Animal Nutrition
Before adding another product to a nutrition program, you should first define the problem you are trying to solve, understand how the additive works, review the supporting evidence and determine whether the economics make sense.
Calves arriving at veal facilities with a hollow flank are four times more likely of dying within the first three weeks.
Weaning creates major shifts in diet, intake and gut function, making rumen stability one of the most important parts of calf health management.
Scientists find naturally occurring gut microbes already capable of digesting key compounds from red seaweed.
A newly identified cellular structure inside rumen microbes may be quietly driving a significant share of enteric methane production, potentially providing a more precise target for intervention.
A new interactive platform aims to help connect digestive health research with on-farm decision making. By expanding beyond the rumen, it reflects a growing shift toward whole-system management in cattle.
Energy balance is only half the battle. Rumen-protected choline provides the essential “shipping crates” needed to clear the liver and prevent post-calving crashes.
A newer pre-fresh strategy is gaining traction across U.S. dairies, offering a way to manage hypocalcemia without relying on acidification.
Plant-derived feed additives known as phytogenics may help stabilize rumen function, support gut barrier integrity and reduce inflammation during stress events such as acidosis and heat stress.
When it comes to colostrum, more isn’t always better.
With 86% of North American feed ingredient samples testing above the risk threshold for mycotoxins, livestock may face stacked biological stress.
OSU and KSU experts explain why restricting nutrients fails to prevent dystocia and how maintaining a BCS 6 ensures calf survival and colostrum quality.
Research and expert insights point to meaningful benefits for immunity, antioxidant protection and calf performance.
While research is still emerging, postbiotics offer a unique approach for supporting rumen function while being stable across varying rearing environments.
By providing microbial metabolites directly, postbiotics help calves develop stronger gut defenses and support cows as they move through the biologically demanding transition period.
Experts say it’s time to feed colostrum according to quality not habit. When it comes to calf immunity, more volume isn’t always better.
Research-backed probiotics are gaining traction in beef systems, offering new tools for rumen stability and health management.
Live microbes are reshaping dairy nutrition, offering new tools to support gut health, rumen stability and production efficiency from calf to cow.
Prebiotics are emerging as a valuable tool in beef nutrition, supporting gut health and resilience during feed transitions.
Prebiotic supplementation is beneficial for dairy calf health and development, and may improve milk yield in lactating cows.
Analysis of almost 1,500 liver samples from beef and dairy cattle reveals persistent trace mineral deficiencies affecting herd health.
With high calf prices, now might be the time to consider investing in your nutrition program to maximize reproductive performance.
OSU’s Mark Johnson reviews the Oklahoma Gold and Oklahoma SuperGold supplementation programs as a means of adding profit potential.
Infection may not directly impact herd health, but it can have implications for nutritional management.
Meat Institute CEO says this initiative can help counter confusing and misleading information about nutrition, including the role of meat and poultry in health dietary patterns.
When it comes to nutrition, we certainly aren’t in Kansas anymore.
High-starch diets could reduce dangerous bacteria in beef cattle, offering new food safety strategies.