Beef Nutrition News

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.

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.

China, U.S., and Brazil Lead Global Feed Surge Amid Regional Shifts

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:46:39 GMT

A newly released global feed survey estimates world feed production increased in 2025 by 2.9% to 1.44 billion metric tons.

In the 2026 Agri-Food Outlook released by Alltech , data shows most regions and sectors experienced growth.

“The numbers suggest a strong recovery phase for animal agriculture; but the data show that growth was uneven, increasingly regionalized and driven less by herd expansion than by structural change, productivity gains and shifts in how production is measured and recorded,” Alltech reports.

In North America, operational efficiency gains, sustainability pressures, formulation optimization and consolidation among feed mills continue to reshape the feed industry across the region. Feed tonnage contracted modestly, primarily due to a historically tight cattle cycle and declining beef herd dynamics. Alltech says the region still saw some selective, species-driven momentum, with growth concentrated in broilers and dairy. While pork feed stabilized, the egg and turkey sectors remained in recovery following health-related disruptions.

The survey collected data from 142 countries and 38,837 feed mills in late 2025. By analyzing compound feed production and prices, the survey provides a comprehensive snapshot of global feed production. Alltech says these insights serve as a barometer for the overall livestock industry, highlighting key trends across species, along with regional challenges and opportunities for growth.

Top 10 Feed-Producing Countries

The top 10 feed-producing countries produced 65.2% of the world’s feed in 2025. The survey also showed 47.7% of all global feed tonnage was produced in the top three countries: China, U.S. and Brazil.

Global Feed Volume by Species

More Regional Results

Asia: 559.297 million mt

Asia reigns as the global center of feed production, with growth via industrialization and price-conscious consumers increasing the demand for poultry and aquaculture in 2025. The survey shows continued shifts from on-farm mixing to commercial feed, especially in China. In addition, Southeast Asia experienced a recovery of the sow herd which lifted pork output. Poultry feed tonnage also remained strong.

Europe: 274.061 million mt

Europe’s feed sector in 2025 was differentiated, yet broadly resilient, growing by 1.0%, Alltech notes. Lower raw material prices, supported by large global harvests of soybeans, rapeseed, wheat and maize, improved margins and stimulated production in several key markets. The region stabilized overall even with ongoing disease pressure and regulatory constraints. Modest gains in dairy and broilers offset challenges in other segments.

Latin America: 204.446 million mt

Latin America solidified its position as the world’s premier “protein basket” in 2025. Compound feed demand expanded 2.8% year over year, rising by 5.536 million mt, supported by strong export markets and lower grain prices. Growth was broad-based across the poultry, pork and aquaculture sectors. However, local disruptions in parts of the Andean and Caribbean sub-regions tempered overall expansion.

Africa and the Middle East: 102.549 million mt

Africa expanded strongly (+11.5%) on commercialization and rising compound feed penetration as the Middle East entered a structural plateau (+1.1%). Across both sub-regions, Alltech says three forces shaped performance: protein affordability, input vulnerability driven by grain prices and currency volatility, and continued disease disruptions — particularly related to foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza.

Oceania: 11.104 million mt

Oceania experienced broad-based gains last year, with an overall 3.4% increase supported by population growth, resilient livestock sectors and strong export demand. Absolute increases were at their strongest in the broiler, layer, beef and pig sectors, the report says. High feedlot numbers and elevated cattle inventories sustained record beef production, particularly in Australia (+11%), with more moderate growth in New Zealand (+1.6%). Recovery in layer feeds following an avian influenza outbreak, along with steady demand for chicken and pork, led to a balanced regional expansion.

FAQs

Q: What was the total world feed production in 2025?
A: 1.44 billion metric tons.

Q: Why did U.S. feed production decrease?
A: Production fell by 0.8% due to a tight cattle cycle and declining beef herd dynamics.

Q. Which countries are the top producers of animal feed?
A. The top three feed-producing countries are China (330.06 million mt), the United States (267.38 million mt), and Brazil (89.90 million mt). Together, they account for 47.7% of the world’s total feed tonnage.

Q. Which livestock species saw the highest growth in feed demand?
A. Aquaculture experienced the highest growth rate at 4.7%, followed closely by the broiler sector at 3.7%.

Q. What is driving the growth in the global feed industry?
A. According to Alltech, growth is being driven by structural changes, productivity gains, and shifts in production measurement rather than simple herd expansion.

Q. Which global region had the highest percentage of growth in feed production?
A. Africa saw the most significant growth at 11.5%, fueled by increased commercialization and the rising use of compound feed.

The compound feed production totals and prices reported in the 2026 Alltech Agri-Food Outlook were collected in the first quarter of 2026 with assistance from feed mills and industry and government entities around the world. These figures are estimates and are intended to serve as an informative resource for industry stakeholders. To access more data and insights, visit alltech.com/agri-food-outlook .

As Breeding Begins: 3 Keys to Success

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:51:25 GMT

As pastures green up and calves hit the ground, the real work of the breeding season quietly begins. It’s a short window with long-lasting consequences. From post‑calving cows trying to regain body condition to replacement heifers who must stick the first time to bulls whose soundness and stamina drive the whole program, every decision you make now echoes through future calf crops.

As breeding begins, industry experts share these three keys to help ensure you don’t just turn out cattle — you turn out results:

1. Cows: Manage the Post-Calving BCS Slump

Shelby Roberts, Alltech beef technical support, encourages producers to manage energy, protein and water so cows, especially first‑calf heifers, maintain a body condition score (BCS) of 5 to 6.

She says it is important cows don’t lose more than one score post‑calving. Thin, losing cows come into heat late and breed late.

Read more about why energy, protein, minerals and weekly body condition checks are critical to getting cows and first‑calf heifers rebred on schedule:

From Calving to Conception: Nutrition Strategies to Keep Cows on Track

2. Heifers: Get Replacements Ready to Stick

Dan Tracy, Zoetis beef technical services, says heifer selection drives the herd. He suggests producers select heifers by birth date and quality, then grow them to 65% to 70% of mature weight and BCS 5 to 6 by breeding.

“The most single important thing is their birthday,” he says. “The older heifers are going to set the tone. They’re going to stay in the herd longer. They’re going to calve earlier.”

He says it is important to be hard on heifers — set minimums.

“We’re going to spend a lot of money getting them bred, so we want to get that payback,” he adds. “Use reproductive tract scoring and pelvic measurements 45 to 60 days ahead of breeding to cull the ones that won’t keep up.”

Read more about the importance of heifer development:

Building for the Long Haul: The Hermes Strategy for Premium Bred Heifers

From Selection to Breeding: A Veterinarian’s Guide to Productive Heifers

3. Bull Power: Soundness, Condition and Semen Production Cycles

It is important to manage bulls as seriously as cows. Take the time to evaluate bulls and make sure they are ready to go to work.

Saulo Zoca, University of Tennessee assistant professor and beef cattle reproduction specialist, says a breeding soundness exam (BSE) is like a car insurance policy for a bull. He suggests testing bulls 30 to 60 days before the breeding season to allow time for management decisions.

Read more about how a bull’s fertility and breeding ability is crucial to a producer’s success:

Wanted: Bulls Ready to Work

Along with a BSE, another tool producers should use to make sure bulls are ready to go to work is BCS .

Phillip Lancaster, Kansas State University beef cattle nutritionist, stresses, compared to cows, bulls require more weight change to move between BCS points due to their larger size.

Read more about how environmental and nutritional factors can affect fertility:

Factors That Can Affect Bull Fertility

Synchronization and AI Can Front‑Load Pregnancies

Artificial insemination (AI) and synchronization programs can be a powerful tools when they’re planned, not improvised.

“Synchronization only works if you work the protocol,” says Jennifer Koziol, Texas Tech University associate professor of food animal medicine and surgery. “Put it on a calendar, know who’s doing what on which day, and don’t try to wing it between everything else.”

Oklahoma State University’s Mark Johnson says regardless of when your calving season occurs, manipulating the reproductive process of your cow herd can result in shorter breeding and calving seasons. Accordingly, more calves born earlier in the calving season result in an older, heavier, more uniform calf crop when you wean.

Johnson explains estrus synchronization can be used for natural mating or AI breeding. The labor, not the products, is usually the limiting factor.

“Synchronization protocols permit us to concentrate the labor needed for heat detection to a few days, and in some cases eliminate the need for heat detection when cows can be bred on a timed basis,” he explains.

Read more about synchronization protocols in heifers versus cows and how to find what works best in your operation:

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

Trace Minerals: Important for the Whole Herd

A good mineral program can help set a herd up for success. Trace minerals play a critical role in reproduction — supporting fertility, embryo survival and sperm production.

Craig Louder, Axiota Animal Health senior technical consultant, explains, after calving, a cow has roughly 90 days to rebreed in order to stay on a 12‑month calving interval.

“Because that window is so short, we can’t afford delays — mineral deficiencies need to be addressed promptly to support timely conception,” he says. “If we do not have adequate trace minerals. We decrease both the ability to achieve pregnancy and the ability to maintain it. Getting a cow bred has little value if she cannot carry that pregnancy to term and deliver a viable calf.”

Reproduction is one of the first things to suffer when trace mineral status isn’t right. You may not see a sick cow; you just see fewer pregnancies.

“Research has shown that if we don’t have adequate copper, we’re going to be nearly four times more likely to end up with a stillborn calf,” Louder says. “If we don’t have adequate selenium, we can be 31 times more likely to have a stillborn calf.”

As soon as a cow delivers a calf, her trace mineral status drops by 30%. Louder stresses producers have two months to get the trace mineral status built back up.

He says research shows even when on a great organic trace mineral program, feeding a cow 150% of what her requirements are is still going to take close to a month to be able to build it up.

“That’s if your cow is smart enough to go out and read the label and understand that she has to do this and gets all that taken care of,” he adds.

With an injectable, like Multimin 90, producers can bypass a lot of those hurdles an oral supplement takes and rapidly replenish that cow’s trace mineral status.

“It doesn’t replace the oral program,” Louder says. “This is simply a way that we can get it into her at the time we need it for those management practices in a more rapid and efficient manner.”

He suggests producers give a Multimin 90 shot twice per year:

Precalving — 30 days prior to calving is ideal. However, if management doesn’t allow that, supplementation at any point during the third trimester can still provide meaningful benefit.
Prebreeding — 30 days prior to breeding is ideal. If using AI, there is benefit when putting it in at the same time as the CIDR.
“We have reset the follicular waves, and the minerals can be utilized by the follicle that will ovulate the egg that will be fertilized,” he explains.

Don’t forget the bulls.

“Sperm production requires a lot of trace minerals,” Louder says. “It’s a 63‑day process. Most breeding soundness exams are done about two months before turnout. We can hit them with a dose of minerals then, and I recommend giving them another dose at turnout.”

The Countdown to Breeding: A 90-Day Management Timeline

Here’s a suggested timeline as producers prepare for breeding season:

90 days before breeding:
Evaluate cow and heifer BCS. Adjust rations.
Pull previous conception data. Identify problem groups.
60 days before:
Schedule BSEs for bulls.
Finalize heifer development targets and mineral program.
30 days before:
Confirm synchronization protocol and handling dates.
Double‑check facilities, labor and record systems.
Day 0 (AI or bull turnout):
Quick recheck of bull condition and soundness.
Confirm tags and records.

Breeding season will never be completely simple, but it can be far more intentional. The experts agree: protect body condition before you lose it, develop heifers like the high‑dollar investments they are and expect your bulls to work as hard on fertility as you do on everything else. Every pregnant female counts, and success comes from stacking small, disciplined decisions across cows, heifers and bulls.

Your Next Reads:

Spring Pasture Growth Raises Grass Tetany Risk in Beef Herds

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:07:13 GMT

As spring moisture and fluctuating temperatures drive a surge in forage growth, conditions are aligning for an increase in grass tetany risk across many beef operations. The same environmental shifts that are jumpstarting wheat pasture and other small grains can also create the mineral imbalances that trigger sudden losses in lactating cows.

