Longford farmers should know the importance of mid-season weighing

Weighing cattle during mid-summer is a crucial practice for farmers aiming to optimise herd health and productivity.
As the summer months progress, regular weighing provides valuable insights into the growth and performance of your cattle.

This simple yet effective management tool can significantly impact your farm's success.

Read more: Longford ISPCA celebrates nationwide campaign with Chanelle Pharma for awareness

Firstly, weighing cattle allows you to monitor their average daily gain (ADG). By tracking weight changes, you can ensure that your cattle are meeting their growth targets.

If any animals are not gaining weight as expected, it may indicate health issues such as a worm burden or nutritional deficiencies.

Early detection through weighing enables timely intervention, preventing potential losses.

Accurate weight measurements are also essential for effective dosing. Administering the correct dosage of medications or supplements based on weight ensures optimal health and prevents under or overdosing.

This precision is vital for maintaining the well-being of your herd.

Moreover, weighing facilitates better management decisions. By grouping cattle according to size and weight, you can tailor feeding strategies to meet their specific needs.

This targeted approach ensures that each animal receives the appropriate nutrition, promoting uniform growth across the herd.

In addition, regular weighing helps in planning for future sales or breeding programs. Knowing the weight of your cattle allows you to make informed decisions, ultimately enhancing your farm's profitability.

In summary, mid-summer weighing is a practice that offers numerous benefits. It aids in monitoring growth, ensuring accurate dosing, optimizing feeding strategies, and making informed management decisions.

By incorporating regular weighing, you can enhance the health and productivity of your cattle, leading to a more successful farming operation.

Read more: 

Teagasc provides a Local Advisory and Education service to farmers.

They have offices based in Roscommon Town (Tel: 090 6626166), Castlerea (Tel: 094 9620160) and Longford Town (Tel: 043 3341021), You can find us on Facebook @Teagasc roscommonlongford, Instagram @teagasc.rnld and X @teagascRNLD.

PICTURES: Longford's Marquee in Drumlish had a launch night in the Mill Bar

Email; RoscommonLongford Advisory@teagasc.ie