Roy Lewis

Reading Time: 3 minutes Every spring, producers end up with calves with contracted tendons (knuckling over) or the complete opposite – lax tendons where the back of the fetlock is touching the ground. Preventing these abnormalities is difficult because they are sporadic, but they can be managed successfully. Generally the knuckling over occurs in bigger raw-boned calves or weaker […] Read more

Reading Time: 3 minutes Even though we think of mastitis as more of a dairy disease, producers still need to be vigilant in their beef herds. With higher milk production and cows being retained in our herds longer, both these factors have a tendency to increase mastitis incidence. Mastitis or inflammation of the mammary gland results in swelling in […] Read more

Reading Time: 3 minutes Ringworm is a very common condition, especially in young stock, during the winter months. It is caused by several different fungi, which are fairly widespread in the environment. Generally ringworm is not a huge concern, save in two situations. Firstly, it is a zoonotic disease, meaning that humans can contract it. Secondly, it is a […] Read more

Reading Time: 3 minutes Downer cows have been a concern for farmers and veterinarians almost since the beginning of time. Typically, a downer cow surprises the farmer. Often a perfectly healthy cow with no presenting history is suddenly found down and unable to rise. Because cattle, especially mature ones, are such heavy beasts, several complications can ensue, even when […] Read more

Reading Time: 3 minutes The veterinary pharmaceutical industry has changed dramatically in the last 30 years. Like everything else in the world, pharmaceutical companies are getting bigger. Amalgamations, buyouts and takeovers have created a few very large companies, most with a vast array of products. The pharmaceutical representatives now represent a wider product line and as a result usually […] Read more

Reading Time: 3 minutes All food animal veterinary clinics across Canada recently received a set of guidelines on antimicrobial prudent use. The list includes beef and dairy cattle as well as swine and poultry veterinarians. The guide was published after extensive research and collaboration with veterinary and industry stakeholders. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), which developed and distributed […] Read more

Reading Time: 4 minutes Both rectal palpation and ultra-sounding for pregnancy have certain advantages, depending on their intended application. To be accurate, both must have a skilled veterinarian performing the pregnancy exam. I will try and outline the pros and cons of each method for your farming operation. I hope I can also dispel the many myths and fallacies […] Read more

Reading Time: 3 minutes Any good purebred producer will tell you that in order to win at shows cattle need lots of condition. It goes against their better judgment, but their show cattle are definitely fed differently. While we all know cattle in good condition (body condition 2.5-3.5 on a five-point system) for calving and rebreeding are ideal, show […] Read more

Reading Time: 4 minutes If castrating cattle with a knife and covering with penicillin, we always observe the pen for two things – excessive bleeding and any telltale signs of an allergic reaction. Since allergic reactions in cattle are rare, they are not mentioned much in the literature. But today’s producers are giving more vaccines and antimicrobials, and with […] Read more