Cattle health

Drovers Round Up: Product and Leadership Announcements

Fri, 29 May 2026 12:28:53 GMT

Bimeda Introduces Enhanced BOVitalize Plus

Bimeda recently launched its newly enhanced BOVitalize Plus, now fortified with Aspergillus oryzae (AO) to deliver an even more comprehensive approach to cattle health, digestion and performance. This advancement builds on the trusted formulation of essential trace minerals and vitamins — Selenium, Copper, Zinc, Vitamin A and Vitamin E — by adding targeted digestive support designed to help cattle get more from every bite of feed.

For producers and veterinarians, the inclusion of AO represents a significant step forward in rumen efficiency. AO provides enzymatic activity that enhances fiber breakdown, helping cattle maintain intake and digestive consistency during diet transitions, periods of stress, or when forage quality declines. By supporting more efficient fiber utilization, the upgraded BOVitalize Plus helps optimize nutrient absorption, stabilize the rumen environment, and promote improved overall performance across all stages of production.

“This enhancement reflects our commitment to delivering solutions that truly support the challenges cattle face every day,” says Dr. Eric Moore, Bimeda head of technical services North America. “By combining key vitamins and minerals with the proven digestive benefits of Aspergillus oryzae — and refining how the formula performs in suspension — we’re offering a more complete, performance‑driven supplement designed to keep animals healthy, efficient and moving forward.”

For more information, visit the Bimeda website .

SynovexOne Grower Receives Additional Label Indication for Drylot Cattle

Zoetis announced May 27 it received an expanded label approval from the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) for Synovex One Grower’s increased rate of weight gain for up to 200 days in growing beef steers and heifers in a drylot.

“This approval gives drylot cattle producers a long-acting implant option to support longer term drylot periods, whether in confinement or on pasture with insufficient forage quality/yield. As one of only three implants containing trenbolone acetate (TBA) approved for drylot production, it supports additional weight gain for up to 200 days in growing beef steers and heifers when paired with proper nutrition,” says Jase Ball, Ph.D, Zoetis associate director of global clinical research and development.

Effective immediately, existing packages of Synovex One Grower can be used in the drylot production phase. Animal health product suppliers and cattle producers will begin seeing packaging with the updated indications by the end of 2026.

“The approval of Synovex One Grower in the drylot production phase adds one more tool in the toolbox for drylot and integrated operations, especially those that are needing extra days of implant coverage in their production systems,” says Dirk Burken, Ph.D, MBA nutritionist with Zoetis beef strategic technical services. “It’s exciting to be able to offer this added flexibility and value to our growing cattle customers. This approval further reflects Zoetis’ commitment to implant technology and, most importantly, to our customers.”

For more information, visit the Zoetis website .

Ritchie Industries Appoints Chad Huyser as CEO

Ritchie Industries , a leading manufacturer of livestock watering products backed by Granite Creek Capital Partners, today announced the appointment of Chad Huyser as chief executive officer. Huyser will lead Ritchie’s next phase of growth, building on the company’s 105-year legacy of innovation, quality and reliability.

“We find ourselves at a significant inflection point across agriculture,” Huyser says. “Today’s landscape is shaped by evolving dynamics that impact our customers’ decisions every day. Our role is to stay deeply connected to producers and their needs, while continuing to innovate in ways that improve efficiency, simplify management, and support our customers’ long-term success.”

Nofence Becomes Trust in Food partner

Nofence announces a new partnership with Farm Journal’s Trust in Food initiative. The partnership allows Nofence to grow connections with U.S. livestock producers seeking tools and technical expertise to improve profitability.

“A partnership between Nofence and Trust in Food is the perfect recipe for producers who want to build a business that thrives into the future,” says Nofence National Sales Director Eric Yates. “Trust in Food works to empower producers to use practices that create profitable, sustainable businesses, and Nofence gives them the insights and the time to get there.”

Nofence adds another link in the web of support Trust in Food and its partners bring to livestock producers, says Andy Lyon, Trust in Food senior director of conservation agriculture.

“Trust in Food’s work begins with the central idea that farmers and ranchers are not a monolith. We understand producers. We study what they need to weather the noise around them,” says Lyon. “Then we bring that information to our public and private partners. Together we can reach producers faster with the critical information they need to be successful.”

Another tool for success is insight from the Nofence system producers can use to create livestock and land management plans. For example, producers can analyze data about animal movements to evaluate forage quality and quantity. By monitoring grazing habits, they can refine or develop rotational or seasonal grazing plans.

Inching Closer: New World Screwworm Now 52 Miles from Border

Fri, 29 May 2026 03:11:49 GMT

New World screwworm (NWS) continues to creep closer to the U.S.-Mexico border. According to Lyndsay Cole, chief of strategic communications NWS directorate for USDA-APHIS, Mexico has reported two new cases in Nuevo León that are about 52 miles away from the border and one was reported Wednesday about 55 miles away in Coahuila.

“There are no cases or suspect cases in the U.S.,” Cole stresses.

New World screwworm is NOT in the U.S. and @USDA continues to deploy proven technology and nationwide outreach to stay ahead of this pest and protect livestock, pets, wildlife, and people.

Preparedness starts with awareness, so get the facts: https://t.co/3qu43ITr1j pic.twitter.com/9Kpc3uxCdO
— USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (@USDA_APHIS) May 28, 2026

Current New World screwworm cases in Mexico as of May 28, 2026.

(USDA APHIS)

A Narrowing Buffer Zone

There are currently 2,072 active cases of NWS in Mexico. USDA continues to disperse 100 million sterile insects per week in Mexico and along the U.S.-Mexico border and closely evaluates the location and circumstances of each new case. The sterile insect release area, or polygon, is adjusted as needed to maintain broad suppression and help prevent the pest from moving into the U.S.

(Lori Hays)

Early Detection: The Stench of Infestation

As NWS inches closer, industry leaders urge producers to shift from worry to action. Early detection, prompt reporting and treatment — backed by coordinated surveillance along the border — will be critical to keeping the treatable pest contained.

Producers who have dealt with the pest often describe it as a smell you’ll never forget , noting that the stench of a calf infested with NWS is often the first warning sign.

The prevention and treatment playbook is already taking shape. Prevention means fewer wounds, tighter calving windows, stronger parasite programs and more “eyeballs” on cattle, backed up by early reporting and a vet-guided treatment plan.

When cases do occur, today’s toolbox — from prescription pour-ons and emergency-use injectables — can limit the damage, as long as producers know how and when to use each tool.

Border Awareness: CBP Issues Traveler Warnings

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a public awareness campaign warning the South Texas traveling public about the threat of NWS on May 28. CBP Laredo Field Office developed an informational tearsheet in English and Spanish that advises about the threat of NWS and is distributing the tearsheet at the eight ports of entry from Brownsville to Del Rio, Texas, that comprise the Laredo Field Office area of responsibility.

“We are working to increase public awareness regarding New World screwworm so that the public can help prevent this invasive pest from reaching the U.S. and adversely affecting U.S. livestock and pets,” says Laredo Field Office Field Operations Director Donald R. Kusser. “By distributing these tearsheets and amplifying via social media, we are hoping to bring this message to the widest audience possible.”

NWS Resources

Visit Screwworm.gov for a wide range of stakeholder resources for livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health officials, wildlife professionals, healthcare providers, pet owners, researchers, drug manufacturers and the general public. It also has the latest USDA-verified information on cases and response activities in Mexico and U.S. preparedness efforts.

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One Size Does Not Fit All: Customizing Your Herd’s Vaccination Schedule

Fri, 22 May 2026 14:37:16 GMT

When it comes to herd health, many beef producers go to their veterinarian with a straightforward request: “Just tell me what shots to give.” Virginia Tech veterinarian John Currin understands the desire for a simple answer, but he says that mindset misses the real opportunity.

“Most of the time, people just want to know, ‘What shots do I give? Just tell me that,’” Currin says. “But if you want to get the most bang for your buck, it’s got to be tailored to your operation.”

Instead of chasing a national, one-size-fits-all vaccination calendar, Currin encourages producers to focus on the diseases that matter most in their cows and calves — and to build a written plan with their local veterinarian.

Why Do We Give Vaccines?

“The goal of any vaccination program is to increase resiliency and protection for the entire herd against certain diseases,” says A.J. Tarpoff, Kansas State University Extension veterinarian.

Vaccines are targeted challenges to the immune system to gain protection to the pathogens that cause the diseases of concern.

“Vaccines are tools producers use to reduce the risk and impact of certain infectious diseases in their cattle,” adds Russ Daly, South Dakota State University Extension veterinarian. “They work by stimulating the animal’s immune system before exposure to the disease-causing germs. As a result, when cattle are later exposed to those germs, the infection is less likely to become established or the severity and harmful effects of the disease are reduced.”

He stresses it’s important to remember vaccines only work to protect against the antigens they contain; in other words, there’s very little cross-protection with most cattle vaccines.

“Excessive germ exposures can overwhelm the action of vaccines,” he adds. “There aren’t vaccines against every important cattle health problem — so vaccines should be considered just one of several tools cattle producers should use to reduce disease risk.”

Start With Clear Goals: What Are You Trying to Prevent?

For Currin, a good vaccination program begins by identifying the most important disease risks to a herd.

“On the cow side, the overall goal is to prevent the frequent diseases — those that cause infertility and abortion,” he explains. “On the calf side, the fatal is clostridial disease, and the frequent is respiratory disease.”

That simple framework guides how he talks about herd health with producers. Cows need strong protection against reproductive losses. Calves need protection against deadly clostridial diseases and the common respiratory problems that can rob performance and survivability.

Tarpoff agrees that the goal is to protect threats against pregnancy for cows and then begin enhancing the immune system of young calves for protection against bovine respiratory disease (BRD).

“It is always important to remember that vaccines enhance protection for the herd, but an increased threat or poor management can always overcome a well-vaccinated animal’s immune system,” he stresses.

Currin encourages producers to build timing and product choices around their priorities, rather than starting with a generic list of vaccines and trying to make them fit every herd.

Same Science, Different Herds

Producers often ask for a universal vaccination schedule they can apply to any cow-calf operation. Currin says that’s not realistic — or very helpful.

“There is no one-size-fits-all vaccination program,” he says. “They’re all underpinned by the same science, but they vary for each operation based on operational goals, their past problems and the labor and facilities they have. Everyone needs a program that’s uniquely tailored to their operation.”

Regional disease pressure is a big part of that tailoring. For example, Clostridium haemolyticum (redwater) may be a serious concern in parts of the West but is not a routine threat in the East.

“There are differences across different parts of the country within diseases you’re going to be more concerned with that don’t exist in other areas,” he says. “I definitely recommend producers work closely with their veterinarian to come up with a good herd health protocol.”

Work With Your Veterinarian — and Put It in Writing

Tarpoff stresses, because of the unique management aspects of every operation, cookie-cutter recommendations that fit everyone simply don’t exist.

Currin is adamant that vaccination planning shouldn’t happen in isolation or at the farm store counter.

“I always suggest producers work with their veterinarian and/or local Extension people to come up with a good herd health protocol,” he says. “Have a written plan and periodically review that plan, because things change.”

Currin suggests the written plan should reflect:

Region-specific disease risks.
The operation’s calving season and breeding schedule.
Labor and handling opportunities.
Past herd health problems and long-term goals.

Building a Practical Schedule: Cows and Calves

While every program looks a little different, Currin uses a basic structure that can be adapted to both spring- and fall-calving herds.

On the cow side, he is a strong believer in modified-live vaccination programs, provided the herd is managed to allow safe use.

“You’ve got to have a defined calving season so that you have a time period where all the cows are open and you can vaccinate those cows with a modified-live vaccine,” Currin says.

He stresses sticking to label directions for timing. For calves, Currin targets both clostridial and respiratory disease.

“When the calves are 1 to 3 months of age, give them a separate clostridial vaccine. That’s kind of my basic youth vaccine program,” he says.

Later, he builds in a preweaning round of respiratory and clostridial protection.

According to Currin, spring- and fall-calving herds can follow the same framework; only the calendar dates change.

“While cookie-cutter recommendations don’t work, there are some common pathogen threats,” Tarpoff adds. “A 2017 survey of cow-calf veterinarians identified the most common pathogen recommendations.”

He says these recommendations include:

For the cow herd, ideally prebreeding to boost protection prior to breeding season — IBR, BVD (Types 1 and 2), lepto, PI3, BRSV and Vibrio (Campylobacter).
For calves — IBR, BVD (Types 1 and 2), BRSV, PI3 as well as a multivalent clostridial are the most common recommendations. Once closer to weaning, more veterinarians recommend including respiratory bacterins such as Mannheimia, followed by Histophilus and Pasteurella.

Don’t Forget Bulls and Replacement Heifers

Producers sometimes overcomplicate bull protocols. Currin applies what he calls the KISS [keep it short and simple] principle.

“I treat them like they’re cows. They get the same vaccination program as the cows do,” he says.

That keeps the program simple and helps ensure bulls aren’t overlooked.

Replacement heifers, on the other hand, are a special opportunity.

“The key difference is it’s a wonderful time to set them up for their lifelong herd health program,” Currin says.

Modified-Live vs. Killed Vaccines: Which is Right for You?

Daly says both killed and modified-live versions of vaccines are available for some reproductive and respiratory agents, which further factors into the decision.

“Safety, handling and timing conditions are different between both types,” he explains. “Vaccines of the same type containing the same antigens are usually offered for sale by several different animal health companies, creating another decision point.”

Daly adds the herd veterinarian can offer guidance on all those decision points.

“Their familiarity with the herd’s specific needs and with the various vaccines offered for sale make them the best source of information on which to base vaccine choices,” he summarizes.

In herds that don’t routinely use modified-live vaccines in mature cows, Currin likes to see heifers primed with modified-live products after weaning.

“If we’re not using modified-live vaccines in the cows, we can at least get a couple doses postweaning in those heifers,” he explains. “There’s really good evidence that priming those calves with modified-live vaccines has positive impacts as we booster them with killed products later on in life.”

He stresses it is important to not use modified-live vaccines in naïve cattle less than 30 days prior to breeding time.

Beyond Vaccines: Parasites and Flies Still Matter

Vaccines are only one part of a complete herd health program. Parasite and fly control still need to be addressed and should be built into the same veterinarian-guided plan.

“On the cow side, it’s predominantly lice and flies we’re talking about trying to control,” Currin notes. “On the calf side, it’s predominantly internal parasites — worms — and then, to some extent, flies.”

Fly control can be an ongoing challenge for beef producers.

“I’ve decided that flies are smarter than me,” Currin says jokingly. “Fly control is difficult because of animal-handling times and resistance of flies to many of our commonly available products. Producers should plan on a multifaceted approach involving at least two things to try to control flies.”

He points to four broad tool categories: fly tags, pour-ons, backpack sprayers, and insect growth regulators in the mineral. But he cautions that no program will work forever.

“They have to be prepared to adjust their program every couple of years, because what worked last year will not necessarily work this year,” he adds.

The Bottom Line: Use the Science, But Customize the Plan

For Currin, the message to producers is straightforward: The vaccines and the science are widely available, but the real value comes from how they’re applied on your specific operation.

