Beef 911: There’s a long list of uses for these crystal clear images, whether from stationary or drone-mounted cameras
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
Bee 911: Just assuming it is foot rot can be a mistake as there are many different conditions — and types of treatment
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
Beef 911: The industry and veterinarians are doing what they should be doing to minimize resistance
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
Beef 911: There are three main synchronization programs that produce good results if you closely follow the protocols
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
Beef 911: You will be amazed how many calves make use of these shelters and be pleased with the many benefits
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
Beef 911: This is one of the hardest situations that comes during calving and recognizing the problem is the first step
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
Beef 911: Calves need adequate amounts of high-quality colostrum after birth and substitutes are a good option
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
Beef 911: A feed supplement that counteracts dehydration offers animal welfare benefits and an economic return
We all know that when handling, transporting and shipping cattle, stress is increased and weight loss and carcass changes occur. A new, or should I say reintroduced product, is back on the market after having been shelved by Agriculture Canada for many years. The product is called DeStress and is currently being marketed by a […] Read more
Beef 911: Charges that beta-agonists caused severe lameness prompted a study that found a very different reason for fatigue cattle syndrome
A few years ago cattle in an American feedlot went down during transport to a packing plant and others developed severe lameness. This condition was eventually labelled fatigue cattle syndrome and became a huge animal welfare issue due to the appearance of severely lame, non-ambulatory cattle. Initially beta-agonists were incriminated but numerous studies have essentially […] Read more
Beef 911: Producers are doing a good job of caring for their cattle but often this information is not passed on to buyers
When purchasing or selling livestock, their health status — preventive shots given, deworming, and other relevant information — can be determined by a few simple questions. But these questions are seldom asked in cattle transactions these days. With cattle being of higher value, and often traversing long distances through different geographic areas, this information is […] Read more
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