A rough spring for cow herds

[betsy freese]

Is anyone seeing problems with grass tetany? How about sick calves? My husband, a vet in Iowa, says this is the worst spring calving season he's seen. Here is more info: http://www.livingthecountrylife.com/blogs/betsys-backyard/2013/04/22/rough-spring-cattle/

[Jim Meade / Iowa City]

Is this sometimes known as milk fever?

[betsy freese]

No, that is reduced blood calcium levels from heavy milking the first few days. 

[dairy mom]

My husband has heard from a couple of guys around here that they have been losing calves.  Probably more weather related with all the up and down crazy weather we've had.  Nothing said about losing, or sick cows.  But then we were lucky right in our area that we weren't hit with drought conditions last year.

[cowfarmer]

Have had one of the tougher calving seasons I can remember. Most of our problems are weather related. Calves are lethargic and weak, we need a straight week of good sunny weather.

[k-289]

Going to grass tomorrow with the first 20 hfr. pairs ---

[buckfarmer]

We're they in a feed lot?

[k-289]

NO on the feedlot -

[Artifice]

NE PA SE NY, minor area in terms of #s, but things look verty good, cool April,

nothing else. Grasses are behind but   summer usually comes,

sun fed beef is how they mkt here these days!!