With rapid pasture growth underway in many areas, grass tetany risk is rising in susceptible herds, according to Paul Beck, Extension specialist for beef nutrition with Oklahoma State University. High-quality forage is often directed toward cows with the greatest nutritional demands, placing early-lactation animals directly into higher-risk environments.

Fertility and Forage Growth Driving the Issue

Cool-season annuals are a valuable resource, particularly when they reduce reliance on hay and supplemental feed. But as pasture quality improves, mineral balance can shift in ways that are not immediately visible.

“Our best managed cool-season annual pastures have had adequate fertilizer high in nitrogen and potassium, both of which are necessary for grass growth. But high nitrogen and high potassium interacts with the marginal magnesium level in these forages and create issues with beef cows as they begin lactating,” Beck says.

Nitrogen and potassium fertilization support aggressive forage growth, particularly during periods of favorable moisture. At the same time, they can interfere with magnesium uptake, leaving cows vulnerable even when forage appears nutritionally rich.

Magnesium absorption occurs primarily in the rumen and can be impaired by high potassium levels, which reduce transport across the rumen epithelium. This is why fertilized, rapidly growing forages create a consistent risk pattern.

Periods of rain followed by rapid pasture growth can further amplify the risk, especially when cattle are transitioned quickly onto highly digestible forage.

Early Signs Easy to Miss as Cases Develop Quickly

Grass tetany remains a neurologic condition driven by low blood magnesium, and clinical signs can escalate rapidly once levels fall.

“Cows will start shaking and have uncontrolled muscle movements. They will lose their balance. That will be one of the first signs you see,” Beck says.

In the early stages, affected cattle may appear nervous or uncoordinated. As the condition advances, animals can go down and become unable to rise, with death occurring shortly after if intervention is not successful.

Because of this rapid progression, cases are often first recognized only after severe signs appear.

Early treatment with intravenous or subcutaneous calcium-magnesium solutions can be effective, particularly before animals become recumbent. Relapses are possible, and animals should be monitored closely following initial treatment.

Grass tetany should be differentiated from other causes of neurologic signs and sudden death, including hypocalcemia, polioencephalomalacia, and lead toxicity. History, pasture conditions and response to magnesium therapy can help support a presumptive diagnosis in the field.

Prevention Hinges on Timing, Not Reaction

Despite the speed at which grass tetany can develop, the risk itself is highly predictable. That makes prevention the most effective strategy, particularly during periods of rapid pasture growth.

“The best way to counter the problem is to act before we get to it,” Beck says.

That means preparing ahead of turnout, not reacting after symptoms appear. In practical terms, that looks like identifying high-risk pastures and production stages in advance, then ensuring supplementation is in place before cattle enter those environments.

This is especially important during spring transitions, when forage conditions can change quickly over a short period of time.

Mineral Intake Remains the Weak Link

While most producers are aware of the need for high-magnesium mineral, consistent intake remains the primary challenge.

“Magnesium oxide does decrease the palatability of mineral mixes, making it important to manage the feeding of these minerals,” Beck says.

Magnesium oxide is widely used due to its availability and cost-effectiveness, but reduced palatability can limit voluntary intake. Without active management, even well-designed mineral programs may fall short.

Management Focus as Risk Window Opens

With pasture conditions improving and turnout underway or imminent in many areas, attention is shifting toward practical prevention.

Risk mitigation should focus on:

Ensuring high-magnesium mineral is available before and during turnout.
Monitoring intake closely, rather than assuming consumption.
Placing feeders in high-traffic areas to encourage consistent use.

A Seasonal Risk That Follows Predictable Patterns

Grass tetany tends to emerge when rapidly growing forage, high-producing cows and inadequate magnesium intake intersect. Spring conditions consistently bring those factors together, making this a predictable — yet preventable — challenge.

Outbreaks often affect multiple animals within a short timeframe, particularly when herd-level mineral intake is inconsistent. This makes grass tetany both an individual animal emergency and a herd management issue.

Timely supplementation and close management of intake can help you stay ahead of the problem before clinical cases begin to appear.

Mycotoxin Risk Holds Steady in 2025

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:49:11 GMT

According to the dsm-firmenich World Mycotoxin Survey , which assessed the global mycotoxin threat, 86% of North American samples tested above the recommended threshold for at least one mycotoxin. While mycotoxin levels haven’t necessarily escalated from 2024 to 2025, there was a shift in the distribution, which has some implications for cattle and swine operations.

“The 2025 results show a continued mycotoxin challenge, with contamination rates rising for both aflatoxins and zearalenone and average levels increasing across all major mycotoxins,” said Ursula Hofstetter, head of mycotoxin risk management at dsm-firmenich, in a press release.

The Major Players

Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by fungi, most commonly Fusarium, Aspergillus and Claviceps species. They develop in the field and can persist through harvest and storage. Weather stress, hybrid selection and storage management all influence which toxins dominate in a given year.

The primary mycotoxins shaping North American livestock risk in 2025 were:

Deoxynivalenol (DON)
A Type B trichothecene produced by Fusarium species. Commonly found in corn and wheat. Often referred to as ‘vomitoxin’.
Zearalenone (ZEN)
Also a Fusarium toxin. Structurally estrogenic and frequently present alongside DON in corn and small grains.
Fumonisins (FUM)
Produced by Fusarium verticillioides and related species. Predominantly found in corn.
Aflatoxins (AFLA)
Produced by Aspergillus species. More common in drought- or heat-stressed corn.
Ergot alkaloids (ERGOT)
Produced by Claviceps species. Typically associated with small grains.

These toxins rarely occur in isolation. Co-contamination often shapes the reality producers see on the farm.

What Changed from 2024 to 2025

The 2025 North American mycotoxin prevalence in raw materials compared to 2024 shows the following shifts:

DON: 74% → 76%
ZEN: 73% → 78%
FUM: 46% → 55%
AFLA: 15% → 17%
ERGOT: 44% → 9%

Trichothecenes remain deeply entrenched, with DON prevalence increasing slightly. Most of this increase is a result of an increase in wheat (73% → 93%). Meanwhile, fumonisins rose meaningfully and ergots dropped sharply.

Cattle: Rumen Function, Immune Resilience and Production Losses

Cattle historically are considered somewhat more resilient to mycotoxins than monogastrics, owing to partial ruminal detoxification. However, evidence increasingly shows persistent exposure to Fusarium toxins like DON, ZEN and FUM, especially in combination, can exert significant effects on digestion, immunity and metabolic health.

When looking at global finished feed samples for ruminants:

DON was prevalent in 69% of samples and above the risk threshold in 53% of samples.
ZEN was prevalent in 73% of samples and above the risk threshold in 33% of samples.
AFLA was present in 34% of samples and above the risk threshold in 29% of samples.

Studies have demonstrated short-term exposure to Fusarium toxins, including ZEN and FUM, affects fermentation patterns and the microbial community, which in turn can reduce fiber breakdown and volatile fatty acid production — key drivers of energy supply in cattle. Even modest disruptions to the rumen microbiota can reduce feed efficiency and gain over time.

The immune system is also affected by mycotoxins. The immunosuppressive effects of common mycotoxins in ruminants have been documented , including alterations in cytokine gene expression, immunoglobulin production and macrophage function.

Further, individual toxins like AFLA have well-established effects on liver function and general metabolism in cattle. Chronic AFLA exposure has been linked to reduced appetite, lower weight gains and elevated liver enzymes, indicating compromised hepatic function that can impact production and health resilience.

These findings indicate how cattle performance and disease resistance can be eroded by the mycotoxin patterns reported in the 2025 data. Persistent DON and ZEN exposure, combined with higher FUM presence, places additional load on rumen fermentation and immune competence, potentially contributing to subclinical production drift.

Swine: Immune Disruption, Gut Barrier Injury and Performance Drag

In swine, elevated prevalence of DON, ZEN and FUM can exert systemic effects on immune function, gut integrity and reproductive physiology at both clinical and subclinical levels.

When looking at global finished feed samples for swine:

DON was present in 85% of samples and above the risk threshold in 41% of samples.
ZEN was present in 79% of samples and above the risk threshold in 19% of samples.
FUM was present in 44% of samples and above the risk threshold in 8% of samples.

Research has shown DON and FUM alter the gut epithelial barrier, impair immune defenses and increase bacterial translocation from the gut, making pigs more susceptible to infections even when properly vaccinated. In the immune tissues themselves, DON exposure has been linked to changes in the gene expression of key antimicrobial and inflammatory regulators, implying a weakened ability to respond to disease challenge at the cellular level.

ZEN adds another layer of complexity. Beyond its well-known estrogenic effects (i.e., swelling of reproductive tissues and altered estrous cycles), ZEN has been shown to suppress antibody production in porcine immune cells, reducing levels of IgM, IgG and IgA. These immunoglobulins are important for protective vaccine responses. This explains why farms employing what should be effective vaccination programs still report breakthrough disease.

Collectively, these mechanisms mean widespread DON and ZEN exposure is a disease vulnerability issue. When the gut barrier is compromised and immune cell function is suppressed, pigs are less able to defend against respiratory pathogens, enteric bacteria and systemic infections alike, and their response to vaccination may be diminished.

Mycotoxin Co-Contamination Defines 2025

The defining feature of mycotoxins in 2025 is not a single toxin spike, but co-contamination. Feeds routinely contain multiple mycotoxins at once and their effects overlap, creating steady biological pressure.

The result is rarely dramatic toxicosis, but production drift is reflected in reduced gains, narrower reproductive margins, lowered health resilience and increased performance variability.

With persistent DON, rising ZEN and higher FUM prevalence in North America, ingredient-level vigilance and close monitoring of performance trends are important. The mycotoxin burden did not spike, but it did rearrange.

Why Fiber Quality Matters More for Beef-on-Dairy

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 22:33:20 GMT

On paper, a beef-on-dairy steer may look about the same as conventional beef at finishing. But at the bunk and in the rumen, it’s a very different animal.

While physically these animals are identical, beef-on-dairy cattle are running on a more expensive engine, according to University of Nebraska beef systems Extension educator Alfredo Di Costanzo. During his recent webinar on beef-on-dairy fiber requirements, he used grazing data to highlight the different fiber needs for this terminal cross.

Different Genetics, Different Requirements

During a recent study, when Di Costanzo compared beef breeds to beef-on-dairy animals on pasture, the results were consistent. The traditional beef cattle converted forage to gain more efficiently, while the beef-on-dairy group gained more slowly and finished at lighter weights. To Di Costanzo, it showed the genetic influence of the dairy breed increases the energy required for growth.

“Because I put dairy [genetics] on this beef animal, the maintenance requirements have gone up,” he explains. “If we’re going to increase fiber inclusion, we’re going to have to do it with a better-quality forage.”

Why Low-Quality Fiber Doesn’t Cut It

The challenge is not just that beef-on-dairy cattle use more energy. It is also how quickly feed moves through their systems.

Dairy and dairy-cross animals tend to have a faster rate of passage through the rumen, Di Costanzo notes. That may not sound like a major difference, but it changes what kind of forage they can actually use. A stemmy, lower-quality roughage a beef steer might handle fairly well can end up acting like little more than gut fill in a Holstein-influenced calf.

While this study focused on cattle on pasture, the same idea applies at the feed bunk.

Di Costanzo explains lower-quality fiber does not stay in the rumen long enough to be properly digested for these beef-on-dairy crosses. In nutrition terms, that can create negative effects where poor-quality roughage drags down the performance of the entire ration by taking up space without delivering much energy in return.

“Lower quality forage, for me, means less time for ruminal digestion and more time, too, for negative associative effects,” Di Costanzo warns.

Those negative effects can show up as lower total digestibility, poorer feed efficiency and more variability in intake, especially when cattle are already being pushed on a high‑concentrate program. For beef‑on‑dairy cattle, that means cheap, low‑quality roughage is rarely worth the investment. Di Costanzo notes every pound of dry matter must work harder, making junk roughage a poor economic fit.

Is Cheap Roughage Costing You Gain?

Biologically, cattle can get by on very little fiber if energy and protein are there, Di Costanzo notes.

