One of the impacts of the recent wildfire in Texas and western Oklahoma is the reality that some surviving heavily pregnant cows may have injuries that prevent them from feeding their calves following birth.
Rosslyn Biggs, a veterinarian and Oklahoma State University Extension beef cattle specialist, and Dana Zook, OSU Extension west district livestock specialist, advise producers facing this situation to obtain a high-quality source of colostrum to ensure calves receive an immunity boost soon after birth. Milking the cow or maintaining a supply of frozen colostrum are the best options for…