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(Baxter Black video screen grab via YouTube)
Livestock

U.S. cowboy poet and veterinarian Baxter Black, 77

Black appeared on Carson, NPR and in Grainews

By ,
U.S. cowboy poet, storyteller and veterinarian Baxter Black, whose work was a fixture for years in farm journals including Grainews, died Friday at age 77, his family reported. Born in New York in 1945, Black grew up in southern New Mexico and graduated from Colorado State University in 1969. He later relocated from Colorado to […] Read more
Older calves can be knife castrated at a few months of age at the proverbial “branding time” before turnout to pasture.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Pay attention to castration procedures in calves

Animal Health: Proper technique, timing and painkillers produce the best results

By
We now have many tools at our disposal for castration of beef and dairy calves. Newer techniques coupled with use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) when used in skilled hands will ensure the procedure is done properly and welfare issues are addressed. Most producers are ahead of the beef code recommendations for castration. Ideally the […] Read more
Veterinariam Cody Creelman, right, gets some assistance as he prepares to pull a calf. There are several things to consider before either pulling by hand or with the help of a jack.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Important tips for pulling a calf

Have chains properly positioned; be gentle with the calf puller

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Some calves are injured at birth by improper pulling methods, says Cody Creelman, a veterinarian with Veterinary Agri-Health Services (VAHS) in Airdrie, Alta. Most ranchers know when preparing to pull they should use a double half-hitch when placing chains on the calf’s legs. The correct setup should also include one loop mid-cannon and the other […] Read more
Old batteries left out on pasture are a serious accident waiting to happen.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Lead poisoning still No. 1 toxin killer for cattle

Animal Health: Check the yard for hazards and properly dispose of old batteries

By
There are a multitude of toxins, such as heavy metals and other substances that cattle can come in contact with. Even with ever-increasing education, lead poisoning is still the number one toxic cause of death we, as veterinarians, see in cattle producing areas — especially in calves. Perhaps a reminder about the hazards will result […] Read more
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

By
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
Everyone enjoys seeing wildlife, but they can have a negative impact on farming and ranching operations.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Managing wildlife/agriculture conflicts

Animal Health: Proper compensation part of the solution

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There have been many articles written on the escalating conflict between wildlife and agriculture (both livestock and grain production) in certain areas of Canada. Our governments struggle to find balanced management options. The most recent survey (2014) on wildlife damage by Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) and the Miistakis Institute shows a high percentage of farms […] Read more
An important part of reducing the need for antibiotics includes good beef herd management practices which reduce stress and maintain animal health. 

Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Facts about antimicrobial resistance

Animal Health: While the industry is already doing a good job, there is ongoing room for improvement

By
There have been volumes written on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the last several years. And it is important to remember just how good the Canadian cattle industry is doing in managing AMR and look to future changes veterinarians may make in their recommendations. For those of you craving more detailed information, there have been several […] Read more
A newborn black angus calf with it's mother
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Very doable synchronization programs

Animal Health: Timing and attention to detail are key for breeding beef by AI

By
Several factors must be considered when deciding what AI synchronization program to use in your herd. One of the first is whether you have the time to heat detect yourself or if you want timed breeding. Cost is a consideration, as timed AI programs require more financial commitment and more passes through the chute. The three main synchronization programs I find most successful […] Read more
Firing up the branding irons at a branding in southern Saskatchewan. The beef industry 
is finding ways to mitigate pain, but challenges remain.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Pain management in cattle

Several products are effective, but pay attention to timing


By
There’s no doubt that some routine procedures such as castration are painful for cattle. Fortunately, researchers are figuring out how producers can mitigate pain with products on the market today. Dr. Eugene Janzen of the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has been studying pain mitigation in beef cattle for several years. He says […] Read more

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