WHY CALVES?
The use of calves for certain cardiovascular procedures is an
accepted and necessary practice. Their body size, especially the large thoracic
cavity, is what makes them so attractive as a surgical model.
WHY NOT?
Using the standard Holstein or beef type calf that most vendors
deliver, you have a 6 to 12 week old baby at the 150 to 250 pound size
that most cardiovascular research requires. These calves are babies
- much too young to be safely weaned. As a result, you have a calf with the fragile
constitution that is a natural consequence of such an immature immune system. All
too frequently this will mean a weak and sickly calf, highly susceptible to the stresses
of your protocol and laboratory life. In addition, a calf this young still needs
special feed to compensate for the loss of its mother's milk. Even with specialized
care, you often have to deal with diarrhea and/or pneumonia related to these problems.
WHY K BAR?
A few years ago, we at K BAR LIVESTOCK began a
search for a breed cross that would be naturally small so that
it would be at least 5 months of age or older at the required body
size. At this age, your calf would be already weaned, stabilized and eating a normal
calf ration before ever arriving at your facility.
We also wanted a calf that would be naturally tough
and hardy - one not so susceptible to stress; and we wanted one that would
be naturally slow growing so as not to outgrow your
implanted appliances before you were ready to terminate the study.
We searched and experimented with different breeds and breed
crosses until we now have what we believe to be the best possible bovine research
model currently available anywhere!
These calves meet all of our requirements of small size-for-age
and a naturally slow rate of growth. And, most important, they exhibit a natural
toughness, disease resistance and stress tolerance unlike any beef or dairy breed known
today.
We let them grow with their mothers under natural range
conditions until they are between 3 and 5 months old (usually between 150 - 200 lbs.) At
that time, they are removed to our weaning pen, where we immunize them, make sure they are
parasite free and completely healthy. We never expose them to unnatural and
unhealthy over crowded living conditions. They are penned each morning and evening
to be examined, fed and handled. They will receive a booster immunization, another
worming and a broad spectrum antibiotic immediately prior to shipment to your
facility. They come to you with none of the problems usually associated with baby
calves weaned too early and housed in crowded and unnatural indoor facilities.
We hope you will give K BAR LIVESTOCK the
chance to solve many of the problems you may have experienced in the past with weak and
sickly baby calves. And, like all K BAR animals, any calf arriving
at your facility that is unhealthy or fails to meet the specifications of the order will
be replaced free of charge at your convenience.
Bovine blood and isolated tissue always available.
