Calves
“I have seen minimal problems with scours and pneumonia. I think this set of calves moving to grass is as good as I’ve seen when I look back over the last 10 years,” says one Iowa veterinarian.
Researchers continue to seek methods of monitoring animal health and welfare to anticipate health setbacks and improve the animals’ lives. The latest tool to do so: saliva.
With dairy replacements in tight supply and beef-on-dairy calves worth a small fortune, monitoring the health and management of livestock is just as crucial as keeping a close eye on financials.
The first few hours of a calf’s life are critical to its success. Sometimes when producers need to intervene, the new mom goes into protection mode.
Learning why and how some calves navigate life challenges better than others can provide clues into how to support individual animals to achieve better welfare and performance, particularly with the aid of precision livestock technologies.
If you’re thinking about installing an autofeeder system in your calf program, you’re headed into a fairly momentous management shift. Dr. Melissa Cantor, Assistant Professor in Precision Dairy Science at Penn State University, shares advice on smoothing the transition.
One of the questions veterinarians are helping cow-calf producers answer is whether it’s a better decision to raise their own calves or buy them.
In a USDA study, 7.9% of U. S. cow-calf operations were found to contain one or more Johne’s positive cows.
A recent study at Kansas State University highlights some of the benefits.
It’s a common cause of calf disease, and it can be maddening when apparently healthy calves suddenly turn up dead. But there are offensive approaches to controlling Clostridia.
While there are a myriad of factors affecting profitability on a dairy farm, the transition period continues to stand out as the most critical phase.
Cattle can adapt to virtual fencing similarly as they do to traditional fencing options.
The runaway dairy heifer and calf markets of 2024 have cooled a bit at summer’s end.
If you plan to wean earlier than normal to alleviate stress on cows and pastures, the seven management practices outlined here can help in the process.
While even average crossbred animals are bringing a decent profit, healthy, well-grown calves are worth top dollar.
The American Angus Association®; National Beef Packing Co., LLC; IMI Global; and U.S. Premium Beef, LLC announces new grid premiums to take effect in August and December, based on genetic merit data.
Turning out a subfertile bull means some cows in the herd won’t get bred or bred in a timely manner. Both problems are costly, says Chance Armstrong, DVM, Auburn University. Check out the two scenarios he outlines here.
When used correctly, growth-promoting implants can increase ADG by 20% in growing cattle. With a 100-day feeding period, 48 lbs. more of liveweight could mean $40 to $50 per head more, depending on the price slide
Understanding the risk factors for hypothermia will aid in developing a strategy to prevent loss. Managing dystocia and knowing when and how to assist chilled calves is an essential part of your calving plan.
Four grants have been awarded by ICASA totaling roughly $1.15 million to identify why liver abscesses occur and develop diagnostic tools to enable informed decision-making to treat the condition.
Beef cows fed at dusk or later results in more daytime births. Research indicates that to achieve that benefit, feeding at night should be started at least one month prior to calving season.
What has more value to the profit potential of a commercial cow-calf operation that sells calves at weaning, percent calf crop weaned or weaning weight?
Genomic tests are a tool that can be used to create strategic marketing plans by taking a small ear tissue sample to compare genome traits of a calf to others in their breed.
Preconditioning has benefits for those looking to sell their calves and to those retaining ownership. Though it is not a “one size fits all” for operations. The benefits need to be considered along with practicality.
The goal of any feedlot receiving strategy is to make the transition from calf origin into the feedlot or backgrounding yard as seamless as possible in order to achieve best cattle performance.
Given the value of the current fed market, widening quality grade spreads and longer feeding periods across the industry, the importance of preventing BRD has never been more important.
Solvet Lidoband is approved for use in calves under 250 pounds and in lambs under 50 pounds. The local, soothing anesthesia works for up to 42 days, helping veterinarians and producers improve animal well-being.
Aside from traditional calf weaning methods, the concept of “fenceline weaning” is worth considering for cow-calf producers looking to decrease stress and maintain health in their calves.
As we move into late summer and early fall, we begin think about weaning time. Getting those calves on feed is critical, requiring a good diet and proper feed management.
Weaning can be a stressful period for livestock and humans but making the extra effort to reduce stress on calves can lead to increased performance in the form of less illness and increased weight gain.