Herd Health

Before we get too far into this, I have a confession: I can’t actually predict the future. I don’t know exactly what antibiotic use will look like in beef production of the future.

The management of receiving cattle continues to be a dogma that impacts the bottom line of the cattle-feeding industry. Currently, cattle producers are managing the health and productivity of newly received cattle to get them on feed as quick as possible.

Pneumonia has been a thorn in the side of livestock producers for decades.

How can a veterinarian best help a beef producer prepare for a successful calving season? Is it by prescribing a secret recipe of shots that will prevent all retained placentas, navel infections, scours, political ads, bad weather and taxes? If only that would work.

Cow-calf producers always strive to set their heifers up for success, especially when it comes to first calvings. A low-stress calving and a live calf are some of best ways to turn a heifer into a reliable cow.

A newborn calf instinctively wants to suckle. The cow’s first feeding is colostrum, and it is vital to his survival. Calves that obtain adequate colostrum soon after birth stay healthier than calves that are slow to suckle or don’t get enough.