Superior calf performance begins during the birthing process and is followed by quality care of the newborn calf. ..READ MORE ›
I think we can all agree that an open first-calf heifer is a costly “uh-oh” for our bottom line. Getting that heifer to calve the first time by her second birthday can be tough and expensive. After that, it would seem the hard work is done, but not so fast. ..READ MORE ›
Incorporating soybeans and their byproducts into dairy cattle rations is a fairly common practice. Soybeans are an excellent source of essential amino acids and complement most forages, but they do have some limitations...READ MORE ›
Is your herd positive for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M.hyo)? As a pork producer, it is important to know the answer to this question for pigs in all stages of production. As one of many types of Mycoplasma that can affect pigs, M. hyo is a type of bacteria that lacks a cell wall, which changes the way it behaves and responds to antibiotic treatment...READ MORE ›
Winter is the time of year when cattle most often need additional supplementation to maintain body condition...READ MORE ›
As is true for all mammals, the umbilical cord serves as the pathway from the dam’s bloodstream to the calf’s bloodstream and liver, offering nourishment and waste removal during gestation...READ MORE ›
The EU-wide ban on the use of zinc oxide at medicinal levels in weaning diets by 2022 has created a great deal of discussion. While there are no plans at this time for a similar ban in the U.S., it has focused more attention on zinc supplementation and finding alternatives to the use of zinc oxide for scours. ..READ MORE ›
Evaluating a successful calf-raising program consists of monitoring both calf health and calf performance. ..READ MORE ›
The priorities and perspectives of both dairy producers and packers will influence the profit potential and success of cattle feeders within the crossbred dairy beef value chain. ..READ MORE ›
Over the past several years, on-farm income for dairy producers has been less than ideal due to lower-than-average milk prices nationwide. In order to remain in business during tough times, it is sometimes necessary to turn to novel nutritional strategies when considering ways to increase feed efficiency and lower the cost of production. ..READ MORE ›