REDFIELD, Iowa (DTN) -- Keeping cattle healthy, identifying health issues early, and understanding the treatments available are the foundation of good production at Cross Cattle Company's large-scale commercial cow herd.

The Cross Family owns Cross Cattle Company in Claresholm, Alberta, Canada, and is participating in DTN's View From the Range series, where DTN will follow a year at the ranch to give readers an inside look at how the ranch operates and cares for its animals.

This segment of the series focuses on vaccination and health protocols as well as what the family must look for in their area for animal health concerns.

"We have our cattle on pasture most of the year, which we think helps with the health of the animals, but there are still issues that arise," said Austin Cross, who runs the operation with his brother Malcolm. "Sick cattle don't make money, so we want to keep them as healthy as we can."

Also having a trusted veterinarian who has the knowledge of new and better treatments when a health concern does arise is important to the Crosses.

PREVENTION STARTS EARLY

Very little is done to the calves at birth, but at branding time calves are given vaccines to prevent respiratory diseases and other pathogens. Calves are given a booster at weaning time as well as one 45 days post-weaning.

At weaning, the calves are also given a maternal bovine appeasing substance called FerAppease. Cross said he started using the product a couple of years ago to lower stress on calves at weaning, and it has made a big difference in his cattle. "Our calves went from bawling at weaning for four or five days to only bawling for one or two days," he explained. "We also are seeing better effectiveness of vaccines because of the lower stress. The calves go on feed faster too."

Cross said with cattle being worth so much, there is very little room for error. They would rather prevent stress and improve animal husbandry to ensure their calves are staying healthy. They look at this addition as an investment in health and prevention.

Sick cattle mean more labor, which is something they don't have a lot of extra of throughout the year. Spot treating still can be needed on a case-by-case basis, but Cross said it seems to be less than in the past, and their veterinarian will help find the best course of action for each case.

STAYING VIGILANT ON THE RANGE

"We do have ground that has run cattle forever and are close to other operations, so we have to be proactive with animal health, especially if we hear a neighbor has an issue," he added. "Being aware of what is going on in your pastures can help prevent problems. It may take moving pairs to a different pasture or providing dry bedding for them to rest on."

If there is a problem with scours or pinkeye in a certain pasture, the Crosses will keep cattle off of that pasture for 60 days in hopes that the pathogen load will be reduced.

Cows are vaccinated in the fall with the intention that those vaccines will help with calf immunity at birth. Bulls are vaccinated twice per year to prevent any problems as they are doing extra work of breeding many cows throughout the year.

Proper nutrition also prevents health problems. High-quality mineral is provided all year to cows. Grass samples are taken to determine any nutrients that may be lacking. Calves are also fed creep feed to give them an extra boost while on the cow.

Wildlife is plentiful on the Alberta ranch and tuberculosis can be a concern. Communication among area ranches helps when a problem arises. "Tuberculosis can be scary with how it can spread quickly," Cross explained. "It's especially a concern when we have the genetics we want in our cow herd and don't want to lose those legacy genetics. I don't think they could easily be replicated. So, animal health is very important for many reasons."

Having a good animal health plan in place will help prevent problems in a cow herd. Cross said being organized to mitigate all the stressors that could come forward and knowing your cow herd can help keep cattle healthy and a cattle operation around for many years to come.

Editor's Note: To see previous stories in this series, go to:

"Alberta's Cross Family Will Offer Canadian View From the Range for DTN," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

"From Calgary Stampede Co-Founder to Modern Ranch: Inside Cross Cattle Company's 140-Year Angus Legacy," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

"Alberta Ranch Builds Herd to Thrive in Rugged Terrain," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

"Wintery Spring Storms Test Alberta Ranchers During Calving Season," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

"Alberta Ranchers Rely on 40-Year Seedstock Partnership," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

"Alberta Ranchers Balance Homegrown Hay and Purchased Feed to Stretch Grazing Season," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @JennCattleGal

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