Reading Time: 4 minutes I never like the statement “we can do that later” because often “later” never seems to come, or a person is too busy with other things and the details get lost. Some pre-planning by the cattle producer and consultation with the herd veterinarian ahead of a major processing will accomplish many things including herd improvement. […] Read more
Make The Most Of A Pass Through The Chute
The Benefits Of Palpating Heifers
Reading Time: 3 minutes Many producers and auction markets are realizing the many benefits of palpating heifers prebreeding. I will try and highlight some of these and explain how this may economically benefit your operation. With the advent of very early-maturing breeds it is not unusual for unwanted pregnancies to occur if breeding bulls are left out late. Some […] Read more
Twin Calves — More Beef Or Just Double Trouble?
Reading Time: 4 minutes Ioften hear producers complaining about twins. If twins are both born alive, are the same sex and you have a cow to foster one of the calves, life is great. We all know the opposite picture – twins coming malpresented (mixed up). You finally get them out (with or without veterinary assistance) and both are […] Read more
Changes Improve Alberta’s BSE Surveillance Program
Reading Time: 4 minutes If you are in Alberta please note these very recent changes to the program and take advantage of them as we need the case numbers. Beef 911 As of Jan. 1 Alberta has introduced significant improvements to the BSE program which will benefit farmers, especially in the spring calving time. Hopefully other provinces may follow […] Read more
Resurgence Of Lumpy Jaw And Wooden Tongue
Reading Time: 3 minutes With the keeping of older cows, mainly as a result of BSE, conditions such as wooden tongue and lumpy jaw are increasing in frequency. Contrary to popular belief, the success rate in treating these conditions is very high if caught early enough. Most can be cured and go on to productive lives. True lumpy jaw […] Read more
Dealing With Those Chronic-Bloating Cattle
Reading Time: 3 minutes A chronic bloater is by definition a free gas bloat which keeps reoccurring. Every cattle producer is plagued by the odd chronic bloater and the dilemma is often what to do with them. A chronic bloater is by definition a free gas bloat which keeps reoccurring. The gas can readily be let off with a […] Read more
Picking The Right Vaccines For Your Cattle
Reading Time: 3 minutes We are really comparing apples to apples when comparing the numerous vaccines available from the reputable companies. There are a multitude of diseases to consider vaccinating for, and vaccines come in a multitude of combinations with different types of administration (subcutaneous or intramuscular) as well as different dosage amounts (usually two to five cc). These […] Read more
Albertans Invited To Provide Input On Auction Regulations
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Alberta government is reviewing existing rules governing public auctions and auctioneers. Input from the public is welcome as part of the review. “We already have good auction regulations in place, but we want to make sure they’re as good as they can be,” said Service Alberta Minister Heather Klimchuk. “We want to hear from […] Read more
Canada Needs Faster Access To New Livestock Pharmaceuticals
Reading Time: 4 minutes Why should Canada, a small market, ask for the same raw data when the same testing has been done elsewhere? A common question from livestock producers is, “Why is it taking so long for product X to come on the market? They are using it in the States. Why can’t we get it here?” Or, […] Read more
Some Great New Cattle Producer Ideas
Reading Time: 3 minutes I have written on this subject before but these are new simple yet effective ideas I have noticed in my practice area in the last while. They are all practical and cost little or no money. They may minimize time or labour, keep you safer or allow for proper handling of biologicals. Many vaccines are […] Read more