By Scout Nelson
After recent strong storms caused damage across the region, farmers and ranchers are urged to clear debris from pastures, hay fields, and cropland to protect their animals. High winds have scattered building materials, including insulation, metal, and wood, across fields where livestock graze.
Cattle, especially calves, are naturally curious and may explore debris with their mouths. If they swallow harmful materials, it can lead to serious health problems. One concern is hardware disease, which happens when sharp metal objects like nails or wire are swallowed and get stuck in the cow's stomach. This can lead to infections in the chest or belly, and in some cases, even damage the heart.
Debris can also be picked up during baling, making it hard to detect right away. This may delay the appearance of symptoms for weeks. To help prevent internal injuries, Dr. Jake Galbreath suggests that farmers consider giving rumen magnets to cows in the fall. These magnets help trap metal before it causes harm.
Other types of injuries can include cuts or punctures from sharp pieces of metal, wood, or nails. Foot injuries from stepping on a metal siding may cause deep infections or joint damage. Some injuries may need treatment from a veterinarian.
If an animal shows sudden lameness, and it doesn't get better within a day, it should be checked by a veterinarian. It’s important to safely restrain the animal and check all four feet for nails or wires.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix
Categories: North Dakota, General, Livestock, Dairy Cattle