Roy Lewis

This time of year it is always good to review our procedures and methods for the newly arriving calf crop. Even though calving problems have been largely minimized with bull selection it is still good to review some key points. The goal is to deliver as many lively calves as possible with a minimum of […] Read more

I am sure most producers have read lots about colostrum management over the years. But, it never hurts to review the topic, and hopefully I can offer some practical tips to be used in the upcoming calving season. The overall benefit of a newborn calf receiving adequate quantity and quality of colostrum cannot be overstated. […] Read more

Fall processing is an ideal time to consider culling problem cows. In early fall prices for beef cows are generally higher (although not in recent years) and calves are being weaned then. The yearly cost to maintain that cow is at least $400 plus on the prairies. Poor reproduction is the biggest loss to the […] Read more

Over the years, conditions seen at the feedlot have changed along with the method of treatment many operators are using. With many common conditions, veterinary intervention is necessary and common management practices need to be change to avoid or prevent them. With manpower a precious commodity, especially in the feedlot, labour-intensive practices need to be […] Read more

Often producers, when an animal dies, simply have it disposed of. Often valuable information is lost so decisions for the rest of the herd or altering treatments for subsequent cases cannot be made. An experienced veterinarian can glean much valuable information from a complete autopsy. A postmortem is relatively quick to do and all the […] Read more

One factor that can drastically reduce weight gain for grazing cattle is irritation and feeding caused by horn and face flies. It has been shown that with protection from horn flies, yearling steers gained at least five Kilograms more weight than their counterparts. There was also a 14 percent increase in weaning weight on calves […] Read more

As cattle head out to pasture for another season, producers in Western Canada need to be watchful for poisonous plants. There are as many as 200 species of plants implicated in poisonings in Alberta alone. It always pays to be alert when checking pastures; new weeds or plants should always be identified. Some have nutritional […] Read more

When considering artificial insemination many producers often look at the extra labor and “apparent” expense of the semen, but don’t consider the dollar savings or genetic gain they should achieve. This is more apparent of course in the dairy industry where rigorous testing is done on all A. I. bulls. However, it is worthwhile for […] Read more

Getting the most growth out of their calves will help livestock producers maximize returns from their beef operations. A few minor changes in management strategies, with minimum input cost, will yield bigger healthier calves come fall. Sure, there is always the argument the heavier calves will earn less per pound (this differential is getting less […] Read more