Beef cows get mastitis, too

Early treatment can save the udder, and plan to cull susceptible animals

Even though we think of mastitis as more of a dairy disease, beef producers still need to be vigilant for the condition in their herds. With higher milk production and cows being retained in herds longer, both these factors have a tendency to increase mastitis incidence. Mastitis cases can be smouldering during the long period […] Read more

Make sure handling equipment is solid and in good working order before processing cattle.

Safety reminders when working cattle

Put yourself in the animal's place to identify hazards

Most cattle herds are routinely gathered and worked for brand­­ing, vaccinating, pregnancy testing, weaning and other necessary management tasks. With many cow herds put through the chute twice or more annually, it is important to make sure these tasks are accomplished smoothly and safely for the cattle and the crew. Nora Schrag, a veterinarian with Kansas State College […] 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.

Copper critical for pre-calving cows

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

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.

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

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


The importance of responsible use of drugs

The importance of responsible use of drugs

Know the proper product for the proper treatment, if treatment is warranted

With today’s tightening controls on residues in meat and milk, we as members of the animal agriculture industry must have the utmost responsibility about how we treat our livestock in general. Proper production practices benefit our verified beef production system and with antibiotic resistance increasing producers must be prudent in the use of antibiotics and […] Read more

A prolapse is not just a prolapse

There are many factors that can contribute to a vaginal prolapse

The act of replacing a vaginal prolapse is really just the visible part. There are many other aspects veterinarians consider when they are working on these. The cause, method of replacement, long-term care and expected force of straining afterwards must all be considered when they are corrected. As an experienced veterinarian, there are times when […] Read more


Risk of tetanus in cattle increasing

Risk of tetanus in cattle increasing

Animal Health: Your best approach is to prevent it through vaccination

In the last several years tetanus has most definitely been increasing in incidence across Canada so it is important that producers know what to look for and understand measures to prevent this deadly disease. Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium Tetani that is the same family of organisms which causes blackleg. This spore-producing bacteria […] Read more

Putting thought into changing vaccine lines

Putting thought into changing vaccine lines

Animal Health: With a bit of planning, it is possible to switch from one manufacturer to another

There are many difficult decisions to be made when changing the brand or manufacturer of a vaccine line. The real comparisons can be made when you know what specific diseases you need to vaccinate for in your herd, whether to use a modified live, killed, or combined program and rate the effectiveness of your original […] Read more


Drought brings its own package of health risks for livestock

Drought brings its own package of health risks for livestock

Pests, toxic plants and disease can all thrive under dry conditions

With the current lack of runoff moisture and few spring rains across much of Western Canada, certain disease conditions may become more prevalent. It will pay to be extra vigilant this year when checking your herds. We commonly see more blackleg and all the other clostridial diseases in dry conditions. With shorter grass, cattle and […] Read more

cattle grazing on a pasture

VIDEO: Keeping cattle healthy on pasture

Grainews reporter Lisa Guenther gets a few tips from Dr. Miles Johnson

As beef producers move their herds onto pasture this summer, there are practical ways to keep calves and cows healthy. Grainews reporter Lisa Guenther caught up with Dr. Miles Johnson, a veterinarian based in Turtleford, Sask, for tips on everything from pasture pneumonia to pink eye. Johnson is an experienced vet and a sitting member […] Read more