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Good, healthy and mobile bulls can do the breeding job, but AI service may have a role in increasing overall herd productivity.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

AI study produced higher beef profits

Bringing an AI technician onto the farm may make more economic sense than buying more bulls

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While there will always be a role for breeding bulls on the farm, a recent Saskatchewan study says producers may want to look at artificial insemination of commercial beef cows, which could put more calves and more pounds of beef on the ground. In the report published late last year by the Western Beef Development […] Read more
Cows deficient in copper can be poor milkers, have chronic health issues, and have difficulty getting bred. But it is a condition that’s fairly easy to correct.
Cattleman’s Corner

Copper critical for pre-calving cows

It doesn’t take much to correct a deficiency so watch for symptoms

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Recently, I gave a dinner presentation to a group of beef producers outlining the importance of feeding a good mineral program to pre-calving cows. Afterward, I was surprised by the number of questions about the possibility of a copper deficiency in their beef cattle. With calving season underway or soon to start, we all agreed […] Read more
In dealing with a breech birth, this photo shows the proper position of the calf puller, and chains properly attached to the calf’s legs.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Be patient, smart using a calf puller

Animal Health with Roy Lewis: It is a useful tool when needed, but it can also be misused

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Although calf pullers are not used today nearly as much as past years they still have an important place in the calving barn if used properly. To me every cow-calf producer and some feedlot owners need one type of puller, especially if they are often alone when calving. By using common guidelines when pulling, a […] Read more
If normal progress in labour has stopped, it is time to glove up and make an internal exam.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

When to act, when to call for help during calving

There are no hard and fast rules — watch and be prepared to act

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Most cows and heifers progress normally through the stages of labour; uterine contractions in early labour get the calf aimed toward the birth canal, the cervix dilates and the calf starts through. The calf entering the birth canal stimulates abdominal straining and second stage (active) labour begins — to push the calf out. Sometimes, however, […] Read more
calf in a pen
Cattleman’s Corner

A pound is a pound, right?

Some simple changes in production and management can add extra value to cattle

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Over the past year we’ve had unparalleled high prices in the beef industry, but with the last few months representing one of the largest price declines in the history of the industry. Yet prices are still relatively profitable for the cow-calf industry. Not so for cattle feeders, who have just undergone a period of historic […] Read more
Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

U.S. producers rebuilding cattle herds

Beef Market Trend: Reduced exports of live Canadian market cattle already happening

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The USDA has released its January cattle inventory report with a few surprises about cattle numbers. It appears that U.S. cattle producers are expanding their herds more aggressively than expected and this will have a large bearing on Canadian fed and feeder cattle prices throughout 2016. Feeder cattle exports to the U.S. have fluctuated sharply […] Read more
It’s important for baby calves to be up and nursing within an hour or two.
Cattleman’s Corner

Strong immunity key to calf health

It all starts by making sure newborns have adequate and timely colostrum

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Illness occurs when the body is overwhelmed by infection. A healthy animal with strong immunity is less likely to become sick. Immunity refers to the body’s ability to fight off bacteria or viruses, and this ability is developed in a complex process in which the body creates specific weapons for fighting specific invaders. Antibodies When […] Read more
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Proper body score pays dividends

Target pre-calving feeding to avoid animals that are too skinny or too fat

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The warm weather we had a couple of months ago has given me a false sense of security. I somehow think climate change lasts forever, yet one good arctic blast snaps me out of it. In the same way, producers should make sure that their pre-calving cows’ plane of nutrition is adequate during the last […] Read more
cow and calf
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

A few tricks to grafting calves

Animal Health: It makes good economics to find replacement calves for productive cows

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Since the beginning of time, a common procedure in spring calving is cross-grafting calves onto surrogate mothers. It used to be calves were bought from dairies but you do run the risk of exposing your herd to infectious organisms such as scours. With many of the exotic breeds such as Maine Anjou, twinning can reach […] Read more
Saskatchewan rancher, Ross Macdonald (l) and southern Alberta rancher, Daniel Doerksen, who met through the Canadian Hereford Association, exchange thoughts on raising beef cattle at last fall’s Canadian Western Agribition, in Regina. The producers realize they have similar interests.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Genetics point to ‘easy keepers’

Producers may be able to trim 10 to 15 per cent off feeding costs by selecting cattle for feed efficiency

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Southern Alberta rancher Daniel Doerksen likes a certain type of cow — a functional, easy-keeper that can raise a good calf. “Our bull selection is based on raising productive females,” Daniel said during an interview at recent western Canadian beef show. Part of that strategy has been to select smaller-framed cows that should be feed […] Read more

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