Cow-Calf
Producers can capture added value by preconditioning and weaning their calves. Along with weaning at least 45 days, preconditioning includes several practices that add value for both the buyer and seller.
Creep grazing programs can produce additional calf gains using forage rather than the traditional grain-based creep diets. There are many ways to adapt this system to each individual situation.
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.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th District rejected claims that two working groups formed to discuss radio frequency identification violated the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
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.
Drought is not a new issue to cow-calf producers, but many factors make this year unique. Kansas State will host a webinar to help producers weigh options on May 19.
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.
While most beef production operations are still pasture-based, confinement facilities are gaining traction in the U.S. With them come a host of routine health concerns for veterinarians and producers.
Addressing the water needs of cattle is a complex process depending on water quality, weather patterns, time of day, feed moisture content, and animal factors such as bodyweight and stage of production.
With spring upon us and drought persists, liquidation puts the industry on track to reduce the nation’s cowherd back near 2014 levels, which was the smallest beef cowherd since 1952.
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.
Cattle grazing pastures with high soil-test phosphorus may be getting enough of the nutrient from the grass to eliminate the need for a phosphorus feed additive.
Checkoff-funded research has helped manage food safety risks over the past decades, influencing many safety interventions that are still in place today.
Suboptimal cattle production isn’t just an innocuous segment that has no effect on the rest. Poorly managed cattle are a drag on the whole system and the impacts are worsening as we look to address big challenges.
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.
Six best practices for safely pulling a calf, provided by Valley Vet Supply Technical Service Veterinarian.
Castration is a key component to any preconditioning program that can greatly influence market price premiums or discounts, especially in older bull calves.
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.
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.
While we were busy exploring whether the government should make laws mandating how cattle are marketed, The New York Times has been writing beef’s eulogy. Indeed, “beef is the Kiev of foods, besieged on all fronts.”
With the low amount of moisture that ranchers have received over the winter, the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute said now is the time to think about management strategies for a drought.
You should provide assistance immediately if you notice an abnormal presentation of the calf (AKA back feet, only one leg, etc.) or when there is no progress after 30 minutes for a cow or 60 minutes for a heifer.
Bos indicus cattle lag in their reproductive efficiency, something researchers at Texas A&M are trying to help fix with a recent medical breakthrough.
There is considerable variation in the mineral composition of small grain forages, depending on management, growth conditions, and soil mineral content.
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.
Colostrum plays a large role in the health of a newborn calf. Preparing for calving season starts well before the first calf hits the ground.
Cattle markets have improved significantly in the final weeks of 2021, with market analysts projecting those positive trends to continue in 2022.
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.