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Beef & Suckler Herds

At Cheshire Farm Vets we offer a number of services to our Beef and Suckler clients. Our main focuses are in:

Pregnancy diagnosis and staging

Using ultrasound scanners our vets can aid farmers in accurately identifying and staging pregnancies allowing you to plan ahead for the calving period. In addition, we can identify barren/non-cycling animals and can provide advice on how to improve conception rates using synchronisation protocols.

Bull fertility testing

In the face of low fertility within your herd or for pre-sale purposes, our vets are able to perform thorough fertility testing on your bulls. This includes a full clinical exam and grading of semen quality. We can then issue certification detailing the fertility of your bull(s).

Calf health and productivity

Our vets are always available to chat about ways to maximise growth and productivity in your young-stock. We can advise how to use appropriate vaccination protocols to reduce disease incidence, how to identify and effectively treat common issues e.g. scour/pneumonia and advise on any other husbandry queries you may have. Please see more within our Youngstock Pages

Our vets and vet techs will always be happy to help in any way we can, please contact the team today to discuss how else we can support you.

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    VAN Numbers

    A Veterinary Attestation Number (VAN), a 20-digit code, is now a requirement for UK livestock farmers selling to slaughterhouses or markets, particularly those exporting to the EU, to prove regular veterinary visits for animal health. 

    Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
    What it is:

    A VAN is a unique reference number provided by vets to producers on a Veterinary Attestation certificate, certifying an on-farm visit. 

    Why it’s needed:

    The VAN demonstrates that a farm has had regular vet visits, assessing the farm’s biosecurity and animal health, and is a requirement for livestock destined for the EU. 

    How it’s created:

    The VAN is a 20-digit number comprising the veterinarian’s RCVS number, the farm’s County Parish Holding (CPH) number, and the date of the certificate’s validity. 

    Where it’s used:

    The VAN number must be included on the Food Chain Information (FCI) document for non-assured consignments to slaughter markets and abattoirs. 

    How to obtain it:

    A qualified vet issues the VAN after conducting an on-farm visit, which doesn’t necessarily need to be specifically for the VAN but can be retrospective if the visit happened in the past year. 

    Important note:
    If you are part of a qualifying farm assurance scheme such as Red Tractor, you do not need to acquire a Vet Attestation Number (VAN) 
    Please call us today to esnure you have the correct details ready for Mart and selling stock. 
    Testing your Herd
    We can offer a vast range of on farm testing to improve your herd. 
    Benefits of Suckler Cow Testing:
    • Improved Herd Health:

      Early identification of nutritional issues, and effective management strategies. 

    • Better Fertility:

      Ensures cows have the necessary energy, nutrients, and minerals to conceive and maintain pregnancies. 

    • Increased Calving Efficiency:

      Optimizing nutrition and condition score around calving reduces calving difficulties and improves calf survival. 

    • Enhanced Calf Growth:

      Calves from well-nourished cows are more vigorous and grow faster to weaning. 

    • Cost Savings:
      Improved herd health, fertility and productivity can lead to long-term financial savings.