Anaplasmosis, availability of water and its quality, and keeping processing teams aligned to limit coronavirus transmission concerns were among recent beef production discussions. Producers may have skimmed this information and need help with answers. It is also important to support the National Cattlemen’s Association’s Beef Quality Assurance trainings to help raise the stewardship aspects of beef care.
Source: Diagnosing anaplasmosis, Angus Beef Bulletin, May 20, 2020. Link. Veterinarians explain pros and cons of the three main ways of diagnosing anaplasmosis in cattle.
Source: Beef cattle health linked to water availability, quality, Drovers, May 15, 2020. Link.
- Water requirements can double when temperatures increase from 50 to 95 degrees F
- Water quality is equally important to availability and is often overlooked or undervalued.
- Performance issues can occur when ponds, tubs or other open containers are contaminated with manure, dissolved solids, nitrates, algae and sulfates.
The trouble with that open water is it’s also a red carpet to rodents, raccoons, skunks and birds, and they’re all disease carriers and can put cattle at risk” – D. George Anderson, Bar-Bar-A
Source: Pandemic calf processing considerations, Drovers, May 22, 2020. Link. “This COVID-19 spring means that we may need to organize our calf processing teams into family groups to promote social distance between folks who don’t live together,” said Bob Larson, DVM
Source: Hauling pairs to summer pasture, BEEF, May 20, 2020. Link. Heather S. Thomas discusses trucking safety, dividing cows and calves, and pairing at the pasture.