The Beef Cattle Health and Nutrition Podcast

Subfertility in Bulls with Dr. Colin Palmer - Part 2

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 10:56:00 -0600

Dr. Colin Palmer, one of our reproductive specialist veterinarians from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine here at the University of Saskatchewan joins the podcast again this week to discuss the important topic of subfertility in beef bulls. Today we focus on the parts of the breeding soundness exam that greatly impact fertility - scrotal circumference and semen morphology. Dr. Palmer describes some of the most common sperm defects and why they occur.

00:00 –Welcome and introductions

01:05 – Importance of body condition score in bulls

03:16 – Scrotal circumference and it’s impact on fertility

10:02 – Identifying testicular and scrotal problems

16:05 – Accessory sex glands and seminal vesiculitis

18:45 – Evaluating the semen sample

21:55 – Abnormal sperm morphology – why does it occur?

24:12 – Common sperm morphology abnormalities – Distal midpiece reflexes and proximal droplets

32:00 – What does the term “Rusty load” mean in terms of sperm defects?

35:05 – Genetic sperm abnormalities

37:12 – Why is 70% normal sperm considered acceptable?

40:21 – Summary and wrap up

Subfertility in Bulls (Part 1) with Dr. Colin Palmer

Tue, 28 May 2024 10:20:00 -0600

Dr. Colin Palmer, one of our reproductive specialist veterinarians from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine here at the University of Saskatchewan joins the podcast to discuss the important topic of subfertility in beef bulls. Why do we need to perform bull breeding soundness exams? What are the implications of various factors such as lameness and other physical problems on bull fertility? These are just some of the topics we discuss in this first part of a two part episode.

00:00 –Welcome and introductions

03:54 – Importance of herd fertility in cow-calf operations and factors that affect it

10:45 – Value of a limited breeding season

14:22 – Subfertility vs Infertility

16:08 – Importance of the breeding soundness examination of the bull

19:21 – Meaning of the various classification categories

27:22 – Impact of lameness on bull fertility

31:06 – Other factors that may affect fertility that can be identified in physical examination

34:23 – Summary and Wrap-up

Bovine Influenza A virus

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0600

This week, Dr. Nathan Erickson and Dr. John Ellis join me to discuss the emergence of Bovine influenza A virus in cattle. We discuss what is currently known about this emerging disease issue at this point in time. New information is being acquired about the impacts and spread of Bovine Influenza A virus and this podcast gives information on the disease as known around April 12, 2024. Please rely on your local veterinarians or government veterinary offices for the most up to date information on this issue. Emerging diseases remind us of the importance of preventive practices. Using raw colostrum only from your own herd, not introducing orphan calves or nurse cows from dairy herds and quarantining new animals for 21 days will help prevent the introduction of diseases like Bovine Influenza A virus, Foot and Mouth Disease, and many other diseases. Find tips at https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/biosecurity/

00:00 –Welcome and introductions

04:10 – Clinical signs seen in dairy cow outbreaks in US

08:06 - A primer on Influenza viruses

10:28 – Influenza D virus role in respiratory disease in cattle

12:15 – Hosts for Influenza A virus

16:09 – High pathogenic vs low pathogenic influenza viruses

18:21 – How influenza viruses change and jump to other species

20:00 – Possible ways of spread of Bovine influenza A virus

25:00 – Possibility of Bovine Influenza A virus in beef cattle

27:14 – Human health implications

28:29 – Herd to herd spread and biosecurity precautions

31:59 – Summary and Wrap-up

Treating calf scours with Dr. Chris Clark

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 15:26:00 -0600

Dr. Chris Clark, an internal medicine specialist from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine joins the podcast to discuss how best to treat neonatal diarrhea in calves. We discuss how to detect dehydration and acidosis in an affected calf and the best ways to utilize oral electrolytes. We also discuss when a calf will need intravenous therapy and the limited value of antibiotic therapy. Check out the great resources on the Calf 911 section of the BCRC website for more information.

https://www.beefresearch.ca/producers/calf-911-resources/

00:00 – Welcome and introductions

02:33 – Preventing calf scours is the best option

06:02 - Causes of calf scours

08:58 – Assessing hydration in a calf

14:36 – Acidosis

20:43 – How to utilize oral electrolytes

25:31 – What to look for in an electrolyte solution

29:18 – Antibiotics are of limited value for scours therapy

31:39 – Summary and wrap up

The Colicky Calf with Dr. Blake Balog

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 11:29:00 -0700

The calf that presents with acute abdominal issues or colicky symptoms is not uncommon on cow-calf herds around calving time. In this episode, Dr. Blake Balog from Cattle Health Management in Brooks, Alberta joins the podcast to discuss the causes of colic in young calves and how the producer should approach these cases when faced with them.

00:00 –Welcome and introductions

04:08 – How do calves present with colic or acute abdominal problems?

05:06- What should you do if you identify a calf with colic?

08:11– Atresia coli and atresia ani

13:16 – Intestinal accidents

18:46 – Abomasal ulcers and other abomasal issues

26:25 – Navel problems that may cause colic

33:36 – Final advice for dealing with calves with colic

34:39 – Wrap up

Health protocols for calves across industry sectors

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:49:00 -0700

This week my guest is Dr. Mariana Guerra-Maupome. Mariana is a veterinarian with PhD training in bovine respiratory disease. She works as a feedlot consultant for Telus Agriculture and Consumer Goods and as part of her job, helps to provide feedlot consultation services to feedlots across North America and farther abroad. She joins me this week to discuss the challenges of designing health protocols that help to protect calves as they transition from one sector of the industry to another.

00:00 – Welcome and introductions

04:40 – Segmentation of the beef industry

07:11 – Factors affecting the value of the calf at the feedlot

12:16 – Importance and impacts of BRD

14:15 – Strategies that lower the risk for BRD

18:21 – How often do we currently utilize those strategies at the cow-calf level?

20:55 – How can the cow-calf producer capture value?

23:59 – The importance and value of data

26:31 – How will things change in the future?

28:21 – Summary and Wrap up

Remote Drug Delivery Devices with Dr. Roy Lewis

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 13:07:00 -0700

Dr. Roy Lewis joins the podcast again to discuss Remote Drug Delivery Devices (RDDD). These are the dart guns, cross bows, and pole syringes that are sometimes used by producers to administer antimicrobials to cattle on pasture. Dr. Lewis discusses their proper use and why they should be only used as the last resort if no other option is possible. Here is a link to more information on the Beef Cattle Research Council website.
https://www.beefresearch.ca/producers/remote-drug-delivery/

00:00 - Introduction

01:55 - Defining Remote Drug Delivery Device (RDDD)

02:55 – Basic guidelines for injecting animals with any antimicrobial

03:48 – How commonly are these devices used and what are the advantages of these devices?

