Collison Embryo & Veterinary Services

06/12/2024

Very good information for the heat to come!

05/28/2024

🇺🇸 Happy Memorial Day 🇺🇸

While we hope that each and everyone of you had a wonderful Monday and Memorial Day, we also hope that you had time to step back and be forever grateful. The price of freedom is not to be taken lightly.

Thank you to all our past and present men and women that have or currently serve this wonderful country🇺🇸

05/23/2024

If you missed our Bull Bash, make sure you call to get on our books to get your bulls checked before turn out!

Have you completed your breeding soundness exam for your upcoming breeding season? How did they go?

If this task is still on your list, call your veterinarian today to make an appointment. Although there is an associated cost, this simple evaluation is cheap insurance when the cow herd’s reproductive success is on the line.

The BSE process has a few components:
1️⃣ Physical exam: includes checking eyes, feet and legs, and a general health exam.
2️⃣ Reproductive system exam: includes scrotal measurement and evaluating reproductive organs for abnormalities and injuries
3️⃣ Semen evaluation: observes the health and viability of s***m including motility and morphology.
4️⃣ Some optional components include testing for diseases like trichomoniasis, and completing regular health maintenance tasks like vaccine boosters and parasite control.

It takes ~60 days for a mature s***m to be produced. A failed bull tested early may pass if tested again prior to turnout. Complete BSE’s at least 30-60 days prior to turnout so that a plan B can be effectively executed if multiple sires fail their exam.

05/12/2024

We are huge believers in the importance of a good mineral program. The concept-aid line is one we are consistently recommending. Contact us for your VitaFerm needs!

Breeding season for spring-calving cow herds is just around the corner!

Vitaferm® Concept•Aid®is a line of vitamin and mineral supplements for beef cattle formulated to promote effective, easy breeding when fed 60 days pre-calving through 60 days post-breeding.

High concentrations of vitamin E and organic trace minerals, coupled BioZyme's research-proven prebiotic Amaferm®, supports quick repair of the reproductive tract and more energy for reproductive success.

Additionally, enhanced digestion leads to healthier and heavier calves giving you performance that pays.

🔎Learn more about Concept-Aid: https://bit.ly/3J0f2Sh
📍 Find your closest dealer: https://bit.ly/3voiiE4

05/07/2024

Very exciting to see these girls we AIed last year starting to calve!!

FIRST CALF ON THE GROUND!!!!!

Out of our cow W826 (Duramax daughter) sired by Popeye!!!!

Its a heifer!

Thank you to Collison Embryo & Veterinary Services for AIing some of our girls!!!!

05/07/2024

✨Be sure to check out the JIMGA Fire-Up camp! ✨
Our very own Autumn Burke will be speaking there and sharing her wealth of knowledge on goat reproduction! Autumn has been a great addition to our team.

Junior Iowa Meat Goat Association

Register below until Friday ⬇️

https://showman.app/shows #/2024-jimga-fire-up-camp-imga-spring-show-531d/

Introducing our JIMGA Fire-Up Camp Goat Reproductive representative, Autumn Burke!!

Autumn started working at Collison Embryo right after receiving her Master’s degree in Assisted Reproductive Technologies! She now works as their embryologist in Rockwell City. Autumn focuses on cattle and small ruminant reproduction as she helps in the process of artificial insemination, flushing as well as embryo transfers in goats. She’s excited to share her knowledge of the reproductive system and educate the youth of the livestock industry!

04/24/2024

Very good information on vaccinating cattle. Contact us for all your grass turnout needs!

May is a popular grass turnout month in this region and often spring shots are administered. Here are a few chute-side reminders to ensure an effective vaccination protocol.

1️⃣ Maintain equipment:
➡️ Clean syringes before and after each processing day. Use boiling water rather than a disinfectant solution, as a disinfectant residue can impact the efficacy of future products in that syringe.
➡️ Use the right needle. Depending on if cows, calves or bulls are being processed, consider the needle gauge and length that is the most appropriate.
➡️ Change needles often. Needles should, at minimum, be changed every time a syringe is reloaded, and when a needle is bent. To prevent disease transfer, changing every 10 head or so has value. Plus, it keeps the needle sharp!

2️⃣ Read the product label:
➡️ Confirm the product selected is for control of the pathogens you are concerned about.
➡️ Identify the proper dosage and route of administration.
➡️ Most vaccines require two doses and many have a withdrawal time which should be in the vaccination records.

3️⃣ Handle vaccines appropriately:
➡️ Only mix enough modified live vaccine for 30-minute intervals.
➡️ Check expiration dates, and ensure the product was stored properly. Excess heat, sun, or frost exposure can all damage vaccines.
➡️ Utilize a cooler for both vaccines and to store syringes to avoid sudden temperature changes of the vaccine which can diminish efficacy.

