Unl Beefwatch

Cows normally don't eat pine needles, but severe cold or snow can sometimes trigger consumption. Planning and prevention can help to mitigate the risk.

Research at the Meat Animal Research Center validates the value of heterosis with modern genetics for improving lifetime productivity of beef cows.

Research by Mississipi State University and Texas A and M has shown reduced mortality when high risk stocker cattle were supplemented with a Bacillus based probiotic on pasture.

Dr. Waechter-Mead talks about the online calving workshop on January 8, 13 and 15. The hands on workshops using the model cow January 21-23 are discussed as well.

In extended periods of cold wet conditions, cattle can benefit from bedding. Management practices to utilize this practice effectively are discussed.

Cow nutrition and body condition heading into calving as well as the environment at calving shape a calf's ability to respond to vaccine.

Understanding lower critical temperature and factors that impact it, cow body condition and feeding to meet cow requirements are topics discussed.

Vaccine development continues to advance with new technologies. Dr. McVey talks about historic and new methods being used.

Testing hay allows producers to match forage quality to cow nutrition needs and cost effectively purchase feed to complement hay inventory.

Strategies for growing calves through the winter, the importance of rumen undegradable protein and compensatory gain is discussed.

Nebraska research shows strip grazing annual forages and crop residue can improve harvest efficiency and extend the quality of grazing avaiable.

Fall is a critical time to body condition score cows and is an opportune time to increase condition on thin cows prior to the onset of winter and prepare them for calving.

Dr. John Groves, a veterinarian who works with high-risk stocker operations together with Dr. Brian Vander Ley discuss how they are utilizing a systems approach process and feedback monitoring to help producers address antimicrobial resistance related to BRD.

Over 20 years of research shows that there is yield benefit to subsequent crops following grazing of corn residue with cattle.

Dr. Amelia Woolums from Mississipi State discusses how BRSV infects cattle and management strategies to minimize its impact.

There are a number of metrics that can be used to measure cow efficiency. Dr. David Lalman from OSU discusses research being conducted looking at factors that impact cow forage utilization efficiency.

Net wrap and twine that isn't removed from hay prior to feeding to cattle can lodge in the rumen and cause health problems. Research is discussed.

Anaplasmosis is a blood borne bacterial disease primarily transmitted by ticks and contaminated needles. Dr. Matt Hille discusses the disease, symptoms and options to mitigate impact depending upon herd location and rate of infection.

Cattle health and performance was analzyed from weaning through harvest comparing three growing and finishing systems that included conventional performance enhancing technology or were all natural.

Practicing foundational biosecurity principals on a cattle operation can help protect cattle from disease risks.