“At zero or near-zero inclusion of fiber in the diet, cattle are continuing to thrive,” he adds. “There’s really no NDF requirement for maintenance or growth.”

But in a real‑world feeding program, beef‑on‑dairy cattle need rations that turn a profit, not just keep them alive. That’s why Di Costanzo warns against using cheap, low‑quality hay or residues just to say the diet has enough roughage.

Instead, he suggests aiming for about 10% to 15% NDF from good‑quality forage. For many feed yards, that might mean favoring well‑processed silages or higher‑quality forages over the cheapest roughage available. The goal isn’t to stuff the rumen. It’s to support muscle gain without sacrificing efficiency.

Quality Over Quantity

Fiber decisions are not just about keeping the rumen healthy. They also affect how cattle perform on feed and the value you get when it’s time to sell.

Adding more fiber to beef-on-dairy diets can help support greater feed intake, but there’s a limit. Average daily gain starts to drop quickly once physically effective NDF goes above about 15.5%, and feed conversion efficiency also declines. The challenge for producers and nutritionists is finding the sweet spot where cattle eat enough without slowing growth.

Overall, the type of NDF is less important than making sure cattle get the right amount of good-quality fiber. Hitting that balance helps support intake, maintain feed efficiency and keep beef-on-dairy steers performing at their best. For beef on dairy cattle, a well-planned grower ration with the right balance of concentrate and quality fiber can set cattle up for a better finish.

ADM and Alltech Launch Akralos Animal Nutrition Joint Venture

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:39:37 GMT

A new animal feed and nutrition company, Akralos Animal Nutrition, launched on Feb. 1. This company, formed through a joint venture between global agriculture leaders ADM and Alltech, combines Alltech’s U.S.-based Hubbard Feeds and Canada-based Masterfeeds businesses with ADM’s U.S. feed operations.

“Akralos brings together proven scale, innovation and infrastructure with a deep commitment to service and results,” Akralos chief executive officer Brian Gier says in a release. “From day one, our focus is on delivering nutrition our customers can rely on, support they can count on and partnerships that help their animals and businesses thrive.”

Through an extensive network of more than 40 feed mills across North America and more than 1,400 team members, Akralos plans to deliver reliable, high-quality feeds, minerals and supplements through its trusted brands, backed by advanced nutrition expertise, leading-edge science and personalized service, the company says.

“Akralos is dedicated to helping customers gain a measurable advantage, bringing together passionate teams, proven products and shared values. Its experienced team works closely with customers to deliver tailored solutions, consistent performance and actionable insights, supported by leading-edge research and development, broad logistical capabilities and strong connections across the agri-food value chain,” Akralos says.

ADM and Alltech’s longstanding relationship goes back to 1980 when ADM was Alltech’s first customer. Akralos brings together both company’s complementary strengths to form a unified organization with a mission to serve as an advanced nutrition partnership committed to delivering a competitive edge for producers, retailers and animal owners across North America.

“With the unique strengths and shared values of Alltech and ADM, we can deliver deeper expertise, broader support and a stronger portfolio of nutrition solutions and services, all designed to help our customers build more profitable and resilient operations,” said Akralos chief operating officer Brad Dalke, an animal feed industry veteran who has served in numerous leadership roles at ADM over the past 27 years.

Akralos will be headquartered in Lexington, Ky., with a footprint including feed manufacturing, research and laboratory facilities.

Hubbard and Masterfeeds remain Akralos’ core customer-facing brands, preserving continuity for customers across North America, the company says.

“Our vision is to become the most trusted name in animal nutrition by delivering high-performance feeds and partnerships that drive results,” Gier says. “We’re here to listen, collaborate and use science to solve real-world challenges — nourishing advantage for all of our customers and partners.”

Failed Wheat Crops Still Hold Value for Cattle Rations

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:58:19 GMT

During an episode of “ Agriculture Today ,” Kansas State University Animal Sciences and Industry graduate student, Adam King, shared his findings in a study of how failed wheat crop can be used as part of cattle rations.

Study Overview

King explains how in 2023 Kansas saw a large drought, leaving about 29% of wheat crops failed, with 2.35 million acres being left abandoned.

In this study, the failed crop was infested with Palmer amaranth and kochia weeds — both herbicide resistant. Rather than waste chemicals or till the weeds back into the soil, the crop was baled up for feed.

The baled crop was used as the forage source, which is 7% of this specific feedlot diet. The rest of the diet consisted of 64% dried-rolled corn and 29% wet distillers grain. For a control comparison, a sorghum and sudan hay was fed. King says these diets were tested on 300 Angus and Angus-cross steers.

Feed Rations

The rations themselves were similar, King explains, but the real differences were seen in the hay.

There was a 2% difference in crude protein, 8% in acid detergent fibers and 2.5% in neutral detergent fibers. Combined, there was a 2% difference in total digestible nutrients.

King says that is not a big concern, it is simply just less nutrients per bite.

Reviewing the Data

Overall, most of the data was similar. Body weights on all animals were alike. The carcass analysis showed there were no differences in: dressing percentage, marbling, hot carcass weight, carcass yield grade, ribeye area and instances of liver abscesses — an animal health indicator.

The biggest differences were in average daily gain (ADG), dry-matter intake (DMI) and feed-to-gain ratio (F:G).

When looking at ADG in the first half of the study, the wheat group was gaining 0.2 lb. more, but in the second half of the study, the sorghum group was gaining 0.5 lb. more. Overall, there was a 0.1 lb. difference in the two hays.

King explains he doesn’t see a definite reason as to why the ADG numbers flipped throughout the study. DMI shows in all aspects of the study the sorghum hay was providing better results. Early on, calves were consuming 0.7 lb. more, then 2 lb. more, for an overall figure of one more pound per head per day consumed compared to the wheat group.

F:G showed similar results to ADG. In the beginning of the trial, the sorghum hay was less efficient, but by the end, the wheat hay was less efficient by 0.3 lb. Looking at the study overall, there were no differences in the two roughages.

Study Takeaways

People tend to think seeing a big difference in a study is what makes a good study, but that’s not always the case, King says. This study proved how similar both roughages were and that producers can supplement their cattle with weeds and failed wheat crop while seeing similar results.

The water absorbed by the weeds in a drought can still be used, and King looks at it as a way to recycle what would otherwise be wasted product.

You can make lemonade out of it, King says, when referring to crop and cattle producer relationships like this situation allows for.

For more information on the study, contact King at adamking@ksu.edu .

Sports Partnerships Are a Smart Investment in Beef's Future

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:55:21 GMT

As a beef producer raising a young family in the Black Hills of South Dakota, I think a lot about the future of our industry. Like many producers, I’m proud of the work we do, and I want to make sure the next generation has the same opportunities.

That’s one reason I serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, which oversees the Beef Checkoff. I also serve on the Checkoff’s Promotion Committee, which helps guide investments that build confidence in beef’s nutrition, safety and responsible production.

In that role, I’ve seen how important it is to meet consumers where they already are. Today, one of the best places to do that is in the world of sports and entertainment.

Many producers ask why they don’t see Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. ads on TV like they used to. The reality is that national TV advertising is extremely expensive, and it reaches an audience that’s already more likely to eat beef. The Checkoff has a responsibility to invest producer dollars where they can make the biggest impact. And that’s by reaching consumers who eat less beef, have questions about how it’s raised or live in regions where beef demand has room to grow. Sports partnerships can offer that kind of smart, targeted reach.

A great example is the work happening in the Northeast through the Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative (NEBPI). This region’s huge population has tremendous purchasing power. NEBPI partners with both athletic teams and student-athletes , using a mix of team sponsorships and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) agreements to reach Northeast fans and young consumers where they gather. These on-field and athlete-driven activations help beef connect with audiences in ways traditional ads often can’t.

Across the country, State Beef Councils are leading equally creative efforts. The Kansas Beef Council partnered with the Kansas State football team’s offensive line — the “protectors” —to help tell beef’s story in a fun and relatable way.

Texas , Iowa and Colorado have run their own athletic activations, from stadium promotions to community race events to college partnerships. These efforts help keep more Checkoff dollars close to home while engaging the students, families and fans who will shape beef demand in the years ahead.

Sports partnerships also give us the chance to highlight beef’s strong nutrition story — something I care about personally as a beef producer and as a member of the Promotion Committee. Programs like Build Your Base provide performance nutrition education, refueling stations and hands-on experiences for athletes and families, all backed by current science. These efforts help reinforce what many of us already know: beef delivers high-quality protein, iron, zinc and B-vitamins that support strength, recovery and endurance.

Recent reports from the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission — a federal health initiative focused on improving diets and reducing chronic disease — have reinforced that message. The commission’s report highlighted the benefits of high-quality protein like beef. For producers, it’s encouraging to see national nutrition discussions acknowledge what we already know from experience: beef fits squarely within healthy, balanced eating patterns.

Sports also tap into something many producers understand well: community. Teams, school spirit, mascots and tailgates create traditions passed down through generations. People build memories around those experiences, and food is always part of it. When beef is present in those settings — at tailgates, stadium events or through athlete partnerships — it becomes part of those traditions too. That kind of connection can help build long-term loyalty and demand.

Athletic partnerships might not look like the traditional advertising some of us grew up with, but they’re helping us reach diverse new audiences, build trust and reinforce beef’s role in a healthy lifestyle. If we want to maintain strong demand, we need to be visible in the places where consumers spend their time.

Looking ahead, I don’t know if there’s one single “big opportunity” for beef in the sports world. What I do see is potential across many sports, campuses and communities. The more places we show up with a positive, science-supported message, the more opportunity to influence how people think about and choose beef.

— David Uhrig, Hermosa, South Dakota.
Manager, Mount Rushmore Angus Ranch and Cattlemen’s Beef Board Member

Why You Need to Evaluate Replacement Heifers Ahead of Breeding Season

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:35:10 GMT

Carefully preparing replacement heifers prior to breeding season is essential for improving conception rates and ensuring cows calve early and remain productive throughout their lifetimes, according to Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute experts.

During a recent BCI Cattle Chat podcast , K-State beef cattle veterinarians Bob Larson and Brad White and cow-calf extension specialist Jason Warner discussed the importance of evaluating replacement heifers both as a group and as individuals before breeding season begins.

“When we talk about replacement heifers, it’s important to look at the whole group, but also evaluate each heifer on her own,” Larson says. “Individual differences matter, and identifying those early can make a big difference in breeding success.”

Larson and Warner emphasize the value of pre-breeding reproductive exams, noting these evaluations are efficient and provide valuable insight.

“All of the exams we can do ahead of breeding really don’t take very long,” Warner says. “In a short amount of time, producers can gather information that helps them make better decisions about which heifers are truly ready to breed.”

Monitoring body weight, growth and reproductive readiness is another critical component of replacement heifer development. Heifers that fail to reach an appropriate level of maturity by the breeding season are more likely to conceive late or not at all.

“If a heifer is behind going into breeding, it’s hard for her to catch up,” Larson says. “That’s why tracking weights and development is so important.”

The conversation also highlighted the role of nutrition management in preparing heifers for breeding. Warner notes how consistent, balanced nutrition supports puberty attainment and reproductive function, helping heifers conceive earlier in the breeding season.

“Nutrition is one of the biggest drivers of whether a heifer cycles and conceives on time,” Warner says.

Ultimately, Larson and Warner stress the goal of heifer development is not just pregnancy, but early calving.

“At the end of the day, we want those heifers calving early in the calving season,” Larson summarizes. “Heifers that calve early tend to be more productive over their lifetime.”

Your Next Read: From Selection to Breeding: A Veterinarian’s Guide to Productive Heifers

7 Steps for Assessing Calf Abortions

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:13:20 GMT

This time of year, the last thing cattle producers want to find when checking cows is an aborted fetus.

Bob Larson, Kansas State University veterinarian, says there are multiple potential causes for abortion. Neospora is a common infectious cause of abortion, transmitted both vertically (from mother to fetus) and horizontally (via feed contaminated by canine feces). Other possibilities include viral diseases, such as IBR or BVD, and feed-related issues like moldy hay or listeria.

