They say the only constant is change, and one only has to think back on how we used to do things to see the great changes that have happened in the cattle industry. Advancements in technology, vaccines, reproductive technologies, nutrition, handling, production genetics and animal welfare are abundant. I think most of these changes have been positive and, above
We should celebrate change and raise those low vaccination rates
Beef 911: Thoughts on how things are getting better, the joy of hydraulic chutes, and vaccination hesitancy
Birthweight isn’t as straightforward as it should be
Beef 911: Believe it or not, the methods for determining this critical number can vary a great deal
Purebred producers diligently weigh their calves to give the purebred bull purchasers an accurate prediction, adding that information to data on bull selection and calving ease. It is highly heritable, so birthweight and birthweight EPDs, as well as calving ease, are usually listed in bull sale catalogues. Purebred and commercial products need to be aware of several
Leptospirosis and reproductive losses in beef cattle
Beef 911: While clinical cases are not common in Western Canada, detection of lepto titres in AI bulls can be a problem
Leptospirosis has been seen rarely in Western Canada. The three large pharma companies have leptospirosis vaccines, usually in combination with the standard five-way viral vaccines. They do not sell many doses, which indicates low frequency. In veterinary practice, we have suspected it when seeing bloody diarrhea or with a high open rate or abortions. Leptospirosis
What’s your secret to keeping bull calves from being injured?
Beef 911: Raising bulls is challenging, and sharing tips and tricks would be very helpful
I don’t think this research has ever been done, but if one were to track purebred bull calves from an early age until sale you would find the two top reasons for culling, selling, death and other losses are fertility and injuries. I would include lameness in this tally as a high percentage of this
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is hitting the next level
Beef 911: There are now a variety of NSAIDs and we can select the right ones for specific situations
I just listened to a talk by two technical services veterinarians with Merck animal health. What I liked about the presentation was they broke down the different disease categories we have on our farms and ranches, and went over what probably would be the first choice for an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and the second
We can’t hide our head in the sand when it comes to Johne’s disease
Beef 911: There are concerns that this contagious, costly and chronic condition is on the rise in beef herds
There has been lots said about Johne’s disease over the years but a recent webinar by Dr. Cheryl Waldner (available at beefresearch.ca) gave me lots of food for thought. Herds are getting bigger and as that happens, they are more confined. And since the bacterium that causes Johne’s can be spread in the manure, infection
It’s time to get out your calving season to-do list — and check it twice
Beef 911: Being well prepared not only saves headaches during calving but can prevent future problems
For the vast majority of you, calving is underway or will be shortly, so a quick review of a few points may lead to more live calves and minimizing disease problems. First, review your list of calving supplies and make sure you have extra on hand. You know what you have needed in the past,
Videos are an easy way to add to your skill set on the farm
Beef 911: Having an expert show how to investigate or fix a problem is a great way to learn
We can always pick up ways to improve our cattle operations. One method is to ask lots of questions of the right people. Another is reading and investigating specific topics. And an increasingly popular way is to watch instructive videos. The issue here is making sure the source is ethical, reliable and not sensationalized. A
The simple act of taking a temperature is a powerful health aid
Beef 911: A reading can be a warning, a sign that treatment is working or can define how sick an animal is
All of us in cattle production need to have thermometers and take the temperature of animals we are treating, especially when it comes to respiratory disease. Normal bovine temperature is 38.5 C to 39.5 C (or 101 F to 103 F), which is higher than for humans (or horses). While you as producers are very
Lessons learned on the farm apply to the pandemic
Beef 911: Maintaining herd health has taught us about the same good practices being used to combat COVID
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association designates the first week in October every year in order to increase awareness of veterinary involvement with all animals. Every year there is a theme and this year’s is most appropriate. It is Animal Health + Human Health + Planet Health = One Health. One Health really encompasses the entire
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