07:05 – What are the downsides of using a RDDD?

08:32 – Withdrawal times and damage to tissues

11:30 – Proper use of RDDD’s when warranted

14:38 – Do pharmaceutical companies support the use of RDDD’s?

16:13 – Getting a correct diagnosis when treating foot rot on pasture.

19:07 - Closing comments and Wrap up

Nitrate toxicity with Jenifer Heyden

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 10:12:00 -0700

Jenifer Heyden, a livestock extension specialist from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture joins me again on the podcast to discuss high nitrate levels in feeds and how to prevent nitrate toxicity in your cow herd. We discuss the details on the clinical signs of nitrate toxicity and how to interpret a feed test for nitrate levels as well.

00:00 – Opportunity to participate in Cow-calf Health and Productivity Enhancement Network

02:07 – Welcome and introductions

04:00 – Feed sources that might have issues with nitrates

05:53 - Drought and plant stress affecting nitrate levels

06:53 – How does nitrate toxicity occur and what are clinical signs?

11:40 – Difficulties in the treatment of acute nitrate toxicity

10:23 – Confirmation of diagnosis and possibility of treating cases of lead toxicity

12:26 – Prevention of nitrate toxicity

14:03 – Understanding a feed test for nitrates

17:10 – Utilizing feeds with higher nitrate levels

20:35 – Advice for producers that might have high nitrate feeds

23:00 – Wrap up

Saskatchewan Agriculture Website on Nitrate Toxicity https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/livestock/animal-health-and-welfare/nitrate-toxicity

Canadian Cow-Calf Health and Productivity Enhancement Network (C3H-PEN)
Contact: Jayce Fossen, Project Coordinator
c3h.pen@usask.ca
306-966-7870

Harvest maturity of cereal forages with Dr. Greg Penner

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 15:07:00 -0700

Dr. Greg Penner discusses some of his latest research findings on determining the optimum time to harvest cereal forages when feeding in bales or swath grazing.

00:00 - Intro
04:10 - Defining "Green-feed"
05:50 - Stages of cereal maturity
08:27 - Why do we need updated recommendations on harvesting cereal forages?
10:47 - Changes in barley forage nutrient compensation at different stages of maturity
12:45 - Changes in oat forage nutrient compensation at different stages of maturity
14:18 - Impacts at the animal level in terms of digestibility
17:05 - Impacts on body condition score and performance
19:15 - Economic benefits
22:00 - Recommendations for producers using cereal forages
23:26 - Wrap up

The Canadian Cow-Calf Survey: https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/discovering-the-realities-of-the-2023-canadian-calf-crop/
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is asking all Canadian cow-calf producers to share insight into their on-farm management and production practices, which will help inform future beef research and extension strategies.

The 2023 Canadian Cow-Calf Survey is an online questionnaire set up to collect data to help understand longer-term trends in production methods and efficiencies. Collecting credible information directly from beef cattle producers helps the BCRC identify research priorities and information gaps, develop provincial benchmarks and examine changes over time that impact farms and ranches.

Canadian Cow-Calf Health and Productivity Enhancement Network (C3H-PEN)
Contact: Jayce Fossen, Project Coordinator
c3h.pen@usask.ca
306-966-7870

Lead Toxicity in Cattle with Dr. Vanessa Cowan

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 09:50:00 -0700

This week I'm pleased to welcome Dr. Vanessa Cowan to the podcast. Vanessa is a veterinarian and a specialist in veterinary toxicology who has recently joined our faculty at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. She joins me this week to talk about lead toxicity, one of the most common toxicities of beef cattle that also has important public health implications.
Here are the links to some of the research opportunities that I talk about at the start of the podcast:

Canadian Cow-Calf Health and Productivity Enhancement Network (C3H-PEN)
Contact: Jayce Fossen, Project Coordinator
c3h.pen@usask.ca
306-966-7870

00:00 – Opportunities to participate in Canadian beef surveys and projects

02:55 – Welcome and introductions

04:58 – Sources of lead in the environment of cattle

06:37 - How much lead is necessary to cause toxicity?

07:37 – Rapidity of onset and clinical signs

10:23 – Confirmation of diagnosis and possibility of treating cases of lead toxicity

13:04 – How commonly do we see lead toxicity in Western Canada – seasonality and age groups

17:05 - Public health significance of lead toxicity in cattle

20:42 – How long does lead last in the tissues?

22:37 – Prevention of lead toxicity

24:56 – Wrap up

The Case of the Blind Beef Calves

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 10:19:00 -0700

This week I'm presenting another case from the files of our Disease Investigation Unit. This case has particular relevance to those producers that have been dealing with drought conditions over the last year. The case focuses on a cow-calf herd that has calves affected with neurological signs and blindness at birth.

00 - Introduction
1:36 - Herd background and presenting complaint
3:43 - Post mortem findings and lab results
4:40 - Details of on farm visit and continued cases
10:24 - Presumptive Diagnosis of Vitamin A Deficiency
12:54 - Other research results on impacts of low Vitamin A in calves and cows
13:52 - Concluding remarks on Vitamin A testing and supplementation

Links to BCRC Webinar Series: https://www.beefresearch.ca/webinars/

Coccidiosis in Calves with Dr. Andy Acton

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 12:57:00 -0600

Dr. Andy Acton joins me this week in the podcast to discuss the impacts, treatment and prevention of coccidiosis in cow-calf herds. Dr. Acton is a veterinarian and owner of a mixed practice in Ogema, Saskatchewan with lots of practical experience in working with cow-calf herds. He is the 2022 recipient of the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners Veterinarian of the Year Award. Andy recently sent me a message about a nervous coccidiosis case he dealt with and we begin the podcast with a brief discussion about nervous coccidiosis before moving on to discuss the more common presentation in calves which manifests as a bloody diarrhea.

Dealing with a herd infertility case with Dr. Zach Johnson

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 11:48:00 -0600

Dr. Zach Johnson joins me to discuss an infertility case that he investigated a few years ago. Dr. Johnson is the current president of the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association and he is a veterinarian who owns a rural practice in Melville, Saskatchewan. Zach has led a number of these types of infertility investigations and we discuss the challenges with sorting out the cause of an infertility problem and the various diagnostics that might be used.

