Latest News From VETERINARY

Capture Data at Weaning
Capture Data at Weaning

Sound management decisions to improve genetics, management practices and profit potential of cow-calf operations should be based on data. Weaning time is the best time of year to measure, and document herd performance.

What The 2022 National Beef Quality Audit Says About The Cattle Industry
What The 2022 National Beef Quality Audit Says About The Cattle Industry

Gains to quality are documented along with areas for improvement identified.

Jennifer Shike
No, He’s Not a Buffalo: Why We Can’t Avoid Their Questions Anymore

“Is this a buffalo?” asked a young 20-ish fairgoer as he stood before the Grand Champion Market Steer in the Hall of Champions at the Illinois State Fair. He looked at me – dead serious – awaiting my response.

Endovac Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Endovac Celebrates 40th Anniversary

The company, based in Columbia, Mo., manufactures vaccines for livestock to aid in the protection of numerous diseases caused by gram-negative bacteria. 

Measure, Quantify and Document
Measure, Quantify and Document

Sound management decisions that will impact future profit potential is based on facts arrived at through mathematical analysis. Decisions based on emotions and/or tradition seldom lead to success. 

Meet Howdy Doody: The Famous Watusi Bull
Meet Howdy Doody: The Famous Watusi Bull

He is not your average Watusi bull. He enjoys long walks in the road ditches and joy rides with his owner Lee Meyer of Nebraska. In case you missed Howdy Doody’s rise to fame, here’s a look at how he gained attention.

Determining How Male Behaviors, Environment Affect Offspring in Livestock
Determining How Male Behaviors, Environment Affect Offspring in Livestock

The study of epigenetics identifies changes in gene function that are not due to mutations but rather how the DNA is packaged in the cell and turned on or off in the wrong conditions.

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Effective Fenceline Weaning for Calves: Stress Reduction and Benefits

Aside from traditional calf weaning methods, the concept of "fenceline weaning" is worth considering for cow-calf producers looking to decrease stress and maintain health in their calves.

What is The Best Way to Treat Cattle in the Pasture?
What is The Best Way to Treat Cattle in the Pasture?

A producer asked Beef Cattle Institute experts to address how to give medical care to an animal in the field. Options listed: darting, roping, trailering or walking to a facility, doing nothing. What would you choose?

5 Calf Health Considerations to Maximize Immunity, Decrease Disease
5 Calf Health Considerations to Maximize Immunity, Decrease Disease

Fall calving is in progress for many ranchers. A veterinarian offers tips to give calves the best chance to thrive and survive.

USDA_Sheep
Unrustled – Thieves Return 48 Sheep to Wyoming Ranch

Rancher doesn’t know whether it was rustler’s remorse or publicity that gave the bandits cold feet about trying to sell the sheep that prompted their return.

Late Season Pasture Fly Control: What You Need to Know
Late Season Pasture Fly Control: What You Need to Know

When warm weather hangs on into late summer and early fall, the fly season may also persist at problematic levels longer than typical.

What Beef on Dairy Cross Has the Best Value?
What Beef on Dairy Cross Has the Best Value?

The beef market is sizzling hot and dairy producers have not only noticed but have taken action to capitalize on securing an alternative profit source to their bottom line.

Survive the Heat Wave: Expert Tips to Protect Cattle from Heat Stress
Survive the Heat Wave: Expert Tips to Protect Cattle from Heat Stress

The heat is no joke, especially for cattle producers across the country as they look for ways to keep cattle cool and comfortable. Here's what some producers are doing.

It's Time to Plan for Backgrounding Weaned Calves
It's Time to Plan for Backgrounding Weaned Calves

As we move into late summer and early fall, we begin think about weaning time. Getting those calves on feed is critical, requiring a good diet and proper feed management.

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What Is the Best Needle Size to Use When Working Cattle?

Depending on the size of the animal, viscosity of the product and administration protocols, a variety of needles might be needed. Here’s some guidelines to help decide.

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Fall Calving in Hot Weather is a Challenge

While fall calving is often easier than calving in the winter and early spring, when temperatures are high, it can create unhealthy conditions for calves.

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Peel: Oklahoma Forage Production Rebounds

Although drought persists north and south of Oklahoma, forage conditions have improved greatly in the state this summer. July was the seventh wettest July on record in Oklahoma.

