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Bloat from grazing alfalfa or clover occurs when gas builds up in the rumen and can’t be released. Frothy bloat, caused by legumes, is the most serious type. Prevention includes feeding dry hay first and avoiding wet or frosted pastures.

  The process of parturition -delivering the newborn calf- is the most stressful time in a cow's life. There is a significant decrease in immune system from two weeks before to two weeks after calving. There is an increased demand for available calcium as she comes into milk production. The ration changes in composition and energy density. Hormonal changes occur to facilitate the calf coming through the birthing canal. Pathogens have easier access to the body through the birth canal and udder. As the cow prepares to have her calf, many hormonal changes occur. A hormone called relaxin is produced,...

Pinkeye (infectious keratoconjuntivitis) in cattle is a major concern for the well-being and comfort of the animals as well as performance and efficiency. This bacterial infection of the cornea (clear part of the eye) and conjunctiva (tissue above the cornea and underlying the eyelids) causes severe pain and may lead to temporary blindness.  What causes it? There are 2 primary bacteria that can cause pinkeye in cattle. Moraxella bovis, which causes the common summertime pinkeye and Moraxella bovoculi with is more common in confined cattle and seen in all seasons. What do you see? The initial clinical sign of a...

            The cold weather of late winter provides challenges to our cattle. Here are some of the situations I commonly see and my suggestions for solutions. Calves in Cold Weather             Until their rumens are developed, these baby calves are reliant on digestible energy intake to stay warm and grow. Immune function is greatly influenced by energy levels and body temperature. Here are considerations: High fat milk replacer – good quality milk fat is the best energy source for these babies. Increased feedings – during the coldest times, feeding 3 times per day for calves is very beneficial. Increasing the...

Nosodes are homeopathy pills with frequencies of vaccines instilled in them. Homeopathy is a centuries old healing modality based on frequencies (energy) on small sugar pills. This energy interacts with the energy system of the body in a beneficial way. In the case of nosodes, the frequency of a pathogen (bacteria, virus, fungus, parasite) is instilled on the sugar pills. This frequency is passed on to the immune system. With this information, the immune system is able to recognize these pathogens and mount an appropriate response. Nosodes can be prepared for most any organism. They are prepared by serial 1:100...