Archived News

26th December 2007

I have just returned from a walk with the dogs and checking cattle, it was good to get out.  I spent yesterday in the kitchen, or so it seemed - it was daylight when I went in and darkness when I came out, so no chance of a walk.

Today makes up for this, there is a frost on the ground and a covering on the hedgerows, the sun is shining through the mist and there is a refreshing nip in the air. Perfect.

I have been taking my walks recently around the Laisures (1856 map marked as Leisure) because we have had seven animals in this field suffering from Cerebrocortical necrosis (CCN), a disease seen in cattle and other ruminants. The first animal was discovered dead in the field a couple of weeks ago and subsequently another six have been treated, with the loss of one and recovery of five.

The cause of CCN is not fully understood but there is a very strong link to deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine). The bacteria in the rumen normally create this vitamin, so cattle do not normally need it in feed. However, if there are thiaminases (enzymes that break down B1) in the rumen, then the animal can become deficient. These enzymes are commonly produced by rumen bacteria and are normally present in the rumen at low levels, but in some situations they multiply greatly and produce enough thiaminase to cause deficiency of B1.

As Christopher was breaking ice in the water trough last Friday, he noticed an isolated animal laying on the frozen ground at the far end of the field.  By the time we reached the steer, it was up but stumbling about the place.  It was in fact suffering with CCN and was losing sight.

Sick animals are generally taken back to the farm for nursing and the treatment given for CCN is a high dosage of vitamin B1. The recovering cattle are beginning to regain their vision.

Christopher's experience last week was positive and educational and it has given him a boost in self esteem, knowing that he helped to prevent the death of a sick animal.

If the steer had remained in the field overnight, it's temperature would have fallen dramatically and it may not have survived the freezing conditions. This certainly goes to show the value of checking livestock more than once a day (the boys and I also spotted one the previous Sunday so they are becoming practiced in animal care).

By providing addition forage to the cattle in the Laisures, the levels of vitamin B1 production should be restored and we are hopeful that this will prevent any further cases of CCN.