00:00 – 2:20 Welcome and Introductions

02:21 – 04:17 Infertility case history

04:18 – 5:58 The challenges associated with investigating infertility problems

05:59 – 07:40 What diagnostics did we do?

07:41 – 09:32 Neospora caninum as a cause of abortion or infertility

09:33 – 11:45 IBR and BVD, Leptospira, Trich and Campylobacter

11:46 - 18:27 Discussing the diagnosis – Copper deficiency

18:28 – 19:43 What was recommended for the herd

19:44 - 21:33 The value of pregnancy checking the herd

21:34 – 22:35 Wrap up

Stretching Feed Supplies with Barry Yaremcio

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 11:58:00 -0600

Barry Yaremcio is a nutritionist from Camrose, Alberta who provides nutrition and management consulting to beef producers. Barry spent years working as a nutritionist with Alberta Agriculture and has a wealth of practical experience. He is joining the podcast to discuss the challenges associated with drought and to discuss the important things to focus on when trying to stretch your feed supplies when forage may be limited. Here is a link to Barry's website where you can read his blog and learn more about his consulting services. https://www.beefconsultant.com/

00:00 – 1:25 Welcome and Introductions

01:26 – 05:09 Importance of maintaining body condition

05:10 - 07:28 Correcting less than ideal body condition scores

07:29 - 09:16 Drought impacts on feed quality

09:17 - 13:42 Importance of feed testing, bale weights and cow weights when feed is limited

13:43 – 24:44 Using alternative feeds that might be used to stretch supplies -Kochia, Green Feed, Screening pellets, Distillers grains, Canola regrowth, Cocktail mixes for grazing

24:45- 27:33 Rules of thumb for feeding straw

27:34 – 29:29 Dealing with tight feed supplies

29:30 – 30:55 Wrap up

Sudden death in cattle with Dr. Chris Clark

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:30:00 -0600

Dr. Chris Clark is my guest this week. Dr. Clark is an internal medicine clinician in large animals who also serves as the Associate Dean at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. We have a short conversation on the agriculturally focused seats at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and then take a deep dive into some of the causes of sudden death in cattle. We also discuss the importance of getting a post-mortem diagnosis when deaths do occur in your herd.

00:00 – 1:25 Welcome and Introductions

01:26 – 06:04 Agriculturally focused seats at WCVM

06:05- 08:23 Definition of Sudden death

08:24 - 13:42 Infectious causes of Sudden death in cattle – Clostridial Diseases(Blackleg)

13:43 - 23:33 Infectious causes of Sudden death in cattle – Anthrax

23:34 – 28:04 Traumatic causes of sudden death (Lightning)

28:05 – 34:27 Nutritional causes of sudden death (Bloat)

34:28 – 36:25 Other nutritional causes of sudden death (Lead toxicity, Blue green algae, white muscle disease, monensin toxicity, water deprivation, magnesium deficiency)

36:26 - 38:25 White muscle disease

38:26 – 41:45 The importance of a post-mortem diagnosis

41:46 - 42:30 Wrap up

Introducing animals to your herd with Dr. Emily Snyder

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:07:00 -0600

Dr. Emily Snyder returns as a guest expert on the podcast to answer a listener question. What are the best practices to follow when introducing animals to your herd? It's an important aspect of biosecurity and Dr. Snyder gives us some of the diseases we worry about and what we can do to mitigate the risks.

00:00 – 1:54 Welcome and Introductions

2:01 – 3:13 What do we mean by the term biosecurity?

3:14 – 5:01 The importance of source of incoming animals

5:02 – 6:57 Diseases of concern when purchasing new animals

6:58 – 9:17 Johne’s Disease

9:18 – 14:26 Salmonella dublin

14:27 – 17:30 Bovine Viral Diarrhea

17:31 – 19:32 Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis Virus

19:33 - 21:35 Timing of introduction and impact on calf scours and BRD

21:36 - 23:14 Minimizing stress for the incoming animals

23:15 - 25:00 Wrap up

Antimicrobial use in Canadian cow-calf herds with Jayce Fossen

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 18:52:00 -0600

Jayce Fossen recently completed his Masters degree at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine focused on antimicrobial usage in Canadian cow-calf herds. Jayce joins me to discuss his results as well as a pitch for recruiting new herds for the Canadian Cow-Calf Health and Productivity Enhancement Network.
If you have a cow-calf herd that meets the criteria mentioned in the podcast, and are interested in participating in this new study, contact Jayce at 306-966-7870 or via email at C3H.PEN@usask.ca

Link to BCRC website on antimicrobial use and resistance: https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/antibiotic-resistance/

00:00 – 1:22 Welcome and Introductions

1:23 – 3:37 Why do we need to study antimicrobial use in cow-calf herds?

3:38 – 5:10 Description of herds that were followed in the study

5:11 – 7:01 Most common reasons for antimicrobial use

7:02 – 8:17 Proportions of animals being treated

8:18 – 12:22 Classification of antimicrobials based on importance for human health

12:23 – 14:53 Reasons for higher treatment numbers and mass medication

14:54 – 20:52 Antimicrobials and remote drug delivery

20:53 – 23:26 Differences between Eastern and Western Canadian herds

23:27- 26:00 General principles of wise antimicrobial stewardship

26:01 - 30:54 The Canadian Cow-Calf Health and Productivity Enhancement Network

30:55 – 31:54 Wrap up

The future of veterinary diagnostics with Dr. Anatoliy Trokhymchuk

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 12:00:00 -0600

In this episode, I recorded a presentation by Dr. Anatoliy Trokhymchuk at the annual field day of the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence at the University of Saskatchewan. Anatoliy is a veterinarian and epidemiologist who serves as the Chief Scientific Officer at our local veterinary diagnostic laboratory (Prairie Diagnostic Services). Anatoliy will describe some of the new technology that may make it possible to learn what bacteria or viruses are present in a swab in a much faster manner than traditional laboratory techniques. New technology might make it possible to perform DNA fingerprinting for bacteria and viruses on the farm or at your local veterinary clinic rather than sending the sample into the diagnostic lab and waiting 5-7 business days for an answer to come back.

