.
try to find alternative remedies and methods. Pass new
• When doing your plan incorporate the time strategy for findings on so we all get to learn them application. The compost preparations are processed through
Cobalt is a component for Vitamin B12 production. Its defi-
certification a medium before applying to the land, using a compost heap,
• If going for certification, check your certifying agency rules ciency will show up as loss of appetite, poor growth, weight
cow pat pit, liquid fertiliser brew, or effluent pond. Further
• The certifying agency must give permission before use. to ensure the substance you plan to use is allowable. If in loss, anaemia, wasting and in severe cases death. The eyes
details on this are in the Soil section.
This could be given only where deficiencies can be demon- doubt, please check with them before commencing. have a watery discharge. A cobalt deficiency is associated with
strated by soil and blood tests, and less soluble forms are Some Suggested Treatments an increase in infertility and metabolic diseases. Cobalt in soil
preferred if they are available. If you are planning on is sensitive to moisture and higher soil pH. Deficiencies can be
• Cider vinegar
taking some time to achieve certification, it may be best found mainly on volcanic and pumice soils. It is important to
to overcome this while still moving towards organics. The Balance the grazing • Native flax: Good general tonic for nibbling when needed talk to your certifying agency on your options before beginning
sooner the better is the key • Liquid seaweed as a drench or in trough. (good overall to address the problem.
Many pasture species, weeds, herbs and trees have the ability to
• Do not forget to include liquid fertilisers, biodynamic source, especially of iodine)
produce more of one specific mineral, minerals that are lacking Treatment
preparations, compost teas etc. to fine tune and help the in the soil and pasture. • Fresh seawater (10–20L) straight from the sea in trough
biological activity of the soil. • Administer cobalt solutions (1/2 tsp cobalt sulphate
or made available to the animals. (watch for excess
Many plants have the ability to absorb and store higher mineral per 150 cows per week in water supply weekly
chlorine).
levels than others. and/or Vitamin B12 short term). Get permission
• Herb teas: Pour boiling water over the herb/weed for up to first.
A mixed pasture including some of these plants can be used
Immediate animal treatment to improve the nutrient levels of grazing animals. Some weeds
12 hours. Drench animal with it or put it in trough. This will
• If you are administering cobalt sulphate or B12
only keep up to 3 days
will grow in a particular area because of certain soil character- injections, check the rulings with your certifying
• Administer the trace elements • Cider vinegar tincture: Steep herb/weed in cider vinegar for
istics – for example low or high nitrogen levels, poorly or well agency beforehand
• For certification, drenching and injections are allowed on a drained areas, with certain mineral levels. This is nature’s way 1–2 weeks. (see de Bairacli Levy, 1988.) The cider vinegar draws
• Long term give homoeopathic Cobaltum 1m and
restricted basis and can be used for specific animals with of healing the soil. For example, the thistle indicates a lack out the oils and minerals from the herb). Sieve off the
Cobaltum Chloridum 30c once a week for 3 months
an obvious deficiency only of copper there (it does have a balance of other interacting vegetable matter and store in a dark place until required.
to stabilise the element in the cow’s system.
• Bolus treatments are not allowed minerals too). Nature is telling that plant to grow there, die, Keeps at least 3 months, some say up to 2 years Drench
and the copper that is in the leaves will rot into the topsoil and animal with it (200ml for a cow) or put in trough 1 litre per • Plants such as red clover, juniper, dandelion, trees
• If in doubt, contact your certifying agency 100 cows. such as mahoe (Melicytus ramiflorus – also known
rebalance the soil.
• Always remember all minerals must be balanced with the as whiteywood), contain higher levels of cobalt.
Therefore look at your weeds and combine this with all the Certifying agencies generally prefer you to address any short
other minerals. Consult your vet, if in doubt. There are others.
other information you have built up and you will get a picture term mineral deficiencies through licks and salt blocks, so the
• Mineral chelates can be an option. Check the details with of your farm. You may also note that animals prefer a certain animal has a choice as to whether they take them or not. The
Selenium
your certifying agency first weed at certain time of the year and yet leave the same weed at long-term approach, of course, is to have a long term plan
another time. They know what they need and when they need through your fertiliser programme. It is most important you are • Deficiencies cause ill thrift in young, and infertility
• You may need to consider culling or selling animals that
it, if available. This is the main reason to have a mixed pasture conversant on these matters if you wish to become certified, as • Specific plants and trees contain selenium
have repeated problems, as they are probably struggling
for feeding your livestock. this is where most people stumble.
with the organic system, and may always do so. • Selenium is deficient in most sandy soils
Some weeds or herbs can be used as foliar sprays, or in teas A further breakdown on herbs used for specific illnesses are
• Selenium deficiency is linked to higher incidence of early
or tinctures to help animals overcome deficiencies, and can on page 71.
abortions and late returns after mating your herd
be sprayed on or put in troughs (or drenched if acute). Please
Prevention – long term make sure the herb is not poisonous or has the ability to abort • Cider vinegar contains selenium
animals before using. A good herb book should tell you this. • Can be rectified with seaweed as a liquid fertiliser
• Be proactive, and wherever possible, anticipate these
See compost teas in The Environment chapter of this Resource
problems, as many occur at certain known times of the • Can be rectified in fertiliser.
Guide. It is best, however, to make them available through your
year (usually stress times or mating time for the cows) Selenium deficiency is also known as white muscle disease
pasture.
• Administer preventative treatments to your herd if you have and causes ill thrift in young growing animals. It also causes
We could also apply the same theory to trees when we are
acute cases, because if one cow is sick it is quite likely the infertility, reduced milk flow and retained afterbirth in cows.
considering planting shade and shelter or fodder trees. Flax
others may be having similar, but less obvious problems. Ill thrift can occur in all ages with a selenium deficiency. Thirty
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percent of NZ land is selenium deficient; mainly on sandy soils • Excess of zinc can cause a lack of copper
of all types including pumice soils and the loess soils. Excessive Mineral Sources from Plants and Trees
Zinc deficiency is not usually a problem in NZ soils or pastures.
amounts can poison an animal. Some native trees such as
Therefore there are few problems, except in the facial eczema Common name Botannical name Mineral Sources
coprosmas are high in selenium. Deep rooting plants contain
season when more zinc is needed. It can be caused by over
selenium (e.g red clover, horsetail grass). Selenium deficiency Anise Pimpinella anisum Phosporous
liming.
can be rectified through your fertiliser, but talk to your certifying
Asparagus Iodine,iron, phosphorous, silicon
agency about your options, and present soil/herbage/blood Treatments
tests as evidence of a shortage. Borage Borago officinalis Potassium
• Dandelion, garlic, cider vinegar, rosemary,
Chickweed Stellaria media Copper, phosphorus
Copper (check with certifier) shepherd’s purse contain zinc
• Copper deficiency is indicated by faded harsh dull coats, • Zincum met can be used in the trough once a Chicory Cichorium intybus Calcium, copper, iron
scours, poor growth week to help the body metabolise the zinc it takes
Cleavers Galium aparine Calcium, copper, iodine, silicon,sodium
up
• Young and pregnant stock are more susceptible to Cu
• Other treatments from the vet containing zinc Clover Sodium
deficiency
(such as zinc oxide) can be used, but check with Comfrey Symphytum officinale Chlorine, iron, potassium, sodium
• Is usually a soil deficiency/imbalance
your standards first and if you are still unsure check
• Prevention measures available with your certifying agency. Calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, silicon, potas-
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale
sium
• Acute cases: contact your vet and certifying agency • Zinc treatments in large amounts can block the
• Excess zinc causes a lack of copper uptake of other minerals such as copper. Dill Anethum graveolens Phosphorous, sodium
• Use mineral licks with copper added (permission Vitamin C Peach Prunus persica Co, Mo, Zn (Leaf) Bo, Ca, Cu, Mg, P, K (fruit)
must be granted)
• Usually not a problem in healthy animals Poplar Populus Mo, Zn
• Check with your certifying agency before using
• Can also be used to detoxify after eating poisonous plants. Willow Salix spp. Calcium
copper bullets or routine injections.
