Buying calves with signs of PEM. Field test 1 with Pics.
For those who have emailed or PM me asking for more information, so without beating a dead horse, here is a site that explains PEM in an easy to understand format.
Please note this was written in Mar. 2010. Since then there has been many more studies and further info has been learned.
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/news/livestock/2 ... -10-5.html
If you learn the symptoms of PEM you can avoid buying calves that have a compromised immune system which get sick easily and have a slow weight gain and may even die unexpectedly.
Field test 1.
Goal:
To show mortality rate and sickness rate of suspected PEM calves from bottle feed to 400 lbs.
Field test:
9 black Angus calves suspected of PEM were purchased as the study group
1black Angus calf which was not suspected of PEM was purchased as a control.
All calves were purchased at auction barn from unknown seller with unknown herd history.
All calves were raised together and feed the same milk replacer, hay, city water and feed.
All calves were kept on medicated milk replacer for 90 days and fed 17% protein calf starter feed.
All appeared the same in size and weight.
Results:
The control calf, had to have no medication administers and grew at a normal rate with a satisfactory weight gain.
Calf,s appearance now appears to be average and should sell at or above average price day of sale.
The study group has had to be medicated 4 times for respiratory problems, bloat, and suspected coccidiosis by a vet and was treated twice for the same.
Of the 9 study group, 3 died prior to weaning and 2 died shortly after weaning.
Of the remaining 4 study group calves:
they are varying sizes and smaller than the control calf.
None have had an expected weight gain
1 shows potbelly
1 appears undernourished or malnourish,
All 4 remaining control group calves appearance now appears to be below average and should sell at or below average price day of sale.
Pic of control animal.
Should sell by the lb.
Pics of test animals. May or may not sell by the lb.
All 5 calves will go to sale barn on Tuesday and I will report the sale prices.
Make of what you will of this field test.
Liz
For those who have emailed or PM me asking for more information, so without beating a dead horse, here is a site that explains PEM in an easy to understand format.
Please note this was written in Mar. 2010. Since then there has been many more studies and further info has been learned.
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/news/livestock/2 ... -10-5.html
If you learn the symptoms of PEM you can avoid buying calves that have a compromised immune system which get sick easily and have a slow weight gain and may even die unexpectedly.
Field test 1.
Goal:
To show mortality rate and sickness rate of suspected PEM calves from bottle feed to 400 lbs.
Field test:
9 black Angus calves suspected of PEM were purchased as the study group
1black Angus calf which was not suspected of PEM was purchased as a control.
All calves were purchased at auction barn from unknown seller with unknown herd history.
All calves were raised together and feed the same milk replacer, hay, city water and feed.
All calves were kept on medicated milk replacer for 90 days and fed 17% protein calf starter feed.
All appeared the same in size and weight.
Results:
The control calf, had to have no medication administers and grew at a normal rate with a satisfactory weight gain.
Calf,s appearance now appears to be average and should sell at or above average price day of sale.
The study group has had to be medicated 4 times for respiratory problems, bloat, and suspected coccidiosis by a vet and was treated twice for the same.
Of the 9 study group, 3 died prior to weaning and 2 died shortly after weaning.
Of the remaining 4 study group calves:
they are varying sizes and smaller than the control calf.
None have had an expected weight gain
1 shows potbelly
1 appears undernourished or malnourish,
All 4 remaining control group calves appearance now appears to be below average and should sell at or below average price day of sale.
Pic of control animal.
Should sell by the lb.
Pics of test animals. May or may not sell by the lb.
All 5 calves will go to sale barn on Tuesday and I will report the sale prices.
Make of what you will of this field test.
Liz