Effects of high sulphates in water or feed with Dr. Greg Penner

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 12:00:00 -0600

Dr. Greg Penner from the Dept. of Animal and Poultry Science returns as my podcast guest this week. Greg is discussing some of his latest research efforts on the effects of high sulphate water on cattle performance and how we can mitigate some of the subclinical effects such as copper deficiency in high sulphate water situations.

00:00 – 2:00 Welcome and Introductions

2:01 – 5:21 Where and when do we see high sulphates?

5:23 – 7:01 Polioencephalomalacia – nervous disease caused by high sulphates

7:02 – 9:25 Subclinical effects of high sulphates

9:26 – 11:32 Current guidelines for high sulphate levels

11:33 - 17:18 Describing results of a trial where high sulphate water was given to cattle

17:19 – 24:25 An attempt to mitigate high sulphates with Bismuth subsalicylate

24:26 - 27:38 Evaluating mineral strategies to mitigate the low copper caused by high sulphates

27:39 – 30:07 Next steps in future research

30:08 – 32:42 Recommendations for producers with high sulphate water or feed

32:43- 33:52 Wrap up

Controlling pain in calves at castration

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 12:00:00 -0600

Dr. Diego Moya joins the podcast to discuss some of his research on pain control for calves during painful procedures such as castration. Dr. Moya is an assistant professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and his research focuses on beef cattle welfare and behaviour. In this episode he provides us with some summaries of what we know about pain associated with castration and how to mitigate it. In addition, he provides a glimpse into some of the new products that might be available in the future to help with pain control specifically with castration.

00:00 – 03:09 Welcome and Introductions

03:10 – 06:50 How do we measure pain in calves?

06:51 – 08:25 The relationship of age of castration and amount of pain

08:26 – 11:27 Are there major differences in pain between methods of castration?

11:28 – 13:53 Drugs for pain mitigation for calves

13:54 – 16:11 Can we show benefits for using pain mitigation?

16:12 – 15:18 Combining local anesthesia with an NSAID

15:19 – 21:20 Potential of new castration band product infused with local anesthetic

22:21– 22:20 Wrap up

Deworming yearling cattle with Dr. Murray Jelinski

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 12:00:00 -0600

This week Dr. Murray Jelinski returns to the podcast for a 2nd week in a row, to discuss a completely different topic. He will summarize some of his recent research on the value of deworming yearling cattle in Western Canadian pastures. We discuss the basics of the life cycle of the internal roundworms of cattle and the impact they can have on productivity.

00:00 - 00:45 Intro
00:45 - 02:51 Why the interest in internal parasites?
02:51 - 06:00 Types of internal parasites of cattle
06:01 - 10:27 Life cycle of roundworms
10:28 - 15:54 Difference in species of roundworms and changes in distribution of species
15:55 - 17:50 How do the roundworms impact performance?
17:51 - 22:05 Limitations of the fecal egg count test
22:06 - 27:11 Factors that affect the level of parasite load
27:12 - 34:15 Summary of clinical trial on yearling cattle in Saskatchewan
34:16 - 35:50 Emergence of Haemonchus roundworms in Western Canada
35:51 - 38:31 Risk factors for higher parasite loads
38:32 - 44:23 Recommendations for when to decide if deworming is necessary
44:24 - 45:00 Wrap up

Abomasal ulcers in Calves with Dr. Murray Jelinski

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 14:49:00 -0600

Dr. Murray Jelinski joins the podcast to discuss the syndrome of abomasal ulcers in calves. Dr. Jelinski holds the Alberta Beef Chair at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and is involved in a wide range of research projects from lameness to parasites and antibiotic resistance. Although abomasal ulcers are not an exceptionally common problem, it is one of those syndromes that seems to affect the best calves in the group and can be frustrating for those herds that occasionally see it crop up. Dr. Jelinski will describe his original research findings on this syndrome and helps to sort out the fact from the fiction in what factors may be involved.

00:00 - 8:00 Introductions
8:01 - 17:19 Description of the syndrome of abomasal ulcers
17:20 - 24: 12 Does it cluster by herd, what are the risk factors?
24:13 - 30:33 Hairballs aren't really associated with ulcers
30:34 - 36:09 The theories on the cause of ulcers
36:10 - 38:13 What to do if you suspect abomasal ulcers in your calves?
38:14 - 39:00 Wrap up

Ergot Toxicity with Dr. Gabriel Ribeiro

Thu, 25 May 2023 13:02:00 -0600

Dr. Gabriel Ribeiro from the Dept. of Animal and Poultry Science at the University of Saskatchewan is my guest this week. He has been researching the impacts of ergot in feed sources on cattle performance and he will discuss the levels of ergot that are safe for cattle, their impacts on cattle health, welfare and performance as well as how to test for and deal with feeds that might be high in ergot.

00:00 - 01:50 Introduction
01:51 - 02:54 What is ergot?
02:55 - 04:55 How to identify ergot in feed sources
04:56 - 07:30 Ergot and climatic conditions
07:31 - 08:39 Clinical effects of ergot alkaloids
08:40 - 09:36 Fescue toxicity vs Ergot toxicity
09:37 - 11:04 Effects of ergot on rumen function?
11:05 - 15:20 A clinical trial on the effects of ergot on cattle
15:21 - 17:51 Effects on the animals in the trial
17:52 - 21:06 The heat stress effect
21:07 - 22:44 Effects on performance
22:45 - 23:56 What levels of ergot are safe?
23:57 - 29:22 Recommendations for dealing with ergot contaminated feeds
29:33 - 30:52 Wrap up and conclusions

Water quality for cattle with Dr. Bart Lardner

Thu, 18 May 2023 10:51:00 -0600

Dr. Bart Lardner is my return guest this week. He joins the podcast to discuss the implications of water quality on beef cattle.

00:00 – 01:45 Introductions

01:46 – 2:53 Why is water considered one of the most important nutrients?

02:54 - 04:35 How do we assess water quality?

04:36 - 07:11 Sulphates in water

07:12 – 10:20 Total Dissolved Solids

10:21 – 12:45 High Bacteria counts

12:46 - 13:50 Cattle preference for water sources

13:51 – 15:56 Impact of water quality on weight gains

15:57 – 17:12 What should producers consider doing if water quality may be an issue?

