Any Suspects?

Friday, May/27/11

Today we went out with Dr. Schwarck again to follow up on our caudal fold tuberculin injections we gave on Tuesday. At the small property in LeRoy, we did find one suspect. Dr. Schwarck was having us update the PDA for the information to go into USAHerds if the cow was negative/suspect etc.  The term “suspect” is used when we return 3 days after the test and see a lump at the injection site. Once this is discovered, blood is drawn for the lab to run an Interferon-gamma test. The test is not well developed, but it’s the best thing there is as of now. If the test turns out as a positive gamma test, then the animal is labeled as a reactor in herd and is usually removed from the herd. For now, the animals on the property are quarantined until we finalize their status. It is known to have “suspects” and have interferon-gamma tests come back negative. Like I said…wish we had a better test, as do producers.

After that, we went to the next farm with the crazy cows and bull and determined they were all negative. However, they had to be round up out of the pasture, again, and the dog wasn't having the best luck this time. All these cows (crossed with the muscly Italian Chianina) were surrounded by their calves and were extremely protective. You can see in the picture that one mama would not leave her calf who was stuck outside of the hot wire. So, we had to go around and get it before she would follow the rest of the herd. It was interesting to see the relationship between the two when you're used to seeing a dairy atmosphere where the calf is separated fairly quickly. 

 I think earlier in the week I hurt my back lifting the gates and taking them off the trailer, so I was in some pain, but not too bad. Regardless, it was fun and I’m excited to go out with Dr. Schwarck in June for a feedlot testing.