Topic: Calf Care: Scours & Electrolyte Selection Author: Ben Bennett, DVM In last month’s newsletter, I covered the first topic of a two-part, calf care newsletter series. In that newsletter, I covered the importance of proper selection and use of colostrum replacers on your ranch. Now, in this second, calf care newsletter, I am going to focus on scours; one …

By Ben Bennett, DVM Topic: Calf Care: Colostrum Selection As we approach calving season, I figured it appropriate to cover the topic of proper colostrum selection and use. With all of the different products on the market, it is easy to get lost in the selection. The number one thing to remember: NOT ALL COLOSTRUM REPLACEMENTS ARE CREATED EQUAL! As …

By GREG HENDERSON – December 3, 2020 Weaned calves are worth an average of about $50 per head more than their unweaned herd mates. That’s according to new data compiled from 393,600 calves sold through Superior Livestock Auction’s summer 2020 video sales. The data analysis on vaccinated and weaned calves sold by Superior Livestock Auction (SLA) is an ongoing research …

Topic: Importance of Pregnancy|Testing Author: Ben Bennett, DVM I hope that this letter finds all of you doing well and staying healthy. I apologize for failing to send out a newsletter in November. Through the busyness of ultrasounding cows and holidays, getting the newsletter published slipped through the cracks. In this month’s newsletter, I wanted to cover the importance of …

By: Ellen Crawford | December 3, 2020 | www.bovinevetonline.com “Selling more calves as it relates to cows exposed and cow input costs is a greater indication of business success than any other production parameter,” says Gerald Stokka, North Dakota State University Extension veterinarian and livestock stewardship specialist. “Unfortunately, the majority of our expected progeny differences measure production traits not related …

Topic: Body Condition Scoring | Author: Ben Bennett, DVM In this monthly newsletter, we wanted to cover the importance of body condition scoring (BCS) cattle. Some of you may have heard us present on this topic recently at the Park Co. Farm Bureau meeting. For those of you that were able to attend, we hope that this newsletter adds to …

By: Whit Hibbard and Dawn Hnatow | October 1, 2020 | www.bovinevetonline.com In this article we will discuss eight ingredients for successful, low-stress squeeze chute operation. This is important because research has shown cattle that become agitated in the squeeze chute have tougher meat and more dark cutters, and up to 40% of administered vaccines won’t be effective. Also, as …

Topic: Strategic Deworming | Author: Ben Bennett, DVM This month we wanted to cover the topic of strategic deworming. As we prepare to pregnancy test the cow herd this fall, it also gives us the opportunity to administer annual vaccinations and dewormers. Traditionally, many operations deworm their cattle twice a year; once in the spring when going to grass, and …

By: Elizabeth Belew, Ph.D. | Jul 22, 2020 | www.beefmagazine.com When the sun is shining and the heat of the summer has set in, you’d think grass would be ideal for your cattle. However, when you’re grazing cool-season grasses during the “dog days of summer,” your cattle may not be getting the nutrients they need. There are a wide variety …

By: Ray Hicks, University Of Georgia Extension Forages are the basis of most of our livestock enterprises. Moreover, the nutritional make up of that forage should be the foundation of a balanced diet for our livestock but many times this is took for granted. Many factors (e.g. variety, maturity, growing conditions, handling practices, etc.) affect forage quality prior to the …

A limited number of dewormers — and active ingredients — are available on the market, which is why it’s important for veterinarians and cattle producers to know how each product works and how these products can best be utilized. “Dewormers interfere with the parasite’s bodily function at the cellular level, and by disrupting that cellular function, they cause paralysis and …