Herd Health

Most cattle producers have encountered common livestock ailments such as foot rot and pinkeye, but more unusual health issues pop up from time to time that cause concern.

As a beef producer, you may think having at least some calves with scours every season is inevitable. It’s not. In fact, having a herd with zero cases of scours should always be the goal. And it’s an achievable one.

Occasionally, a calf is born with crooked legs, lax or contracted tendons. Many straighten on their own with time and exercise, while others require intervention. Some are so severe the calf must be euthanized.

Our dogs are often by our side as our best companions, watching over us without even being asked. They selflessly just do, and they are more than deserving of the same protection and care in return.

The hustle and bustle of spring calving is quickly approaching, and now is the time for cow-calf producers to begin planning their calving management strategies. Proper planning prior to the start of calving can improve overall animal welfare, as well as saving a producer’s time and energy.

Bovine leukosis is a very common enzootic infection in beef cattle, caused by the virus bovine leukemia virus, that can be transmitted between cattle by means of infected blood – mostly through infected needles, eartagging/tattoo equipment, dehorners, A.I. sleeves and some insects.