Calves
Producers can capture added value by preconditioning and weaning their calves. Along with weaning at least 45 days, preconditioning includes several practices that add value for both the buyer and seller.
Creep grazing programs can produce additional calf gains using forage rather than the traditional grain-based creep diets. There are many ways to adapt this system to each individual situation.
Farmers and ranchers raising calves now have access to the free Calf Care and Quality Assurance (CCQA) program online. Certification through CCQA helps ensure optimal calf health and welfare.
Dr. Bob Weaber shares how the beef on dairy phenomena is a disrupter in the usual dairy and beef business and discussed research findings from a beef on dairy carcass trait collaborative project.
Suboptimal cattle production isn’t just an innocuous segment that has no effect on the rest. Poorly managed cattle are a drag on the whole system and the impacts are worsening as we look to address big challenges.
Calves that have incurred traumatic births are often are lethargic, clumsy and have little interest in nursing. These babies may benefit from a simple procedure called the “Madigan Squeeze Technique.”
When we break sustainability down to the operational goal of optimizing resources, we realize increased productivity per cow and optimum stocking rate per acre are the actual problems we need to address.
Along with some insightful vaccine history, Scott Nordstrom, DVM, shared specifics about the role of mucosal immunology in young calves, during the American Hereford Association’s educational forums in Kansas City.
Beef producers know grazing land is in short supply. With more acres being developed or converted to cropland, cow-calf operations may consider alternatives to traditional pasture management.
South Carolina’s Republican congressional delegation asked the Department of Fish and Wildlife to authorize a depredation order that allows black vultures to be killed under certain circumstances.
When harsh winter conditions are in the forecast, avoid being caught off-guard and consider these ways to manage your cows, calves, and bulls to help them weather the storm.
The upcoming USDA Cattle Inventory report - due Jan. 31- will detail how much America’s beef cow herd has declined given the 2021 cow culling rate was the highest since 2011.
Colostrum plays a large role in the health of a newborn calf. Preparing for calving season starts well before the first calf hits the ground.
Many producers assume providing minimal protein supplementation to target approximately 1.0 pound/day gain during the winter is the most economical system. However, research data would suggest otherwise.
Cattle markets have improved significantly in the final weeks of 2021, with market analysts projecting those positive trends to continue in 2022.
The effect of winter weather in terms of frost damage to cattle and calves was less of a problem than expected, according to a survey of producers, veterinarians and feedlots conducted by Oklahoma State University.
Understanding and valuing genetic data can present a daunting task to seedstock and commercial producers. Panelists were asked to describe how they use genetic data to navigate breeding decisions and market cattle.
Forage growing conditions vary around the country and 2021 brought a lot of variability due to weather so cattle producers should prepare to supplement their herds based on the forage quality they have available.
Budgets for growing calves at higher rates of gain always have a lower cost per pound gain, and this year budgets for growing heifers have the most profitable projection.
Diarrhea in neonatal calves is one of the leading causes of morbidity (sickness) and mortality (death) in North America and Europe and continues to be a major cause of economic loss to the beef cattle industry.
The fall run of calves to auction markets is in full swing as the number of feeder cattle weighing over 600 pounds offered at auctions dipped below 40% last week.
Auction markets across the country saw some sizzling prices last week as demand was called moderate to good for all weights of steers and heifers.
Heat across the Plains stifled prices on steers and heifers, yet August is historically a good time to sell yearlings and this year is no exception, AMS reporters said. Wholesale beef prices continued higher Monday.
Early pregnancy testing helps producers make important management decisions related to nutrition programs and marketing plans, as well as evaluating the reproductive efficiency of the cow herd.
Feeder cattle found a hot market the week following the July 4th Holiday. Fed cattle traded steady to softer.
Agricultural Marketing Service reporters called demand for feeder cattle and calves “good to very good.” Last week’s fed cattle traded at mostly steady prices on moderate demand.
Feeder cattle sold high on good to moderate demand last week. CME live cattle traded lower following Friday’s cattle on feed report, while feeder futures were modestly higher.
In search of an easier and safer way to tag calves, the Howards came up with a solution on wheels.
Lower grain prices last week helped boost prices for feeder cattle and calves at most auctions across the country. AMS reporters expect grain prices will continue to be a major factor in cattle prices going forward.
Summer pneumonia is respiratory disease/pneumonia that occurs in beef calves nursing their dams. The age range of calves affected can be as early as 3 to 4 weeks and from 3 to 5 months of age.