All our healthy domestic animals (excluding guinea pigs)
Contributed by Ian Buckingham from various sources
Zinc synthesise their own vitamin C so in theory do not suffer defi-
ciency symptoms. Vitamin C levels increase in animals (except There are more, especially with trees. Check various publications and websites for these.
• Can be caused by over liming
guinea pigs) when an infection is being fought. There is not
• Herbs and weeds contain zinc good evidence to support the need for Vitamin C treatment,
• Supplementation can cause other imbalances although it is being used by farmers.
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to redo a milking machine test – use a different testing • Ensure good shed hygiene Nature has given the cow a substance called keratin that grows • 1ml teatree oil and 10ml aloe vera as above.
agency as often a fault will be picked up quicker this way. • Be mindful how you remove the cups and keep them clean. on the teat lining and will form a barrier to stop bacteria being • 1ml manuka honey and 10ml vegetable oil as
This transfers the bacteria, causing new outbreaks able to enter. It also forms a plug when the cow ceases milking above
Sampling milk for mastitis for the season.
• Avoid hand contact on teats • Equal parts active manuka honey with distilled
Both you and your veterinarian want to identify the bacteria One farmer is having success by stripping the milk from the water. Put 10–15mls in affected quarter after each
that are causing the mastitis in your cow so there is no point • Post milking teat dips/ spraying all year round infected quarter and giving it back to the cow as a drench milking until better.
supplying a contaminated sample of milk from your hands or • Cull constantly infected cows each milking. He also adds colloidal silver. His theory is that
from dirt on the teat or udder. this immunizes, or forces the cow’s immune system to deal Caution: Because these treatments and methods have not
• Check the history of dams when keeping offspring been tested for withholding periods or hygiene etc, you are
If you do not feel you are competent in collecting a sample your with the particular infection by giving it to her. Many put
• Efficient drying off. (homoeopathic Lac canium will assist mastitis nosode (available from most homeopaths), or take using them at your own risk.
veterinarian can help you.
with this) infected milk from their particular herd and get a homeopath
You will need Herbal and cider vinegar treatments
• A cow needs a minimum of four weeks dried off for the to potentise it (use a sterile bottle and clean teat. Need 100
A sterile sample bottle Mainly used as preventative. If drenching cow with cider vinegar
udder to go through the necessary processes, ready for the ml). The potentised form is then given to all stock (5ml in main
Methylated spirits (meths)
next calving farm tank once a month all year or 1x a week in troughs all 100– 200mls is the recommended amount.
Sterile swabs
year), so their immune system deals with it and can cope when An old ‘recipe’ that has been used for some Strep.uberis infec-
CLEAN HANDS • Ensure clean and dry stand off areas with plenty of room
an infection occurs. tions is as follows:
• If the teat is grossly contaminated with faecal (dung) material • Calve on clean paddocks
Note: Please check the section on Colloidal silver earlier in this Treatment regime for streptococcal mastitis
then wash the teat very well with water. • Avoid cows walking in mud chapter before using it. 6 a.m. 180 ml apple cider vinegar + 180ml water orally
• Next using a sterile swab and meths clean the teat again • Do not overmilk or undermilk 8 a.m. 5ml Lugols iodine + 180 ml apple cider vinegar +
concentrating on the end of the teat where the little hole is Ointments applied to the udder and teats 180ml water orally
(the teat opening) • If in doubt, check a cow using rapid mastitis test 10 a.m. 180ml apple cider vinegar + 180 ml water orally
• Peppermint oil ointment is now available from the vet for (see Coleby, 2002)
• Turn the end of the teat on an angle and look to see that the • In general use herbs and cider vinegar as a preventative
swelling. Warning: peppermint oil will reduce milk flow so use 12 noon 180ml apple cider vinegar +180 ml water orally
teat end is clean and homoeopathy for a cure for clinical cases
carefully. Also check with your certifying agency before use. 2 p.m. 5ml Lugols iodine + 180ml apple cider vinegar + 180ml
• Do one more clean with another sterile swab and allow the • Freshly calved cows – put hungry calves on to suck the cow water orally
• Whakatane herbalist Tracey Steele has made one up using
meths to dry empty 4 p.m. 180ml apple cider vinegar + 180ml water orally
pasture species. It is now being manufactured.
7 p.m. 180ml apple cider vinegar + 180ml water orally
• Taking care not to touch the end of the teat with your hands, • Read Managing Mastitis – A Practical Guide for NZ Dairy • Weleda (phone 06 877 7394) has 2 ointments – Melissa– – Also 60ml of vinegar were poured over the ration of
and watching to ensure a movement of the cows rear append- Farmers available for $15 from Livestock Improvement. marjoram, and argentum ointment each cow at twice daily feedings
ages do not contaminate the sterile teat, squirt the first 3 – Continue for at least three days some cases take up to
• Marshmallow plant (all parts including roots) finely chopped,
squirts of milk on to the ground 18 days.
pulped in boiling water. Stir in vegetable fat and allow to set.
• Remove the cap from the sample bottle (holding the bottle in
the groove of your hand and then holding the cap against this Treatments Draws the toxins out. This method would take a fair bit of dedication but is put here
as another option.
between your first finger and your thumb) hold the bottle on a Veterinarian
Some treatment considerations
forty five degree angle then squirt the milk into the bottle and You may ask for the use of Vitamin C treatment for intravenous Lugols iodine
ensure that the bottom of the bottle is covered. The reason Remember – different causes require different treatments. use. Note: Lugol’s iodine will have to be ordered from your
for holding the bottle on its side is that you will be less likely In organics we must look at the problem quite differently and veterinarian or pharmacist.
to have dust or dirt dropping into the bottle from the udder if aim to treat the whole organism. In the words of Juliette de Teat sprays
the cow moves. Drop the sample into your local veterinarian It consists of 5% elemental iodine in a 10% solution of potas-
Bairacli Levy (1988) ‘herbal treatment is a tonic to the whole Iodine based sprays are OK to use
and if it cannot be done that morning you may freeze the milk sium iodide. This is not stock iodine!
organism and will leave the cow so treated in better health than
sample. Yes, the bacteria survive this! Substances allowed: glycerine, iodine, plant oils, teatree oil etc. You will have to put in a special order for this at your pharmacy
she enjoyed before the onset of the disease’.
Home made teatspray: or veterinary supplier.
Other considerations (in no particular order) We must
In 20 litre container mix 500ml sorbitol (available from Dairy
• Check liners are compatible with your cup shells. (Measure • Identify the problem. If you can’t – get a vet to diagnose Coy) 500 ml aloe vera, 1–2 small bottles teatree oil concentrate Cider vinegar in trough (1 litre/100 cows/day)
your cups if you are working in an older shed as often these or pure, calendula oil (if available).
• Brain storm and research the possible options Add water to top up.
have been ‘cut down’ to mimic another type of shell) Aloe vera as a drench.
• Decide on the treatment You can alter these amounts as you experiment. The key
• Use thin rubber gloves when treating animals elements are teatree oil, sorbitol and aloe vera.
• Ask why did it happen? Herbs that can be steeped in the cider vinegar
• Have an annual machine check done using a tester with a
• What could be the causes? Udder treatments for acute and hard to fix cases Garlic, sage, marjoram, lemon balm, curly dock, red clover,
current practicing certificate
Using a sterile syringe (without needle) into affected quarter echinacea, nettle.
• Check for stable vacuum and pulsation • What does the cow need to do to remove that infection?
one of the remedies below: There are probably many more. Check your herb book and the
• Have the shed checked for stray voltage. One contact at • What is happening to that cow?
• 1ml teatree oil to 10ml vegetable oil. Give 10ml actions you are trying to promote in the cow e.g. suppuration,
the time of printing is Harry Dewes of Hamilton and he has • How can I help her? circulation, blood purifier, infection etc.
dose 2x a day until cleared and hold milk until
other contacts. Maybe your local power board can do this
• What preventative measure or treatments (both environ- teatree oil has dispersed.
