Thanks to genetic selection for lower birth weight and easy-calving bulls, calving problems due to fetal oversize are becoming much more rare. However, there are still common problems worth reviewing to help producers recognize and assist these deliveries and save more calves. Fetal malpresentations today are the most common calving difficulties we see. The simple […] Read more
Vigilance needed despite fewer calving problems
Advantages of hydraulic squeeze
I’ve had the good fortune over the years of working with progressive producers and have seen their usage of hydraulic chutes increase. There are several key advantages with these chutes that help them pay for themselves quicker than you might imagine. Labour can be a major expense in larger cow-calf, bison and feedlot operations, but […] Read more
Comparing Preg-Checking Options
Both rectal palpation and ultrasounding for pregnancy have certain advantages, depending on their intended application. Both, in order to be accurate, must have a skilled veterinarian performing the pregnancy exam. Either method of preg checking has it pros and cons, and producers need to know there are a few myths that need to be dispelled. […] Read more
Handle And Apply Vet Meds With Care
To achieve the maximum benefit from vaccines and antibiotics they must be handled properly until they are administered. Since producers pay good money for these products and the pharmaceutical companies want to ensure maximum benefit, proper handling practices need to be followed. Vaccine failures are not desirable for anyone. TEMPERATURE The most common product damage […] Read more
Hardware Isn’t The Only Hazard
There has been much written about hardware disease and the problems metal causes with internal infection in cattle sometimes affecting the heart, but there other foreign objects such as twine and wire which can also affect the health of our cattle. Prevention seems obvious — not allowing cattle access to these items (sometimes easier said […] Read more
Take Early Action With Cancer Eye
Cancerous eyes are a regular occurrence in most western Canadian beef herds and must be dealt with in the appropriate manner. Early detection and treatment alleviate the pain and suffering which occurs in advanced cases. Producers will also receive much greater financial benefits with early intervention. Just as with pinkeye, cattle with white pigment around […] Read more
More To Bull Problems Than Semen
When examining young bulls for the first time we as veterinarians watch out for many conditions that may affect breeding ability besides semen quality. Many conditions can be corrected and others result in bulls being eliminated from the gene pool. Young bulls more commonly are detected with seminal vesiculitis and other infections involving the secondary […] Read more
Veterinarian Role Is Changing
Over my 24 years as a veterinarian, the biggest change in practice has been the shift from the 911/fire engine practice to one involving herd health -related procedures. The progressive farm owner nowadays utilizes a lot of preventative health practices, which eliminate a large percentage of emergency calls. No one is happy in an unplanned […] Read more
Repairing Broken Legs
Contrary to what producers think most broken legs in calves can be repaired economically and with a very good prognosis in most cases. Several times each spring I receive calls from producers over calves with a broken leg. We discuss the location of the break, how big the calf is and other details, and they […] Read more
Protecting The Fetus Against BVD
Much research lately has gone into new and improved BVD vaccines to protect the pregnant cow and her developing fetus. We know it is best to protect the fetus with vaccination before breeding. That is so the cow has maximum protection throughout her pregnancy. An unprotected cow exposed to the BVD virus during pregnancy will […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
