Reading Time: 4 minutes Some preplanning by the cattle producer in consultation with the herd veterinarian ahead of a major processing will accomplish many things, including herd improvement. This article will describe a specific example of this. Certain points may fit into the management of your operation. Some points may become obvious when the processing starts and can be […] Read more
An example of making the most of a pass through the squeeze chute
Beef 911: Don’t take a ‘we can do it later’ attitude and miss the opportunity to get more done in one pass
When feed is in short supply, it’s time for extra culling
Beef 911: Downsizing the herd will be profitable if you have good records and good reasons for culling
Reading Time: 4 minutes With the shortage of feed across Western Canada, this may be a good year to downsize by extra culling. The question of what the next wave of culls should be goes beyond reproduction — the fall is also an ideal time to consider culling problem cows. The yearly cost to maintain those cows is at […] Read more
Bison sector has learned how to make best use of bulls
Beef 911: Artificial insemination is rare so there’s been a lot of attention paid to breeding capacity
Reading Time: 4 minutes Since the beef industry adjusts breeding capacity based on libido, semen production, and length of breeding season, I thought it good to review breeding capacity of bison bulls. While longevity is longer than beef bulls, we rarely talk about breeding capacity. The bison industry does not utilize artificial insemination like the beef industry (although it […] Read more
Today’s high-def cameras are a definite boon for cattle producers
Beef 911: There’s a long list of uses for these crystal clear images, whether from stationary or drone-mounted cameras
Reading Time: 4 minutes Technology has advanced with regards to monitoring the health of our cattle, both at calving time and on pasture. I’ve heard a few presentations, witnessed demonstrations, and have seen use of advanced cameras in the last year at two operations I deal with during calving season. Here are my impressions of them as well. Video […] Read more
Don’t jump to conclusions when cattle come up lame
Bee 911: Just assuming it is foot rot can be a mistake as there are many different conditions — and types of treatment
Reading Time: 4 minutes There are many different causes of lameness in both the cow-calf and finishing sector of the cattle industry. Making the correct diagnosis or recognizing specific clinical entities will alter specific treatments that are given. This article will review most common lameness issues and what common solutions are available. This may help you get more favourable […] Read more
There’s a story to tell about antimicrobial use — and it’s a good one
Beef 911: The industry and veterinarians are doing what they should be doing to minimize resistance
Reading Time: 5 minutes There have been volumes written about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in recent years — this article will highlight some of the key points on how well the cattle industry is doing so far and what changes veterinarians may make in their recommendations going forward. For those of you who crave more detailed information, there are several […] Read more
Attention to detail is key in a synchronization program
Beef 911: There are three main synchronization programs that produce good results if you closely follow the protocols
Reading Time: 4 minutes Several factors must be considered when deciding what synchronization program to use in your cattle herd. Do you have the time to heat detect or do you want timed breeding? Cost is a consideration, as timed artificial insemination programs require more financial commitment and more passes through the chute. We will explore three main synchronization […] Read more
Calf hutches provide many benefits for your herd
Beef 911: You will be amazed how many calves make use of these shelters and be pleased with the many benefits
Reading Time: 4 minutes Calf hutches are utilized by many producers at calving season and for very good reason. They are especially imperative if calving early in inclement weather and with the increasing size of our herds, young calves need to get away from the stress of crowding. Even summer-calving herds will make use of hutches for shade and […] Read more
Improper cervical dilation at calving demands quick action
Beef 911: This is one of the hardest situations that comes during calving and recognizing the problem is the first step
Reading Time: 3 minutes One of the hardest calving dilemmas you face as producers, or we face as veterinarians, is improper cervical dilation. When going through the stages of labour before expulsion of the fetus, the cervix relaxes, softens, and opens up (essentially as wide as the vagina) to allow the fetus to enter the vaginal vault. When this […] Read more
Make sure your calves get off to a proper start
Beef 911: Calves need adequate amounts of high-quality colostrum after birth and substitutes are a good option
Reading Time: 4 minutes There have been many articles written over the years on the value of calves receiving adequate amounts of good-quality colostrum. Also over the years, colostrum substitutes have come into greater and greater usage. Several things have led to this change. Colostrum substitutes have become higher quality and are more convenient than using frozen colostrum. As […] Read more
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