What is it? Like all animals, cattle require a proper balance of macronutrients (i.e., protein, carbohydrates, and fats), as well as micronutrients including vitamins and minerals. Nutritionists are often involved in the feed management of an operation, to ensure the proper nutrients are supplemented with the feed. This supplementation will be different at every farm […]
What is it? Colostrum is the first milk provided by the dam (mother cow). It contains special antibodies which help the calves develop a strong immune system, along with proteins and fats to provide the calves with energy and nutrients. Unlike other mammals, calves do not receive antibodies from the cow’s placenta during pregnancy, and
The use of mechanical restraints for routine handling and treatment of cattle requires an understanding and application of behavioral principles to ensure safe and humane handling of cattle [1]. As cattle move through a chute system toward a restraint such as a squeeze chute, they can be kept calm by [2]: Ensuring visual contact with
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Well-designed facilities are essential to reducing cattle injury and stress during handling or treatment. Ideal facilities have: Good lighting without shadows, Ample space to reduce crowding, Working chutes that are curved and sufficiently narrow to maintain forward movement and prevent cattle from turning around, Dry and level ground conditions. An animal standing in the crowd
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Delivery Methods Traditional vaccine delivery is by means of a needle and syringe, administered by hand, usually into a large muscle group. Alternate delivery methods have been developed to reduce the labor required, increase the efficiency and accuracy of dosing each animal, and explore different methods of introducing antigens into the body. Timing Because it
Challenges Vaccines may have limited efficacy, limited duration of immunity, and potentially severe side effects [1]. Field strains of pathogens evolve quickly and may not be matched by the vaccine strain, resulting in limited efficacy [1]. Some vaccines are not effective on the field strains present in Canadian herds. There is limited commercial interest in
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What is it? Preconditioning is a management practice that provides a significant health advantage to young calves. Definitions vary, but it usually includes: Keeping the calves for a minimum of 45 days after they’ve been weaned. Ensuring the calves are “bunk broke”, or used to eating food out of a bunk, before leaving the ranch.
What is it? Telemedicine consists of medical assessment and advice administered remotely. A virtual platform for veterinary examinations can be necessary to maintain contact, such as in remote areas or in the winter months. While assessing the body condition score (BCS) of cattle visually is not as ideal as putting actual hands on the body,
What is it? Data management software can be utilized by producers to capture, upload, and exchange information about individual cattle. The software aids in information flow between different operations and processing plants. Different data management platforms can also offer elements, such as: Age verification Calving records Nutrition and growth Antimicrobial use Health protocols and treatments
What is it? Firstline is a clinical decision support application. It helps provide guidance related to the prescribing of antimicrobials. There are both human and animal-centred versions of the app. Firstline offers point-of-care treatment recommendations for veterinarians and healthcare professionals. It includes information such as: Spectrum of Activity Stewardship Considerations Dosing Pharmacy Formulations Common Usage
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