Cow-Calf
Finding the right minerals for your cow-calf operation
Nutrition with John McKinnon
As this column goes to press, the 2019 calving season will be starting for some while for others it will unfold over the next three to four months. In this column we have stressed the importance of proper nutrition during this period, both for the health of the cow and calf and for the success […] Read more
Breeding and calving heifers an evolution for Saskatchewan ranch
Synchronized breeding, AI program helps narrow down heifer-calving period at Grant Ranch
Breeding and calving heifers is a critical part of cow-calf operations. No specific model fits every ranch, and even successful systems require modification. “Heifers can be a challenge; it doesn’t matter who you are,” said Saskatchewan rancher Lynn Grant. Lynn, along with his wife Sherri, and brother Dean and his family, operate a large ranch […] Read more
Getting ready for calving
For those producers who still have a few weeks before calving, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a recently released fact sheet. Aaron Berger, an extension beef educator with the university, offered several tips. The condensed version follows:
Dealing with frostbite in calves
Animal Health: Warm air is usually better than warm water for treating a hypothermic calf
Calves born in cold weather may suffer adverse effects, including frostbite, especially if they are unable to get up and nurse before they chill. Dr. Andy Acton of Deep South Animal Clinic at Ogema, Sask., says there are two problems when dealing with cold weather. “One is hypothermia, and the other is frostbite, and they[...]
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Cargill looking for cow-calf operators for sustainable beef program
Meat Packers: News Roundup from the February 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
Cargill has declared its sustainable beef pilot program a success and is now looking at long-term strategies for the program, Joel Crews of Meat + Poultry reports. Demand is outpacing supply in Cargill’s Canadian Beef Sustainability Acceleration program, the company says. The program is now looking for more producers, particularly cow-calf producers, to join. To[...]
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Pain medication at calving and in the feedlot
Pain control is simply the right thing to do in some situations
Pain medication may come with adjunct treatment such as antibiotics but sometimes this is unnecessary. When veterinarians prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain, they may choose based on label claim, past experience in the field, price per treatment or per 100 lbs., duration of activity, ease of administration, advice of associates or slaughter withdrawal.[...]
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Lessons from a neonatal disease survey
Calving: Measuring the incidence of early calfhood diseases across Western Canada
A very comprehensive survey was completed a few years ago by Dr. Cheryl Waldner at the Western Veterinary College in Saskatoon looking at the incidence of early calfhood diseases across Western Canada. Surveys were distributed to veterinary clinics across this region and randomly distributed to their clients. Thanks should go to the participating veterinarians and[...]
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Rotating pastures to reduce scours in calves
Whiskey Creek Ranch uses ’tried-and-true’ pasture-rotation system that sees calving in February and March
Solid herd management practices mitigate the threat of a scours outbreak. While rotating calves through pastures is less common than some of the more obvious measures taken, those who do use it swear by its effectiveness. One such cow-calf operation is Whiskey Creek Ranch, owned by Clay and Jesse Williams. Jesse is a past Cattlemen’s[...]
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Consider more than cost during a winter feed shortage
Producers need to ruminate on logistics, pasture conditions and animal welfare, too
After a hot, dry summer in the Cypress Hills, Rick Toney knew some budgeting was in order to ensure his cows would be properly fed this winter. Toney, who ranches near Gull Lake, Sask., and serves as the chair of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, runs around 500 cows in addition to a small backgrounding lot.[...]
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Amplimune receives organic stamp of approval
Health: News Roundup from the November 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
Amplimune, an immunotherapy for calf scours, has received an Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listing in Canada. This means calves treated with Amplimune are in compliance with Canada’s Organic Regime regulations. Amplimune, produced by Nova Vive Inc., is an immunomodulator that reduces the clinical signs and mortality associated with E. coli K99 diarrhea in neonatal[...]
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