• Follow the SAMM plan. The booklet is available through Clinical cases with swelling
mentally and herbal) can I do to stop more animals being • 1 ml Aloe Vera to 10 ml vegetable oil as above.
Livestock Improvement affected? Use packs to reduce swelling and break up congestion.
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5. Ticks
Thick pudding type milk Hep sulphur/ Pulsatilla 30c cannot cope with the conversion. If they do not improve they water and rubbed into the affected area, especially the
should be culled, as they will never overcome their problems. neck.
Selecting homoeopathic remedies on cow behaviour you may
consider: One synthetic drench can be used in Conversion with Demeter, • Rub the neck and backbone well with a mixture of vege-
• Linked to water and warmth
Lying on affected side, but the animal will never be able to be sold as organic meat. table oil and teatree oil.
slow moving Bryonia 30c Check with your certifying agency. • Use animal blood to breed
• (You could probably steep tansy or wormwood or penny
Flighty, highly strung cow
‘dairy type’ Cal phos 30c Usually, once an organic system is in place the victims are royal in the oil for at least a week in the sun before
Peaceful ‘blocky type’ cow Cal carb 30c the young freshly calved heifers that are finding it hard to fit applying to get their insecticide properties as well)
Fights when quarter stripped Phytolacca 30c into the milking herd and a fresh regime. They hang back and
always get picked on, not necessarily finding the best grazing
• Spray using pure pyrethrum (without piperonyl butoxide Strategies:
synergist)
Check potencies and methods of administration with the as a result. The longer you practice organics the least common • Keep your animals healthy and strong.
this problem is. • Neem oil could be worth investigating. Spray 3 times 9–10
homoeopath you contact for your remedies. • Use a teat spray with teatree oil in it to deter them in
days apart.
It is recommended you go to a course on homoeopathics if milking cows. (Recipe in Mastitis section)
• Ask your homeopath to make a nosode if you can get some
you can. • Keep grass short
of the lice off and into a bottle or container. Dose the main
water tank monthly or in troughs 1x a week most of the • Top rushes and long rank grass
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•
•
Avoid grazing on wet areas
Watch the weaker animals
What is it?
•
the pastures fed to them
Dry bran on the hay (lots of it) also helps to lessen fermen-
7. Facial eczema
A cow gorging on damp pasture that is lush, has grown tation
• Make sure your grazing patterns and herd management are • Caused by fungal toxins on pasture
quickly, and is clover dominant may develop bloat. This type
as natural as possible to the animals. • When sowing new grasses, look for variety and have a • Warm humid weather and decaying litter are factors
of pasture tends to have a low roughage rate. It often occurs
mixed sward, especially chicory
when overnight temperatures drop. Bacteria in the rumen • Affects the liver
produce methane and CO2 gases as they break down food. • Treat the troughs with a suitable detergent or permitted
• Prevention is the only cure.
What is it? Some chemicals from the clover combine with the gas to form
a stable foam which builds up pressure in the rumen. As bloat
anti foaming agent
• Cchamomile tea could be used
With our climates getting hotter and wetter in some places, develops, the animal’s breathing becomes laboured and they
• Spraying the pasture with vegetable oil (especially linseed
ticks are becoming more of a problem. Similar to lice, they rely
on a host animal and its nice warm blood to enable them to
grunt and groan. The cow’s sides become enlarged and the
animal may try to lick its flanks. If serious enough the cow will
oil) or paraffin prior to grazing. (Check with your certifying What is it?
agency first)
multiply. lose balance and can die rapidly. Facial eczema is caused by toxins from the spores of the sapro-
• Treat individual animals prone to bloat with vegetable oil phytic fungus known as Pithomyces chartarum. This fungus is
They are linked to watery aspects of our environment and need Cows will try to help themselves by standing uphill to help the
or baking soda important to the breakdown of ryegrass litter. This fungus lives
warmth and moisture to survive. Their life cycle is 4 staged. They gas escape by belching. This also gets weight off the diaphram
go from larvae to nymph to adult while living in the grass. They to enable easier breathing. They will often try to find a position • Homoeopathic chamomile 1–2 weeks before 1x a day for in dead vegetative material in pastures, especially ryegrass.
then move up the grass to hop onto their host and settle on in a breeze with cooler air. 3 days then 1x a week, stepping up to every day if the It rises up and multiplies between January and May when the
them for a week, gorging themselves on blood. After a week presence of bloat is a possibility weather becomes warm, wet and humid. Light rain or dew,
The predisposition to bloat is inherited – so breeding against
when they are nice and fat, they drop off to lay their eggs in warm nights and litter in the pasture are usually the most
bloating is an option to help reduce the problem. • Cider vinegar in trough regularly
the grass. All this happens around November and December common triggers. Overnight grass minimum temperatures have
and during the summer if there are outbreaks of rain. Their A well run organic farm should not have clover dominant • Garlic, nasturtium and cider vinegar drenched to animals
to be warmer than 12ºC for 2 to 3 nights or more. The youngest
host can survive if there are only a few, but if it is constant pastures. Their pastures should be a mixture of grasses, clovers • 20ml orange roughy oil drenched twice daily spores are the most toxic and a spore count above 60,000 is
invasion the animals tend to become anaemic, have sores from and herbs, and should have grown over a longer period. All
• Once the clover starts to flower the bloats season is usually considered dangerous.
the damage caused by ticks latching on, lose weight and have these factors should mean bloat not being a serious problem on
ill thrift. As with lice, if the tick has a choice they tend to invade organic farms. The main problem areas appear to be associated over because of the high tannins in the flower. The spores are soil born, so they live in the lower areas of the
the weaker animal. with new grass paddocks where clover may be dominant. Crops pasture on dead ryegrass litter. Often there is a mineral or
such as lucerne, turnips and greenfeed may also cause bloat if bacterial imbalance in the soil. This then allows the fungi to
become more dominant and create an imbalance.
cattle gorge themselves or the crop has grown rapidly. Grazing
management that does not lead to animals gorging themselves
Treatment The spores generally cannot survive in hot dry weather, or cooler
Treatments can minimise the bloat problem. • Vegetable oil (linseed oil preferable) or liquid paraffin or t e m p e ra t u r e s.
• The sprays and drenches for lice in the previous topic It still pays to be mindful of the possibility of bloat occurring. fat (85–118ml diluted in water). Check on paraffin and Facial Eczema Chain reaction Heavy rain will
fat with certifying agency. wash the spores
should work.
Potassium: Sodium ratios in the diet is a factor Toxin in litter down the plant
• If it is a problem try getting a nosode of ticks from your • If beginning to sway and be bad, use a bloat knife for a
K : Na rumenotomy. Stab the cow’s left flank.
6 making them
own property made up by a homeopath.
30–50 : 1 definitely dangerous Liver unable to metabolise unavailable to
• Homoeopathic Ledum 30c • Mild cases – get them walking especially towards an up 6 be taken in by the
10–15 : 1 ideal
• Homoeopathic Nat mur 30c hill position. Toxin accumulates in blood animal.
• Spray the animals with neem oil: spray when there is Lower bloat on organic farms is lower plant K in 6
• Post trauma – The toxin, spori-
evidence of ticks on the animals. Spray, the whole animal, relation to Na levels. Photosensitization of white skin
– linseed tea (flax seed boiled in water and steeped) desmin, that is
especially the underbelly at a rate of 0.7%–2% with water A grass sample test will show you this. Look for shade, twitch ears repeatedly.
produced, is one
depending on the concentration of the neem. Neem oil is Further Information: Work done by Max Turner – Massey University – powdered charcoal or crushed charcoal tablets given Dark green diarrhoea
that the animal’s
currently allowed under certification. Neem oil also inter- with milk to remove any lingering gases. Coat dry and harsh, ill thrift and lose condition
liver cannot
rupts the breeding cycle of ticks. If in doubt, check with – teas of fennel, dill, peppermint, German chamomile, Listless, fidgety, sunburn on teats, noses etc.
metabolise. As a
your certifying agency. ginger, or lemon balm to sooth. See the previous Herbal section 6 result the toxin
Prevention on how to make teas. Itching, swollen, scabs, redness.
accumulates in
6 their blood supply
• Select the pastures you put your animal on and try not • Homoeopathics: 1 treatment every 10 mins for 4 times,
Loss of appetite
6. Bloat put them in hungry. Avoid putting them on before the dew
lifts.
then review. Can be included with other treatments
above.
