The fleece and conformation of Canadian alpacas impressed an American judge at the Canadian Western Agribition Alpaca Halter Show and Fleece competitions.

Beverly Brehm has been a certified judge since 2019 and was particularly appreciative of the care that Canadians show for conformation, such as legs, ears, mouth, and bite, noting she didn’t see a single incorrect bite.

Read: More Canadian Western Agribition coverage.

“It means that they’re placing a lot of value on the things that are very important,” Brehm said.

“Like the eating aspect, being able to graze correctly, get the food in the alpaca’s mouth so that it can grow, and that’s where that correct bite is really, really important.”

Cathy Merkley, an alpaca owner and judge for more than 20 years, chalks this up to the seriousness of alpaca breeders, who she said are keen to continue educating themselves.

“We know good conformation, and so we fixed that early on in our breeding programs,” she said.

“Everybody breeds for correct conformation. If he doesn’t have correct confirmation, he’s out. Like, it’s just simple. So we have that fixed in our herd, really.”

While judging the fleece competition, Brehm engaged in a discussion about breeding capabilities with some of the volunteers. One area that particularly fascinated her is Canadians’ ability to rapidly improve fleece length and continue to produce a very long stapling length.

“In the ‘A’ fleeces that I was looking at, which is the juvenile fleeces, their first fleece after birth, they have a massive stapling, which is not something that we normally see in that age group in the U.S.,” she said.

“And so some of the conversations that we were having was, is it something that they’re trait selecting for or are they doing it out of necessity? Because it is quite a bit colder here, and in order for that animal to survive in the winter months, it needs to have enough fibre for it to stay warm and survive outside.”

Environmental influences may be the most unique difference between Canadian and American alpaca trait selection.

Another difference has been the judging system. Canada weighs fleece as 60 per cent and conformation for 40 per cent, while the United States weighs it 50-50.

Fleece is judged on traits important for processing, such as uniformity of microns (the fineness across the fleece), crimp definition and uniformity and uniformity of colour and length. Points can be lost due to management issues such as improper skirting, weathered fleece and vegetation or dirt.

The 60-40 weighting approach affected placing decisions because when deciding on first place and weighing two animals, the choice comes down to fleece traits.

”I think it probably happened in about three or four of the classes where I really had to make sure that I was focusing on the fleece trait specifically,” Brehm said.

“Versus, ‘yeah, this guy looks great in conformation, but he just doesn’t have everything packed in it.’ So that was a little bit of a difference, besides Canadians having red for the first place ribbons.”

The post Canadian alpacas impress American judge at Agribition appeared first on Country Guide.

Supplies are expected to remain tight for at least the next two years, forcing meatpackers like Tyson and rivals JBS USA and Cargill to pay steep prices for cattle to process into steaks and hamburgers.

Beef prices have set records due to low supplies and strong demand, raising costs for consumers. U.S. President Donald Trump said last month that he was working to bring down beef prices.

Tyson said it will also reduce operations at a beef plant in Amarillo, Texas, to a single, full-capacity shift, affecting about 1,700 workers. The company will increase production at other facilities to meet customer demand, according to a statement.

“Tyson Foods recognizes the impact these decisions have on team members and the communities where we operate,” the statement said.

— Reporting by Tom Polansek

The post Tyson Foods to close U.S. beef plant as cattle supplies dwindle appeared first on Country Guide.

“Canadian horses, swine and ruminants returning to Canada will not be able to enter Canada after a stay in a VS-infected state in the last 21 days,” stated a CFIA release.

WHY IT MATTERS: Transmitted by black flies, sand flies and biting midges, VSV resembles the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease, causing mild fever and blister or crusting lesions inside the mouth, on the ears, lips, nose, udder, sheath, and above the hooves in horses, ruminants, swine, and members of the llama and deer families.

In October, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed VSV outbreaks on two farms in Arizona involving horses. The facilities also housed cattle that were not clinically affected.

The virus has an incubation period of two to eight days, and full recovery occurs in three to four days. However, it can affect milk production and lead to market losses for live animals, meat, and animal genetics.

The NVSL release states no livestock were moved on or off the affected premises, and biosecurity measures, along with vector control, are in place to reduce the spread. A 14-day quarantine starting from the last affected animal’s lesion onset is also implemented.

Canadian animals with a Canadian health certificate can return within three days of the USDA declaring their host state affected by VSV, provided they are inspected by the CFIA POE (port of entry) vet.

