Respiratory disease causes 60 to 90 percent of the morbidity or sickness in feedlot cattle, Dr. Bill Pinchak says. Diagnosis is a challenge and primarily relies on visual appraisal to determine illness. This can vary by degrees of individual experience in diagnosing. “Typically, the accuracy is about 60 percent. So there are a lot of animals that are not diagnosed and end up … [Read more...]
Larger dairy herds have a size advantage
Carl Zulauf evaluated USDA’s cost-of-production data to estimate the price to produce 100 pounds of milk among different herd sizes. It’s not fair to say that big farms are bad and small farms are good, or that farms milking more cows are better than those with fewer cows. What we can say, though, is that on average, larger herds are able to produce milk less expensively than … [Read more...]
First-calf heifer conundrum
Jason Smith, University of Tennessee tackles the fundamentals of first calf heifer management. The first calf heifer is a different beast compared to mature cows or replacement heifers. As such, being proactive can help develop these individuals’ value to a cow-calf operator. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, May 16, 2017. Generally we think of a heifer as being mature once … [Read more...]
A good veterinarian-producer relationship is priceless
The Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) has increased interest in creating or improving relationships with veterinarian. Joe Paschal, an Extension livestock specialist with Texas A&M University, offers some down-to-earth perspective about the value these relationships can offer. Source: Progressive Cattleman, May 16, 2017. Since your veterinarian is not as familiar with … [Read more...]
Dairy industry’s changing face
Imagine cow cameras in the parlor so dairy consumers can view on their smartphones cows on a dairy being milked. Tom Haren thinks consumers will also influence how we house cows. His reasons for the change: transparency, sustainability and technology. Dairy site size will likely shrink while dairy enterprises will grow substantially. Source: Milk, March 2017. Automation … [Read more...]
First screw flies, now cattle fever ticks
The Texas Department of Agriculture has allocated an additional $3.7 million in funds to the existing $8.5 million allocated for 2017 to combat the spread of the cattle tick fever in South Texas. The ticks spread intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites that cause Babesiosis. Source: The Monitor, May 9, 2014. Cattle fever ticks are known scientifically as Rhipicephalus … [Read more...]
Accelerated calf growth programs, economics and effects
Jud Heinrichs, Penn State Dairy Extension, writes that feeding the dairy calf and heifer can be likened to a double-edged sword; we want to feed the heifers as much as possible to get rapid growth so that they begin lactating early in life, with a large body size at calving relative to their mature weight. However, there are issues related to rapid growth and a high level of … [Read more...]
Pre-weaned calves at risk for BRD
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) remains a common problem in pre-weaned calves. South Dakota State University veterinarian Russ Daly said pre-weaning BRD affects about 20 percent of cow-calf operations each year and is the leading cause of mortality in calves from three weeks to weaning. Source: Drovers, April 19, 2017. Researchers at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in … [Read more...]
Adjust artificial insemination practices during heat stress
If hot weather arrives during the AI season, some management and breeding alterations may be helpful. Research with rumen temperature boluses has shown that the core body temperature of beef cows peaks at two to five hours after the highest daytime temperature. Elevated core body temperatures have been implicated from other research in reduced pregnancy rates in heat stressed … [Read more...]
Ear tags profiled
This article is valuable to help industry pros understand non-electronic ear tag options. It is a good guide to compare various brands of ear tags. Source: American Dairymen, April 2017, page 32. … [Read more...]
Cows witnessing wolf attacks suffer PTSD-like symptoms
Cows that have witnessed wolf attack display physical signs associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A new study from Oregon State University affirms this and is also the first study to reveal PTSD biomarkers in cattle. The findings have been published in the Journal of Animal Science. Source: Progressive Cattleman, May 4, 2017. Wolf attacks create bad … [Read more...]
Cleaning protocols promote calf health
Management practices impact overall herd health in any livestock operation. Cleaning procedures and written protocols are imperative to raising healthy calves and will lead to increased average daily gain and decreased disease incidence. Source: Dairy Herd Management, March 28, 2017. Although equipment may look clean, in reality it may be caked with invisible bacteria. … [Read more...]
Understanding the stocker
Stocker, or backgrounding, provides vital production and marketing system values to the beef industry. Stocker production happens in a variety of situations and environments throughout the country. As such, the stocker sector is an essential shock absorber for the beef industry but little data exists to analyze the segment. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, March 29, … [Read more...]
Heat stress even affects unborn calves
Heat stress can have a huge impact on unborn calves that reaches well into their adulthood. “Cooling is pretty important for the fetus,” says Geoff Dahl, a dairy physiologist with the University of Florida. Source: Dairy Herd Management, March 30, 2017. Unborn calves of heat stressed dams will have lower birth and weaning weights, and might produce 2,500 lb. to 3,000 lb. … [Read more...]
Cull ornery, grumpy cows
Culling cows assertively is one of the more effective strategies for improving cow herd profitability and satisfaction. University of Florida animal scientists have found that cows with poor dispositions are less likely to conceive when mated with bulls. Disposition had previously been associated with reduced artificial insemination results. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, … [Read more...]
