Mentera, a not-for-profit company dedicated to empowering Welsh businesses to be world-standard, has teamed up with Farm Dynamics to secure a new contract from the Welsh Government to deliver a groundbreaking program aimed at combating lameness in beef cattle. The initiative, titled "Carnau Cadarn - Beefed-Up Mobility" will provide farmers with the tools and knowledge to improve animal health, welfare, and productivity.

Addressing lameness and mobility issues in the beef industry, can significantly improve productivity and animal welfare. Recent research by the University of Liverpool has reported that 8.3% of finishing cattle and 14.2% of suckler cows are lame at any given time. This challenge is intensified by a lack of specific support for beef farmers, unlike their dairy and sheep counterparts.

Mentera's new program addresses this critical need by providing comprehensive training and support to farmers. Key components of the program include:

• Biosecurity: Implementing best practices to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
• Housing and Environment: Optimising housing conditions to minimise lameness risks.
• Handling and Welfare: Promoting humane handling techniques to reduce stress-related injuries.
• Nutrition: Ensuring proper nutrition to support hoof health.
• Lameness Prevention and Treatment: Providing practical guidance on early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of lameness.

Llŷr Roberts, CEO of Mentera, said:

“This new program demonstrates Mentera’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions to the challenges facing the agricultural sector. By leveraging our expertise in animal health and our extensive network of industry professionals, we are well-positioned to enhance the health and welfare of livestock in Wales.”

Dewi Hughes, Mentera’s Head of Animal Health Services, added: 

"Mentera is proud to champion high health and welfare of animals in Wales. By supporting Welsh beef farmers and vets to maximise productivity and enhance health and welfare, we can create a healthier, more sustainable, and more profitable industry.”

Mentera's expertise in animal health, coupled with its strong network of veterinary professionals, ensures that farmers receive high-quality support and advice. By investing in the health and well-being of their cattle, farmers can enhance their businesses' sustainability and competitiveness.

Sara Pedersen, veterinary consultant with Farm Dynamics said:

"I am delighted to be partnering up with Mentera on this exciting project. Recent pilots of the Animal Health Improvement Cycle have highlighted lameness as a key area Welsh beef farmers and their vets would like to focus on. This project aims to address the need for more support and resources in this area, which will be created directly in response to the specific requirements of the Welsh beef industry."