All episodes

The first hours of a calf’s life are critical, especially following a difficult birth. In this episode, host Dr. Tim Nickel is joined by Dr. Claire Windeyer, consultant for Acer Consulting, to explore how dystocia affects calf health and what steps producers can take to help the calf get off to a good start. From assessing calf vitality to ensuring successful colostrum intake, this episode provides practical guidance to give every newborn calf the best possible start. || Les premières heures de la vie d’un veau sont cruciales, surtout après un vêlage difficile. Dans cet épisode, le Dr Tim Nickel...

After a difficult calving, attention often shifts to the calf, but the cow’s recovery is just as critical. In this episode, host Dr. Tim Nickel is joined by Dr. Jennifer Pearson, Assistant Professor at Oregon State University, to focus on the health, productivity, and fertility of the dam following dystocia. They discuss common post-calving complications, practical monitoring strategies, and how management decisions can influence long-term outcomes for both dairy and beef operations. || Après un vêlage difficile, l’attention se porte souvent sur le veau, mais le rétablissement de la vache est tout aussi important. Dans cet épisode, Dr Tim Nickel...

Even the best vaccine can fail if it is not handled properly. In the final episode of this three-part series, Heather Hargrave and Dr. Tim Nickel, DVM, focus on the practical aspects of vaccine handling, storage, and administration. Using clear, relatable examples, Dr. Nickel outlines best practices for maintaining vaccine integrity, including proper refrigeration, temperature monitoring, handling vaccines at the chute, and caring for syringes. These tips help producers protect both animal health and their vaccination investment. || Même le meilleur vaccin peut échouer s’il n’est pas manipulé ou administré de manière appropriée. Dans le dernier épisode de cette série...

Difficult calvings, known as dystocia, can significantly affect both calf survival and cow health. However, with proper preparation and informed decision-making, many of these challenges can be managed successfully. In this episode, host Dr. Tim Nickel, welcomes Dr. Jen Pearson, Assistant Professor at Oregon State University, to discuss the essentials of difficult calving. They define dystocia, highlight key risk factors for dystocia, and share practical strategies for recognizing when intervention is necessary and the best way to respond. || Un vêlage difficile, appelé dystocie, peut avoir un gros impact sur la survie du veau et la santé de la vache....

Which diseases should cattle be vaccinated for and when is the right time to do it? In part two of a discussion on vaccines and vaccination, Heather Hargrave continues the conversation with Dr. Tim Nickel, DVM, focusing on disease risk and building vaccine protocols for your herd. They explore core and optional vaccines for beef and dairy herds, explain how disease pressure shifts throughout the production cycle, and introduce a practical “gold, silver, bronze” framework to help producers balance ideal protocols with practicalities. || Contre quelles maladies vos bovins devraient-ils être vaccinés et quel est le meilleur moment pour le...

What defines an effective calf oral electrolyte solution, and when should producers reach for one? Host Nathalie Hilborn, PhD, welcomes Dr. Phil Meadows, DVM, Technical Services Veterinarian at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada. Together, they dive into the important roles oral electrolyte solutions play in calf health, including hydration, buffering, and gut support. With Phil’s unique perspective as both a former dairy producer and a veterinarian, the conversation spotlights how Diakur® Plus is formulated to support calf health and what distinguishes it from conventional electrolyte products.

Qu’est-ce qui caractérise une solution orale d’électrolytes efficace pour les veaux, et quand les producteurs devraient-ils l’utiliser? Nathalie Hilborn, PhD, reçoit la Dre Anne-Claire Brisville, DMV, vétérinaire en services techniques chez Boehringer Ingelheim Santé Animale Canada. Ensemble, elles explorent le rôle essentiel des solutions orales d’électrolytes pour la santé des veaux, notamment l’hydratation, un système à agents tampons optimisé et le soutien de la santé intestinale. Avec sa spécialité en médecine interne chez les bovins, Anne-Claire nous explique comment Diakur® Plus est formulé pour favoriser la santé des veaux et ce qui le distingue des électrolytes classiques.

Vaccines are a cornerstone of herd health and disease protection. In the first episode of this three-part discussion on vaccines and vaccination, host Heather Hargrave welcomes Dr. Tim Nickel, DVM, to break down the fundamentals of vaccines and vaccination. They clarify the difference between vaccination and immunization, explain how an animal’s immune system responds to vaccines, and discuss why stress, nutrition, and timing are crucial for vaccine effectiveness.

Les vaccins sont une pierre angulaire de la santé du troupeau et de la prévention des maladies. Dans ce premier épisode d’une série de trois discussions sur les vaccins et la vaccination,...

How can Canadian beef and dairy producers contribute to the fight against antimicrobial resistance? In this episode, host Dr. Phil Meadows, DVM, chats with Dr. Jan Sargeant, DVM, a Professor Emerita at the University of Guelph and a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS). Together, they dive into key findings from a recent CAHS report, examining the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, its impact on human health, and how farm-level strategic interventions can make a significant difference. || Comment les producteurs canadiens de bovins laitiers ou de boucherie peuvent-ils contribuer à la lutte contre la résistance aux...

Dry cow management is not about taking a break - it's about building a strong foundation for the next lactation. In this episode, Heather Hargrave chats with Dr. Phil Meadows about the essential components of dry period management, from nutrition to housing to minimizing social stress. Learn why attention to detail during the dry period is critical for fresh cow health, milk production, and long-term herd success. || La gestion des vaches taries est loin d’être une pause - elle vise à établir une base solide en vue de la prochaine lactation. Dans cet épisode, Heather Hargrave s’entretient avec le...