There have been volumes written about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in recent years — this article will highlight some of the key points on how well the cattle industry is doing so far and what changes veterinarians may make in their recommendations going forward. For those of you who crave more detailed information, there are several
There’s a story to tell about antimicrobial use — and it’s a good one
Beef 911: The industry and veterinarians are doing what they should be doing to minimize resistance
Attention to detail is key in a synchronization program
Beef 911: There are three main synchronization programs that produce good results if you closely follow the protocols
Several factors must be considered when deciding what synchronization program to use in your herd. Do you have the time to heat detect or do you want timed breeding? Cost is a consideration, as timed artificial insemination programs require more financial commitment and more passes through the chute. We will explore three main synchronization programs
Calf hutches provide many benefits
Beef 911: You will be amazed how many calves make use of these shelters and be pleased with the many benefits
Calf hutches are utilized by many producers at calving season and for very good reason. They are especially imperative if calving early in inclement weather and with the increasing size of our herds, young calves need to get away from the stress of crowding. Even summer-calving herds will make use of hutches for shade and
Improper cervical dilation at calving demands quick action
Beef 911: This is one of the hardest situations that comes during calving and recognizing the problem is the first step
One of the hardest calving dilemmas you face as producers, or we face as veterinarians, is improper cervical dilation. When going through the stages of labour before expulsion of the fetus, the cervix relaxes, softens, and opens up (essentially as wide as the vagina) to allow the fetus to enter the vaginal vault. When this
Make sure your calves get off to a proper start
Bee 911: Calves need adequate amounts of high-quality colostrum after birth and substitutes are a good option
There have been many articles written over the years on the value of calves receiving adequate amounts of good-quality colostrum. Also over the years, colostrum substitutes have come into greater and greater usage. Several things have led to this change. Colostrum substitutes have become higher quality and are more convenient than using frozen colostrum. As
Product for reducing shrink worth considering
Beef 911: A feed supplement that counteracts dehydration offers animal welfare benefits and an economic return
We all know that when handling, transporting and shipping cattle, stress is increased and weight loss and carcass changes occur. A new, or should I say reintroduced product, is back on the market after having been shelved by Agriculture Canada for many years. The product is called DeStress and is currently being marketed by a
There’s a simple solution to the increase of clostridial cases
Beef 911: Vaccines for the clostridial diseases are the cheapest on the market, but often aren’t given
There has definitely been a trend upwards of the various forms of clostridial disease seen primarily inside housed dairy cattle. This article will explore how it is possible for these cases to occur and how there are still an alarming number of dairy and beef producers who don’t vaccinate, vaccinate sporadically, or forget about booster
When the temperature soars, feedlot cattle can suffer
Beef 911: Charges that beta-agonists caused severe lameness prompted a study that found an entirely different cause
A few years ago cattle in an American feedlot went down during transport to a packing plant and others developed severe lameness. This condition was eventually labelled fatigue cattle syndrome and became a huge animal welfare issue due to the appearance of severely lame, non-ambulatory cattle. Initially beta-agonists were incriminated but numerous studies have essentially
Get as much info as possible with new animals
Beef 911: Producers are doing a good job of caring for their cattle but often this information is not passed on to buyers
When purchasing or selling livestock, their health status — preventive shots given, deworming, and other relevant information — can be determined by a few simple questions. But these questions are seldom asked in cattle transactions these days. With cattle being of higher value, and often traversing long distances through different geographic areas, this information is
Beef 911: Preconditioning is good for the entire cattle industry
There are a multitude of benefits but producers need to be compensated for the extra work and risk
Older producers may remember a preconditioning program implemented by the provincial Agriculture Department in the 1980s. There were criteria for procedures and shots, while veterinarians certified that procedures such as dehorning and castrating were done properly and correct pre-immunization shots were given properly. Two categories of calves (either pre-immunized or pre-immunized and weaned a specific
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