9 Rules Parents Throw Out the Window During Fair Week
9 Rules Parents Throw Out the Window During Fair Week

We try to be good parents by setting boundaries for our kids. We want to raise decent humans who are kind, make good choices and respect others. But let’s be real. During fair week, that all goes out the window.

Strategies for Employing Whole Genome Sequencing and Its Benefits
Strategies for Employing Whole Genome Sequencing and Its Benefits

Dr. Troy Rowan with the University of Tennessee discussed sequencing strategies to enhance the next generation of genetic evaluations during the Beef Improvement Federation Symposium July 4 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 

Cornstalks Can Fill Forage Gaps During Drought
Cornstalks Can Fill Forage Gaps During Drought

Grazing cornstalks or drought-stricken corn can fill feed gaps during drought, says University of Missouri Extension beef nutritionist Eric Bailey.

Registration Open For 2023 U.S. CattleTrace Symposium
Registration Open For 2023 U.S. CattleTrace Symposium

The 2023 U.S. CattleTrace Symposium, which will be held November 14 and 15 at the American Royal Center, Kansas City, Mo., is now open for registration.

Weaning From a Calf’s Point of View
Weaning From a Calf’s Point of View

Weaning stressors include removal from the dam, nutritional changes, a new environment, and altered social structure. Understanding this time allows a better understanding of the importance of a 45-day weaning period. 

Certified Angus Beef Recognizes Beef Quality Researchers
Certified Angus Beef Recognizes Beef Quality Researchers

Certified Angus Beef recognizes the recipient of the Dr. Bobby VanStavern Award for Beef Quality Research and acknowledges other successful researchers for their contribution to improving beef quality.

Mathis Selected to Lead Texas A&M Department of Animal Science
Mathis Selected to Lead Texas A&M Department of Animal Science

Former student returns to lead world-class faculty, staff and students in animal science teaching, research and extension.

Maximizing Weaning Success with Anti-Suckling Devices
Maximizing Weaning Success with Anti-Suckling Devices

Weaning can be a stressful period for livestock and humans but making the extra effort to reduce stress on calves can lead to increased performance in the form of less illness and increased weight gain.

5 Reasons You Need Your Veterinarian More Than Ever During Drought
5 Reasons You Need Your Veterinarian More Than Ever During Drought

During drought, beef producers might find a best friend in their local veterinarian, says University of Missouri Extension veterinary toxicologist Tim Evans.

Several Reasons for Slow Herd Expansion
Several Reasons for Slow Herd Expansion

Despite sharply higher cattle prices, there is no data to suggest heifer retention or enough decrease in beef cow slaughter to initiate herd expansion, although the most recent weekly slaughter data are encouraging.

Options for Safely Using High-Nitrate Forage: Grazing, Silage and Haying
Options for Safely Using High-Nitrate Forage: Grazing, Silage and Haying

Drought stressed forages can be high in nitrates and potentially toxic for cattle, but with careful management there are options for ranchers to utilize those forages.

New Hereford Magazine Champions Heterosis
New Hereford Magazine Champions Heterosis

The American Hereford Association launches Baldy Advantage, a quarterly publication highlighting the experiences and insights of commercial cow-calf producers using Hereford-sired baldy cattle to their benefit.

Why Consider Drylotting Cows this Fall?
Why Consider Drylotting Cows this Fall?

Dry lotting cows can be a feasible way to allow pasture recovery, while feeding grain, forage, and crop stover to pairs. The system allows closer observation of the herd and low weaning stress.

BETSY Delivers Sophisticated Phenotyping System
BETSY Delivers Sophisticated Phenotyping System

OneCup AI, a technology company has developed Bovine Expert Tracking and Surveillance Technology (BETSY) to monitor and track animal health, welfare, activity, growth and nutrition.

How to Handle and Dispose of Sharps and Unused Vaccine Products
How to Handle and Dispose of Sharps and Unused Vaccine Products

Kansas State University beef cattle veterinarians share tips on disposing products, needles and syringes that are a risk to humans.

Managing Heat Stress Important for Cow-Calf Operations
Managing Heat Stress Important for Cow-Calf Operations

Heat stress is caused by a combination of environmental factors including temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, air movement and precipitation.