Time-lapse cameras improve dairy feeding
“Moo,” you’re on candid dairy camera. It brings up silly images, but time-lapse photography is proving valuable for monitoring and correcting feed delivery to dairy cows. What Todd Franz has found isn’t pretty. “Only one out of 20 farms or one out of 30 is not letting cows run out of feed,” he says. “Our current on-farm record for cows with no feed is 11 hours.” Source: … [Read more...]
Stocker Award nominations due June 16
Nominating a top customer for this award is worth the time invested. Beef has recognized some of the industry’s top stocker operators with its annual National Stocker Award for 11 years. In many ways, the stocker sector serves as the supply fulcrum of beef production. Yet it is often invisible. Source: Beef, April 20, 2017. Previous winners come from a mix of operations, … [Read more...]
5 strategies to improve a cow’s immunity
Transition cows benefit from more attention and care. Barry Bradford, an immunity specialist from Kansas State University offers his top five strategies to help these cows: Manage body condition Housing Antioxidants Anionic diets Tweak immunity Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, April 24, 2017. INSIGHTS: Transition is an ongoing discussion at every level of dairy … [Read more...]
6 antibiotic myths explained
The antibiotic tools used in cattle today are likely the same ones you’ll have for the rest of your life. That’s the advice from Mike Apley, veterinarian and professor of production medicine and clinical pharmacology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. He’s not saying antibiotic resistance is threatening the cattle business. Instead he says it’s … [Read more...]
Now is not the time to relax
The 2017 calf crop is taking shape and breeding season is currently or soon will be underway. It is feeling to see cow-calf pairs turned out to fresh pastures for the first grazing of the season. We can’t relax too much. This is a critical time of the year for producers to focus on the needs of the herd. This is especially true for yearling heifers and two-year-olds nursing … [Read more...]
Don’t take parasites to pasture
Flies and worms lower cattle health. This can lead to major economic damage, so controlling parasites with insecticides and other management protocols is important. Producers prepare pastures by fertilizing, spraying, burning and inter-seeding. The same logic applies to preparing cattle for spring by controlling parasites early. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, April 14, … [Read more...]
What’s in the latest JAVMA
Here’s a quick look at the May 1, 2017 JAVMA. Our AHD team found the article titled Bovine colostral cells—the often forgotten component of colostrum interesting from the perspective of the DVM, the producer and sales representatives. Source: JAVMA, May 2017. Although the role of colostral antibodies in the protection of neonates against disease has been well documented, … [Read more...]
Steaks and burgers make inexpensive grilling
Animal health pros and their customers who enjoy grilling beef will benefit from increased beef production this summer. This surge in output means the U.S. is headed for a meat bonanza. Steaks and burgers will likely rival prices of pork and chicken this summer. Source: AgWeb, April 17, 2017. Ground beef in grocery stores has dropped about 9 percent from a year ago, the … [Read more...]
Zero tolerance for bad tempered cows
Most cows respect their caregivers. For those of a different temperament, get them out of the pen. Cattlemen should have no room for killer cows. The same goes for bulls too. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, April 17, 2017. Quit making excuses for bad-tempered cattle. Cattle that routinely challenge the producer should be sold. Cattle that are very aggressive and are put in a … [Read more...]
Include udders in culling decisions
"Preg" checking represents a primary evaluation period to make culling decisions. Beef cattle producers are not as likely to think about udder health and shape as are dairy producers, but this attribute affects cow productivity and should be considered. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, April 10, 2017. An evaluation system for udder soundness has been developed and used by … [Read more...]
5 reasons to monitor colostrum quality
You may think that we don’t need to discuss colostrum ever again. Phil Durst shares five reasons to routinely check test colostrum to better understand the variances in quality. Colostrum quality is the first step in making sure calves are protected and set up for success in life. Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 5, 2017. Why test colostrum quality? Here are some … [Read more...]
Be aware of the causes of bloating
Spring pastures are greening up. Cattle grazing these lush grasses, especially immature legumes, are susceptible to bloat. It can occur in as little as 15 minutes or nearly two days after grazing. It can also be painfully deadly. Experts from Purdue University’s agronomy and animal sciences departments offer 10 tips to help avoid bloat, as well as a video showing how to tube a … [Read more...]
Stressed now, lame later
International hoof care consultant Karl Burgi identifies three primary incidences that can trigger lameness events: heat stress any episode of cows standing too long transition Source: Dairy Herd Management, March 31, 2017. Heat stress affects the feet? Yes, said Burgi, because hot cows stand more to try to cool off. When cows are standing, blood does not flow as … [Read more...]
How fed cattle qualify for the Certified Angus Beef brand
Angus brands dominate the beef market today with two-thirds of more than 140 USDA-certified brands. Where did it all start and what does it take to qualify? Mark McCully, Certified Angus Beef LLC vice president, shares the history and real story of CAB. Counting the total area of black spots on Holsteins is not allowed. Source: Beef March 23, 2017. Predominantly solid black … [Read more...]
68.2 percent fewer dairies since 1992
The number of dairies needed to produce adequate milk supplies continues to decline. The dairy industry is on track to have only half as many farms as it does today. The only question is which year during the 2030s it will happen. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, March 20, 2017. The biggest statewide declines have occurred in North Dakota (-94.4 percent) and Arkansas (-93.1 … [Read more...]