6
Gross number of toxins
and photosen-
sitising occurs.
Symptoms appear
• Bloat is caused by a build up of gases in the rumen from • Put the cows on the night paddock half an hour before Frothy Antimonium crudum 6c/ Apis 6c 6 ten to twelve days
fermented grass evening milking to prevent them gorging themselves after Less acute Carbo veg 6c Liver gives up
after ingestion.
• A tendency to bloat is inherited the evening milking. Bad Colchium 1m 6
Malfunction of liver
• Occurs on new damp pasture and specific crops • Spraying biodynamic preparation 501 on pastures will
strengthen the plant and making it easier to digest.
6
• Related to levels of nitrogen in the grass
Goes down at calving or stress times
• Prevention is best. • A supplement of hay (roughage) before putting them on
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AgriQuality does not specify. Treatments for Facial Excema the animal’s skin can crack and peel and this mixture of oils can
be given orally to assist the skin healing process. This mixture
tion and have had access to lush pasture prior to calving.
can also be used in cases of ‘spring eczema’ which has a slightly Most fully certified organic farms do not strike this problem due
Please check your certifying agency’s current standards Use at the first signs of irritation or skin damage – you will different aetiology, however, the resultant damage to the skin is to the grass being in better balance through more consistent
before using these. usually see the cow irritated days before you see any damage. the same.
growth.
Manderson’s mixture is available from Dominion Chemicals,
Other considerations Homoeopathic: East Tamaki, Auckland, or you could source the raw ingredients • First signs are restlessness and disorientation, followed by
yourself and mix your own. depression and paralysis.
• Reduce the spore intake by having a forage crop (e.g. bras- Prevention: Zincum met 30c alternated Castor oil 88%
sicas) or a supplement (e.g. silage) as part of the summer with mineral compound • She shows weakness in her hind legs, staggers falls down
Linseed oil 6%
programme. These allow higher grazing residuals and are (available from HFS) and is unable to rise again.
Cod-liver oil 3%
very useful to help prevent FE in young stock.
First signs of skin damage Olive oil 3% • Her temperature drops.
• If the risk is rising, put zinc sulphate in troughs daily. There and to counteract effects The dose recommended is 85ml per adult cow (reduce propor-
• She lies on her breastbone with her neck in an S shape
are interactions with, especially with copper and selenium; tionally for younger cattle) and to repeat in 2–3 days as required.
esp. on white cows Hypericum 30c against her right or left flank.
and farms deficient in these trace elements should consult • 1⁄2 cup castor oil
Redness, swelling, itches • She appears asleep, her eyes glazed and dilated.
their vet before using too much zinc sulphate. 1 tablespoon linseed oil
on skin Sulphur 30c
• Give them shade, especially affected animals. 1⁄2 teaspoon olive oil • If untreated this can lead to a coma and eventual death
Inflammation and oozing Rhus tox 1m 1⁄2 teaspoon cod-liver oil within a few hours.
• Affected animals should be fed well and have no stress to of serum from skin Graphites 30c This dose is for a cow. Smaller doses would help a sheep to recover.
enable them to recover. • Another test is the fluid in the eye of a fresh dead animal
Liver damage Chelidonium 30c • To help with itching alternate the following solutions on to get accurate information on calcium magnesium levels.
• Be aware when topping prior to a possible dry period, as the affected skin (see Waterman, 1980):
Skin and hair repair Arsenicum alb 30c Ask your vet for details.
this can cause litter. Maybe it might be better to leave that – 15 ml Boracic acid and 240ml water
grass standing up. An alternative may be to keep those Effects of sun Sol 30c
– 30ml Creolin and 1 litre water
paddocks out of the round in December, and have it as a There is also a homoeopathic nosode available. When a healthy scab is has establish use:
mature pasture or standing hay when the flush of grass – 30ml Creolin and 500ml sweet oil Prevention
appears, break feeding it off. This also has the added Other treatments
advantage of restocking pasture species and giving the • Peach tree leaves and bark are a source of zinc. You could Avoid a complete change of diet when calving.
2 cups cold pressed linseed oil/cow for 2 days; 1/2 cup linseed make a tea out of them by pouring boiling water over
paddock a rest. • Avoid lush pasture and have the animals on not too tight
oil/calf for 2 days (too much is poisonous). Also check with them, steep for up to 6 hours and then add to trough or
• Don’t forget your young stock – they are more prone. your certifying agency first. drench. rations the final 3 weeks before calving. This is to avoid
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a change of diet soon after calving. One suggestion is to • Additions to hay could be: dolomite, molasses, liquid Recovering and • A sudden change to low mineral content ,
ensure cows have 1–2 hours grazing on grass a day seaweed and cider vinegar Relieving cramp Cuprum met 1m especially in spring
• Feed hay that contains a good percentage of clover. This • Administer 25% calcium in the vein as an IV solution. The Bloated Colchium 200c • Excitement for some reason
will increase the calcium content, while at the same time secret is to allow this to go into the vein slowly – let it take Severe Cicuta 30c • A chill from cold, wet weather
through the extra chewing, increase the amount of saliva 15 minutes.
reaching the gut and therefore helping to stabilise the pH. Tossing head, no • A cow needs 10–20 gm magnesium per day
• Alternative, as soon as you detect milk fever inject a bottle balance. Rising on
• Give her a dose of 2 tablespoons Epsom salts in one cup of calcium borogluconate under the skin using a flutter • Because magnesium is held in the muscle and is
fore legs only Nux vomica 30c important for nerve function, it has a short life in
of the cows’ own milk 24 hrs before calving to discourage valve. If necessary, administer another later
over–rapid production of milk. (Note: check your standards Prevention of it the body especially if there is any stress.
• Keep her warm and cover if she is cold recurring once OK Sulphur 30c
and make sure you are allowed to use it)
• Do not milk the cow out completely for 2–3 days or leave
• Animals are unable to store magnesium in their body, so it the calf on the cow for 36 hours
needs to be administered daily Signs
9. Grass staggers (Hypomagnesaemia)
• Move her from one side to another every day while she is
• Keep a close eye on your cows 5 years and over down. Give her molasses • Nervous, irritable, aggressive, twitching eyes, jumpy, anti
• Weekly doses of homoeopathic Cal phos and Mag phos • Plants rich in calcium – watercress, crushed nettles, social.
in the trough weekly last 3 months and first 4 weeks of • Caused by low levels of magnesium
molasses, chickweed, comfrey, alfalfa, willow twigs and • Staggering and taking high steps, thrashing at sides, eyes
lactation to help the animal metabolise both boughs, root crops, poplar, tagasaste, birch, barberry, • Sudden stress is a trigger
glaring.
• Vitamin D will help the animal metabolise the calcium plantain, red clover, raspberry, rosemary, shepherd’s purse. • Can be confused with milk fever or ketosis
• Collapsed, coma, unconscious, leading to death. Brain
• Provide lime flour to colostrum cows by pasture dusting, Many have a balance of calcium and magnesium. Plant
• Timing after calving is the key indicator damage can occur.
with molasses (high in calcium) or other feeds. (Check with them or make a tincture with cider vinegar when they are
growing to drench the animals with it at calving • Prevention prior to calving is best. Beware: It can be confused with milk fever or ketosis
your certifying agency first.)
(sometimes called pregnancy toxaemia) due to the
• Ensure the cow’s diet is not high in potassium (K) especially • Immediately give calcium and iodine rich drench with 2
symptoms. They all occur at the same time of the year.
pre and post calving. handfuls powdered seaweed mixed with 1kg molasses. This
Timing is the key to a more accurate diagnosis.
is then mixed with warm water or milk to make it runny,
drinkable consistency. Repeat this hourly
What is it? • Milk fever usually occurs before or straight after
Grass staggers is a low blood level of magnesium. Magnesium calving.