4️⃣ Injection sites:
➡️ Administer in the neck with the appropriate route of administration (subcutaneous, intramuscular, etc.)
➡️ Target a 4 inch space between injection sites. For calves, this is difficult and both sides of the neck may need utilized.
➡️ Be aware of wet or muddy hair coats and dull needles. These will increase the likelihood of injection site lesions.

Finally, ❗keep records❗ Include animal ID’s, products administered with serial and lot numbers and withdrawal time, and any other relevant notes. The immune response to all vaccines can be influenced by a variety of factors. Utilize low stress handling and practices that align with BQA values to get the full value of the health investment spring shots entail.

04/15/2024

‼ INTRODUCING Sydney Getzschman ‼

Sydney is the newest addition to our team, working as an embryologist/veterinary technician. Sydney grew up in Fremont, NE and went to school at South Dakota State University. There she received her Bachelor's of Science in Animal Science. Sydney is no stranger to the industry, working in the advanced reproduction field since graduation. Sydney is AI certified, and has been an excellent addition to the team!

Sydney's favorite part of the job is the variety of work offered, getting to work on something different everyday, and the people that she works with! When asked why Sydney likes working at Collison Embryo she said "Collison's have a welcoming family environment and there's never a dull moment!" Sydney lives in Alta, IA where she enjoys helping work cattle on her boyfriend's farm. She also enjoys golfing, cooking, and helping make harvest time meals.

If you see Sydney around, be sure to say hi and introduce yourself! 👋

04/13/2024

A great read on the importance of copper by Dr. Vince!

Are your cattle getting enough copper in their diet? Dr. Vince Collison tells us all the details of copper deficiency and potential causes, impact on reproduction, deficiency prevention and more! Check it out here! 🤓

📱Read the blog now:
https://www.stockmanmag.com/post/veterinarian-view-april-2024

✍️Article by Dr. Vince Collison, Collison Embryo & Veterinary Services of Rockwell City, Iowa.
https://collisonembryoservices.com/

04/02/2024

❗️Unfortunately, our phones are down and aren’t expected to be working again until Thursday❗️

In the mean time, email will be our main form of communication during regular business hours. You may also message us on this page, or call any of us for emergency! We apologize for the inconvenience.

📧[email protected]

04/02/2024

🔥Tomorrow is the last day of our fourth annual BULL BASH 🔥

We have a few spots remaining, call to snag yours! Thanks to Zoetis, our generous sponsor, each bull will receive vaccinations, de-worm, and a pour at no additional cost when semen checked on one of our bull bash days!

Stop by for a free t-shirt with the amazing design by Sweet Briar Creative! Also enter the drawing to win our goodie bag! Food and drinks will be available all day long.

Call to get on the schedule:
📞712-297-8148

03/31/2024

We hope everyone has a Happy Easter!

Happy Easter to our !

03/21/2024

Weather this calving season has been mild, but there's some mud in the forecast 🌧🌬🌨

Two primary concerns when calving in muddy conditions
1️⃣ Wet hair coats making calves vulnerable to hypothermia and increased feed needs for cows, especially when coupled with spring temperatures.
2️⃣ Maintaining calf health and reducing the pathogen load for calves to prevent scours, naval infections, and other illness issues.

Here’s 5 tips to proactively address those concerns.

1️⃣ Utilize bedding. Creating dry areas and layers of insulation between any age of animal and the wet ground helps keep the hair coat dry and allows the animal to better regulate body temperature. Remember to remove saturated bedding and re-bed often to maintain a dry, reduced pathogen environment for newborn calves. Clean bedding also fosters cleaner udders, which reduces pathogen exposure when nursing.

2️⃣ Build a calf area. Whether it’s a corner of the barn or a pen in the calving area, creating a space only calves have access to greatly reduces the amount of bedding needed to keep calves dry and out of the mud. Perhaps even more important, a designated calf loafing area encourages calves move away from hay ring or bunk areas, decreasing the risk of calf injury.

3️⃣ Move the feeding areas frequently. Continuous traffic results in deeper mud. Therefore, moving hay rings or feed bunks often will ease the energy load needed for cows to get to the feed, helps areas dry out quicker, and results in less mud flinging from the tractor tires!

4️⃣ Incorporate the Sandhills Calving Method. Although modifications are typically needed to fit individual operation resources, key concepts include minimizing pathogen exposure at birth by prioritizing a cleaner environment, and reducing exposure by managing pairs by calf age and avoiding contact between young and old calves, who have different prior exposures.

