Reading Time: 3 minutes There are many times when tranquilization makes it easier on both cattle and the operator. The main tranquilizer I am talking about is acepromazine, a member of the phenothiazine tranquilizer family. It is not a prescription product and producers can be trained in its usage and in the way it is delivered. Since the dosage […] Read more
Often a tranquilizer makes things easier for cattle and their owner
There is a non-prescription product that has many uses and can be administered by producers
Been there, done that: Acclimating heifers to chutes pays dividends
Practice runs through facilities lowers the fear factor and can even reduce open rates, study finds
Reading Time: 3 minutes Just having a less stressful life would have been worth it for Karyn Neilson, but acclimating heifers to handling facilities may also result in more calves. “The minimal time invested into acclimating is well worth the results,” said the Stettler-area producer. It all started when Neilson and husband Lance contacted Olds College inquiring how they […] Read more
Little things can help improve flow of cattle
There are some easy fixes that make a difference, says long-time vet
Reading Time: 4 minutes There’s no ‘silver bullet’ system that will have cattle flowing perfectly, eliminate welfare issues, and guarantee a positive experience for the handler. But there are some easy ways to make them better, says Dr. Roy Lewis, who has seen, and worked in, a lot of systems. Here’s his list of tips. Give ’em space “The […] Read more
Animal science professor Red Williams, 93
Memorial services will be held “at a later date” for renowned Prairie animal science professor Charles “Red” Williams, who died Monday at age 93 leaving a legacy of work in livestock care and ag extension. Williams, born in Regina and raised on farms in Saskatchewan and Alberta, served in the Second World War on the […] Read more
Proper stockmanship, the Bud Williams’ way
If you want to build trust in your cattle, apply the right kind of pressure on them and learn to take two steps back
Reading Time: 3 minutes Cow whisperer’ Bud Williams used to have a saying when he was working cattle: “Slow is fast and less is more.” Now, four years after his death, Bud’s daughter and son-in-law are carrying on that tradition by teaching proper stockmanship — the Bud Williams’ way. “Cattlemen have been led to believe that the only way […] Read more
Tips to reduce stress and up safety when handling cattle
It starts with keeping cattle calm and identifying hazards in your current handling facilities, say experts
Reading Time: 4 minutes Keep calm when handling cattle — especially if you want safe working conditions. Attitude, confidence, as well as the general mood sets the tone when handling cattle, says veterinarian Dr. Cody Creelman. “I can barely count the number of times I’ve seen situations where things are nice and calm, steady, quiet, and proper,” said Creelman. […] Read more
Pressure and cattle positioning promote flow in handling systems
These simple changes to cattle-handling facilities can improve flow and reduce stress in the animals
Reading Time: 3 minutes If you want to build a cattle-handling facility with good flow, you’ve got to get back “to the very basics” of cattle handling. “If you don’t understand the cattle to start with, you can’t ever build a facility that’s going to be 100 per cent foolproof,” said Jack Nester of Nester Livestock Equipment. Good flow […] Read more
Don’t rush when upgrading or replacing a handling system
You’ll be living with any changes for a long time, so it pays to do your research and seek expert advice
Reading Time: 3 minutes You’re going to invest in a new cattle-handling system, but there are so many options, you’re feeling confused. Here are some things to consider: Crowding tubs or Bud Box? A crowding tub is designed to move cattle from a wide group alley into a narrow single-file alley. Like the Bud Box, they rely on the […] Read more
Reduce stress when handling cattle
Two-hour workshop on March 26
Reading Time: < 1 minute Curt Pate and Kent Fenton will present a two-hour workshop on low-stress cattle handling and body condition scoring at the 2015 Livestock Care Conference in Calgary on March 26. Pate, a stockman from Montana, is an internationally recognized expert on livestock-handling practices. “Negative pressure creates stress, positive pressure creates contentment,” Pate says. Fenton is a […] Read more
Expert says go with the flow when working cattle
Dylan Biggs says there’s no ‘magical facility’ that will keep cattle calm and quiet — the biggest factor is how they are handled
Reading Time: 4 minutes Thanks to high cattle prices, many producers may be thinking of investing in a handling system. The goals may be simple — such as improving efficiency, reducing animal stress or allowing one person to safely process cattle. But what that system looks like is left to the individual producer. “There is no magical facility that […] Read more
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