Veterinary Services

Beef Calf Viability: The Importance of Checking the Suck Reflex

Good neonatal viability is essential to ensure calves rapidly ingest and absorb colostrum. Many early-life losses in suckled calves are linked, directly or indirectly, to hypogammaglobulinaemia (low levels of immunoglobulins).…

SRUC Veterinary Services
18/02/2026

Why You Should Be Measuring Ewe Colostrum Quality

Most sheep farmers recognise the vital role colostrum plays in lamb survival. What’s discussed far less often is how to measure its quality—and whether doing so is even practical in a busy lambing shed. Recent work carried out across commercial flocks shows that yes, it absolutely can be measured, and the results are well worth paying attention to.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
13/02/2026

Supporting HiHealth Members Following Biobest Laboratory Closure

Following the closure of Biobest Laboratories, we understand this is an uncertain time for farmers and veterinary practices involved in the Biobest HiHealth Scheme. SRUC’s Premium Cattle Health Scheme (PCHS) is working closely with Biobest to support members who wish to transfer and continue their herd health accreditation with as little disruption as possible.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
02/02/2026

Langstone Mill Farm: Focused on Flock Health and Breeding Excellence

Langstone Mill Farm is a family-run, MV-accredited pedigree Charollais flock focused on breeding for growth, conformation, and health while maintaining strict biosecurity measures. Their commitment to disease prevention and genetic progress ensures high-quality rams and finished lambs for the UK market.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
09/01/2026

Managing Winter Challenges

Advice from SRUC Veterinary Services on managing the challenges posed by the weather at this time of year. A series of useful tips and suggestions for cattle and sheep farmers.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
07/01/2026

Ovine Keratoconjunctivitis

This article by Veterinary Investigation Officer Heather Stevenson details the symptons and management of Ovine Keratoconjunctivtis or "pink eye".…

SRUC Veterinary Services
05/12/2025

PSGHS Rules for Adding Animals into an MV/CAE Accredited Flock or Herd

An important reminder to PSGHS members on the requirements for testing and isolation when adding animals to a MV or CAE accredited flock or herd.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
03/11/2025

Herd Health at the Heart of Success for the Award Winning Anside Herd

The Irvine family from Drummuir, Banffshire, have built one of the UK’s most successful pedigree Limousin herds — and they credit herd health as the cornerstone of their success.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
24/10/2025

CHECS Rules for Shows, Sales, and Off-Farm Movements

A reminder to our PCHS members about the CHECS rules for moving cattle to and from, shows, sales and other off-farm movements.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
24/10/2025

New CHECS Risk Level 1* (RL1*) Status for Johne’s Disease – What It Means for Your Herd

An update on the new CHECS Johne's Disease RL1* status for vets and farmers.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
16/10/2025

Low Barley Prices Could Sour Rumen Health This Winter

With barley being cheap and plentiful this year, many farmers that have traditionally sold forward stores, may be thinking about a move towards intensive finishing, especially when the fat price is still high. Ad lib feeding with cereals will also be an attractive option where silage stocks are in short supply.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
14/10/2025

How Easter Howgate Turned Their Herd Around with Premium Cattle Health Scheme Support

Read about how SRUC's Easter Howgate Farm are tackling their Johne's disease challenges with the help of the Premium Cattle Health Scheme.…

SRUC Veterinary Services
19/09/2025