There has been lots of talk and questions from producers and large-animal veterinarians regarding the strategy needed for more effective lice and internal parasite control. I the last couple of years there has been a large increase in the incidence of lice in Western Canada. Producers are searching to find ways to control lice that […] Read more
Late fall better for lice and parasite control in cattle
Animal Health with Roy Lewis: A two-pronged approach to deal with internal and external pests
Tips on managing clostridial disease in cattle
Animal Health: Proper timing of proper vaccines can prevent a costly wreck
There’s a great need for routine vaccinations to prevent the multiple ways cattle can get clostridial diseases such as scours, blackleg and tetanus. They’re relatively cheap and cost-effective. Here are some tips and comments. Vaccines offer good protection as long as one recognizes the need to booster-vaccinate. A single vaccination with most clostridial vaccines does […] Read more
Putting bulls through a post-season checklist
Find the ones you want to keep, and help them to recover
Planning and good observations are necessary when pulling bulls. They may give us a clue as to how the breeding season went. Because bulls are stressed during breeding season and have lost lots of weight, they are in a way a sentinel animal for disease and both external and internal parasites. Bulls are now going […] Read more
Beef industry is meeting new challenges
Animal Health: New technology and regulations help producers do a better job
The beef producer has always been resilient and the last few years have seen many new challenges. Under the guidance of the Canadian Cattleman’s Association and Alberta Beef Producers the cattle industry has responded to these issues very well. The Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle, which has been out […] Read more
How to reduce stress when processing cattle
Human behaviour has a big impact on livestock behaviour
Reducing stress can help improve health, animal welfare and production of our cattle. They do better when their heart rates, respiratory rates and cortisol levels are lower. Stress during processing, transporting, loading, unloading and any other interaction can all be reduced. A lot has been written and described on stress-free cattle handling. I would encourage producers to check out videos on the Merck […] Read more
Improved design applied to cattle handling equipment
Animal Health: Easier on cattle and people and the job gets done faster
For three weeks in December 2018, I filled in at a former practice. There were a few really positive things and improvements in many of the farms I visited previously. Most are progressive operators so improvements are always being made. These improve animal welfare and make it easier on the people involved — including me, […] Read more
Suggestions for streamlining cattle exports
Technicians could handle some of the tests and paperwork now done by vets
Progress generally makes things easier and more efficient but this has not been the case with CFIA veterinary accreditation and the processes for testing and getting approval to export cattle. As a result, many veterinarians — especially those approaching retirement — are letting their CFIA accreditation expire. I now hear of a real shortage of […] Read more
Lots to consider as cattle head to pasture
Provide important treatments before they go, monitor herd health while they are away
There are many things to think about at pasture turnout time. Once they’re gone to grass, cattle are not always accessible, easy to find or treat so planning is necessary before turnout. One has to think about what things cattle will be exposed to on pasture and which age groups are most susceptible. Depending on […] Read more
Cold weather can affect first semen evaluation
It may take retesting before sperm counts improve
With an extended period of cold weather across the prairies this winter, semen results on young bulls and herd sires may not be all that desirable. We may see more bulls deferred because of semen defects. Don’t panic. Work with your veterinarian. They can provide the best advice on the outcome and even give a […] Read more
Using new technology to monitor cattle
Animal Health: Stationary cameras and drones can be used in many ways
Technology has advanced for monitoring the health of cattle both at calving time and on pasture. Two operations I deal with during the calving season have used advanced cameras in the last several years. I have also seen demonstrations and heard a few presentations on drones for checking and monitoring cattle. It appears to be […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