17:13 – 18:00 Wrap up

An infertility case from the disease investigation files

Fri, 05 May 2023 10:30:00 -0600

This week I'm presenting a quick mini episode with a case from our disease investigation files. This particular cow-calf herd had a disappointing pregnancy rate and we suspected a bacteria called Ureaplasma may have been responsible for the infertility. Ureaplasma is a bit of a tricky organism as we can find this bacteria in completely normal animals and so it is difficult to determine when it is truly responsible for infertility issues. Have a listen to learn what we do know about Ureaplasma diversum as a cause of reproductive failure.

Abnormal Maternal Behavior in Beef Cows with Dr. Joe Stookey

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0600

Dr. Joe Stookey, professor emeritus from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine joins the podcast this week. Joe has spent his career researching various aspects of animal behavior with a focus on beef cattle. He joins me to discuss the problem of mis-mothering in calving cows. It can be a frustrating situation and Joe gives some practical tips on how to deal with these situations. Just a quick heads up, there were some technical difficulties in recording this episode and there are a couple of segments in the podcast where the sound quality is not great for my microphone. Hopefully you can get the gist of the conversation, but apologies for the segments where the sound isn't great.

00:00 – 02:32 Introduction

02:33 – 3:37 How common is mis-mothering in cows and heifers?

03:38 – 06:28 How does the maternal bond form?

06:29 - 10:22 Risk Factors for mis-mothering

10:23 – 13:40 How does calf behavior contribute to maternal behavior?

13:41 – 15:32 Dealing with cows that claim calves from other cows

15:33 – 17:07 Genetic inheritance of maternal behavior

17:36 – 21:25 Cross-fostering calves

21:26 – 23:05 Minimizing mis-mothering behavior

23:06 – 24:00 Closing comments

Digital Dermatitis with Dr. Karin Orsel

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0600

Dr. Karin Orsel from the University of Calgary School of Veterinary Medicine joins the podcast to discuss an emerging cause of lameness in beef cattle herds and feedlots known as digital dermatitis. She explains the importance of this disease as a cause of lameness in cattle, how to recognize it, and the challenges with treatment and prevention.

00:00 – 01:46 Introduction

01:47 – 3:45 Digital dermatitis – what are all the different names for this condition?

3:46 - 5:37 Prevalence of digital dermatitis in dairy cattle

05:37 – 09:50 Prevalence of digital dermatitis as a cause of lameness in beef cattle

09:51 – 12:34 What bacteria are involved in digital dermatitis lesions?

12:35 – 14:41 How does digital dermatitis get into a herd?

14:42 – 17:35 Risk factors for DD

17:36 – 19:19 Recognizing DD lesions in a lame cow

19:20 – 20:53 Welfare and production consequences of DD

20:54 – 25:16 How is DD treated?

25:17 – 27:20 Challenges with foot baths as a treatment option

27:21 – 28:42 Potential for vaccines for DD

28:43 – 31:36 Keeping DD out of your herd

31:37 – 32:30 Resources for learning more about DD

32:31 – 33:20 Closing comments

Pre-weaning respiratory disease in calves with Dr. Emily Snyder

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 09:55:00 -0600

Dr. Emily Snyder is a veterinary clinician and professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. She has expertise in bovine respiratory disease, preventive medicine and antimicrobial resistance. This week, she joins the show to discuss the risk factors of pre-weaning respiratory disease in calves and some tips on how to prevent it from occurring in your herd.

00:00 – 01:41 Introduction

01:42– 03:47 How commonly do we see BRD in pre-weaned calves

03:48 - 05:29 When does preweaning BRD occur and explanations for two peaks in disease incidence?

05:30 – 6:24 How host, pathogen and environment factors interact to cause disease

06:25 – 8:43 Calf factors that impact BRD

8:44 – 10:19 Environmental factors that impact BRD

10:20 – 11:52 Bacteria and viruses involved in pre-weaning BRD

11:53 – 12:33 Clinical signs of pre-weaning BRD

12:34 – 13:26 Treating calves with pre-weaning BRD

13:27 – 16:57 Risk factors associated with herds that have outbreaks of pre-weaning BRD

16:58 – 18:28 Prevention of pre-weaning BRD

18:29 – 19:50 Summary thoughts

19:51 – 20:34 Closing comments

Breeding Soundness Evaluations of Bulls with Dr. Roy Lewis

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0600

Dr. Roy Lewis joins the podcast to discuss breeding soundness evaluations of bulls. Dr. Lewis is an experienced bovine practitioner who has practiced for many years in the Westlock, Alberta area. He has also worked as a technical service veterinarian for the pharmaceutical industry and he writes extensively for many producer publications. Roy has a special interest in bovine preventive medicine and reproductive fertility of cow-calf herds. He chats with me about how the breeding soundness evaluation of bulls has become more commonplace and what the various components of the evaluation can tell us about bull fertility.

00:00 – 01:51 Introduction

01:52– 04:07 How breeding soundness examinations have evolved over the years

04:08 – 05:31 Good facilities for bull testing

05:32 – 08:22 Seminal vesiculitis in bulls

08:33– 10:38 Measuring scrotal circumference in bulls

10:39 – 11:57 Testicular degeneration in bulls

11:58 – 13:28 Equipment improvements for obtaining semen samples

13:29 – 15:12 Penile frenulums, warts, and hair rings

15:13 – 16:37 Bulls that don’t protrude during collection

16:38 – 18:12 Evaluating the semen

18:13 – 20:06 Pass, Failure and Decision Deferred Categories

20:07 - 21:50 Testing pubertal bulls

21:51 – 24:29 Other factors that may impact fertility of the bull

24:30 – 25:24 Closing comments

Dealing with Foot Rot with Dr. Chris Clark

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0600

Dr. Chris Clark joins the podcast to discuss foot rot and sole abscesses. Dr. Clark is a faculty member and large animal medicine clinician at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. He has a special interest in lameness and discusses two of the common causes of lameness in cattle: foot rot and sole abscesses. We'll discuss the differences in how they develop and how they have to be treated in a very different fashion.

00:00 – 02:45 Introduction

02:46– 05:20 Costs and productivity losses associated with lameness

05:21 – 07:12 Importance of lameness in cow-calf industry

07:13– 09:33 General lameness categories

09:34– 11:02 The 90:90:90 rule

11:03 – 14:32 How foot rot cases develop

17:18 – 18:55 How to identify a case of foot rot

18:56 – 20:46 How to identify a sole abscess

20:47 – 29:30 Treatment differences between these conditions

29:30 – 31:09 Concluding thoughts

31:10 – 31:58 Closing comments

The Economics of Replacement Heifers with Kathy Larson

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0600

Dr. Kathy Larson is a researcher in the Dept. of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Saskatchewan. She joins me to discuss the economics of raising replacement heifers and gives some tips on heifer selection as well.

