In cow-calf operations, the goal is simple—one healthy calf per cow every year. A bull’s fertility plays a critical role in achieving this target. Since each bull services multiple cows, one underperforming sire can dramatically impact herd productivity and...
A new vaccine developed by South Dakota-based Medgene is now available to help protect calves from cryptosporidiosis, a common and challenging parasitic disease in young livestock. This marks the first vaccine approved in the U.S. for use against Cryptosporidium...
Weaning can be one of the most stressful events in a calf’s life, and how it’s handled has a big impact on animal health, growth, and long-term performance. Stress from weaning can lead to increased sickness, reduced feed intake,...
Crossbreeding is a valuable but often overlooked tool in beef production. When managed properly, it can improve both calf performance and the longevity of cows, offering clear advantages over straight breeding systems.
What is Heterosis?
One of the main benefits of...
Episode Description
Calving season is a busy time, and there are many factors that contribute to a healthy calf being born. While some of these factors are beyond our control, we can prepare for the possibility of difficult calving. In...
Crossbreeding is a proven but often underused strategy in beef production that can deliver measurable gains in calf performance, cow longevity, and overall herd profitability. When done with a well-thought-out plan, crossbreeding enhances both short-term productivity and long-term sustainability...
On this episode the Jacob Schumacher is here to talk about his research on castration and pain. Next, Dr. Bob Larson answers a listener question regarding narrowing the calving window. Finally, the experts answer another listener question from a...
Ensuring the health of neonatal calves is vital for farm productivity. One common challenge is dehydration, often linked to scours. Recognizing dehydration early and implementing proper treatment can significantly improve calf health and survival.
Signs of Dehydration
Producers should watch for...
A Bull Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) is one of the most essential—and often overlooked—tools in managing reproductive success in beef herds. This evaluation ensures your bull is capable of getting cows pregnant efficiently during a defined breeding season.
✅ What...
Introduction
Creating a drought management plan before summer begins helps producers make proactive decisions, rather than reactive ones, when faced with the pressures of drought conditions.
1. Early Culling Decisions
Current Trends: The cull cow market is trending upwards and is...