“Every herd has different needs regarding disease risks and labor availability throughout the year,” Daly summarizes. “While there are some basics that should be followed for all herds, the choice of vaccines and their timing can vary widely between herds — even those across the fence from each other. This makes timely consultation with the herd veterinarian even more important.”

No matter herd size or location, a good vaccination program starts with understanding your herd’s biggest disease risks, then working with your veterinarian to develop — and regularly review — a written herd health plan that truly fits your cows, your calves and your management.

Practical Nutrition Strategies to Maintain Rumen Health in Weaned Calves

Wed, 27 May 2026 15:00:59 GMT

At weaning, calves are suddenly introduced to new feeds, new environments and new feeding behaviors — all while the rumen microbial population tries to adapt to completely different nutrient sources. Many of the problems that show up after weaning, including inconsistent gains, digestive upset, acidosis and increased disease susceptibility, can often be traced back to instability within the rumen and lower gastrointestinal tract.

Greg Eckerle, technical services manager with Novonesis, says one of the biggest challenges is managing the transition away from forage-heavy diets without overwhelming the rumen too quickly.

“They’ve been on a high-forage diet, and we’re going to start introducing feedstuffs like corn, distillers grain, gluten feeds,” Eckerle explains.

Rapid dietary changes alter fermentation patterns, disrupt microbial populations and create inconsistent feed intake patterns that can become difficult to correct once calves begin cycling through digestive setbacks.

What Early Rumen Dysfunction Looks Like in Weaned Calves

Identifying early signs of digestive instability remains critical during the first weeks after weaning.

Early warning signs of rumen instability may include:

Loose or bubbling manure
Gray-colored feces
Mild bloat
Reduced bunk attendance
Sluggish behavior
Inconsistent intake patterns
Calves isolating themselves from the group

Eckerle notes manure consistency is the first indicator he watches for when evaluating calf gut health during transitions. In some situations, calves may need to be temporarily pulled back onto a higher-forage ration to stabilize rumen function before resuming the transition process.

How Gradual Feed Transitions Support Rumen Adaptation in Weaned Calves

Eckerle emphasizes maintaining high-quality forage early in the weaning period remains one of the best ways to stabilize intake and support rumen adaptation.

“Alfalfa is still probably one of the best weaning forages out there,” he says. Alfalfa offers high protein, vitamins and minerals that support rumen development and growth.

While calves may eventually transition toward more energy-dense rations, gradually introducing those ingredients gives microbial populations time to adapt to increasing starch levels and changing fermentation patterns. According to Eckerle, that process should happen slowly rather than through abrupt ration changes.

“It’s going to be about a 10- to 14-day process where we’re slowly moving those animals forward,” he says.

He also notes the importance of ration consistency. Newly weaned calves are highly capable of sorting feed ingredients, often selecting more palatable concentrates while avoiding longer forage particles. Maintaining appropriate chop length, forage quality and bunk consistency can help reduce slug feeding behavior and support more stable fermentation.

Emerging Understanding of Gut Health and Acidosis in Weaned Calves

When we think about rumen health and weaning, rumen acidosis is often the focus. However, Eckerle says newer research is pointing toward a broader gastrointestinal component.

“A quality direct-fed microbial is going to help keep the gut balanced and keep the rumen in line,” Eckerle says.

Direct-fed microbials and probiotics are increasingly being used during transition periods to help stabilize microbial populations and maintain rumen pH. According to Eckerle, disruptions lower in the gastrointestinal tract may contribute to rumen instability more than previously recognized.

When calves experience digestive upset, the resulting reduction in intake can quickly create a cycle that is hard to break.

“They’ll drop off intake for three days, and then they’ll pick back up and have a rollercoaster of events take place,” Eckerle warns.

This rollercoaster includes repeated setbacks in intake, gain and overall calf performance.

How Microbials May Support Rumen Stability During Weaning

The goal of microbial technologies during weaning is not simply to add bacteria, but to help create a more stable digestive environment during a stressful transition. Eckerle explains that many of the microbial populations needed to digest starch and ferment feed are already present within the rumen. The challenge is supporting the right balance of those organisms as diets change.

Some direct-fed microbials contain both lactic acid-producing and lactic acid-utilizing bacteria designed to help stabilize rumen fermentation and reduce major pH swings during feed transitions. Reducing harmful bacterial activity may also support calf health.

“The bacteria themselves aren’t the problem. It’s their endotoxins that become the problem,” Eckerle says.

Maintaining gut integrity may have impacts beyond digestion alone, especially during stressful post-weaning periods when calves are already immunologically challenged.

As interest in direct-fed microbials continues to grow, Eckerle encourages a focus on products supported by research rather than simply selecting products based on the number of bacterial strains included. Strain selection and compatibility are important, and products should be evaluated based on demonstrated stability, efficacy and supporting research.

Why Hydration Is Critical for Gut Health and Feed Intake

Water management is another frequently overlooked component of rumen health during weaning. Newly weaned calves commonly experience periods of reduced feed intake, making hydration especially important for maintaining rumen function and preventing larger digestive disturbances.

“If we don’t have quality access to water, it generally creates a bigger negative cascade of events,” Eckerle warns.

Tank cleanliness, water availability and easy access become particularly important during periods of stress when calves may already be reluctant to eat or explore unfamiliar environments.

Ultimately, maintaining rumen stability during weaning comes down to creating consistency in intake, hydration, fermentation and microbial balance.

“Having that overall healthier animal is good from a production standpoint, good from a welfare standpoint and good from an overall cost perspective,” Eckerle concludes.

Performance Beef Expands Platform Capabilities Through Strategic PAC Partnership

Tue, 26 May 2026 19:36:09 GMT

Performance Livestock Analytics (PLA), the company behind the Performance Beef platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Production Animal Consultation (PAC), a premier cattle veterinary consulting group. The collaboration is designed to transform how cattle producers utilize health data, moving beyond simple record-keeping into expert-led, actionable strategy.

From Data Collection to Decision Support

In an industry increasingly driven by precision, the partnership provides Performance Beef customers with direct access to PAC’s world-class veterinary team. By layering PAC’s decades of consulting experience over the real-time production and health data captured within the platform, producers can now:

Audit Health Protocols: Evaluate the effectiveness of current vaccine and treatment programs.
Analyze Pull-Rate Trends: Identify patterns in animal sickness and treatment response to mitigate future outbreaks.
Optimize Operational Efficiency: Link animal health outcomes directly to feed efficiency and cost-of-gain.

A New Standard for the Industry

The collaboration marks a pivotal shift for Performance Beef as it evolves from a data management tool into a comprehensive decision-support ecosystem.

“We’ve built one of the most actionable production data sets in cattle feeding,” says Dustin Balsley, PLA chief operating officer. “Pairing it with PAC’s caliber of consulting gives our customers something the industry hasn’t previously offered at scale: senior animal health expertise and operational data working together as a single decision.”

Dr. Dan Thomson of Production Animal Consultation notes the customer base and data infrastructure provided by PLA are unmatched.

“Working alongside PLA gives our team the platform to deliver consulting that is faster, more specific and more impactful,” he says. “We expect this model to set a new standard for how senior veterinary expertise reaches the producer.”

The First of Many Integrations

The PAC partnership is the inaugural step in a broader strategy by PLA to deepen the value of the Performance Beef platform through high-level industry integrations. By connecting veterinary strategy with real-time production metrics, the two companies aim to help producers maximize both animal welfare and bottom-line profitability.

What Products are Available to Prevent and Treat New World Screwworm?

Thu, 21 May 2026 19:22:05 GMT

New World Screwworm or Cochliomyia hominivorax is still south of the U.S. border, but the prevention and treatment playbook is already taking shape. Veterinarians, regulators and ranchers who’ve seen this pest up close keep coming back to the same point: you can’t treat your way out of screwworm.

Prevention means fewer wounds, tighter calving windows, stronger parasite programs and more “eyeballs” on cattle, backed up by early reporting and a vet‑guided treatment plan.

When cases do occur, today’s toolbox — from prescription pour‑ons and emergency‑use injectables — can limit the damage, as long as producers know how and when to use each tool.

The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is working with animal drug sponsors to identify potential products and seeks to have them approved or otherwise authorized for the prevention or treatment of NWS myiasis. The agency has multiple regulatory pathways and access mechanisms to facilitate the availability of animal drugs for NWS.

Currently, FDA has conditionally approved two products for use with beef cattle. This list continues to grow as FDA approves products. For an up-to-date list you can visit the FDA website .

Animal Drugs Conditionally Approved by FDA for NWS

Dectomax-CA1 (doramectin injection) injectable solution: Prevention and treatment of infestations caused by NWS larvae (myiasis), and prevention of reinfestation for 21 days in cattle.
Exzolt Cattle-CA1 (fluralaner) topical solution: Prevention and treatment of infestations caused by NWS larvae (myiasis) and treatment and control of cattle fever tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) in beef cattle 2 months of age and older and replacement dairy heifers less than 20 months of age.

Emergency Use Authorization of Animal Drugs for NWS

On Aug. 18, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a declaration enabling FDA to issue Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for animal drugs to treat or prevent infestations caused by NWS. This list continues to grow as FDA approves products and for an up-to-date list, you can visit the FDA website .

Here is the current list of products FDA has approved for emergency use:

Ivomec (ivermectin) injectable solution: Prevention of infestations caused by NWS larvae (myiasis) when administered within 24 hours of birth, at the time of castration, or at the appearance of a wound in cattle, except for female dairy cattle producing milk for human consumption and calves that will be processed for veal.
F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide (benzalkonium chloride, polyhexanide and cypermethrin topical solution): Prevention and treatment of infestations caused by NWS larvae (myiasis) in cattle, horses, minor species of hoof stock, raptors and other wild birds, pet birds, and captive wild, exotic and zoo mammals.
F10 Antiseptic Barrier Ointment with Insecticide (benzalkonium chloride, polyhexanide and cypermethrin topical ointment): Prevention and treatment of infestations caused by NWS larvae (myiasis) in cattle, horses, minor species of hoof stock, raptors and other wild birds, pet birds, and captive wild, exotic, and zoo mammals.
Negasunt Powder (coumaphos, propoxur, and sulfanilamide topical powder): Prevention and treatment of infestations caused by NWS larvae (myiasis) in cattle, swine, goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, domestic hybrid equids, and captive wild, exotic, and zoo mammals. Negasunt is currently limited to USDA-authorized users and government agencies to prevent misuse.
Dectomax/Dectomax-CA1 (doramectin injection): Prevention and treatment of infestations caused by NWS larvae (myiasis) in dairy cattle (lactating dairy cows, dry dairy cows, replacement dairy heifers, 20 months of age and older) except for calves that will be processed for veal; and prevention of infestations caused by NWS larvae (myiasis) in horses 1 year and older, swine, sheep except lactating sheep and deer.

Prevention Options: Don’t Blanket Treat

When considering prevention, experts suggest the best option is to evaluate and adjust management practices compared to mass treating. They also encourage working with your veterinarian to make a plan.

“You may want to reevaluate with your veterinarian your integrated pest management as far as what you’re doing for ticks, and what you’re doing for the fly control and things where you might have more wounds, and that’s what you want to minimize if it does indeed get here,” suggests Dr. Diane Kitchen, a cattle rancher and Florida Department of Agriculture veterinarian manager, bovine and cervidae programs.

A veterinarian is central to the preparation and treatment plan. Part of being prepared is sitting down now with your veterinarian and discussing: “If we get screwworm, what’s our plan? How often are we looking at cattle, what products are we going to use, and what do we do about movements?”

For wound care, antibiotics, pain management and access to tools, a veterinary client–patient relationship is vital. Treatment is about parasite removal and wound management, guided by vets.

South Texas beef producer Jason Sawyer says, “We’ve also re‑evaluated our parasite control programs in the context of our beef quality assurance program and really tried to set for ourselves a comprehensive plan for how we can better monitor cattle, better treat and better prevent their exposure to screwworms, should the pest re‑emerge in Texas.”

Sawyer, who manages ranches near the U.S.-Mexico border, explains, “We’re trying to work with the weather instead of against it and think about comprehensive parasite control strategies that can minimize that risk for newborn calves, knowing that we’re unlikely to be able to put our hands on every one of them as they hit the ground.”

Health officials say mass or blanket treating the whole herd in an attempt to “prevent” NWS is not the answer. The goal should not be to habitually treat animals ‘just in case.’

“Blanket treatment of animals is not recommended,” stresses Dr. Julia Herman, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) beef cattle specialist veterinarian. “We need to be really responsible in how we use these products. Any unnecessary or inappropriate use should be avoided — this reduces the risk of developing antimicrobial resistance. Only use products for the parasites that are listed on the label.”

Sawyer agrees with the importance of resistance management, adding, “We don’t want to react to an emergent threat in a way that then creates problems with a persistent pest that’s already present.”

Kitchen summarizes that producers and veterinarians have many more tools than they did back in the ’60s and ’70s when NWS was last endemic in the U.S., but producers and veterinarians should strive to avoid “unnecessary or inappropriate use” to preserve effectiveness.

For NWS, the plan is not to line up every animal on the ranch and treat them all ‘just in case.’ Regulators and veterinarians aim to inspect, treat infested or high‑risk animals, and use systemic products where they make sense, always watching resistance, withdrawal times and product supplies.

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Low-Stress Lessons: A Rancher’s Artistic Approach to Animal Behavior

Wed, 20 May 2026 18:10:53 GMT

A first-generation Texas rancher has uncovered different tactics to improve low-stress cattle-handling techniques for ranches of all sizes.

Kim Jungkind was living the life of a trauma nurse in Philadelphia when her father-in-law passed away, leaving her and her husband the family ranch in Texas. The Jungkinds didn’t have any knowledge of ranching but took on the challenge and quickly learned.

Previous arrangements were made that the other side of the family, who were ranchers, would take over the ranch.

“It seemed to be a good plan,” Jungkind says. “But at the funeral, the experienced ranchers decided to give the responsibility to us.”

She approached ranching and animal behavior with curiosity. After all, her mind was a clean slate, never having heard, “This is how we’ve always done it.”

Jungkind says, “I think being curious is important to gain a really different perspective. There are always insights and new information available, and tapping into those insights can really help your cattle business.”

Her background as an emergency/trauma/heart transplant nurse and artist brought a special skill set to ranching as well.

“Nurses are very good observers,” Jungkind explains. “I just transferred those abilities and started really focusing on the cows — they seemed emotional and curious.”

However, her first experiences with cows weren’t ones that led her to believe cows were either of these things.

“The few times we had been to the ranch, my father-in-law told us to stay away from the cows because they could hurt us.”

Her curiosity led her to try playing music for their cattle, and the results were interesting.

She says, “I tried different kinds of music and watched how they reacted. When I played rock or jazz, they moved away or even ran. When I played Bach, they came closer and closer. They actually wanted to lick the boombox.”

It was the low, soft tones that the cows preferred.

Being an artist, she also hung a variety of quality artwork in the corral. The cows quickly let her know which ones they preferred, which led her to discovering and researching their preference for the color yellow.

“They went straight for one painting of yellow daffodils,” Jungkind shares. “That’s when I started asking why. After some research, I found they can see yellow very well — and they’re naturally drawn to it.”

Jungkind applies these discoveries on her ranch by playing music for cattle during stressful events. An area rancher took her findings with the color yellow and switched to only using yellow sorting flags.

