Herd Health

As calving season approaches, we all try to make sure our cows have enough good-quality feed to get through gestation and lactation. Often, there are no problems meeting energy and protein requirements, but vitamins and minerals can easily be overlooked.

Animal health continues to be a major concern for all sectors of beef production. As the saying goes, “You can’t get over a bad start,” and this holds true for calf health.

Consumer concerns regarding the potential for antibiotic use in livestock production to result in antibiotic residues in animal products is creating changes in purchasing decisions of many restaurant chains.

Calving season is the beginning of our 2019 cash flow. Healthy calves on the ground lead to more cash in your pocket, while disease problems in the calving barn lead to increased expenses and less cash in your pocket.

In our rush to maximize economic return, many of us breed first-calf heifers as soon as we think they are ready.

Calves born in cold weather may suffer frostbite, especially if they are unable to get up quickly and nurse before they chill.