Dystocia, C-sections, dead calves, artificially induced labour and even vitamin and mineral deficiencies all increase the risk of retained placentas.

Dealing with retained placentas in beef cows

Strive to prevent retained placentas as much as possible, says a large animal vet

Spring calving preparations normally include gathering tools, repairing equipment and gates, and buying medications, hygienic and other treatment supplies. Once those items are checked off the list, most farmers and ranchers feel ready for the calving rush. Fortunately, most deliveries proceed normally but occasionally complications such as retained placentas occur, which demand additional preparations. Labour […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market continues the climb

Statistics show tightening supplies in Canada, U.S.

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder markets yearling markets traded $2-$5 higher. Replacements in the 700- to 800-lb. weight category appeared to jump $5 to as much as $15 in some cases. Calves weighing 500-700 lbs. were unchanged to $4 higher on average after rallying nearly $20 over the past month. There were limited […] Read more


CME April 2023 feeder cattle with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

U.S. livestock: CME feeder cattle climb to another contract high

April live cattle lower, lean hogs up

Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange feeder cattle futures reached a contract high for a second consecutive session on Tuesday, while live cattle futures retreated from a contract high set a day earlier, brokers said. Reduced U.S. herd sizes due to drought have propelled futures higher recently, though some brokers said supply concerns have […] Read more

(RyanJLane/E+/Getty Images)

Meat lobby says U.S. voluntary label rule could spur trade action

Ottawa to review Washington's proposed 'Product of USA' rule

U.S. meat industry lobbyists say Washington’s proposed new rules governing voluntary ‘Product of USA’ or ‘Made in the USA’ labels would “impose the same standard” as that country’s now-defunct mandatory country-of-origin labelling (COOL) law — and frustrate U.S. packers who import Canadian meat or livestock. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and its Food Safety and […] Read more


CME April 2023 feeder cattle with Bollinger bands (20,2). (Barchart)

U.S. livestock: CME feeder cattle set contract high on tightening supplies

Chicago live cattle also up, lean hogs down

Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange feeder cattle futures jumped to a new contract high on Monday on firm cash prices and increasing concerns about reduced U.S. herd numbers, analysts said. Traders focused on tighter cattle supplies as demand from meatpackers for livestock to slaughter remained strong. Ranchers have reduced herd sizes due to […] Read more

A cow in good condition. Maintaining a body condition score of three right up to calving helps ensure a healthier, more productive calf.

Cow body condition and animal performance

How much fat a cow is carrying through the winter affects everything from her ability to maintain her body temperature to the development of her unborn calf

Nutrients provided in the ration influence animal performance. Animals will either lose, maintain, or gain weight. The nutrition program not only affects the cow but also the unborn calf. Visual evaluation of animal condition can be misleading, especially with a winter haircoat. A more objective, hands-on method to evaluate how the cows are managing is […] Read more


CME April 2023 live cattle with 10-day moving average and Bollinger bands (20,2). (Barchart)

U.S. livestock: Cattle, hogs rally on strong outside markets

Weather forecast also supportive

Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange hog and cattle futures rose sharply on Friday, as gains in outside markets bolstered optimism about the economy and consumer demand for beef and pork, traders said. Concerns that a late winter storm forecast for the U.S. Midwest this weekend could disrupt supply chains added support to livestock […] Read more

While experience and training improve your ability to eyeball a cow’s body condition score, looks can still be deceiving.

Thin cows cost money

Vet Advice with Dr. Ron Clarke

Any discussion about getting ready for calving season should start with an evaluation of the body condition of pregnant cows and heifers. There are also significant economic factors to consider.  Several issues recently shifted priorities away from routine body condition scoring, such as beef supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 and sudden swings in cattle. […] Read more


(Fevziie Ryman/iStock/Getty Images)

Several countries ban Brazilian beef as BSE probe goes on

Russia among those halting imports

Sao Paulo | Reuters — The Brazilian agriculture ministry said on Thursday that Thailand, Iran and Jordan have temporarily suspended imports of beef from Brazil while authorities investigate a case of BSE in an animal from Para state, according to a statement sent to Reuters. The ministry also confirmed that Russia has halted imports from […] Read more

Dr. Mike Krystolovich.

Young vets share challenges and joys of rural practice

Anything from winter weather to community dynamics can affect a new vet’s experience living and working in a rural area

The large animal vet shortage in Canada probably isn’t news to you. You may have seen a decline or rapid turnover of vets in your area. The landscape of large animal medicine is changing. What makes large animal medicine appealing to new graduates? And more importantly, what makes vets leave?  Establishing roots “It’s a very […] Read more