Article courtesy of Russ Daly, DVM, DACVPM, igrow.org By now, livestock producers are becoming aware of soon-to-be-implemented changes in how feed grade antibiotics are used, in the form of expanded use of the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). Producers using feed grade medications such as chlortetracycline and tylosin will need to obtain a prescription-like VFD form from a veterinarian before they’re […]
Manage the Cattle for the Markets
In today’s market, cattle producers need to take advantage of every opportunity to increase the value and profit of their calves. Universities and cattle services have been reporting the economic effects of good and bad management practices for decades. One early report is a 1986 extension publication highlighting a sale barn survey that focused on […]
When Times Get Tough…Don’t Stop!
Supplementation programs will always be important building blocks for cow herd nutrition programs. During “belt tightening” times, getting the most bang for your buck becomes even more critical when selecting which, how much and what supplements to feed. It has been repeatedly proven that proper mineral, feed additive and protein supplementation will economically increase beef […]
VitaFerm Raised: Superior Livestock’s Value-Added Nutrition Program
With the input costs rising and dipping cattle prices, it is important that your cow herd’s nutrition is maximized. Without a solid nutrition program you could be sacrificing health, pounds and conception rates. As BioZyme Director of National Sales Alan Lee puts it, “It is very, very important that your cattle are nutritionally sound for […]
Prepare for the Worst During Fall Calving
Source: Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service – Northeast District’s Timely Topics Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar is quoted saying “Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes.” Most cattle producers do a really good job with management while expecting the best but sometimes we lack on preparing for the worst. There are steps that each […]
Rations Tip for Starting Early Weaned Calves
By Julie Walker, Associate Professor & SDSU Extension Beef Specialist Dry conditions have encouraged some producers to wean earlier than normal (6 to 7 months). Research has shown that these calves can perform as well or better than calves still nursing. Pasture quality has a key influence on performance of nursing calves. However, under “normal” […]
VFD: What you need to know from a veterinarians perspective
by Dr. Donald Sunday, DMV One of the most important pieces of legislation that will affect cattle producers, veterinarians, and the animal health industry is set to go into effect January 1, 2017. GFI 213 places the use of medically important antibiotics in feed or water under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. The Veterinary Feed […]
Using Cost of Gain to Make Profitable Decisions
History shows that production profitability is closely tied to several key factors, one being cost of gain. Producers can use their records on specific input costs and gain calculations to benchmark their enterprises. Simply, cost of gain can be used to make good business decisions. Management records indicate that feed costs can account for 50 […]
Beef Cattle Institute launches pregnancy analytics mobile app
MANHATTAN — The Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University is making it easier for producers and veterinarians to manage pregnancy diagnosis information with a new mobile app called Pregnancy Analytics. Designed to serve as an instant data collection and analysis tool, the app will facilitate the transformation of data into actionable information for individual herds. Not […]
Recipes from the Ranch: Spicing Up Breakfast
By Alisa Nolan, The Ranch Kitchen With school just around the corner, feeding the kiddos or even yourself in the morning can get a little hectic. One of our favorite breakfasts are these soft tacos. These tacos are easy to make and freeze well if you make them in bulk over the weekend. Just wrap […]