Otherwise, the release said, the Canadian health certificate is null and void, and animals from a VSV-infected state will require a minimum 21-day quarantine in a non-infected state before they can be exported to Canada.

The CFIA, in partnership with the USDA, has arranged special accommodations for animals imported for Canadian livestock events such as the Royal Winter Fair, Agribition, the Calgary Stampede and horse-specific events at Spruce Meadows and Thunderbirds.

“U.S.-origin and returning Canadian horses and ruminants that qualify for this exception are required to obtain a CFIA import permit and a USDA health certificate with the USDA addendum for VSV,” stated the CFIA release.

The last outbreak of VSV in the U.S. occurred from May 2023 through January 2024 and affected 319 premises across California, Nevada, and Texas.

The post CFIA suspends U.S. imports after Vesicular Stomatitis Virus outbreaks in Arizona appeared first on Country Guide.

The December live cattle contract lost 1.925 cents per pound at 225.275 cents. Feeder cattle were down 1.675 cents in the January contract at 327.475 cents per pound.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported wholesale boxed beef prices were weaker, with choice boxes down $4.77 at $374.45 per hundredweight and select boxes down $0.14 at $359.94/cwt.

The possible reopening of the United States government kept some caution in the futures, as market participants will be watching any data that comes out for any confirmation of the strong consumer beef demand that reportedly contributed to the recent strength in the futures.

Lean hog prices were weaker, with the December contract down 1.725 cents at 80.625 cents per pound. Federally inspected hog slaughter for Tuesday was estimated at 460,000 head by the USDA, taking the weekly total to 954,000 head.

The post U.S. livestock: Cattle futures end lower appeared first on Country Guide.

CME benchmark December live cattle futures were down their daily maximum of 7.250 cents at 233.925 cents per pound. CME November feeder cattle were down their limit of 9.250 cents, at 352.200 cents per pound.

Both markets had tumbled last week and again on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump sought to reduce beef prices.

The Trump administration said on Thursday that it would quadruple the country’s low-tariff imports of Argentine beef.

Traders also noted that Mexico’s agriculture minister will travel to Washington next week with the aim of reaching an agreement on the reopening of the border to Mexican cattle amid an outbreak of the flesh-eating screwworm parasite. The U.S. border has been closed to Mexican cattle imports since May.

“Managed money has a huge net long in the cattle market and has for a while,” said Austin Schroeder, commodity analyst for Brugler Marketing & Management.

“With all the headlines that we’ve got over the last week and a half, I would assume there is just some general risk-off (trade) heading into the weekend. Everybody is wanting out, and the door is only so big,” Schroeder said.

Live hog futures were narrowly mixed, with the December contract up 1.250 cents at 81.900 cents per pound.

— Reporting by Julie Ingwersen

The post U.S. livestock: Cattle futures plunge daily limits on beef price fears appeared first on Country Guide.

According to Dr. Rob Swackhammer, veterinarian with Upper Grand Veterinary Services in Guelph, Ont., who specializes in large animal veterinary care, these situations can often be managed with a little common sense and confidence.

“Having the basic skills and self-confidence to assist an animal that’s uncomfortable not only improves the animal’s welfare but can be the difference between calling the vet or not, or even buying time until the vet arrives,” says Swackhammer. Knowing what to look for and how to manage an animal health situation can also provide a veterinarian with valuable information to make timely decisions.

A firm believer in lifelong learning, Swackhammer often works with clients to educate them on early symptoms and signs of animal illness or distress. He shares his practical on-farm approach with farmers to identify common issues, how to manage emergency situations and when to call in a veterinarian for help.

Here are the top four animal health concerns Swackhammer believes livestock farmers should be able to identify and know what to do if faced with the situation. 

1. Dystocia 

Commonly known as an abnormal or difficult birth, dystocia can occur at any stage of labour, in all types of livestock and at any age.

Swackhammer advises farmers to brush up on the stages of labour based on the type of animal they have. For example, the first stages of labour in a cow could take up to five hours, and once feet are presented the calf should be born within the hour. Understanding the labour stages can help farmers understand if the situation is prolonged or problematic, and if they need to call a veterinarian for help.

If an animal’s labour becomes prolonged or it exhibits signs of discomfort, Swackhammer advises farmers to perform an internal examination. “The ability to properly assess an animal, like checking on the position of the baby, can help everyone make informed decisions. If a vet needs to be called, the ability to provide as much information over the phone about the length of labour and position of the baby inside the mother will benefit everyone, especially the animal in distress,” says Swackhammer.