• Another is 1 cup molasses, 4 tbsp linseed oil or meal, 2 tbsp
Current Standards: (these may change) salt, 2 tbsp calcined magnesite or dolomite. Give as a lick is held in the muscle and used by the muscles and nerves. • Grass staggers occurs later after calving and the
on feed. The heavy milkers we are breeding in NZ are secreting lots animal usually goes down at the shed or straight
• Bio–Gro allows injections of calcium borogluconate of calcium and magnesium through their milk. This results in after being milked.
or natural vitamin D. They also allow addition of • A salt lick recipe used:
fluctuations in blood levels. Grass staggers can occur up to 12
magnesium and/or phosphorous salts to metabolic • Ketosis has the same nervous symptoms but she
– 10 litre bucket of seaweed powder weeks post calving in the spring when the grass is short and
solutions to allowed to help with recovery. tends to be losing weight fast yet there is a good
– 10 litres cider vinegar growing rapidly. A tendency to this illness can be inherited.
feed supply. This also happens after she has calved
• Demeter allows calcium borogluconate prepara- – 10 litres water or molasses Sudden stress brings it on.
– sometimes a long time after.
tions to be used as a restricted remedy when needed. – 20 litre bucket of salt
The grass and ground levels of magnesium can be high or low
Magnesium sulphate is also restricted. Calcined – 1 sack of dolomite • Age and obesity is a predisposing factor.
and this metabolic disease can still strike. It indicates more an
magnesite, chalk and dolomite are also permitted. Mix all together in a concrete mixer, liquids first then imbalance of minerals, particularly with calcium and potassium.
• AgriQuality allow calcium gluconate, calcium solids Too high a level of potassium in the diet suppresses magne-
lactate, calcium carbonate, and shells of aquatic Epsom salts can be added or replace the salt to add more sium absorption from the rumen. This indicates a farm heavily
manured will be prone to grass staggers. Young grass in this
Prevention
animals. Also magnesium sulphate, chloride, magnesium. Please check with your certifying agency first.
carbonate and anhydrous magnesia. type of scenario will be rich in protein and potassium and low Give prevention remedies prior to calving for good insurance.
Please check your certifying agency’s current standards before Homoeopathic in calcium, making the magnesium hard to take up in the body.
• Give mineral licks before and after calving. These are avail-
Mature grass is normally high in calcium.
using these. Violent movements Belladonna 1m able, but please keep the labels for certification and ensure
Calcined magnesite is also known as magnesium oxide and causmag. Staring pupils can be alternated with Aconite 30c Too high a level of potassium in the diet suppresses magne- they do not have any prohibited materials in them. If in
Prevention Cal phos 30c/Mag phos 30c weekly sium absorption from the rumen. This occurs in rapidly growing doubt, check with your certifying agency.
Overall Mag phos/Cal carb/ Belladonna 30c grass. Use of lower potassium feeds such as hay, more mature
• One mix is: 25kg Epsom salts, 25kg dolomite (check for
To prevent deficiency Mag phos 30c grass etc. have a real benefit at this time of the year if staggers
possible heavy metals), and 8 litres molasses. Note: Epsom
Treatments Twitching
is a problem. High potassium (K) will be an issue for many farms
salts is a restricted treatment and most certifying standards
still in the conversion process and/or on soils with a naturally
• Common sense with any milk fever case is to warm the cow Nervous peripheral parts Stramomium 200c are specific on what you can use it for. Please check with
high available K.
up. Parallel to treatments is the importance to get them out Col extremities, pain, your certifying agency before using it.
Organic farming combined with the use of Biodynamic prepara-
of the wind and the wet ground. Get them in the barn, put oppressed breathing Ammonium causticum 30c • If staggers is a problem, feed molasses or 35–75 gm/
tions 500, compost preparations, and preparation 501 at the
a cover over them or whatever you have to do to get them cow/day of Epsom salts, or 50–60 g/cow/day of calcined
Comatose Opium 200c appropriate times can eventually avoid this problem.
warm. magnesite or dolomite on hay or silage prior to calving. This
Phosphorus 30c
will balance the high protein content in pasture as well as
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supplying a ration of magnesium. Keep them warm, quiet and avoid loud and sudden noises. A hypothesis: The five stages of the oestrus cycle:
• The calcined magnesite and dolomite at the above rates Sometimes one of the problems during artificial insemination 1) Pro–oestrus – the Graafian follicle grows leading to
can be dusted onto pastures one to two days before
Homoeopathically
that can occur is when a technician places a small amount of follicular fluid
grazing. To help them recover and limit the damage to the central semen through a tube into the uterus. Because there has been 2) Oestrus – the period of excitement and desire, the ovary is
nervous system give Mag phos 30c plus: no stimulus and foreplay from the bull, the hormones are not
• Epsom salts can be put into troughs at the above rate. matured
However for full effect the troughs must be the only water Cramps/ spasms. Mild cases Cuprum aceticum 30c in full gear and have not switched on the mechanisms to assist
with fertilisation. Therefore the uterine identifies this semen as 3) Metoestrus – the day after, leads to the rupture of the
supply for the herd. Convulsions and dilated pupils Belladonna 1M
a foreign body and pushes the semen away, rejecting it. follicle and explosion of ovum
• Homoeopathic Cal phos/Mag phos and Kali phos 30c in Tendency to fall to the left side Stramomium 200c
If injury by the technician occurs, blood is an effective spermi- 4) Dioestrus – the uterine walls thicken and the uterine glands
trough weekly 2 months before and after calving. This can
If down, raises and lowers head cide. Rough or insensitive handling by a technician can also are active. If pregnancy happens this continues. If not a
be done in conjunction with the above suggestions.
Neck twisted or backwards, lead to reverse peristalsis. Long–term use of AI may develop a new oestrus cycle begins
• If you need to lime, consider topdressing with dolomite. twitching Cicuta virosa 200c sterile cow in terms of fertility, because of the suppression of 5) Anoestrus – inactivity period. If the animal is healthy this
Dolomite has calcium and magnesium in it. Check its
behaviour patterns associated with mating. Through the lack of lasts 21 days.
heavy metal levels first.
natural patterns, the cow is unable to or reluctant to come into
• Avoid sudden feed changes. Save up and use older pasture heat, resulting in anoestrus.
for first 6 weeks after calving. If this is not possible, supple-
ment fresh young grass with hay or silage. Put cider vinegar
10. Infertility This is a topic that could create much discussion. Prevention
in the trough each day. • Can be a multitude of reasons This is more fully explained in Biodynamic Perspectives
– Farming and Gardening, edited by Gita Henderson. Good practices and things to know for efficient mating:
• Spray pastures with biodynamic preparation 501 during • Learn to understand the process of oestrus
Published by the NZ Farming and Gardening Assn, P O • Mark on your calendar in bold, 60 days prior to the
the ascending phase to bring light into the pasture and • There are some good practices to follow Box 39 045, Wellington. pp 86–91, A Critical Look at first day of mating. Make sure you never let your cows
strengthen it.
• Close observations are important Reproduction Technology by Jorg Spranger. go hungry from that day until the end of your mating
• Give the animals sheltered paddocks in cold and stormy programme.
weather.
• Keep good records of oestrus/heats and mating.
• Do not breed from animals prone to grass staggers.
What is it? What is oestrus? • The first heat usually occurs within 40 days of calving and
then every 18–24 days.