Larson and fellow K-State veterinarian Brad White recently discussed a case on the “Bovine Science with BCI” podcast in which a rancher with a couple hundred cows found an aborted fetus in their pasture. The producer wanted to know what to do next.

Larson and White suggest these seven steps when finding an aborted fetus:

1. Gather initial information

Identify which animal aborted. This includes determining age and status in herd: heifer or mature cow, new addition or long-term member.
Look for physical signs like retained placentas.

“One of my first questions is I’ve got to kind of figure out who, who is aborting, as in, what kind of describes the animal that’s aborting age? Is it a new addition to the herd? Is it’s a cow that’s been in the herd a long time? Those are the types of questions,” Larson explains.

White says it is important to investigate the fetus to try to determine fetal age.

In the case presented, the rancher says no one was claiming the fetus and they could not determine the mother.

2. Collect samples promptly

Recover the aborted fetus and, if possible, the placenta, as both provide crucial diagnostic tissue.
Collect a range of fetal tissues: lung, liver, kidney, brain, and consider additional fluids such as abomasal and follicular fluid.
Store fresh and fixed samples or freeze if not sending immediately.

Larson says collecting the aborted fetus (and placenta, if available) for diagnostic sampling is essential. The placenta is considered a highly valuable diagnostic tissue, but various tissues from the fetus (lung, liver, kidney, brain, etc.) can also be analyzed.

He suggests samples should be collected and stored (e.g., frozen) after first finding the first abortion but not necessarily sent to a lab immediately. If additional abortions occur, the value of sending samples for diagnosis increases.

The value of testing and taking action also increases with more cases.

“Hold on submitting samples for testing after the first abortion — consider sending if a second or third case occurs,” Larson says. “A single abortion may not signal a herd problem.”

3. Assess the herd environment and feeding practices

Understand what the cows are eating — hay, silage or supplements — and any recent changes or feed quality concerns like moldy hay or exposure to silage.

4. Interpret sampling results and rule-outs

If diagnostic testing is performed, interpret both positive and negative findings in the context of herd health and history.

Larson explains detecting Neospora in the fetus increases suspicion but does not confirm it as the immediate cause of the abortion; context and other risk factors must be considered. A negative result for Neospora lowers its likelihood as the cause.

5. Monitor for additional cases

Observe the herd closely. Larson stresses monitoring for additional cases is important.

6. Review herd management and biosecurity

Evaluate animal movement in and out of the herd, introduction of new cattle and biosecurity protocols.
Plan possible future interventions based on patterns or risk factors identified.

Long-term recommendations center on reviewing herd biosecurity, feeding practices and potential exposure risks. Identifying the signalment (age, breed, source) of affected animals helps target preventive measures.

7. Act based on findings and herd impact

Avoid unnecessary interventions unless cluster or patterns emerge. This includes palpating the herd or collecting serology.
Record findings and actions.
Consult with veterinary diagnostic labs or experts as needed.

Larson stresses immediate aggressive intervention is unlikely to affect the outcome of an ongoing abortion event, but understanding causes aids in future prevention and management.

“I can’t really think of a situation where having information today would change the outcome,” Larson says in response to getting in the entire herd and palpating after finding one fetus.

White summarizes these steps help ensure a logical, evidence-based approach to diagnosing and managing cattle abortions.

Your Next Read: Is There an Optimum Cow Size?

How to Provide Winter Care For Your Cattle Herd

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 13:36:00 GMT

Winter is here along with cooler temperatures. Cattle are generally hardy animals that can tolerate cold temperatures very well, especially when acclimated and properly cared for.

They can endure a lot, but it does change them metabolically, we just can’t see it, explains Chris Cassady, Ph.D., BioZyme director of beef technical sales.

Lower critical temperature (LCT) is influenced by both environmental and animal factors. These factors include a combination of wind chill, humidity, hair coat and body condition score.

Typically, a LCT is around 18°F with a full winter coat, Cassady says.

“So will they survive, yes. But will it potentially cause metabolic changes and stressors, also yes. While they can survive harsh colds, what we can’t see internally is what we need to focus on,” he adds.

Beef cattle can typically endure temperatures as low as -20°F, and even colder, especially when they have good nutrition, are in good health and have adequate shelter or windbreaks.

Providing adequate cattle shelter and nutrition during the coldest months of the year is essential for herd health and well-being. Cattle are fairly cold tolerant, however, the combination of wind chill and moisture can lead to cold stress, which leads to lowered performance and decreased immune response.

Cassady offers six guidelines to producers to consider when preparing cattle for winter:

1. Provide Windbreaks

Windbreaks can be both natural and man-made. Plant rows of trees or shrubs to reduce the wind chill. A hilly area can also serve as a natural wind barrier.

If trees are not an option, construct windbreaks from materials like wood, metal or fabric. These structures should be placed to block prevailing winds.

2. Design Shelter for Comfort

Build open-sided barns or three-sided sheds to provide shelter from wind, snow and rain. The open side should face away from the wind, typically southward. Each cow needs about 40-50 square feet of space. Ensure the shelter area is big enough to comfortably house your herd.

Good airflow is crucial to prevent respiratory diseases and mold growth in the shelter. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid condensation and moisture build-up. Additionally, we suggest installing vents or leaving space at the top of the shelter walls to promote air circulation.

3. Protection from Mud

Provide deep bedding with materials like straw, corn stalks or wood shavings to insulate against cold ground. Regularly replenish bedding to keep it dry and warm.

It is also vital to provide proper drainage around the shelter and windbreak, which prevents mud. Mud can cause hoof problems and stress cattle. Gravel pads or dry-lot pens can help keep the ground dry.

4. Water and Feed Access

Water and feed is even more essential to your cattle during the cold months make sure cattle have access to both, especially when they are confined during storms or extreme cold.

Use heated or insulated water troughs to prevent freezing. Ensure a consistent supply of clean water.

Plan to increase rations and ensure there is a sufficient supply of forage. Ensure feed is easy to access without cattle needing to travel far. Keep feed close to or within the shelter.

5. Be Prepared for Severe Weather

We obviously don’t have to remind cattle producers to check the weather. If you have prepared a winter cattle shelter properly, you should be prepared for heavy snow, freezing rain and extreme cold.

We do recommend having an emergency plan in place for blizzards, such as moving cattle to barns or bringing in extra feed supplies. Finally, keep cattle calm and avoid overcrowding in confined spaces, as stress can lead to health issues.

“In addition to providing a quality, well-ventilated bedded down winter cattle shelter, your herd also needs high-quality nutrition during times of cold stress,” Cassady says.

6. Provide Good Nutrition

During cold weather, cattle require more energy to maintain body temperature. A higher energy diet, particularly one with increased roughage, helps cattle produce heat through digestion. Undernourished cattle are more prone to cold stress due to reduced fat reserves and lower metabolic heat production.

“Basically, once the animal falls below her LCT, she’s going to start putting energy toward thermoregulating herself. Obvious implications that if she’s in survival mode instead of production mode, we lose opportunity revenue,” Cassady says.

He suggests two ways producers can combat this: supplement with energy dense grain products or increase their intake of hay.

However, two problems with this exist, he says. First, they haven’t been adapted to grain, so there will be a potential drop in rumen pH, which is where Amaferm , a prebiotic research-proven to increase digestibility, can help.

Secondly, if the forage quality isn’t high enough, the cows can’t get enough hay consumed to meet this energetic demand because they are full. Amaferm helps break that down, and increase VFA production. By increasing digestibility, your cattle are automatically increasing their body temperature internally, Cassady says.

Providing proper winter cattle shelter and quality nutrition for herd ensures their health, safety and productivity during cold months.

Your Next Read: Tips for Managing Cattle as Temps Get Cold

Why Do I Have So Many Open Cows?

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:37:15 GMT

With calves weaned, veterinarians criss-cross the country conducting pregnancy checks, or preg checking, cow herds. The vet calls out and marks an “O” on the hips of “open” or non-pregnant cows.

Producers figure the herd percentage bred by dividing the number of pregnant cows by the total cows exposed. Armed with these numbers, the question can arise: “Why is my open rate so much higher this year?”

While several factors can play into a herd’s reproductive success, management is usually the key. Nutrition, bull management, vaccination protocols and handling of early pregnant animals can greatly influence the herd pregnancy rate.

A change in management can have a ripple effect. For example, one management decision on calving could impact pregnancy rates. If you push back your calving date from March to May, the breeding season is pushed back to August. And this can result in more open cows.

Causes of Reproductive Failure

1. Nutrition

As I interviewed specialists, veterinarians and nutritionists, they all agreed that nutrition is normally the biggest cause of reproductive failure.

“If you think of building a wall, nutrition is the bricks. If the bricks are missing, the wall is going to fail,” saya Mary Drewnoski, UNL beef and dorage Specialist. “Protein or energy are usually the big rocks that are missing, especially in young animals that may still be growing.”

Heifers and cows should be on an increasing plane of nutrition during the breeding season, as established through years of research.

Breeding in Late Summer or Fall
In our previous example, a March calving herd in the Sandhills would breed while grazing grass in June, which is increasing in protein and energy. However, if I changed that herd’s calving date to May, that herd is now breeding in August on grass that has matured and dropping in the available protein and energy. In the Sandhills, this herd would be breeding on rangeland that is decreasing in forage value.

To solve this nutrient deficiency, the heifer calves and first calf heifers in the May calving herd at the university research ranch (Gudmundsen Sandhills Lab) receive 0.3 lb. of protein per head per day (or 1 lb. of a 30% distillers based cake supplement/day) two weeks prior to breeding and for 30 days into the breeding season.

A bull is turned out with these young females for 30 days. Another rancher who has a May calving herd starts supplementing two weeks prior to breeding and feeds three weeks into his breeding season. By supplementing, the plane of nutrition is increasing, even though the grass forage value is dropping, which should boost the pregnancy rate.

Rick Funston, UNL beef reproductive specialist, says the kind of protein you are feeding matters. Distillers grains products are higher in by-pass protein, which the animal can use, and the young animals in the May herd receive 0.3 lb. of protein per head per day. However, if feeding alfalfa hay, which is lower in by-pass protein, Funston suggests feeding 0.5 lb. of protein per head per day.

Wet Years with Lots of Mature Grass
In wet years with higher than normal precipitation, producers are often surprised when they have more open cows than usual. Remember that mature grass is lower in protein and energy, because the rigid stem and seedhead are less digestible.

“But those cows were belly deep in grass!?” is a common response. That “washy” grass was providing a declining plane of nutrition during the breeding season, which could lower pregnancy rates.

On the flip side, producers are often surprised at good pregnancy rates during lower precipitation years. While grass production is lower, the grass may lack the rainfall to produce a seedhead, resulting in a higher forage value.

Thin Cows
Research shows that cows that are thin, or body condition score 4 or less, are less likely to breed back. Thin cows are also milking during the breeding season and will need more protein and energy to gain weight.

The environment is telling the cow she can’t support herself, so why could she support the extra nutritional needs of a fetus? After calving and heading into the breeding season, cows should be in a good body condition score, or thinner cows (BCS 4) should be gaining body condition.

Young Animals are Still Growing
Young heifers and cows are growing and may need a higher diet of protein and energy. Often producers will sort off these young animals and manage them differently than the older cows. The young herd is often fed more protein or energy to compensate for growth.

If second or third calf heifers have lower pregnancy rates, consider the genetics you have been selecting for and the environment the herd is in. If you are selecting for higher weaning or yearling weights, cow size and milk production may also be increasing.

More open young animals could indicate your environment and genetics no longer match. Energy and protein may not be meeting the needs of these young, growing, and milking females.

Other Nutrients
Vitamin A and dietary phosphorus are important to reproduction success. Vitamin A does not store well in the animal, and levels differ drastically in feeds, so vitamin A should be a consideration. Dietary phosphorus drops in grasses as plants mature, so it may need supplemented in mineral if cattle are grazing dormant winter range. However, distillers grains are high in phosphorus, so if supplemented, phosphorus may not be needed in the mineral.

