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Best Practices Manual

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Merck Veterinary Manual

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The Merck Veterinary Manual, a leading source for animal care information.

 

 

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Topics of Interest

Beef Cow Efficiency

Perhaps the greatest single factor affecting your profitability as a beef producer.


Body Condition Scoring

Use body condition scores (BCS) to improve herd nutrition and efficiency.


 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Angus Productions Inc.

 

 

 

April 20, 2009

HEALTH & NUTRITION...

Tim Bodine with cattle

Feed to Potential

In the quest to realize the full genetic potential in today's beef cattle, don’t forget that optimum performance is only possible when it is matched with the right nutrition.


Tim Bodine, president of Performix Nutrition Systems, says “The animal that is capable of producing more milk or developing more muscle is going to require more protein, more energy and more macro- and micronutrients to sustain that high level of production.”

 

Bodine suggests that selecting for high-quality genetics should be done within the constraints of the environment that the cattle will be raised in. Read more.



Bad Weather Brings Scours

This spring's snow, rain and floods have severely hampered the ability of calves to survive in the Northern Plains. These weather conditions have been a setback for the 2009 calf crop, and producers can expect to see an increase in scours and pneumonia in young calves and dystocia in cows and heifers. Read more.



Bob Larson

Bob Larson

Vet Link

Trichomoniasis control

Trichomoniasis or “trich” is a disease of cattle, and although historically considered more common in the western U.S., it is an important cause of early pregnancy loss and open cows in all parts of the country. Read more.

 




Dealing with Trichomoniasis

Trich commonly causes poor pregnancy rates, with 10%-50% open cows common. It also tends to spread out the calving season, reduce weaning weights and increase herd health costs. To combat this costly disease, Bob Mortimer, CSU associate professor of integrated livestock management, says it's necessary to understand what causes it and then design a plan to keep it out of your operation. Read more.


To Deworm or Not to Deworm?

April rainfall has greened up rangeland, but with tender vegetation also comes the threat of wormy beef cattle and blackleg, according to a Texas AgriLife Extension Service veterinarian.


The key for producers is not to evaluate the cattle, but the ground they are grazing. Read more.


Ron Torrell

Rick Rasby

Ridin' Herd

An alternative to an expensive summer

The calls continue to come in asking about the feasibility of drylotting beef cows. There are a couple of reasons for the questions. Pasture costs continue to increase even in this time of financial uncertainty.


Also, because of the soft cattle market, some producers think “running age” cows will continue to decrease in price, and it may be a good time to add on a few more cows that have some years left in them, yet they don't have the pasture to add a few more cows. Read more.


Cattle Diseases: Common Conditions/Terms

Click here for a list of common conditions and terms related to beef cattle diseases, such as anaplasmosis, brucellosis, BVD, E. coli, IBR and others.