She says, “A yellow flag on the end of a sorting stick catches their attention and creates a less stressful experience. It’s a simple change, but it makes handling easier on both the cattle and the producer.”

Next time you evaluate your cattle-handling scenarios to reduce stress, stay curious and observant of how they respond to colors, noises and human energy.

Listen to the full conversation on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast.

The End of Blanket Deworming: Why Your Parasite Strategy Must Change

Wed, 20 May 2026 17:24:44 GMT

For decades, the standard response to summer parasites was simple: run the herd through the chute and apply a single dewormer to every animal. But according to veterinary experts, that ‘blanket’ approach is now a contributing driver of a growing crisis: anthelmintic resistance.

As internal parasites evolve to survive common treatments, producers must shift from generic schedules to data-driven, veterinarian-guided protocols to protect their herd’s health and their operation’s profitability.

Dr. Julia Herman, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) beef cattle specialist veterinarian, says parasite management does vary by region with differences in climate, environmental conditions, host susceptibility and farm/ranch management practices.

“Rotating pastures strategically can optimize nutrition and pasture use, but parasite management is variable depending on stocking density, age of cattle, time of year recent rainfall – lots of factors are hard to predict,” she explains. “What does not vary by region is anthelmintic resistance, where internal and external parasites have developed resistance to the animal health products and dewormers readily available for parasite control.”

What is Anthelmintic Resistance in Cattle?

Anthelmintic resistance has been recognized in small ruminants for many years, but the beef industry is not immune. She explains resistance in intestinal worms of cattle has been documented for more than 20 years.

John Gilliam, Oklahoma State University associate professor and clinical veterinarian, stresses the beef cattle industry needs to recognize that anthelmintic resistance is present and is becoming more of a concern. Anthelmintic resistance has been documented in multiple parts of the U.S., not just the Southeast region.

Common Mistakes in Parasite Management

Promotion of resistance comes from misuse of the products available. Herman says there are a few common ways that misuse could occur:

When groups of animals are dosed to the average weight of the group, the heavier animals are likely underdosed, meaning worms are not completely killed and resistant worms have a higher chance of surviving.
Certain products, like pour-on dewormers, may increase resistance more than other products due to underdosing or inappropriate application. This includes not applying along the back from head to tail. “Squirting cattle with dewormer as they run by is a great way to waste product, waste money and increase anthelmintic resistance,” Herman says.
Using anthelmintic products for parasites not on the label, such as using a dewormer for flies. “The Environmental Protection Agency has specific labels and regulations for each topical anthelmintic,” Herman explains. “Be sure to read the label of each product, use it for its intended parasite, and follow withdrawal times.”

Preventing resistance in the animal health realm can apply to both antimicrobial and antiparasitic products. Because of anthelmintic resistance, treatment protocols have become more complex than giving a single product and necessitate veterinary consultation.

“As discussed in the Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Program, proper dosing to body weight of the animal plays a role in effectiveness of the medication,” she explains. “While much focus is placed on withdrawal times for antibiotics, do not forget that many topical and injectable parasite treatments have withdrawal periods to adhere to.”

Beyond anthelmintics, which can be very effective when used properly, alternative methods to managing internal parasites can be effective adjunct strategies.

Herman also stresses the fact of not blanket-treating the entire herd.

“Unless there is a diagnosed problem, blanket treatment is not recommended,” she says. “Working with a veterinarian or extension specialist is crucial to understanding the herd’s parasite risk. A new school of thought that favors treating a small percentage of the herd or only unthrifty animals rather than treating every animal in the herd. Preserving susceptible worms through refugia programs is a technique that many herds are implementing.”

How to Perform a FECRT

To effectively treat or control parasites in the herd, it is important to know exactly which ones are a problem. This can be challenging at times, so it is critical to have a resource team ready to assist.

“Working with your local veterinarian and extension agent will help tailor a strategy to the specific operation, using multiple modalities to protect your herd,” Herman says. “Coordinating with neighboring ranches on parasite control would also improve overall success of the program.”

Every producer has a parasite control program but may not be assessing the efficacy of their program. Gilliam reminds producers there is no way to know if your herd has resistance without looking for it.

This is where the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Tests (FECRT) can play a key role. These tests can be run as a screening test with the help of your veterinarian and are designed to measure the efficacy of the anthelmintic treatment.

The FECRT requires a sampling of a group of animals at the time of treatment followed by a second sampling 10 to 14 days after treatment. This test can be used for any oral, injectable or pour-on anthelmintic products.

“Labor and cost will need to be evaluated for each operation since cattle will need to be handled at least twice for sample collection and potential treatment,” Herman says. “Testing around 20 randomly selected animals within the herd has been shown to be a representative sample for detecting resistance at the herd level. If a herd has less than 20 animals, all of them would need to be tested.”

Another way to monitor, Gilliam adds, is completing routine surveillance of fecal samples, which can be a strategy to count the number of parasite eggs to see if deworming is needed for an individual animal.

Different diagnostic laboratories, technical services companies and veterinary clinics will use different tests for determining fecal egg counts, so it is important to plan ahead and have that conversation before collecting samples.

Some laboratories will accept composite sampling, which means combining multiple samples into one sample in a standardized manner, which can save on costs.

“Parasite control programs, whether completing surveillance or treatment, can be complicated to develop so working with your herd veterinarian is vital,” Herman summarizes.

Parasite prevention programs are an essential part to the herd health plan and should be re-evaluated on an annual basis. The significance of considering the cattle’s entire environment — from optimizing nutrition, having a solid herd health program, using low-stress handling to provide the foundation for a strong immune system and healthy cattle — cannot be emphasized enough.

She reminds producers reviewing the BQA principles will help cattle producers focus on these preventive practices that will improve animal health, optimize productivity and reduce management costs.

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CattleFax 2025 Survey: Record $2,246 Calf Revenue Drives Historic Cow-Calf Profits

Tue, 19 May 2026 19:42:56 GMT

Cow-calf producers navigated a high-stakes market in 2025, according to the latest CattleFax survey. The latest survey reveals a paradox in the 2025 cattle market: while it has never been more expensive to keep a cow, it has also rarely been more profitable to sell a calf. With data representing 300,000 cows across 40 states, the report provides a definitive benchmark for producers navigating today’s volatile environment.

“Surging calf prices in 2025 far outpaced the increase in cow costs leading to the strongest cow-calf profits recorded since CattleFax has been conducting this survey,” says CattleFax Analyst Matthew McQuagge.

The average herd size within this sample increased to 391 cows, which McQuagge explains is primarily due to a decrease in participants with 100 or fewer head.

Record Cash Cow Costs vs. Surging Calf Revenue

Cash cow costs increased $27 per head to $780 for a new record in the CattleFax database. However, higher calf prices have continued to offset the elevated costs. Participants reported an average revenue of $2,246 per calf in 2025, up $631 from 2024. Adjusting for weaning percentages, average cow-calf profit margins increased by $614 per head compared to 2024. Steer weaning weights were 7 lb. higher at 563 lb. and heifers were also up 7 lb. to 528 lb. The weaned calf crop percentage saw a small improvement in 2025 with an average of 87.9%.

	U.S. Average
2025 Cow Costs vs. Calf Revenue
Calf Value	$2,246
Cow Cost (as reported)	$780
Weaned Calf Crop %	87.9%
Cow Cost (% calf crop adjusted)	$897
Profit (% calf crop adjusted)	$1,361
Estimated Cost for Unpaid Labor & Depreciation	$288
Estimated Net Margin	$1,073
Weaning Weights
Steers	563
Heifers	528
Pounds Weaned per Exposed Female	478
Other Factors
Cow Herd Size	391
Bull Purchase Price	$7,542
Planned expansion from 2025 to 2026
Increase herd by 10% or more	33%
Increase herd by less than 10%	18%
No change or minimal change in herd size	38%
Reduce herd by less than 10%	6%
Reduce herd by 10% or more	5%

(CattleFax)

Benchmarking High-Return vs. Low-Return Operations

“Producer profitability continued to show wide ranges, driven by differences in costs, revenues, weaning rates and calf weights,” McQuagge says. “High-return producers consistently generate 10% more pounds weaned per exposed female than average and low-return operations. This is driven in large part by a tighter calving season length which, in turn, supports both heavier calf weights at weaning as well as a larger overall weaning percentage.”

Every year, CattleFax sorts survey responses into three equal-sized categories based on weaning-adjusted profit status to further evaluate what sets “high-return” producers apart from “average” or “low-return” operators. High-return operations recorded an average net return of $1,726 per head while low-return ones received an average of $1,001 per head, which McQuagge says is still a historically strong margin.

While the entire sector saw historically strong margins, “high-return” operations separated themselves through vaccination, weaning programs and superior calf crop percentages.

“The last two years have noted a more uniform spread of both cow costs and calf values between return groups, likely attributed to higher calf prices creating a greater, more even distribution in profits among operations,” he says. “High-return operations were characterized as placing greater emphasis on managerial practices that result in a larger weaned calf crop percentage of 90% compared to low- and average-return producers with 85% and 88% calf crops respectively.”

High-return producers were also more likely to implement value-added production practices such as vaccination and weaning programs.

High-return producers were also more likely to implement value-added production practices such as vaccination and weaning programs.

(CattleFax)

Key Management Correlations for High Returns

McQuagge says other management practices that stand out across time for increasing an operations’ net margin is having two-plus rounds of vaccinations and weaning for over 45 days. The 2025 data identifies three critical areas where management directly impacts the bottom line:

Calving Season Length: Shorter calving intervals (0 to 45 days) resulted in the highest weaning weights (averaging 555 lb.) compared to 90-plus day intervals (484 lb.).
Vaccination Protocols: Calf value peaked for producers who vaccinated three to four times, adding hundreds of dollars in value compared to zero-vaccination programs.
Bull Investment: There is a direct correlation between bull purchase price and calf revenue. Bulls purchased for more than $9,500 consistently produced the highest-value calves.

(CattleFax)

How Much Does it Cost to Keep a Cow?

Cash cow costs reached a new record in the CattleFax database.

Average Cash Cow Cost: $780 per head (up $27 from the previous year).
Cost Breakdown: Feed and hay remain the largest expenses (34%), followed by pasture (32%) and hired labor (14%).
Regional Highs: The Northern Plains reported the highest cash costs at $861 per head, while the Southeast remained the lowest at $703.

Is the U.S. Cattle Herd Expanding?

The survey suggests a strong intent to grow the national herd through 2027:

2026 Expansion: 33% of U.S. producers plan to increase their herd by 10% or more.
2027 Outlook: 29% of producers expect to continue expanding by 10% or more, indicating long-term confidence in the market.

Regional Performance Benchmarks

The survey highlights significant differences in production across the U.S. regions:

Northern Plains: Led the nation in steer weaning weights (576 lb.) and pregnancy percentage (93%).
Southern Plains: Reported a 571-lb. steer weaning weight and a 55-day average calving interval.
Southeast: While weaning weights were lower (536 lb. for steers), the region benefited from the lowest cash costs in the country.
Corn Belt: Reported the smallest average herd size at 143 head, compared to the West’s 669 head.

Market Outlook: Will Tight Calf Supplies Maintain Producer Leverage?

Patrick Linnell, CattleFax director of market research, summarizes, “Ultimately, the current market environment has supported the average cow-calf producer in making record profits over the past few years with strong likelihood that this sector will continue to maintain favorable leverage over the next couple of years as domestic calf supplies remain tight.”

He adds, while every operation’s situation is unique, opportunities exist through increasing efficiencies or managing cost to improve profitability, regardless of the current market environment.

The CattleFax 2025 Cow-Calf Survey was sponsored by Crystalyx and Sweetlix. CattleFax will host a free webinar reviewing the survey as well as a market outlook on May 20 at 5:30 p.m. MT.

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Mineral Strategies During Heat Stress: What To Watch This Summer

Mon, 18 May 2026 15:01:32 GMT

Summer nutrition challenges are no longer limited to keeping cattle cool. As temperatures climb and forage conditions fluctuate, heat stress alters feed intake, grazing behavior, water consumption and, ultimately, mineral status across the herd.

In cow-calf production systems, those changes can show up in subtle ways first: inconsistent mineral intake, rough hair coats, reduced thriftiness, pica or cattle simply “looking off” long before overt disease appears.

Greg Eckerle, technical services manager with Novonesis, notes that successful summer mineral programs depend on understanding how environmental stress changes both animal behavior and nutrient availability.

“Maximizing the potential of what we’re putting out there to meet that animal’s needs is imperative,” Eckerle says.

Heat Stress Changes Intake Patterns

One of the biggest nutritional challenges during summer heat is reduced intake. To cope with heat stress, cattle naturally spend more time near shade and water, and less time actively grazing. This behavioral shift can dramatically affect mineral consumption patterns, particularly in regions facing prolonged heat and humidity.

Because of this, mineral feeder placement becomes critical. Positioning supplements between loafing and watering areas can increase encounters with mineral sources during the hottest parts of the day. Introducing salt blocks or highly palatable delivery methods, such as lick tubs, can also help maintain consistent intake when cattle are eating less overall.

External stressors can further compound nutritional demands.

“The big one for the United States cow-calf industry still remains to be the horn fly,” Eckerle explains. “They will take away more energy because they are big blood feeders.”

These pests worsen stress during already challenging environmental conditions, making targeted fly control a vital component of summer nutritional management.

Drought Changes Forage Quality and Mineral Availability

Heat stress rarely occurs in isolation. In many regions, rising temperatures trigger drought conditions that rapidly degrade forage quality and alter mineral availability throughout the grazing season.

As plants mature or become drought stressed, digestibility drops and anti-nutritional compounds can become problematic. Water quality simultaneously deteriorates as ponds shrink, often causing sulfur concentrations to spike. These environmental shifts directly interfere with trace mineral absorption, driving up the need for more bioavailable sources.

“Looking away from oxide sulfates trending toward an organic or hydroxy trace mineral will be important as we move into those drier periods,” Eckerle advises.

While forage testing provides a useful baseline for evaluating changing pasture conditions, results should always be interpreted within the context of rapidly shifting weather patterns. Regional differences matter, too: Northern grazing systems may hold forage quality further into the summer, while southern regions typically face earlier forage decline and prolonged heat exposure.

Water Remains the Foundation of Summer Nutrition

While mineral formulations receive significant attention during summer stress, Eckerle emphasizes water management may ultimately have the largest impact on herd performance. Poor water quality, elevated sulfur levels, toxic algae blooms and inadequate access can all worsen heat stress and further suppress feed intake.

Clean, accessible water sources are the ultimate defense during high-stress periods, as dehydration triggers a cascading wave of nutritional and health issues.

As Eckerle notes: “Water is the first limiting nutrient for all living things.”

How to Adjust Mineral Programs During Heat Stress

Because pasture, water and intake patterns shift rapidly during a scorching summer, mineral programs cannot remain static. Producers and veterinarians should actively collaborate throughout the season to:

Evaluate forage and water quality shifts regularly
Monitor daily mineral intake patterns
Assess cattle behavior, grazing habits and physical appearance
Troubleshoot early signs of declining performance
Align mineral formulations with current, real-time environmental conditions

Periods of intense heat are also the right time to audit practical management setups — ensuring optimal feeder placement, aggressive fly control, easy water access and highly palatable mineral options.