00:00 – 01:50 Introduction

01:51– 03:15 Replacement rate for Canadian cow-calf herds

03:16 – 04:14 Percentage of producers raising vs buying heifers

04:15 – 05:38 Advantages of purchasing heifers

05:39 – 06:58 Advantages of raising heifers

06:59 – 08:16 Opportunity costs associated with raising heifers

08:17 – 11:16 Costs of raising replacement heifers

11:17 - 12:48 What is the lifetime calf production you need to pay for raising heifers?

12:49 – 15:50 Selecting replacement heifers

15:51 – 18:13 Heifers born in the first 21 days of the breeding season and lifetime productivity

18:14 – 19:30 Development of a heifer raising calculator with Canfax and BCRC

19:30 - 20:15 Closing comments

BCRC webinar on Managing Replacement Heifers https://www.beefresearch.ca/webinars/managing-replacement-heifers/

New Heifer Development Page on BCRC website https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/heifer-development/

Bull Valuation Calculator https://www.beefresearch.ca/tools/bull-valuation-calculator/

Vaccine handling and storage with Dr. Joyce Van Donkersgoed

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:30:00 -0600

Dr. Joyce Van Donkersgoed joins the podcast again this week to discuss proper vaccine handling, storage and administration

Vaccinating Your Beef Herd unlisted playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL16s0XbcZVIurNHLqLLB58yc-cwdvush-

Administering Vaccines: https://youtu.be/B4WlOlQffWw
Vaccination Protocols and Records: https://youtu.be/giOJsaQbEGA
Cleaning Equipment: https://youtu.be/HspCXNlpizQ
Types of Vaccines and Mixing: https://youtu.be/oETQ_UMAZ6U
Vaccine Transport and Storage: https://youtu.be/gH4FsfrXBGo
Vaccine Disposal: https://youtu.be/GNY0kjMLcOo

00:00 – 00:55 Introduction

00:55– 03:24 Why is vaccine handling an important issue?

03:25 – 6:59 Most common reasons for vaccine failure due to poor handling of vaccines

7:00 – 9:59 Transporting and storage of vaccines

10:00 – 13:03 Reconstituting modified live vaccines

13:04 – 15:52 Vaccine administration Tips

15:53 – 17:51 Avoiding Vaccine Wastage

17:52 – 21:12 Needles and multi-dose syringe care

21:13 – 21:49 Avoiding contamination of the vaccine bottle

21:50 – 25:15 Vaccine record keeping

25:16– 27:17 Vaccination handling resources for cow-calf producers

27:18 -28:23 Closing comments

Core and Risk Based Cow-Calf Herd Vaccines with Dr. Joyce Van Donkersgoed

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 11:03:00 -0700

Dr. Joyce Van Donkersgoed joins the podcast to discuss her latest project on working to improve the efficiency of vaccine usage in Canadian cow-calf herds.

Link to Western Canadian Animal Health Network Resources (WeCAHN) https://www.wecahn.ca/wecahn-networks/beef-network

Vaccination Video Resources:
Vaccinating Your Beef Herd unlisted playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL16s0XbcZVIurNHLqLLB58yc-cwdvush-

Administering Vaccines: https://youtu.be/B4WlOlQffWw
Vaccination Protocols and Records: https://youtu.be/giOJsaQbEGA
Cleaning Equipment: https://youtu.be/HspCXNlpizQ
Types of Vaccines and Mixing: https://youtu.be/oETQ_UMAZ6U
Vaccine Transport and Storage: https://youtu.be/gH4FsfrXBGo
Vaccine Disposal: https://youtu.be/GNY0kjMLcOo

00:00 – 02:45 Introduction

02:46 – 07:19 Improving vaccination success in Canadian cow-calf herds

07:20 - 08:10 Reasons producers vaccinate

08:11 – 9:47 Replacement Heifer vaccinations

9:48 – 10:52 Breeding Cow Vaccinations

10:53 - 11:56 Vaccinating Breeding Bulls

11:57 – 12:58 Preweaned calf vaccinations

12:59 – 14:46 Gaps in vaccine programs and reasons for not vaccinating

14:47 – 18:37 Core vaccines for Canadian cow-calf herds

18:38 – 21:10 Risk based vaccines for Canadian cow-calf herds

21:11 – 25:01 Vaccination resources for cow-calf producers

25:02 - 26:34 Improving vaccine success in your herd

26:35 – 27:45 Closing comments

Johne’s Disease in Cow-Calf Herds with Dr. Cheryl Waldner

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 21:39:00 -0700

Dr. Cheryl Waldner from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine joins the podcast to discuss the challenges of controlling Johne's Disease on cow-calf herds and the results of some of her latest research.

https://www.beefresearch.ca/tools/johnes-disease-calculator\
0:00 – 2:25 Welcome and Introductions

2:26 – 3:02 What causes Johne’s Disease

3:03 – 7:11 How does the MAP bacteria spread from animal to animal?

7:12 – 10:02 Why is this disease so difficult to control in cow-calf herds?

10:03 – 12:39 How commonly are cows and herds infected?

12:40 – 16:21 What are the diagnostic tests that are available?

16:23 – 22:22 Factors to consider before starting a control strategy?

22:23 = 24:22 Differences in dairy herd control programs

24:23- 29:23 Deciding on a testing strategy for your herd

29:24 – 32:11 What else do we need to do beyond testing?

32:12 - 36:45 Biosecurity practices to prevent introducing Johnes into the herd

36:46 - 38:38 Johnes Testing Decision

38:39 – 39:50 Wrap up

A Case from the Disease Investigation Unit Files

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0700

This weeks episode is a bit different from usual. I don't have a guest this week, but I'll be presenting an outbreak from our Disease Investigation Unit case files. This case was also presented as part of a series of cases in a webinar organized by the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System: “ Beef Cattle Vaccines: the Good, the Bad, and The Ugly” webinar with Drs. John Campbell, Tim Nickel, Bruce Kostelansky, and Eugene Janzen. You can access that webinar here for more information about core vaccines and vaccination issues: https://youtu.be/nRYHzysFHtE

Colostrum Management with Dr. Claire Windeyer

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0700

Dr. Claire Windeyer from the University of Calgary School of Veterinary Medicine joins the podcast to discuss the importance of colostrum in neonatal beef calves and gives advice on how and when to intervene. She also discusses the pros and cons of various methods of colostrum supplementation.

