Green grass means that pasture turnout is right around the corner. The to do list gets longer than the days do. Checking fence to remove any fallen trees, repairing stretched or broken wires; make sure the water system is operational, and the water itself is safe for the livestock to drink. It all happens before animals can be moved to their summer home.
Livestock identification means every animal has a unique identification number applied – on a cow calf operation that means an RFID ear tag, maybe a second ear tag with a visual number, and possibly a tattoo or a permanent brand. The use of an RFID reader can assist in identifying individual animals as they are loaded for transport and simplifies the completion of any required paperwork such as a livestock manifest and other producer records such as treatment logs or animal movement records.
Animal health procedures are an ongoing task and moving to a different location often provides an opportunity to carry out some of the protocols the producer has developed in consultation with their veterinarian. Vaccination, for diseases like blackleg and tetanus, Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV), Parainfluenza-3 virus (PI-3) and Mannheimia haemolytica (shipping fever) and Histophilus somni should be considered even for young calves. Vaccination status of the cows should also be evaluated and any required booster shots or additional vaccines given.
Internal parasite load should be considered and appropriate steps taken if required. Fly control via feed through products such as Altosid should begin prior to moving to pasture to minimize fly population accompanying the livestock and continue throughout the summer. If a feed through product is not going to be used, the flying insect management strategy should be determined and components such as oilers or back mops, readied at this time and insecticide should be on hand.
Pasture turnout is an exciting time of year – it means feeding season has ended and the calves are going to change rapidly. Reviewing your health protocols with your veterinarian is a great place to start. For additional information on preparing your livestock for going to pasture contact your local livestock and feed extension specialist, or call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.