5️⃣ Early intervention when appropriate. If possible, incorporate extra rounds checking the herd so that if a calf is in need of colostrum, warmth, electrolytes, navel infection prevention, etc., they are identified early. Early identification and intervention of calves needing assistance is the best course for quick recoveries.

03/18/2024

‼WE ARE JUST 9 DAYS FROM OUR FIRST DAY OF BULL BASH‼

Thanks to Zoetis, our generous sponsor, each bull will receive vaccinations, worm, and a pour at no additional cost when semen checked on one of our bull bash days! Customers will also receive a t-shirt with the amazing design by Sweet Briar Creative! Food and drinks that never disappoint will also be served 🔥

Call to get on the schedule:
📞712-297-8148
March 27th & April 3rd!

03/18/2024

A great trick to utilize to increase the number of cows that calve during the day! According to the studies it can cause between 74-85% of cows to calve during the day. More daytime calving means more chances to intervene earlier if needed! Read more in the article below.

https://www.stockmanmag.com/post/extension-education-march-2024

What time of day do most of your cows calve? 🧐🤔

"A simple management strategy - feeding cows at dusk - could increase the number of calves born during the day. It’s easier to watch cattle and see if intervention is necessary while it’s light out. Producers can also keep an eye on calves and make sure they’re getting a healthy start during the day when it’s warmer and easier to manage both cows and calves."

Read the blog now:
https://www.stockmanmag.com/.../extension-education-1...

Article contributed by:
Rick Rasby, Nebraska Extension Specialist
Kacie McCarthy, UNL Cow-Calf Specialist
University of NE - Lincoln, UNL Beef

02/20/2024

We are excited to announce our annual Bull Bash will be happening March 27th and April 3rd. Call the office to get on the books!
📞712-297-8148

👀Big shout out to the talented Sweet Briar Creative on designing our impressive logo again this year!👀

02/14/2024

02/07/2024

Be sure to read this months article.. lots of useful information!

It's all in the details. These key points can make all the difference this calving season. What questions do you have regarding these topics? 🤓
📱Read the blog now: https://www.stockmanmag.com/post/veterinarian-view-february-2024
✍️Article by Dr. Vince Collison, Collison Embryo & Veterinary Services of Rockwell City, Iowa.
https://collisonembryoservices.com/

02/02/2024

Keep this in mind as lambing/kidding is upon us! A veterinarian is available 24/7 at the clinic number.

01/27/2024

Great information on ringworm!

01/18/2024

Check out this months article in another great issue of The Stockman!

Benchmarks for Embryo Transfer Programs contributed article by Dr. Vince Collison, Collison Embryo and Veterinary Services, Rockwell City, Iowa collisonembryoservices.com What are realistic expectations for an embryo transfer program? Most producers who utilize ET have a pretty good idea of what to....

01/16/2024

Have you thought about the vitamin A levels you're providing your cattle❓

Since winter feed supplementation has begun, it's time to think about the quality of forages/hay that you will be feeding. With the drouthy conditions faced this year, much of the hay put up is low in vitamin A. Vitamin A is a extremely important in cattle health, reproduction, vision, and growth. The average gestating cow requires 34,000 IU/day and a lactating cow requires 54,000 IU/day of vitamin A. Vitamin A can be supplemented in mineral mixes or in an ADE premix such as the one we carry! We can also sample your hay to find out the exact makeup of your specific hay and how much you need to supplement. Contact us to find out what would be best in your herd! 📞712-297-8148

01/12/2024

Awesome and very timely information from the Iowa Beef Center on tips to combat cold stress! Make sure you give it a read.

Cold temperatures have arrived. 🥶 These temperatures will cause a marked increase in your cattle’s feed needs. The general rule is, for every degree below 20 Fahrenheit, a cow’s energy requirements increase by about 1%. Likewise, for every degree below the average winter temperature, a 1 lb. increase in calf birth weight and ~2.5% increase in dystocia incidences can be expected based on a 6-year study from the University of Nebraska. Depending on an animals body condition score, cold stress effects will vary. With that in mind, use an integrated approach to reduce the cold’s impact on your herd and “layer her up” in preparation. Let’s talk strategies to do this, with some analogies for their effectiveness:

1️⃣ Windbreaks. For cattle, getting to a wind-protected area is like upgrading from an open station to a tractor with a cab for you while doing winter chores. Both permanent and temporary windbreaks are one of the most effective tools we have to protect cattle from cold stress.

2️⃣ Bedding. Cornstalks, straw, or other sources of bedding will insulate cattle from the frozen ground, keep haircoats more dry, and help cattle better regulate body temperature. Bedding for a cow is like the coveralls for you. Although the benefit of bedding is quantified less in cow-calf trials, feedlot trials have shown a significant, 20-40% maintenance requirement advantage for bedded steers compared to unbedded counterparts.

