It’s a great feeling when a calf arrives on the ground safe and sound. Ideally, things go well, and cows and newborn calves thrive. However, it’s important for producers to take the time to look for signs of early illness in neonatal calves. Being able to recognize the symptoms of disease and dehydration in baby […] Read more
Calf 911: How to spot dehydration in young or scouring calves
Calf 911: Tips for resuscitating newborn calves
News Roundup from the January 2022 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
Most cows deliver their calves with no issues. But the day a calf is born is still the highest-risk day of its life, says Dr. Claire Windeyer, associate professor of production animal health at the University of Calgary’s faculty of veterinary medicine. Things can go sideways quickly after a difficult labour, so knowing what to […] Read more
How to tube feed a newborn calf
While the goal is to always have vigorous calves that nurse right away, and maternal cows that bring them up right, illness and suckling issues can be a reality. Esophageal feeding, or “tube feeding,” is essential when a calf requires colostrum, or if you are treating dehydration in a sick calf. Knowing how to properly […] Read more
Double cropping and low-stress handling pay dividends
Short Grass Ranches benefits from grazing a second feed crop and a new low-stress handling system
The Beef Cattle Research Council has launched a new series looking at the innovative practices and strategies of producers who are members of the council. (There are 14 council members representing provincial beef organizations.) Here is an excerpt from the first instalment of the series, which can be found in the blog section of beefresearch.ca. […] Read more
Don’t let high winter feed costs stall reproductive momentum
Management: News Roundup from the October 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
Across Canada dry conditions are contributing to a poor hay crop and uncertain feed grain production. Consequently, winter feed costs for cows are moving higher. Planning now for winter feeding provides an opportunity to utilize available feed resources most efficiently. Pregnancy-checking and assessing body condition of cows can help you make the best use of […] Read more
The economics of preg-checking
Research: News Roundup from the October 2017 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
The major economic benefit of preg-checking is the money saved by not wintering open cows. However, it has been noted that preg-checking is not always worthwhile, as the increased revenue due to higher prices for cows in the spring and the additional weights put on in the winter could more than offset winter feeding costs. […] Read more
Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein receives 2017 Canadian Beef Industry Award
Lethbridge researcher presented with Outstanding Research and Innovation award at Canadian Beef Industry Conference
A nationally and internationally respected researcher of beef cattle health and welfare has been awarded the 2017 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation. Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein, PhD, was honoured Aug. 17 at the 2017 Canadian Beef Industry Conference. Dr. Schwartzkopf-Genswein is a Senior Research Scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lethbridge, Alta., and holds […] Read more
Pain control gaining priority among beef producers
For Saskatchewan beef producers Tamara and Russ Carter administering a pain control product to calves prior to branding and castration procedures was just the right thing to do
Over the past three calving seasons the Carters, who ranch near Lacadena in southwest Saskatchewan, have been treating spring calves with an injection of Metacam just prior to processing. The product from Boehringer Ingelheim has been on the market for several years. It was developed as an anti-inflammatory and pain relief product, quite commonly used […] Read more
Recent bison deaths in North Battleford caused by anthrax
Disease has a highly rapid onset in cattle resulting in sudden death
With high temperatures and drought, cattle and bison are at a higher risk of anthrax. Two bison deaths northwest of North Battleford, Saskatchewan have recently been confirmed as caused by anthrax, and seven others are suspected. Producers are encouraged to keep a watchful eye and to refresh their memories on what to do when anthrax […] Read more
Measuring changes in the quality of Canadian beef
Beef Cattle Research Council – We know that not every animal coming through the packer’s doors is ideal. Some have horns, extra mud, too much fat cover, bruises an even injection lesions which must the trimmed off. The more work needed to prepare a carcass for the cooler, the less profit it brings. Other losses […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
