cow-calf Archives | Canadian Cattlemen

Cow-calf producers can also ease stress by practicing low-stress animal handling.

Tips for weaning calves

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

By Canadian Cattlemen Staff October 21, 2019

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

Shifting from winter to spring calving has improved health and survival.

Livestock, Research

Timing cattle breeding for improved calf survival

Research on the Record with Reynold Bergen

By Reynold Bergen October 11, 2019

I once spent a summer working for canola breeders. Some used traditional selection, while others were experimenting with transgenics. One traditionalist was known to say “sticking a new gene into a plant and expecting it to grow better is like throwing a new gear into a watch and expecting it to keep better time. It’ll […] Read more

Whiskey Creek Ranch runs 150 head of Simmental/Angus cows, which calve out in March.

Cow-Calf, Features

Rotating pastures to reduce scours in calves

Whiskey Creek Ranch uses ’tried-and-true’ pasture-rotation system that sees calving in February and March

By Mona Howe January 16, 2019

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 […] Read more

Cow-Calf, Features

Low-stress weaning for calves

A less stressful weaning process makes for healthier calves

By Heather Smith Thomas November 7, 2018

Weaning time has traditionally been traumatic for calves, mama cows and ranchers, but it doesn’t need to be. “There are better ways to wean calves, says Bart Lardner, a beef and forage research scientist at the University of Saskatchewan. “Abrupt weaning is the most stressful, for both the cow and calf. The question has been […] Read more

Most of the attention for antibiotic use in the beef industry is focused on the feedlot sector, but antibiotic use at the cow-calf level is also important.

Cow-Calf, Research

Antibiotic use on Canadian cow-calf operations

Research on the Record with Reynold Bergen

By Reynold Bergen September 26, 2018

Antibiotic use records are important for producers who want to track the effectiveness of the antibiotics they use. Industry groups need antibiotic use data to refute misleading claims about our production practices. Even restaurant chains and meat companies marketing “antibiotic-free” beef need records to keep treated animals out of their “never-ever” supply stream. When it […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Six ways to keep your cattle wormer working

By Debbie Furber June 6, 2017

Resistance among internal parasites to broad-spectrum cattle wormers is emerging in Canada and experience in other countries leaves no reason to believe the problem won’t worsen. On the brighter side, producers here still have a fighting chance to retain the efficacy of available cattle wormers by combining parasite control strategies, says epidemiologist Dr. Fabienne Uehlinger[...]
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Cow-Calf, Livestock

Meconium staining of newborn calves is a red flag

This spring think of meconium as an early warning sign of many things

By Roy Lewis Dvm March 14, 2017

As a veterinarian over the past 35 years I’ve been called many times to assist with difficult calvings or malpresentations that resulted in meconium (first manure) stained calves. The jury is still out on what causes this and what we should do about it. Veterinarians have many opinions on this topic, as it is a[...]
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Knowing when to act to help ensure a successful birth is crucial if problems occur during calving.

Cow-Calf, Features, Livestock

Improper cervical dilation at calving

Recognizing when it's happening is your first step

By Roy Lewis Dvm February 27, 2017

One of the hardest calving dilemmas you or your veterinarian face, is improper cervical dilation. Before expulsion of the fetus the cervix normally relaxes, softens and opens up essentially as wide as the vagina to allow the fetus to enter the vaginal vault. When this does not happen normally, or is delayed, the health of[...]
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Livestock, Nutrition

The makings of a perfect storm

Nutrition with John McKinnon

By John McKinnon February 21, 2017

The winter of 2016-17 is shaping up to be a challenge for cow-calf operators across Canada. While much of October and November were relatively stress free in terms of winter’s wrath, as we moved into the new year, extreme cold and snow has gripped much of the country. Coupled with hay shortages in Eastern Canada[...]
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Cow-Calf, Finishers, Livestock

Six risk factors for BRD in feeder calves

November 23, 2016

There are many factors to consider to minimize BRD (bovine respiratory disease) when bringing in feeder calves. Knowing the history of the calves at weaning time, distance transported, vaccination and health history, as well as upcoming weather conditions will help you determine the level of risk. In bringing in calves, or for that matter feeding[...]
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First of four vessels arrives in Churchill

Prairie cash wheat: Bids mixed, reacting to futures and loonie

Little variation seen in global grain supply and demand data

GFM Network News