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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

By
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
Sell calves early or hold them until spring
Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Sell calves early or hold them until spring

Market Update: Big U.S. calf crop will hit the market in November and December

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Alberta fed cattle prices were hovering in the range of $143 to $145 in mid-August. The market has been trending lower since the first week of May when the fed market reached up to $197. Despite the softer selling prices, feeding margins remain in positive territory. Break-even pen closeout values are near $135 for August; […] Read more
Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Producers urged to sell earlier this fall

Market Update: Market expected to go lower heading into the fourth quarter of 2017

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Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $159 to $163 in late June, down from highs during the first week of May of $197. The market has come under pressure as market supplies build on both sides of the border and carcass weights increase. U.S. cattle-on-feed numbers reached a historical high on […] Read more
Avoid giving your baby calves gut aches
Dairy Cattle, Livestock, The Dairy Corner

Avoid giving your baby calves gut aches

It takes time for a calf stomach to develop to handle certain feeds

By
I visit literarily hundreds of dairy farms across Canada each year. On most, pre-weaned dairy calves are raised away from the main lactation barn or older replacement heifer facilities. Whether these baby calves are housed in hutches, group pens or brand-new calf barns, when I find a group of calves that are sick and not […] Read more
Several benefits to palpating heifers
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Several benefits to palpating heifers

Animal Health with Roy Lewis: An important tool in determining reproductive capability


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Many commercial producers, purebred producers and heifer sales management are realizing the benefits of palpating heifers before breeding. A lot can be learned from the procedure, which can also be done at pregnancy checking. It involves a more thorough exam than simply determining if heifers are pregnant. With the advent of very early-maturing breeds such […] Read more
A calf with a fiberglass cast.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Fixing fractures in cattle is doable

Early attention to treatment can often get the critter back on its feet

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Accidents happen. Sometimes a cow steps on her calf, breaking its leg, or a limb fractures due to extensive or improper pressure applied during a difficult calving. Veterinarian Eric Laporte, with the Bonnyville Clinic at Bonnyville, northeast of Edmonton, says he doesn’t see as many dystocia-related fractures now as in the past, due to better […] Read more
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

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