“If labour is going well and progressing there is no need to touch the animal,” Swackhammer reminds farmers. “But knowing when to step in can save the baby and result in a healthier mother.”

Of course, mitigating dystocia can be managed even before the animal becomes pregnant, by selecting sires that offer calving, lambing, foaling or kidding ease and proper nutrition to maintain ideal animal body weight and animal condition before and during pregnancy. 

Swackhammer recommends pregnancy checks or ultrasounds to identify the accurate birth timing and determine if the animal is carrying multiples. He reminds farmers that the more information you know ahead of time, the better prepared you can be.

When it comes to being prepared, having the right supplies on hand is a must. These should include OB gloves and lube, clean rope, anti-inflammatory medication, needles and syringes, and colostrum. 

Swackhammer reminds farmers that wearing personal protection when assisting with livestock births is important because some zoonotic diseases can be transmitted to humans. 

A clean and dry environment where animals can be caught easily and restrained, if necessary, should also be prepared to reduce stress on the animals and farm workers.

2. Scours

Scours refers to diarrhea and is most common in young animals, such as calves, lambs, piglets, kids and foals. It’s a common and potentially serious condition that can lead to dehydration, weakness and even death if not treated promptly. 

According to Swackhammer, the best defence against scours is colostrum. Ideally, every newborn animal should drink colostrum within eight hours of birth to reduce the risk of scours. Young animals should also have access to plenty of clean water to supplement their hydration.

Watery, loose feces are the most common signs of scours. Young animals can also show signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes and a dry mouth or nose. They can also be lethargic and show little interest in nursing, drinking or eating.

Early intervention is key to managing scours. As soon as signs are detected, the animals should be quarantined to reduce the transmission of pathogens to other young animals. If the animals are on pasture, Swackhammer advises farmers to rotate pastures and isolate sick animals to reduce pathogen buildup in the animals’ environment. 

Early treatment can be as simple as supplementing the young animal’s hydration with oral electrolytes once or twice a day. Electrolytes can be easily fed with a bottle and, as an added benefit, can help reduce the risk of acidosis in young animals. Swackhammer reminds farmers to read and follow label directions when administering all medication, including electrolytes. Providing an anti-inflammatory can also help young animals recover faster and keep them comfortable.

Swackhammer says it’s time to call the veterinarian when more severe signs of dehydration and lethargy are visible, or if the animal doesn’t respond to electrolytes. He explains that more severe stages of scours can be identified by drooping ears, sunken or glazed eyes, or if the young animal has difficulty standing. 

“That’s when you really need to call your vet,” he says, reminding farmers to keep detailed records of the illness timeline and any medication they have administered to provide the veterinarian with the most accurate and timely information.

If a herd or flock is prone to scours, Swackhammer advises farmers to consult with their veterinarian about preventative vaccine programs for mature animals that can help reduce the risk when young animals are born.

3. Lameness

Lameness is a frequent issue in livestock and, according to Swackhammer, the most common cause is foot rot. This is especially prominent during the muddy seasons of spring and fall, and that’s why he reminds farmers that prevention starts with keeping a clean and dry environment for livestock.

“Lameness due to foot rot can look like a broken foot, too,” says Swackhammer, noting that other common signs include swelling and an animal’s inability to bear weight on the foot. 

On-farm treatments can start with a long-acting antibiotic that should show signs of improvement within two days. Administering an anti-inflammatory is also recommended to reduce swelling and improve recovery time. 

If the animal doesn’t respond to treatment, or doesn’t improve within two days, Swackhammer recommends calling a veterinarian for a consultation. He says that in prolonged cases, it’s best to seek professional medical care to determine the cause and best course of treatment.

4. Respiratory infections

“Pneumonia is the predominant respiratory illness in livestock, especially in young animals,” says Swackhammer. He says that once again colostrum is a young animal’s best defense, along with a clean, dry and well-ventilated environment. 

Signs of pneumonia in young animals can vary, but common symptoms include coughing, laboured or rapid breathing, nasal discharge, fever and lethargy. Swackhammer says that in cases of respiratory illness, he recommends calling a veterinarian if any of these signs appear, especially if an animal is open-mouth breathing. 

Having a thermometer on hand to monitor the animal’s temperature is the first step to managing pneumonia. He says the first line of treatment will likely be a long-acting antibiotic, but that should be directed by a professional. And if there’s no response to treatment within 24-48 hours, then a second call to the veterinarian is recommended. 

Infected animals should also be quarantined, and nose-to-nose contact with other animals should be restricted or prevented altogether.

