An interruption of blood supply to the stomach lining in calves is a common cause, but there are other factors as well
What causes ulcers in young calves? Dr. Murray Jelinski of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine says the four stomachs in young calves, particularly the rumen, don’t fully function until they are more developed. Calves depend on the abomasum to digest milk in the first weeks of life. “Just as in the human stomach, the […] Read moreStories by Heather Smith Thomas
Early weaning an option during drought
Cows and calves can both benefit from the practice in a year when feed sources are limited due to poor growing conditions
Early weaning can be a viable option when pasture and feed supplies are low due to drought, academics and specialists say. Dr. Bart Lardner and Dr. Greg Penner, both with the University of Saskatchewan, say early weaning can reduce cows’ nutrient requirements. If calves can transition through weaning with little stress and effect on appetite, […] Read more
Orphan calves can steal, but intervention better
Some calves can survive by robbing enough milk from other cows, but they may be smaller than their peers at weaning
It’s easy to bottle-feed a newborn calf when necessary but it’s far more challenging to raise an older calf that loses its mother. The calf might be semi-wild but too young to go without milk. Dr. Ray Randall, a veterinarian near Bridger, Montana, says some calves can rob enough milk from other cows, though this […] Read more
Feeding the orphan with milk plus forage
Dr. Lisa Surber, a ruminant nutritionist and consultant in the Medicine Hat, Alta., region, has suggestions for people who are trying to raise an orphan calf. Surber says calves need milk or milk replacer during their first 45 days of life, but generally start nibbling good forage if it is available. They usually consume a […] Read more
Drought heightens risk of vitamin A deficiency
Most cattle have lower than usual supplies of vitamin A because of the drought, so producers should consider supplements
Cattle are at higher risk of vitamin A deficiency due to last year’s drought and related shortage of green grass. Dr. Cheryl Waldner, Beef Cattle Research Council chair at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, says cattle with access to green pasture can readily obtain about four months worth of vitamin A, stored in the […] Read more
Cow nutrition levels will determine rebreeding success
Nutrients are needed for reproduction, to maintain a pregnancy and grow the fetus as well as basic maintenance needs
Cows must have adequate body condition to cycle and rebreed in a timely manner and that requires enough feed and energy to meet their needs, says a prominent veterinarian. Beyond basic maintenance needs, nutrients are needed for reproduction, to maintain a pregnancy and grow the fetus. Lactation after calving requires the most nutrients. As lactation […] Read more
Cover crops can produce extra forage
Deciding which cover crops to use will depend on the goal, but producers must make sure not to use too many species
Summer annuals and cover crops can provide grazing for cattle and improve soil health, says Graeme Finn of Southern Cross Livestock near Crossfield, Alta. “There are many options to try, but a person has to narrow it down. Do you want a summer grazing program or a winter program? Do you want to take a […] Read more
Udder shape plays role in mastitis
Big bottle-shaped teats and those that are deformed or damaged at the tips are at risk because they may let in bacteria
Mastitis is more common and better studied in dairy cattle than beef cows but the latter group aren’t free from the challenges mastitis presents. “Beef cows with mastitis often have a painful quarter, produce less milk, nurse their calves less, and in some instances infection can lead to septicemia and death of the cow,” says […] Read more
Cover crop use expands on Prairies: researcher
Cover crops can help reduce erosion, hold soil moisture and improve soil health. Now a growing number of producers are using cover crops to also provide more forage for livestock. University of Manitoba researchers are conducting surveys to see how and why producers are using cover crops. Emma McGeough, associate professor in the U of […] Read more
Clean calving area fights septicemia
Many calves that develop the disease didn’t get enough colostrum, but dirty environments can overwhelm their immunity
Calves can develop infection when bacteria or toxins enter the bloodstream, and some of those toxic bacteria gain entrance through the navel stump or the gastro-intestinal tract. Any blood-borne infection can become life-threatening if the bacteria or toxins damage vital organs. The infection may localize, create internal abscesses or settle in the joints, causing joint […] Read more
