Reading Time: 3 minutes We have come a long way from the synchronization programs of one shot of prostaglandins, observation, and breeding according to heat. Prostaglandins are still a very useful tool in combination with other drugs and intravaginal devices containing progesterone. Many of you will have seen the numerous protocols put out for synchronization — American Breeders Service […] Read more
Hands-on synchronization programs have many benefits
Beef 911: Some suggestions for running a successful AI program for beef cattle
On-farm semen collection is a valuable tool
With a valuable bull, on-farm collection becomes like an insurance plan preserving his genetics for the future
Reading Time: 4 minutes This is the time of year when either your own hot breeding prospects or ones for sale are coming to the forefront. A good insurance plan is collecting semen on these hot new or proven prospects, especially when you incorporate artificial insemination into your program. This article will review some of the finer points of […] Read more
A full breech birth is a dangerous situation
Beef 911: Cows with a history of twins more likely to have a full breech birth
Reading Time: 3 minutes In the true breech, the calf presented tail first with both back legs pointing forward under the body of the calf. A lot of producers refer to a straight backwards calf as a breech, but that is a misnomer. The true full breech has both back legs forwards so the first thing you feel when […] Read more
Hormonal implants are efficient, effective, economical and safe
Hormone allows more beef to be raised on less feed and a smaller environmental footprint
Reading Time: 4 minutes Implants in the cattle industry have been used on hundreds of millions of cattle in North America and other countries. We all know the benefits that come with a very small amount of hormone in the right proportions placed in the ear give us both increased gain and feed efficiency. Gains will increase (10-25 per […] Read more
Strawberry foot rot is on the increase in feedlots
Beef 911 An infection previously mostly found in dairy cattle is showing up in some western feedlots
Reading Time: 3 minutes It has come to my attention that “strawberry foot rot” or “hairy heel wart” or “Montellaros disease,” which was once considered a dairy disease is now making its way into feedlots in Eastern Canada. The disease is potentially caused by a treponema bacteria. The infection starts at the back of the hoof on or near […] Read moreFall vaccinations and processing
Reading Time: 4 minutes It has been proven time and again that sickness and death are reduced by pre-immunizing calves, and that vaccination is cheaper than treatment later. If you have not immunized at spring turnout for the common diseases such as blackleg (seven- or eight-way), IBR, PI3, BVD, BRSV, do it now. The most prevalent respiratory pathogens Mannheimia […] Read more
Shipping cattle direct is a win for both purchaser and seller
beef 911 It has long been recognized that transport coupled with commingling of cattle greatly increases stress, shrinkage, and the incidence of the respiratory disease complex.
Reading Time: 4 minutes For many years, auction markets have used satellite or Internet sales to market larger groups of cattle without having to move them off the farm. This is pretty much all upside for both seller and purchaser. Selling and shipping directly to the purchaser’s place eliminates one transport, saves time, and there is no comingling unless […] Read moreKeep an eye out for water deprivation
beff 911 As water levels in dugouts get shallower, the water temperature and evaporation increase
Reading Time: 3 minutes Water is the most essential nutrient of life and even though most areas have more than enough this year, it’s still a good time to talk about water deprivation. We need to focus on the preventive and what to watch for should water deprivation become a problem. Many articles have been written about water quality […] Read moreSome new recommendations for deworming bison
Reading Time: 3 minutes It’s well known that buffalo, especially young or stressed individuals, are susceptible to internal parasites. This is exacerbated by the fact we now intensively graze large concentrations in smaller areas. Bison grazing in the wild or on huge tracts of land are constantly on the move, and so seldom re-expose themselves to parasitic larvae. But […] Read more
Necrotic laryngitis or calf diphtheria
beEf 911 The outcome is usually successful, but producers should be careful not to stop treatment too early
Reading Time: 3 minutes Over the years, most producers have had a sporadic throat infection in their calves. These are the ones with an extremely loud inspiratory and expiratory sound, which can be heard across the pen. They generally have extended-neck breathing and are in various forms of respiratory distress. The cause is generally an infection of the throat […] Read moreCyber-Savvy Farmer