To help prevent pneumonia, farmers can start by minimizing stress in young animals. “Stress weakens an animal’s immune system and increases their risk of picking up bacteria and infections, especially respiratory infections,” explains Swackhammer.

Some of the most stressful periods in a young animal’s life can be weaning and transportation. Swackhammer advises farmers to consider a pre-weaning vaccination program to reduce the risk of illness and a weaning program that reduces animal stress. These management considerations can also help manage stress and boost immunity during transportation, reducing the risk of “shipping fever,” a common term for respiratory illness in livestock.

Empowering farmers

“Farmers are resourceful and intuitive, they just need to feel empowered sometimes, and have the proper tools and skill set to take action,” says Swackhammer, who recommends that farmers consult with their veterinarian to learn more about these common illnesses and what they can do to prevent and manage them on their own farm.

The post Veterinary know-how on the farm appeared first on Country Guide.

The December live cattle contract was up by 1.350 cents per pound at 241.175 cents. However, more deferred months were lower. Feeder cattle saw a continuation of Wednesday’s selloff, with the November contract down 2.775 cents at 361.450 cents per pound and January down 3.600 cents at 357.425 cents per pound.

The U.S. announced plans to quadruple imports of beef from Argentina, which would lower domestic beef prices and cut into cattle prices. However, the government also announced measures to support domestic beef production, including making it easier to graze cattle on federally owned land.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported wholesale boxed beef prices were higher, with choice boxes up $2.49 at $373.14 per hundredweight and select boxes up $1.13 at $354.74/cwt.

The ongoing shutdown of the United States government will likely delay the publication of monthly cattle on feed data scheduled to come out on Friday. However, market expectations are for a decline in placements on the year.

Lean hog prices fell on increased slaughter numbers coupled with a seasonal slowdown in pork demand. The December contract was down 0.625 cents at 81.775 cents per pound.

The post U.S. livestock: Cattle futures mixed appeared first on Country Guide.

“The outlook is positive for both the livestock and feed industries,” wrote FCC senior economist Leigh Anderson in the Oct. 8 report.

There was regional variability, but Canadian forage production overall was expected to have declined on the year while the grain crop was larger, said the FCC report.

“Most cattle producers are adjusting to lower forage production by making use of feed alternatives,” said the report, adding that “an abundance of feed grain supplies and improving profitability in the livestock sector are expected to support strong feed demand and sales.

A forecast for a record-large corn crop in the United States was expected to keep feed prices low in Canada, keeping a lid on increases in hay prices.

Canadian commercial feed sales projected to increase

Canada’s livestock sector has faced years of tight feed supplies and high costs, with expensive feed grains hurting the profits for both producers and feed mills. In 2022, commercial feed sales hit a record C$11.7 billion due to rising grain and oilseed prices, said the FCC. Sales dipped in 2024 and are expected to reach $11.2 billion this year, with a projected rise to $11.9 billion by 2026.

However, the numbers depend heavily on feed grain prices and could be revised down if prices fall. Most of the feed sales growth is expected in Western Canada, driven by poultry expansion, while dairy and hog sectors are expected to stay stable or grow slowly. Commercial feed sales in the cattle sector will depend not only on overall feed demand, but also on the need for additives and supplements to improve the quality of lower-grade feed available on cow-calf and feedlot operations, said the FCC.

Expanding poultry sector is an area of growing feed demand

Broiler production is expected to rise sharply in the second half of the year, with recent quota allocations averaging over seven per cent above base, said the FCC report. However, bird flu remains a major risk. Egg layer production has also seen steady growth since last year, as Western Canada recovers from the impact of bird flu a year ago. As a result, the expanding poultry sector remains a growing area of opportunity for the feed sector, said the FCC.

Stable feed demand for dairy and hog sectors

Despite the dairy herd size remaining unchanged, milk production has increased, driven by strong demand for dairy products, said the FCC report. Marketing boards have responded by issuing additional quota and incentive days to boost supply, which has contributed to improved dairy profitability. Dairy feed demand is expected to remain stable. Meanwhile, Canada’s hog sector is showing signs of recovery after several challenging years. The national hog inventory dipped slightly to 13.8 million head as of July 1, but improvements in hog prices and lower feed costs could lead to modest herd growth next year. Continued gains in productivity with more piglets born per sow could also support herd growth in the coming year. As a result, feed demand from the hog sector could rise if herd sizes increase, said the FCC.

