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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

By
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
What happens in the breeding program and overall herd management has a huge impact on a good quality cut of meat that is hopefully tender and favourable. What happens after that is beyond rancher control.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Are you ready to build a Cadillac? – Part 2

Genetics and proper production practices are all part of producing premium product

By
Editor’s Note: This is part two of a two-part series on increasing the value of beef. Part one appeared in the Feb. 23, 2016 issue of Grainews and is included as a link further down in this article). The luxury eating experience involves the carcass of the animal. The creation of this luxury starts early on […] 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
slab of beef
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Are you ready to build a Cadillac? – Part 1

Consumers are willing to make a beef a high-end choice

By
Beef has long been considered a high-value product. When economies emerge and wealth is created, one of the first things people seek to do is add protein to their diet. At the top of the privilege list is beef. This is evidenced by beef demand indexes when examined on a country-by-country basis. As countries gain […] 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

By
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
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
This newborn calf appears to be bright and alert and soon ready to try nursing.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Get newborn calves breathing and eating

Events immediately following birth are important to future health of the calf

By
Two of the most important steps after a calf has been born are to make sure it breathes properly, especially if the calf had to be pulled. And then shortly after, make sure they find the udder. In most normal births, the calf will begin breathing within 30 to 60 seconds after delivery. If it […] Read more
This proper mineral feeder is also mounted on a tire to keep it out of the wet and keep cows from stepping into it.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Make sure your mineral feeders for cattle are full

Minerals for the cow also help get the calf off to a good start

By
Beef cows cannot live without minerals and vitamins, which are often deficient or biologically unavailable in many overwintering forage. I advise people to put loose mineral on a regular basis for their gestating cows, so all essential mineral and vitamin requirements are supplemented. Unfortunately, some people don’t always feed enough mineral. With a little effort, […] Read more

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