Featured Article:

Lameness in Cattle: Rules of Thumb
by David C. Van Metre, DVM, DACVIM

Lameness remains a major cause of disease and economic loss in dairy, cow-calf, and feedlot operations.  The impact of lameness on fertility, productivity, and farm economics has been well documented.  The majority (88-92%) of lameness in cattle involves the structures of the foot; specifically, one or both of the component digits of the bovine foot located below the level of the fetlock (ankle).  Sole ulcers, white line disease (defects in the sole at the junction with the vertical hoof walls), and interdigital footrot are the most common foot disorders that create lameness in cattle.

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Beef Briefs:

What will be required of Cow-Calf Producers under the Country of Origin Labeling Rules this September?

By Jack C. Whittier, Colorado State University
May, 2008

The title of this article asks a question that is not yet totally answered.  However, the answer is beginning to be clearer and soon may be finalized.  As you likely know, in 2002, the US Congress passed a law requiring certain “covered commodities” to be verified and labeled as to their county of origin.  The acronym used commonly for this law is COOL, denoting County of Orgin Labeling.  Final rules for COOL will be written following final passage of the 2007 Farm Bill which has passed the Senate and House Conference Committee and will likely be sent to the President’s desk soon.  If the President signs the Farm Bill, final rules will then be written.  As of now, the following definitions and requirements are likely to become rules.  Let’s examine some of these as they apply to cow-calf producers in Colorado:

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