Strong cattle price and abundant feed supply supportive of herd rebuilding

Canada’s national beef herd increased for the first time since 2021 in the latest data as of July 1. A continuation of strong cattle prices and easing feed costs could encourage more herd rebuilding, said the FCC report.

In August, feedlot placements were 12.2 per cent lower than last year, and this trend will be important to monitor as the fall calf run ends. If feedlot placements continue to trend lower, it could point to increased heifer retention. While that may mean less feed demand at feedlots in the short term, it suggests more on-farm feeding now and potentially higher feed demand in the years ahead, said the FCC.

Feedlot margins remain tight, but cheaper feed grains are helping. With plenty of feed grains available and record cattle prices, feedlots have an incentive to continue feeding cattle to heavier weights to improve profitability, which could lead to improved feed grain demand, said the report.

The post Ample supplies and improved livestock sector to boost Canadian feed sector: FCC appeared first on Country Guide.

Alltech, the U.S.-based firm that has wholly owned Masterfeeds since 2015, announced Tuesday it will merge Masterfeeds’ 15 Canadian feed mills into a new North American animal feed business that also includes Alltech’s Hubbard Feeds and its 18 U.S. mills, plus ADM’s 11 U.S. mills.

“We’re evolving with purpose to offer an industry-leading range of products and solutions for livestock, equine, backyard and leisure animals,” Alltech and ADM said in a joint statement Tuesday.

The two companies expect to close the deal and formally launch the as-yet-unnamed joint venture sometime in the first quarter of the new year. No financial details were released Tuesday.

Alltech will be the majority owner of the new firm, which they said will be “governed by a board with equal representation from each parent company.”

The deal will not include any of ADM’s Canadian locations, nor its U.S. premix and additive businesses. The Reuters news service reported Tuesday the deal will also not include ADM’s mills in Mexico.

Nor will the deal include Alltech’s Ridley block and feed ingredient businesses or specialty ingredients business. All those business units, however, are expected to serve as suppliers to the joint venture.

Masterfeeds began in 1929 as Master Feeds, the commercial feed division of Toronto Elevators Ltd., which merged into Maple Leaf Mills in 1961. U.S. ag co-operative Ag Processing Inc. (AGP) took over Masterfeeds in a joint venture with ADM in 1991, then bought full control in 2001.

Alltech became a minority partner in Masterfeeds in 2015 when it bought control of feed firm Ridley Inc., then bought full control of Masterfeeds later that year.

Masterfeeds, headquartered at London, Ont., with a regional office in Winnipeg, also holds feed analysis firm Stratford Agri Analysis and the feed and tack retail chain Cowtown, which has four stores in Saskatchewan and one at Brandon, Man. Alltech hasn’t yet said whether those businesses go into the new joint venture.

The companies also didn’t say Tuesday whether the combination will involve any job cuts or site closures, but said the new j.v. “will offer an opportunity to align their complementary North American feed strengths, including the expertise of their teams, extensive manufacturing capabilities, deep experience in nutrition science, and well-recognized and respected existing product portfolios.”

The new business, they said, “is going to be able to offer even more: broader capabilities, more products, and new innovative solutions, all delivered with the relationships and service our customers have come to expect.”

Reuters, in its report Tuesday, noted ADM has been in cost-cutting mode since early this year and its nutrition business has fallen short of revenue targets.

“ADM has historically grown its animal feed business through acquisition, but the returns have not worked out so far,” Morningstar analyst Seth Goldstein told Reuters. “It makes sense for ADM to look for these kind of partnerships that could add value to its business.”

The post Masterfeeds to enter new ADM/Alltech feed joint venture appeared first on Country Guide.

Adopting a proactive approach to animal care is one of the most effective ways to minimize veterinary costs.

“Establishing animal health protocols and early intervention as a regular practice on your farm can not only enhance the health and well-being of livestock, but can help farmers manage a reasonable vet bill, too,” says Dr. Rob Swackhammer, veterinarian with Upper Grand Veterinary Services in Guelph, Ont. 

Swackhammer, who specializes in large animal veterinary care and focuses on fostering a preventative health approach with his clients, says, “The more systems we can put in place on the farm that promote good nutrition, reduce the stress of animal handling and minimize the risk of disease, the better off our animals and overall farm operation will be.” 

• RELATED: Veterinary know-how on the farm

As a farmer himself, Swackhammer has some practical advice for livestock management systems. These recommendations come from decades of personal and professional experience, combined with lessons his clients have learned first-hand.

