Cow-Calf
Tips for grafting a calf
There’s more than one way to encourage cow-calf bonding, but hormones and smell are key
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
Reducing disease in newborn calves
Calving: News Roundup from the February 2020 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
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
Calving date shifting in Ontario
The onset of calving season often depends on the individual operation, says an Ontario cow-calf producer
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
The importance of getting quality colostrum
While colostrum from the dam is best, there are other options for emergencies
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
Brazil Amazon deforestation soars to 11-year high
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
Dorian swept swimming cows two miles to North Carolina beach
Cape Lookout National Seashore, N.C. | Reuters — Three cows have been spotted beachcombing on a remote barrier island on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, swept to an unlikely grazing spot when Hurricane Dorian whipped waves powerful enough to carry them two miles from their home. One of the bovine bodysurfers was seen soon after the […] Read more
Research suggests trace mineral source matters
New research shows that organic trace mineral supplementation has benefits over its inorganic counterparts
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
Some thoughts on cattle feeding program design
Nutrition with John McKinnon
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
Tips for weaning calves
Animal Care: News Roundup from the September 30, 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
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
Coming up in Canadian Cattlemen: Sept. 9, 2019
The September issue will include several articles focused on animal health, plus a profile on the family running TK Ranch.
As the sun sets on another summer, those of us at Canadian Cattlemen are gearing up for a busy fall. Subscribers will receive two issues this month. Here’s a look at what’s in the first September issue. Colleen Biggs shares what it’s like to market beef directly to consumers in a profile written by Kelly […] Read more