CALF_News_April_May_2018

24 CALF News • April | May 2018 • www.calfnews.net T he Merriam-Webster Diction- ary defines holistic as “relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts.” This mindset has blossomed in agri- cultural circles during the past several years. For example, progressive ranchers have learned to treat their pastures as one environmen- tal system, tying grasses and cattle together with benefi- cial insects, water systems and wildlife. Likewise, cattle also are now being seen in the same light. This article was written with input from Richard Linhart, DVM, DACT. He is employed by Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) Animal Health and is a cattle repro- duction specialist. Many thanks go to Dr. Linhart for his patient interview time with me at the recent Cattle Industry Convention. A new educational program Linhart explained BI’s recent launch of a new program, Cattle First. It’s a holistic-based approach to raising bovines (or any livestock) that reaches beyond medical procedures or chuteside protocol. To simplify, what do most of us do when faced with any everyday prob- lems accosting, annoying or irritating us royally? We stop and remind ourselves to do what’s best for our livestock. That’s not only good business, but a responsibility. Launched in early 2018, the Cattle First program is the newest on BI’s Taking a HOLISTIC Approach By Patti Wilson Contributing Editor educational agenda. It draws together stewardship, stockmanship, product use and preventative health care. Linhart was quick to point out that this is what live- stock producers have always been doing, but today’s technological advances, governmental regulations and social media require that we all stay up-to-date on the most recent and important ideas and issues. New methods of education ensure that anyone who falls back on cattle management really has no excuse for failing. Prevent rather than treat Boehringer Ingelheim’s goal is to sell solutions and prevention rather than antibiotics. The first and most progres- sive factor to gaining success in any live- stock operation is preventive medicine. Correct vaccinations lead to less sickness and less antibiotic use. Not only is it beneficial for the cattle and a financial gain to cattlemen, the advantage is even- tually passed down to the urban beef consumer, resulting in a better percep- tion of our abilities as food producers. Linhart explained that the concept of “consumer” also runs from semen companies clear down through cow- calf producers, backgrounders, feedlots, packers and purchasers of meat. We are all, in some way, consumers of one another’s product, making us all connected. Many other facets Low-stress cattle han- dling, adequate bunk space, proper nutrition and appropriate administration of health products are key to the Cattle First program. Linhart’s a teacher, or a consultant who sees the customer as everyone along the supply line. But he needs a team to carry out the program. BI salespeople set up appointments at various cattle operations. They are trained consultants who do walk throughs and visit with folks about management practices. According to Linhart, they may carry tape measures and count cattle to determine if there’s adequate bunk space. Asked if some people find this intrusive, he said no.“By A timely, correct vaccination program is the most dependable guarantee to ensure calves travel through life healthy and profitable. Low-stress cattle handling, adequate bunk space, proper nutrition and appropriate administration of health products are key to the Cattle First program.