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
What is it? Nearly all beef cattle will be transported at some point in their lives, whether it be to an auction mart, a new farm, or the abattoir. As transport is an important part of the livestock industry, the welfare of cattle during transportation is a highly regulated process and certain considerations must be
Transport Considerations Read More »
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
Handling Facilities Read More »
What is it? Principles of cattle movement is one of the key areas to be considered in low stress animal handling. Cattle move smoothly and more willingly for handlers with calm and quiet handling techniques and an understanding of cattle behavior related to herd instinct, flight zone and points of balance, and reactions to wind,
Movement Of Cattle Read More »
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
Vaccine Development Read More »
What is it? Animal handling principles are meant to support and facilitate the movement of livestock in a safe and minimally stressful way. By understanding how livestock naturally behave, handlers can work with the animal to get them where they need to be, while reducing the risk if injury to both the animal and the
Solution Notes This resource compares the costs associated with different preconditioning practices. This calculator helps project the price of either a heifer or a steer based on their weight and sale date. This calculator helps you assess your on-farm water needs and the estimated costs. This resource includes information on feed testing and how to
Economics Calculators Read More »
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.
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