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Tag Archives veterinary medicine

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
This heavy styrofoam cooler has been modified with holders for two needle guns.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Cooler heads prevail to protect vaccines

Vaccines stored in conditions that are too cold or too warm can be compromised

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Whether you are vaccinating cattle now or later this winter, it’s important to protect most products from freezing to preserve their quality and effectiveness. By exposing the vaccines to freezing temperatures we were compromising the level of immunity we were trying to give the cows. Here at Whittington Creek in northern Idaho, we’ve been down […] Read more
a calf and mother cow
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Start with good stock — stay healthy

Some diseases are hard to fix — the best approach is to avoid them

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Raising livestock for a living means that they have to be productive. They must reproduce, be healthy, and not be labour-intensive. Nobody makes a profit raising sick animals. The University of Guelph and Semex have been moving forward studying this from a genetic standpoint. This is exciting because with the increase in prevalence of Johne’s, producing healthy […] 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

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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
Several benefits to palpating heifers
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Several benefits to palpating heifers

Animal Health with Roy Lewis: An important tool in determining reproductive capability


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Many commercial producers, purebred producers and heifer sales management are realizing the benefits of palpating heifers before breeding. A lot can be learned from the procedure, which can also be done at pregnancy checking. It involves a more thorough exam than simply determining if heifers are pregnant. With the advent of very early-maturing breeds such […] Read more
Once foot rot is discovered, it needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Though you may find your steer is hesitant to move where you need him to go.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Stiff, sore and hurtin’ — I can relate

A foundered steer is troublesome, but elicits some extra sympathy

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During my morning pen-checking rounds I came across a yearling red and white steer with a bad case of foot rot. Now there is nothing unusual about that, being that I find many cattle with this problem every day. The difference in this case, was that this particular steer was badly foundered to start with. […] 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

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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
A calf with a fiberglass cast.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Fixing fractures in cattle is doable

Early attention to treatment can often get the critter back on its feet

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Accidents happen. Sometimes a cow steps on her calf, breaking its leg, or a limb fractures due to extensive or improper pressure applied during a difficult calving. Veterinarian Eric Laporte, with the Bonnyville Clinic at Bonnyville, northeast of Edmonton, says he doesn’t see as many dystocia-related fractures now as in the past, due to better […] 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
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


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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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