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 Heather Welper
Husband and wife duo, Heather and Calvin Welper, are the Co-Owners and Operators or Two C Livestock, located in Valley View, Texas.
The pair’s operation has a show cattle focus where they raise and sell purebred heifers of all breeds and club calf Hereford steers.
When it comes to show cattle, the Welpers know a thing or two including how to prepare for the cold winter months and the Texas major show season run.
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 Hannah Claxton, Editor
As the sun rises each day, so do the dozens of mouths that Meghan McGovern is responsible for getting fed. Rather than the sounds of a rooster crowing, McGovern hears the bellows and bleats of a variety of exotic deer, the chortle of kangaroos, the grunts of water buffaloes, and the chirps of a lemur.
Nestled against the banks of the Red River, the Double M Ranch and Rescue, with its high game fences and deer sprinkling the landscape,s its in stark contrast to the surrounding ranches.
“Having deer is kind of like eating potato chips- you can never actually have just one,” said McGovern with a laugh.
McGovern has several herds to take care of- fallow deer, axis deer, water buffalo, goats, and bison. In smaller numbers, there’s also a few kangaroos, a lemur, a potbelly pig, a pair of zebras, a watusi, and a few horses.
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 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.
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