Producers add pain medication to their routines and benefit their herds By the Beef Cattle Research Council Pain management for beef cattle has evolved significantly in the past two decades. Scientists have gained a greater understanding of what pain looks like in an animal and how reducing pain can affect an animal’s well-being. The beef…
Read MoreWith calving season in full swing for many beef producers, the issue of calf scours may arise. Understanding the causes of this disease can help with our preventative efforts. This fact sheet, created through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, provides valuable information on why a calf may be susceptible to scours, and the differences in major…
Read MoreAs the shortest and coldest days approach, now is the right time to prepare the herd for the worst winter might bring. We asked veterinarian Dr. Roy Lewis to help us check off chores to complete now, before the chilliest days arrive. Feed Start by ensuring you have secured enough winter feed for the size…
Read MoreWhat is cold stress? All mammals must maintain their internal body temperatures, with cattle averaging 38°C. Their body becomes stressed when environmental temperatures drop below the lower limit of the thermoneutral zone, the ‘lower critical temperature.’ Top factors that contribute to cold stress are cold weather, wind, wet weather, and lack of feed. Estimates of…
Read MoreBeef producers can now have a say to help ensure their animal health needs are met through local pharmaceutical manufacturing. An innovative, family-run Alberta business is manufacturing animal health products right here in Calgary to meet industry demands. Alberta Veterinary Laboratories (AVL) and Solvet work together to “innovate by request”—seeking industry input about products that…
Read MoreDystocia, otherwise known as a hard calving, is a stressful and painful event for both the cow and her calf. To decrease the risk of dystocia, producers can maintain the cow’s body condition score between 3 and 3.5 and breed for smaller birth weights to reduce the risk of dystocia. However, there is no way…
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