Infertility is the inability of an animal to conceive and/or It is when a cow comes ‘in season’. It lasts approx 15 hours for
• A 65% to 70% AI conception rate is considered accept-
What the certifying agencies currently produce a fulltime calf. These animals are regarded as ‘empties’ cows and 10 hours for heifers.
able.
allow (These may change) when pregnancy testing is carried out, and are often culled at
the end of the milking or rearing season, depending on your
There are 3 stages:
• The animals must be in good condition – score 4.5 (well
1. Coming into heat covered backbone) to 5 (well covered back and hip bones)
Bio–Gro – magnesium chloride, dolomite, magnesite. You regime. If you are calving year round, or split calving, there is
a chance she may get pregnant at the next round of mating. a. Aggressive, restless and on a rising plane of nutrition.
can add magnesium and/or phosphorous salts to metabolic
solutions to assist recovery. Epsom salts is restricted as a This, in turn, can be a factor in breeding infertile animals if it is b. Disturbs other cows – I want your attention • Fat cows and skinny cows usually fail to conceive.
fertiliser. not monitored well. c. Or stands alone or away from other cows – I feel • Check cows that have had difficult births. You may need to
Demeter – Magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts) is restricted, Infertility seems to be a problem with herds both conventional different. help them clean their uterus.
magnesium chloride is restricted. Calcined magnesite, chalk, and organic. There is no obvious reason why but there are 2. Approaching a standing heat
dolomite is allowed. many possibilities. The main reason is underfeeding and the
a. Holds milk, vulva swollen
under-nourishing of animals. Another is a history of focusing
AgriQuality – anhydrous magnesia, magnesium sulphate, in on production, rather than longevity and fertility, resulting b. Smooching up to other
magnesium chloride, magnesium carbonate. cows
in a strong push to breed high producers, which are so busy
Calcined magnesite is also known as magnesium oxide and causmag. producing milk, that they have no reserves left to begin oestrus. c. Paws ground and frequent
Remember check your copy of the certifying agency standards Others are temperamental factors, early abortions, and 2 year urination
and if in doubt contact your certifying agency. olds teething. Endocrine dysfunction is another cause and this 2. Standing heat.
includes silent heats, anoestrus, cystic ovaries, frequent returns,
a. Stands to be ridden –
uterine and genital infections, and persistent corpus iuteum.
I want to play
Treatment Natural mating sees the bull naturally insert a small amount
of semen with high density of sperm into the vagina. One of
b. Front mounts other cows
the cow’s response to the smell of the bull is to bring on heat c. Mucus near vulva
Initially administer an injection into the blood stream of calcium
(25%), magnesium (4%), and dextrose (25%). This gives them and the mating itself. The contractions from a stimulated cow d. Hair rubbed off tail base
the calcium and a little magnesium. through lots of foreplay, enables the hormones to be interacting e. Raised tail and arched
fully, rhythmically helping the sperm to move towards the uterus back.
Then follow this with a dose of magnesium sulphate (40%)
and begin fertilisation. Artificial insemination is used widely,
under the skin. Do not put the magnesium sulphate in the Ovulation occurs 14 hours after
and it is reliant on the cows in the herd to produce the stimula-
vein – you will kill her! Other doses can be followed in 12 the end of oestrus.
tion in preparation for mating.
hourly intervals. These products are available from your vet.
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drawn under her. The feet are hot and the top of the hoof is copper sulphate. These are restricted remedies and for Homoeopathic: stress and adverse weather.
swollen. It tends to affect the front feet. Later the feet become footbaths only as these substances, especially copper Drench with one of the many remedies available. Check
Lameness, severe pain Aconite 30c •
elongated and grooved. sulphate, kill earthworms. your standards booklet on what is permitted
Resolve abscess Hepar sulphur 30c
Overgrown toenails and frames of feet lead to unbalanced • Bacteroides nosodus survives in wet muddy conditions for • Drench with 250ml glycerine and 250 ml molasses.
walking for the cow, allowing one digit to be higher than no more than 3 weeks. It hates sun but can be passed Drain pus Hepar sulphur 6x
another. This then puts pressure in places there should not be on from one animal to the next. If you suspect this is the • Check for milk fever, which can also occur at the same
Works on the infection
and the end result is often lameness. An inspection of animals’ problem get the vet to test to make sure what bug you do time.
internally Silicea 200c
feet regularly and giving them a manicure, if necessary, avoids have. • Mineral compound (homoeopathic remedy available from
Severe infection Gunpowder 30c
this situation. This trait may also be inherited. • Overgrown toenails and excess around the sides of hooves HFS) could be helpful.
(Homoeopathic)
White line disease is a gradual infliction, caused at any time the are hereditary. They can be trimmed using a hoof knife, but Gonitis (inflammation of • Cider vinegar to aid digestion.
animal goes through stress or periods of poor nutrition causing must be trimmed in such a way it is comfortable for an stifle joint). Older animals • Homoeopathic lycopodium 1m
stress. It shows on the hoof as a white line and is a weak point. animal to walk. (It is like us losing 1⁄2 a sole of a shoe) tend to get it due to joint
As the hoof grows these lines eventually get to the part which • Invest in a good set of clippers and hoof knives. degeneration Arnica 30c
is in contact with the ground. The end result is a foot prone to
Homoeopathic arnica 30c and silica 30c, alternated in the Sprains Rhus tox 1m
14. Black leg (Entero–toxaemia)
injury. •
trough weekly for prevention. Periosteum of bone Ruta grav 30c
Zinc is an important element for the animal to have in their
system to allow a strong keratin structure to be present. • Never restrict their nutrition levels. Fracture Symphytum 30c
Black leg is one of the clostridial diseases of farm animals. Pulpy
Offspring from overseas stock can show a tendency to • Check liver for copper levels and blood samples for zinc Others kidney, Red water are other clostridial diseases. Clostridia are
lameness, because of their breeding. Their ancestors are used levels. found in the soil and in animals. Black leg will grow rapidly
Stops the development of
to standing in barns, with very little walking. Their diets are also excess hard tissue Calcarea fourica 30c when offered the right conditions. Bruising and wounds are
quite different and this may affect their offsprings’ consititu- often related to outbreaks of clostridial diseases. Black leg
Reduces infection and often affects the most rapidly growing animals which have
tion and physical make up. They are living in conditions quite
different in New Zealand – fed mainly on grass and having to
Treatments ulcerations Nat mur 200c been grazing high protein, low fibre moist pasture. The kidneys
walk long distances every day. Result: weaker feet. Young calves are unable to handle the clostridial toxins and death often
With inflammation between digits, treat a.s.a.p. to stop the pus
from burrowing under the horn. To metabolise calcium Cal phos 30c follows quickly.
Healthy hoof
Photos: Left: Right: Hoof showing nutrition
and stress lines. Wash with soapy water or Growing rapidly Phos ac 30c • If it is an ongoing problem, apply to get permission to
antiseptic or teatree oil or vaccinate for it.
• Nosodes for footrot are available if it is a constant
cider vinegar. Cut all loose • Some vaccines are GE and combination vaccines (5 in 1
problem. Talk to your homoeopath
decaying flesh. Apply poultice etc). Check with your vet before vaccinating what you are
with linseed meal and use a • Couch grass and dandelion are high in silica which using and ensure the vaccine has not been genetically
shoof to hold poultice. When strengthens the feet engineered. Ask for a certificate stating this.
pus has gone, protect wound • Herbs and poultices could come in handy – see the herb • Watch the grass you are putting the animals on. If neces-
with Stockholm tar. (Check section. sary, keep giving them some fibre, such as hay.
with your certifying agency.)
• Keep animals in a healthy and fit condition.
Clean between the toes with
cider vinegar, then put active • Homoeopathic remedies will help but will not cure:
manuka honey up between
the toes, along with fresh
13. Ketosis (acetonemia or acidosis) Crotalus horridus 30c, Bothrops/Lanciolatus 30c, Lachesis
30c
Prevention plantain leaves and hold it in place with insulation tape. This can be confused with grass staggers or milk fever. It occurs
Change it daily for 3 days (more if needed) as well as treat 6–10 weeks post calving. It affects high producing cows when
A few pointers: with homoeopathic Pyrogenum 30c. The infection usually stops there are larger demands of their body condition. It affects high
• Let the cows wander to the shed where possible. getting worse straight away, but swelling can take up to 10
days to go down.
producing cows at a time when even a high dietary intake of
energy is insufficient for the animal’s needs. The animal starts
15. Salt Poisoning
• Keep your races, gateways and trough surrounds in good
order. Use a shoof to hold poultices, keep the digit clean, and to take breaking down its own fatty acids and producing ketone Salt can be poisonous in large doses.
the pressure off the damaged digit. by–products. Body fat deposits are depleted and there is a Avoid uncontrolled access to agricultural salt. Some cows
• Feed them some fibre, such as hay or straw when the grass rapid loss of body condition.
