Farm & Ranch
Bovine Papillomavirus (Cattle Warts)
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
Bovine warts are the ire of cattle producers. These unsightly masses typically appear on the head, neck and body of the animals. Although these masses are usually more of a cosmetic issue than a medical concern, they can cause problems for producers. Warts reduce the value of animals through loss in sales, reduced weight gain and loss of milk production. The warts also create havoc with cattle exhibitors since cattle shows bar any animals with contagious conditions from entering the show ring.
Cattle warts are caused by the bovine papillomavirus which is a member of the Papillomaviridae family. BPV is found throughout the world wherever cattle are present. Several different genotypes of BPV have been found.
Most of the genotypes are species specific which means cattle warts are not contagious to other species like humans. A few exceptions have been found. For example, BPV can infect horses resulting in equine sarcoid tumors.
To read more pick up a copy of NTFR magazine. To subscribe 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.
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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