Dr. Dinesh Dadarwal (DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACT) will participate in a study at the LFCE, looking at the use of “ag-tech” to track cows during the calving season.

Scientist to expand his reproductive health research to beef cattle

A University of Saskatchewan veterinarian is exploring how research into the reproductive health of dairy cows as well as emerging technologies can be applied to beef cattle

University of Saskatchewan – “I think there are some clues on the dairy side that have been ignored on the beef side,” said Dr. Dinesh Dadarwal (DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACT), an assistant professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. While Dadarwal is focused on cattle research, animal science […] Read more

cattle in a field

Veterinarian pushes back against bias in ag and vet communities

Despite the vet shortage, some veterinarians feel less than welcome, says one vet

Dr. Sydney Crosby’s career path is a perfect example of taking the route less travelled by. It hasn’t been an easy road, but her passion has sustained her on the journey. Growing up in Athens, Georgia, she wasn’t introduced to beef medicine until she took an agriculture program at the University of Georgia. But today […] Read more


Researchers see some promising uses for mRNA cattle vaccines, but they are unlikely to replace existing vaccines for common cattle diseases, partly due to practical limitations.

mRNA vaccines unlikely to replace common cattle vaccines, but could help contain foot-and-mouth disease in future

Vaccines have been a valuable tool to protect cattle health in North America, ever since the first blackleg vaccine was developed over a century ago. Ensuring the health of Canadian cattle is critical to maintaining consumer confidence, access to global livestock and beef markets and producer profitability. Vaccines help prevent infection and disease caused by […] Read more

A protective cow stands over her calf. The Griswolds’ cows crossed the line from protective to down- right aggressive, making on-farm vet calls challenging.

Mud and ornery heifer make veterinary practice ‘fun’

Veterinary Case Study: Ron introduces a vet student to the fine art of managing manure, mud and high-strung heifers

Unfortunately, not all parts of any professional undertaking are characterized by grandeur despite excruciating hours of study, diagnostic challenges and creating positive financial outcomes for clients. There are memories less rosy than scrubbed Wellingtons, freshly laundered coveralls and starched lab coats. The bad things about large animal practice often involved mud and unseasonable snowfall driven […] Read more


A vaccine prepares the animal’s immune system to fight infections if the animal’s immune system isn’t compromised when you are vaccinating it.

Improving vaccination success in your beef herd

Get the most out of your vaccine investment by transporting, handling, storing and administering them properly

Vaccination is a proven management tool to reduce infectious disease risks in a beef herd — if the vaccine is effective in preventing and controlling the disease and the right vaccine is administered to the right cattle, at the right time, in the right way and at the right dose and frequency. Vaccination alone will […] Read more

Whether to use risk-based vaccines in your herd requires careful thought and at least a yearly discussion with your herd veterinarian.

Core vaccines recommended for western Canadian beef herds

When looking at vaccinating for diseases beyond the core vaccination recommendations, consider the disease risk, vaccine efficaciousness and the cost-benefit of each vaccine

Just because there is a vaccine on the market to prevent or reduce disease risk, that doesn’t mean that you need to use it in your herd, unless it is a core vaccine and proven effective and safe. Base your vaccination decisions on sound, objective scientific data. Weigh the pros and cons of vaccination for […] Read more


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

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


Stress matters as it depresses a calf’s immune system and increases the risks of disease.

Keeping calves healthy

Research on the Record with Reynold Bergen

Cow-calf margins get tighter each time you feed a pregnant cow through the winter, only to have her calf die before weaning. Three leading causes of pre-weaning death loss are diarrhea, navel ill and bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Not all calf illness and death can be prevented, especially when the weather gets bad, but remembering […] Read more

A newborn calf rests in a bed of straw.

Contracted and lax tendons in newborn calves

A look at the potential causes and treatments of limb problems in new calves

Thankfully, most calves are born unassisted, out of sight and out of mind. They nurse independently and quickly take their position as one of many productive herd members. But sometimes things don’t go as hoped, and the occasional calf is born with leg issues — namely contracted or lax tendons. Contracted tendons exhibit as “knuckling […] Read more