Signs of Mineral Deficiency to Watch For

While bloodwork and liver biopsies provide definitive diagnostic data, Eckerle says practical herd observation is a producer’s most valuable daily tool.

Changes in coat condition, hair loss around the ears or tail switch, unusual grazing behavior or bone chewing can all signal developing deficiencies before major production losses occur.

“Animals are really good at finding salt in the ground,” Eckerle says.

Behavioral clues like dirt eating or bone chewing frequently point to phosphorus or salt deficiencies, particularly when overall intake drops during prolonged heat spells.

Successful summer mineral management requires keeping a close eye on both cattle behavior and changing pasture conditions. As heat, drought and water quality fluctuate, your supplementation strategy must evolve alongside them to safeguard performance, reproduction and herd health through the toughest months of the year.

Researchers Use 3D Imaging to Study How Cattle Move

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:32:05 GMT

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are exploring whether advanced motion tracking and computer vision could help identify mobility and welfare problems earlier by turning cattle movement into measurable data.

For decades, evaluating how cattle move has relied largely on human observation. We watch for shortened strides, uneven weight-bearing, altered posture or subtle gait changes that may signal lameness, pain or illness. Researchers increasingly believe digital tools may detect those changes earlier and more consistently than the human eye alone.

That idea is at the center of “Cattle Mooves,” a project using advanced imaging and motion analysis to better understand how cattle movement relates to health, structure and welfare.

Lead by Josh McCann and Isabella Condotta, associate and assistant professors, respectively, in the Department of Animal Sciences, researchers are using technologies, such as 3D imaging and computer vision, to capture subtle differences in gait, posture and movement that may otherwise go unnoticed during routine observation.

Why Mobility Changes Matter in Cattle

This project reflects a broader shift toward precision livestock farming, where cameras, wearable sensors and artificial intelligence are increasingly being used to monitor cattle continuously.

That trend has gained particular attention in lameness detection. Lameness remains one of the most significant welfare and economic challenges in cattle production while also highlighting the limitations of traditional locomotion scoring systems, which can vary between observers and often miss mild or early-stage cases.

Researchers studying automated lameness detection have found movement patterns may begin changing before severe clinical signs become obvious. Differences in stride length, gait symmetry, posture and weight distribution may all provide clues that a cow is developing mobility problems.

Computer vision systems aim to capture those changes objectively. These systems are increasingly being explored not only for lameness detection, but also for broader health and welfare monitoring applications.

What “Cattle Mooves” Is Trying to Measure

While many precision livestock technologies focus on activity monitoring, the “Cattle Mooves” project is attempting to create a more detailed understanding of how cattle physically move through space.

Rather than simply tracking whether a cow is active or inactive, researchers are analyzing posture, gait mechanics, structural movement and body positioning using 3D imaging and computer analysis. The project is designed to measure how cattle move at a much more detailed level, including factors such as stride length, joint angles, gait symmetry and weight distribution.

(Provided by Joshua McCann)

Those measurements may offer insight not only into lameness and discomfort, but also into structural soundness — how well an animal’s skeleton is aligned and functions during movement. Structural soundness plays an important role in cattle longevity, mobility and productivity, particularly in breeding animals expected to remain in herds for extended periods.

Researchers believe continuous movement monitoring could eventually help flag cattle showing subtle early changes associated with:

Lameness or hoof pain
Structural weaknesses affecting mobility
Heat stress
Reduced activity linked to illness
Mobility changes during recovery
Shifts in posture or weight distribution
General signs of discomfort or welfare concerns

In large groups of cattle, these subtle changes can be difficult to identify consistently through visual observation alone. By converting movement into measurable data points, researchers hope to create more objective ways to assess mobility and structural function over time.

A Growing Role for Computer Vision in Cattle Care

The Illinois project also reflects growing interest in computer vision systems within cattle production.

Researchers have been evaluating AI-driven technologies for body condition scoring, calving prediction, welfare assessment and automated lameness detection. Multiple data streams — including movement, feeding behavior and environmental information — may eventually be integrated to provide a more complete picture of animal well-being.

Some technologies are already entering commercial dairy systems. Activity monitors and wearable devices are commonly used for estrus detection, while other platforms track rumination, feeding behavior and general activity. The goal is not to replace veterinarians or stockmanship, but to improve consistency and help identify animals needing closer evaluation.

Movement Tracking Technology Still Has Limits

Researchers caution that movement tracking technology is not a replacement for clinical evaluation or hands-on observation. Barn design, flooring surfaces, lighting conditions, mud, stocking density and camera placement can all affect data quality and system accuracy. False positives also remain a concern, particularly if systems generate excessive alerts that reduce confidence in the technology. Additional validation across different production environments will be essential before many systems see widespread adoption.

Projects like “Cattle Mooves” highlight how rapidly cattle monitoring technology is evolving. What once depended almost entirely on periodic visual assessment may increasingly involve continuous streams of movement and behavioral data collected in the background of daily farm operations.

This could eventually mean access to another layer of information when evaluating cattle health and welfare. Rather than replacing hands-on examination, movement analysis tools may help identify subtle problems earlier, prioritize animals for closer evaluation and provide a more objective way to monitor changes over time.

WOAH Report Highlights Growing Disease Pressure and Veterinary System Gaps

Wed, 13 May 2026 19:46:48 GMT

A perfect storm may be gathering over the global food system.

As unprecedented outbreaks of bird flu, African swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, and New World screwworm spread across regions, the financial systems meant to prevent and contain these threats are shrinking.

That is the central warning from the World Organisation for Animal Health’s (WOAH) newly released 2026 State of the World’s Animal Health report , which argues that global investment in prevention is failing to keep pace with a rapidly expanding biological risk profile.

According to the report, more than 20% of global animal production is lost to preventable disease every year, yet animal health receives less than 0.6% of total global health spending. At the same time, approximately 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate in animals.

For food-animal veterinarians in North America, many of the report’s themes already feel familiar. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle, growing antimicrobial stewardship pressure, increasing biosecurity demands, workforce shortages and concern around emerging and transboundary diseases all feature prominently in WOAH’s assessment of global animal health trends.

“Animal health systems are the first lines of defense against the next pandemic,” said WOAH director general Emmanuelle Soubeyran during a panel discussion accompanying the report release.

Global Animal Health Funding Declines as Disease Risks Increase

One of the report’s strongest warnings centers on what WOAH describes as a rapidly contracting financing landscape. Despite the growing importance of animal health systems, they remain chronically underfunded globally.

Official Development Assistance, government-funded international aid intended to support the economic development and welfare of lower- and middle-income countries, fell to $174.3 billion in 2025 — a 23% decline that WOAH says represents the largest annual contraction on record and effectively erases a decade of growth in global development aid.

Meanwhile, less than $1 billion annually reaches veterinary services and zoonotic disease prevention worldwide. According to WOAH, that amounts to less than 2.5% of an already shrinking global health aid budget.

WOAH estimates bringing veterinary services worldwide up to international standards would cost approximately $2.3 billion annually — a figure the organization contrasts against the trillions of dollars in economic losses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The choice before governments, funders, partners and private sectors is not between spending and saving,” Soubeyran says. “It is between planned investment in animal health systems and protecting our health and minimizing losses.”

Veterinary services are prevention infrastructure, not simply regulatory oversight. That framing has increasing relevance for North American food-animal veterinarians, whose responsibilities now often extend well beyond traditional clinical work to include biosecurity planning, disease surveillance, movement documentation, antimicrobial stewardship, emergency preparedness and producer communication.

HPAI, African Swine Fever and Emerging Diseases Continue Expanding

The report paints a picture of disease systems becoming increasingly interconnected as climate change, globalization, wildlife movement and changing production systems alter how diseases emerge and spread.

The human and economic cost of this underinvestment is already visible:

Avian Influenza: Between 2025 and early 2026, over 2,100 outbreaks were recorded in 64 countries, resulting in the loss of 140 million poultry.
The Cattle Shift: HPAI is now recognized as an emerging disease in bovines, requiring international reporting as it jumps species barriers.
Parasitic Spread: New World screwworm is moving northward through Central America with tens of thousands of cases, while Lumpy Skin Disease has reached Western Europe for the first time.
Regional Crises: Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has recently caused unprecedented outbreaks in Southern Africa.

Outbreaks no longer remain localized events. In an increasingly interconnected livestock and trade system, delayed detection in one region can rapidly create wider food system, trade and public health consequences.

Veterinary Preparedness and Biosecurity Deliver Economic Returns

A major theme running throughout the report is that governments and industries continue spending far more responding to disease crises than preventing them.

One highlighted example compares the United Kingdom’s response to FMD outbreaks:

In 2001, an underprepared response cost the UK an estimated £8 billion and resulted in the culling of more than 6 million animals.
In 2007, after improved preparedness investments, another outbreak was contained in just 58 days at a cost of approximately £47 million.

These examples demonstrate the measurable economic return of surveillance systems, preparedness planning, laboratory capacity, vaccination programs and coordinated veterinary services.

“Preparedness begins before the crisis,” says Paolo Tizzani, veterinarian and epidemiologist with WOAH.

WOAH Warns Veterinary Staffing Shortages Could Delay Outbreak Detection

The report also identifies veterinary workforce capacity as a growing vulnerability globally.

According to WOAH data:

18% of countries assessed showed declining veterinary capacity,
22% showed declining paraprofessional capacity.

During the panel discussion, WOAH officials specifically referenced declining rural veterinary presence as an emerging concern.

“When animal health systems are under-resourced, diseases can be detected late,” Tizzani says. “They have the possibility to spread more widely.”

Workforce shortages are no longer simply a labor issue, but increasingly a biosecurity and preparedness concern. Without sufficient veterinary staffing, laboratory support, surveillance infrastructure and field-level reporting capacity, outbreaks become harder to identify and contain early.

Prevention and Vaccination are Key

WOAH warns AMR could contribute to more than 39 million human deaths globally by 2050 while also creating major economic losses in animal production systems. The organization strongly positions prevention-oriented herd-health approaches — including vaccination, surveillance, biosecurity and improved disease management — as critical tools for reducing antimicrobial use.

This discussion aligns closely with ongoing stewardship initiatives across dairy, beef and pork sectors, including increased focus on veterinary oversight, preventive medicine and judicious antimicrobial use.

Only a small proportion of AMR-related research funding currently goes toward animal vaccines, despite their role in reducing antimicrobial demand. Still, the report points to examples where prevention-focused systems have dramatically reduced antibiotic use. Norway, for example, was able to reduce antibiotic use in its salmon industry by 99% through sustained investment in vaccination and preventive health programs.

Animal Health as Critical Infrastructure

WOAH consistently frames animal health systems as critical infrastructure tied directly to economic resilience, food security, public health and trade stability. They also push back against oversimplified narratives that place disease emergence solely on livestock production itself. Instead, WOAH officials emphasize the growing complexity of interactions between wildlife, livestock, humans, ecosystems, climate pressures and global trade systems.

“One Health will remain an aspiration until animal health systems are genuinely built into how we plan and invest,” Soubeyran says.

Animal health systems can no longer be treated as background infrastructure that only becomes visible during emergencies. For food-animal veterinarians in North America, that transition is already well underway.

Whether through HPAI surveillance in dairy cattle, African swine fever preparedness planning, antimicrobial stewardship, movement documentation or producer biosecurity support, food-animal veterinarians are increasingly functioning as frontline public-health and food-system infrastructure.

“Animal health must be financed as a global public good,” the report concludes. “The benefits generated cross every border, and the risks of underinvestment are shared by all.”

Why Cattle Vaccination is a Lifetime Investment in Reproductive Success

Thu, 07 May 2026 15:24:31 GMT

Cattle vaccination is more than a seasonal chore; it is a lifetime investment in reproductive efficiency. According to Dr. Becky Funk, a veterinarian at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, producers must move beyond “automatic” vaccination and adopt an intentional, long-term strategy.

Funk was a featured speaker during the Beef Reproduction Task Force’s 2025 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Symposium. She says producers should view vaccination as a long-term strategy, not just a short-term fix for the breeding season.

What is the Metabolic Cost of Vaccinating Cattle?

Vaccines are not free, either in cost or impact on cattle. There is a metabolic cost that impacts their immune response, affecting overall performance.

“Research has shown that even a single immune response requires significant energy,” Funk says. “In young calves, that energy demand can represent a meaningful portion of their daily maintenance needs.”

Why is Colostrum the Foundation of Lifetime Immunity?

Every vaccine given should be intentional, not automatic. At birth, colostrum is the foundation of immunity. Building a strong immune system for calves is critical for their productive life.

“Calves that don’t receive adequate colostrum are more likely to get sick or die early, and those that experience illness early in life are often less productive in the long term,” Funk says.

Shifting to Reproductive Protection

A lifetime of immunity is hard to reach without a strong start. By the time a heifer is ready to be bred, her immune system has already been shaped by early decisions.

“As heifers enter the breeding herd, vaccination programs typically shift to reproductive-focused vaccines,” Funk adds.

What is the Difference Between Killed and Modified-Live Vaccines?

Depending on the animal, the right vaccine matters. According to Funk, heifers and cows require different approaches.

Killed Vaccines: These are often safer for pregnant animals because they do not contain live pathogens, but they do not stimulate as strong of an immune response. As a result of dead pathogens, the immune system is more stimulated, causing a larger impact on their metabolic response. They often require a booster.

Modified-live vaccines (MLV): These contain weakened live pathogens that replicate in the animal. While they offer stronger, more complete protection, they carry a risk of causing abortions if used improperly in pregnant cattle. While MLVs can offer stronger protection, they carry more risk if misused.

Defining Your Vaccination Goals

Funk recommends selecting vaccines based on what you are specifically trying to protect:

Conception: Ensuring the cow is ready to breed.
Pregnancy: Preventing early embryonic loss.
The Fetus: Protecting the unborn calf from pathogens like BVD.
The Newborn: Ensuring the cow produces high-quality colostrum to protect the calf after birth.

Different goals result in different vaccines used. All equally important but depend on the operation.

Built Over a Lifetime

Health is a long-term investment in a cow’s productivity. Choosing the right vaccines and using them at the right time, plays a critical role in their life. That process begins before birth and continues throughout the animal’s life.

“The goal is to build a herd that’s resilient over time, not just protecting them for one breeding season,” Funk summarizes. “We’re not just vaccinating for today; we are setting these cows up for the rest of their productive life.”

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Stopping Flies in 2026: 4 Steps to Battling These Economic Pests

Wed, 06 May 2026 14:24:43 GMT

With fly season approaching, now is the time to evaluate and refine your fly management plan for 2026.

“Every year, stable and horn flies cause significant economic losses, but a good fly control program can minimize this impact,” says Cassandra Olds, Kansas State University Extension entomologist. “Although often grouped together, these are very different flies that need different control approaches.”

Dr. Ashby Green, Neogen senior technical services veterinarian, says, “If you are seeing flies, ticks, lice or insect damage to your cattle herd, we know there is an economic impact; however, that impact can become far greater than production or weight gain loss alone. Insect pressure affects grazing patterns of cattle; it affects their comfort and it can lead to health issues. Some of those health issues can be definite, such as anaplasmosis.”

The vectors responsible for spreading anaplasmosis include horse flies, stable flies and ticks. This condition has been reported in most states across the U.S., while the disease has been recognized as endemic throughout the South and several Midwestern and Western states.

