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Tag Archives Calving

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

Dealing with retained placentas in beef cows

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

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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
The Snobelens’ calving barn is a 50-foot by 180-foot pole structure, with turkey curtains on the west to allow for ventilation, and tarps on the east that can be rolled up or down.
Cow-Calf, Features, Livestock

Shelter, feed keys to successful winter calving

A Charolais producer and a beef specialist share tips for calving in the bitter cold of winter

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Wanda Snobolen’s passion for her Charolais purebreds shines through when she talks about the care she takes when they’re calving. “When you’re calving and it’s -20 degrees out there, you have to get them dry — that is key,” she says. Depending on how cold it is, she brings the calves into a heated workshop […] Read more
Canadian Angus calving book available as an app
News, Purely Purebred

Canadian Angus calving book available as an app

Purely Purebred, news from the February 2023 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

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Just in time for calving season, the folks over at the Canadian Angus Association are excited to share that the new Canadian Angus calving book app is now available as a free download from the Apple Store for your Apple device (the Android version will be available soon). To find the app search for “Canadian […] Read more
A cow nuzzles her newborn calf. Anything from computer vision testing to a back-protecting belt may ease producers’ calving season troubles.
Calving, Features

New calving tech and farmer-based innovations

Whether it’s artificial intelligence or a simple piece of equipment, there are several innovations that can help cut losses and make calving season easier

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According to the 2017 Western Canadian Cow-Calf Survey completed by the University of Saskatchewan, 3.1 per cent of the overall 5.4 per cent calf death loss total occurred at birth or within 24 hours.  To help reduce these numbers, calving management and practices are constantly adapting with technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning and the Internet […] Read more
If a cow loses weight before calving, colostrum quantity — and possibly quality — will be compromised.
Livestock, Vet advice

Plan ahead for winter calving

Vet Advice with Dr. Ron Clarke

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In Canada, cold weather potentially spans five to six months. Generally, December, January and February are considered cold months, although winter weather can start in November and last through late March or early April. Successful management of calving in cold weather requires planning.  Consider the nutritional needs of bred heifers and cows before calving. Adequate […] Read more
Jim had prepared a calving pasture with access to sheltered corrals with plenty of bedding.
Calving, Features

Cold stress in newborn calves

Veterinary Case Study: Although Jim had prepared a warm calving shelter, he hadn’t counted on a cold snap that threatened his newborn calves

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Jim came to the office to talk about the 20 Angus-cross heifers he bought last month, bred to calve in February, a month before his cows. The heifers were in great condition and Jim had a clean, warm, well-bedded shed to protect heifers ready to calve. He could watch new mothers for a few days […] Read more
The 200th calf born on the Ramsey ranch in January 2021.
Calving, Cow-Calf, Features, Livestock

Withstanding extreme cold while winter calving

While many producers prefer spring calving, Matthew Ramsey shifted his calving season to January to avoid Manitoba’s wet April weather

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Matthew Ramsey would much rather calve in January than in April. At least in January, he says, you know what you’re getting into. “We got to the point where April sucked every year,” he says.  “Eventually, we came to the conclusion that we weren’t happy with April, we’re either going to go earlier or later […] Read more
calf on pasture
Features

New calculator to help analyze Johne’s testing options

The online tool provides producers with a range of possible management scenarios for their herds

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With no treatment or vaccine available, the impact of Johne’s disease on beef herds can be a nightmare. “Johne’s disease is particularly challenging to manage because we have so few options,” says Dr. Cheryl Waldner, professor at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine. To help beef producers make better management decisions about […] Read more
“Lupine” calves may be born with crooked limbs, caused by the dam’s ingestion of lupines at a criti- cal stage of gestation.
Cow-Calf, Features, Grazing, Livestock

Lupines and crooked calves

If you’ve seen birth defects such as fused joints, crooked legs or cleft palates in your newborn calves, toxic plants could be the culprits

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Lupine calves” or “crooked calves” are an example of what can happen when various plant toxins are ingested by a pregnant cow at a certain stage of pregnancy. Lupines, also known as bluebonnets, are legumes. As legumes, they can enrich nitrogen-poor soil. In Canada, at least 28 species have been recognized, mostly in Western Canada. […] Read more
An Angus bull wearing a rope halter at a cattle show.
Features, Livestock

The essentials to achieving anything worthwhile

Veterinary Case Study: The three great essentials to achieving anything worthwhile are hard work, stick-to-it-iveness and common sense

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It turned out to be Don’s first day of work. Third-year exams at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine had sapped most of his academic capacity. Now he searched for hard-core field experience and the savvy that comes with being a step closer to being a real veterinarian. I looked forward to someone to relieve […] Read more

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