BCRC Calving Management Link with Resources on Colostrum: https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/calving-calf-management/

00:00 – 2:10 Welcome and Introductions

2:11 – 5:02 Why is colostrum important for newborns?

5:03 – 5:49 How long can calves effectively absorb antibodies after birth?

5:50 – 8:25 How much colostrum does a calf require?

8:26 – 10:54 Assessing colostrum quality in beef cows

10:55 – 12:40 Factors affecting colostrum quality

12:41 – 15:00 What are the consequences in calves getting inadequate colostrum?

15:01 – 16:32 How common is less than adequate colostral intake occurring?

16:33 - 20:42 Risk factors for inadequate transfer of immunity

20:43 – 24:55 When to intervene and supplement a calf

24:56 – 26:25 Best option for colostrum supplementation

26:26 – 28:11 The dangers of utilizing purchased dairy colostrum

28:12 - 30:55 What to look for when using colostrum replacers

30:56 – 32:38 Storing and using extra colostrum

32:39 –35:45 Bottle vs Tube Feeding Colostrum

35:30 – 38:20 Assessing colostrum management in a herd

38:21 – 39:30 Wrap up

Assisting cows at calving with Dr. Jennifer Pearson

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0700

Dr. Jennifer Pearson from the University of Calgary joins the podcast to discuss when to intervene in calvings and the consequences of dystocia in beef cows and calves.

BCRC Web Link: Calving 911: When and How to Assist with a Difficult Birth https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/calf-911-calving-decision-tree/

00:00 – 2:42 Welcome and Introductions

2:43 – 4:25 What does the term dystocia mean?

4:26 – 7:08 What should a normal calving look like?

7:09 – 8:30 What signs should we look for to identify cows that need assistance?

8:31 – 10:20 How common are dystocias in beef cows currently in Canada?

10:21 – 14:35 What are the consequences to the calf and cow of experiencing calving difficulty?

14:36 – 16:44 How to decide when to intervene in a calving?

16:45 – 21:15 When do we need to call for assistance?

21:16- 24:45 What can we do to ensure better outcomes once the calf is delivered?

24:46 – 27:09 Preventing dystocias from occurring

27:10 – 28:00 Wrap up

Viruses that cause Calf Diarrhea with Dr. Frank van der Meer

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 11:02:00 -0700

Dr. Van der Meer's contact information if you are a Western Canadian cow-calf producer interested in participating in his field study on causes of calf diarrhea: frank.vandermeer@ucalgary.ca

00:00 – 2:34 Welcome and Introductions

2:35 – 4:20 The importance of neonatal calf diarrhea

4:21 – 5:39 Pathogens involved in neonatal calf diarrhea

5:40 –7:37 Can you diagnose the cause of neonatal calf diarrhea clinically?

7:38 – 14:11 Coronavirus and Rotavirus as causes of calf diarrhea

14:12 - 16:29 Treating calves with viral diarrhea

16:30 - 22:23 Challenges with developing effective viral vaccines for neonatal calf diarrhea

22:24 – 26:50 Where do these viruses come from and the importance of booster vaccines

26:51- 31:39 Current field study on causes of calf diarrhea

31:40 – 32:48 Wrap up

Preventing fetal losses in the cow-calf herd with Dr. Trent Wennekamp

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0700

00:00 – 2:23 Welcome and Introductions

2:24 – 4:28 The difficulties associated with investigating fetal losses

4:29 – 7:25 What amount of fetal loss would be expected as normal?

7:26 – 10:03 What should you do when your herd starts to experience fetal losses

10:04 – 12:01 Percentage of abortion cases that are successfully diagnosed

12:02 - 13:25 What other diagnostic tests can we use?

13:26 - 16:44 Common causes of abortions

16:45 – 20:25 The importance of vaccines in preventing fetal losses

20:26 - 25:26 How to reduce the risk of fetal losses

25:27 – 26:30 Wrap up

Interpreting a Feed Analysis Report with Jenifer Heyden

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0700

00:00 – 02:00 Welcome and Introductions

02:01 - 03:28 Moisture and Dry Matter

03:29 - 05:44 Dry Matter Intake Estimates and factors that affect DMI

05:45 – 07:03 As Received vs Dry Matter

07:04 - 09:50 Energy Estimates: TDN, Net Energy (maintenance, gain and lactation)

09:51 – 13:47 Protein Estimates: Crude Protein, DIP, UIP, ADFCP, NDFCP, Adjusted Crude Protein

13:48 – 15:37 Rules of thumb for Crude Protein and TDN at different stages of gestation/lactation

15:38 – 17:35 Acid Detergent Fiber vs Neutral Detergent Fiber

17:36 - 20:26 Maximum NDF values for cow rations

20:27 – 23:21 Calcium and Phosphorus ratios

23:22 – 26:22 Magnesium and Potassium (Tetany ratios)

26:23 – 29:31 Sodium levels, Sulfur levels, body condition scoring

29:32 – 30:39 Where can producers get help?

30:40 – 31:35 Wrap up

Identifying the ”efficient” beef cow with Dr. Greg Penner

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0700

00:00 – 2:18 Welcome and Introductions

2:19 – 4:09 The importance of feed efficiency

4:10 – 6:17 Explaining Residual Feed intake

6:18 – 8:04 Measuring feed efficiency in research trials

8:05 – 9:28 Limitations of feed efficiency measurements in beef cow systems

9:29 – 12:27 Describing an alternative system for ranking beef cow efficiency

12:28 – 15:18 Variability in the indicators of efficiency and why they were chosen

15:19 – 7:30 Evaluating the digestive physiology in high efficiency and low efficiency cows

17:31 - 19:45 Main differences between HE and LE cows

19:46 – 23:37 Describing ruminal differences between HE and LE cows

23:38 – 25:00 Limitations and advantages of this research approach

25:01 – 27:25 How to use this concept to select efficient cows on your own ranch

27:26 – 29: 51 Wrap up and conclusions

Preventing Calf Diarrhea with Dr. Elizabeth Homerosky

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0700

00:00 – 2:51 Welcome and Introductions

2:52 – 4:02 Importance of neonatal calf diarrhea in cow-calf herds

4:03 – 6:48 What are the pathogens that are associated with calf diarrhea?