Jonathan Cammack, Oklahoma State University assistant professor and state extension specialist, says, “With horn flies, we’re looking at mastitis risk, so that’s going to impact both dairy cattle and also our cow-calf operations. A lot of times, horn flies will feed on the udders of the animals, and they transfer the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria because they land on the manure, then they go back to the animal to feed and bring those bacteria with them.”

Several other conditions are propagated by flies, including pinkeye, which can be spread by face flies and causes inflammation and ulceration of the eyes. Pinkeye-affected calves are, on average, 35 lb. to 40 lb. lighter at weaning compared to healthy calves, according to a University of Kentucky report.

Cammack predicts flies are costing the U.S. cattle industry $6 billion annually in losses.

“That encompasses everything from actual loss in production due to decreased weight gain or decreased milk production, veterinary needs associated with treatment of cattle with exposure to pathogens from some of these insects, and then also the control measures associated with managing those individual fly species,” he explains.

David Boxler, Nebraska Extension livestock entomologist, says if previous control efforts underperformed, consider adjusting your approach.
“The best control method will depend on several factors including efficacy, cost, convenience and your current herd management practices,” he summarizes.

He also reminds producers that horn flies can migrate from neighboring untreated herds, masking the effectiveness of your efforts and increasing fly pressure. For this reason, Boxler recommends a comprehensive, integrated fly control.

Olds shares these tips for stopping flies, or at least reducing their impact:

Step 1: Know What You Have

“The first step in developing a good fly control program is knowing who you have,” Olds explains.

(Kansas State University)

Horn flies feed 20 to 30 times a day and stay associated with their chosen animal 24/7, with females only leaving briefly to lay eggs. Stable flies in contrast only feed once or twice a day, remaining on the host for a short period of time (3 to 5 minutes).

When not feeding, flies are resting in shaded areas such as building sides and vegetation. This short feeding time means producers often underestimate their stable fly burdens. While both flies affect pastured cattle, horn flies are not a problem in confined settings such as dairies and feedlots. This is because horn flies need fresh, undisturbed manure as a breeding site while stable flies can develop in any decaying plant matter such as hay bales, feed bunk spill over and decaying grass.

“Their populations can build rapidly and often exceed the economic injury level defined as 200 flies per animal,” Boxler adds about horn flies. “Once fly numbers surpass this threshold, cattle experience reduced weight gain and milk production due to fly-induced stress and altered grazing behavior.”

Step 2: Reduce Populations

Olds explains with either fly species, using non-insecticidal control methods is essential for slowing insecticide resistance. For horn flies, pasture burning in spring kills any flies overwintering, which can significantly reduce fly populations emerging as weather warms. A healthy dung beetle population will also significantly reduce your fly numbers for free.

“Dung beetles are very susceptible to macrocyclic lactones so avoid using injectable and pour-on avermectins (abamectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin etc.),” Olds says.
Because horn flies die within hours of being removed from cattle, non-chemical walk-through traps can be effective if animals pass through it regularly.

Step 3: Eliminate Breeding Grounds

Round hay bales result in significant wastage, which when mixed into the manure-contaminated mud around bales provides a prime breeding site for stable flies.
Olds explains each round bale can produce 200,000 stable flies.

“Reducing hay waste and spreading/drying areas around finished bales is key to reducing stable fly numbers,” she says. “In feedlots, minimizing feed spillage and waste is critical to remove breeding sites for stable and house flies.”

Parasitoid wasps are available from multiple sellers and should be released around fly breeding sites. These are very effective if released before fly populations emerge and released repeatedly through the fly season.

Be careful using insecticides if using parasitoid wasps as they are very small and sensitive to these chemicals. Keeping vegetation surrounding pen areas short and exposed will remove sheltered resting areas, making life more difficult for the flies.

Step 4: Consider Chemical Control Options

Olds stresses chemical control options should be used as a supplement not the basis of a fly control program.

(Kansas State University)

“For horn flies, insecticidal ear tags are an effective method of control if correct rotation is used,” she adds. “Rotate the chemical class of your tag annually, in year one using pyrethroid-based products, year two use organophosphate-based products and year three use macrocyclic lactone tags. Repeating this three-year cycle will reduce the selection pressure on the fly populations, slowing down the spread of resistance.”

Olds also shares these tips for effective tagging: “Tag both ears and place the tag directly into the ear. For the tag to be effective, it must come into direct contact with the animal’s skin, which is greatly reduced when daisy chained.”

Little of the tag touches the body when attached to another tag.

(Cassandra Olds, Kansas State University)

She also instructs producers not to tag young calves and adds mature bulls with thick necks might not benefit from tagging unless the tag can touch the skin.

“Although the box may label products as effective for four to five months, field trials have shown that tags only remain effective for 90 to 100 days,” Olds says. “If possible, wait until fly populations are noticeable before tagging animals to get control over peak fly activity period. After 90 days, remove the tag to reduce the risk of insecticide resistance developing.”

(Neogen)

To increase coverage, pour-ons of the same chemical class as the ear tag can be used to increase coverage.

“Be aware that a macrocyclic lactone pour-on will impact dung beetle populations,” Olds says. “Make sure animals are dosed accurately according to weight and ensure head to tail coverage. Due to their low contact time with the host and preference for the legs, topical insecticidal treatments are generally not useful against stable flies.”

Spraying the legs can provide some relief, although it should be used sparingly as most sprays are pyrethroid-based, not allowing for effective annual rotation. Baits and premise sprays can be useful in controlling both house and stable flies, look for areas where flies are found resting such as building walls, fence posts and inside sheds and shelters.

Another option is feed through insect growth regulators (IGRs) to control horn fly. Olds says it is important cattle consume the correct amount, which can be difficult under free-choice conditions.

“Under-dosing will result in resistance developing over time, reducing product efficacy,” she says. “Although labeled for stable fly control also, when manure containing the IGR is diluted in the mud and hay, it is no longer effective.”

Often marketed as dung beetle safe, Olds says evaluations of these claims in most species have not been carried out, and their true impact remains unknown.

“Insecticide resistance to IGRs can and does happen; to slow this, rotate annually between Methoprene-based (Group 7A) and diflubenzuron-based products (Group 15),” she adds.

The Veterinary Entomology website , veterinaryentomology.org/vetpestx, provides a searchable database that can help producers select the right products. Producers can select from type of animal, insect and application method.

“For on-animal use, select the best product to allow an annual rotation between pyrethroid (Group 3A), organophosphate (Group 1B) and macrocyclic lactone (Group 6) groups,” Olds says.

Green also recommends using a multi-pronged approach to insect control. He says fly tags, IGR products, pour-ons, back rubbers and dust bags can help diminish the population.

“Both back rubbers and dust bags can be highly effective if managed correctly,” Green advises. “Keep in mind, when these are put out to withstand the elements, including moisture and rain, it’s key to keep the dust fresh or the oil recharged in your back rubbers. Otherwise, they will diminish in their ability to control flies quickly.”

Cammack stresses the importance of accurate dosing by the individual animal’s weight and following label guidelines.

To best control flies and insects on cattle operations, “the easy and effective way is the best way,” Green summarizes. “It’s up to you and with the help of your veterinarian to help create that combination.”

Is the Grass Ready? Rethinking Pasture Turnout Beyond the Calendar

Tue, 05 May 2026 11:07:21 GMT

As soon as pastures green up, beef producers start thinking about turnout. They don’t want to keep feeding harvested feeds any longer than needed.

Pasture turnout is an important time in a cow herd management calendar. It is critical to make sure both the forage and cattle are ready before opening the pasture gate.

Extension specialists explain it is important not to turn out just because the calendar date says it is time. Turning out too soon can result in reducing the forage production potential for the entire grazing season.

What Should Producers Consider Before Turnout?

Aaron Berger, University of Nebraska beef systems educator, says there are three things to consider ensuring a successful and safe pasture turnout:

1. Forage readiness
“The first and most crucial step is assessing grass conditions,” Berger says. “Producers should ensure there are at least three leaves present.”

This is important during drought conditions, when grass availability may be limited. Berger says turning out cattle too early can exacerbate feed shortages and potentially damage pasture vegetation.

Ron Lemenager, Purdue beef specialist, says forage height is important. He explains cool-season grasses should be at least 6” tall.

“Leaf material is critical for photosynthesis and plant recovery after grazing,” he says. “The early-season forages are typically high in water, potassium and soluble nitrogen content but low in energy. We used to refer to this as ‘washy grass.’”

The challenge here is that cattle cannot eat enough dry matter to meet their energy requirement. This is especially true for replacement heifers coming off a gaining diet to reach approximately 60% of their mature weight by the beginning of the breeding season. When turned out to lush early-season pasture, they can crash on energy and go into negative energy balance.

“This results in a reduction in the number of heifers cycling and early embryo death,” Lemenager says. “If the breeding season coincides with this energy crash, fewer heifers will become pregnant until they adapt.”

Kansas State University Extension veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff says it is important to scout pastures before opening the gate: “Be sure to check forage availability and make any stocking rate adjustments, if necessary.”

2. Water source evaluation
Water availability and quality are paramount. Berger reminds producers to carefully inspect water sources, especially during drought years.

Stock ponds, dams and dugouts may not be recharged as usual, potentially leading to poor water quality. Water with high solid content can be unsuitable for livestock consumption, making thorough assessment critical.

3. Noxious plant identification
Berger says scouting the pasture for potentially harmful plants is essential. Drought conditions can make cattle more likely to consume plants they would normally avoid. Identifying and addressing these potential hazards can prevent livestock health issues.

Get Ahead of Weeds

As winter gives way to spring and pastures begin to green up, it is critical to have a plan in place to control weeds before they become a problem. Abe Smith, Corteva Agriscience range and pasture specialist, encourages producers to get ahead of weeds this spring to set their operation up for success.

“We see long-term impacts throughout a season that if you don’t get to weeds early, we see residual effects of that later into the season,” Smith says. “This has impacts in terms of seed production or getting additional weed seeds produced if they don’t remove those weeds early in the season.”

Smith says the true benefit of managing weeds in range and pasture is really maximizing the amount of forage that producers have available, and the economic benefits play out pretty simply if producers look at pastures as pounds of grass.

“Pounds of grass correlate to pounds of beef at the end of the day,” he says. “I have generally used the math that if we remove a pound of weeds through control measures from the pasture, we can put a pound or more of grass back into the pasture.”

Lemenager says soil condition is another factor to consider.

“If it is cool and soils are water-logged, the root system is compromised,” he explains. “Additionally, hoof action on wet soils will result in pugging (deep depressions). The challenge here is that weed seeds that have accumulated and laid dormant over the years but [are] buried below the germination zone. When soils are pugged, these weed seeds are now closer to the surface and germinate.”

(Lexy Tenpenny)

Be Sure the Cow Herd Is Ready

Along with the forage, it is important to make sure the cows are ready for turnout. Tarpoff shares four tips producers should consider before sending cattle to pasture:

Perform spring herd health program
Tarpoff reminds producers of the importance of doing bull breeding soundness exams before putting the bull to work. He also encourages producers to do pre-breeding vaccinations, consider synchronization options and plan for common pasture ailments such as foot rot and pinkeye .

Make a plan for internal and external parasites
Now is the time to decide how you are going to tackle flies, ticks and internal nematodes. Berger reminds producers there are several options available to help control flies and to consider the option that works best for your management plan.

Establish summer mineral program
Tarpoff encourages producers to prepare mineral feeders and calculate needs and delivery intervals.

Check cattle identification
Be sure cattle are identified before turnout. This can include brands if required in your area or tags. Along with identification, Tarpoff shares these strategies for protecting cattle from theft: Lock gates, and don’t leave cattle penned up overnight in an easily accessible location. He also encourages producers to communicate with neighbors who share a fence line when turning out about what types of cattle are going and how the cattle are identified.

Minimize Grass Tetany Risk, and Look Out For Bloat

Lemenager encourages producers to watch for two potential health issues that can occur at grass turnout: grass tetany and bloat .

Early season lush pasture grasses are high in water content, potassium and soluble nitrogen but low in magnesium and energy content. It should be noted that pastures containing legumes provide a grazing diet that is somewhat higher in magnesium.

“ Grass tetany can be a problem, especially in older lactating cows that are less efficient in mobilizing magnesium from body stores,” Lemenager explains. “Feeding a high-magnesium mineral for several weeks prior to turnout is a standard recommendation to minimize the incidence of grass tetany.”

He reminds producers that magnesium, usually in the form of magnesium oxide, is not palatable. Therefore, it is important that mineral intake be monitored.

Lemenager says legumes are beneficial to diet quality, providing nitrogen for companion grasses and increased forage production, but lush legumes can cause bloat . As legumes advance in maturity, the risk for bloat does decrease.

(Farm Journal)

Good Fences Matter

Tarpoff says it is important to walk fence lines and scout pastures.

“Be sure to check forage availability and make any stocking rate adjustments, if necessary,” he says.

Berger adds it is important to look for fence damage, especially from winter weather and to ensure fenced-out areas remain inaccessible. He also says it is beneficial to consider potential fence-line interactions with neighboring herds.

Tarpoff encourages producers to have an open line of communications with neighbors. It’s a good idea to share, when turning out, what types of cattle are going out (yearlings, pairs, bulls) and how the cattle are identified — tags or brands.

“This open communication helps identify strays earlier,” he adds.

Through following these strategies with accurate planning and preparation, pasture turnout can be stress-free for both the producer and the cow herd.

Your Next Reads:

The Rancher-Designed Solution for Efficient Cattle Processing

Tue, 05 May 2026 16:35:28 GMT

Necessity is indeed the mother of invention, as Seth Davis discovered while working cattle on his commercial cow-calf ranch. He encountered a problem that has frustrated ranchers for years. His vaccine gun syringe was always just out of reach when he needed it, or it was in his hand when he needed his hands free for other jobs.

That moment sparked an idea. What if there was a way to free your hands while keeping the vaccine gun right where your hand expects it to be? That idea, now ready for spring processing, became the VacHolster , a rugged, hands-free vaccine syringe holster built to allow ranchers to keep their syringe clean, secure and always in reach.

“I built it because I needed it,” says Davis, founder of VacHolster. “And it turns out a lot of other ranchers need it too, as they showed us last fall. This is about making the work faster, safer and less stressful on both the livestock and humans.”

Made with heavy-duty, ranch-proof materials, the VacHolster adjusts to fit the user, protects vaccine potency, reduces needlestick risks, helps get more done with less stress on the herd and allows cattle to be worked up to 20% faster. By keeping syringes ready at hand, ranchers spend less time fumbling and more time focusing on what matters.

(VacHolster)

Ranch-Tested Benefits:

Get Your Hands Back: Free your hands for all the other jobs with confidence that your syringe will be there when you reach for it, whether you rope and drag or work ‘em through a chute.
Work Faster: No more setting syringes down or hunting for where they landed.
Reduce Stress on Livestock: Shorter livestock handling time equals less stress on you and your livestock.
Protect Vaccine Potency: Reduces exposure to sunlight, dust and damage to ensure that your vaccine provides maximum protection for your herd.
Work Safer: Reduce needlestick risk with the wraparound needle guard.
Fits You: Wear on the right side or left side and adjust to fit any size user.
Fits the Job: Strong enough to handle heat, cold, mud and daily use.

