We must ensure our handling facilities are well designed, our handling crew knows they shouldn’t shout or use prods excessively, and we must move cattle as quietly and calmly as possible.

Low-stress cattle handling can pay off for producers

Glacier FarmMedia – Most knowledgeable cattle producers and veterinarians are consulting with promoters of low-stress cattle handling. From an animal welfare perspective and from a public perspective, it is important. However, does low-stress handling have additional benefits to the animals? Some Kansas State University researchers attempted to answer this question a few years ago and […] Read more

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Explainer: Avian flu in dairy cows warrants close attention

Farmers should identify unusual signs of disease in cattle and have them examined by a veterinarian

An emerging disease syndrome was originally identified in dairy cows in Texas. These cows were identified by animal care workers and veterinarians as having the main clinical signs of reduced milk production and decreased feed intake. Approximately 10 per cent of the cows seem to show clinical signs on affected farms. No deaths occurred and cows seemed to recover with supportive care within two to three weeks. However, loss of milk production was significant. These same farms reported deceased wild birds on their properties.