Herd Health

Harsh weather conditions, disease and other natural causes can inevitably take a deadly toll on cattle.

House and stable flies are two common pests in and around livestock-handling facilities. Control of these two species is an important part of a herd health plan since these insects often carry and transmit disease organisms.

Mastitis (inflammation in one or more quarters) occurs most commonly in dairy cows, but also in beef cows. Mastitis develops if bacteria enter the teat canal – as when cows calve in dirty areas or lie in mud and manure after calving.

For most ranchers it is not “if” they will have calves with scours, but “when” it will happen. Scours can be caused by bacteria, viruses, protozoa, yeast, mold and stress.

While a few inches of rainfall these last few months may have provided a reprieve from the drought and pastures might be greening up – there is no doubt 2011 was a challenging year.

Looking back, U.S. agricultural industries have changed dramatically over the past decade. Given mounting political, social, technological and economic pressures, it is safe to assume not only that change will continue, but that it could even increase in rapidity.