Since its launch, VacHolster has been used on more than 10,000 head of cattle and 6,000 calves. It has been worn for hundreds of miles on horseback, four-wheelers and in pickup trucks. Ranchers praise its durability, comfort and time-saving functionality.

“Very handy to be able to have hands free but still have syringes within my grasp at all times,” says Iowa rancher Nolan Hagen.

See it in action on YouTube .

Your Next Reads:

BQA at the Chute: 10 Tips for Spring Calf Processing

Mon, 04 May 2026 12:58:30 GMT

Spring calf processing is a critical window for establishing herd immunity, but its success depends entirely on the details. By following Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) principles, producers can maximize vaccine efficacy and protect carcass value through precise needle selection, proper injection site placement and strict adherence to the “one-hour rule” for modified-live vaccines.

“It will soon be time to process spring-born calves, which brings up the topic of best management practices and following BQA principles for all treatments,” says Chris Clark, Iowa State University Extension and outreach beef specialist, in a recent Growing Beef Newsletter. “The overall concepts are pretty simple, but it takes attention to detail to get the most out of each treatment and to ensure our product is as safe, wholesome and palatable as possible.”

Clark shares these 10 simple reminders for spring processing:

Follow label directions for all treatments, including injections, implants, pour-ons, insecticide ear tags, etc.
Administer all subcutaneous and intramuscular injections in front of the shoulder in the injection site triangle of the neck.
Select the appropriate needle diameter and length based on the weight of the animals being treated, viscosity of products being injected and routes of administration. Needles should be small enough to minimize tissue damage but large enough to prevent bending and breaking. The diameter should be appropriate for the viscosity of the product, and the length should be appropriate for the route of administration. For young calves weighing less than 300 pounds, 18-gauge needles are reasonable for most vaccines. For subcutaneous injections, ½ inch to ¾ inch needle length should work well, and for intramuscular injections, ¾ inch to 1 inch needle length should be appropriate. Keep in mind the greater the needle gauge, the smaller the diameter and vice versa.

Recommended needle size based on animal weight, viscosity of product and route of administration.
(BQA Field Guide)
Practice injection technique and pay attention to the angle of injection and the feel of the needle within the tissue. Subcutaneous injections should be applied at approximately 45 degrees to the body and intramuscular injections should be applied at approximately 90 degrees to the body. With experience, you can learn to feel whether you are in that subcutaneous space or whether you have entered the underlying muscle.
Change needles frequently. At a minimum, needles should be changed every 10 to 15 head. Additionally, a new needle should always be applied before refilling a syringe and any bent or burred needles should be immediately replaced.
For reusable syringes, clean well after each use by thoroughly rinsing with hot water. Refrain from using soaps and disinfectants because residues of these substances can damage vaccines and reduce vaccine efficacy.
Handle vaccines with care. When using modified live vaccines, mix only what you can use in an hour. Keep vaccines at steady, reasonable temperatures and take care to avoid freezing, excessive heat and exposure to UV light. Reconstitute modified live vaccines with sterile transfer needles and roll or invert gently to mix rather than shaking vigorously.
When possible, choose subcutaneous routes of administration over intramuscular routes. Some products are labeled to be given either way and when you have the choice, choose subcutaneous. Any insertion of a needle or injection of a substance into muscle tissue will cause tissue damage, potentially impacting the quality of that product.
Document complete processing/treatment records, including animal or group identification, treatment date, products administered, withdrawal times, earliest date animals would clear withdrawal times, dose administered, route of administration, name of person administering drugs and any prescription information.
Do not mix different vaccines or drugs in the same syringe or use a syringe to administer different products without washing in between. Try to place injections at least 4 inches apart from other injections to avoid product mixing/interaction within animal tissue.

Stop the Guesswork: Build a Targeted Parasite Plan

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:20:18 GMT

As grass greens up and cattle head back to pasture, many producers are “throwing darts in an open field” when it comes to parasite control, says Tennessee Hereford breeder Ryan Proffitt.

The real-world frustration of deworming programs is knowing if they are working, Proffitt says.

Norbrook Technical Services Veterinarian Megan Bollin explains fecal egg count testing, targeted treatment, concurrent deworming, maintaining refugia and smarter pasture management can turn parasite control guesswork into a targeted plan that protects herd health, preserves dewormer efficacy and ultimately adds pounds to the calf crop.

Both Bollin and Proffitt agree a pragmatic roadmap for modern parasite control is anchored in diagnostics, targeted treatment and strong relationships with veterinarians.

Bollin shares five practical strategies to get the most out of today’s dewormers and preserve them for tomorrow:

1. Sit Down with Your Vet.

She encourages producers to map out a herd‑specific internal and external parasite plan with diagnostics built in.

“Your local vet should be your key partner in designing a program that fits your parasites, climate and management style,” Bollin says.

2. Use the Right Product at the Right Time.

Use the correct class, correct dose and consider concurrent deworming when resistance is a known issue. Your local veterinarian can guide you on proper treatment timing to avoid wasting money.

3. Manage Pastures with Parasites in Mind.

Bollin says pasture management is as important as treatment. Pasture type, quality, topography and drainage should all be considered in your plan, knowing we can’t always do much to change them.

“Only about 10% of the parasite life cycle is in the animal; 90% is on pasture,” she says.

Larvae generally stay below 4” on the grass blade. She says it is important to avoid overgrazing pastures below this height and manage stocking density accordingly.

“When you get a big rain after a drought, the larvae that had been waiting in the manure pats can quickly become infective and significantly increase the risk of infection, especially in young calves,” she says.

4. Prioritize High-Risk Animals.

Calves, stockers, bulls and replacements should be prioritized with the strictest parasite control and monitoring programs.

“Calves, replacement heifers and bulls are typically heavier shedders and more susceptible to the effects of parasites than mature cows,” Bollin explains.

Proffitt notes that many producers historically concentrate on keeping mature cows dewormed while underestimating calves’ role as carriers.

“We don’t need to, and shouldn’t be, treating every animal like we always have,” Bollin adds. “That has gotten us in a pickle with resistance.”

5. Measure and Adjust Treatment.

Bollin says it is important to know where you started. Get a baseline fecal egg count, understand your resistance patterns and monitor the efficacy of your treatment program. So many variables change from year to year: climate, weather conditions, new animals and other stressors. It’s critical to routinely evaluate your deworming program and avoid blindly doing the same thing year after year.

(Proffitt Family)

Diagnostics Are Essential, Not Optional

Fecal egg count reduction tests (FECRTs) are the most practical method we have to determine if dewormers are still working and at what level.

Bollin explains the process includes:

Collecting rectal fecal samples and recording identification.
Treating animals with product or products of choice.
Resampling the same animals by taking rectal fecal samples, 10 to 17 days later, depending on the drug or drugs used.

The lab will count how many eggs per gram are in that fecal sample. There will be a pretreatment and a posttreatment sample. Bollin says the goal should be greater than 95% reduction.

Proffitt argues FECRTs are worth the hassle.

“If we don’t have a game plan on what we’re doing and we’re just rushing,” he says. “What did we win at the end of the day if we don’t know what we’re doing?”

Proffitt says testing tells him which cows he can skip treating, which saves him money.

Bollin explains in many cases mature cows 3 years and older, shedding low levels of eggs, on a good plane of nutrition, with no other stressors or health concerns (including liver flukes), should not need to be dewormed.

“This supports ‘refugia’ — intentionally leaving low-risk animals untreated to slow resistance,” she explains. “Because they’re mature, they’ve got a competent immune system that can actually fight off these parasites by themselves without a dewormer.”

To reduce costs further, Bollin says producers can pool fecal samples from multiple cows into a single submission.

(Deb Gustafson)

Beating Parasite Resistance Starts at the Chute

Bollin says dewormer resistance, long documented in sheep and goats, is being seen more frequently in U.S. cattle herds.

She says overuse, underdosing and treating every animal regardless of need are major drivers in resistance.

“All of these deworming products, when they were originally approved, had very high levels of efficacy. We’re talking 99% and above,” Bollin explains. “As we’ve continually used these products, efficacy has been challenged because resistance has increased.”

If you’re using products that are no longer effective in your herd, you’re spending money on drugs that don’t work, and you’re not getting the production benefits. One way to restore efficacy when resistance is present is to use concurrent deworming.

Why Concurrent Deworming Matters

Bollin says concurrent deworming is using two dewormers from different classes at the same time. She stresses producers need to work with a veterinarian to avoid unknowingly pairing two products from the same class, which doesn’t provide the intended benefit.

She explains the benefits of concurrent deworming are:

· Higher overall efficacy when two partially effective products are combined. “Say you’ve got two products, for example, each with 70% efficacy. By using them together, you can raise your overall efficacy to levels exceeding 90%,” she says.

· Broader spectrum of parasite coverage.

· Models would suggest a slowing of resistance.

· Only sustainable long-term when used in conjunction with a refugia program. This means we don’t treat every animal. We want to keep a few “good” worms around that are still susceptible to the drug.

Bollin gives the example of pairing a benzimidazole, or a “white dewormer,” such as fenbendazole, albendazole or oxfendazole, with a macrocyclic lactone such as ivermectin, moxidectin or eprinomectin.

She emphasizes the industry unfortunately doesn’t have a lot of studies looking at this, but a study published in 2025 highlighted the benefits of concurrent treatment with fenbendazole in situations where resistance to macrocyclic lactones is likely.

Dung Beetles Are Valuable Allies

Dung beetles break up manure pats, exposing eggs and larvae to sunshine and dry conditions. Some dewormers are more compatible with dung beetle health.

“Two of the dewormers that are not harmful are moxidectin and fenbendazole,” Bollin says. “Those are two molecules that are generally safe for dung beetles, and those could be a good option to pair together.”

Facility where researchers collect blood samples and weigh cattle before and after they are transported. Steers have painted numbers on their backs so their activity can be followed on camera.

(Stephanie Hansen)

Application Technique and Dosing Accuracy Matter

Bollin says accurate body weights, not visual estimates, are critical, explaining underdosing is a key driver of resistance.

“One of the biggest contributors to resistance is that we are just not giving them enough active ingredient,” she says. “If you don’t have scales, it is best to treat to the heaviest body weight in the group, so that you make sure that they’re all getting enough.”

She also stresses the importance of storing deworming products correctly.

“Leaving them by the chute in temperature swings can reduce efficacy,” she says.

Proffitt also reminds producers to read labels and understand rain windows with pour-ons and to avoid mud or manure on hides. Bollin notes that injectables can provide more certainty that the animal is getting the full dose, whereas oral drenches can be spit out and pour-ons can run off or be groomed off by penmates.

Both Bollin and Proffitt frame parasite control not as one more chore on an overloaded to-do list but rather as a strategic, data-driven opportunity to protect animal health, slow resistance and convert good management into pounds sold.

Your Next Read:

Determine Parasite Load and Follow With Treatment

How to Manage Uterine and Rectal Prolapses in Cattle

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:49:28 GMT

Finding a cow with a prolapse is the kind of situation that raises urgency immediately. You call your veterinarian, but they may be 30 to 60 minutes away. What you do during that window can influence how straightforward the case will be once they arrive.

The goal is not to fix the prolapse yourself but rather to stabilize the situation and prevent it from getting worse. Erika Nagorske , a large-animal veterinarian with 4 Star Veterinary Service, shares the following advice for producers while they wait for their vet to arrive and address a prolapse.

Confine the Animal to Control Movement

The most important first step is containment. A prolapse becomes more difficult to manage when the animal is moving, circling or slipping. Movement increases contamination, swelling and the risk of further damage.

“Every situation’s different, but if her entire uterus is prolapsed after she’s calved, there are really big blood vessels attached to that,” Nagorske says. “If she’s running around like crazy and not confined, those blood vessels can tear.”

Keeping the animal calm and contained is the most effective way to protect both the tissue and the outcome.

Nagorske recommends, without working the animal too much, getting it in a small space or in the chute. Even a tight alley can work. The goal is to limit the animal’s ability to turn quickly or move excessively.

Good footing is also important, as slipping can worsen the situation quickly.

(Provided Photo)

Uterine Prolapse: Protect the Tissue

With a uterine prolapse, the focus is on protecting exposed tissue until the veterinarian arrives.

Keep the uterus as clean as possible and avoid unnecessary handling. If feasible, try to keep it off the ground using clean towels, plastic or bedding. Even small efforts to reduce contamination can make a difference.

Avoid repeatedly trying to reposition or push the uterus back in. That can increase irritation and swelling, making the veterinarian’s job more difficult.

Think of this stage as preservation; the less trauma and contamination, the better the chances of a smooth replacement.

Rectal Prolapse: Reduce Swelling Early

Rectal prolapses present a slightly different challenge. Swelling can increase quickly, which makes replacement more difficult over time.

“Throw table sugar on it to help it shrink up so by the time I get there, it’s not twice the size it was when you first called,” Nagorske says.

Applying granulated sugar directly to the prolapsed tissue helps draw out fluid and reduce swelling. This is a simple, safe step that can improve the likelihood of a successful correction.

As with uterine prolapses, avoid aggressive handling or repeated attempts to push the tissue back in.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Cattle Prolapses

In both situations, a few common missteps can make things worse:

Do not let the animal roam freely.
Do not repeatedly handle or push the tissue.
Do not delay calling the veterinarian.

Stabilize, Then Step Back

The time before the veterinarian arrives is about control, not correction. Keeping the animal contained, protecting exposed tissue and taking simple, targeted steps can make a significant difference in how the case progresses.

A calm, controlled approach sets the veterinarian up for success and gives the animal the best chance for a positive outcome.

“Report, Don’t Hide It”: Experts Urge Rapid Action When Suspecting New World Screwworm

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:21:32 GMT

As New World screwworm edges closer to the U.S., industry leaders urge producers to shift from worry to action.

Early detection, prompt reporting and treatment — backed by coordinated surveillance along the border — will be critical to keeping this treatable pest contained. Ranches are tightening calving seasons , upgrading working facilities and revisiting parasite control plans with their veterinarians. The core message to the fight against NWS: nothing replaces “eyes on animals.”

“We’ve been preparing for the possibility of screwworms emerging back in Texas for the past year,” says Jason Sawyer, East Foundation chief science officer. “We have decided to take the attitude of preparedness. We expect we’re going to have it. How can we best manage it and best mitigate and really, how do we minimize the impact while we weather the storm?”

The Breakthrough Symposium: NWS Preparedness panel (pictured l to r) are: Jason Sawyer, East Foundation; Dr. TR Lansford III, Texas Animal Health Commission; Dr. Diane Kitchen, Florida Department of Agriculture; Stephen Diebel, Texas beef producer and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association president; and Dr. Megan Schmid, USDA-APHIS.

(Angie Stump Denton)

Sawyer participated in a panel during the The Breakthrough Symposium: NWS Preparedness, hosted by Merck Animal Health. The panelists didn’t debate whether NWS will arrive — they spoke as if it is already on the way. For producers, that means decisions must be made months in advance: adjusting breeding and calving windows to avoid peak risk, investing in better handling facilities and building a clear response plan with veterinarians. Combined with federal and state surveillance using fly traps, animal inspections and producer reports, these risk‑based steps can help ensure that when NWS appears, it is found fast, hit hard and kept from spreading.

