Latest News From Beef Cattle

He is not your average Watusi bull. He enjoys long walks in the road ditches and joy rides with his owner Lee Meyer of Nebraska. In case you missed Howdy Doody’s rise to fame, here’s a look at how he gained attention.

The study of epigenetics identifies changes in gene function that are not due to mutations but rather how the DNA is packaged in the cell and turned on or off in the wrong conditions.

Beef-on-dairy is arguably the most significant advancement for America’s beef industry in a generation.

AABP is offering online materials veterinarians can download and use with Spanish speaking caregivers of dairy and beef cattle. Some of the guidelines available address dehorning, castration, transportation and more.

When warm weather hangs on into late summer and early fall, the fly season may also persist at problematic levels longer than typical.

The beef market is sizzling hot and dairy producers have not only noticed but have taken action to capitalize on securing an alternative profit source to their bottom line.

The heat is no joke, especially for cattle producers across the country as they look for ways to keep cattle cool and comfortable. Here's what some producers are doing.

Depending on the size of the animal, viscosity of the product and administration protocols, a variety of needles might be needed. Here’s some guidelines to help decide.

While fall calving is often easier than calving in the winter and early spring, when temperatures are high, it can create unhealthy conditions for calves.

Estimating forage usage by cows is an important part of the task of calculating winter feed needs as we head into fall. It's been dry in so many areas, the need to make these estimations is more important than ever.

Dr. Troy Rowan with the University of Tennessee discussed sequencing strategies to enhance the next generation of genetic evaluations during the Beef Improvement Federation Symposium July 4 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 

Weaning stressors include removal from the dam, nutritional changes, a new environment, and altered social structure. Understanding this time allows a better understanding of the importance of a 45-day weaning period. 

Certified Angus Beef recognizes the recipient of the Dr. Bobby VanStavern Award for Beef Quality Research and acknowledges other successful researchers for their contribution to improving beef quality.

During drought, beef producers might find a best friend in their local veterinarian, says University of Missouri Extension veterinary toxicologist Tim Evans.

Despite sharply higher cattle prices, there is no data to suggest heifer retention or enough decrease in beef cow slaughter to initiate herd expansion, although the most recent weekly slaughter data are encouraging.

Drought stressed forages can be high in nitrates and potentially toxic for cattle, but with careful management there are options for ranchers to utilize those forages.

Dry lotting cows can be a feasible way to allow pasture recovery, while feeding grain, forage, and crop stover to pairs. The system allows closer observation of the herd and low weaning stress.

OneCup AI, a technology company has developed Bovine Expert Tracking and Surveillance Technology (BETSY) to monitor and track animal health, welfare, activity, growth and nutrition.

Heat stress is caused by a combination of environmental factors including temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, air movement and precipitation.

Animal activists look for ways to disrupt the livestock industry. However, in Missouri, interfering with the shipping of livestock is now considered a felony offense, with a fine up to $10,000 and prison time.

The sharp increase in feeder cattle prices this year represents a growing market incentive for the beef cattle industry to transition from liquidation to expansion, but it does not appear the industry is responding yet.

Creep grazing has potential to be a cost-effective way to produce additional calf gains using forage rather than the traditional grain-based creep diets.

Still unclear about the recent changes to over-the-counter antibiotics or beef promoting implants? Dan Thompson, DVM, host of Doc Talk TV, shares details about the new livestock antibiotic and implant regulations.

Pinkeye is a painful eye disease that affects cattle worldwide. Here’s a look at the causes, signs, treatment, control and prevention of pinkeye, provided by K-State’s Beef Cattle Institute.

Although limitations exist, the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test to assess the efficacy of parasite control programs is the only practical method of determining the presence of resistance in cattle nematodes.

Water quantity and quality is critical to cattle health and performance.  Hot weather and drought conditions can impact both water quality and quantity for cattle.  

Oklahoma State investigated using distiller’s grain cubes in a supplementation program for growing steers with mineral supplements containing ionophores offered free-choice in a separate complete mineral mix.

Bulls new to their job need extra attention to get acclimated to their role on the farm or ranch. Beef veterinarians and Extension specialists at Kansas State University offer some management practices that can help.

While parts of the Midwest catch some much needed rains, other areas face dry conditions this growing season. Here's a look at the seasonal drought outlook and what it means for pasture and range conditions.

With dry weather and short pastures, Missouri cow-herd owners face tough culling decisions. One way to match cows’ needs to available grass is to sell cows.

One of the goals of feeding cattle a proper diet that promotes good gut health is to keep the lining of the intestinal tract from getting damaged.

Fly season is upon us! With three major fly types, it's important to approach fly control with a variety of strategies for optimal control.

Producers should make the decision of whether or not to creep based on economics. Here's a simple, quick “Cowboy Math” example based on current economics.

Dr. Frank Mitloehner, often referred to as the "greenhouse gas guru," spoke to the Blueprint For The Future Cattlemen's Conference at Oklahoma State Universtiy.

As temperatures ratchet up, the disorder is more frequently seen in fed cattle ready for slaughter. Veterinarians offer their take on what contributes to the problem and seven recommendations to help prevent it.

Raising heat-tolerant cattle that are able and willing to go further to graze in subtropical climates is the goal of a new beef cattle research project at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research station at Beeville.

The Protein PACT Academic Advisory Council is formed to advise on research priorities and the latest evidence related to meat production and consumption.

Purina Animal Nutrition gathers supply chain to discuss opportunities and challenges with beef-on-dairy segment.

While livestock fly control may already be in the cattle management plan—have you considered the possibility of insecticide product resistance? Is feeding garlic an option? Here are some tips to consider.

Decisions on when to administer the first round of vaccinations, castration, growth implants and parasite control will impact the profit potential of those calves in the months ahead.

After Tyson Foods reports anemic first quarter sales and downgrades its forecast, The Wall Street Journal editors wrote, “This doesn’t look like an antitrust conspiracy or market oligopoly.”

This is an area where cattle can stay when grazing is detrimental to land and plants. It can be used during times that animals do not need to graze or dormant seasons, drought times or periods of excess moisture.

Now is the time to check for ergot, a toxic fungus which infects the surface of grasses and cereal crops and can cause severe illness in livestock such as cattle and horses.

A fraudulent cattle scheme allegedly orchestrated by a Kentucky cattleman has left investors and a financial institution reeling under a $100 million loss.

Resist the temptation to turn cattle out before grass is ready and use caution if there is no other option. Management practices now can have lasting impacts.

Bull breeding soundness exams offer the opportunity to identify and remove bulls from the breeding herd that have a low probability of siring calves.

Minimizing handling stress provides several benefits for ranchers, including improvements in animal immune response, appetite and performance.

While drought does not lead to ideal parasite growing conditions, it does not necessarily mean the threat of parasites no longer exists. Here are some management considerations heading into the 2023 grazing season.

We can’t control everything on a cattle operation. But we can make a battle plan to protect calves from bovine respiratory disease long before we ever reach for antibiotics.

Misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding the use of mRNA vaccines in livestock continue, despite efforts of the scientific community, who emphasize, "mRNA from a vaccine will NOT be passed along in meat."