Latest News From Beef Cattle

As drought continues in the Great Plains, producers are making hard decisions about cowherd management and feeding options, but cost of production and opportunity costs must be carefully evaluated.

Check out the photographs of nine common problems Dr. Ahmed Tibary, Washington State University, says he most often sees in the sperm of bulls that fail breeding soundness exams.

Estrus synchronization can be an important management tool to get cows settled as early in the breeding season as possible and get cows bred to bulls with highest possible genetic value.

In production agriculture, the output is largely a commodity. But whether the output is commodity or differentiated, the system of how the output is produced matters as much as the output itself.

Body condition score and estrus intensity can improve breeding season success, says Clint Sexson, large herd specialist for All West Beef/Select Sires.

A commonly used and predictable method of addressing anaplasmosis is by incorporating a feed-grade chlortetracycline in the animal’s feed or mineral supplements. When prescribing one, consider the product formulation.

Young calves continue to dot fields across the country. To help offer young calves a healthy start, Tony Hawkins, DVM, and Ray Shultz, DVM, shared some tips.

Rather than running to the politicians to solve a problem, perhaps the better strategy might be to gather a plan to create a better understanding of the economics of the industry.

Despite a “no nothing burger” Cattle Market Price Discovery and Transparency Act hearing, NCBA’s Don Schiefelbein joins “AgriTalk” to highlight his thoughts on where the industry needs to see action.

These goals and targets aim to identify and supplement sustainability practices and support the collection of benchmarking data for current industry sustainability efforts.

A review of the data shows widening packer margins during the past several years have occurred for multiple reasons.  The timing of that occurrence post-COOL is coincidental.

Feeding cattle industrial hemp may reduce stress levels and increase the time cattle lie down, Kansas State University researchers found in a recent study.

For an estrus synchronization program to be effectively implemented it needs to be well planned.  Several best management practices should be kept in mind if you are considering heat synchronization. 

Cattlemen are constantly searching for more information on shrinkage of cattle through the marketing channels. Generally, the amount of shrink varies with the type of feed cattle are on before penning and transport.

Dr. Kari White, Neogen genetic evaluation specialist, explains the importance of understanding the benefits and consequences of selection indexes.

Respiratory disease in pre-weaned beef calves on pasture can be a concern in the summer. Most veterinarians report treating calves with summer pneumonia is frequently successful.

A substantial portion of beef advertised as “raised without antibiotics” may, in fact, contain antibiotics, according to research by George Washington University published in Science Magazine.

Feed is a major cost input for all segments of beef production. Feed efficiency is always a primary determinant of profitability, but when feed costs are high, it becomes even more important.

Checkoff-funded research has helped manage food safety risks over the past decades, influencing many safety interventions that are still in place today.

Dr. Bob Weaber shares how the beef on dairy phenomena is a disrupter in the usual dairy and beef business and discussed research findings from a beef on dairy carcass trait collaborative project.

A number of causes and contributing factors can result in hair loss and itching, and last year's drought has played a role as harvested forages may be low in vitamin A.

Three categories of pregnancy losses in beef cattle include early embryonic death, abortion and stillbirth. Many potential causes for stillbirths and abortions make it important to investigate each calf loss.

Six best practices for safely pulling a calf, provided by Valley Vet Supply Technical Service Veterinarian.

Access to adequate, good quality water will continue to be a challenge for ranchers in North Dakota who depend on surface water sources, such as dugouts and stock dams to provide water to livestock.

Maps show the severity of drought in eight Central Plains states and where they began 2022 in beef cow numbers. These eight states represent 52% of America's beef cows, and accounted for 67% of last year's herd culling.

Veterinarians say there are steps producers can take to lessen disease risks before bringing new animals into your operation.

This is a broad-spectrum, prescription antibiotic that treats the major organisms associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD), foot rot and pinkeye.

Implementation of the Veterinary Feed Directive left a significant loophole for products that were available over-the-counter (OTC) by other dosage forms. OTC availability of these products will end by June 11, 2023.

Vytelle is progressing on a five-year plan to provide accessible hormone-free bovine in vitro fertilization (IVF) to producers. Three new laboratories will soon be operational and accessible to cattle producers.

USDA announced the availability of up to $215 million in grants and resources as part of a continued effort to strengthen the meat and poultry processing sector and create a more resilient food supply chain.

Bos indicus cattle lag in their reproductive efficiency, something researchers at Texas A&M are trying to help fix with a recent medical breakthrough.

When we break sustainability down to the operational goal of optimizing resources, we realize increased productivity per cow and optimum stocking rate per acre are the actual problems we need to address. 

The tick transmits Theileria orientalis to many animal species, including cattle, pigs, horses, sheep and goats. Death occurs in up to 5% of affected animals, according to Washington State University scientists.

Between 2.5 million and 5 million beef-dairy crossbred calves will be born in 2022 and 2023, as dairy producers look to add more income to their operations. Are you and your dairy clients assessing the opportunity?

Hy•D is a new source of vitamin D3 specially formulated to help prepare a dairy cow for peak performance

Beef producers know grazing land is in short supply. With more acres being developed or converted to cropland, cow-calf operations may consider alternatives to traditional pasture management.

Feed requirements of cows during winter weather varies, depending on body condition, temperature, moisture, and hair coat. The Mesonet Cattle Comfort Advisor helps calculate how much feed is necessary.

When harsh winter conditions are in the forecast, avoid being caught off-guard and consider these ways to manage your cows, calves, and bulls to help them weather the storm.

The Sixth International Symposium on Beef Cattle Welfare will take place virtually as a series of monthly webinars held on the fourth Wednesday from February to June from 2-4 p.m. Eastern.

Cattle producers may have a few options available to offset the rising costs of adding phosphorus to their herd’s diet, a Kansas State University beef systems specialist said.

The Ducheneaux family reconnects consumers with their food source 

U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and Trust In Food sign letter of agreement to collaborate through Trust In Beef Program to empower beef producers.

Selling more calves as it relates to cows exposed and cow input costs is a greater indication of business success for your beef producers than any other production parameter.

The calendar will soon turn to a New Year, and spring calving season will be approaching. The more we know about the physiology of the process, the more likely we are to make sound decisions about providing assistance.

The basic principle of limit feeding is to feed corn (or other concentrated energy source) and a supplement in just enough quantity to meet the animal’s requirement for maintenance or a targeted level of weight gain.

Reproductive efficiency is highly correlated to nutrition. The target Body Condition Score going into calving season is 5.5 for the mature cow and 6 for first calf heifers.

Veterinarians with experience dealing with this bovine medical emergency offer insights and recommendations to help other practitioners, especially recent graduates.

Veterinarians have questions and Dr. Mike Apley offered answers, during a recent webinar, for two he commonly receives.

The 2021 "PAW" event is delving into animal pain assessment and analgesic therapeutic development specifically in cattle and dogs. The program has been submitted for 11.5 hours of continuing education credit.

Early fall calving herds face a challenge from the high temperatures of late summer. The primary challenge is the impact those temperatures can have on newborn and young calves.