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.