Farm & Ranch
Foot Rot in Cattle
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
The Monthly Precipitation Outlook found at the Mesonet website (https://www.mesonet.org) is predicting above normal chances for precipitation for the month of June for most of the area. Many areas have received much needed rain in the past few weeks. With moist conditions, producers should be observing their cattle for foot rot.
Foot rot is caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum subspecies necrophorum and sometimes other bacteria are involved (Porphyromonas levii, Prevotella intermedia, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Truperella pyogenes). These bacteria are normal inhabitants of the digestive tract of cattle and consequently in the environment. The problem arises when the bacteria enter the tissue of the foot through a break in the skin. The damage to the skin may be from puncture wounds or abrasions or continuous exposure to wet conditions which softens the skin. Once the bacteria gains entry into the tissue, it multiplies and releases toxins that damage tissue. If left unchecked, the bacteria invade deeper structures in the foot. This may result in permanent problems and may shorten the life of the cow.
Diagnosis of foot rot begins with a thorough examination of the foot. Foot rot lesions usually infect both claws, so if only one claw is infected, the problem is not likely foot rot. Producers should look for signs of swelling between the toes as well as redness or necrotic tissue. Also, observe for separation of the skin at the hoof wall. Most cases of foot rot will have a foul spelling odor. The foot may feel warm to the touch. This distinguishes foot rot from fescue foot which is cold to the touch. Cows may have a fever and refuse to eat. Most cows are reluctant to bear weight on the infected foot due to pain.
To read more, pick up a copy of the July issue of NTFR Magazine. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
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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