Farm & Ranch
Mastitis in beef cattle
By Jessica Crabtree and Dr. Jered Harlan
Mastitis – what is it? Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland which can significantly reduce milk production. Mastitis is routinely found in dairy cattle; however, it is a growing problem in beef cattle herds—so much so that the result is weaning weights are subject to reduction by seven to twelve percent.
According to the specific cases, signs and symptoms, mastitis can be broken down into four categories: peracute, acute, subacute and subclinical mastitis.
If the bag appears swollen, hot and red, producers can diagnose peracute mastitis. The cow may kick or flinch when touched due to sensitivity, and milk production will be reduced. A fever will most likely be present followed by shivering, rapid weight loss, loss of appetite and depressed behavior. In severe cases of peracute mastitis, death is possible.
With acute mastitis, symptoms include inflammation, some signs of fever and mild depression. Subacute mastitis is different. Symptoms are much less distinct due to no signs of fever, depression or any other general signs associated with mastitis. Lastly, subclinical mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland, without showing any signs or symptoms. To read more pick up a copy of the June 2016 NTFR issue.
By Barry Whitworth, DVM, MPH
With the prolonged drought, most pastures in Oklahoma end up in poor condition. With the lack of available forage, animals may go in search of alternative foods.
If oak trees are in the pastures, acorns may be a favorite meal for some livestock in the fall. This may result in oak poisoning.
Oak leaves, twigs, buds, and acorns may be toxic to some animals when consumed.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Tony Dean
There are a handful of grasses on North Texas grazing lands ranchers need to know, not because they are highly desirable, but rather because they are not of much value. I call them “decom” plants, which is am acronym for “Don’t Ever Count On Me.” Silver bluestem is a “decom” grass.
Silver bluestem is a perennial which grows in all areas of Texas. It can survive in almost all soil types, and in full sun conditions or in semi shade. It grows up to three feet tall and is easily recognized with the presence of the white fuzzy seed head. Also, one of the identifying characteristics of Silver bluestem is a bend in the stems at each node, causing the plants to take on a rounded shape as they mature.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Rayford Pullen
Fall is here which means winter is closing in on us and before we officially get into winter, we need to make sure our factories are either producing or will be producing in a few months.
We have been pregnancy testing our cows this fall and if they are not bred or nursing a calf, we are bidding them adios. With annual costs somewhere between $900.00 and $1,000.00 per cow, those cows not producing a live weaned calf are costing us quite a bit.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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