With the extreme drought situation this last year, we are still suffering from the repercussions. The hills are starting to look better with the much needed moisture, and the cattle pulled through well considering the circumstances.
The grass is late this year, and with our late calving season that growth is vital. It has caused us to hold cattle longer where there is grass (ie. the couple pivots around the house and feed yard). We are getting some sickness this year when we move to new pastures. In our case we are moving groups a couple times a week. With groups spread out, I split up the pasture checking by alternating days, but most mornings it’s nothing for me to drive 30-50 miles on the ATV looking through cattle. I understand how a lot of readers have a horse/ATV opinion, in my case, the Mexican Donkey can’t travel that ground so I’ve turned into a one woman ATV doctoring machine.
Animal health is a huge pride issue for me. Not only do I want to ensure that I’m doing everything possible for the animal, but I want to follow the proper procedures in terms of BQA protocol, my veterinarian’s advice, and common sense.
I’m seeing resistance to certain antibiotics use this year. Chalk it up to drought or different strains, but it has proved to be a challenge. Talking with my awesome veterinarian, we aren’t the only ones.
The G-8 science ministers met for the first time in five years this last week. Antibiotic use was one of the top issues. There’s an interesting article on the discussion at:
http://www.globalmeatnews.com/Industry-Markets/G8-science-ministers-discuss-antibiotic-resistance
One great thing that has come out of this…is comic relief. Ryan helped me doctor calves this last weekend, it was great to have his help. After ending up on the bottom twice, he started to really get the hang of it. My biggest challenge was to not let go of the rope while laughing. When the sweat was dripping off his face, he did tell me he was very impressed. Since the calf size is getting a little larger, I’m having to rope them off of the ATV, piggin string them, vaccinate and give electrolytes? It kicks my butt when I’m by myself, which is the majority of the time, but I haven’t failed yet. Thank God the neighbors are far enough away they can’t see my butt being dragged across the pasture, and yes, there is such a thing as grass burn.
Yesterday morning I finally called our ATV dealer.
“Dave this is Jaclyn, is there any way we can modify the throttle to the left side?”
He chuckled…
“Roping huh?”