Addressing The Elephant in the Pasture: Confronting Death Loss

The Elephant in the Pasture: Confronting Death Loss on the Farm

In the world of farming, the adage “If you have livestock, at some point you'll have dead stock” holds a sobering truth. Addressing death loss in Highland cattle is undeniably challenging, yet it's a reality that every producers must face. By confronting this difficult topic, we empower ourselves with knowledge, enabling better decision-making and continuous improvement in our animal welfare practices. This blog takes a deep dive into the complexities of death loss offering insights, strategies, and support for navigating these tough situations.

_________________________________________________________________

Understanding the Inevitability of Death Loss

Death loss, or mortality, is an inherent aspect of raising Highland. Despite the best care and management, various factors can lead to the loss of animals. Acknowledging this inevitability is the first step toward developing effective strategies to Mitigate and Manage these losses. While it is HARD to think about, much less DISCUSS openly, facing this truth allows us to plan PROactively, Learn from each incident, and Refine our practices.

We must accept that mortality is part of the cycle of life whether novices or seasoned experts, and work to minimize its impact. This requires emotional resilience and a commitment to continual learning. Every loss, painful as it is, carries a lesson—a chance to Improve our Knowledge and Our Practices.

_________________________________________________________________

 

Common Causes of Death Loss in Highland Cattle

Understanding the primary causes of Highland cattle mortality is essential for prevention. According to research and industry data, the leading causes of death loss in Highland cattle include:

• Respiratory Issues: Respiratory diseases such as Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD, groups together different diseases affecting the respiratory system of cattle, such as bronchopneumonia) are among the most common causes of death, particularly in calves and young Highland cattle. BRD is a complex condition often referred to as a "disease complex" because it typically results from the interplay of several factors, including viral infections (such as Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis and Bovine Viral Diarrhea), bacterial pathogens (like Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida), stressors, and environmental conditions. Stress from transportation, overcrowding, and weather fluctuations often exacerbates these conditions (United States Department of Agriculture, 2015).
  
  
• Digestive Disorders: Conditions like bloat, acidosis, and hardware disease can rapidly become fatal if left untreated. These issues often stem from diet imbalances or the ingestion of foreign objects (MSD Veterinary Manual, n.d.). Additionally, Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) is another significant digestive-related condition. BVD can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues, immune suppression, and even reproductive complications. It is caused by the Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), which can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Preventative measures such as vaccinations and strict biosecurity protocols are essential to control BVD (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, n.d.).
  
  
• Calving Complications: Dystocia, or difficult birth, can lead to the loss of both cow and calf. Proper monitoring during calving and prompt intervention can mitigate these risks (United States Department of Agriculture, 2015).
  
  
• Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients, especially during critical growth or gestation periods, can weaken Highland cattle and make them susceptible to illness or death (MSD Veterinary Manual, n.d.).
  
  
• Environmental Hazards: Extreme weather, accidents, and predator attacks also account for a significant portion of Highland cattle deaths (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, n.d.).
  
  
• Age and Chronic Conditions: Older Highland cattle are more prone to chronic illnesses and natural decline, making age-related mortality a common occurrence in long-term herd management (United States Department of Agriculture, 2015).

_________________________________________________________________

Best Practices for Preventing Death Loss

While death loss cannot be entirely eliminated, there are several steps producers can take to reduce its likelihood:

Health Monitoring

Implement regular health checks to identify early signs of illness. Observing Highland cattle behavior, appetite, and physical condition Daily allows for early intervention when issues arise (MSD Veterinary Manual, n.d.).

Vaccination and Parasite Control

A comprehensive vaccination program tailored to regional disease risks is vital. Equally important is maintaining an effective deworming and parasite management schedule to keep Highland cattle healthy (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, n.d.).

Optimal Nutrition

Balanced diets, including adequate forage, minerals, and supplements, are crucial for maintaining Highland cattle health. Work with a livestock nutritionist to design a program suited to your herd’s needs (MSD Veterinary Manual, n.d.).

Biosecurity Measures

Limit herd exposure to outside animals, maintain clean facilities, and quarantine new or returning animals to reduce disease transmission a minium of 30 days with NO nose to nose contact.  (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, n.d.).

Calving Management

Prepare for calving with appropriate facilities and supplies. Be ready to assist or call for veterinary help if complications arise. Calf mortality can often be reduced with vigilant observation and swift action. Remember a calf should be on the Ground within an hour of seeing hooves.  (United States Department of Agriculture, 2015).

Weather and Environment Management

Provide adequate shelter and water access during extreme weather conditions. Remove environmental hazards, such as toxic plants, debris, or unsecured fencing (Oklahoma State University Extension, n.d.).

_________________________________________________________________

Handling Death Loss

When a death occurs, how you respond can make a significant difference in protecting the rest of the herd and learning from the incident:

• Immediate Removal: Promptly remove the carcass to prevent disease spread and deter scavengers (Oklahoma State University Extension, n.d.).
  
  
• Proper Disposal: Follow local regulations for carcass disposal. Options may include burial, composting, or rendering. Proper handling minimizes environmental and biosecurity risks (Oklahoma State University Extension, n.d.).
  
  
• Conduct a Necropsy: A post-mortem examination can provide valuable information about the cause of death. This insight is crucial for preventing similar losses in the future. Reach out to your local veterinarian for resources. A local Veterinary medicine university is also a great resource. This is often where the most valuable information as to the cause and future prevention will be given. 

• Document the Incident: Maintain detailed records of death loss, including potential causes, circumstances, and any actions taken. These records are invaluable for herd health analysis and management adjustments (MSD Veterinary Manual, n.d.).
  
  

_______________________________________________________

Learning from Losses

Each death loss presents an opportunity for growth and improvement. By analyzing incidents and seeking Expert input, you can:

• Identify Trends: Review records to pinpoint recurring issues or vulnerabilities in your management system (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, n.d.).
  
  
• Update Protocols: Adjust practices based on lessons learned. This might involve changes in nutrition, calving assistance, or vaccination schedules (United States Department of Agriculture, 2015).
  
  
• Engage with Experts: Collaborate with veterinarians, nutritionists, and other professionals to refine your approach to herd health (MSD Veterinary Manual, n.d.).
  
  
• Educate and Share: Sharing experiences with fellow Highland cattle farmers fosters a culture of learning and support within the agricultural community (Oklahoma State University Extension, n.d.).
  
  

_______________________________________________________

Conclusion

Discussing death loss in raising Highland is undoubtedly Hard, but it is a conversation that MUST be had. By embracing the uncomfortable realities of livestock farming, we open the door to Knowledge, Growth, and Continuous Improvement. Every challenge faced in farming—even the painful ones—is an OPPORTUNITY  to learn and DO better. Knowledge is power, and with it, we can ensure healthier herds, more resilient farmers, and a brighter future for agriculture.

Educate yourself, Seek out reliable resources, Ask for help and Never stop learning. The work we do as steward of these Majestic Highland matters deeply, not just for the animals we care for but for the people and communities we serve.

_______________________________________________________

References

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). Best management practices for biosecurity in cattle herds. Retrieved from https://www.vet.cornell.edu

MSD Veterinary Manual. (n.d.). Preventative health care and husbandry of beef cattle. Retrieved from https://www.msdvetmanual.com

Oklahoma State University Extension. (n.d.). Livestock mortality management. Retrieved from https://extension.okstate.edu

United States Department of Agriculture. (2015). Death loss in U.S. cattle and calves due to nonpredator causes, 2015. National Animal Health Monitoring System. Retrieved from https://www.aphis.usda.gov