After talking with large-animal veterinarians, observing the number of ads for large-animal veterinarians, and taking part in a job fair at the University of Calgary’s vet school, it’s clear that there is getting to be a real shortage of veterinarians wanting to do either mixed- or large-animal practice in Western Canada. But strategies are starting
How to address the shortage of large-animal veterinarians
Beef 911: More spots in veterinary schools and more support for new grads would go a long way
Beyond Meat? More like Beneath Beef in my view
Beef 911: Plant-based burgers may come close in some aspects but it remains a highly processed food
Well cattle and beef producers, this is solely marketing for marketing’s sake. With the organic, vegetarian, raised without added antibiotics or hormones movements we are seeing, I suppose a plant-based protein product was probably inevitable. What we as beef producers need to do is keep telling our story — and what we do to raise
Be vigilant when it comes to tapeworms
Beef 911: Even if you don’t have livestock, pets can be infected and pose a risk to their owners
Over the years, it seems like different species of tapeworms are increasing in frequency, with the risk of production losses also increasing. It also appears the risk of contacting a potentially very serious human disease is also increasing. (I will briefly cover this disease, echinococcus, at the end of this article.) We see different tapeworm
Got poor weight gain in cattle? Check for parasites
Beef 911: Even seemingly healthy cattle might do better after deworming
This season has really turned around in Western Canada in terms of moisture. This has seen the pastures shoot up, humidity run up and should lead to optimal survival of internal parasite larvae. If turnout to pasture occurred at normal times, maximum picking up of larvae has or is occurring so internal levels will be
Is there really any need to brand cattle anymore?
Beef 911: The reasons for branding have largely disappeared and when necessary, pain treatment should be used
I hope everyone will seriously question if we need to brand — and if we do, how best to do it. I have heard several veterinarians and animal welfare scientists discuss if branding in its original form is even needed today. Lots has changed from the days of the wide-open range where cattle were mixed
More progress needed on livestock vaccination report card
Beef 911: The latest in-depth survey of the cow herd shows higher rates of vaccination, but gaps remain
A recent article on the results of a very in-depth survey of cow-calf herds across Western Canada notes there has been decent improvement in vaccination usage since surveys done in the early 2000s. But it pinpoints gaps in vaccine coverage that could be improved. There are things to be learned by every producer and veterinary
Mistakes with pharmaceuticals are costly
Beef 911: There are several things you should do regularly to ensure you’re using products properly
Now that I’m in the pharmaceutical industry, I get lots of calls in regard to which products can and can not be used. Or what happens if they are given by the wrong method in the wrong location. I am hoping this article will shed some light on the situation and ensure that our livestock
There have been many gains on many fronts in the cattle industry
Beef 911: We’re reducing stress, using early disease detection, and improving animal welfare in a host of ways
One only has to take a step back to see the advances the cattle industry is making. This article is a small overview of some of the major ones I have seen. Canada is unique because the different seasons require different management strategies and our distances are great when it comes to stress of transportation.
Not using minerals will cost you in the long run
Beef 911: Not feeding minerals to your herd will mean more sick calves, lower performance, and reduced reproductive rates
In spite of greatly increased knowledge and better mineral supplements, veterinarians are probably encountering more mineral issues than we ever have. This is despite more collaboration between nutritionists, feed mills, veterinarians and other agricultural professionals. Why is this? I will explain some of the nutritional deficiencies we see. There is no doubt the BSE problem
To ensure breeding soundness, make sure warts are treated
In the vast majority of cases, penile warts can be successfully and simply dealt with
When examining bulls, especially young ones, for breeding soundness, one of the more common issues we see involving the bull’s penis are warts. This article will go into the cause, treatment, clinical signs, and outcomes expected when dealing with penile warts. All purebred breeders will get some eventually and commercial cattlemen may have some crop
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