With cattle markets at all‑time highs, panelists warn NWS must be managed in a way that protects both animal health and commerce. Movement controls, inspection and treatment protocols, and animal disease traceability are being designed to regionalize the problem — not shut the industry down.

Here are seven key takeaways from the panel discussion:

1. Prepare, Don’t Panic

New World Screwworm is a serious but manageable threat with proper planning and coordination.

“This isn’t a ‘sell the ranch and get out of business’ problem,” Sawyer summarizes. “This is a ‘let’s figure out the best way to move forward and minimize impact.’” Today’s challenge is to rebuild the “lost muscle memory” with modern tools and a risk‑based mindset. That means planning calving seasons with NWS risk in mind, enhancing parasite control without driving resistance and being ready to isolate, treat and recheck any affected animals in close coordination with veterinarians. The sooner producers start planning, the smaller and shorter the “storm” will be for everyone.

Some strategies producers should consider include:

Get a premise ID now, if you don’t have one.
Consider shifting calving and processing into lower‑fly windows.
Manage wounds differently . Any break in the skin — navels, castration, dehorning, tags and tick bites — becomes a high‑risk site once NWS is in the area.

Dr. Diane Kitchen, a cattle rancher and Florida Department of Agriculture veterinarian manager, bovine and cervidae programs, suggests producers consider using a preventative or at least a protectant to the area to minimize the chance of an infestation occurring.

Sawyer, who manages ranches near the U.S.-Mexico border, explains. “We’re trying to work with the weather instead of against it and think about comprehensive parasite control strategies that can minimize that risk for newborn calves, knowing that we’re unlikely to be able to put our hands on every one of them as they hit the ground.”

2. Eyes on Animals, Surveillance is Central.

Nothing replaces routine, disciplined visual checks — especially of newborns and any animal with a wound. Kitchen says preparation starts with understanding NWS targets wounds and certain high‑risk areas. The fly’s preference is umbilical cords, she stresses.

“It can also affect certain mucus membranes,” she explains. “The corners of the eye, the genital tract. In particular, cows that are calving, they’re attracted to the same umbilical cord scent.” External wounds can be tiny, internal damage massive. “The wound itself externally may be very small,” Kitchen says. “The size of a quarter. But then when you go to treat there may be gallons of maggots within underneath.”

Producers who have dealt with the pest often describe it as a smell you’ll never forget , noting that the stench of a calf infested with New World Screwworm is often the first warning sign.

Dr. Megan Schmid, USDA-APHIS Cattle Health Center assistant director, explains there are two types of surveillance:

Active surveillance: Fly traps along the border, border inspectors and Wildlife Services checking animals
Passive surveillance: Producers, vets, shelters and others seeing maggots/myiasis and reporting. “The traps are helpful,” she says. ”But they’re not as sensitive as the animal inspection. So really, that’s the key part: everybody looking for the infestations in animals.”

Producers can use technology to get more “eyeballs” on cattle and keep spread to a minimum. Game cameras, virtual fencing and behavior tags can help producers find problems sooner when labor is tight.

Because these infestations can be deceptive, producers should learn to identify the specific signs of New World Screwworm , such as unusual discharge or larvae deep within living tissue.

3. Report First, Don’t Hide It.

NWS is a reportable foreign animal disease. Early reporting is critical and legally required. Officials would rather investigate 1,000 false alarms than miss one real case.

Kitchen stresses failure to report will create many more flies.

“Failure to report results in multiple generations of additional flies, which just dramatically increases the population that’s available to impact everybody,” she explains. “If you think that because you didn’t report yours, that it’s not going to be found. It will be found because it’ll be found in something else.”

She encourages producers to think about the impact on their neighbor.

If the roles were reversed, she asks, “If you hear that somebody, your neighbor, is one that didn’t report, how happy are you going to be with them?”

4. Vet Relationships Are Essential.

A veterinarian is central to preparation and treatment plan. For wound care, antibiotics, pain management and access to tools, a veterinary client–patient relationship is vital. Treatment is about parasite removal and wound management, guided by vets.

Panel members explain part of being prepared is sitting down now with your veterinarian and discussing: “If we get screwworm, what’s our plan? How often are we looking at cattle, what products are we going to use, and what do we do about movements?”

Read more about how NWS is an infestation, not an infection.

5. Wildlife Matters in This Fight.

Wildlife are a major reservoir and economic driver, and can suffer large population impacts without control. Kitchen predicts in infested areas 70% to 80% of white-tailed fawn crops could be lost.

“Our wildlife populations are both so much more abundant than they were in the 1950s and so much more valuable than they were in the 1950s,” Sawyer says. “Unfortunately, the opportunity to intervene for wildlife is much smaller. There’s really not very many strategies that are viable, and so surveillance and monitoring become really our front line of defense in terms of our wildlife populations.”

He suggests the best way to protect wildlife is aggressive control in livestock to reduce environmental burden.

6. Quarantines Are Tools, Not Punishments.

The goal is continuity of business with safeguards , not shutting down commerce. Regulators are trying to balance containment with commerce. The goal is to maintain the “speed of commerce” while using structured movement protocols to protect markets and disease-free areas.

“It’s not going to be business as usual, but it’s going to be business is still possible,” Schmid says. “The focus is: how do we allow safe movements, not restrict and stop business.”

She says the New World Screwworm Response Playbook includes guidance documents and explains the quarantine/movement framework.

Stephen Diebel, Texas beef producer and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association president, encourages producers not to think in terms of a hard quarantine. A structured process of treatment, surveillance, inspection and certification will allow movement.

Dr. TR Lansford III, Texas Animal Health Commission assistant state veterinarian and deputy executive director, encourages producers to reference the lessons learned from fever ticks as a strategy for dealing with NWS. He notes experience with fever ticks has shaped how Texans think about area quarantines, treatment protocols and continuity of business.

7. More Tools in the Toolbox.

Panelist members summarize a holistic ectoparasite program using modern products plus strong producer education is a main NWS defense strategy.

Kitchen stress producers and veterinarians have many more tools than they did back in the ’60s and ’70s when NWS was last endemic in the U.S.

Producers can find a list of approved treatment and prevention strategies on the FDA website .

Sawyer suggests producers work with their veterinarians to plan prevention and treatment strategies. He also stresses the importance of considering resistance management.

“We don’t want to react to an emergent threat in a way that then creates problems with a persistent pest that’s already present,” he says.

Read More About How Sterile Flies are the No. 1 Tool to Fight NWS:
Doubling the Defense: USDA’s “Male-Only” Fly Breakthrough to Transform Screwworm Eradication
Border Remains Closed: Sterile Fly Production Facility Groundbreaking Next Step in Screwworm Fight

While NWS is a serious and emotionally charged threat, panelists remind producers the U.S. has pushed it back before — and can do it again.

“This pest existed here before, and it has been eradicated from the U.S. before,” Sawyer summarizes. “We know how to do it. We just have to sort of build the capacity and muscle to get it done again when we need to.”

Why Should Commercial Cattle Producers Track Birth and Weaning Weights?

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:28:15 GMT

Data is knowledge and knowledge is power, but are ranchers truly operating with the right pieces of data to make confident decisions in all areas of their operation?

“Most ranchers are making decisions without one of the most valuable pieces of data on their operation, which is actual weights,” says Dawn Anderson, CattleScales.com team member and Idaho rancher.

It’s easy to think actual weights are something only seedstock suppliers take throughout the year to report to breed associations; however knowing birth weights, weaning weights, yearling weights and mature cow weights is highly beneficial for commercial cattle producers as well.

She says, “Being able to track weights from birth through weaning and yearling gives you a much clearer picture of your herd.”

Dawn’s family tracks birth weight records to breed for ideal-sized calves for their environment.

“We look at birth weights closely — because too big or too small, both can cause problems,” she explains. “A small calf can lack the energy, and a big calf can struggle too — they’ve got to get up and get moving.”

As calves mature, knowing weaning weights or even pre-weaning weights eliminates marketing surprises on sale day and opens the door to more informed culling decisions.

“At weaning, we’re weighing both cows and calves so we can see if those cows are really pulling their weight,” says Anderson. “We use those weaning weights to help make culling decisions and evaluate cow performance.”

Cows that consistently produce low weaning-weight calves or calves with low average daily gain in backgrounding settings can easily be culled from the herd.

Average daily gains that are lower than in past years could indicate more than a genetic problem.

“If something’s off, it prompts you to ask questions — do we need to test feed, adjust the ration or change something?” Anderson says. “We’ll run cattle across the scale every 30 to 45 days just to see where we’re at.”

Another benefit of knowing weights on all classes of animals is reducing treatment costs and improving animal husbandry.

“Pharmaceuticals are costly — they’re really costly if they’re not effective,” Anderson expresses. “If you’re guessing at weight, you may be overdosing or underdosing, and neither one is good.”

In summer pasture settings, it’s not practical to bring cattle home to weigh them before treating them. However, even the knowledge of a previous weight is helpful in improving accuracy for treatment dosage.

There are a variety of scale systems producers can invest in either themselves or share with a neighbor.

“There’s not a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to scale systems,” Anderson says. “We start by talking through what the producer’s goals are and what’s going to work best for them.”

Producers should know which animals they want the ability to weigh, when they want to do this and how they want to use the information to determine which system is the best fit for their operation.

She says, “A lot of operations are set up where that chute is where all the decisions are being made — that’s where the scale should be.”

However, there are alleyway or even portable options for producers weighing in multiple locations.

“There are options — that’s the biggest thing people don’t always realize,” Anderson says.

Regardless of the type of scale you invest in or how you decide to utilize weight data, remember it’s about more than just recording a weight to say you have it — it’s about confidence in your decision-making.

“Having accurate weights gives you confidence in your decisions,” Anderson summarizes.

Listen to the full conversation on the “Casual Cattle Conversations” podcast .

Lallemand Animal Nutrition Launches Ruminant Digestive Health Platform

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:13:03 GMT

A newly relaunched educational platform from Lallemand Animal Nutrition, rumantdigestivesystem.com , highlights a growing shift in cattle health management: Focusing only on the rumen is no longer enough to optimize performance, health and efficiency.

What Is a Whole-System Approach to Ruminant Digestive Health?

A whole-system approach evaluates the entire ruminant digestive tract, including both the rumen and lower gut, and how these compartments interact to influence:

Feed efficiency
Microbiome balance
Immune function
Disease risk

This approach reflects emerging research showing postruminal function plays a measurable role in overall herd outcomes.

From Rumen-Centric to Full Digestive Insight

Historically, ration formulation and digestive health strategies have centered on rumen fermentation. However, increasing attention is being placed on the lower gut, particularly its role in inflammation, nutrient absorption and systemic health.

To address this, Lallemand Animal Nutrition has expanded its interactive learning platform to cover the full digestive system, helping veterinarians and advisers connect research with practical management decisions.

The platform combines scientific data with applied insights, supporting a more complete understanding of how digestive function drives productivity and welfare.

Key Topics Covered in the Platform

The platform consolidates core areas of ruminant digestive health into a single resource:

Rumen–lower gut interactions
The ruminant microbiome and its function
Digestive development from calf to mature animal
Common challenges such as SARA, liver abscesses, leaky gut and BRD
The role of probiotics and microbial-based solutions

This structure helps translate complex digestive science into actionable strategies for on-farm use.

Using this Platform in Practice

The updated platform serves as a centralized, science-based tool to strengthen both decision making and communication among nutritionists, veterinarians and producers.

According to Lallemand, it supports a more comprehensive evaluation of digestive health issues by encouraging a broader view of the entire gastrointestinal tract. This allows for stronger integration of nutrition and health strategies, rather than addressing problems in isolation. It also helps veterinarians engage more confidently with emerging research, making it easier to incorporate new insights into practical recommendations. By shifting from a compartment-focused approach to a system-level perspective, veterinarians are better equipped to interpret multifactorial conditions where rumen and lower gut interactions influence outcomes.

The platform also functions as a practical communication tool.

Its interactive, visual format helps explain complex digestive processes in a way that is easier to understand and apply. This supports:

Clearer explanations of digestive function
Reinforcement of nutrition and management strategies
More effective discussions around performance and herd health

This improves the likelihood that recommendations are both understood and implemented on farm.

As ruminant nutrition research advances, translating new findings into daily practice remains a persistent challenge. By combining current science with real-world context, this platform helps bridge that gap, allowing veterinarians to apply emerging insights more effectively during herd visits and consultations.

A whole-tract approach to digestive health is becoming essential, and tools that integrate research with application will be critical in delivering more precise, system-based recommendations.

4 Key Factors for a Profitable Artificial Insemination Program

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:51:49 GMT

To achieve high conception rates in artificial insemination (AI), producers must prioritize consistent implementation and attention to detail over the technology itself. During the 2025 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle (ARSBC) Symposium , experts from the University of Idaho, ABS Global, Select Sires and Genex identify the critical roles of facility design, technician consistency and herd nutrition in maximizing AI conception rates.

Leading the panel discussion was Joe Dalton, University of Idaho professor and extension specialist. Panel members included Bobby Strecker of ABS Global, John Herrick of Select Sires and Brandon Miller of Genex.

The panel shared these four key factors for AI success:
1. Defined Objectives: Align semen selection with specific outcomes like carcass merit or calving windows.
2. Functional Facilities: Create low-stress environments that promote steady cattle flow.
3. Precision Execution: Ensure proper semen handling and timing by trained technicians.
4. Management Fundamentals: Maintain high standards for nutrition and herd health protocols.

Start With a Clear “Why”

Before selecting protocols or sorting through semen catalogs, producers should first define their goals. Whether the objective is to build a stronger set of replacement females, improve carcass merit, tighten the calving window or target a specific market, every decision should align with that purpose.

Panelists note operations lacking clearly defined objectives often struggle to achieve consistent returns from AI programs. They encouraged producers to consult with veterinarians, reproductive specialists or genetic consultants to ensure their breeding plan matches both short- and long-term goals.

Why Facilities and People Matter Most

While high-tech genetics are essential, the panel emphasizes “people and pipes” (personnel and facilities) often dictate the ROI of an AI program.

While trained AI technicians are essential, equal importance should be placed on those handling cattle and managing semen. Strecker notes that low-stress cattle movement and meticulous semen handling are the primary differentiators between average and elite conception results.

Although a high-dollar facility is not required, a functional and efficient setup is. Panelists recommended working with industry professionals when designing or improving facilities to ensure they meet the needs of an AI program.

Execution Drives Results

Panelists caution producers against overcomplicating AI programs. Even the best genetics cannot overcome poor management. The panel stresses many reproductive challenges stem from simple management issues rather than advanced technology failures. Attention to these core practices remains essential.

Read more about synchronization options and the benefits of AI:

Upgrading in One Generation: The ROI of Artificial Insemination

Maximizing Reproductive Success: How to Use Estrus Synchronization to its Full Potential

The Role of Nutrition in Reproduction

Successful AI programs require cows to be in adequate body condition with a robust vaccination protocol in place before the breeding season begins.

When these elements are combined, AI becomes more than a reproductive tool. It serves as a driver of long-term profitability, genetic progress and overall herd improvement.

Ultimately, the consensus from the ARSBC panel is clear: AI is most effective when viewed as a comprehensive management strategy rather than a standalone technology. By mastering the fundamentals — from facility design and low-stress handling to precise nutritional management — producers can move beyond average conception rates. When execution matches the quality of the genetics, AI becomes a powerful engine for long-term herd improvement and operational profitability.

