apsc livestovk handling class nites on estrus synchronization
Overview of Cattle Health and Management
Vaccination and Injections
- Initial Question: Injection administered to heifers discussed in class, related to quiz material.
- Specific focus on Leptospirosis vaccination and its purpose.
- Purpose of Leptospirosis vaccine: To prevent abortion in cattle. - Additional Vaccines: Other vaccines mentioned that can cause abortion:
- BRSV (Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
- IBR (Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis)
- PI3 (Parainfluenza Virus type 3)
- BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhea) - Vaccine Nature: Recognizing the distinction between biological (produces antibodies) and pharmaceutical (medicinal). All vaccines are classified as biological.
- Example of a biological injection: Nasalgen.
Evaluation of Teaching Assistants
- Encouragement for students to evaluate their experience in the class and the teaching assistants (TAs).
- Feedback collected weeks after submission; anonymity is implied.
Equipment Usage: Implant Gun
- Device Introduction: Discussion of implant gun with a focus on its components.
- Specific example: Ralgro gun.
- Ralgro: Used for growth implants.
- Contains active ingredient Zerenol from moldy corn.
- Targets efficiency in growth of cattle by promoting average daily gain, estimated between $0.10 - $0.30 per head per day. - Delivery Route: Growth implants are injected into the ear for effective blood circulation and prolonged release (lasting approximately 100 days).
- Industry Context: Current pricing of beef cattle in the market can reach up to $6.00 per pound for lighter weights, driving the importance of efficient growth.
Pelvic Anatomy Discussion
- Pelvis Specimen: Discussion regarding a genuine bovine pelvis received from a local veterinarian.
- Anatomical Features:
- Description of the pelvic floor’s structure and significance in calving.
- Recognition of important bones in cattle:
- Ileum (Hooks): Higher area that contributes to pelvic structure.
- Ischium (Pins): Lower area related to the pelvic structure. - Measurement: Pelvic measurements are crucial for assessing breeding potential in virgin heifers.
- Cut-off Measurement: Industry standard cutoff for breeding capability is 150 square centimeters.
Estrus Synchronization Techniques
- Introduction of CIDR (Controlled Internal Drug Release) as a tool for estrus synchronization.
- Hormone: Progesterone is the key hormone released by the CIDR. - Injection Protocol: Use of other hormones such as Cystarella to stimulate follicular waves in cattle for synchronized breeding.
- Seasonal Breeding: Highlights the strategy of synchronizing heat so that all cows breed around the same time.
- Example of field operation management with synchronization allows for more efficient labor management during breeding season.
Drug Applications and Calculations
- Drug Dosage Calculation:
- Example with LA-200 (oxytetracycline) for treating pink eye in cattle.
- Dosage format: 4.5 cc per 100 pounds of body weight example explained; calculation of exact dosage for a specified weight. - On supplementation: Estimation of medication dosage in crumbles to treat respiratory diseases like pneumonia in weaned calves using Oro-Micin crumbles.
- Adjustments for Water-Administered Drugs:
- Emphasis on careful measurement in water tanks rather than mixing directly in drinking troughs due to variability in consumption.
Cattle Management and Market Trends
- Discussion of the current beef market cycle and inventory observations, including high prices due to low inventory.
- Stocker Definition: Explanation of stocker cattle as animals destined for growth before entering feedlots for further fattening.
- Feeding Practices: Importance of managing feeding practices for profitability and health benefits.
- Effective Networking: Upcoming Beef Cattle University event, details about participation for students and professionals to improve connections in the field.