6:49 – 7:29 When are diagnostics important?

7:30 – 8:42 Strategies to employ to minimize risk of diarrhea

8:43 - 11:00 Sandhills calving system effectiveness

11:01 - 13:15 How do you implement the Sandhill’s calving system?

13:16 – 17:03 The Foothills Calving System

17:04 - 19:10 How to implement a new calving system on your ranch

19:11 – 20:31 Using these calving systems on more intensive operations

20:32 – 22:10 Other challenges with implementing new calving systems

22:11 – 25:43 The importance of colostrum and an easy method for deciding if a calf needs supplemental colostrum

Animal Health Emergency Management with Shauna Mellish

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0700

00:00 – 1:37 Welcome and Introductions

1:38 – 3:32 Who is Animal Health Canada

3:33 – 6:14 What is emergency health management mean?

6: 15 – 10:21 Why is it important to be prepared for emergencies in livestock operations?

10:22 – 12:37 The consequences of a serious disease outbreak

12:38 - 14:38 What to do if you suspect an unusual disease outbreak

14:39 - 16:31 What are the clinical signs of foot and mouth disease

16:32 – 19:12 What happens once an exotic disease is reported?

19:13 -20:10 The importance of premises identification

20:11 - 24:28 What would happen once FMD was confirmed?

24:29- 26:29 Where can producers go for help?

26:30 - 29:04 AHEM resources for producers

29:05 – 31:00 Wrap up and summary

Link to Animal Health Emergency Management Website and Resources

https://animalhealth.ca/ahem/

Utilizing Low Quality Forages with Dr. Gabriel Ribeiro

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 10:57:00 -0700

00:00 – 1:57 Welcome and Introductions

1:58 – 3:24 Defining a low quality forage

3:25 – 4:57 Common characteristics of low quality forages

4:58- 7:05 How do they impact animal health and performance?

7:06 - 9:57 Management issues to consider when utilizing lower quality forages

9:58 - 14:04 The importance of identifying animal classes that can utilize these feeds

14:05 - 16:03 Fiber levels impact on feed intake

16:04 – 25:45 Supplementation when feeding low quality forages

25:46-29:18 Post harvest physical treatments

29:19-34:00 Post harvest chemical treatments

34:01-38:51 Summary and Wrap up

Link to a BCRC webinar where Dr. Ribeiro presents on this topic

https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/nutrition-webinar-3-make-most-of-low-quality-forage/

Copper deficiency in cattle with Dr. Barry Blakley

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 14:44:00 -0700

00:00 – 02:08 Welcome and Introductions

1:50 - 3:30 What role does copper play in the body

3:31 - 4:56 How commonly Is copper deficiency diagnosed?

4:57 - 6:29 How does copper deficiency occur?

6:30 – 9:37 Primary vs secondary copper deficiency (effects of molybdenum and sulphates)

9:38 - 13:32 Clinical signs of mild to moderate copper deficiency

13:33 – 16:40 How is severe copper deficiency manifested?

16:41 – 22:53 How do we assess copper levels in animals?

22:54 - 28:57 Dangers of Copper toxicity

28:58 – 31:55 Approaches to dealing with copper deficiency issues

31:56 – 34:50 Closing thoughts and wrap up

Calfhood Vaccinations with Dr. Nathan Erickson

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 09:51:00 -0700

00:00 – 01:50 Welcome and Introductions
1:50 - 2:53 Age categories for young calf vaccinations
2:53 – 5:07 What diseases can we vaccinate young calves for?
5:07 – 9:03 Immune system development in the calf
9:03 - 11:33 The effect of maternal immunity on vaccine response
11:33 - 17:45 Intranasal vs Injectable Vaccines: What’s the difference?
17:45 – 19:30 Evidence of vaccine protection against summer pneumonia of calves
19:30 – 21:00 Intranasal vaccines currently available in Canada
21:00 – 25:08 Best practices for administering modified live intranasal vaccines
25:08 – 28:10 The importance of working with your veterinarian to design a vaccination protocol

Links to Related Information
Vaccination of the Beef Herd https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/vaccination-of-the-beef-herd/
BCRC Webinar on Using Nasal Vaccines Effectively https://www.beefresearch.ca/webinars/using-nasal-vaccines-effectively/
Blog article featuring intranasal vaccines https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/intranasal-vaccines-are-timely-and-effective/

Extended grazing systems with Dr. Bart Lardner

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 09:25:00 -0700

Link to BCRC website where Dr. Bart Lardner describes 7 tips for grazing corn
https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/seven-tips-for-grazing-corn/?utm_source=BCRC+Blog+Subscribers&utm_campaign=2b9ff72122-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_11_15_10_08&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8c6acbd1df-2b9ff72122-88320359

Link to BCRC website page with extended grazing resources
https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/extended-grazing/

Preconditioning with Dr. Karin Orsel

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 14:43:00 -0700

00:00 - 01:45 Welcome and introductions
01:46 - 02:54 Stressors in weaned calves
2:55 - 04:29 Definition of Preconditioning
04:30 - 05:50 Components of a preconditioning program
05:51 - 09:43 Evidence associated with improved health in preconditioned calves
09:44 -12:29 Average daily gain in preconditioned calves
12:30 - 14:49 Ranch staff thoughts on low stress weaning
14:50 - 16:53 How common is preconditioning or low stress weaning strategies?
16:54 - 19:20 Is there an economic advantage to preconditioning?
19:20 - 21:23 Concluding thoughts

Feed testing with Dr. John McKinnon

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 14:59:00 -0600

00:00 - 01:07 Welcome and introductions
01:08 - 4:47 Importance of feed testing - 3 main reasons
4:48 - 06:28 How to collect samples from bales
0:6:29 - 11:04 How to collect sileage samples
11:05 - 12:43 Collecting grain samples
12:44 - 14:26 Collecting samples from extended grazing forages
14:27 - 17:03 Pooling feed samples - Disadvantages
17:04 - 21:30 Wet Chemistry vs NIR analysis
21:31 - 25:55 Key lab tests that need to be evaluated on feeds
25:56 - 28:59 Specialty analysis such as nitrates, ergot, mycotoxin, sulphur analysis
29:00 - 33:34 Where to go for help with feed analysis

Link to BCRC feed testing analysis tool
https://www.beefresearch.ca/tools/feed-testing-analysis-for-beef-cattle/#singleFeedContainer