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Cow-Calf

Beef cattle need to be kept in 2.5 to 3 body condition score range heading into calving season.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Proper rations for winter cattle feeding and calving

Cows need to maintain body condition and feed a fetus

By
There are several kilometres of Highway 59 in southern Manitoba which provide a snapshot of winter-feeding programs. Despite several feet of snow in the winter, I often see many cow herds being overwintered along this stretch of road, since in each one of the adjoining yards are rows of hay bales that I can see […] Read more
Ahead of calving season make sure cattle have an available supply of vitamin A.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Serious consequences for cows with a vitamin A deficiency

Treat with an injection, or top up the vitamin/mineral mix

By
Early winter is the best time for many beef producers to switch their cow herds to a specialized “winter” vitamin-mineral premix. Gestating cows need more dietary vitamin A as they move throughout the winter and onto the last few months before calving. In this way, nobody gets caught short on providing such an essential nutrient […] Read more
Photo: Canada Beef Inc.
Beef Cattle, Cow-Calf, Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Lighter calves end year on positive tone

By ,
Compared to last week, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $2 lower to $3 higher depending on the region. Many auction markets were in holiday mode last week and thinner volumes made the market harder to define. Generally speaking, the market was supported by stronger deferred live cattle futures and a slightly weaker Canadian dollar; […] Read more
A backgrounding target is something that is constantly moving, depending on the owner’s long-term plan.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Backgrounding options and considerations

Penchecker Diary: What's the risk level? What’s the end game?

By
The term ‘backgrounding,’ while often used in the cattle-feeding industry, provokes a certain level of misunderstanding from farm to farm. Many feedlots and cow-calf producers have zeroed in on its true meaning, while others may practise an imprecise version. Candace Wenzel DVM at Roblin Vet Services in Manitoba says that at times it’s an unfocused […] Read more
It is important to figure out the economics of backgrounding 
calves for your operation.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Backgrounding calves is an option

Important to look at the economics to make sure

By
Recently, I asked a local beef producer of a 200-head cow herd what she planned to do with her spring calves after they were weaned. She said that in late October, her son brings all cows and calves home from pasture, weans them, retains two dozen replacement heifers and trucks the rest to a feedlot […] Read more
(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Cow-Calf, Livestock, Markets

WLPIP calf price insurance deadline extended

Three-week extension includes nine purchasing days

By ,
Cattle producers in the western provinces will get extra decision-making time this year on the calf price insurance available through Western Livestock Price Insurance (WLPIP). The Prairies’ Crown ag insurance corporations announced Thursday that the deadline to buy WLPIP calf price insurance for 2020 has been extended to June 18. The new deadline, reset from […] Read more
It is important calves get colostrum, properly fed, within the first 24 hours of life.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

High-quality colostrum is magic for newborn calves

There’s a 24-hour window to get antibodies into the gut

By
The most critical aspect of promoting newborn calf health and reducing morbidity/mortality is to feed sufficient amounts of high-quality colostrum to each calf shortly after it is born. Once colostrum is fed, it becomes a matter of allowing its specialized antibodies to do their job. They do this by establishing temporary immune protection until the […] Read more
Dealing with diphtheria in calves
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Dealing with diphtheria in calves

Several treatment options to get animals breathing again

By
Upper respiratory problems in cattle include diphtheria — the common name for infection/inflammation of the vocal folds of the larynx (voice box) at the back of the throat. Infection in this area is called necrotic laryngitis. Swelling from the inflammation can restrict the airway and make breathing difficult. In acute cases, the calf may die […] Read more

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