Proper management during the receiving phase is critical to overall health and long-term performance of cattle in the feedlot. Newly weaned calves are faced with the stress of separation from the cow, deprivation of feed and water during transportation, and adaptation to the feedlot environment. Whether calves are being introduced into a backgrounding or finishing […]
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Wisconsin’s soil types and weather patterns, which support the growth of a variety of forages, are ideal for raising cattle. We have two seasons (cold winter and hot summer) that do not support cattle very well, but in general, even those times are limited in the length of time during which cattle may struggle, with […]
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Water is the most important nutrient an animal requires and consumes daily. Depending on weight, production stage, and environmental temperature, cattle require varying amounts of water. A University of Georgia publication suggests for cattle in 90 °F temperatures, a growing animal or a lactating cow needs two gallons of water per 100 pounds of body […]
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The forecast for this weekend in highs in the 90’s with humidity to make the heat indexes likley in the 100’s. For feedlot cattle, hot temperature for 2 or 3 days plus warm nights mean increased risk for heat stress. With a chance for rain on Thursday, humidity will increase making it difficult for heavy […]
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Digital dermatitis (DD), also known as hairy heel warts, was discovered in 1974 in Italy. The disease first popped up in US dairy herds in the 1980’s, and spread rapidly during the 1990’s as herds expanded. The co-mingling of multiple dairy herds into one barn or facility made a perfect scenario for DD to infect […]
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Body condition scoring continues to be an important and useful management tool for beef cow/calf producers. Unfortunately it is often forgotten about. The current method of evaluating body condition involves visually evaluating the animal, and assigning a body condition score (BCS) that reflects the animal’s current state of condition. It can be used as a […]
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Veterinarians and those who raise food producing animals have legal and ethical obligations to use animal health products correctly. Farmers and veterinarians are required to first follow label directions. The recently FDA approved drug, Banamine Transdermal® is relatively easy to administer making the potential for its inappropriate use high. Work with your VCPR veterinarian in […]
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The bacteria Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) causes a chronic intestinal infection in cattle and other ruminants commonly known as Johne’s Disease. MAP grows slowly and it takes years after the initial infection before the animal develops clinical signs. The animal’s well-being and genetic potential are compromised during this subclinical time. It is very possible that […]
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Those following beef news feeds may be reading about anaplasmosis and the dilemma of increasing resistance to the parasiticides used to kill the ticks that vector this disease. For cattle in Wisconsin however, transmission of Anaplasma is not so much about the tick or biting insects as it is about our husbandry and biosecurity practices. […]
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“Shoot, I messed up the vaccines.” If these words have ever been uttered while processing cows and calves, it may be time for implementation of some simple chute side organization tips. A good vaccination program is only as good as the techniques used in each step of administration. 70% of beef operations administer vaccines to […]
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