Eight strategies for managing and preventing animal health issues on the farm

1. Animal nutrition: Managing the risk of any animal health concern starts with the right diet. Swackhammer recommends farmers consult their nutritionist to develop rations that provide proper nourishment and help farmers achieve their production goals in the most efficient and healthy way.

2. Vaccination and deworming programs: Establishing regular vaccination and deworming programs for livestock is a valuable investment in the animal health and welfare of a herd or flock. An effective program can also have an impact on livestock productivity and protect farm workers against the risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases and parasites.

Swackhammer recommends farmers consult with their veterinarian to develop a program and determine the right products, method of administration, timing and frequency. 

3. Proper handling facilities: “Sometimes the greatest obstacle to animal health is the inability to catch and restrain the animal for treatment,” says Swackhammer. Integrating proper animal handling facilities, such as a chute or locking head gate where animals can be safely restrained, not only reduces the stress on the animal but creates a safer working environment for farm workers. Swackhammer advises farmers to invest in equipment that fits their farm, noting the setup doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive, but it has to work when you need it. He recommends farmers consult with an animal handling equipment company or advisor if they need help creating a solution.

To reduce the stress on animals and farm workers in the face of an animal health emergency, Swackhammer also suggests running livestock through the handling system periodically to allow everyone — animals and employees — to become comfortable. He also points out that if a veterinarian is required, restraining the animal before the veterinarian arrives will make the visit more efficient and easier on the pocketbook.

4. Veterinary emergency kit: Having a livestock on-farm first aid kit is the best way to help farmers prepare for animal health issues. Swackhammer recommends stocking the kit with supplies that can be used in emergency situations that can’t wait an hour for the veterinarian to arrive and for general day-to-day concerns that could prevent a veterinarian visit. 

Farmers can easily create their own on-farm emergency kit with the help of their local veterinarian who can advise on specific items they should have on hand. These could include basic go-to tools, such as a thermometer, medical gloves, needles and syringes, along with anti-inflammatory medication and electrolytes.

“Being prepared with the proper tools on hand can help minimize an emergency, or at least prevent a bad situation from getting worse,” says Swackhammer. “Something as simple as having a thermometer to take an animal’s temperature can also help streamline a call to a vet and determine the right course of action.”

5. Build confidence and skills: Farmers who feel confident in their ability to handle animal health issues are better equipped to make informed decisions and provide necessary care on their own. Often, this confidence is built through experience, skill development and in collaboration with a local veterinarian. “Becoming comfortable with giving an animal an injection is a great first step,” says Swackhammer, who encourages farmers to pursue hands-on training opportunities and educational courses to build their skills.

6. Record-keeping: Maintaining accurate health records is essential, particularly when it comes to diagnosing and treating animals effectively. Having the information readily available to share with a veterinarian if a problem arises is also important. Key information that should be recorded includes the animal’s birth date or arrival on the farm, vaccination and deworming programs and treatment schedules, any past illnesses or treatments, and for mature females, the date of their most recent birth.

7. Quarantine area: Swackhammer reminds farmers that any new animal or group of animals arriving on the farm should be quarantined for two to four weeks in an isolated area away from other animals. “Animal quarantine requires a separate water source and no nose-to-nose contact with other animals,” he explains. Following a quarantine protocol decreases the risk of introducing unknown diseases into the existing herd and reduces a new animal’s stress, allowing it to adjust to its new surroundings.

An established quarantine pen can double as an isolation or health pen for other animals when they need to recover from treatment or illness. Swackhammer suggests quarantine and health pens be equipped with animal handling equipment to reduce hands-on interaction with the animal and make treating or processing animals easier.

8. Find a mentor: “One of the easiest and most effective ways farmers take charge of their herd health is through experience. And who has more experience than a fellow farmer?” says Swackhammer, who recommends farmers find a neighbour, retired farmer or informal mentor they can learn from to build their confidence and rely on for advice. He also points out that consulting with a mentor on animal health issues before they call their veterinarian could also save on the veterinary bill, too.

Proactive health management

Proactively implementing practical tips, such as being prepared with veterinary supplies on hand, having someone to call when you have a question or simply implementing an effective vaccination program, can go a long way to enhancing the overall health of a herd, improve productivity and support a farm’s bottom line.

“No matter the size of your operation, your own experience or what type of livestock you have, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to managing the health of your animals,” says Swackhammer. “Don’t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian to explore how you can collaborate more effectively and identify areas where you can confidently take the lead in managing animal health concerns.”

The post How to take charge of animal health on your farm appeared first on Country Guide.