By: Jennifer Pierce
The freezing weather could have potentially deadly consequences for Oklahoma ranchers and farmers. Cattle producers are used to working in all weather conditions, but said the extended cold stretch will take a toll on their livestock.
Oklahoma ranchers started preparing for the extreme weather last week. Agriculture experts said keeping cattle fed is the best way to keep them healthy and alive during the brutal cold snap.
The Tune family normally work around the clock at their northwest Oklahoma ranch, but this winter is presenting new challenges for them and ranchers across the state.
“This being for seven plus days or however long,” said Raegan Tune, Rancher. “That is a little out of our norm and stressful.”
Todd Johnson, OSU Agricultural Communications Services
Calves typically will stand, walk and nurse within an hour after birth. They quickly can be found hanging close to mom in the days and weeks following. Vet stresses the importance of reconizing each stage to parturition.
A review of the stages of parturition can help lessen anxieties of cow-calf operators and protect producer investment during the upcoming calving season, said Oklahoma State University Extension experts.
There are three stages to parturition. It is not unusual for stage one – the dilation of the cervix – to occur completely unnoticed, but stage two – delivery of the newborn – and stage three – shedding of the fetal membranes – may require assistance from the cattle producer.
Todd Johnson, OSU Agricultural Communications Services
Healthy calves represent future dollars to a cow-calf operation, helping to promote the sustainability of the farm or ranch enterprise. Management plan saves time, energy and money, while improving overall animal welfare.
Cattle producers with spring calving herds that have had diarrhea problems are encouraged to contact their large animal veterinarians now to plan management strategies, Oklahoma State University Extension experts recommend.
Commonly referred to as scours, calf diarrhea can be caused by factors such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, congenital conditions or nutrition. Many causes of scours are contagious, so scours can become a concern for the entire calf crop. A severe case can result in animal death.
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A little shelter can go a long way in protecting cattle exposed to the elements. Mesonet Cattle Comfort Advisor offers current, past and future weather conditions.
Blasts of cold winter weather interspersed with almost spring-like temperatures this time of year can be particularly stressful to cattle health and conditioning. The online Oklahoma Mesonet Cattle Comfort Advisor can help producers manage those challenges.
“Frequent shifts in the weather can lead to dysfunction of an animal’s immune system and can be devastating to a calf’s ability to overcome infections and other health challenges,” said Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, Oklahoma State University Extension veterinarian and director of continuing education for the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine.