Colostrum provides newborn calves with passive immunity via concentrated proteins called immunoglobulins (Ig). Newborn beef cow-calf pairs generally manage colostrum consumption quite well unattended.
What a pregnant cow eats during early gestation – both quantity and quality – can have long-lasting effects on her calf. That’s a concept, however, that appears to be little understood or practiced by many producers....More
The bonding process is how a cow identifies her new calf and commits to caring for and protecting it. It’s a complex blend of hormonal-induced and learned behavior...More
Knowing which cows are open gives a rancher alternatives: you can wean calves early to sell open cows at peak market prices, sort off thin cows to fatten before selling, or sell open heifers when they will still bring top dollar...More
Undesirable temperament in feedlot cattle has been reported to reduce slaughter and carcass weights by 40 lbs. and 17 lbs., respectively (BEEF, June 2010, “Research Roundup”). Since temperament is a moderately heritable trait in cattle, one would rightfully conclude that excitable feedlot steers and heifers are the progeny of excitable sires and dams...More
Imagine becoming ill and requiring overnight hospitalization. What if the hospital staff didn't have time to clean and sanitize your assigned room or...More
Shortening the calving season is among the most effective practices a cow-calf producer can implement. Improving early calving frequency increases weaning...More
As a veterinarian with 40 years' experience, plus an instructor of veterinary obstetrics at Washington State University, I would add the following points...More
