Sometimes you must get fluid into a calf — a newborn that needs colostrum, or a sick calf that needs fluid orally. If a newborn is unable to nurse mama or suck a bottle, the quickest and safest way to get colostrum into him is by tube. A sick calf generally won’t suck a bottle, […] Read more
Tips on using tube feeders with calves
Whether in nose or throat, insert gently and make sure it’s in the right spot
Dealing with diphtheria in calves
Several treatment options to get animals breathing again
Upper respiratory problems in cattle include diphtheria — the common name for infection/inflammation of the vocal folds of the larynx (voice box) at the back of the throat. Infection in this area is called necrotic laryngitis. Swelling from the inflammation can restrict the airway and make breathing difficult. In acute cases, the calf may die […] Read more
When a gate post is too short
Those odds and ends around the yard can be put to good use
Once upon a time in our barnyard, we had a gate that wouldn’t stay on its hinges because the gate post was too short to support it. It was hung on a good solid railroad tie, but the railroad tie was set too deep in the ground for that particular gate. The post wasn’t tall […] Read more
Getting orphaned calves adopted
If no foster mother is available, proper feed is vital
Many ranchers have raised calves on bottles (a twin, a heifer’s calf that isn’t accepted by its mother, or a calf whose mother died) and it’s very easy with a newborn or young calf. The main thing is to make sure the calf had colostrum within the first hours (from its own mother or another […] Read more
Wintering calves with their mothers
Most cows and calves will naturally wean themselves by February
Many beef producers are calving later in the year (April, May or June) rather than early, to be more in tune with nature. They have green grass at calving and less need for harvested forage when the cow’s nutritional needs peak during lactation. Along with later calving comes the necessity for later weaning. Some choose […] Read more
Causes of calf scours can be difficult to identify
There is no simple test to be able to identify what causes scours in calves
Scours is the most common illness and cause of death in young calves. Some years are worse than others for scours outbreaks, and there are many causes including certain kinds of bacteria, viruses or protozoa. Whether calves get sick depends on many factors including exposure (contact with pathogens, either by coming in contact with a […] Read more
Family relationships can be tested
Everyone needs to understand what is really important
Multi-generation farm families have a bigger challenge than most businesses, and sadly, the rate of failure is often high. Family relationships are never easy, but always worth working at. It’s doubly hard when sharing a life’s work and making room for multiple personalities and differences of opinion on how things should be done. The very […] Read more
Be alert to negative reactions when vaccinating livestock
Be prepared for the unexpected
An allergic reaction to vaccination can be mild and local (temporary swelling at the injection site) or fatal if the animal goes into anaphylactic shock. Janice Berg, director, veterinary affairs with Merck Animal Health in Kirkland, Quebec, says clostridial vaccines commonly produce local reactions. A large reaction can make the neck sore for a few […] Read more
Trich test — make sure bulls are clean
It’s an important tool for avoiding reproductive problems
Trichomoniasis is a reproductive disease which results in early pregnancy loss and open cows at the end of the year. The first thing a producer might notice is cows returning to heat when they should be pregnant. This sexually transmitted disease is caused by protozoa that live in the reproductive tract of cows and sheath […] Read more
Hoffman products tailored for horses
A family business grew out of a search for improved horse health and performance
A southern Alberta ranch family’s search more than 20 years ago for a better mineral mix for their own horses led to the development of Hoffman Horse Products, which are now known by horse owners across North America. Lorne and Marian Hoffman have had horses all their lives on their ranch near Stavely, about 90 […] Read more
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