Vaccinating cows for scours ahead of calving can build antibody levels in colostrum and increase calf health
Colostrum is key to calf health, particularly in the first weeks of life. However, preventing calfhood disease is a combination of many factors, including a clean environment and well-nourished, healthy cows with strong immunities. Vaccinating cows ahead of calving can help build antibody levels in cows’ colostrum, says Dr. Steve Hendrick of the Coaldale Veterinary […] Read moreTag Archives Cattle Connect — page 7
Backward, breech calves challenge to deliver
Calves positioned backward at birth are unlikely to survive without assistance. Often they suffocate because their heads are inside the cow when the umbilical cord pinches off or breaks. Breech presentation is a different problem but also dangerous to calf survival. A backward presentation is considered normal because the calf can be born even if […] Read more
Well-fed bulls make good breeders
Proper nutrition for young animals has been found to be vital for breeding success, but it should start before weaning
Years of research have shown that bulls with larger testicles tend to have more sperm and can settle more cows than bulls with small testicles. Also, well-fed bulls generally reach puberty quicker than undernourished bulls. Dr. John Kastelic, a veterinarian and professor in cattle reproductive health at the University of Calgary, has done a lot […] Read more
Breeding season common time for bull injuries
A penile hematoma, also known as broken penis, is an injury that most often occurs in bulls that breed cows in pasture
Bulls occasionally get injured when fighting or breeding. Jennifer Pearson, assistant professor of production animal health at the University of Calgary, said most injuries happen during breeding season. “These injuries fall into two categories: reproductive injuries and musculoskeletal injuries, usually feet and legs. “A common reproductive injury is a penile hematoma, often called broken penis. […] Read more
Bull soundness exam vital to breeding success
A physical examination includes scrotal circumference measurement, semen quality test and checking sperm appearance
Semen quality, conformation, soundness and a desire to breed cows all play a role in bull fertility and breeding ability. A breeding soundness examination can ensure all is well before breeding season begins. Such exams include physical and reproductive tract soundness, scrotal circumference, percentage of normal sperm cells and sperm motility. Dr. Colin Palmer of […] Read more
Scrotal frostbite may have lasting impact
Any injury to the testicles that damages stored sperm may put a bull out of action until it heals and produces new sperm
Scrotal frostbite in bulls is a risk to fertility and ranch profitability. Cold weather and wind chill can damage bulls’ testicles and deteriorate semen but it is hard to gauge without a test. Dr. Colin Palmer, associate director at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence at the University of Saskatchewan, says scrotal frostbite commonly […] Read more
Healthy soil a priority
Cheryl and Trevor Branvold raise registered Angus on their farm in Saskatchewan that’s been in Cheryl’s family since 1888. Over the years, it was a mixed farm with grain and cattle but today the focus is on holistic management, improving the soil with cattle. “Our neighbour down the road is Ralph Corcoran, a holistic management […] Read more
Cattle help organic operation save its soil
Steve McElroy started his farm in Hillsdale, Michigan, in 1989 as a conventional crop operation. He became a certified organic grower about 12 years later. He grew organic grains and row crops for 15 years. “Our soil is short of organic matter and wasn’t in good condition to go organic,” he says. “It was becoming […] Read more
Sask. announces steps to attract rural vets
The Saskatchewan government has recognized the concern about the lack of rural veterinary service and introduced several measures designed to entice more people to rural practice. These include a new virtual option to train registered veterinary technologists and a loan forgiveness program. “This program is important to addressing a labour market shortage in rural Saskatchewan,” […] Read more
Alta. ranch receives Mark of Excellence Award
The company was chosen for its commitment to excellence through innovation, and its leadership in livestock genetics
One of the largest seedstock cattle operations in Western Canada has been awarded for its contributions to livestock improvement. Soderglen Ranches Ltd. of Alberta is one of this year’s recipients of the Mark of Excellence Award by AgSights, a non-profit co-operative based in Elora, Ont., whose services include herd management tools and genetic evaluation. Winning […] Read more