Your Next Reads:

Screwworm Fight: $750M Sterile Fly Facility Groundbreaking in Texas

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:30:16 GMT

USDA officially broke ground on a $750 million sterile fly production facility Friday in Edinburg, Texas, marking a major escalation in the fight against the New World screwworm (NWS). Located at Moore Air Base, this facility will provide the U.S. with a domestic supply of sterile flies — up to 300 million per week — to protect livestock, wildlife and the national food supply chain from the invasive parasite.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said she did not have an announcement about the reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border. On Wednesday, a report from a state official in Mexico incorrectly claimed that USDA has set a date to resume livestock imports from Mexico. According to Rollins and an USDA APHIS social media post , the claim is not accurate.

“Every day we are analyzing,” she says. “We’ve never been in a better position than we are in today, to a path. Now, I want to be very clear: New World screwworm is only about 200 miles from this border, so there will not be a port opening in Texas until it is significantly pushed back. But New World screwworm is roughly around 800 miles from the Douglas, Ariz., port and the two ports in New Mexico. So, we are looking every day to make sure we are protecting our livestock and national security.”

Rollins did announce she will be at the Douglas port next Friday, April 24, taking a firsthand look at that border crossing.

How Close Is NWS to the U.S.?

As of April 16, Mexico reports 1,300 active NWS cases in animals, with 746 cases in bovine. The latest case status map shows two active cases in the Nuevo León area, approximately 90 miles from the Texas border. The most recent case was a 7-day-old calf. On April 10, there was a canine located in the municipality of Monterrey also in Nuevo León. Along the coast south of Brownsville, in the state of Tamaulipas, there are multiple cases reported in the last week in young bovine.

USDA continues to distribute sterile flies in those NWS hot zones.

How Does Sterile Fly Production Stop Screwworm?

A sterile fly production facility plays a crucial role in NWS prevention and response. In a biosecure environment, NWS flies are raised and sterilized using irradiation before being released in targeted areas. Because female screwworm flies mate only once, mating with sterile males results in eggs that do not hatch. Sterile insect technique, paired with surveillance, animal movement restrictions, and education and outreach, has been the foundation of successful NWS eradication efforts for decades.

“Breaking ground on this facility marks a major investment in safeguarding America’s livestock and the producers who feed this nation. This puts NWS sterile fly production in American hands, so we do not have to rely on other countries for the best offensive measure to push screwworm away from our borders,” Rollins says. “The New World screwworm threatens the health of our herds, the stability of rural economies, and the resilience of our supply chain. President Trump and his entire cabinet is committed to leveraging every resource necessary to contain this pest, protect American agriculture, and ensure the long-term security of our food supply chain.”

Today at the Southern Border, we officially broke ground on @USDA’s new sterile New World Screwworm production facility.🇺🇸

For months, we’ve been on offense:
• Monitoring 8,000+ traps along the southern border
• Testing nearly 51,000 fly specimens — all negative
•… pic.twitter.com/VUE1KrX4TA
— Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) April 17, 2026

Rollins was at Moore Air Base Feb. 9 for a grand opening of a sterile fly dispersal facility at the same location. This facility expanded USDA’s ability to disperse sterile flies along the border and into the U.S., if necessary.

What is the Timeline for the Edinburg Facility?

“Once operational, this facility will initially produce an additional 100 million sterile flies per week in phase one, but eventually, when we get to Stage 2, which will be the end of 2028, we’ll be at 300 million sterile flies. When you combine that with all of the other flies that are being produced, that moves us from containment to eradication,” Rollins emphasizes.

Also at the groundbreaking was Lt. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) commanding general.

“Our mission at USACE is to deliver engineering solutions, with our partners, to secure our nation, strengthen our economy, and reduce disaster risk,” Graham says. “That’s why we’re proud to deliver an engineering solution to the New World Screwworm, which represents a direct threat to our nation’s livestock, our food security and our economy. This new, modern facility is the critical infrastructure we need to secure a defensive line against the New World screwworm for generations to come.”

The new facility is being built with an aggressive timeline designed to quickly expand the nation’s sterile fly production capacity:

Initial operational capability targeted for November 2027, reaching production of 100 million sterile flies per week.
Construction continues immediately beyond initial operations to scale full production capacity to 300 million sterile flies per week.
USDA and USACE have slashed red tape, securing expedited procurement, and eliminating other barriers.
Together, USDA and USACE will oversee installation and commissioning of specialized systems that will make this facility operable on time, delivering the critical sterile flies we need to continue to defeat this pest.

Why is Domestic Fly Production Important for U.S. Agriculture?

This new state-of-the-art facility will complement USDA’s ongoing production of 100 million sterile flies per week at the Panama-based COPEG facility . USDA has also invested $21 million to support modernization of a facility in Metapa, Mexico, expected to be operational in summer 2026.

According to a USDA press release : “Once fully operational, this expanded production network will provide the speed, scale, and domestic capability needed to rapidly counter any NWS threat — reducing risks to producers, protecting animal health, and strengthening the resilience of America’s livestock industry.”

Read more about why the border is closed and its impact:
The 1.1 Million Head Gap: Analyzing the Impact of the U.S.-Mexico Border Closure
Should Beef Producers Be Concerned About Potential Phased Reopening of U.S.-Mexico Border?
From Lawsuits to Screwworms: Policy Uncertainty Rolls Downhill to Producers

Losing a Dollar a Day? The True Cost of Horn Flies on Cattle Performance

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:29:19 GMT

Little things have a big impact — and in the case of horn flies, it’s a big economic one.

“When you think about fly control and specifically the horn fly, it is by far the No. 1 nuisance that beef cattle on pasture experience,” says Johnathan Wells, beef field representative for Cargill Animal Nutrition.

Horn flies transfer diseases such as anaplasmosis and mastitis, but treatment costs aren’t the only way they impact the bottom line. These tiny pests also chip away at average daily gain.

“You’re looking at average daily gain differences of about 15% — that’s roughly a third of a pound per day,” Wells says. “In this market, that’s over a dollar per day in lost performance.”

Cattle with heavy fly loads use more energy than those with minimal pressure.

“You have an animal that goes from about 76 beats per minute to over 100 beats per minute under a heavy fly load — that’s a 30% increase in heart rate,” Wells explains.

That increase in heart rate leads to higher water intake and greater urine output. As urine output rises, nitrogen retention decreases — and that’s where the loss in average daily gain shows up.

Targeting the Egg: Why Breaking the Life Cycle Beats Killing the Adult

Controlling flies isn’t new, but evolving methods are worth considering — especially as resistance to traditional products becomes more common.

“Most common products are targeting the adult fly after it’s already affecting the animal,” says Wells. “That’s where we’re running into resistance.”

Targeting the egg stage instead of the adult fly offers a different approach. Feed-through products, such as Altosid, work by interrupting the fly’s life cycle.

“Altosid works by breaking the life cycle of the fly — it prevents eggs from developing into adult flies,” Wells explains.

However, feed-through solutions require consistent intake to be effective.

“A lapse of even a couple weeks in a feed-through program can undo months of progress,” Wells says.

That inconsistency can come from variable mineral consumption or supply issues at the feed store — both real-world challenges for producers.

Consistency is Key: Comparing Feed-Through Mineral vs. Boluses

An alternative is the Altosid IGR XRB bolus, which delivers the same active ingredient without relying on daily intake.

“With the extended-release bolus, you apply it one time and get about 195 days of control,” Wells explains.

The bolus helps ensure consistent delivery while reducing the need for repeated applications.

“Once you put it in, you know it’s in the animal — that consistency matters,” he says.

No matter the method, it’s important to keep expectations realistic.

“The goal is reduction — you’re still going to see some flies, but you’re controlling the population,” Wells says.

And controlling that population directly impacts profitability.

Listen to the full conversation on the “Casual Cattle Conversations” podcast .

Global Expansion of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Serotype SAT1 Raises Alarms

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:54:30 GMT

Recent reports of the emergence and spread of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) SAT1 serotype are highlighting a concerning shift in the global landscape of this virus. The Swine Health Information Center-funded Global Swine Disease Monitoring Reports, led by Dr. Sol Perez at the University of Minnesota, have highlighted the newly affected countries in monthly publications.

“For FMDV, immunity is serotype-specific, meaning infection or vaccination against a given serotype does not confer protection against a different serotype,” Perez says in a SHIC article.

A Rapid Geographic Shift

Historically, SAT1 was maintained within endemic locations in East and Southern Africa. However, in 2025, SAT1 demonstrated a “concerning expansion” beyond its traditional geographic range, with confirmed detections of two cocirculating subtypes across Western Asia and North Africa. The increasing circulation of SAT1 poses a growing risk to previously unaffected regions, including southeast Europe and potentially beyond. As this serotype expands its geographic range, it creates additional pathways for introduction into new regions and countries, increasing the overall likelihood of transboundary spread, Perez notes.

The Immunity Gap

The primary concern for animal health officials is that FMDV immunity is serotype-specific. Current vaccination programs in many affected regions target serotypes O, A and Asia-1. Because these vaccines provide no cross-protection against SAT1, livestock populations remain effectively susceptible, research shows. This “ecological space” has allowed SAT1 to spread rapidly through populations that were previously considered protected.

Drivers of FMD Transmission

SAT1’s expansion is likely due to several factors, Perez says.

Livestock Movement: Informal cross-border movement of small ruminants, which may carry subclinical infections, is a primary driver.
Environmental Pressures: Drought and land-use changes have increased contact between wildlife reservoirs and domestic herds.
Vaccine Limitations: A lack of SAT1-specific vaccine stockpiles and gaps in surveillance have hindered rapid response efforts.

FMD Implications for the United States

Although the U.S. remains free of FMD, the expansion of SAT1 into new regions of the world increases the complexity of global risk, Perez says. The emergence of two cocirculating subtypes (topotypes SAT1/I and SAT1/III) creates more pathways for the virus to enter the U.S. via international travel, contaminated animal products, or fomites.

“These global developments underscore the need to strengthen early detection and surveillance systems, maintain stringent biosecurity measures across livestock value chains, and ensure that vaccine preparedness strategies are sufficiently flexible to incorporate emerging serotypes such as SAT1,” Perez says.

For the U.S. pork industry, this serves as a critical reminder to maintain stringent biosecurity measures and support global monitoring efforts to prevent a domestic outbreak.

When Stress Tips the Scale: A Look at Calf Immunity and BRD Prevention

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:13:53 GMT

The first months of a calf’s life are a critical window for respiratory disease risk. Its immune system is still developing, making them especially vulnerable during periods of stress. Management decisions can shape how well they respond to vaccination and how resilient they remain during disease challenges.

Building Immunity Is Not as Simple as Giving a Vaccine

Preventing disease is always better than waiting for calves to show signs of illness. While proper animal husbandry and care are key to supporting calf health, vaccination remains central to managing bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and preventing permanent damage. To get the most out of any vaccination program, it’s important to understand how immunity develops.

“Just because we administer a vaccine doesn’t mean that equals 100% immunity,” says Matt Washburn, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim.

Vaccination is a powerful disease prevention tool, but it does not override biology. The immune response depends on timing, energy and availability, and the overall stress load on the calf at the time of administration.

“I like to think of stress as a seesaw effect,” Washburn explains. “You’ve got immunity on one side and layers of stress on the other. Every time we add a layer of stress, that scale is going to start to tip. Things like transport, handling, commingling, nutrition and hydration are all going to affect how that calf responds to vaccination.”

While some stressors — like weather — can’t be controlled, other events, including processing, transportation and commingling, can be planned for. When multiple stressors are stacked together, even well-designed vaccination protocols can underperform if immune demand exceeds the calf’s ability to respond.

“Stressors are likely to decrease the immune response to any challenge that might be going on,” says Curt Vlietstra, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim. “Just because it’s convenient to vaccinate when you have your hands on a calf doesn’t mean it’s ideal timing for building immunity.”

To build immunity against a challenge like BRD, a calf’s immune system needs to have time to respond to a given vaccine. When possible, vaccination should be scheduled far enough ahead of a stress event to allow immunity to develop.

“In an ideal world, we’re administering vaccines several weeks before a stressful event,” Washburn says. “From a stocker standpoint, that’s not a luxury always available. But it’s still important to understand that those few weeks are what’s going to offer the biggest bang for your buck out of a vaccine.”

While timing plays a critical role, it’s only one piece of an effective prevention strategy.

Understanding the Vaccine You’re Using is Important

The foundational details for vaccination, like timing, are relevant to all calves, but building a protocol that’s unique to your business and herd starts with a conversation with your veterinarian.

“It’s important to ask questions like, What’s the risk of adding another vaccine or the risk of pulling one out? Do we have gaps in protection?” Vlietstra emphasizes. “Having these important discussions with a herd veterinarian, or a professional services veterinarian like Dr. Washburn and me, sets up an understanding of what can realistically be expected from different vaccines in different groups of calves.”

Those conversations ultimately come down to immune capacity and product choice. Every additional antigen introduced into a high-risk calf increases immune system demand, which may already be managing stress, nutrition changes and pathogen exposure.

“Each vaccine you administer places its own demand on the immune system,” Washburn says. “When you’re talking about high-risk calves that already have a lot of stress on them, stacking a lot of vaccines on top of one another means they may not respond as well as you’d like.”

Vlietstra adds that immune demand isn’t just about the number of administrations.

“Sometimes, we look at one bottle and one syringe, but it’s important to think about what’s in that bottle,” he says. “Is it a three-way, a five-way, a seven-way? It’s not just how many shots you’re giving, it’s what’s in them.”

That’s where vaccine formulation becomes important. Differences in design — including the adjuvant type — affect immune stimulation, particularly in young calves that may still carry maternal antibodies.

“Historically, it was accepted as a fact that maternal antibodies would block an injectable vaccine,” Vlietstra says. “Now we know that the vaccine adjuvant MetaStim works alongside the preexisting antibodies, not against them.”

For operations evaluating vaccine options, vaccine formulation can influence how effectively calves respond, especially when maternal antibodies are still present. Washburn and Vlietstra explain products formulated with the MetaStim adjuvant, like Pyramid vaccines , are designed to stimulate a balanced, robust immune response in calves as young as 30 days of age.

Vaccination Results Can Vary Based on Management

The best prevention against BRD doesn’t begin at vaccination — it begins long before that. Early-life management decisions influence how resilient calves remain as stress comes and goes.

Vlietstra notes those first couple hours and days matter in terms of colostrum, bedding, hygiene and feed.

In stocker and feedlot systems, groups of calves will arrive with varying health backgrounds. That history plays a significant role in how well a vaccination program performs.

“Many feedlots or stockers tend to have one protocol, and give it no matter what kind of cattle are coming in,” Washburn shares. “The history of those calves matters — preconditioning, travel history, weather, where they came from. The same vaccination protocol can perform very differently, depending on those factors.”

Disease risk is dynamic, regardless of cattle type or age group. Because stress load, immune demand and pathogen exposure are constantly shifting, prevention programs can’t remain static.

Both Washburn and Vlietstra recommend regularly reevaluating prevention strategies to keep protocols aligned with real-world conditions. Your herd veterinarian can help evaluate calf history, stress load and vaccination timing to ensure respiratory disease prevention programs evolve with the realities calves face.

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