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Cow-Calf

cow and calf
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Hard to beat the value of good colostrum

Calf Management: Watch for blood infections such as septicemia

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Calves sometimes develop systemic infection in which bacteria or their toxins get into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. Some types of toxin-forming bacteria (usually gaining entrance to the body via the GI tract, after damaging the gut lining and slipping through it) cause rapid death. The calf goes into shock when internal organs […] Read more
If producers see scours early in very young calves, they may need to vaccinate the cow so she can give the calf immediate protection.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Protecting calves through vaccination

Best to consult with veterinarian on what’s right for your farm

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Newborn calves gain temporary (passive) immunity from disease when they ingest colostrum, since this “first milk” contains antibodies. After a few weeks or months this temporary protection diminishes, so calves must build their own immunities. Vaccinating at the proper time can help protect them until weaning age. Vaccinating them too soon, however, may not stimulate […] Read more
Once she calves, this cow's dietary needs will change.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Old school nutrition works after calving

It doesn't have to cost a lot to maintain proper body condition

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Already, I know a few producers have had a couple of sleepless nights checking cows at calving. Most have told me all has gone well, because their cows came through the winter in good shape and were well-prepared for this year’s calving season. Moving forward, they now feed their calved-out beef cows diets which contain […] Read more
This calf was affected by Lupine toxicity.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Dealing with birthing complications

Congenital abnormalities can impede calving process

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Occasionally a difficult calving is caused by abnormality in the fetus. David Steffen, a diagnostic pathologist at the University of Nebraska, says that whenever you’re checking a cow or heifer that’s not making progress in labour, keep in mind the possibility of congenital abnormality. Some congenital defects in the calf may hinder the birth progress […] Read more
Consult with your herd veterinarian to determine which antibiotics are most effective, or whether they are needed at all.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Don’t overuse antibiotics in livestock

Cattle sometimes heal themselves, but get veterinary advice

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Ranchers often wonder which antibiotics they should have on hand for calving. They like to be prepared, in case a calf becomes ill, a cow needs treatment after a difficult birth, or develops mastitis or some other infection. Dr. David Smith of Mississippi State University says cattlemen probably need to use fewer antibiotics than they […] Read more
Not all minerals are created equal. Buy a proper blend for the third trimester period.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Trace minerals directly affect unborn calves

If the cow isn’t getting sufficient minerals calf development and strength suffers

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Within the next few months, there will be a lot of newborn calves on the ground. Fair- to good-quality forage is quite plentiful this year and grain is a reasonable price, so most of the cow herds I have seen across Western Canada this winter are in good body condition for calving. But one area […] Read more
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Gruesome, but sometimes necessary

Animal Health: When there’s no other options, a dead calf needs to dismembered for removal

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Fetotomy is a veterinarian’s fancy word for cutting up a dead calf within the cow during the birthing. While it sounds gruesome the process still has a valuable place in a competent veterinarian’s bag of tricks. The object is to reduce trauma or minimize damage to the cow. The calf at this point is a […] Read more
Winter feeding yardage costs can add up to $400 per head or more. It is cheaper to let cows feed themselves.
Beef Cattle, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Several options for winter grazing

Better to spend money on topping up nutrition than hauling feed

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Winter grazing can work because it addresses one of the largest costs in maintaining a cow herd — yardage. For a simple definition, yardage is everything that is not feed. It includes tractors, fuel, depreciation on equipment, yard lights, fences, corrals and labour among other things. Some recent work in both Alberta and Saskatchewan has […] Read more
This headlock works well for treating animals, or for holding a cow that 
may need calving assistance. There is no fixed gate at the back and the side panels swing open allowing full access to all parts of the animal if a C-section is required. The cow can lie down if she chooses.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Preparedness checklist for calving season

Animal Health: Start with clean facilities and equipment and have all supplies in stock

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As with any work area on the farm, having the proper equipment, keeping it maintained, disinfected and the area properly stocked with pharmaceuticals, will help insure a successful calving season. The one critical and often-forgotten component is biosecurity. With many cows and their mothers moving through the calving area at a stressful time it is […] Read more
Cow-Calf, Livestock, Markets

Important to understand the futures

Market Update: Learn to use hedging tools when selling calves

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Over the past year, I’ve received many inquiries from cow-calf producers about hedging feeder cattle. Most producers calve during the winter or spring and sell their feeders in the fall or the following winter after backgrounding. We’ve all seen how the prices can change within a six- to 10-month period. One of the most common questions I […] Read more

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