3️⃣ Feeding time. The rumen is a fermentation machine, and where there is fermentation, heat is produced. Peak heat of fermentation occurs 4-6 hours after the primary eating bout, meaning producers can feed late in the day to provide some extra heat during colder night temperatures. Doing this to warm cattle from the inside out is like having a hot cup of coffee for you.

While we can’t control Mother Nature, we can help cows combat cold stress by providing an integrated approach to control the impact cold temperatures have on our feed bill, calf birth weights, and cow comfort. Read more here: https://lsc-pagepro.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?m=35546&i=769360&p=14&ver=html5

01/12/2024

Due to the extreme weather, we will be closed for regular business today. We are open for emergencies as needed. Stay safe out there and keep your animals as comfortable as possible!

01/12/2024

‼ In case you didn't know, we are Biozyme dealers - offering Vitaferm, Duraferm, SureChamp and Vitacharge products ‼

When thinking about your supplement needs, look no further than us! We offer a whole lineup of products for cattle, sheep, and goats including many different formulations of lose mineral and tubs, protein tubs, stress tubs, surechamp options, and more! We can get large orders drop shipped directly to you, or shop our large in-clinic inventory.

01/09/2024

As temperatures start to drop and so do your baby calves, now is the time to be on your A game. Babies calves have very little fat stores and can get chilled out very quickly. The normal temperature on a baby calf is between 101.5-102.5.

1️⃣ If the temperature drops to 99-101.5, its time to take action. Use towels or blow dryers to dry the calf off and move into a heated area. Move warm air over the calf with a calf box or blow dryer until the calf is back to normal temperature.

2️⃣ If the calf's temperature falls below 99, more extreme warming efforts need to be made. The fastest way to warm a calf at this point is to place it in a warm water bath - bath tubs, mineral tubs, water tanks, or large laundry baskets are different options to use. The calf should be fully submerged with its head supported out of the water. The bath water should be 99-101 degrees and remain this temperature throughout(very important). One idea to keep the calf dry is to place the calf into a garbage bag, with its head out prior to placing it in the bath. If you submerge the calf without a bag that is okay, but it is imperative the calf is fully dried and placed in a hot box afterwards.

3️⃣ VERY IMPORTANT - do NOT tube a calf with colostrum until the calf is warmed to normal body temperature. Absorption is restricted and digestion is slowed, increasing the chance of bacterial overgrowth.

If you have any questions or need help, feel free to give our office a call 📞 712-297-8148!

01/05/2024

We always have an veterinarian on call 24/7 available at our regular clinic number. Please don’t hesitate to call us with any calving difficulties!

12/29/2023

Just a reminder of our New Years hours! As always, in case of emergency a veterinarian is available via phone call 24/7! We hope you all have a safe and happy new year.

12/28/2023

Body Condition Scoring is a very effective tool for analyzing the nutrient status of your herd. Wondering what effect BCS has on different productivity markers❓

1️⃣ The higher the body condition score the shorter the postpartum interval to begin cycling again. (BCS 3 has an 89 day interval, while a BCS 5-6 has a 55 day interval)
2️⃣ The greater the BCS at calving the greater the pregnancy rate is. (BCS 4 has a 50% preg rate, while a BCS 5-6 has an 85% preg rate in a 90day season)
3️⃣ The higher the BCS, the greater the IgG levels present in their calves at 24 hours old. (BCS 2 has 1800, while a BCS 5-6 has levels around 2300) = healthier calves!

The ideal BCS for mature cows at calving is a 5, while younger cows should strive to be a BCS 6. If they calve at scores lower than this, it will be very hard to increase their BCS while they are lactating. So NOW is the time to make a change! Pregnancy checking is a good time to BCS your herd, and together we can analyze our options to meet these ideals!

05/08/2022

Our second annual Bull Bash was a success!! We couldn't have done it without all of the amazing help (including many people not pictured).

Congrats to the winners of our contests:
Mark Schleisman bringing the bull with the largest scrotal circumference at an impressive 52 cm. The heaviest bull goes to Gene Mentzer at 2,720 pounds! The fastest bull goes to Chance Ferguson at whopping 12 seconds.
The winner of the drawing for a Collison Embryo screen printed cooler goes to Mike Vogel!!

Special thanks goes to: Rick Grote with Zoetis Animal Health for sponsoring the event, Sweet Briar Creative for designing our amazing logo, Lori Collison for making the food and entertaining the people, Tom Stumpf for directing traffic and making sure everything ran smoothly, and Bryce, Rick, Wes, Amanda, Emily, and Madi for helping chute-side. Of course thanks to our amazing veterinarians (Drs. Lisa, Tim, and Vince) for their hard work and endurance needed for two days of semen checking bulls!