Even the healthiest herd of cattle can have some illness. A smart rancher will establish a good relationship with a local veterinarian early on in the formation of their herd. We recommend having regular checkups to ensure everything is going well. Preventative care can go a long way in keeping your herd healthy, as most illnesses stem from poor management. In this blog, we’ll outline some common ailments and how to solve them. Visit our blog for more information on cattle management.
Anaplasmosis
This disease affects cattle throughout the United States. It destroys red blood cells, which can quickly lead to death. Often dead cattle are the first sign of this disease. After being infected, cattle will typically either die or recover within a few days. The disease is passed through insect bites from animal to animal or through contaminated medical equipment. Veterinarians might recommend vaccination to prevent infection from carriers in the herd.
Bloat
It may not sound like a serious condition, but to a cow it can mean death within an hour. Bloat can occur when cows are allowed free-choice feeding on lush, low fiber forage like clover or alfalfa. If the herd is turned out into a pasture like this, particularly with morning dew, without any hay or feed first, it can cause gas bubbles that will eventually restrict breathing. To treat, force bloated animals to walk to cause belching. Doses of vegetable or mineral oil given by a veterinarian might also be needed. To learn more about grasses, visit our website.
Foot Rot
This can be a common problem in high humidity, warm areas. It’s caused by bacteria, and can be further worsened and spread by environments like hard or muddy, wet ground. Most mild cases can be treated topically.
Caring for your cattle is a complicated task, but great management can make your job easier. Establish good habits to stay ahead of the curve. For more on how we run our ranch, we invite you to visit us and take an agritour.
