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We hold information seminars in the region every quarter with leading experts – see our events page for information on the next seminar. Contact your nearest Prime Health Vet to find out more.

Building expertise in Bull Breeding Soundness

Bull fertility can’t be taken for granted and often bulls are found to be infertile or sub-fertile.

To save farmer clients time and money by building knowledge and skills in bull breeding soundness, Prime Health Vets members have completed training workshops in 2015 covering examination of bulls for breeding soundness.

The course included on-farm practical training where participants gained experience of effective physical examinations and collection and evaluation of samples.To find out more about examining your bulls for breeding soundness, contact your local member of Prime Health Vets.

 Reduce mastitis and raise productivity & profit - 8th October, Cork Mart, 7.30pm

 All proceeds to Donal Walsh Live Life Foundation

“Cells counts reduce profitability and productivity: you have financial penalties from milk buyers as the high cell count has less of the desirable elements in milk, reducing manufacturing yield and quality. High cell count cows are less productive due to damage to the udder and high cell counts also add to the stress of farming”, said Peter Edmondson, a dairy specialist vet in mastitis and milk quality, who is guest speaker at Prime Health Vets seminar for farmers on mastitis in Cork Mart on 8th October. “In today’s farming environment, it is essential to have low cell counts”, he added.

“This topic was chosen by Prime Health Vets considering the massive year ahead in 2015 for Irish dairy farmers and the need to ensure maximum herd health and performance as the economic stakes get higher”, said Paul Redmond, Duntahane Veterinary Clinic and Chairman of Prime Health Vets, adding: “Of equal concern to farmers is the serious hidden costs of high SCC with the loss in production, dumped milk and extra culled cows - farmer penalties are only the tip of the iceberg. On the plus side, farmers can get bonuses from Co-ops on their milk for having low SCC.”

Prime Health Vets has grown in recent months to 15 veterinary practices across Cork County and with one new member in Co. Waterford.  “This planned growth of Prime Health Vets shows the value of being attached to a professional group promoting the transfer of knowledge and best practice in veterinary medicine.  Events like this seminar help us to give back to our farmer clients and ensure that they have the best available knowledge,” added Paul Redmond.

The topic of body conditioning scoring will also be covered on the night by Pat Noonan, of O’Brien & Noonan veterinary practice in Fermoy, also a member of Prime Health Vets.

There is a €10 charge for this seminar and ALL proceeds go to the Donal Walsh Live Life Foundation, to support teen hospice facilities and suicide prevention. Tickets are available from member practices, see www.primehealthvets.ie