Cow-Calf
When cows get below their lower critical temperature and get into cold stress, they can adapt by increasing feed consumption to increase their basal metabolic rate and increase heat of fermentation.
Ranchbot has developed reliable, remote water monitoring solutions that can be viewed anytime, anywhere from the palm of your hand.
Though retail beef prices are lower than a year ago, prices remain historically higher as inflationary challenges affect the overall U.S. economy and projected fewer cows heading into 2023.
In general, feeder cattle markets are finishing 2022 strong with momentum going into the new year, even as the drought caused significant changes in the timing of feeder cattle marketing.
Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease that affects several different animal species. In cattle, it may produce clinical symptoms in animals from 1 month to 1 year of age, but it can infect all age groups.
On a day-to-day basis, major changes to the landscape can be difficult to recognize and nearly impossible to quantify as some occur slowly and tend to go unobserved when viewing the range each day.
Determining how much forage cows will eat on a per day and per month basis for the duration of winter always requires a little “cowboy math”.
In addition to playing an important role in reproductive efficiency, vitamin A is essential for vision, bone growth, and maintaining epithelial tissue such as skin and hooves.
A year of historic droughts causing record-high cow slaughter will be remembered for many years to come. Here’s a look at the cattle industry by number and what we may expect in 2023.
Whether in the feedlot or out in the pasture, cattle management and handling practices are important considerations for both the animals and employees.
It seems likely that many producers have adjusted herd inventories, given hay and feed supplies, to be able get through the winter.
Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory provides tips, assessments for overwintering livestock.
Winter is coming and with it, snow and wind. Cattle and farmsteads both can benefit from proper windbreaks. There are two main types of windbreak function on a farm: livestock wind chill protection and snow windbreaks.
November’s USDA Cattle on Feed report estimated placements at 20-year lows and well below pre-report estimates, confirming this fall’s bullish market has settled in for an extended stay.
The highest quality vaccine that producers purchase may be of little value if not handled and stored properly. Product storage and handling is important to ensure that the efficacy of products is not compromised.
Whether calves will be retained and backgrounded or sold shortly after weaning, it is important to consider the impacts of weaning strategies on calf health and performance.
Drought continues to impact ranchers on the Northern Plains. Fall and early winter grazing can impact the subsequent year’s production if grazing use is close to severe.
Global demand for U.S. beef has been robust in 2022, providing increased value for both cattle producers and processors that export beef.
Perspectives from all beef sectors were discussed in a producer panel at the 2022 Angus Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah.
No one can tell ag’s positive story better than ag producers .
For ranchers on a fall weaning schedule, considering factors that impact calf health and wellbeing can help prevent calf loss.
Mineral supplementation to the cow herd is always a good idea, this year it is of even greater potential benefit. Diets with mineral imbalances may cause poor animal performance, resulting in reduced profitability.
Understanding the interaction between starch, fiber, and protein in the cows’ rumen allows producers to determine the most appropriate winter supplement.
We often consider replacements as sunk costs since they are unrealized revenue rather than out-of-pocket expenses. However, there is real opportunity cost of not putting the heifer on the truck with her steer mates.
With a shortage of standing forage for cattle and the low availability of hay, it is more important than ever this winter to reduce waste when feeding hay.
Now is the time for administering boosters to the cowherd and “branding time” for fall calves. Vaccination programs started at branding time can reduce disease and death losses.
Estimating forage usage by cows is an important part of the task of calculating winter feed needs. Hay or standing forage intake must be estimated in order to make the calculations.
The volume of feeder cattle sold in Oklahoma increased nearly 20% from mid-July to mid-October as a result of the drought. Since then, volumes have been down and likely smaller through November.
Dave Nichols, K-State University Animal Science & Industry professor emeritus, has been awarded the 2022 Mark and Eva Gardiner Innovation and Excellence Faculty award.
Assess the ages of your herd bulls and current feed costs. Culling older herd bulls now and re-populating with young bulls next spring can add long-term genetic advantages beyond just the savings in winter feed bills.