Apogee Animal Health, Inc.

Calving season can be one of the most labor intensive, but also most rewarding parts of a cattleman’s year. Once the calf is born, proper environment, nutrition, and health are important considerations. Early observation, and intervention, if needed, can help set up calves for a lifetime of good health. Environment: Ensuring the calf is born into a warm, clean environment significantly reduces health complications such as scours in the first weeks of life. Reducing mud an

Mud may not be on your radar during single-digit temperatures, but it should be. When the temperatures warm up, the frozen ground is going to get soft. If we add in some spring rains, things will change and just 4–8 inches of mud (pastern deep) can reduce feed efficiency by up to 13%. Why? Cattle eat less because they visit the bunk less More energy is burned walking through mud Wet hair coats increase maintenance needs by 2% for every degree below 30°F This “mud tax” applies

For beef producers, maximizing reproductive efficiency is a cornerstone of profitable cattle operations. One of the most influential factors in achieving high pregnancy rates is adequate nutrition. Body condition scoring is a practical management tool that assesses the amount of fat reserves on a cow and allow us to gauge whether they are receiving the appropriate amount of nutrition. Understanding and managing BCS can make a significant difference in reproductive performance

As weather cools and cattle are more confined, lice can become an issue. We don’t see this external parasite during the summer months because cattle are often spread out and have shorter hair coats, deterring these animal specific insects. However, with declining temperatures comes longer haircoats and cattle congregating in dry lots and other areas to help stay warm. Signs of lice in cattle include scratching and hair loss, which can become significant. Balding areas such as