Farmers should monitor for signs of rodent activity
mulation should aim to give the best chance of bait uptake. Roden- ticide resistance to the active in- gredients bromodialone and dife- nacoumn is a growing problem so any decision on which to use comes back to your knowledge of the par- ticular site.
“
Rodent control is going to be especially vital this winter
“Blocks can be fastened in place and therefore minimise the risk of contamination, but they’re not necessarily as palatable as a soft block or paste. Grain baits are however usually a popular choice in the farm environment as it’s of- ten similar to the food source on the farm.
“Rodent populations are high again this year and with straw a very valuable asset this win- ter, it’s important producers take an integrated approach by phys- ically clearing the at-risk areas, by monitoring populations and applying rodenticides where ap- propriate.”
Include storage protocols
bodily fl uids, so any situation where traces of faeces from wild birds come into contact with feed, or areas where hens peck, represents an opportuni- ty for disease to be introduced to a fl ock,” says Fred Liddell, poultry specialist at Wynnstay. Although most feed lorries are thoroughly hot washed and disinfected as they exit the mill, there is potential for
in bird flu measures vehicles to become contaminat- ed on the journey. “This is why it is essential for poultry produc- ers to have a biosecurity proto- col in place for feed deliveries.” Mr Liddell advises setting up a vehicle disinfection point for all sizes of visiting vehi- cles near to the farm entrance and away from any feed bins. Similarly, any spillages out- side sheds and storage places should be cleaned up immedi- ately to prevent attracting wild birds.
Farmers storing grain and oth- er animal feeds are being re- minded to assess biosecurity measures against bird fl u. This winter has seen a num- ber of confi rmed bird fl u cases – both in commercial poultry fl ocks and in wild birds. With- out thorough protocols in place, feed stores and deliveries can create a vulnerable point for disease transmission. “Avian fl u is spread through
“There shouldn’t be any spilt feed beneath the feed bins, so frequently check the seals and replace any that are bro- ken. General hygiene around the feed storage area is cru- cial. Regular cleaning of the concrete pads beneath the feed bins will prevent a build-up of feed dust or dirt.”
Super Super
spike designed with road safety in mind
Newbridges Farm • Blackwell • Shipston on Stour • Warwickshire CV36 4JX t: 01608 682062 e:
info@heathengineering.co.uk
www.heathengineering.co.uk FEBRUARY 2021 • MIDLAND FARMER 23
Spike A bale handling
Grab A truly innovative solution to large bale handling
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