Mix Stockholm tar and copper sulphate to pack a wound (check develop a real liking for it and poison themselves.
is growing quickly.
these remedies with your certifying agency first) The causes can include high protein low digestibility feeds,
• Ensure your pasture sward has a variety of grasses and Give the animal warm water and linseed tea – as much as
Comfrey poultices, plantain poultices, warm linseed meal poul- poor feed quantities, stress and/or adverse weather. Ketosis is possible.
herbs in it to ensure the animal has fibre in their diet. often a secondary disease associated with metabolic diseases.
tices, epsom salt poultices work well on severe cases.
• At the first sign of feet trouble investigate and deal with it. Metabolic imbalances usually lead to a decline in appetite Give the heart a stimulus – strong coffee, brandy.
Warm Epsom salts in a foot bath
Check for stones lodged in the claws. Arnica 2x a day for 2 which increases the risk of suffering from Ketosis. Homoeopathics are available.
days often works plus a footbath for the herd. If there is no recovery, and the animal is in pain and is
This means it is due to one of the following: the quality of
suffering, you will need to call your vet and you may need to
• Footbaths can be made with zinc sulphate, mono zinc or nutrition in late pregnancy; shortage of feed; poor quality feed;
treat the animal with antibiotics.
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16. Pink Eye (conjunctivitis) of the soft tissues around the tongue and mouth. If serious
enough it can infect lymph glands. Most infections start with
Homoeopathics
Infection: Hepa sulph 6c – 1m (low potencies
Oozing
Bleeding
Graphites 30c
Silica 30c
cuts or scratches in the mouth or on the tongue.
promote suppuration, high promote Abscesses Phytolacca 30c
Prevent access to material that might cause mouth lacerations resolution or healing)
(boxthorn, barberry) and avoid damaging animal mouths while
What is it? Silica 6c – 1m ( pushes infections out. Warts Homoeopathic thuja 30c
drenching. Isolate any infected animals and treat any clinical
Low potencies bring abscesses to a
cases. Ulcers Homoeopathic sulphur 30c
Pink eye is an eye infection (Moraxella bovis). Predisposing head heals scar tissue.)
factors include dust, bright sun, flies, and environmental irrita- The tongue becomes hard and swollen, making it hard to eat.
Arnica
tions (thistles, ragwort, ryegrass seeds). Mycoplasmas may also The animal dribbles, like after you have had an injection for Chaffing Vaseline
dental treatment. Hepa Sulphur and Silica are both important remedies in healing,
be involved. It occurs in summer and autumn. It can be heredi- Udder cream
especially in infections. Ask your homeopath what to use and when.
tary and it is contagious. Slow parts to heal use zinc oxide in an
Treatments
The four stages are ointment
For the whole herd, increase your seaweed intake for iodine.
• Tears streaming
• Blinking frequently
For individuals:
• 1 give an internal cleansing using 250g Epsom salts as a
st
19. Shock Sore Teats
Mix hypericum and marigold (50/50) with honey and use for
• The eye showing signs of infection and drench. Mental Aconite 30c all sore and cut teats.
• Opaque cornea indicating possible permanent 2 drench with 500g powdered seaweed (or liquid
nd
Rescue remedy 30c Calendula cream or oil.
damage. seaweed) in molasses and garlic.
Physical Arnica 30c
3rd massage the hardened area with 1 part vinegar and 3
Treatments
parts seaweed and 1 dessertspoon paprika.
Note: check with your certifying agency if Epsom salts is
22. Ringworm
permitted. 20. Drying off Homoeopathic bacicillum 30c
Eye washes: • Colloidal Silver (15ml) (see earlier section on Colloidal
Drying off should occur at least four weeks before the cow is
Boracic acid. Silver)
due to calve again. The udder goes through a period of involu-
23. Catarrh
2.5% solution of zinc sulphate in water. (28g zinc sulphate • Drench 250ml cider vinegar with 4 tablespoon seaweed tion, cleansing and preparing for calving again.
dissolved in 1 litre water) granules a few times a day.
Below are some treatments. Feed management should ensure
Eyebright tincture in water. energy and water intake is maintained but protein is reduced.
Homoeopathics: Homoeopathic:
So replace some of the diet with hay and do not feed high
Homoeopathics: Left swollen glands Mercurius Iodatus Ruber 30c quality crops, such as brassicas and young grass while drying Yellow discharge Mercury/Pulsatilla 30c
Prevention Pink eye nosode Right swollen glands Mercurius Iodatus Flavus 30c off. Itchy Sulphur 30c
First signs Aconite 30c General help Kali Hydr 200c • Peppermint, ginger and asparagus help slow milk flow. Yellow stringy Kali birch 30c
Early stages Kali hydr 30c, Euphrasia 30c Belladonna 30c • A dose of Epsom salts 28g every 2 days. (Check you are Thick discharges Hydrastatis 30c
Cause is a blow Arnica 30c allowed to use this under these circumstances)
Inflammed eye • Homoeopathic Lac Canium 30c in trough after final
Light sensitive Belladonna 30c milking.
Corneal opacity
(Beginning to do this) Acidum nitricum 200c
18. Wounds • Check for any individual mastitis cases 1 and 2 weeks post 24. Cow pox
drying off and treat accordingly.
• Clean using cold water, salt and a disinfectant healing herb It is infectious via the milker handling teats. Usually it is oval
Absolute corneal
Opacity Silica 200c (e.g. teatree oil) shaped. Allow the animals to develop an immunity if you have
• Rub some of the herb leaves and cider vinegar into the an outbreak.
wound (see Herbal section)
21. Udder Problems • Dose with garlic and cider vinegar
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Homoeopathics worth the risk. Wynn, Susan G. 1996. Anthlemintic therapy in holistic veterinary practice. Infertility
Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Assn
Prevention nosode Check the vaccine that is being used, that it is lepto only (there du Faur Ralph 1981 Dairy Herd Husbandry Dairy Exporter ISBN
Feb–Apr p15–19.
0–908596–11–1.
are combination ones) and that it is GE free. Get a certificate
Dry skin lesions Antimonium Crudum 30c Henderson Gita Biodynamic Perspectives – Farming and
stating this. Remember after the shot it is too late! Cider Vinegar
Pox like eruptions Cuprum Aceticum 30c Gardening,. Published by the NZ Farming and Gardening Assn, P O
Biodynamic newsletter, Autumn 1990. Box 39 045, Wellington. pp 86–91 A Critical. Look at Reproduction
There are nosodes available but are not recognised by vets.
Crater like, discharge Kali Bich 30c Bragg Paul and Patricia Apple Cider Vinegar ISBN 0 87790 0418 Technology by Jorg Spranger. ISBN 1–86941–460–8.
Check with your certifying agency for permission first. Thacker Emily 1994 The Vinegar Book. Pub Tresco, New York. MacLeod G. MRCVS,DVSM,AF Hom 1992 The Treatment of
Vesticular Ranunculus Bulbosus 30c Cattle by Homoeopathy by Jain Pub, India. Available from NZ
If the answer is yes, get the straight leptospirosis Resources Homoepathic Assn pp 76–80.
vaccine, not the combination one.
Coral Tree Organic Products Ltd, 44 Waihou Rd, P O Box 660, Levin,
Ph: 06 368 0833, Fax: 06 368 7888, Email kim@coraltree.co.nz
Mastitis
Homoeopathics:
27. General tonic for rundown cows Facial Eczema
Farm Fact Sheets 1–8 from Dexcel.
Livestock Improvement, Managing Mastitis – A Practical Guide
for NZ Dairy Farmers.
Waterman, G.A. 1980 The Practical Stock Doctor. Detroit. F.B.Dickerson Livestock Improvement SAMM Plan 1992.
