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Tag Archives colostrum

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

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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
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
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
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
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

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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
Cow and calf in a field.
Cattleman’s Corner

Proper management can prevent scours

Animal health

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Most calf scour documents focus on treatment of calf scours and methods involved to eliminate an outbreak. But with the proper management, preventative measures have proven to substantially reduce all scours. Nothing is foolproof, but if certain measures are followed incidence of the disease can be dramatically reduced. Certain management procedures should be avoided as […] Read more

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