75.5 F
Springfield
Tuesday, July 8, 2025

On Call

0

In a previous issue we discussed an emerging disease in Missouri cattle known as trichomoniasis or ‘trich’. This issue provides an excellent opportunity to bring producers up to date on recent changes in Missouri state regulations.

On Call

0
It is showering and cool as I write this column, but as all Southwest Missouri natives know, we are only “two weeks away from a drought."  It is summertime, and with rising temperatures combined with rising humidity, heat stress will play an important factor in all cattle operations for the next couple of months.  I would like to give an overview of heat stress and some recommendations for control of this profit robber.

On Call

0

If you’ve been in the cattle business long you have probably heard of the downer cow syndrome, or chances are, have had a downer cow of your own. This is a very common presentation and vets frequently get called out to examine cows that, for any number of reasons, are down and cannot get up. There is some irony in this condition as the apparent superficial problem is quiet easy to identify – the cow’s inability to rise. However, identifying the underlying cause for her apparent problem can be challenging and complex, hence the term, downer cow ‘syndrome’.

On Call

0

The abomasum is the fourth compartment of the stomach in the cow. This compartment is most like the simple stomach of humans or the horse in that it is the only glandular portion of the stomach of cows secreting hydrochloric acid and enzymes. The abomasum must function normally for cows to maintain their health and production. Dysfunction of the abomasum, namely displacement, is one of the most common causes of a need for abdominal surgery in the bovine.

On Call

0

Testing for persistent infected bovine viral diarrhea in cattle can be beneficial.

On Call

0
One of the most common diseases among cattle during the summer months is pinkeye or ‘bovine infectious keratitis’. Many producers battle this disease every year even when preventative measures are taken. Thankfully, mortality with this disease is generally low or absent, however, morbidity may be as high as 80 percent. Economic losses are generally realized in treatment costs, reduced gains/milk production and reduced sale prices for animals with blindness or chronic lesions of the eye.

On Call

0
With the weather cooling as I write this article, I have seen a noticeable increase in scheduling for calf processing.  So I thought this might be a good time to discuss pre-conditioning programs and what I believe is their value to the cow-calf producer.

On Call

0

Fall is now officially here, fall calving is in full swing and now is the time to start thinking about your bull power for breeding season coming in less than two months. Too many times in my practice over the past 20 years I have seen cattlemen plan and strategize for handling cows and heifers for the upcoming breeding season, only to forget that their bulls are an equally important part of the breeding equation. I would suggest, rather than a last minute rush, that you start planning now to make sure the bulls are ready to perform.

On Call

0

Recently in southwest Missouri we have seen an increase in number of herds affected with Trichomoniasis. This disease is a reproductive nightmare. It can be devastating to the owner. Reducing the calf crop and eliminating any significant income for that herd.

On Call

0
Maybe, just maybe, spring is finally coming.  Most livestock owners are going to be very happy to leave this past winter behind.  With the...
- Advertisement -