Eating Tendencies of Brahman Steers Can Affect Meat Tenderness
Eating Tendencies of Brahman Steers Can Affect Meat Tenderness

A new study measured feed efficiency data for yearling Brahman bulls and to determine the relationship of these efficiency groupings to growth, feedlot performance, carcass traits, and tenderness of Brahman steers.

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Vitamin A Concerns in the Southern Great Plains

Vitamin A is critical to cattle health and is generally consumed in adequate quantities. But Vitamin A in stored feedstuffs declines over time with exposure to sunlight and high temperatures.

Cattle Producers Direct NCBA Action on Cell-Cultured Products
Cattle Producers Direct NCBA Action on Cell-Cultured Products

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) passed a directive to continue the association’s advocacy efforts on transparent labeling and inspection of cell-cultured protein products.

Zoetis Introduces Valcor Injectable, with Doramectin and Levamisole, for Parasite Control 
Zoetis Introduces Valcor Injectable, with Doramectin and Levamisole, for Parasite Control 

The first dual-active endectocide for the U.S. has been approved for use, starting August 1, in beef cattle 2 months of age and older and in replacement dairy heifers less than 20 months of age.

Animal Ag Organizations Team Up to Combat Misinformation and Share Science
Animal Ag Organizations Team Up to Combat Misinformation and Share Science

Everyone knows communication is key to animal agriculture's future success. That's why the Animal Agriculture Alliance and National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) are teaming up.

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Missouri Passes New Felony Law to Protect Livestock Transport

Animal activists look for ways to disrupt the livestock industry. However, in Missouri, interfering with the shipping of livestock is now considered a felony offense, with a fine up to $10,000 and prison time.

Peel: No Herd Rebuilding in Sight
Peel: No Herd Rebuilding in Sight

The sharp increase in feeder cattle prices this year represents a growing market incentive for the beef cattle industry to transition from liquidation to expansion, but it does not appear the industry is responding yet.

Bimeda® US Launches SpectoGard® Sterile Solution
Bimeda® US Launches SpectoGard® Sterile Solution

SpectoGard (spectinomycin sulfate) sterile solution—which received FDA approval in September of 2022—is now available for veterinarians and cattle producers in the United States.

Creep Grazing
Creep Grazing

Creep grazing has potential to be a cost-effective way to produce additional calf gains using forage rather than the traditional grain-based creep diets.

Understanding the Latest Changes to Over-the-Counter Antibiotics and Beef Implants: Insights from Dan Thompson, DVM
Understanding the Latest Changes to Over-the-Counter Antibiotics and Beef Implants: Insights from Dan Thompson, DVM

Still unclear about the recent changes to over-the-counter antibiotics or beef promoting implants? Dan Thompson, DVM, host of Doc Talk TV, shares details about the new livestock antibiotic and implant regulations.

USDA Awards $3.2 Million to Fund Antimicrobial Resistance Dashboards
USDA Awards $3.2 Million to Fund Antimicrobial Resistance Dashboards

USDA's APHIS is awarding more than $3.2 million to create antimicrobial resistance dashboards to improve access to information on antimicrobial resistance in domesticated animals.

Ranch Technology Highlighted At Beef Cattle Short Course
Ranch Technology Highlighted At Beef Cattle Short Course

The 69th annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course in Bryan-College Station will offer some cutting-edge information and ranch technology, along with basic beef cattle production information.

The Impact of Pinkeye in Cattle: Causes, Signs, and Best Practices for Control and Prevention
The Impact of Pinkeye in Cattle: Causes, Signs, and Best Practices for Control and Prevention

Pinkeye is a painful eye disease that affects cattle worldwide. Here’s a look at the causes, signs, treatment, control and prevention of pinkeye, provided by K-State’s Beef Cattle Institute.

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Are Worms Winning?

Although limitations exist, the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test to assess the efficacy of parasite control programs is the only practical method of determining the presence of resistance in cattle nematodes.

New Center at Kansas State University to Drive Innovation in Animal Vaccines and Antimicrobial Alternatives
New Center at Kansas State University to Drive Innovation in Animal Vaccines and Antimicrobial Alternatives

Launching the new Center on Vaccine Evaluation and Alternatives for Antimicrobials, or CVEAA, Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine aims to support animal vaccine development and usage.

Be Aware of Cattle Water Issues
Be Aware of Cattle Water Issues

Water quantity and quality is critical to cattle health and performance.  Hot weather and drought conditions can impact both water quality and quantity for cattle.