An effective prevention for frothy bloat is back on the market. Alfasure was pulled over a licensing issue (whether to be classed as a feed additive or a drug), but requirements were met and it has been relicensed as of June 2012. In the past, producers have understandably been reluctant to plant and graze alfalfa
A safe product for grazing alfalfa
Tetanus — a nasty disease, but easy to prevent
In our practice, the incidence of tetanus has definitely been increasing in the last several years. This article will review some of the pertinent signs of tetanus and look at the prevention of this deadly disease. Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium Tetani, which is in the same family of organisms that causes blackleg.
Tips on practical heat detection for AI programs
When looking into any artificial insemination program, several goals must be kept in mind. Achieving pregnancies is of course the most important. Improving your genetic base is always a desire of any breeder whether you are a commercial operator or seedstock breeder. In order to be successful though, costs both for supplies and labour must
Common pitfalls of semen evaluation
In the past 31 years of semen evaluating bulls, I have come across many tricks of the trade to make this procedure run very smoothly. Every situation is different and every set of bulls somewhat unique so most of these points involve common-sense and casual observations I have made over the years. A common dilemma
Diagnosing common problems in young calves
Every calving season veterinarians are called on to examine calves with a multitude of problems. Some are herd related but many are individual problems of no concern to the rest of the herd. Most cases fall into a few broad categories. Each category has a much different treatment regime. This article will break out these
Calf pulling needed less often, but be prepared
There are different ways and means to pull a calf either by hand or the use of the calf jack, and different malpresentations are dealt with slightly differently. When pulling, you need to be very aware of the stress this puts on both the calf and cow. Pulling is a skill less needed these days
Tips To Minimize Stress When Handling Cattle
There are many small improvements we can make to the way we handle cattle. I have gathered numerous hints in watching experienced producers handle their stock. There are also very good tapes and written information available through experts such as Dr. Temple Grandin. This article will attempt to summarize some of these findings. I guarantee
Protocols For Chronically Ill Cattle In Feedlots
Times are changing and with change comes new ways we should look at our chronic pens in feedlots. Each decision should be based on sound medical judgment, economics and the possibility for salvage. All these factors must be weighed on each individual case to determine the course of action. There are no cookbook answers to
Using Anti-Inlammatory Drugs To Reduce Pain In Cattle
With the advent of the increasing consciousness in animal welfare, any products which can relieve pain, decrease inflammation and reduce fever are a welcome addition to the repertoire of veterinarians. They also may have a place in controlling post-surgical pain or inflammation such as with castration or dehorning. With pain/inflammation/fever controlled, there is less stress,
First Combination Product Approved For Several Years
Many of us recall that many years ago there were several combination drugs for cattle. For example, Pen-Strep or Azimycin, which were a combination of two antibiotics, a steroid and an antihistamine, all in one bottle. These products were pulled in the interests of meat safety and beef quality assurance. Today, with more thought on
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
