Colostrum - the first milk a calf receives from a cow after being born - is absolutely critical for the health of a newborn calf and even more so for calves with a traumatic delivery. Colostrum is often referred to as "liquid gold" and for good reason. This milky substance is full of vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates and … [Read more...] about Colostrum: aka “Liquid Gold”
The Calving Bucket
In any profession, having the right tools is critical to getting the job done, and the livestock business is no different. During calving season on a cow-calf operation, the tools of the trade are commonly gathered into what's referred to as a 'calving bucket'. Each operation is unique and requires different treatment of calves at birth. Some farmers and ranchers … [Read more...] about The Calving Bucket
Snow, Rain, Sleet…It’s Calving Time: Part 1
April showers snow storms bring May flowers April/May calves! The last month we have been on pins and needles, excited and nervous for the start of our first ever calving season. We were so relieved when the snow finally melted away and we started to have several dry, sunny days in a row. We figured it was the perfect time for a calf to be born, right? It seemed that all of … [Read more...] about Snow, Rain, Sleet…It’s Calving Time: Part 1
Lessons Learned in Selecting a Bull
On our farm right now we have four calves on the ground. That is four out of an expected 10. It has been a whirlwind of a week, with lessons learned at every turn. We have spent a lot of time talking about selecting your bull and the option of using a calving ease bull on this site. With 50% of our births thus far needing … [Read more...] about Lessons Learned in Selecting a Bull
Cattle Breeding: Selecting Your Bull(s)
Our post today focuses on selecting a bull or bulls for your breeding program. Please click here to read our previous post on deciding your breeding season. Please click here to read our introductory post for our Cattle Breeding blog series. We had written this post BEFORE our calving season started. With four calves on the ground, we feel that we need to add a few … [Read more...] about Cattle Breeding: Selecting Your Bull(s)