What happens at a general wellness exam for my herd?
At a general wellness exam, it allows me to get a feeling of how the herd functions, what medications the farmer keeps on hand, and look at the herd on a generalized basis to see if there's any struggling animals or if anything needs to be changed.
Will you examine my cow's feet during a wellness exam?
During a wellness exam, I don't look at the feet individually on each cow, but I examine them in the large herd to see if there's any redness, swelling, or limping in the cattle.
How often should cattle receive wellness exams?
Cattle should receive a wellness exam at least once a year to ensure they are functioning to their full potential and that no changes are needed.
What are the main vaccinations my cattle herd should have?
The minimum recommended vaccine is the CDT vaccine, which includes Clostridium perfringens and tetanus. This vaccine helps prevent toxin buildup from overeating on lush grass. Another option is Covexin 8, which covers more Clostridium bacteria like Trovii, Hemolyticum, and Septicum, helping to prevent diseases like blackleg. For respiratory vaccines, we recommend either Cattlemaster or Bovashield, depending on your herd type.
What is a normal body temperature of a cow?
The normal body temperature for a cow is around 102 degrees but can fluctuate up to 103 based on the environmental temperature.
What is the normal weight of a grown cow?
The normal weight for a grown cow is around 1,200 pounds, but it depends on the breed of cow.
What is the normal heart rate for a cow?
The normal heart rate for a cow is around 50 to 80 beats per minute, depending on whether they're lying down or moving around.
How long does a cow live?
Cattle can live up to 15 years, although on average, most cattle live 8 to 10 years.
Are most cows female?
The term "cow" specifically refers to females. In terms of cattle, it is usually a 50-50 split between males and females. Bulls are male cattle that are intact, while steers are castrated males.
How much exercise does a cow need?
Cattle usually don't need much exercise. As long as they have a nice field to roam in, they will get plenty of exercise on their own.
What should the main diet be for cows?
The main diet for cattle is roughage, which can be pasture or mixed grass hay provided to them.
Do cows and calves have different diets?
Cows and calves have different diets. Calves need more protein and energy to support their rapid growth, while cows require less energy when they are not actively growing or producing.
How many stomachs does a cow have?
A cow has one stomach, but it has four chambers: the reticulum, the rumen, the omasum, and the abomasum, which are all connected to function as one stomach.
Do all cows have horns?
Not all cows have horns. Through selective breeding, cattle can be polled, meaning they are born without horns.
If I add a cattle to my herd, should it be isolated and examined first?
It is recommended to quarantine any new cattle to a farm for at least 30 to 60 days to prevent the introduction of illnesses to your existing herd and ensure the new cattle are healthy.
How would I know if my cow is sick?
A sick cow will often segregate itself and carry its head low with drooping ears. Other symptoms may include nasal discharge or coughing.
What do I do if my cow is limping?
If your cow is limping, call a veterinarian or a professional hoof trimmer. The cow may need a hoof trim, or it could have foot rot or a hoof abscess that requires treatment.
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