Abortion can be one of the greatest losses to the cow-calf and purebred beef producer from fall onwards. There are a great number of causes for abortion. Unfortunately 24 to 50 per cent of these causes go undiagnosed. Abortions may occur in the early stages of pregnancy and are revealed at preg-checking time as open […] Read more
Know What Causes Abortions
Treating Chronic Bloaters
Every producer is plagued by the odd chronic bloater and the dilemma is often what to do with them, where and when to make the decision to treat, and what exactly the various solutions are. Chronic bloating is by definition a free-gas bloat, which keeps reoccurring. The gas can readily be let off with a […] Read more
Managing Fall Vaccinations
Producers are in the best position to control stress and maximize resistance to disease when timing of weaning is totally in their control. It has been proven time and time again, that in preimmunized (vaccinated) calves both morbidity (the per cent getting sick) and mortality (the per cent dying) is reduced. It is far better […] Read more
Tried &True Cattle Handling Tips
There are many small improvements producers can make in their approach to handling cattle. I have gathered many hints, over the years, in watching experienced producers process and move their livestock. There are also very good videos and written information available through experts such as Dr. Temple Grandin. Here is a summary of a few […] Read more
A Look At Squeeze Chute Options – for Sep. 6, 2010
There are numerous cattle and bison squeeze chutes on the market. Most are good quality and well built. Each has its advantages and disadvantages depending on intended use and size of stock handled. In most cases, the higher the quality of chute the higher the price. There are some excellent ones manufactured right here in […] Read more
Treatment Methods At Pasture – for Jul. 23, 2010
When considering the treatment of any type of livestock at pasture several factors such as severity of disease, ease of confinement, contagiousness to the rest of the herd and method of treatment must all be considered before treatment is initiated. Most pastures have catch-pens so most livestock can be easily contained and even left confined […] Read more
Selecting The Right Antibiotic
With most of the older antibiotics still available and several very powerful long-acting antibiotics being released, the choice for the rancher or feedlot owner has never been greater. The difficulty is with so many factors hinging on the outcome, deciding which antibiotic to use or if one is necessary at all, can be very difficult. […] Read more
The Pros And Cons Of Spaying
There is no doubt in my mind if spaying heifers was easier on veterinarians arms, was less costly for producers, and the death loss could be all but eliminated, there would be much more of it performed in the cattle sector. Since BSE, we are seeing bulls left out longer and more unwanted pregnancies showing […] Read more
Semen Evaluation — Why Do It?
After all this time there are still some producers sceptical to the merits of having a semen evaluation done on their breeding bulls prior to turnout. There are many benefits to the evaluation, and hopefully I can lay to rest any misconceptions surrounding it. In performing a semen evaluation veterinarians are really doing much more […] Read more
Maternity Pens Come Of Age
There is no doubt in my mind maternity pens are a huge asset to farmers and veterinarians at calving time. Not only do they benefit the cow and calf and increase the safety for the farmer and veterinarian, but they can have many other uses as well. From a veterinarian’s viewpoint, any make of maternity […] Read more
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