2. Bulls

Bull Power
Females are just one part of the equation — don’t forget about bull management. If running multiple bulls in a herd, ensure there are enough bulls.

Recommendations for the cow-to-bull ratio depends on the age of the bulls, terrain and size of the pasture, and other variables. For older bulls, 25 cows per 1 bull is suggested. For a yearling bull, the number of females is equal to the bull’s age in months (for example, a 15 month old bull could run with 15 females).

Breeding Soundness Exam or Semen Testing Bulls
Bulls should be tested four to six weeks prior to turn out. Bulls may be subfertile or infertile.

Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead, veterinarian and Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator, states that sperm production is a 61-day process, so injuries that occur earlier in the spring may not show up during a breeding soundness exam, if the exam is done too early.

Check Bulls Often During the Breeding Season
The exam is just a “snapshot” in time, so check bulls often during the breeding season to ensure bulls are “sound” all season.

Bulls can injure feet, legs, or hips. Check for swelling around the sheath and scrotal areas. Remove injured bulls and replace with a healthy “spare” bull.

3. Early Embryonic Death Loss

When heifers or cows are first pregnant, the embryo is small, as well as fragile. If you are synchronizing and utilizing artificial insemination (AI), either move animals immediately after breeding (within five days of breeding) or wait until 45 days to transport. By waiting to transport, this will reduce the embryonic loss, which will increase pregnancy rates.

“Preg checking should also wait until after 50 days of breeding to reduce the amount of embryonic loss in pregnant animals,” suggests Rick Funston, who worked with large sets of ranch data that studied the relationship of the timing of pregnancy checking herds.

4) Infections

Keeping infections or diseases out of herds may be the first thing you think of when you have a lot of non-pregnant cows, but in Waechter-Mead’s experience, “diseases are rarely found and it’s usually a management issue.”

If management or nutrition deficiencies have been ruled out, work with your local veterinarian for diseases that could affect reproduction.

Based on risks and benefits, each herd will have their own vaccinations or health protocols, again working with your veterinarian. However, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners recommends core vaccines of IBR, BRSV, BVD, PI3 and Clostridial species. The rest should be based on risk/benefits specific to each vaccine.

During the semen testing of bulls, samples for trichomoniasis tests can be taken during the bulls’ breeding soundness exams. Virgin bulls should not need a trichomoniasis, or trich, test.

Conclusion

According to established herds that Funston has worked with, these herds achieve 90% or greater pregnancy rates on cows and 80% or greater pregnancy rates on heifers.

If your pregnancy rates are significantly lower, reach out to your local veterinarian, as each is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. By asking the right questions, a solution can be found faster and at less expense.

These may be a few questions asked:

Did anything drastically change during the breeding season?
Was there drought or overgrazing of pastures?
How long is the breeding season?
When do the cows calve? If the cows are breeding on a declining plane of nutrition, that would suppress pregnancy rate.
Did you test your feed/hay? Or change who you bought your feed from?
How much and when did you supplement extra protein or energy to the heifers/cows?

— by Bethany Johnston, Nebraska Extension educator, and Rick Funston, Nebraska Extension beef cattle reproductive physiologist

Tips for Managing Cattle as Temps Get Cold

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:50:24 GMT

As temperatures become colder, a K-State cow-calf specialist says it is important for beef producers to be on the lookout for cold stress in their cattle.

“Beef cows begin to experience cold stress when effective ambient temperatures drop below the lower critical temperature,” says Jason Warner, K-State assistant professor and extension cow-calf specialist.

Effective ambient temperature accounts for wind chill, humidity and solar radiation. Lower critical temperatures are influenced by environmental and animal factors.

“Once effective temperatures are below this point, the cow must generate additional heat to maintain her body temperature,” Warner says. “Cold stress increases the energy required for a cow to maintain her body temperature.”

The increase in energy needs is affected by body condition score and coat condition, including the length of the coat and whether it is dry or wet.

“The energy needs of a cow with a dry hair coat increase by 1% for each degree Fahrenheit below the lower critical temperature, while needs for a cow with a wet hair coat increase by 2%,” Warner says.

He adds the producer’s feeding program for cattle should be adjusted to accommodate the change in energy requirements, primarily when energy needs for the cow increase by more than 20% due to cold stress.

“Feeding additional pounds of an average-quality hay typically offsets increased energy needs during periods of moderate cold stress,” Warner explains.

However, in cases of severe or prolonged cold stress, hay alone is usually not sufficient.

“Start with conservative amounts of grains and gradually increase,” Warner says. “Consider using feedstuffs with highly digestible fiber and lower starch content.”

He explains this strategy reduces forage digestion issues and risks of founder (or laminitis, a painful hoof condition) when supplementing grains.

Along with proper feeding, there are a few points to consider when managing cow herds through cold stress:

Ensure cows have access to clean, fresh water.
Provide bedding to help insulate against the cold.
Body condition is key.
It is difficult to add body condition after calving, and even more challenging during cold stress events.
Thin cows, without wind protection and wet hair coats, have the greatest risk.

Learn more: Managing Beef Cows During Cold Stress .

Your Next Read: Cow-Calf Checklist: Now is the Time to Prepare for Winter

Vitamin E Deserves a Second Look in Beef Herds

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 20:02:03 GMT

Vitamin E is one of those nutrients that doesn’t get a lot of attention until something goes wrong, but it plays a steady, year-round role in keeping cattle healthy. It is a small inclusion in the ration that supports several big-ticket items: immunity, muscle integrity, calf health and resilience during stressful periods. While vitamin E is often discussed in relation to meat color, the health and production benefits matter just as much.

“When we talk about vitamin E nutrition specifically, it really is such an exciting nutrient because not only does it impact the animal from an immune response perspective, but we have the opportunity to make real incremental improvements on the productivity of that animal”, says Zeno Hubbert, Ruminant technical expert at dsm-firmenich.

Why Vitamin E Matters for Cattle Health

Vitamin E acts as a major antioxidant in the body. Its job is to protect cells from oxidative stress — something cattle deal with daily through normal metabolism, immune challenges and environmental stressors. When vitamin E levels are low, tissues are more vulnerable to damage and immune responses don’t fire as cleanly.

Severe deficiency is rare in feedlot cattle, but when it does occur, it can show up as white muscle disease, weak calves, or general muscle and nerve problems. But the real story isn’t about preventing dramatic deficiencies. It’s about making sure cattle have enough vitamin E to stay healthy during high-stress stages such as processing, shipping, early feedlot adaptation, late gestation and early calfhood.

Feedlot Cattle: Support During Stress & Recovery

In feedlots, vitamin E is well-known for how it affects meat quality, but its impact on health shouldn’t be overlooked.

“When we talk about feedlot cattle, we’re not aiming to just keep that animal out of a state of deficiency. For me, that’s almost a no-brainer. It’s non-negotiable,” Hubbert says. “We’re aiming for optimization of productivity.”

Research has shown vitamin E supplementation to beef steers before or after transit may not affect growth performance, but can lower the stress response of these animals. Further, vitamin E supplementation has been shown to increase antibody titers of newly received steers after vaccination for bovine viral diarrhea virus.

When vitamin E is supplemented for meat quality, the standard is to feed at increased levels for at least 100 days to see results in the muscle tissue. This is the time period required to equilibrate the liver and tissue soluble levels with the intake amount. There are very few studies on vitamin E spanning this duration with beef cattle in an effort to observe growth performance or immune response. This is an area requiring further attention.

Cow-Calf Operations: Where Vitamin E Really Shows Its Value

Vitamin E can pay off meaningfully in the cow-calf world. Late gestation is an especially important time because the cow’s vitamin E status directly influences the calf.

“If we look at the vitamin E level in milk, it’s only supplying about 16% of the requirement of that newborn calf,” Hubbert explains. “So we definitely have a requirement for vitamin E supplementation in that newborn calf. We can definitely affect the health of that calf by supplementation of the late gestation cow.”

Research has shown that vitamin E supplementation to late gestation beef cattle can benefit both the dam and the calf, especially with the added environmental stress of winter calving and the consumption of stored forages. In one study , winter born calves from vitamin E supplemented dams had higher weaning weights. Additionally, calves born to vitamin E supplemented heifers have been shown to have increased antibody titers at birth, pasture turn out, and weaning in response to routine vaccines.

Is Vitamin E Supplementation Right for Your Herd?

While vitamin E is essential for cattle, whether it is worth adding or increasing in the ration of a herd comes down to the cattle’s stress load, forage quality and production stage.

“We need to be strategic,” Hubbert says. “It’s very much dependent on the range conditions, whether we have drought conditions — how much access to forage those cows have. It’s a conversation to be had with the nutritionist and not just a blanket recommendation across the board.”

Cow-calf herds often see the biggest return, but feedlot cattle under heavy stress during receiving or diet changes may also benefit from increased vitamin E levels to support antioxidant defense or recovery. A quick review of the mineral program and forage conditions can reveal whether adjusting vitamin E could be beneficial.

“I think that vitamin nutrition is generally something that, due to the small level addition to the ration, goes by unchecked,” Hubbert says. “The impact that a vitamin deficiency can have on that animal in terms of productivity is significant. It’s such a small addition to a ration from a cost perspective, it’s almost as if it’s an investment in the health and productivity of that animal.”

Cow-Calf Checklist: Now is the Time to Prepare for Winter

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:53:38 GMT

Each month, cow-calf producers are faced with management tasks related to seasonal and production goals. Jason Warner, Kansas State University Extension cow-calf specialist, summarizes the top 10 management practices producers should check off their to-do lists in December.

1. Take time to sample harvested forages prior to winter feeding.

Use forage tests to fine tune your supplementation program.
Forage tests are cheap relative to the value of the information.

2. Calculate forage needs off of herd numbers, weight and days.

Make sure adequate forages are available if grazing is limited.
Take inventory of all hay and silages.

3. Condition score cows to guide your nutrition program.

Targeted BCS at calving: 5 for mature cows, 6 for young cows.
Maintain BCS on fall calving females going through breeding.

4. If grazing crop residues following harvest, keep in mind:

The bottom 1/3 of the stalk is where nitrates accumulate.
Be aware of prussic acid in new regrowth of sorghum plants, and the time around frost is the greatest risk.

5. If you are a late-fall or early-winter calver ...

Have calving equipment cleaned and available to use as needed.
Consider teat and udder scoring females at calving, even if they’re commercial.

6. Plan your mineral needs for this coming fall and winter.

Record date and amount offered and calculate herd consumption.
If consumption is 2X or 3X the target, then your cost is too!

7. Heifers will be worth a lot this year, let’s manage as such!

For replacements, know your target weight at breeding.
For bred heifers, target to be at a BCS 6.0 at calving.

8. Herd bulls are easy to forget…don’t let them be forgotten!

Conduct a BSE on bulls used for upcoming fall service.
If bulls are BCS ≤ 5.0, consider supplementing to regain BCS going into winter.

9. As you think about this female market this year…

Consider the time needed to pay off replacement females at a given calf price.
Consider all the ways in which you can add females back in to the herd.

10. Winter is approaching soon, so take time now to prepare!

Clean lots and calving grounds as needed.
Have bedding and windbreaks ready to be used.

Biotics in Bovines: Postbiotic Applications for Beef Cattle

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:27:28 GMT

Beef production involves dramatic changes in environment, nutrition and social structure, creating repeated stress points that challenge both the rumen and the immune system. Calves face the shock of weaning and comingling, and feedlot cattle undergo abrupt dietary transitions and frequent handling.

Postbiotics, beneficial microbial products, provide a non-living, heat-stable option that can help buffer these disruptions by influencing rumen stability and immune activity. Because the microbial metabolites are delivered directly, rather than relying on live microbe survival, postbiotics can be easier to implement in beef production settings where feed delivery, pen competition and weather conditions can vary widely.

This is the sixth and final installment of the Biotics in Bovines series, where we have explored the role and application of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics in dairy and beef cattle nutrition. Each installment has examined a different facet of microbiome-focused nutrition from how these products work to what recent research says about their effectiveness and on-farm value. The goal is to help veterinarians and producers make informed, evidence-based decisions about integrating biotic feed technologies into herd health and performance programs.

