MSD Animal Health, in its firm commitment to disease prevention, training, and constant development of the animal health sector, sponsored the satellite conference on sustainability in small ruminants and replacement management held in Zaragoza as part of the XLIII National and XIX International Congress of the Spanish Society of Sheep and Goat Science (SEOC).
The initiative, which has the collaboration of the Government of Aragon, aims to satisfy the concerns of professionals who work in the sheep sector, key to the rural economy of Aragon. Divided into two blocks, this interesting training action featured specialists of recognized prestige in each of the topics analyzed.
In many cases, replacement is seen as a cost, when it is actually an investment in the future and sustainability of the farms. This facilitates obtaining a greater, more homogeneous, and stable production. Thus, what is invested in it should be compensated with the benefits that will be obtained in the future.
This is why MSD Animal Health focused the satellite conference on rearing, presenting exclusively the only project in the sector that ensures that ewe lambs and goat kids reach breeding in the best possible conditions: the Recría 10 program.
For this, every farm must be based on four fundamental pillars: health, nutrition, management, and facilities; never forgetting biosecurity and good vaccination practices.
The dairy cattle sector has been working on rearing for many years, as it has a significant impact on future production, and therefore on the farm’s bottom line. During the conference, specialists detailed the experience in cattle, analyzing differences and similarities with replacement management in sheep. They also highlighted the challenges the sector faces if it wants to advance in this aspect.
Key points in replacement management were also discussed, emphasizing the vaccination plan for the mothers, as the health status of the ewes, especially in the pre-calving period, will have a direct effect on the health of the ewe lambs in their early life stages. Good colostrum management is key for their future development.
Emphasis was also placed on the appropriate health protocol for the ewe lambs and how to carry out good reproductive management to reduce the age at first calving as much as possible. In this regard, special attention must be paid to the breeding of the ewe lambs to manage their age at first calving (AFC) and minimize the unproductive periods associated with delays.
With the organization of this satellite conference, MSD Animal Health once again demonstrates its strong commitment to training as an essential tool to achieve the desired productive results in any farm.
Its objective is to support professionals in their development, in this case in the field of small ruminants, and to offer the ideal service for each specific situation.
Understanding the environmental, economic, social, and technical reality with accurate and rigorous information is essential to optimize resources and facilitate appropriate decision-making to ensure that livestock activity is competitive.
This is where MSD Animal Health focuses, offering its constant support to keep the sector’s farms at the forefront of animal health.
The conference concluded with a Spanish wine courtesy of MSD Animal Health and the Government of Aragon.
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About MSD Animal Health
For over a century, MSD has been a global leader in the health sector working to contribute to the world’s well-being. MSD Animal Health, known as Merck Animal Health in the United States and Canada, is MSD’s animal health business unit. Through its commitment to Science of Healthier Animals® (the science of healthier animals®), MSD Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, and governments one of the broadest portfolios of veterinary pharmaceuticals and biologicals, solutions, and health management services.
MSD Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, welfare, and performance of animals. The company invests a significant amount of resources in R&D and a modern global supply chain. MSD Animal Health is present in over 50 countries and its products are available in approximately 150 markets.
For more information, visit www.msd-animal-health.es