Not moving Bryonia 30c • Powdered oak bark, a little powdered ginger steeped in 1
Cp. p 808. NZ Journal of Agricultural Research 1997 Vol 40 p 537–540.
litre hot water, then drenched.
1st remedy Aconite30c Herbal Medicine Trace Element Deficiencies
• Cider vinegar, seaweed, molasses, seawater
Aid recovery Fisher Carole & Painter Gillian. Materia Medica of Western Herbs de Bairacli Levy Juliette 1988 The Complete Herbal Handbook for
and prevent from • Chilli pepper of the Southern Hemisphere ISBN 0 473 03982 6. Farm and Stable Pub Faber ISBN 0–571–13205–7 pp170 – 173
Grieve Mrs M. A Modern Herbal ISBN 0 140464409. has a comprehensive list of the herb mineral properties..
recurring Sulphur 30c • Check the herb section.
Hoffmann David. The Herb User’s Guide ISBN 0 7225122880. Bettacrop Organics, Hamilton, Ph: 07 824 4881, have a commercial
Herbs may help. There must be others!!! drench with garlic, cider vinegar, amino acids, mineral oils and kelp.
Kloss Jethro. Back to Eden ISBN 0 912800127.
Pfeiffer Ehrenfried E. Weeds and what they tell by, Published by
Lawrence Hill. Comfrey. Pub Doubleday Research Institute, England (try Biodynamic Association USA. ISBN 0 938250–04–3.
Touchwood Books).
Pritchard EA for the NZ Weed and Pest Control Society. A Guide to General Resources for Animal Health
26. Leptospirosis 28. General information the Identification of NZ Common Weeds ISBN 0 959767614 .
Riley Murdoch. Maori Healing and Herbal ISBN 0 854670955.
Coleby Pat. 2002 Healthy Cattle Naturally ISBN 0 643 06765 5
Available through Touchwood Books: touchwoodbooks.co.nz
There are three types of lepto that can infect cows. All of them Stuart Malcom. The Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Herbalism ISBN Coleby, P. 2000. Healthy Sheep Naturally. Landlinks Press,
A very good drench gun, which administers 200ml at a time for
0 856130672. Collingwood, Vic. 2nd Ed.
can infect humans resulting in a debilitating illness, which may drenching high volumes is available. See your veterinarian.
Veterinary Science at Massey University The Farmer’s Veterinary de Bairacli Levy Juliette. The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm
last for months. In some people it periodically recurs. New Guide Revised and updated by a panel of Veterinary Experts.
Manuka honey is remarkably good on many infections. and Stable Pub 1991 by Faber. ISBN 0–571–13205–7.
Zealand is rather unique among dairy farming countries in that Available through NZ Dairy Exporter, Box 299, Wellington. Day Christopher MRCVS, VetFFHom. The Homoeopathic Treatment
there is a high risk of lepto infections in unvaccinated animals of Beef and Dairy cattle ISBN 0–906584–37–X.
and the people that work with them.
Homoeopathy
Davies P 1988 Organic Farming in New Zealand, The Farmer
References
Day Christopher MRCVS, VetFFHom. The Homoeopathic Treatment and His Environment. Pub by Tokoroa Printers Available from
The organism is highly infectious. Although it is killed by of Cattle ISBN 0–906584–37–X. Touchwood Books.
sunlight and desiccation, it can travel quite some distance in MacLeod G. The Treatment of Cattle by Homoeopathy Available du Faur Ralph. Dairy Herd Husbandry, ISBN 0–9–8596–11–1.
water, certainly from one farm to the next. from the New Zealand Homoeopathic Association P O Box 67 095, Mt
Eden, Auckland, Ph: 09 630 5458. Harrison Adele and Gilbertson Helen. Remedies for Farm Animals
Hardjo is the ‘normal’ cow lepto. Most non–vaccinated herds Calf management and worms Verkade Tineke. Homoeopathic Handbook for Dairy Farming,
Pub by NZ Biodynamic Assn P O Box 39 045 Wellington Mail Centre.
PH (04) 589 5366.
carry it and usually effects on cows are minor, although humans ISBN 0–473–08376–0 available from the author at HFS, P O Box
are at risk. If a vaccination programme is halted, after a year or
Websites: 9025, Hamilton. Henderson Gita. Biodynamic Perspectives – Farming and
Gardening, Pub by NZ Biodynamic Assn P O Box 39 045 Wellington
two hardjo often returns and abortions can result. www.attra.org www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4152521,00.html – a Mail Centre.
www.lifestyleblock.co.nz ( practical information on calf rearing) scientific paper on homoeopathy. Johnston JG. 1941 NZ Veterinary Handbook Pub NZ Dairy Exporter.
Pomona is the ‘normal’ pig lepto and effects on pigs are minor.
However, if it spreads to unvaccinated cows, a serious abortion Resources Macdonald’s Press Macdonald’s Encyclopaedia of Medical Plants.
Books and papers: Verkade Tineke Homoeopathic Handbook for Dairy Farming
storm is likely. It also produces red–water in calves resulting in a NZ Council of Homoeopaths, P O Box 51–195, Tawa, Web:
Barrell,G.K., (Ed) 1997. Sustainable control of internal parasites in rumi- Available from HFS, P O Box 9025, Hamilton. Ph: 07 858 4233.
lot of sick animals and some deaths. I try to discourage pigs on www.homoeopathy.co.nz Email: nzch@homoeopathy.co.nz.
nants. Animal Industries Workshop. Lincoln University, Canterbury. MacLeod G. The Treatment of Cattle by Homoeopathy Pub 1992
dairy farms. If you must have one, it should be vaccinated. June. pp 280. HFS (Homoeopathic Farm Support) offers a range of product & advice, P O Box B Jain, India Book Code B–2361 Available from NZ Homoepathic Assn.
Copenhageni is spread by rats. It is uncommon on dairy farms. Coleby Pat. 2002. Healthy Cattle Naturally ISBN 0 643 06765 5. 9025, Hamilton, Ph: 07 858 4233, Fax: 07 858 4234, Massey University Vetereninary Science 1992 The Farmers Veterinary
It’s the one lepto that can affect dogs (death rate is close to Available from Touchwood Books, Box 610 Hastings. Ph (06) 8742872 Email: hfs@xtra.co.nz Web: www.farmsupport.co.nz. Guide, pub Dairy Exporter Books. Available from Dairy Exporter NZ.
www.touchwoodbooks.co.nz. Animal Health Solutions offers a range of homoeopathically based Ruddock Dr The Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Veterinary
100% in unvaccinated dogs) and it can kill people as well.
de Bairacli Levy Juliette. The Complete Herbal Handbook for products for most commercial stock. Contact: Heather Stewart, Medicine. Available from NZ Homoeopathic Assn.
Effects on cows are minor. Welcome Bay, Tauranga, Freeph: 0800 926 462, Massey University Organic Unit, see Appendix 2
Farm and Stable Pub 1988 Faber ISBN 0–571–13205–7.
The standard lepto vaccine protects against hardjo and pomona. McBride, Judy. 1998. An ounce of prevention equals pounds of milk. Ag Web: www.animal.co.nz. NZ Agrisearch Units at Ruakura & Lincoln Web:www.agrisearch.co.nz
If there is copenhageni in your district, it would be advisable to Research January p10–11. Spray bottles are available through Payless Plastics or HFS. Ask your www.dexcel.co.nz www.farmwise.co.nz
MacLeod G. The Treatment of Cattle by Homoeopathy Available homoeopath how to mix your remedies into the spray bottles. Keep the same
use the vaccine that includes this. spray bottle for the same remedies. www.caprine.co.nz www.lifestyleblock.co.nz
from NZ Homoeopathic Assn.
www.2farm.co.nz www.vetgate.co.nz
With the ACC ruling, you will probably need to vaccinate, espe- Verkade Tineke Homoeopathic Handbook for Dairy Farming
www.attra.org
cially if you have others in your shed from time to time. It is not Available from HFS P O Box 9025 Hamilton. Ph: 07 858 4233.
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