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Cow-Calf

Once a calf is lying flat and has a very weak or absent suckle reflex, it needs IV fluid.
Cow-Calf, Livestock

Scours in calves

Scours is a common illness in young calves. Understand the causes and effects of this disease to treat and prevent it

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Scours can be caused by certain kinds of bacteria, viruses or protozoa, but other factors come into play as well. “It’s often the interaction between the immune system, the environment and the pathogen load. The old saying is that the solution to pollution is dilution (or) minimizing the pathogen load,” says Dr. Paul Hardes, a […] Read more
By restraining the cow, the substitute calf can nurse without being kicked, stimulating milk let-down.
Cow-Calf, Livestock

Tips for grafting a calf

There’s more than one way to encourage cow-calf bonding, but hormones and smell are key

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When a cow loses a newborn calf, many stockmen will graft an orphan or twin onto the cow. Sometimes it’s prudent to graft an old cow’s calf onto a younger cow that has lost a calf, so that the old cow can be fattened and sold. But what’s the best way to get a cow […] Read more
Don’t forget everyday practices such as providing clean, dry bedding during calving season.
Cow-Calf, News, News Roundup

Reducing disease in newborn calves

Calving: News Roundup from the February 2020 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

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Extra vigilance before and during the calving season can pay off when it comes to producing healthy calves. “Newborn calf mortality can have a significant impact on calf crop percentage and ultimately your herd economics,” said Dr. Steve Hendrick, veterinarian with the Coaldale Veterinary Clinic in Coaldale, Alta. Hendrick spoke about reducing disease in newborn […] Read more
Cow-Calf, Features

Calving date shifting in Ontario

The onset of calving season often depends on the individual operation, says an Ontario cow-calf producer

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The vast majority of Ontario producers calve their cows either in the barn or very close to it early in the year, but the current trend is toward later calving dates on grass, according to Craig McLaughlin, a Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) board director and cow-calf producer in Renfrew County. A survey conducted in […] Read more
Colostrum from the dam, or another cow from the same herd, is the best option for a calf.
Cow-Calf, Features

The importance of getting quality colostrum

While colostrum from the dam is best, there are other options for emergencies

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The cow’s first milk is vital to the newborn calf’s survival. Calves that obtain adequate colostrum soon after birth stay healthier than calves that are slow to suckle or don’t get enough. “I have been working with many critical-care newborns and this is why I am interested in colostrum,” says Dr. Lisa Gamsjaeger. Gamsjaeger is […] Read more
Cow-Calf, General, Reuters, Weather

Brazil Amazon deforestation soars to 11-year high

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Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil | Reuters — Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest rose to its highest in over a decade this year, government data on Monday showed, confirming a sharp increase under the leadership of right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro. The data from Brazil’s INPE space research agency, which showed deforestation soaring 29.5 per cent […] Read more
The right mineral supplementation program can improve colostrum and calf immunity, according to a study on the University of Florida’s cow herds.
Cow-Calf, Features, Livestock

Research suggests trace mineral source matters

New research shows that organic trace mineral supplementation has benefits over its inorganic counterparts

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When it comes to mineral supplementation for beef females, new research suggests that the source matters. Studies from the University of Florida show that organic trace mineral supplementation for cows has benefits compared to inorganic trace minerals in areas such as increased pregnancy rates, weaning weight and calf immunity. Dr. Matt Hersom is an associate […] Read more
Cow-Calf, Livestock, Nutrition

Some thoughts on cattle feeding program design

Nutrition with John McKinnon

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In my last column, I discussed some of the issues cattle feeders — particularly those new to feeding — face when starting calves on feed. The basic message was that with feed intake, these animals need to get off to a fast start to minimize issues associated with weaning stress and the various disease challenges […] Read more
Cow-calf producers can also ease stress by practicing low-stress animal handling.
Cow-Calf, News, News Roundup

Tips for weaning calves

Animal Care: News Roundup from the September 30, 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

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Canadian Cattlemen reader Christine Pike of Waseca, Sask., wrote to us to share her strategy for reducing weaning stress. We’ve outlined her method with her permission. Pike makes a “calf door” by creating a small opening into a pen with a rail across the top that is a couple of inches higher than the tallest […] Read more

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AGCanadaTV: In Case You Missed It – Your National Ag News Recap for the week ending March 27, 2020.

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