For applications in beef, yeast fermentation products have been most commonly explored. These products are largely derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, containing inanimate microorganisms and/or their components. Additionally, lactic acid bacteria fermentation products may hold postbiotic promise for beef cattle.

The incorporation of these compounds may support enhanced gut barrier integrity, immune regulation, and microbial adaptation to dietary changes, especially those related to fiber digestion. In turn, these effects can help improve rumen fermentation, feed efficiency and animal performance.

Evidence in Beef Systems

In beef heifers fed high grain rations, supplementation with a yeast fermentation product resulted in improved rumen fermentation profiles. This was evidenced by increased organic matter and fiber digestibility, along with enhanced rumen buffering. This has also been seen in calves where a starter containing yeast postbiotics promoted microbial stability while mitigating subacute ruminal acidosis.

In Angus steers , supplementation with a yeast fermentation product did not affect rumen pH, but did reduce the total concentration of rumen volatile fatty acids and increased total tract dry matter, organic matter and starch digestibility. These results indicate potential improvements in energy efficiency and animal performance with postbiotic supplementation.

In backgrounding steers fed a lactic acid bacteria fermentation product, increased dry matter intake and average daily gain were observed compared to animals supplemented with monensin. In corresponding in vitro digestion trials, decreased propionate and increased butyrate levels were observed. Propionate is known to have an effect on satiety and may have affected intake in these animals. This work also suggests postbiotics may have applications in reducing antibiotic use.

Limitations and Research Gaps

Postbiotics are perhaps the least studied of all current biotics approaches for cattle. Despite some demonstrated benefits, we still lack information on optimal dosing and long term metabolic impacts. There may be potential for postbiotics to help mitigate methane production, but more in vivo research is required for verification.

Practical On-Farm Guidance & Strategies

Target periods of increased stress: Postbiotics can help support cattle through times of rumen instability and immune suppression.
Use probiotics to ease dietary transitions: Postbiotic supplementation at times when rumen dysbiosis is likely could help ease these transitions by maintaining gut equilibrium.
Apply to improve utilization of variable quality diets: During winter feeding and pasture transitions, postbiotics may help stabilize fermentation and fiber digestion, smoothing out any performance dips due to inconsistent forage quality.
Prioritize consistent delivery: Uniform exposure to postbiotic products is key to obtaining results. Avoid inconsistent top-dressing or delivery methods that differ by pen or time of day as these inconsistencies may be reflected in any response.

Your next reads:
Biotics in Bovines: Postbiotic Applications for Dairy Cattle
Biotics in Bovines: Prebiotic Applications for Beef Cattle
Biotics in Bovines: Prebiotic Applications for Dairy Cattle
Biotics in Bovines: Probiotic Applications for Dairy Cattle
Biotics in Bovines: Probiotic Applications for Beef Cattle

Biotics in Bovines: Probiotic Applications for Beef Cattle

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 17:27:15 GMT

In beef production systems, every gain in efficiency matters whether that’s stabilizing feed intake, supporting growth through stress events or improving animal health. Probiotics might be a way to facilitate this efficiency through fine-tuned rumen and gut health.

This is the fourth installment of the Biotics in Bovines series where we will explore the role and application of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics in dairy and beef cattle nutrition. Each installment will examine a different facet of microbiome-focused nutrition from how these products work to what recent research says about their effectiveness and on-farm value. The goal is to help veterinarians and producers make informed, evidence-based decisions about integrating biotic feed technologies into herd health and performance programs.

Probiotcs, defined as live microorganisms that confer a health benefit when fed in adequate amounts, aren’t new to the feed industry. However, recent studies in both grazing and finishing systems have clarified when and how they can deliver measurable results. Rather than blanket use, probiotics in beef systems are most effective when used strategically during transitions, stress or high-energy feeding phases.

What Probiotics Do in Beef Systems

Probiotics used in beef production most often include yeasts (Saccharomyces), spore-forming bacteria (Bacillus spp.), and occasionally lactic acid bacteria (Enterococcus and Lactobacillus).

Their effects center on three main functions:

Rumen stabilization: Yeast cultures help moderate rumen pH in high-grain diets promoting fiber-digesting bacterial populations.
Digestive efficiency: Bacillus strains produce enzymes that enhance starch and fiber breakdown, improving feed conversion.
Immune and stress modulation: Some probiotics appear to blunt cortisol response during transport or feedlot induction, supporting intake and weight recovery after arrival.

Emerging research has also linked probiotic use with lower pathogen shedding, creating potential food safety benefits for feedlots and packers.

Evidence in Beef Cattle

For cow-calf systems, probiotics are primarily evaluated for calf vigor, weaning transition and heifer development. A group of Red Angus cows offered a live yeast supplement from 30 days precalving through weaning showed improved body condition scores at weaning, while their calves had higher weaning weights and average daily gains. The growth promoting effects of yeast supplementation to calves preweaning seem highly dependent on strain , but what has been consistently shown is a reduction in diarrhea and pneumonia incidence.

Probiotic supplementation has also been linked to reduced stress responses. In a behavioural study with beef heifers, probiotic supplementation showed fewer signs of distress during chute handling, though serum cortisol levels were unaffected. In feedlot cattle , yeast supplementation could help mitigate the negative effects of heat stress when offered in preparation for exposure to increased temperatures.

Finishing feedlot cattle are often fed high-concentrate diets for extended periods of time making rumen health maintenance imperative. Probiotics are a logical avenue for this maintenance. Cattle fed high-concentrate diets have been shown to benefit from a yeast-Enterococcus probiotic mix affecting rumen digestion resulting in improved average daily gain and feed efficiency.

Probiotic supplementation has also been shown to help high-risk cattle. Steers fed a Bacillus-based probiotic through a three-month grazing period did not show a reduced incidence of bovine respiratory disease, but these animals did have reduced rates of mortality and removal compared to control animals.

Practical On-Farm Guidance

Use probiotics during stress or transition phases. These are the times when the rumen can be most dysregulated and need an extra bit of support that probiotics can offer.
Evaluate responses beyond rate of gain. Not all probiotics are tailored for growth performance. Monitor for other positive impacts on morbidity, feed conversion and stress response.
Consider the rest of your nutrition program when choosing a probiotic. Strain choice can be tailored to improve the digestion of a given feedstuff or buffer the rumen with high-concentrate diets.
Ensure consistent delivery and intake. Daily intake is essential; inconsistent feeding undermines benefits. In feedlots, probiotics should be incorporated into the total mixed ration. For grazing herds, probiotics can be offered along with regular mineral supplements.

Limitations and Research Gaps

While evidence for probiotics in beef systems is growing, strain-specific responses have been inconsistent, and data is sparse for extensive cow-calf operations. Controlled studies under feedlot conditions are increasing but vary widely in probiotic formulation and dosage.

Actionable Takeaways

Consider your herd specifically. Probiotics are not a one-size-fits-all solution for beef cattle. Different microbes serve different purposes and should be matched with your production challenges and goals.
Integrate probiotics into herd health protocols, not just nutrition plans. Probiotics can complement disease reduction efforts through rumen health support.
Document outcomes over multiple lots. Track animal performance and health over consecutive groups to give yourself an idea of whether observed benefits are repeatable.
Leverage fecal scoring and rumen pH monitoring as diagnostic tools. Pairing probiotic use with routine rumen fluid or fecal consistency evaluation can offer early indications of effectiveness.

Your next reads:
Biotics in Bovines: Prebiotic Applications for Beef Cattle
Biotics in Bovines: Prebiotic Applications for Dairy Cattle
Biotics in Bovines: Probiotic Applications for Dairy Cattle

When Should You Creep Feed?

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 13:01:52 GMT

For fall calving cow herds, cool season grass pasture can offer nutritional supplementation to cows and high-quality creep grazing opportunity for calves. If the cool season grass you were counting on for fall-born calves is behind or non-existent as of now, consider creep feeding.

Ample research proves creep feeding will increase weaning weights with conversion efficiency ranging from 3 to 20 lb. of feed per pound of added weight gain. A summary of 31 experiments where calves had unlimited access to creep feed show the average increased calf weaning weight was 58 lb.

However, in commercial cow-calf operations, the value of added weight gain has not (historically), covered the added feed, labor and equipment needed. The exception would be when feed is exceptionally inexpensive and (or) when value of added weight gain is exceptionally high. As of now, feed is relatively inexpensive and the value of added weaning weight of calves (up to 600 lb.) is worth in excess $4/lb. (historically high).

When grazing conditions are good, high-quality, abundant forage results in very poor creep feed conversion. Likewise, the greater the plane of maternal nutrition, the poorer the conversion of creep feed to calf gain.

In Oklahoma State University fall-calving experiments, efficiency of creep feed conversion to calf gain is quite good because native range forage quality is low and cows are in a maintenance to negative energy balance (losing weight). Results have been around 4.5 to 5 lb. creep feed:gain when fall-calving cows are getting around 5 lb. of supplemental feed.

However, the more supplement the cow is fed, the poorer the creep feed conversion. Situations that reduce calf nutrient availability (low milk production, low quality forage, overgrazed pastures and thus low forage availability, drought, fall-calving, etc.), improves the efficiency of creep feeding.

Ideal Creep Feed

An ideal creep feed, designed for early stages of calf life, includes a balanced blend of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and crude protein, allowing for both rumen development and lean tissue growth, plus additional energy (TDN) to help facilitate the growth. Crude protein concentrations should be between 14% and 16%, though protein requirements will vary depending on forage quality and calf performance goals.

Rapidly growing, young calves have a high requirement for protein. Young calves have limited rumen capacity and won’t consume large quantities of feed, so nutrient density of the feed is key.

Most commercial creep feeds are pelleted for palatability and ease of handling.

If mixing your own ration:

Keep the feed dust-free and well-mixed to prevent sorting,
When using liquid ingredients, make sure they do not clog the feeder, and
Roll or coarsely crack grains (rather than finely grind) to reduce dust and potential for digestive upset. Likewise, including an ionophore at an efficacious dose will enhance feed efficiency.

Over-conditioned calves that are marketed at weaning can lead to discounts. The longer calves are exposed to unlimited creep consumption and the lower the forage quality, the more they want to eat. If calves are fed free choice creep for 90 days or longer, there is a risk of over-conditioning. A high quality, limit fed creep feed now, could be an effective bridge to the cool season grass you expect to see later.

Managing your cattle operation as a business enterprise should always be based economics. Evaluating the current cost of inputs versus the value those inputs create is the only logical way to accurately assess profit potential.

For more information on creep feeding:
Creep Feeding Beef Calves: Profit or Expense?

Dave Lalman, OSU Extension beef cattle specialist, discusses the pros and cons of creep feeding and has advice on how to determine whether this type of management will be cost-effective for your operation on SunUpTV

3 Reasons Why Milo Works in Cattle Diets

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 11:54:25 GMT

Corn is king when it comes to cattle diets, especially in the Corn Belt. However, that does not mean that corn is a cattle producer’s only option.

Warren Rusche, South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension feedlot management specialist, explains milo or grain sorghum can be a viable option under certain market conditions.

Rusche shares in a recent SDSU enewsletter three reasons how milo is a viable replacement for corn:

Milo becomes cost-effective in cattle diets when its price is 90% or less than corn on a per bushel basis.
For optimal results, milo needs to be processed (rolled or ground) before feeding.
Blending milo with high-moisture corn can result in greater than expected efficiency because of differences starch digestion.

“Milo contains less energy than corn grain does, although the protein content between the two grains is similar (or greater) for milo,” Rusche explains.

Because of the differences in energy, nutritionists value milo at approximately 90% the value of corn.

“In other words, if corn is worth $4 per bushel, milo is a ‘buy’ anytime that grain is priced at $3.60 or less,” he says.

Process Before Feeding

Rusche says milo need to be processed before feeding.

“Milo has a hard seed coat that resists digestion in the rumen and small intestine,” he explains. “We need to process the grain to reduce particle size and create opportunities for rumen microbes to degrade starch.”

