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Cow-Calf

Calving problems have been greatly reduced on modern cow-calf operations, but a producer still needs to be ready for every situation.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Be prepared to resuscitate calves

Animal Health: Depending on the birthing difficulty, time may be running out to get a calf breathing

By
There have been many ways discussed among both dairy and beef producers regarding the best way to stimulate a weak calf that doesn’t want to breathe. With calving season just around the corner, certainly for many purebred producers, this is a good time to share techniques and get the calving area supplied. My experience has […] Read more
This is one example of a creep area. The metal panels can be moved to change the size of the well bedded creep area. Smaller (calf-size) access points have been created at the front to let calves enter, but keep cows out.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Provide calves a place of their own soon after birth

Animal Health: Calf hutches or creep areas help in disease prevention

By
Calf hutches are used by many producers at calving season and for very good reason. They are especially important if calving early in inclement weather. With the increasing size of our herds, young calves need to get away from the crowded stress of the herd. Even summer-calving herds will find hutches used for shade and […] Read more
It is important that this south Saskatchewan cow and all bred females that may be out on dry grass or crop residue in late fall, be supplied with proper nutrients to keep their unborn calves healthy and growing.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Cow ration will have long-term impact in calf

?Feed the grow?ing unborn calf??, and ?meet the cow’??s w?inter requirements

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In fall I visit several different cow herds going into winter. One of the first herds I saw this year was a 300 Angus-Simmental cows grazing drought-stricken pasture. I understood from the producer that his herd was nearly four months pregnant and the calves were going to be weaned about a month earlier than in […] Read more
Provide first-calf heifers with nutrition and TLC
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Provide first-calf heifers with nutrition and TLC

But first-calf heifer rations need not be fancy

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I was talking to a retired beef producer who owned a purebred Charolais herd back in the 1970s. He reminisced on how winter-hardy the breed was compared to more traditional breeds of the time and how the cows calve out huge white calves. Eventually, he got rid of these cows and replaced them with easier-calving […] Read more
beef on a winter pasture
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

A solid case for the value of growth implants

Animal Health: A very safe technology for improving cattle efficiency and weight gains

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Growth implants in the cattle industry have been used since the 1960s — way more than 40 years on hundreds of millions of cattle in North America as well as in other beef-producing countries such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, to name a few. We all know the benefits that come with a […] Read more
Keep cattle in proper condition and also provide a good mineral supplement.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Simple facts of why body condition is important

Get cattle in good condition before winter, and if they are there, keep them there

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Areas of Western Canada have endured very dry conditions this summer, which has reduced forage availability and quality on pasture or range. Plants went dormant much earlier than normal. The lack of good quality feed will have many implications for cow-calf producers trying to wean a good-size calf and maintain high levels of reproductive performance […] Read more
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Minerals now benefit next breeding season

It’s too late to fix mineral deficiencies when bulls are turned out with cows

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Despite recent rain/snows, prolonged dry conditions this summer have left a wake of poor grazing pastures across the Prairies. High-fibre (aka low-energy) and low-protein grass has been the norm as well as a very poor mineral profile. A well-balanced autumn/winter mineral (and vitamin) program is necessary for gestating beef cows and replacement heifers in order […] Read more
Consider weaning calves early this fall
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Consider weaning calves early this fall

Creep feeding gives calves a chance to grow, takes pressure off cows

By
Recently, I was at drought ground zero in southern Saskatchewan and passed a group of about 50 blonde and whiteface cows and calves grazing dried-out pasture. The thin condition of the cows caught my attention and their calves looked gaunt and on the small side. My immediate reaction was this cow-calf herd was a good […] Read more

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