BRD, or bovine respiratory disease, is a general term for any respiratory disease in cattle. There is a range of factors that can cause this disease. The common names normally used for this disease are pneumonia or shipping fever. Stocker and feedlot operations are often where this disease occurs. This is because of the extreme stress that calves are put under from weaning and then being shipped.
This disease has multiple different causes and develops as a result of complex interactions between different factors. Things such as environmental factors, host factors, and pathogens. The environmental factors are things like weaning, transport, commingling, and crowding to name a few. These factors serve as stressors that adversely affect the immune system of calves.
While feedlot and stocker operations are normally affected by this it can also happen to cow/calf producers. Almost 20% of cow/calf operations experience nursing-calf pneumonia. It is the leading cause of death for calves 3 weeks of age and older. To keep your calves right on track consider these 4 tips to keep BRD under control.
With fall and cooler weather right around the corner, it is important to give your cows their best chance going into winter. Good winter management practices contribute to healthy and productive cattle. It also plays a part in keeping feed costs reasonable.
Hard to believe that we are almost to September. which means that summer is almost over. The temperatures are going to be getting cooler (somewhat) and the days are getting shorter. This is certainly a time of year when a lot of transitioning will be going on. Now is also the time to be thinking about what supplements to provide for your cattle.
Though the weather may not feel like it, still in the high 90s here, the fall season is upon us. The soon-to-be-changing weather reminds us of the changing season. Along with a new season comes a new need for supplementation for your pasture cattle. But did you know there is a way to use hay to improve your efficiency?
Growing your own feed despite the cost of time and equipment can have many benefits. Having an inventory on hand can reduce some risks of short supplies. It can also help protect you from any seasonal price volatility. Both energy and protein production can better match your herd’s requirements for simple feed use.
Weaning is one of the most important times for a cattle producer. It is a time for all of their hard work begins to pay off with a nice large calf crop. Though it may be of benefit to the producer it doesn’t come without its problems.
A protein tub is a very good way to provide extra nutrition when needed. One benefit is that once you have placed it in the pasture you don’t need to check it every day. This is helpful for those that may have a job back in town.
Drought can be a very devastating thing to deal with. Forages stop producing, making it difficult for ranchers to make it. All in all, drought can make things seem pretty bleak while going through it.
Sulfur for cattle tends to be a bit of a dividing subject for most producers. When it comes to this subject it generates a love/hate relationship with cattlemen. There are ones who love them as well as swear by them, then there are others who feel they are a waste of money.
Destocking is a very common practice during a drought. They are rarely easy to make and will still cost you most of the time. However, because drought is a common consequence of ranching it will still need to be made. It is important to include plans for when droughts occur so producers are never caught unprepared.