Steam-flaking results in the greatest improvements in digestibility; grinding or rolling are also effective for feedlots without access to a steam-flake mill. Rolling produces a more consistent feed than does grinding through a hammermill, but both approaches are acceptable.

Performance improves with more aggressive processing.

“Fine-ground milo resulted in a 3% improvement in ADG [average daily gain] and a 7% improvement in feed efficiency compared to coarse grinding,” he adds. “Keep in mind that more extensive processing leads to more rapid starch digestion in the rumen which increases the risk of acidosis and bloat. Careful bunk management and using ionophores can reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.”

Is Harvesting High-Moisture Milo an Option?

Rusche says harvesting high-moisture milo works well as a strategy to both reduce field losses and improve cattle performance.

“Harvesting milo at 22[%] to 30% moisture content allows for earlier harvest and reduces grain loss from head shatter,” he explains. “High-moisture milo has greater starch digestibility compared to dry grain, which would support greater cattle performance. High-moisture milo could be harvested using a combine or a forage harvester could be used to harvest the seed head plus a portion of the stalk, sometimes referred to as ‘headlage.’”

Headlage would be like earlage in that the feed contains both grain plus a crop residue. Harvesting as a high-moisture feed does not eliminate the need for processing, so the grain would need to be ground or rolled before the bunker or pile, or a kernel processor would need to be used if headlage was harvested.

Feeding in Combination with Corn

Feeding a mixture of milo with corn grain for growing or finishing cattle works well, especially when dry-rolled milo is combined with high-moisture corn.

“Starch from high-moisture corn is more extensively digested in the rumen compared to starch from milo,” Rusche says. “Feeding a blend of dry-rolled milo with high-moisture corn resulted in greater gains and improved feed efficiency compared to either 100% high-moisture corn or 100% dry-rolled milo in a series of studied conducted at the University of Nebraska.”

These researchers attributed the response to increased ruminal digestion of the dry-rolled milo and less risk of acidosis compared to when the two feed grains were fed alone.

Bottom Line

According to Rusche, feeding milo is financially feasible when priced at 90% or less than the value of corn, however, the grain must be correctly processed to capture the full value and optimize use.

“Feeding milo as a high-moisture feed or in combination with more rapidly fermentable grain sources can lead to improved performance,” he summaries.

Rusche encourages cattle feeders to consult with a nutritionist or Extension specialist if they have not fed milo grain in the past.

Your Next Read: Instead of Feeding Hay: 5 Profitable Winter Feed Alternatives for Your Cattle Herd

Biotics in Bovines: Prebiotic Applications for Beef Cattle

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:29:47 GMT

Interest in microbiome-focused nutrition is growing rapidly in the beef industry. With pressure to reduce antibiotic use and improve feed efficiency, prebiotics — non-digestible feed substrates that selectively nourish beneficial microbes — are gaining traction as practical, evidence-based tools to support health and performance.

This is the second installment of the Biotics in Bovines series where we will explore the role and application of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics in dairy and beef cattle nutrition. Each installment will examine a different facet of microbiome-focused nutrition from how these products work to what recent research says about their effectiveness and on-farm value. The goal is to help veterinarians and producers make informed, evidence-based decisions about integrating biotic feed technologies into herd health and performance programs.

Check out the first installment here: Biotics in Bovines: Prebiotic Applications for Dairy Cattle

Prebiotics are typically non-digestible carbohydrates, such as mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and beta-glucans sourced from yeast cell walls, yeast culture and agro-industrial wastes. These compounds act as selective fuel sources for beneficial gut microbes but can also support gut barrier integrity, reduce colonization by pathogens and enhance volatile fatty acid production, particularly butyrate, which fuels intestinal cells.

In beef cattle, the primary goals of prebiotic supplementation are to improve growth rates and feed efficiency, allow for better health during periods of stress (weaning, transport, feedlot entry), improve carcass quality and reduce incidence of digestive upsets.

Evidence in Beef Cattle

Recent trials show prebiotics can support growth, gut health and immune development in young beef animals. In a group of grazing beef calves , supplementation with a beta-glucan concentrate increased average daily gain, especially in the first month after weaning. Further, these animals had increased fiber digesting bacteria and decreased methane producing bacteria in the rumen.

In growing beef cattle , hydrolyzed yeast supplementation (containing MOS and beta-glucans) has been linked to improved nutrient digestibility and increased rumen fermentation efficiency, but reports on growth performance are variable.

Prebiotics can play a stabilizing role during diet transitions and periods of stress; however, these are often offered as a prebiotic/probiotic combination. During feedlot adaptation , cattle offered a probiotic-yeast derived prebiotic blend for the first 45 days have been shown to have an improved response to bovine respiratory disease treatment, but no changes in growth performance were observed. The lack of observed growth response in probiotic supplemented cattle is consistent across multiple studies.

In general, the research available on the application of prebiotics alone in beef cattle is slim. However, it’s not unreasonable to think that similar positive growth and development results seen in dairy calves could also be observed in beef calves. A combined synbiotic approach could prove best for beef cattle.

Practical On-Farm Guidance

Choose products with proven data. Select prebiotics backed by published trials in cattle. Look for specific strain or compound data (e.g., MOS from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, FOS derived from chicory root) so you know what you’re feeding.
Match product type to production phase.
- Cow-calf: MOS and yeast cell wall products in creep feed or milk supplements can enhance calf gut health and reduce pathogen pressure.
- Backgrounding: Prebiotics in growing diets can support cattle through diet transitions.
- Feedlot: Combine prebiotics with probiotics during step-up and finishing phases to maintain feed intake and reduce acidosis risk.
Track measurable outcomes. Evaluate fecal consistency, feed intake, average daily gain and treatment frequency. Measuring inflammatory markers, such as haptoglobin or fecal calprotectin, can also be valuable.
Integrate, don’t isolate. Prebiotics work best as part of a whole-system nutrition plan alongside consistent feeding, low-stress handling and proper bunk management.

Limitations and Research Gaps

While early findings are promising, prebiotic effects in beef cattle remain variable. Many compounds degrade in the rumen, limiting their reach to the hindgut. Responses also depend heavily on diet composition, environmental stress and microbial diversity. Large-scale, multilocation beef trials are still needed to define cost-benefit relationships and standardize effective doses.

Actionable Takeaways

Start with the cow-calf phase. That’s where prebiotics have the strongest evidence base for improving gut health and reducing pathogen load.
Trial prebiotics in controlled groups. Compare average daily gain, fecal health and treatment rates to establish a farm-specific return on investment.
Expect incremental, not dramatic gains. Prebiotics are performance stabilizers and health promoters, not growth promoters.
Monitor consistency. Benefits fade if feed intake or product delivery is erratic.

The Impact of Low Trace Minerals in Cattle May Be Bigger Than You Expect

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 17:12:13 GMT

Trace minerals — including copper, selenium, zinc, manganese and cobalt — are needed in vanishingly small amounts. However, when these nutrients fall even the smallest bit short of a cow’s needs, the consequences can be significant. These results can include slower growth, compromised immunity and poor reproduction.

Although trace minerals make up less than 0.01% of an animal’s body weight, they’re fundamental co-factors in enzymes, antioxidants, metabolic and immune pathways. Subclinical deficiencies may be a more extensive problem as the symptoms are not evident and there is no intervention, leading to economic losses.

David Schaeffer, professor at the University of Illinois, and his colleagues recently published work analyzing trace mineral concentrations from beef and dairy livers submitted to the California Animal Health & Food Safety Lab System laboratory between 2012 and 2021. The aim of this work was to compare any correlation patterns of copper, selenium, and manganese contents, and incidence of disease.

This work included 1,495 liver samples collected from cattle submitted for diagnostic testing. They were categorized as beef (857) or dairy (638), and further grouped by age (neonates, adolescents and adults).

The study revealed significant differences between deficiencies in beef and cattle. Overall, 73% of beef cattle and 45% of dairy cattle were found to be deficient in at least one trace mineral. In beef cattle, 46% of cattle were deficient in selenium, while 39% were deficient in manganese and 33% were deficient in copper. In dairy cattle, 10% of cattle were deficient in selenium, while 37% were deficient in manganese, and only 5% were deficient in copper.

(Adapted from Schaeffer et al., 2025)

The observed increased incidence of deficiency in beef cattle is likely expected as these animals often rely on free choice minerals, while dairy cattle are fed a total mixed ration including a mineral supplement. Interestingly, Schaeffer also reported a large portion of dairy cattle may have been oversupplemented as they observed above normal copper and selenium levels.

Associations between mineral status and disease occurred across both groups, but were most prevalent in beef cattle.

In beef cattle reported to have bovine respiratory disease (BRD), 68% of animals were deficient in copper, selenium or both minerals. The median age of these animals was 8 months, and most of them had been recently transported and co-mingled with other calves.

One thing the authors noticed was some conditions that are usually subclinical in beef cattle, for example parasites, were fatal in animals that were deficient in copper, selenium, or both.

“Now obviously we don’t know the condition score of those animals,” says co-author David Villar on a recent episode of “Have You Herd?”. “I would imagine it was pretty poor to die from internal parasites.”

As stated above, dairy cattle cases had much lower prevalences of trace mineral deficiency. Along with this, they also had lower incidences of correlation between deficiency and disease.

Of the dairy cattle with only one deficiency, the most frequent diagnoses were BRD (23%), Salmonella (14%), scours (16%), and septicemia (6%). Of all dairy cattle, 11% of those with BRD also had a copper or selenium deficiency.

It’s important to remember these are correlations between mineral status and disease, not causation.

Villar highlights what he hopes producers and veterinarians would take away from this work: “The main conclusion I would make is that beef, but not dairy, are still largely deficient in essential microminerals, copper and selenium. We need to check the herd management to see what’s happening.”

These results present an opportunity for producers and veterinarians to build preventative mineral nutrition programs, especially in beef herds where deficiencies are more prevalent. Proactive monitoring and targeted supplementation could reduce disease, mortality and economic loss in cattle herds.

20 Management Tips for Fall Calving Herds

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:40:51 GMT

A fall-calving herd provides a different time of the year to market calves and needs less labor at calving compared to spring-calving herds.

According to Rick Rasby, University of Nebraska (UNL) extension specialist, and Brent Plugge, UNL extension educator, fall-calving cows usually calve in good body condition, but the challenge is keeping them in good body condition through the breeding season.

After calving, high-quality grazed feed resources are limited. Both cool and warm-season grasses are decreasing in quality and quantity after calving and during lactation.

Grazing crop residues is an option, but lactating cows in the fall will need supplementation to meet protein and energy needs.

“Reproductive success impacts profitability in the cow-calf enterprise,” explains the UNL extension educators in a recent UNL Beef Watch article . “Investing time and resources to ensure reproductive success is important.”

The challenge is how to feed the fall- calving cows economically and maintain adequate body condition when breeding season occurs between November and January.

Fall calving and calf management is important because it can be hot when they are born and cold for most of the time prior to weaning.

Rasby and Plugge suggest these management tips for fall-calving herds:

Achieve and maintain mature cows in a body condition score (BCS) of at least 5 (1 to 9 scale) through the breeding season.
Maintain first-calf-females in a BCS of 6 through the breeding season.
Avoid negative planes of nutrition, meaning what cows are eating doesn’t meet their nutrient needs, mainly protein and energy.
Test forages for quality and nitrates.
Design feeding programs using forage tests and determine gaps in nutrients needed by the lactating cow.
Determine supplementation strategies to cover nutrient gaps in feeding program.
Provide salt and mineral.
Have bulls in breeding condition (BCS of 6) 45 days before the start of the breeding season. The same bulls can be used in both the spring and fall herds. Evaluate health and condition after pulling bulls from the spring-calving herd breeding season. Pay close attention to the condition and health of the young bulls.
Bulls should always pass a BSE before turning out.
Natural service and estrous synchronization with AI or a combination of natural service and AI can work for fall-calving systems.
Monitor bulls during the breeding season. Low temperature can result in frostbite of the scrotum causing reduction in semen quality.
Bull cost can be reduced by spreading them over two breeding systems per year. 
Weather conditions will be hot in August and early September. Provide shade and drinking water for calves and monitor calving pastures frequently.
May need to provide bedding for the herd during extremely cold weather events.
Provide protection for the herd during low windchill episodes.
Fall calved calves weigh less than spring calved calves when weaned at the same age.
Creep feeding the calves will increase calf weight at weaning but will not take lactation stress off the cow. Take a look at the economics of creep feeding: ( https://beef.unl.edu/creep-feeding-beef-calves-profit-or-expense/ ).
Have a weaning strategy. Will calves be weaned early or will calves remain on the cows?
If calves are early weaned, have a management plan for them.
Keep heifer calves growing at a rate that they have the potential to be replacements.

