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Cow-Calf

cattle in a feedlot
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Markets

Other indicators affecting cattle market decisions

Risk Management Part 4: Who’s using the futures market and what are their intentions?

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In my previous article, I discussed four possible market environments and the possible marketing or hedging strategies for each environment. Cow-calf producers will know if the basis is weak or strong based on longer-term historical data. The price range of the futures market over the past two years will provide a good idea if the futures market is in […] Read more
Prodding the inside of a nostril with a straw is one trick that may stimulate a calf to breathe.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Tips on getting a newborn calf breathing

Hanging them upside down doesn’t work and can make things worse

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There are many traditional practices and old wives’ tales about how to get a newborn calf breathing — some of which are valid and helpful, and some that are not. Cody Creelman, with Veterinary Agri Health Services (VAHS), a five-veterinarian beef cattle practice at Airdrie, Alta., says there are a few practices that are actually […] Read more
calf eating grass
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Spring is welcome, but it brings its own issues for calves

Pen Checker Diary: Nicer weather comes with a whole parcel of animal health risks

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Those of us in the agricultural field find ourselves continually affected by our Canadian weather. A constant of this weather is that it is continually changing, and when the bitter cold temperatures of winter begin to ease and the spring sun appears in its brilliance, Old Sonny and I tend to feel pretty good about […] Read more
About eight per cent of most common beef breeds will produce twins, and it is also quite common among bison. Economics show there is value in making the extra effort to save the extra calf.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Problems and benefits of twin calves

Animal Health: It is worth the extra management effort to save both calves

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In my practice I often hear producers complaining about twins, mainly because often the focus is on the problems they can present. However, research done on a twinner population over the last 10 years in the U.S. found there to be a definite economic benefit with twins. So it is important to look at both […] Read more
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Markets

Feeder cattle basis analysis

Finishing at least some of your own calves is a diversification measure

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In my previous article, I provided a brief overview of last year’s series of articles on price risk management for feeder cattle. In this column I will continue the discussion and also answer some of the main questions producers had last year. Cow-calf producers are becoming more familiar with the basis level for their local […] Read more
Proper diets take a bite out of wind chill
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Proper diets take a bite out of wind chill

When temperatures dip, it’s time to torque up the ration

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Beef cow diets developed at the beginning of winter when temperatures were mild are not adequate to meet their energy requirements when new year’s winds blow. That’s because pregnant beef cows need extra calories in order to keep warm, rather than burning up fat reserves needed for the upcoming calving season. Therefore, if it is […] Read more
Contracted tendons (knuckling over) in calf
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Dealing with contracted or lax leg tendons in calves

Animal Health: In many cases, time and a bit of physiotherapy will fix the condition

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It is not uncommon during calving season for producers to end up with calves with contracted tendons (knuckling over) or the complete opposite — cases of lax tendons whereby the back of the fetlock is touching the ground. Although it is difficult to prevent these abnormalities, fortunately they only occur sporadically. Even so it is […] Read more
cattle herd
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Flight zones can teach some lessons

Cattle behaviour may not be all that much different than how humans handle life

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There are many things I have learned over the years about what makes a good pen checker in the feedlot. In my opinion, one of the most important is learning about the flight zones of cattle. Earlier in my career, I believed it was something you either understood or didn’t. There was no middle ground […] Read more
Veterinariam Cody Creelman, right, gets some assistance as he prepares to pull a calf. There are several things to consider before either pulling by hand or with the help of a jack.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Important tips for pulling a calf

Have chains properly positioned; be gentle with the calf puller

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Some calves are injured at birth by improper pulling methods, says Cody Creelman, a veterinarian with Veterinary Agri-Health Services (VAHS) in Airdrie, Alta. Most ranchers know when preparing to pull they should use a double half-hitch when placing chains on the calf’s legs. The correct setup should also include one loop mid-cannon and the other […] Read more

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