For fall-calving cows, the feed resources available for grazing are low in quality and will not meet cows’ nutrient needs during lactation. Supplementation will be needed. Don’t let cows slip in body condition prior to the breeding season. Weather conditions during the breeding season for fall-calving cows is unpredictable.

Cover crops (secondary forage crops) fit nicely into fall-calving systems. Cover crops provide a high-quality feed resource to fall-calving herds (lactating cows, bulls, and calves) with little to no supplementation needed. Secondary forage crops can be planted in seed corn fields, after silage harvest, or after wheat harvest.

Rasby and Plugge summarize, “Cow, bull and calf management and feeding programs of fall-calving herds is much different than spring-calving herds because of time of the year, weather conditions, and the grazed feed resources available.”

Every Cycle Counts: Energy, Fertility and Profit in the Beef Herd

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:58:02 GMT

With calf prices sitting around $4 per pound, there has never been a better time for beef producers to prioritize reproductive performance. As Ted Perry, beef cattle technical services with Purina Animal Nutrition, points out, every missed heat cycle isn’t just a lost pregnancy, it’s 50 lb. of lost calf growth.

“When you look at the profitability of cow-calf operations in previous years, if we could make $100 per cow per year, that was a big deal,” Perry says. “Now with these prices, we could potentially lose $200 per heat cycle.”

That kind of economic pressure has many veterinarians and producers re-examining how to tighten up breeding windows, improve conception rates and, ultimately, get more calves on the ground early in the calving season. Even small improvements in conception rates or tighter breeding windows add up quickly across a herd. Shifting just a few calves earlier in the calving window can offset the cost of nutritional interventions many times over.

Why Energy Balance Matters

The foundation of reproductive success in beef cows is energy balance. Cows that enter the breeding season in poor condition often take longer to return to estrus, reducing the likelihood they’ll conceive in the desired breeding window. Negative energy balance is common after calving, particularly in young cows still growing themselves. This can result in delayed estrus, weak heat expression and lower conception rates. Perry emphasizes managing body condition score (BCS) is non-negotiable.

“Make sure the cows are pushing that BCS of 6, and make sure the bulls are pushing that,” he says.

Energy status influences not only whether a cow cycles, but also egg quality and embryo survival. Research consistently shows cows with adequate energy reserves at breeding conceive earlier, stay pregnant more consistently and wean heavier calves. Simply put, managing energy status sets the stage for reproductive success.

Research on Energy Support

Purina has been evaluating nutritional strategies to support reproductive performance under today’s market conditions.

In a two-year study involving 164 beef cows, animals fed a new technology, CX8, beginning 30 days prior to breeding through 90 days after showed higher first service conception rates from artificial insemination compared to controls, with results improving in the second year.

The mechanism?

“There are multiple additives, such as yeast, to support rumen health, increased levels of trace minerals and phytogenic compounds providing antioxidant properties to support performance,” Perry explains. “However, with multiple components, you can override the system. You can end up with the two components canceling each other out. That’s been a huge part of our research: making sure that everything we use is complementary — one plus one should equal two and a half.”

The approach also accounts for rumen efficiency. By balancing rumen function with the right mineral and additive support, cows can extract more energy from their diets, channeling that into reproductive success.

At the same time, bulls also need careful nutritional management. Perry says semen production depends heavily on BCS.

“If [bulls] are too thin, they’re not going to produce enough semen … [If] we get them too fat during the rest period, then we put them out and they’re running and chasing everybody to get bred. What happens to their body condition? They’re dropping. They’re in starvation mode. They’re not going to produce semen,” he says.

Because semen maturation takes about 60 days, Perry recommends ensuring bulls are at BCS 6 approximately 120 days before turnout — essentially by Christmas if breeding starts in May.

Another area of interest is early embryonic loss. While the work is ongoing, Perry notes artificial insemination and embryonic transfer practitioners are reporting potentially lower rates of early embryo death in herds receiving nutritional support during breeding, potentially boosting conception success even further.

Build the Foundation

Still, Perry cautions no supplement can fix a fundamentally weak nutrition program.

“You’ve got to have the building blocks in place to start with,” he says.

Veterinarians and producers can work together on these building blocks to improve reproductive outcomes in a number of ways:

Monitor and manage BCS. Aim for cows to calve at a BCS of 5 to 6. Cows in this range are more likely to cycle and conceive on schedule.
Make a nutrition plan. Design mineral and feeding programs that balance energy needs with reproductive goals.
Prioritize young and thin cows. These groups are most vulnerable to energy shortfalls and reproductive delays.
Align nutrition with breeding seasons. Matching feed quality and supplementation to peak demand periods pays dividends in conception rates.

Once these fundamentals are in place, advanced nutritional strategies — whether CX8Additive Technology or similar products — can provide an extra push in conception rates.

Takeaways

For veterinarians, the message is clear: reproduction is both a biological and an economic conversation. Helping producers link nutrition and reproduction not only improves herd health, but also directly impacts profitability.

For producers, today’s calf market represents both an opportunity and a challenge. As Perry puts it, with calf prices so high “now is the time that you find out what works at your ranch.”

Microbial Crude Protein: What It Really Means For Your Herd

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:07:26 GMT

When you set out feed for your herd, you’re not just filling the cow’s belly, you’re fueling the rumen microbes that make cattle unique. These microbes ferment forage and grain, multiply, and then move down the digestive tract — becoming one of the cow’s most important protein sources. This microbial crude protein (MCP) can make up more than half of the protein a cow actually uses.

MCP plays a central role in growth, reproduction and milk production. Researchers have spent decades trying to pin down exactly how much MCP cattle get from different diets. Because MCP cannot be measured directly in the digesta of cattle, estimates of MCP synthesis have traditionally relied on invasive surgical procedures to install intestinal cannulas and markers to estimate digestive flow and MCP concentration within that flow. If we could predict MCP with confidence, we’d know when cows are covered and when they need more protein supplementation. But, as a recent study shows, it’s not quite that straightforward.

Michael Galyean and Luis Tedeschi, from Texas Tech and Texas A&M, respectively, dug into a dataset including 335 observations from cattle feeding studies around the world. They tested how well existing formulas — like those in the NASEM beef cattle guidelines — and newly developed ones did at predicting MCP. By comparing predictions against actual measurements from the studies, the team was able to see which methods came closest to the truth.

What they found was that none of the formulas were perfect. Across the board, predictions were off by 25% to 30% from what cattle actually produced. That’s a big margin of error when you’re trying to dial in protein efficiency.

The surprising part was that adding more diet details to the equations didn’t really make them much better. Whether researchers included fiber, crude protein or other feed characteristics, the precision of MCP calculation didn’t improve much compared to more simple approaches.

In fact, the straightforward 10% of total daily nutrient (TDN) intake rule of thumb performed nearly as well as the more complex equations. That means that for everyday ranch use, a simple calculation may get you just as close as the math-heavy ones.

The study also found differences in how scientists measured microbial protein in the first place was a big source of variation. Some trials used different markers or sampling points to estimate digesta flow, which led to different outcomes. In other words, part of the uncertainty comes not from the cattle or their diets, but from the tools we use to measure what’s happening inside the rumen.

For producers, this research highlights both the opportunity and the challenge of feeding cattle for optimal protein use. Protein is one of the most expensive parts of the ration. Overestimating MCP can mean underfeeding and losing performance. Underestimating it can mean overspending and wasting nutrients.

What this study suggests is that while nutritionists will continue refining models, it may not be worth chasing tiny decimal points. A solid rule of thumb, like MCP being 10% of TDN intake, is probably good enough for most operations. The real focus should stay on supplementing wisely and watching how cattle respond.

So, how can you use this information on your ranch or feedlot? Start with the basics. If you know the TDN content of your feed and how much your cattle are eating, estimating MCP at 10% of that intake gives you a practical benchmark. From there, you and your nutritionist can decide if supplemental protein is needed to meet the animals’ metabolizable protein requirements.

Just as importantly, keep an eye on your cattle. Body condition, conceptions rates, calf gains and milk production are still the most reliable indicators of whether the ration is working. The research may give us tools and formulas, but the cows themselves provide the best feedback.

Galyean and Tedeschi believe more estimates of MCP using consistent techniques with greater precision — along with new scientific tools like DNA sequencing and metaproteomics of rumen microbes — will eventually help make predictions sharper. Until then, remember precision is limited and feeding decisions should be built with some wiggle room.

At the end of the day, the goal is the same as always: keep the rumen microbes happy and the cows will thrive. Feeding the microbes well is feeding the herd well, and that’s what keeps performance and profitability on track.

Body Condition Scores: The 7% Rule

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 12:41:33 GMT

The body condition scoring system (BCS) is used to assess body energy reserves in beef cows. The BCS system used for beef cattle ranges from 1 to 9.

A score of 1 indicates cows that are thin and emaciated, cows of BCS 9 are fat and obese. Pictures and definitions of the BCS system can be found in Chapter 20 of the eighth edition of the OSU Beef Cattle Manual .

When condition scoring cows, producers should look beyond age, frame size, depth, length pregnancy status and hair coat. The condition scoring system is intended to provide a consistent system to quantify relative fatness regardless of these other factors that create difference in cows‘ appearance.

There is a strong relationship between weight and BCS. For each unit change in BCS, cows should gain or lose approximately 7% of their BCS 5 weight. For example, a cow that weighs 1,200 lb. at a BCS 5 should reach a BCS of 6 at 1,284 lb. or drop to a BCS 4 at 1,116 lb.

Best time to Evaluate BCS?

Typically, late summer/early fall when cows are slicked off and in second trimester of pregnancy is the most accurate and easiest time of the management cycle to evaluate BCS on cows. Weaning time or at time of fall pregnancy checks is realistically the most convenient time of the annual management cycle to capture a weight on cows.

If cows need to be fed and managed to have adequate BCS by the start of calving season, managing for a target weight gain can be effective.

Why is BCS Important?

One of the major constraints in the improvement of reproductive efficiency in cows is the length of post-partum anestrous. If cows are to maintain a calving interval of one year, they must bred back within 80 to 85 days after calving.

In both old and young cows, it is well established that BCS at calving time determines the rebreeding performance of beef cows in the subsequent breeding season. Cows maintaining body weight, therefore having ample energy reserves before parturition, exhibit estrus sooner than cows losing weight.

Body weight change during pregnancy is confounded with fetus and placenta growth. Therefore, the estimation of body fat by use of BCS is more useful in quantifying the energy reserves of beef cows.

The process of fetal development, delivering a calf, milk production and repair of the reproductive tract are all physiological stresses. These stresses require the availability and utilization of large quantities of energy to enable cows to rebreed in the required 85 days.

Cold and/or wet weather is often faced by spring calving cows and adds additional environmental stress resulting in energy intake that is below body maintenance needs. The cow compensates by mobilizing stored energy or adipose tissue which is why adequate BCS at calving is so critical to reproductive performance.

The Goal

Producers should manage their calving season, genetics, grazing system, supplementation program and herd health to achieve an average BCS of 5 to 6 (target 5.5) in the mature cow herd at calving time. The goal for first calf heifers is to have a BCS of 6 at calving. Typically the greatest reproductive challenge in beef cattle is the breed back of two-year old females raising their first calf, lactating for the first time and still growing themselves, accordingly the higher BCS of 6 is recommended.